Mindanao Daily Set A (December 8, 2016)

MINDANAO DAILY T H E P U RV E YO R O F T R U T H , J U S T I C E , A N D D E V E LO P M E N T

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Agusan Sur dads Oks P1.8-billion 2017 budget Volume VI, No. 159

Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Thursday

December 8, 2016

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n Big chunk has been allocated to further boost the agro-economic development of the province

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor

P

ROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur— Provincial lawmakers have approved the proposed P1.882 billion budget for 2017.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Santiago Cane Jr. motion to approved the annual budget for next year was unanimously seconded by all SP members present during the regular session on December 5.

Vice Governor Samuel Tortor formally banged the gavel that signifies the approval of the budget for January 1 to December 31, 2017 of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur. It will now be up for

Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza to finally approve the annual budget of which a big chunk has been allocated to further boost the agro-economic development of the province.

The session was adjourned early as Vice Gov. Tortor led the provincial legislature in gracing the important orientation on Federalism and Provincial launching on MASA MASID Sangguniang Panlalawigan members of Agusan del Sur in its regular session on December 5 unanimously approved (Mamamayang Ayaw See BUDGET, page A11

the annual P1.882 billion budget. Photo courtesy of Roman Z. Tortor, SP Office Agusan del Sur

Black Nazarene finds home in Tagum City

House panel OKs death penalty bill

THE House of Representatives justice committee on Wednesday approved for plenary deliberation a report containing the substitute bill on the restoration of the death penalty for heinous crimes.

The panel approved the report with 12 votes on the affirmative, 6 negative and one abstention.

During the committee Black Nazarene. Devotees flock to dutifully wipe the Black Nazarene with See DEATH, page A11

their handkerchief during the “Pahalik.” Photo courtesy of Jay Apostol, CIO Tagum

THE famous Black Nazarene is back in Tagum for the second time, and now it’s here to stay.

The replica arrived on December 3 and was processioned from Panabo City to its new home, the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Parish in Apokon, Tagum City. The procession was followed by a welcome mass presided

by Quiapo Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Douglas Badong.

“Sa una niyang pag-anhi diri, nakita nato, matod pa sa mga guards, na diri sa Tagum City mura bag nakuratan sila kay daghan kaayo’g tao; at yun ang dahilan kaya inapprove din ni Cardinal Tagle dahil nakita din sa report natin,” said Parish Priest Father Emerson delos Reyes of the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus See black, page A11

MisOr prepares 87 th founding Año is new anniversary, launches Kuyamis AFP chief

By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

Reconnected. A new bridge reconnects the barangays of Andap and Pagsilaan in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province after the old bridge was swept away by debris flow spawned by heavy rains when typhoon Pablo hit on December 4, 2012. Photo taken on December 6, 2016. Mindanews Photo

By Mj de Castro of CIO Tagum

MISAMIS Oriental--Preparation for the celebration of the 87 th founding anniversary of Misamis Oriental gained headway as the provincial government started the groundwork of the “Miss Kuyamis Festival” here.

Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano

said Wednesday that the “Kuyamis Festival” is one of the highlights of the province’s annual founding anniversary.

Emano said that the Kuyamis Festival focuses on the peculiar beauty and history of Misamis Oriental where the various provincial towns showcase traditional products that form part of the province economic and social life.

During the occasion, the provincial municipalities would display their products in a booth made of indigenous materials around the sprawling provincial capitol ground, Emano said.

He said that the preparation for the province’s 87 th annual anniversary was formally announced following the launching and endorsement of the See KUYAMIS, page A11

By Priam F. Nepomuceno of PNA

P resident R o d r i g o Duterte has appointed Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Eduardo Año as the new chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday.

Año replaced his classmate at the Philippine See CHIEF, page A11

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

In Focus

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Tagum schools win big in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela awards

By Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

AT least two schools based in Tagum City grabbed national accolades in the National Brigada Eskwela Awards of the Department of Education held recently in Dumaguete City, with Tagum City National High School (TCNHS) besting other top-caliber schools in the country after it was elevated to the Hall of Fame of the said search that recognizes best practices of schools during the conduct of the annual National Schools Maintenance Week.

This year marked the third time for TCNHS to win the search’s top prize, after consequently winning in years 2014 and 2015. Union Elementary School, meanwhile, was also adjudged for the second time as top winner in the Best Implementing School for exceptional school category.

