Mindanao Daily (January 1-3, 2019)

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Volume VIII, No. 186

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BOL, national ID top new laws in 2018 Botanists discover new Hoya subspecies

KNOWN for its ball-like cluster of waxy flowers, the Hoya plant is a favorite among many flower enthusiasts especially in Asia. And although there is already a great variety of officially recognized Hoya plants, a new subspecies was recently discovered by botanists from the DOSTForest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI). Hoya meliflua Merr. subsp. escobinae Kloppenb. Conda, Buot & Pitargue was added to the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) in 2016. It was discovered by DOST-FPRDI’s For. Jennifer M. Conda, Mr. Fernando C. Pitargue Jr., and Dr. Ramiro S. Escobin. Conda explained the process of discovery: “Our team collected cuttings of the plant from the Quezon Protected Landscape in 2012. Immediately after the first flowers bloomed, we sent samples for examination to Dr. Dale Kloppenburg, a renowned Hoya expert from the United States. He then confirmed that it was a new subspecies, which showed several similarities with Hoya meliflua Blanco ex Merr. but with some notable differences. Results were published in Hoya New, a publication devoted to studies about Hoya, and listed in the IPNI.” According to her, the calyx lobes (sepals) of the new subspecies are tongue-like and long, as compared to the broadly oval to oblong of the Hoya meliflua Blanco ex Merr. Its corolla lobes (petals), meanwhile, are elongated and have serrated edge, in contrast to the latter’s broadly triangular lobes. “Of the 109 Hoya species recorded See BOTANIST, page 11

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THE Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Philippine System Identification (PhilSys) were among the list of 183 new laws signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. Duterte signed Republic Act 11054 on July 27 to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a new Bangsamoro government designed to bring the elusive lasting peace in Mindanao. The BOL, previously known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, is considered as one of Duterte’s biggest legislative achievements which will give the Moro people basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within the country’s Constitutional framework. The BOL has yet to be Yes to Bangsamoro. Residents of Marawi and other parts of Lanao del Sur cheer their approval to the approved through a plebiBangsamoro Organic Law during a rally in Mindanao State University, Marawi City on Saturday, December 22, scite in Muslim-populated 2018. The plebiscite to ratify the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is on January 21 and February 6, 2019. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

See SIGNED, page 11

Kagay-anon leads research to measure emerging organic pollutants in river systems, coastal areas By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

THE Philippines is under threat from effluents which pollute its rivers systems and the general lack of sewage treatment facilities which pose an increasing threat to the health of Filipinos. Generally, sewage in the Philippines is treated insufficiently, if at all. In 2010, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that only about 15% of the 11.6 million people in Metro Manila were connected to sewage pipes, and the rest use poorly designed and maintained septic tanks. In 2011, only 16% of the households in major cities around Manila Bay hadaccess to sewage treatment. And in 2016, only 50% of the western service area of Metro Manila was connected to a sewage system; and thatexcludes millions in illegal settlements, and the eastern service area. In 2006, the Philippine Environment Monitor estimated that 95% of the wastewater from households all over the country is released into the environment, after

Dr Caroline B Jaraula, Ph.D; Dr Diane Aga, Ph.D; and And Mt. Jove Tapiador.

minimal treatment, if at all (World Bank, 2007). With these health concerns in mind, a Kagay-anon scientist is spearheading a research project which aims to provide baseline information on emerging and persistent organic pollutants to help local government units (LGUs) devise com-

bined natural and engineered wastewater treatment plans. Engineered wastewater will be studied in Manila and natural environmental systems from a watershed to basin scale will be conducted in Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Davao City. See RESEARCH, page 6

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PH one of Asia’s best performers despite high inflation

M

By LESLIE GATPOLINTAN

ANIL A -- The Philippines rem a i n s on e of Asia’s best-performing economies and is even poised to move up to upper middle-income status after managing to put in check an inflation surge which came alongside a spike in world oil prices in 2018. “The economy has been on a roll. It has been growing at least 6 percent for 14 consecutive quarters now,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said, noting that economic growth is sustained and uninterrupted. The countr y’s gross domestic product (GDP) slowed down to 6.3 percent in the first three quarters of 2018 from 6.8 percent during the same period last year, dragged by lower agricultural output and softened household consumption amid accelerated increase in prices, particularly food. The Philippines needs to expand by at least 7 percent in the fourth quarter to attain the low-end of the government’s target of 6.5 to 6.9 percent for the whole of 2018. “This is a tall order, but the government remains committed to reaching the revised growth target for

the year, which 6.4 to 6.9 percent,” said Pernia, also the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General. Faster inflation rate Inflation rate fell to a four-month low of 6 percent in November after surging to a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September and October on the back of government efforts to tame rising prices. Top economic managers believed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s issuance of Administrative Order No. 13, removing restrictions on the importation of agricultural products, was crucial in the country’s efforts to bring down the prices such of rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. “We are optimistic that increases in consumer prices have already peaked and we expect inflation to normalize in the medium term,” Pernia said. The NEDA chief is also banking on the recent passage of the Rice Tariffication Bill in Congress and its nearing enactment. The proposed law is expected to reduce rice prices by up to PHP7 per kilo. “Notwithstanding, the positive development in the global oil market will also help in tempering con-

1. ML SAN FRANCISCO 1 Center Island, Brgy 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur 2. ML SAN FRANCISCO 2 Obedoza Street, Brgy 2, San Francisco, Agusan Sur 3. ML BAYUGAN 1 367 Narra Avenue, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur 4. ML BAYUGAN 2 Libres St., Taglatawan, Bayugan City 5. ML BUNAWAN Purok 3, San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur 6. ML STA JOSEFA Purok 7, Poblacion Sta Josefa, Agusan del Sur 7. ML TRENTO Purok 6, Poblacion, Trento, Agusan Sur 8. ML BAROBO Purok 4, Poblacion Barobo, Surigao del Sur 9. ML PROSPERIDAD Purok 4, Poblacion Prosperidad, Agusan Sur 10.ML GAISANO GRAND P-2A Natl. Highway, Brgy. 5, San Francisco, Agusan Sur 11.ML TALACOGON P-Bougainvilla, San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan Sur 12.ML SAMPAGUITA P4 Luzviminda, Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan Sur Commencing on January 15, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges left in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT Sa Enero 15, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo. TAGDUMALA

M. LHUILLIER SAN FRANCISCO 1 Center Island, Barangay 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Tel # 085-3439520 ; Mobile # 09479991801

sumer prices further over the near term, particularly of energy-related items,” he added. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects inflation to average at 5.2 percent this year, and to ease in 2019 to 3.2 percent. Emilio Neri Jr., Vice President and lead economist at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said the country recorded an inflation rate he dubbed “temporary faster” this year, triggered by the 44-percent increase of average oil prices for the first nine months of the year. “Practically, we had an oil price shock this year that happens only every 10 years,” he said. “Last time we saw it (oil price shock) was in 2008 and the same thing happened, even a higher inflation. So, we are quite confident that next year it’s not gonna be here anymore.” Neri said he expects inflation to decline to 3.6 percent next year due to the projected normalization of oil prices even if the second tranche of the oil excise tax increase pushes through. President Duterte has approved the recommendation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to proceed with the implementation of the second tranche of

LUCKY FRUITS. Round-shaped fruits such as longans, melons, watermelons and mangoes are starting to sell briskly in. Filipinos welcome the new year by preparing round fruits on the table for the traditional media noche. It supposedly brings prosperity and good luck for the coming year. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

excise tax on fuel effective January 2019, considering the downward impact on inflation of the steep drop in the Dubai crude oil prices. The scheduled increase in oil excise taxes is stipulated under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Build, Build, Build The government is making definite progress in its massive infrastructure

1. ML MANGAGOY 1 10. ML SORIANO Espiritu Street, Brgy Mangangoy Andres Soriano Ave., Bislig City, Surigao del Sur Mangagay, Bislig, 2. ML MANGAGOY 2 Surigao del Sur Abarca Street, Brgy Mangagoy Bislig City, Surigao del Sur 3. ML MANGAGOY 3 P. Castillo St. cor. Pecasales St. Brgy Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao Sur 4. ML BISLIG National Highway, Bislig City Surigao del Sur 5. ML HINATUAN Purok 5, Brgy St. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur 6. ML LINGIG Purok Marcelo, Verano St. Pob., Lingig Surigao del Sur 7. ML TAGBINA Purok 4, Original, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8. ML LIANGA Pob. Lianga, Surigao del Sur 9. ML STO. NIÑO 9 Hornasan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur Commencing on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges left in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT Sa Enero 16, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

M. LHUILLIER MANGAGOY 2 Abarca Street, Barangay Mangagoy, Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur Tel # 086-8531671/3110989/8531670 Mobile # 09479991797

program, widely known as the “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program. As of end November 2018, 35 out of the 75 infrastructure flagship projects have been approved by the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and confirmed by the NEDA Board. These have a total investment requirement of PHP1.54 trillion. Meanwhile, 31 projects

are expected to be approved by the NEDA Board upon the recommendation of the ICC. “In terms of project timelines, we expect 31 projects to be completed by 2022. The remaining 44 projects will be completed beyond this administration’s term but may commence implementation during this administration,” Pernia said. Under the BBB, most

See INFLATION, page 11

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Capitol road, Telaje, Tandag City 2. ML TANDAG 2 Donasco Street, Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City 3. ML TANDAG 3 Rizal Street, Bungtod, Tandag City 4. ML TANDAG 4 National highway, Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City 5. ML ARAS ASAN Purok Camia, Aras-asan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur 6. ML CARASCAL Saca, Carascal, Surigao del Sur 7. ML CANTILAN Rizal Street, Linintian, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur 8. ML MADRID Urbiztondo St. Cor. Nat’l Highway Quirino Madrid, Surigao del Sur 9. ML TAGO Crossing Tandag, Tago, Surigao del Sur 10. ML SAN MIGUEL Pob. Tina, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur 11. ML TANDAG 5 Ground Floor, Gaisano Capital, Brgy. Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 12. ML MARIHATAG National Highway, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur 13. ML CARMEN, SDS National Highway, Pob. Carmen, Surigao del Sur Commencing on January 17, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges left in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT Sa Enero 17, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

M. LHUILLIER TANDAG 1 Capitol Road, Telaje, Tandag, Surigao del Sur Tel # 086-2113145; Mobile # 09479991802

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Speaking Out The MINDANAO DAILY is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735, Business Plate No. 201703518, under Business License Certificate No. 2017-02949, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.

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How do you deal with a bully like China?

BULLYING cases have been in very much in the news lately. In the last two cases, at least, the incidents were dealt with promptly and to the satisfaction of the public. T he Ate n e o Ju n i or High student who kicked his schoolmate in the face was himself kicked out by school authorities after an investigation into the incident. The Taekwondo black belter was also sanctioned by the Taekwondo association. Henceforth, he will not be allowed to compete in any officially approved competition unless he undergoes some form of rehab. The Garin father and son tandem who recently beat up a lowly police of-

ficer in front of his own station commander are now facing criminal charges. In addition, the gun licenses of father and son have been ordered revoked by the Philippine National Police. No doubt, speedy PNP action was prompted by direct orders from the President himself. So far so good. The foregoing bullying incidents can not help but remind us of a continuing bullying on a much bigger scale and what we are doing about it. The bully in this case is China – the new super power in the region. The victim is us – the Philippines.

Ironically, the bullying is being tolerated by toughtalking President Duterte who had earlier defied other powers like the US and the EU with his famous lines “Don’t f..k with me.” Recall that in July 2016, the International Court of Arbitration ruled that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (in the South China Sea) and that China’s “nine-dash line” is invalid. China simply defied the ruling. For its part, the Philippines adopted a stance which has been described, at best, as “pragmatic” and “accommodative”and at, at worse, as “defeatist” and

Ignacio Bunye

“self-flagellating”. In her well-documented book “Rock Solid”, Marites Dañquilan Vitug details instances of China’s defiance of the ruling of the International Court: -Chinese coast guard boats continue to ring Scarborough Shoal like “leaves of a cabbage”. Filipino fishermen are allowed off and on to fish within the shoal. But on their way out, the fishermen have to fork out some of their best catch as “goodwill” to the Chinese. Filipino media who See DEAL, page 11