No less than Depart-

Union Elementary School, represented by principal, Dr. Ernita Panen, pose with DepEd bigwigs led by Sec. Leonor Briones during the awarding ceremony of the Brigada Eskwela Awards at McGill Luce Auditorium inside Silliman University in Dumaguete City recently. This Tagum-based school won Best Implementing School for Exceptional Category for two consecutive years. Joining them are Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Nelson Lopez, Councilor , Councilor Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillio, Councilor Rey Cyril Alba and several staff from DepEd and the City Government of Tagum who were instrumental in pulling resources during the conduct of the week-long Brigada Eskwela last May. Photo courtesy of Edwin Lasquite, CIO Tagum

ment of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones handed the said recognition in a fitting ceremony held November 29, 2016 at McGill Luce Auditorium inside Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

The team from Tagum that received the award in-

cluded Mayor Allan Rellon, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Nelson Lopez, Councilor Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillio, Councilor Rey Cyril Alba and several staff from DepEd and the City Government of Tagum who were instrumental in pulling resources

during the conduct of the week-long Brigada Eskwela last May. Mayor Rellon expressed this is a solid proof of the ingenuity of Tagumenyos to be innovative and resourceful in meeting the necessary requirements for repair and renovation of

important school facilities ahead of the opening of every school year.

On his part, the local chief executive assured the continued support of the local government not only to TCNHS and Union ES but to all schools through the School Improvement

Maintenance Task Force, a special group under the local government that oversees the repair and rehabilitation needs of public schools.

“This means our help to schools extend beyond the Brigada Eskwela,” Mayor Rellon said.

change of ideas in the fields of education, economy, science, and culture.

The MOU was signed in English and Spanish by XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Antonio Calvo on November 11 in Manila.

This collaboration hopes to strengthen the linkages between the Philippines and Spain to develop and design an educational model fit for the 21st century, having as fundamental elements

the intercultural and international dimensions of education.

As stipulated in the MOU, Xavier and SpainMECS will improve the quality and reach of the teaching of Spanish language and culture in the Philippine system of education and of the English language and Filipino culture in Spain.

The basic cooperation between the two institutions will be carried out through For each year, the Educathe Language and Culture tion Office of the Embassy Assistantship Program. of Spain in the Philippines, in cooperation with XU, will select senior undergraduates or graduate students who will serve in Spanish

schools for an academic cycle as English language program assistants.

The participants of this program will be considered as “language assistants” and will receive a monthly sti-

pend from the corresponding Spanish administration.

At the same time, they may receive specific training in graduate level courses offered by Spanish public universities that are dependent from MECS and the Spanish Autonomous Communities themselves.

Spain-MECS, through its Education Office at the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, will publish each academic cycle the vacant positions for language and culture assistants.

For XU’s part, it will explore the possibility of creating a Spanish Language Assistantship Program at its main campus and promote intercultural cooperation between the two countries in various university activities.

Xavier has a Center for Languages (XUCL) that offers students and professionals the opportunity to improve their language proficiency through short courses in order to communicate effectively in different settings. Spanish language course is among its popular offerings.

The MOU is valid for four years and during this period, both XU and SpainMECS may add stipulations for improvement as long as the two parties agree on the additional programs.

New Realease

XU, Spain ink MOU on intercultural initiatives, language programs Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and the Kingdom of Spain through its Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports (SpainMECS) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in bolstering the Spanish and English language programs of XU and to establish intercultural projects.

Both institutions see the valuable role of languages, particularly English and Spanish, as instruments of communication in the ex-

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In Focus

Group urges government to do more

Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Stop toxic pollution, protect human rights THE unsound management of toxic chemicals, from its production to disposal, violates human rights and governments must do more to ensure the public is protected from harm. The call came from environmental justice group BAN Toxics during a press briefing in Quezon City ahead of the International Human Rights Day on December 10.

The press briefing was held in conjunction with a regional meeting on chemicals and human rights held from 5-7 December 2016.

The meeting brings together representatives from government, academia and civil society from nine Asian countries to discuss the need to place human rights at the center of sound chemicals management.

“The unsound management of chemicals can infringe on the most basic human rights in many ways, with effects that are widespread and usually irreversible,” said Atty.

Richard Gutierrez, CEO of BAN Toxics. “But these infringements are still commonly taken for granted.

Many everyday products we use contain dangerous chemicals that are not restricted or controlled, and usually information about

such chemicals is not fully strain on those who are least disclosed. This indicates able to cope and defend a clear need to approach their rights.

“The rampant use of chemicals from a human rights perspective.”