A Deeper View

Hope for the New Year

ON THE SECOND DAY of the New Year, we continue to hope for the best to come for all of us this 2019. There’s nothing wrong with this. But hope remains what it actually is, hope, unless we do something to ensure that what we hope for will all come true. As a nation it is our hope that President Duterte stops spewing curses that only make us a damned nation. By June 30, this year, he’ll be on his third year in office with a new Philippine Congress who because of the exigencies of political survival will surely be subservient to his whim and caprice except for a handful who will be stand up to him. Even if the nation elects during the midterm elec-

tions politicians who pride themselves as principled, not necessarily with the political opposition, nothing much and nothing better can be expected from them given the power structure of Philippine governance. We can’t have here and we never had in the past politicians loyal to the political party that carried them to victory like that in the United States. We cannot expect the opposition to be powerful enough like the Democrats in the US to play that most important role of checking on the ruling party to thwart any possible abuse detrimental to the people. Because of this Duterte is expected to still spew curses, continue with his anti-people policies such as

his war on drugs, his tax reform that only adds burden than relief to the suffering masses, his battle against peace by opting to go all out against the Maoist communist rebellion, by coddling errant men in uniform in exchange for their loyalty to his administration, among many others. Not having any formidable opposition to check on him, Duterte like US President Donald Trump will continue to be lulled with the thought that he is God’s gift to the Filipino people thus infallible and the best the country ever had. But the real problems inflicting so much suffering and misery on the Filipino people such as the absence of food security on account of erroneous agriculture

Jesse E.L. Bacon II

policies and programs, the worsening traffic situation not only in Metro Manila but now in all major urban centers, the unsolved killings that now involve even the politicians, among others, will remain with no solution in sight. There can only be a cessation of all these if the Filipino people start to demand serious and honest to goodness governance of the nation’s affairs. This means we should stop reinforcing the wrong way that Duterte is running See HOPE, page 7

The CYNOSURE

New Police Station in Upper Carmen needed

[Last of Two Parts] CONSIDERING the growing incidence of criminalities in Upper Carmen, it is time to put up a full-fledge police checkpoint along the Masterson Avenue. A regular police patrol is also necessary to secure the people in the area. The patrol should cover the entire Upper Carmen area, which might include school vicinities, the roads outside the subdivision areas, shopping, call centers, and entertainment centers. A regular police patrol is really very important in Upper Carmen. It is noted that no police patrol car is visible along the Masterson Avenue, where there some isolated drinking hubs. The best way for Upper

Carmen to enjoy adequate police protection is to divide Barangay Carmen into four Barangays. Upper Carmen is, actually, Upper Balulang. Macanhan and Lower Balulang could be merged as one barangay. The Local Government Code provides that a place with a population of more than 500 people is eligible to become a barangay. Barangay Carmen has total registered voters of about 38,000 voters. Applying a simple mathematical computation, 38,000 registered voters could translate to four barangays, each with more than 9,000 registered voters. Former City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano wanted Carmen to be divided into four barangays before. But, the incumbent

administration seems disinterested because a divided Carmen would politically affect their winning probability. This is what makes politics in this country nauseating. The elected public officials would resist when their political interests are at stake. Without doubt, this is taking place in Barangay Carmen where the elected public officials are not akin to moves beneficial to the residents in the area. For instance, the incumbent Congressman Rolando Uy might allow the division of Carmen, but not in his incumbency. Uy needs a solid vote out of Barangay Carmen voters, otherwise, a divided Carmen would render running for public office futile on his part. In

Cris Diaz

past elections, Uy always rely on the votes from residents of Barangay Carmen. Having lorded over Barangay Carmen for almost 20 years since elected Barangay Captain under the Padayon Pilipino wings of Emano, Uy has established a strong political bailiwick in Barangay Carmen. It was for the same reason, that Uy decided to clash with Emano in the 2007 first congressional election in the city’s first district. Uy ended with a hairline victory against his closest rival Michelle Tagarda, also a Padayon Pilipino candidate. Another Padayon See NEEDED, page 7

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AFP chief wants guerrilla bases as ‘peace zones’ DAVAO CITY --The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is seeking to turn areas formerly used by the communist guerrillas as bases into peace zones where development can thrive and people's lives are improved. Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said the plan needs an integral approach, and that the whole nation must participate as he conceded that peace and development initiatives cannot be achieved solely by the military. "We should have the same dedication, sense of urgency, the same passion, parehong momentum para sabay sabay (the same momentum so that we all move together)," Madrigal said in an interview here Wednesday. Madrigal said development efforts should not

be confined on the areas affected by the communist insurgency, but also around neighboring areas to encourage New People's Army (NPA) community supporters to actively engage with the government's programs. The AFP chief also underscored the role of the private sector in bringing development to areas whose economic development has been stunted by insurgency. "Paano mo i-encourage ang mga tao sa conflict areas kung gobiyerno lang? (How are you going to encourage people in conflict areas if you solely rely on the government)," he said. For instance, Madrigal cited the dire situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) whose ancestral lands the NPA has turned into guerilla bases. This, he said,

has made the tribes more vulnerable not only to NPA atrocities but to its recruitment as well. To respond to these challenges, Madrigal said the AFP will launch a national task force that will give flesh to the "whole-of-nation" approach by starting community-based development programs. Meanwhile, the AFP chief lauded the military units in Mindanao for the series of mass surrender of NPA combatants and their community supporters. In Davao Region alone, the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said it has scored 524 regular NPA surrenderers; 700 Militia ng Bayan--the NPA frontline militia organization; 256 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) or community-based supporters; and 6,242 underground mass organization members.

1. ML- Osmeña Branch Abaya Building, Osmena St. Cogon Cagayan de Oro City

15. ML- Bugo Branch National Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City

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25. ML-APOVEL Door # 4B-65 Apovel Subdivision Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

12. ML- Capistrano Branch Capistrano-Gomez Sts. Cagayan de Oro City

26. ML-CORRALES Door # 4B-65 Apovel Subdivision Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

13. ML- Puerto Branch National Hi-way, Puerto Cagayan de Oro City

27. ML-CUGMAN #097 Zone 3 Brgy. Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City

14. ML-ALAE Branch Purok 8, Alae, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City

28. ML-MAX SUNIEL Max Suniel St., Carmen Cagayan de Oro City

Commencing on January 15, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges left in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 15, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

official conceded that "we can only achieve complete victory if we can address all concerns in the conflictaffected areas." "With President Ro-

drigo Duterte in the lead supported by the regional executive councils, the local government units, we can address the roots of insurgency," he added. (PNA)

Duterte wants free elections for candidates, voters: Go

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte wants free elections, under which everyone can vote and run for public office, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said. In an interview with reporters at the 2018 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award on Friday, Go said the President hates the abuses and political terrorism being committed by local government officials.

"This is democracy para kay Pangulong (for President) Duterte. Bigyan po natin ng pagkakataon lahat na bumoto, lahat ng kandidato tumakbo at makakapagkampanya freely na walang takot. Ayaw ng Pangulong Duterte ng abuso, even nung mayor pa siya sa Davao City. Nag-o-order nga siya sa police na dapat neutral sila at ang militar walang kinikilingan (Let us give everyone a chance to vote, all candidates to run and campaign freely without any

1. ML-Tagoloan Branch National Highway, Poblacion Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental 2. ML-Villanueva Pob. Villanueva, Misamis Oriental 3. ML-Claveria Pob. Claveria, Misamis Oriental 4. ML-Balingasag Branch 15 de Septembre, Balingasag Misamis Oriental 5. ML-Salay Poblacion Salay, Misamis Oriental 6. ML-Medina South Pob. Medina, Misamis Oriental 7. ML-Gingoog Branch National Hi-way, Gingoog City Misamis Oriental 8. ML-Gingoog 2 Dona Graciana St., Brgy. 20, Gingoog City 9. ML-Camiguin Branch E. Neri Street, Mambajao, Camiguin Province 10. ML-Camiguin 2 Rizal St., Mambajao Camiguin Province 11. ML-Jasa-an Lower Jasa-an, Pob Jasa-an, Mis. Or. 12. ML-Balingoan National Higway, Bauk-Bauk, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental 13. ML-SUGBONGCOGON Poblacion, Sugbongcogon Misamis Oriental 14. ML-MAGSAYSAY National Highway Kibungsod, Magsaysay Misamis Oriental 15. ML-MOLUGAN Zone 11, Molugan Misamis Oriental 16. ML-CATARMAN Centro, Poblacion, Catarman Camiguin 17. ML-BALINGASAG HIGHWAY Balingasag Nat’l Highway, Brgy. 4, Balingasag, Mis. Or.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL TO CAMIGUIN AREA Commencing on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

CAGAYAN DE ORO AREA

Madrigal assured the former NPA combatants and supporters "can lead a good life after abandoning the communist struggle." However, the military

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 16, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

fear. President Duterte does not like abuse, even when he was still mayor of Davao City. He even ordered the police to be neutral and the military to not take sides)," said Go, who is gunning for a Senate seat in the 2019 polls. Reacting to questions on the case of Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin and Guimbal, Iloilo Mayor Oscar Garin, who allegedly mauled a police officer, Go echoed Duterte's sentiments See ELECTIONS, page 11

1. ML-Quezon Bukidnon Branch National Highway, Quezon Bukidnon 2. ML-Valencia Branch G. Lavina Ave., Poblacion Valencia City Bukidnon 3. ML-Valencia 2 Branch M. Roxas St., Valecia City 4. ML-Malaybalay Branch Fortich St., Poblacion Malaybalay City Bukidnon 5. ML-Malaybalay 2 Alvaro, Pabillaran St., Malaybalay City 6. ML-Maramag Branch Purok 7, Maramag Avenue North Poblacion Maramag, Bukidnon 7. ML-Don Carlos Branch Poblacion Don Carlos, Bukidnon 8. ML-Kalilangan Branch Centra Pob., Kalilangan, Bukidnon 9. ML-Wao Branch Poblacion, Wao, Bukidnon 10. ML-Aglayan Branch Purok 38, Sayre Highway Aglayan, Malaybalay City 11. ML-Kibawe Sayre Highway cor. Magsaysay St. West Kibawe, Kibawe, Bukidnon 12. ML-Dangcagan P-5 Poblacion Dangcagan, Bukidnon 13. ML-Agusan Canyon Purok Merkado, Agusan Canyon Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

BUKIDNON AREA Commencing on January 17, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2018. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 17, 2019 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2018, maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

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6

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Tue-Thu, January 1-3, 2019

Research... from page 1

The research project, dubbed Philippines - Project 7-128: “Baselining persistent and emerging organic pollutant levels in environmental and engineered systems (PEOPLES) for healthy Philippines” is a concerted effort of Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus alumni (Dr Jaraula, Dr Lyre EspadaMurao, Mr. Jove Tapiador, and Mr. Nicolas Armando Solana), colleague from the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Chemical Engineering Department Dr. AnalizaP. Rollon, as well as a collaborative venture with a Filipino-American mentor Dr Diana Aga of University at Buffalo, State University of New York. “ This research supports USAID Philippines’ Development Objectives by providing b as eline knowledge so that proper government policies and community action can be taken to quantify and manage related environmental and governance challenges,” said Dr.Caroline Marie B. Jaraula, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of the Organic and Stable Isotope (OASIS) Geochemistry Laboratory of the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman. The team is a recent grant recipient of the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) Cycle

7. Administered by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), PEER is a competitive grants program that invites scientists in developing countries, partnered with US Government (USG)-supported collaborators, to apply for funds to support research and capacity-building activities on topics with strong potential development impacts. This innovative program is designed to leverage the investments other USG-supported agencies have made in scientific research and training while supporting the initiatives of developing country scientists. “The overall goal of this project is to increase the number of wastewater treatment plants sampled for antibiotics analyses, then expand the sampling to point sources and into the receiving river and marine environments,” Ms Jaraula said in an exclusive interview during a recent visit to her family in Cagayan de Oro. She is the youngest daughter of former Mayor and Congressman Constantino and Mrs. Divina Jaraula. “This will provide baseline data to identify critical areas that will be prioritized for further data acquisition and analyses for a combined engineered and natural wastewater plan that is useful for local governments and organizations

to leverage further detailed planning and application for business-government partnerships,” she added. Davao and Cagayan de Oro City,currently do not have municipal wastewater treatment plants, although at least one project in both cities is being constructed. Environmental baseline information prior to the operation of the wastewater treatment plants are key information that this proposed project can provide. The project aims to consolidate watershed and basin information from various academic, local government sectors, and literature as a map focusing on land-use, locations of point sources (e.g. livestock farms, pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, urban or agricultural or industrial drainage, and landfill) in the study areas. It aims to collect and collate data on current or planned size, type, and wastewater treatments in various business, municipal, and provincial establishments. It also aims to determine antibiotics types and concentrations in influent, effluent and in-between treatment in existing wastewater treatment plants, terrestrial and marine environments of Davao, Manila and Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, as stipulated and standardized in the US National Science Foundation’s Partnerships for International Research Exposure’s (PIRE) Halting