The improper production, use, and release of chemicals and wastes leads to environmental pollution or the contamination of air, water and soil, and is considered to be the largest cause of disease and death in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 8.9 million deaths can be attributed to air, water and soil pollution in 2012—94% of which occurred in developing countries. The WHO found that in 2012, low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia also had the largest environment-related disease burden. In Metro Manila alone, 4,000 Filipinos die each year because of air pollution, and an additional 90,000 suffer from severe chronic bronchitis.

The increasing volume of chemicals being manufactured, most of which are untested, is also a significant cause of concern. And the fact that the poor and marginalized, particularly women and children, are the ones who bear the heaviest burden puts an additional

pesticides in food and agriculture is a clear example of how toxic chemicals considered as ‘acceptable,’ puts

millions at risk,” said Deeppa Network Asia Pacific. “The Ravindran, a delegate to world uses nearly 2.3 million the workshop and Program tons of chemical See rights, page A11 Manager at Pesticide Action

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Opinion

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Leni admits: claim on VP post lacks basis The Mindanao Daily is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. It is Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. With Business Plate No. BP-28984, Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464682-324-000. Main Business address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 857-8447, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising WEMALYN GARCIA Marketing Rolando sudaria Production felix santillan Layout Artist manila marketing office 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido

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EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief ruel pelone Managing Editor

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Kakampi mo ang batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio

dent of the Republic Noli “Kabayan” De Castro was this media personality, and given the contrasting backgrounds of Noli and Leni---Noli is a broadcaster all his life while Leni has been a practicing lawyer since she passed the bar--one would think Leni would be able to handle Noli’s questions like she was picking peanuts.

Amazingly, however, after Noli persisted in asking Leni to explain how the vice presidency would be stolen from her, Leni suddenly started groping for words, giving convoluted and winding sentences, and even became hard of hearing, asking Noli to repeat his question. Indeed, Noli had to ask that same question thrice, so Leni could understand what was being asked of her, no matter how simple the questions actually were!

-ooo-

LENI ADMITS: CLAIM ON VP POST BEING STOLEN LACKS BASIS: Yet, by her answers to Noli’s questions, it is clear that when Leni claimed on Monday, December 05, 2016, that the vice presidency would be stolen from her, she was in reality without any solid evidence, and that, in her mind, she was merely suspecting a conspiracy between former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who protested against her, and the Supreme Court justices who compose the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and who will decide the protest.

To understand Robredo’s lack of evidence and having nothing but pure speculation a little better, let’s reproduce here what Noli’s question to Leni was, translated in English: “So, what you meant was that, the vice presidency would be stolen from you in connection with the protest of Bongbong against you?”

Here are Leni’s answers, and be the judge: “It is a part of the big plan to oust me from (my) position… You know, there are many signs that the camp of Bongbong Marcos is doing everything so that I could be removed from my post… and you know I cannot talk about the (protest) case, but they filed this protest even if they know they had no evidence…”

-ooo-

The striker

I WAS truly perplexed why Vice President Leni Robredo was told not to attend cabinet meetings anymore.

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Has this something to do Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao with her beautiful legs that

prompted President DiRene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING gong to make comments--a Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor thing the pretty number two public official resented? It AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA should not be about her Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant capability to perform the job as cabinet secretary for ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI housing because Leni is a NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE lawyer, straightforward and CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 very diligent public official.

CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Or maybe President Digong Legal Counsel is beginning to like the lady --------------------------------------------------------------and his heart beats faster bureau and mktg staff whenever they meet during meetings. Well, Leni’s honcandy macabale - 09161326483 esty is beyond question and RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 men will admire her beauty.

MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 Conquering the kingdom GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 of her heart is definitely North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 another thing. I am afraid VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 the next thing is she will MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 lose the vice presidency quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON to Sen. Bongbong Marcos Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 tangub city - bobby mag usara while the case is still under OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 protest. I urge you VP Leni GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… `I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I Am He, you will indeed die in your sins’. ..” (Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, in John 8:24, the Holy Bible).

-oooAND KNK’S BIBLICAL PROOFS THAT JESUS IS GOD AND SAVIOR: Why is the Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo (AND KNK, or the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ) Church saying that it is the Church of Jesus in the Philippines?

It is because it is the only Church that is not only furiously proclaiming Jesus as God and Savior, but providing Biblical proof as well that Jesus is God and Savior, and training its members to become proclaimers of this proof !

-oooKABAYAN NOLI ASKS: SO, HOW IS THE VICE PRESIDENCY GOING TO BE STOLEN FROM LENI? So, there! At least, one media personality finally found the guts (or, the wisdom, perhaps) to ask Vice President Leni Robredo to explain (as we have raised in this column earlier) her statement, during her press conference after the was ousted from the Duterte Cabinet, that the vice presidency would be stolen from her.

Veteran broadcaster and one-time vice presi-

to fight it out with tears and blood. The people will rally behind you.

The Duterte administration predicted that under its program, there will be no more poor Filipino 25 years from now or in 2040.

This is shortsightedness and stupid. What is happening in the intelligence of some Filipinos? This only shows our colleges and universities have failed in injecting correct thinking to their students. That is what we get for opening so wide and often our mouth advertising ourselves on an impossible dream. They better sing in chorus “to dream and impossible dream”.

I was laughing of a news report that said the ombudsman will investigate President Duterte for plunder. I hope Ombudsman’s Conchita Carpio does not forget what presidential immunity is all about. Or if this is another zarzuela

EACH AND KNK MEMBER IS GROOMED TO PREACH JESUS AS GOD AND SAVIOR: At this point in the history of Christian believers in the Philippines, it would appear that only the AND KNK is bent on making its members---each and everyone of them---to become preachers and proclaimers of the truth that Jesus is God and Savior, and that Jesus is God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Consequently, in each and every praise and worship session of the AND KNK every Saturday and Sunday, its members are requited to stand up and discuss the proofs from the Bible that Jesus is “I Am”, our God and Savior. What is more, these members are required to read and meditate on the Bible day and night, and obey the commands written therein all the days of their lives.

-oooPLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible study and prayer session online could now be heard, 24 HOURS a day, in the Philippines and the world at www. facebook.com/angtangingdaan or www.facebook. com/ANDKNK (and look for “Ang Tanging Daan” broadcasts). Phone: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.

The Striker

or stage choreography to show that Presidnt Digong is vulnerable to suit much more ordinary civilians, no problem. If this “palabas” has merit, Carpio better prepare for ouster or look for another job this early.

Every time there is a traffic accident, the problem is blamed on the brakes. It has been like this for decades.

Does this mean motor vehicles are registered with the faulty brake system? It is only in the Philippines that the issue of brakes rule the accident. The government should think about it to stop death in the highways caused by faulty brakes.

Giving condoms to students in schools to prevent the spread of HIV is encouraging them to have sex at an early age. Then some school campuses will become maternity grounds for young mothers and babies. This cannot stop the rising incidence of HIV/

Ben Emata Jr.

AIDS. Besides, the carriers of the disease are left unattended to, by doctors.

This is barking at a wrong tree. What is important is these people should be brought to the attention of the health system. I reiterate my suggestion to have the HIV/AIDS carrier quarantined and treated in a place where they cannot spread the diseases. They should not be allowed to go out where they can spread the disease. Use UTAK. Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines, yet you can See STRIKER, page A11

Daily inspiration

Master the art of exhortation

Juvy Sarraga

Wounds are no longer visible to others when they heal.

However, the memories and emotions remain.

Without knowing, our words can sting vulnerable spots where wounds have previously healed.

We should always try hard to be mind-

ful and encouraging.

In other words, master the art of exhortation. Encourage others today, and remember that God heals your wounds if you so accept.

Reflection “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” -Psalm 147:3

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Forum

Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Robredo’s political divorce from Duterte is good for the country MY take on the DuterteRobredo separation: other than the bad and graceless way this was done on the part of Duterte, this is a good development for Leni Robredo and for the country. I welcome this and saw this coming sooner rather than later.

For Leni, this was good because it was really no longer tenable for her to stay in the cabinet with her strong disagreement on many important issues with the President. Ordinarily, I would have expected a cabinet member, who is an

alter ego of the President, to actually keep his or her opinions to herself when it is opposed to the president, but I understand Leni was not an ordinary cabinet member. As Vice-President, she has her own political mandate and constituency and should be allowed some leeway. Certainly VP Binay had that space although he limited his criticism to other cabinet colleagues and did not target the President until he left the cabinet.

In my view, the better way of doing this was for the President to simply ask

Leni to resign given that the differences were irreconcilable.

Conversely, at some point, Leni might have to do it herself when Digong does or says something even more atrocious than those he has already done.

As to whether she has been fired or she is resigning, it does not matter. The result is the same: she is now completely free to lead the opposition against the Duterte government.