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Environmental Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination (HEARD). PIRE HEARD is a US National Science Foundation funded international collaboration focused on quantifying the role that wastewater treatment plays in global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It addressesAMR– an emerging global threat; and quantifies how wastewater treatment processes affect antimicrobial resistance and how wastewater treatment plants and the receiving environment interact to affect this spread. “Wastewater treatment plants serve as critical nodes for the collection and potential dissemination of antimicrobial wastes, bacteria, virus, resistance genes, and ecological stressors,” Ms. Jaraula noted. This study also aims to determine persistent (i.e. pesticides) organic pollutants in the watershed and coastal areas of the proposed sites; characterize possible sources and/or end-member assemblages of pollutants in various matrices (agricultural, urban, industrial, land-fill, feces, etc) and detect antibiotic resistant genes. “This study along with NSF’s PIRE HEARD are anticipated to lay the foundation for environmental monitoring of antibiotics in the Philippines, as AMR is not just a national, but a global issue,” Ms. Jaraula explained. This research project will provide baseline information on effluents so that proper government policies and community action can be done to quantify and manage these challenges.

Wetlands, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows provide natural wastewater treatment that are naturally abundant and proliferating in the Philippines, butare poorly managed and under enormous pressure from overutilization, degradation, natural disasters, pollution, now exacerbated by warming seas and rising sea levels. “The Philippines provide an end-member tropical high biodiversity dataset that is necessary for all types of datasets. The area also provides a unique opportunity to test the clean-up efficiency that naturally evolved in coastal ecosystems. As countries share the influence of seaways, an integrated global environmental sustainability framework is necessary to battle AMR,” Dr Jaraula highlighted for the context of the study USAID PEER and research on antibiotics and wastewater treatment plants in thePhilippines Synergy between the U.S. government-supported partner and the Philippine contingent can help build analytical expertise, instrument-access and technical training that are necessary in propelling the Philippine academic institutions to the forefront of global environmental and health research. Much of the challenge of the implementing NSF PIRE HEARD sample collection in the Philippines is not having staff dedicated to pursue the tedious process of getting access and permits to wastewater treatment plants and the expenses incurred in the day-to-day management or sample

collection. Both issues can be addressed with are search grant to fulfill PIRE HEARD requirements and expand into the urgent necessity of the Philippines to have sufficient number of wastewater treatment plants. In November of 2016, water samples collected from the surface and bottom of Pampanga and Pasig Riveras well as their discharge to Manila Bay by Dr Jaraula, PI of this proposed project, and analyses by Dr Aga ofthe NSF PIRE HEARD produced results that show hydrological and oceanographic controls on the distribution of antibiotics in the water column. They clearly defined the source of antibiotics from Pasig River and its spread to Manila Bay. A sampling collection and analyses was also conducted for mariculture, areas close to populated coasts, resorts in Bolinao, Pangasinan (Angeles et. al). The Philippine environment provide natural wastewater treatment in aquifers, mangrove forests, wetlands born out of hundreds of millions of years of evolution that afforded potable water to our standards. A consolidation of best practices in the Philippines and in the international arena on a combination of engineered and natural wastewater treatment will be reviewed and evaluated to garner the best possible combination of wastewater treatment for Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Lessening the environmental pressure on untreated waste will contribute to ridge-to-reef resilience.

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Needed... from page 4

Pilipino candidate, Anne Daba, also ran for the Congressional seat, which divided the Padayon Pilipino votes in disarray. The rift within the Padayon Pilipino political candidates in Carmen paved the way to Uy’s victory in the 2007 congressional poll. Otherwise, Michelle Tagarda, whom many believed was better qualified (she is a lawyer) than any candidate in Barangay Carmen would have won the Congressional election. Anyway, there are insinuations that a new administration is needed in the midterm election in 2019 to push with the plan to divide Barangay Carmen into four progressive barangays. Well, unless the people in Carmen want a change in their political lives, they would still prefer the status quo. After all, even if Barangay Carmen is divided into four barangays, the elected representative would still represent Cagayan De Oro City’s Frist Congressional District. From 24 barangays, the First Congressional District would become 27 barangays following the addition of three more barangays once Barangay Carmen is divided into four barangays. It is three more barangays because the fourth barangay is barangay Carmen per se. What makes the difference is that the four other

Tue-Thu, January 1-3, 2019

newly created barangays would be given a chance to develop on their own as a separate and distinct barangay. -0- email comments/ reactions: crisguardian@ yahoo.com By Patricio P. Diaz MindaNews

COMMENT

Hope... from page 4

the affairs of the State simply by not giving any accolade to long presidential speeches that have neither content nor substance conveying nothing. This point is very relevant so much so that in May, this year, the midterm elections will be held. If we continue to be humored by the jokes, green or otherwise, and curses issued by Duterte specifically in the campaign trail, we will just end up making a mockery of the very sacred process called election where the supposed expressed voice of the people through the ballot is considered the voice of God as well. Let us remind ourselves that we will all be doing this not because we are against Duterte. In fact, we should do this because we want him to succeed for whether we like it or not he is our president till 2022. But until we start collectively working in putting aright what is grievously wrong with the way he is governing the nation, our hope for a better Philippines this 2019 and in the years to come will all be dashed. (jelbacon@yaho. com; jelbaconii@gmail.com)

GENERAL Santosw City-Rodrigo R. Duterte is the most controversial Philippine president counting from President Emilio Aguinaldo. Let’s not deny him the many “good” and “right” that he has done. These, however, have been shrouded by what his critics see as “bad” manners and “wrong” conduct. Already tied to defending his antidrug crusade, his well-paid apologists still have their hands and time full in explaining his jokes. Nothing is wrong with jokes per se. The capacity of man to make jokes and enjoy them together with his fellowmen – women, not excluded – distinguishes man from all other creatures on earth. Such distinction is not denied from kings and presidents. What’s w rong w it h Duterte’s jokes? Joke In Webster’s, “joke”, as a noun, means: 1: (a) something said or done to provoke laughter, especially, a short oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist; (b) the humorous or ridiculous element in something; (c) an instance of jesting; practical joke; (d) laughing

7

On Duterte’s Jokes stock; 2: something not to be taken seriously, a trifling matter. Stated otherwise, “joke” is something humorous, ridiculous or trifling said or done to provoke laughter and, sometimes, embarrassing situations not to be taken seriously. As a verb, it is making a joke happen. The heart of the joke is its humorous twist. Sense of humor, as defined in Webster’s, is “a personality that gives someone the ability to say funny things and see the funny side of things”; in Oxford English dictionary, “the faculty of observing what is ludicrous or amusing or of expressing it; jocose imagination or treatment of a subject”. The above are the American and English perceptions. However, views of and responses to situations vary across nations, cultures and social levels. Humor twists variously. Depending upon the sense of humor of the jokers and the subject or subjects of the joke and on how they take the object of the joke, the twist can provoke not only laughter but elicit wisdom and truth. The ridiculous and the trifling can provoke laughter among the jokers – the subject or subjects joining the fun

gamely borne on their sense of humor. Once sense of humor is overtaxed or lost, the joke is lost. Considering varying states of sense of humor, it is important for jokers to know WHO and WITH WHOM, WHAT ABOUT, WHERE, WHEN and HOW to joke. Duterte’s Jokes Take a look at Duterte’s jokes as seen in headlines and behind. Many of his jokes can pass for wisecracks showing the man to be fond of joking. But his headliners – about rape, shooting rebel women in the vagina, bashing the Catholic Church and its bishops and priests, slapping U.S. President Obama and UN top human rights officials – are vulgar, indecent, irreverent, outrageous, confrontational, et cetera., raising the question, “What’s funny?” We have to see Duterte’s joke from his upbringing as his apologists would want him to be understood and from the fact that “joke” and all its synonyms have only one word in Pilipino, “biro” – so it is in Bisaya or any other Philippine dialects. For example, when Duterte jokes, does he just want to provoke laughter or, on the contrary, to mock (jest), to annoy (tease, pester, taunt),

to belittle (trifle) or to make of one a laughing stock (prank)? All the words in parentheses, synonyms of “joke”, are “biro” in Pilipino.] When is Duterte joking? When is he to be taken seriously? His quips about Vice President Robredo: “You want me out. Why don’t you marry me?” and his praying Super-typhoon Yolanda would just kill ugly women and spare the beautiful were said for fun. His “Santo Rodrigo” joke can draw a good ribbing for him. In a speech during an awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he called the bishops useless, stupid and suggested they be killed: “[I]tong mga obispo ninyo, patayin ninyo. Walang silbi iyang mga gagong iyan. All they do is criticize.” In private, like a circle of friends in beer or tuba sessions, this and other anti-Church utterances may be common jokes not to be taken seriously. But in formal public occasions, it is irreverent, offensive and revolting. In another headliner, he said “90% of priests are gays”. He curses and utters some vulgarities laced with indecencies and expletives. To him, it is just wanting to “lighten a dull moment.” See JOKES, page 8

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Jokes... from page 7

… He explained: “If it is too ridiculous, it must be a joke. … And so I’m just fond of doing it. Gusto ko lang tumawa (I just want to laugh). Well, at the expense also of myself sometimes. … Eh sa limang salita, dalawa lang ‘yung tama niyan, ‘yung tatlo puro kalokohan ‘yan. (In every

five statement I make, only two are true while three are just jokes).” (Marijuana, EJKs and cursing: 5 times Duterte was ‘just kidding’, philstar.com, December 4, 2018) Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo explained that if President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement is illogical but still makes his audience laugh, then he is joking. And, together with other Duterte apologists, he

said that the President speaks and behaves according to his upbringing. It’s too late to change that. The people must just understand. Are Duterte and his spokesman serious or just joking? Are they the BIG jokes? Media Media propagate Duterte’s controversial jokes in their top stories, talk shows and social messaging. Such jokes boost

circulation, entertain prime time audience and go viral in social media. Duterte, the show man, and his apologists must be very much pleased. True to their role, print, electronics and on-line media should be mediators, not stokers of controversies. They must help sort out the trivial, the trite and the personal from serious official and policy-based statements of the President and

DepEd’s Response Towards 21st Century Challenges By: NORMAN A. FELISILDA, MAED Teacher I/School In-charge , Dunggoan ES

According to Nelson Mandela, education is the key to success. However, how can one leads himself to success if the learning that he acquired from school is incompetent in dealing with the 21st challenges? This is the reason why DepEd (Department of Education) is keep on training teachers/educators for them to be fully aware and equipped in educating young learners. The Department also encourages teachers to enroll in graduate studies to upgrade themselves with the current trends in education. Teachers were also informed in the existing laws and policies that governs the department; such as Child Protection Policy, Anti-Bullying Act, Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees, and the like. These laws and policies are helping teachers to be cognizant that their functions are not only focusing on

the teaching-learning process of their pupils but as well as in the holistic development of their learners and their role as models in the society. Teachers are giving their best shot in teaching their learners using 21st century teaching strategies that enable them to be prepared in facing global demands and challenges. Teachers are making it sure that their learners are learning in school and become more responsible for their own learning. In the 21st century education, teachers only act as facilitators of learning. Thus, the teaching-learning process becomes learner-centered. Teachers are utilizing the 4C’s in teaching their learners in order to address worldwide demands on education. This 4C’s refers to Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking & Creativity. Learners are taught to network or communicate efficiently

RA Form No. 10.1 (MCRO)) Republic of the Philippines Province of Davao del Sur Municipality of Santa Cruz OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that RUTH V. MELLINA has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of RUTH MONTALABA VILOS at Poblacion, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur and whose parents are ANANIAS VILOS and FERMINA MONTALABA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 18th day of January 2019.

(SGD.) MARIO M. TIZON Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: Dec 26, 2018 & Jan 2, 2019

through the use of technology (since millennials are tech-savvy) and even trained to talk in front of people with confidence. They are also taught to collaborate with others despite of their individual differences for them to achieve a common goal. They are also educated to think critically, think beyond the box, for them to arrive at the right solution or intervention in any problem that may arise. Also, learners are trained to become creative in answering problems/challenges that they may encounter in the real-world. As teachers are using these strategies in teaching their learners, rest assured that their pupils are ready to face the world of the 21st century. Thus, teachers are educating learners to become globally-competent and locally productive individuals who are ready and well-equipped to face the 21st century challenges.