This is where it is good for the country, Robredo’s political divorce from

Duterte.

Until a month or so ago, my preference would have been for the Vice President to stay in the cabinet so that she can prepare for her constitutional role as successor if circumstances conspire for her to become president. I was hoping that other people could rise up to lead the opposition.

That unfortunately has not happened because the two groups that could credibly play the role – the Liberal Party and the Makabayan coalition are both allies of the administration in the Senate and House of Rep-

resentatives for the Liberal Party and in the latter for Makabayan.

With Robredo breaking from Duterte, I hope the Liberals in the Senate and the House now move to the opposition. For the country, they should give up their committee and leadership posts and stand ready to oppose Duterte in all legal and non-violent ways possible.

As long as the peace process with the NDFP is alive, we should not expect that from the Makabayan coalition and their allies.

The stakes are too high not

just for the left but for the country for that process to fail. But that should not stop the groups from the left from coalescing with other groups on the Marcos burial and on human rights. In the same way, the Liberal Party or those in the opposition should support the peace processes (both the NDFP and Moro processes) as their success would be good for the country and not just a Duterte win.

So there. It’s an exciting time for the country. With Leni Robredo out of the cabinet, and hopefully See country, page A11

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

ECC’s State Insurance Fund remains strong “A strong State Insurance Fund (SIF) safeguards EC beneficiaries from workrelated contingencies,” said Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Executive Director Stella ZipaganBanawis.

In a report released by ECC, the State Insurance Fund (SIF) is posted at P53.79B. The SIF is sourced from the contributions paid by government and private employers to fund the EC benefits for sickness, disability, medical, rehabilitation services and death benefits.

“Compared to the previous 7-percent increase or P3.34B from December 2014 to December 2015, a signifi-

cant 6-percent increase or P3.28B in a span of 6 months from December 2015 to June 2016 is recorded from the actuarial reports provided by the Employees’ Compensation Program’s administering agencies, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS),” noted Executive Director Banawis.

“The actuarial study done early this year also shows that the EC beneficiaries of private establishments are assured of their benefits until year 2078 while those in the government service are guaranteed until year 2062,” she explains.

Employees of private

companies are assured of 62 years of protection from work related contingencies, on the other hand, public sector employees’ fund support can last up to 46 years.

E x e c ut i v e D i re c t or Banawis added that actuarial studies are needed to ascertain SIF’s fund life and to determine the viability of the EC fund at the GSIS and the SSS to fund payments for claims and proposed increases in EC benefits.

From Janu ar y - Ju n e 2016, the SSS granted P559,793,029 for the payment of 126,450 EC benefits claims in the private sector.

The bulk of payments are for death pension benefit claims which summed up to P435.529 million.

Other benefit payments included disability benefits which reached P59.967 million, P52.392 million for

sickness benefits, P6.786 million for medical services, P3.360 million for funeral benefits and P757, 250 for rehabilitation services.

On the other hand, GSIS granted a total of P98.629M EC benefits for 19,812 claims from the public sector. Benefit payments included sickness benefits which amounted to P3.301 million, P5.660 million for disability benefits, P77.706 million for death pension, P10.484 million for medical services, P1.439 million for funeral benefits and P38,009 for rehabilitation services.

Death and pension benefits comprised the highest share in the EC benefit payments made both by the SSS and GSIS from January to June 2016.

From 1975 to 2015, the ECP granted P36,124.207 billion worth of benefits.

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Justice, Japar and Moros QUEZON City––The first time I read that Court of Appeals Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, was among the shortlisted applicants for a seat in Supreme Court, a feeling of excitement and pride. He is a Moro, a fellow Maranaw, a professor I admire, an intellectual giant for me. And I see bright hope from the comments of my Moro friends posting on Facebook. It was like shouting for joy that Pilipinas Gilas Basketball team had just been qualified for a FIBA cup or Olympics. Or like a Miss Universe Filipina contestant being selected among the top ten or top five finalists. Like we have been so deprived to be in the world stage of recognition.

But this is different. To many, this is about selecting better justices and advancing justice. But for me and for us Moros, this is mostly about having a Moro space in the highest halls of justice and about a long-awaited dream and hope of a minority having a chance to be appointed because decades have made us think and believe See JUSTICE, page A11

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Province of Misamis Oriental CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that PINKY V. MATSUMOTO has filed with this office a petition for the correction of clerical error in the entry of the the CHILD’S DATE OF BIRTH from “JUNE 5, 1976” to “JULY 15, 1976” in the Certificate of Live Birth of PINKY UBA-OB VERDIN who was born on JUNE 5, 1976 (as per PSA File) in CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY and whose parents are ALVARO VERDIN and LORNA UABA-OB.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than DECEMBER 9, 2016.