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Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on November 2018: AUCTION DATE: January 18, 2019 Fortich Street, Barangay 2 Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

other political leaders. Utterances like the Santo Rodrigo, Robredo and Yolanda jokes are merely for fun. Social columnists may entertain them. Do they merit the same importance in news reports and editorial opinions or not at all? In his Marijuana joke, did Duterte endorse the medical use of Marijuana? In his tirades against the Catholic Church and bishops, did he just joke or suggest the re-examination of Church-State relation and policies? Issues possibly implied in those so-called jokes could impact on our life and should have preoccupied media. Otherwise, ignore them. To the Point We don’t subscribe to the argument that in winning by the biggest majority among all presidents, Duterte has the mandate to behave now as he used to be. It is too late for him to change his “bad” manners and “wrong” conduct. But he knows the norms by which presidents must live by. Can he really not live up to the presidential norms? We think media must draw the line in covering the President. Leave out his jokes. Let the social columnists and social media take care of them. Put a NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Intestate estate of the late Andres Zayas that on December 30, 2010, the above named heirs executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH SALE which is hereto attached as “ANNEX A”, duly notarized by ATTY. RUBE S, GAMOLO, on the same date & duly recorded (DOC. No. 382; Page No. 77; Book No. 68, Series of 2010. The same Extrajudicial Settlement with Sale was properly filed for Estate Tax Purposes with Bureau of Internal Revenue on the 16th of November, 2017. The said property is particularly described as follows; A parcel of land, covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-29413 known as Lot No. 1161, PLS-800, case2 situated in the Barrio of Aglayan, Mun. of Malaybalay, Province of Bukidnon. Containing an area of FORTY FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (45,918) sq. meters more or less. Subdivided and was recorded at the registry the Registry of Deeds on February 4, 2018, as follows; Entry

message across that even the President must use responsibly freedom of the press. As it is apparent today, whatever come out of the mouth of the President and top political leaders and their critics are news. Media gleefully, if not obligingly, publish the illogical, the ridiculous, the vulgar, the expletives and epithets, et cetera – only to be labeled as “jokes”. Are media not being trivialized? Amusingly, to the Palace joke is a one-way traffic. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle unmistakably alluded to the President in his homily as a bully. Panelo parried the allusion protesting. Fortunately, no one interposed twitting that the Cardinal was joking only as a compliment. The President’s critics say that his jokes, through the gullible media, are meant to hide his lack of accomplishment. True? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Joke also! (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Patricio P. Diaz was editor in chief of the Cotabato Citybased Mindanao Cross and later the Mindanao Kris before returning to General Santos City. You may email him at patponcediaz@yahoo.com.) Nos. 349336 and 349337 subd. Plan and Technical Description in favor of Clemencia C. Zayas, to wit, OCT NO. P-29413 was partially cancelled (with remaining portion of 4,500 sq. meters) and Transfer of Certificate of Title No. T-109396 containing an area of 40,918 sq. meters and T-109397, containing an area of 500 sq. meters were subsequently issued. That this Amended Extrajudicial Settlement with Confirmation of Sale is executed to affirm and confirm that Transfer Certificate of Title Nos. T-109396 and T-109397 are the resultant of the mother Title P-29413 and as such, all 3 titles should be stipulated and to reflect in the eCAR to be issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in compliance with the mandatory requirements of the Registry of Deeds. Is subject of amended Extrajudicial Settlement with Confirmation of Sale. Under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANASTACIO C. ROSOS, Jr., per Doc. No. 400; Page No. 81; Book No. 858; Series of 2018. MDN: Dec 20, 27, 2018 & Jan 3, 2019

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Anti-Drug Abuse Councils vital in PH success on war vs drugs: Año NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Intestate estate of late Fortunata Ordanza. That the said deceased left no will and no debts; That the said deceased left a residential lot property more particularly described as follows, to wit: A parcel of land Lot 1-A-1-1-32-3-2-2-A, Psd-10-013484, being a portion of Lot 1-A-1-1-3-------2-3-F-2, Psd-10-013235) situated in the Pobl. Of Mun. of Malaybalay, Prov. of Bukidnon containing an are of SIX HUNDRED (600) sq. meters more or less, covered by TCT No. T-30284. Is Subject for Extra-Judicial Settlement of the Intestate Estate of the Deceased Fortuanata Ordanza, under the Notarial Registry of Atty Tala C. Tambaoan, per Doc No. 117; Page No. 24; Book No. XXIX; Series of 2018. MDN: Dec 18, 25, 2018 & Jan 1, 2019

DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said local government units (LGUs) serving as frontliners in the government’s war on drugs is vital to its success. In a press briefing at the 2018 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award on Friday, Año said unlike Latin American countries faced by the same illegal drug problems, the Philippines managed to curb the drug trade as it strengthened barangays, municipalities, and provincial governments to combat illegal drugs on the ground.

“If we are going to compare our efforts with what happened in some Latin American countries like Columbia, Mexico, Guatemala, I think ito yung wala sa kanila eh, wala silang ADAC (they do not have (ADAC), wala

silang (they do not have) institutionalized rehab centers, and even the commitment of the government to fight drugs,” Año said The DILG conferred the 1st National ADAC Performance Awards to 241 out-

standing LGUs with exemplary efforts, through their ADACs, in complementing the national government’s measures to eradicate the country’s illegal drugs problem. The audit criteria for the

selection of awardees are organized local ADAC, implementation of ADAC plans and programs, fund allocation, support to ADACs in component LGUs, and conduct of quarterly meetings. philippine news agency

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City IN THE MATTER OF JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND AND REGISTER THE DIVORSE OF SPOUSES DANI LOU WILFRED D. HAMOY AND ELAINE GRACE LEYCO HAMOY

CIVIL CASE NO.2018-130

DANI LOU WILFRED D. HAMOY AND ELAINE GRACE LEYCO HAMOY Petitioners. X -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on January 6, 2007 Iligan City, both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at Block 7, Lot 37,Agan Centro Subdivision Dadiagas Heights, General Santos City and Lot 5, Empire Village , Palao ,Iligan City , respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for One year (1) now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on, January 6, 2007 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 16,, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 18th day of December 2018. (Gsd.) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge MDN: Dec 25, 2018, Jan 1 & 8, 2019 Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City

Republic of the Philippines TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 24 Cagayan de Oro City

IN THE MATTER OF JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND CIVIL CASE NO.2018-131 AND REGISTER THE DIVORSE OF SPOUSES ARSENIO B. POLICARPIO JR AND OFELIA M. AGUANTA-POLICARPIO

NAIDA MEMORACION ESTRELLA Plaintiffs,

ARSENIO B. POLICARPIO JR AND OFELIA M. AGUANTA-POLICARPIO, Petitioners. X -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/