(SGD.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO

City Civil Registrar MDN: Dec 1 & 8, 2016

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late JESUS B. FLORES SR., who died on January 28, 2012 left a general real properties leaving without any last will or testament nor any debts. That the deceased left the said properties which are conjugal and owned in common with his wife CRISTITA L. FLORES, which are more described as follows: Lot 3219, C-4, GSS-1545, w/ an area of 2,902 SQ.M. Located at Brgy. Tupsan Pequeño, Mahinog, Camiguin; Lo 3419, C-4GSS-1545w/ O.C.T. No. P-3676, w/ an area of 2,661 SQ.M. Located at Brgy. Tupsan Pequeño, Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot 3454, C-4, GSS-1545, w/ O.C.T No. P-3677, w/ an area of 1,326 SQ.M. Located at Brgy. Tupsan Pequeño, Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot 1333, C-2, GSS-1545 w/ K.O.T.B.P-16952, w/ an area of 88 SQ.M Located at Brgy.

Hubangon , Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot

11047, C-14, Cad. 473, w/ K.O.T.B. P-14648, w/ an area of 10,128 SQ.M Located at Brgy. Magting, Mambajao, Camiguin; Lot 1404, C-3, GSS-1545, w/ O.C.T. No. P-3624, w/ an area of 960 SQ.M. Located at Brgy. Hubangon , Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot 135-A w/ T.D No. 12747, w/ an area of 4,175 SQ.M Located at Amomonsag, Brgy.

San Isidro, Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot 135-B, w/ T.D No. 12748, w/ an area of 297 SQ.M Located at Amomonsag, Brgy. San Isidro, Mahinog, Camiguin; Lot 135-C, w/ T.D. No. 12749, w/ an area of 324 SQ.M Amomonsag, Brgy.

San Isidro, Mahinog, Camiguin, are the subject of DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL PARTITION OF ESTATE WITH WAIVERS OF RIGHTS, EXECUTED BY HIERS, Under Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARGIE LUSTRE-LUMA-AD, per Doc No. 487; Page No. 49; Book No. 31; Series of 2012.

MDN: NOV. 24, DEC. 1 & 8, 2016

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

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Budget... from page A1

sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Illigal na Droga), a key program of President Duterte held at the covered court in morning.

Along with the approval of the Provincial Government budget for 2017, under suspended rules, the Provincial Board also unanimously approved the supplemental budget worth PhP 9.68-million for this year, motioned

by SP member Santi Cani, the Chairman on Ways and Means Committee.

Death... from page A1

hearing, Dinagat Island Rep. Kaka Bag-ao strongly opposed the proposal, noting that there is no compelling reason for the reinstatement of capital punishment as required by the Constitution.

Bag-ao cited the lack of statistics on the country’s crime rates, which are crucial in helping lawmakers judiciously decide on the measure.

The lady solon also said there is a need to propose reforms on the administration of justice.

“There is no clear evidence or study presented that would justify death penalty as an effective deterrent to crime. Even the Secretary of the Department of Justice, who attended one of the hearings, said that there are neither studies conducted nor any empirical data presented to justify the reimposition of death penalty,” Bag-ao further explained in a statement.

Meanwihle, Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, justice committee vice-chair, said death penalty is necessary to scare off repeat offenders.

Furthermore, Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas argued that the Constitution gives Congress the power to reinstate death penalty for heinous crimes and the compelling reasons for its reimposition can be debated once the bill is tackled at the plenary.

Under the proposed measure, the heinous crimes for which the death penalty will be imposed include trafficking in illegal drugs, arson, treason, murder, rape, kidnapping, and carnapping. The mode of capital punishment could either be through hanging, by firing squad or lethal injection.

The imposition of death penalty has been suspended since 2006 with the enactment of Republic Act No. 9346, or “An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines.”

However, President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly declared that he wanted capital punishment reimposed on heinous crimes, especially on criminals involved in drug-trafficking.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, one of the authors of the consolidated death penalty bills, has vowed the passage of the measure at the House

of Representatives before Congress adjourns for the Christmas break.

The death penalty bill was the first measure filed at the House of Representatives in this 17th Congress.

(PNA)

Black... from page A1

Nazarene Parish in Apokon, Tagum City.

The image gathered devotees from all over Mindanao such as Cotabato City, General Santos City, and Butuan City.

This is the result of the joint effort by the parish, the diocese, and the Local Government Unit of Tagum City.

“Masayang malaman na marami pa lang deboto dito sa Tagum, even sa Mindanao na they don’t have to go in Quiapo kasi they have their own,” said Father Badong.

“Murag nanglimbawot gyud akong balahibo pagkakita nako sa iya karon ba, nalipay gyud ko pag-ayo nga naa sa siya sa among lugar karon,” said Yolanda Marquez, who has been a devotee since her college days.

The image of the crossbearing Christ from Mexico first arrived in the country in 1607 and was believed to obtain its unique ebony color due to a fire which occurred while it was on its way to the country.

Kuyamis... from page A1

candidates for the coveted “Miss 2017 Kuyamis Crown” last Monday.

Emano said that the selection of the “Miss Kuyamis 2017” highlights the founding anniversary celebration as an integral part of the vigorous campaign in the development of the province’s tourism industry.

Chief... from page A1

Militar y Academy (PMA), Gen. Ricardo Visaya, who formally retired after 37 years of service.

Both men are members of PMA Class of 1983. Año is also a cum laude graduate of the prestigious military academy.

Año will serve as AFP chief until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Oct. 26, 2017.

Prior to becoming the AFP chief, he served at the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2012 to 2014 before becoming commander of the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division.

Año was also credited with the capture of Communist Party of the Philippines chair Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma in Alonguisan, Cebu last March 22, 2014.

He was also responsible for the killing of rebel commander Leonardo Pitao alias Kumander Parago in June 28, 2015.

Año was named Philippine Army commander in July 15, 2015.

The new AFP chief is

Thursday, December 8, 2016 a recipient of two Distinguished Service Stars; one Gold Cross medal for gallantry in combat action; a Silver Cross Medal; and 24 Bronze Cross medals for intelligence operations; 38 Military Merit Medals, three of which are with Spearhead Device for accomplishments in combat actions against armed enemies; and nine Military Commendation Medals; a Silver Wing Medal, and other various awards and Command Plaques to include the most coveted Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award in recognition as outstanding PMA Alumnus in the field of Army Operations in 1996. (PNA)

Striker... from page A4

get a woman by just sitting down in parks. Several girls will sit down beside you. And the danger of getting HIV is horribly high since these women with bad habits are like an astray dogs.

They have not been touched by doctors and, therefore, in most probabilities are carriers. In some states of America where prostitution is legal, there are shops that cater wild women. The advantage is these women are closely supervised by professional health care group that make them sure they are free of sexually transmitted diseases. Remember, prostitution is the oldest profession in the world? Many famous biblical names in the olden days died of syphilis because of the absence of appropriate treatment.

I have a very close friend from Albuera, Leyte, whom I had been calling many times but could not answer. I hope he is alright, but just did not receive my calls. I was so concerned because if the mayor can be killed while in jail and under the custody of the authorities, peace and order in the place must be nowhere to be found. I hope it is not and soon he will get in touch with me.

Filipinos should not complain of traffic congestions anywhere in the country. To begin with, our highways and streets are narrow because the early Filipinos who designed them never thought someday motor vehicles will come by the thousands. City streets were intended for horsedrawn tartanilla, see the old Escolta, Avenida Rizal, Espana, and a lot others.

Perhaps, there were very few engineers that time who could make the plans in the construction of roads.

Besides, funding must be limited and everything had to be adjusted to make both ends meet. There are no freeways where vehicles can go on through and through none stop.

World peace can be achieved if some world leaders stop being maliciously arrogant. I wish they memorize the good poem “Desiderata” and learn lessons from past world conflicts.

I have been saying, in war nobody wins. Everybody is injured. I was about six years old during World War II and honestly, the experience has stuck firmly in my mind until now. My family evacuated to a very far area in the hills with fears of Japanese bayonets.

There was hardly a week that we did not run farther as reports of the enemies come so often. I matured so fast and developed fears and bravery at an early age.

I learned how to catch fish in rivers and creeks, climb fruit trees and listened to the sounds of war. There is no better life than when peace is gone.

Rights... from page A3

pesticides every year, about 50 times more than it did in the 1950s. Children are the most affected and suffer far greater risks of poisoning as well as physical and intellectual abnormalities due to harmful chemicals.”

“Approaching chemicals from a human rights perspective puts the safety of people and environment at the forefront. Governments must do more to strengthen policies and systems to properly manage chemicals and ensure the most harmful chemicals are banned and eliminated,” concluded Gutierrez.

The workshop, entitled “Mainstreaming the Rights-based Approach to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Wastes in the Asia Pacific Region” is organized by BAN Toxics with support from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC).

BAN Toxics is an independent non-government environmental organization that works for the advancement of environmental justice, health and sustainable development in the area of chemicals and wastes, with a special focus on women, children and other marginalized sectors.

Country... from page A5

the Liberals leaving the Duterte coalition soon, we will have a robust opposition to the Duterte government when it does bad things like killing the poor or allow corrupt police officials to stay in their positions.

As for the Supreme Court case, I would tread very carefully if I were in the Robredo camp. I would monitor closely what is actually happening and not respond or react to rumors.

Justices are very sensitive to criticisms and one or two votes could shift if some Justices perceive unwarranted criticism. From what I can gather so far, and based on precedent, the Marcos petition is years away from resolution. The key thing to watch here are the appointments Duterte will make to the Court and whether they will shift the balance of votes but even it did, it won’t get to the Court for quite some

time. Having said that, to avoid surprises, vigilance is always a good thing in cases like this.

Watch out for my full analysis of the developing situation in my Eagle Eyes column on Tuesday. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Antonio “Tony” La Viña is a human rights and environmental lawyer from Cagayan de Oro City. He was a member of the Government of the Philippines Peace Panel that negotiated with the MILF from January-June 2010. He teaches Constitutional Law at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City and at the Ateneo School of Government at the Ateneo de Manila University where he used to be Dean. This piece was first published on his Facebook wall. He can be reached at Tonylavs@gmail. com. Follow him on Facebook: tlavina@yahoo.com and on Twitter: tonylavs)

Justice... from page A8

that there is always no chance. Now, a glimmer of hope in the administration of the first Mindanawon President, who has the discretion to appoint anyone nominated by the Judicial Bar Council (JBC).

The last Moro appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court was Justice Abdulwahid Bidin. He was appointed in January 1987 during the post-EDSA Revolution. After 29 years since his last day in the highest court, no Moro-Muslim has ever been appointed as Justice. Maybe no Moro had ever dared to apply because JBC then was not completely liberated from partisan and political lobby. Since the creation of the Commonwealth government up to the first and third republic of the Philippines, I have not heard of any Moro Justice.

Under the Constitution, JBC must make sure that a nominee for Justice has proven competence, integrity, probity and independence. I believe JBC members have done well in its job of nominating list of the best and most qualified.

And with this, any name from the shortlist that will be chosen and finally appointed by the President will be fine because each nominee is more or less deemed the best and most fit for the seat.

Choosing a Moro Justice

A11 in this country is akin to choosing and electing a Muslim Moro in the Senate. It is like an impossible dream. For the act of choosing is a political act. Since the post Edsa revolution and Cory Aquino administration, no Moro has ever been elected to senate after three decades. I blame this not only on the cultural and economic causes but also on the unfair political structure of the institutions created by the 1987 constitution.

We cannot elect a Moro senator even if we Moros unitedly vote for one. There is really something wrong in the representation of our voice regarding all the issues affecting us not just as minority but also as citizens of this country. Federalism is still a contentious but timely issue. We leave this advocacy to our new father “Digong” to resolve the peace problem in the south.

Sometimes, I would tell myself that Japar must be grateful enough for he is the only Moro among the 69 incumbent Court of Appeals Justices, according to the court’s website. This is a lone man having the privilege and duty to interpret the law of the majority legislated and enacted by the non-Moro majority-filled Congress.

My friend tells me that our President belongs to Lex Taliones fraternity and most likey will appoint one of their own brods, just like other cabinet and important positions he entrusted to his own fraternity members. And other collegues of mine would joke that all appointments are being “Talionized.” Well, Digong has that sole prerogative to choose who he likes from among the nominees. That is his constitutional power.

But hope springs eternal.

This is my unmoving belief and creed in life. I hope that someday, such appointment of Supreme Court justice can be depoliticized. And also “minoritized” so we can feel that we, the minority, are being recognized for our merits and hopes, and not taken for granted by the majority.

(Maki T. Datu-Ramos, a History graduate from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, was a former Public Attorney and legal officer of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and now an Assistant City Prosecutor of Makati City)

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