(Gsd.) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge MDN: Dec 25, 2018, Jan 1 & 8, 2019 Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City IN THE MATTER OF JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND CIVIL CASE NO.2018-128 AND REGISTER THE DIVORSE OF SPOUSES ALLAN RONALD B. MARIN AND, SWEETHEART GERALD-MARIN ALLAN RONALD B. MARIN AND, SWEETHEART GERALD-MARIN, Petitioners. X -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on February 25, 2012, Clarin, Misamis Occidental, both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at Tubod, Iligan City and Clarin, Misamis Occidental, respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for FIVE years (5) now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on, February 25, 2012, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 18th day of December 2018. (Gsd.) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge MDN: Dec 25, 2018, Jan 1 & 8, 2019

- versus -

AMANTE CARLO DUAY CANCELLATION OF TITLE Defendants. x------------------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on July 21, 1979 at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at Purok 8, Tubod, Iligan City and Purok 4, Barangay 9,, Malaybalay City ,Bukidnon, respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for ten years (10) now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on, July 21, 1979 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance set the initial hearing of this case on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 21th day of December 2018.

Civil Case No. 2017-_____

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Intestate estate of the late SPS Pedro Y. Acawan and Fileza G. Acawan, leaving a parcel of Land located at Capitan Juan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, with an area of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (100,431) sq. meters and technically described as follows: Lot Number – 3807, CAD-653, Case No.14 Location – Capitan Juan, Lantapan, Bukidnon Area – ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (100,431) more or less Is subject of Extra-Judicial Settlement Among Heirs with Deed of Absolute Sale. Under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. Demosthenes A. Mediante, Jr.; per Doc No. 448; Page No. 90; Book No. 1; Series of 2018. MDN: Dec 18, 25, 2018 & Jan 1, 2019

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Intestate estate of the late SPS Catalino Dayagbil and Eulalia PantonialDayagbil, died without leaving a will or Testament. They left certain property, more particularly described as follows: A parcel of land identified as Lot 725-E, Bsd-101312-001866 (AR), being a portion of Lot 725, Pls-800, Malaybalay Public Land Subd., situated in the Barangay of San Jose, City of Malaybalay, Province of Bukidnon. Containing an area of TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY NINE (24,399) sq. meters, more or less. Covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. AT-8495. Is subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. Flaviano T. Gapol, Jr.; per Doc No. 221; Page No. 45; Book No. LVII; Series of 2015. MDN: Dec 18, 25, 2018 & Jan 1, 2019

For:

QUIETING OF TITLE RECONVEYANCE, ETC., COMPLAINT

PLAINTIFF through Counsel, to the Honorable Court, most respectfully state:

1. That plaintiff NAIDA MEMORACION ESTRELLA, is of legal age, Married to SSG Carlos Estrella (PA), Filipino and a resident of Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, but for ease of processes of the Honorable Court she may be served notices and processes of the Honorable Court at the SALCEDO-BABARIN and BABARIN Law Office, at Capistrano- Yacapin St., Cagayan de Oro City;

2. That defendant AMANTE CARLOS DULAY is of legal age, Single, Filipino, and may be served with notices and other court processes at Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City.

3. That plaintiff NAIDA M. ESTRELLA is the Conjugal Owner of property located in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, and which property is more particularly described as follows: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-102988 “A PACEL OF LAND (Lot 2, Block 5, of the cons. Subd. plan., Pcs-10001272, being a portion of Lots 4315-D-1, Lots 4315-D-3, Lots 4315-D-4, Psd-10-008620, Lots 4315-E, 4315-H,4315-I, 4315-K, all of Psd-10-00112, Lots 4315-G-1, 4315-G-2, 4315-G-3 & 4315-G-4, Psd-10-008603 and Lots 4311 & 4311-I, all of Psd- 10-003023), situated in the Barangay Patag, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao.

4. That sometime in March 1994 up to December 2013 plaintiff worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Hong Kong, going home to the Philippines only every two (2) years;

5. That after the plaintiff got home, she decided to place her papers in proper order; that it was sometime in 2015, while sorting her papers she was looking for the Owners Copy of TCT No. T- 102988 over the above described property but she could not locate the same;

6. That she asked her husband the whereabouts of the title and her husband told her not to worry for it was in the safekeeping of his brother Herman Estrella who is a resident of Valencia City , Bukidnon; Hearing this the plaintiff felt relieved; 7. That someone in 2016 the plaintiff demanded from Herman Estrella the surrendered of the Certificate of Title but for several weeks she was put-off, until she thought perhaps the Owners copy of TCT No. T- 102988 may have been lost or misplaced;

8. That thinking that the owner’s copy of TCT No. T- 102988 may have been lost or misplaced, she consulted a lawyer to file a petition for issuance of new owner’s duplicate title, and one of the requirements was for her to obtain a Certified True Copy of TCT No. T- 102988 from the Register of Deeds of Cagayan de Oro City.

9. That not in a hurry, the plaintiff after several weeks finally obtained a certified copy of TCT T- 102988 but to her horror emblazoned on its face was the word “CANCELLED”; The plaintiff could not grasp what is the meaning of this so she confronted her husband about it and her brother in law, as per copy of TCT No. T- 102988 hereto attached as ANNEX “A” and made integral part hereof;

10. That the husband of plaintiff confessed that TCT No. T- 102988 was lent by him to his brother NOT for safekeeping but to guarantee a loan; however the husband was quick to add that he did NOT sign anything;

11. That suspicious, plaintiff went to the Register of Deeds and requested a copy of the document that cancelled TCT No. T- 102988 and she was given a copy of a Deed of Sale over the subject property dated January 2000, as per copy of Document of Sale hereto attached as ANNEX “B” and made integral part hereof;

12. That plaintiff was fuming mad about this discovery and with all the more for she saw her signature FORGED in the “marital consent” ; she could not have signed the document for she was out of the country and she never consented the sale of the same; She then confronted her husband and her brother in law ; Her husband denied signing anything or said he forgot about signing anything, while his brother in law, merely stopped talking with her;

13. That the fact that for over several years the property has been enjoyed by plaintiff and her family up to now without any shadow of Amante appearing thereat or questioning them;

14. That clearly the Deed of Sale conveying property under TCT No. T- 102988 to Amante Carlo Dulay is null and void and also the certificate of title issued as a result of the void document.

WHEREFORE premises considered, plaintiff pray of the Honorable Court after due notice and hearing to render judgement :

A.) DECLARING the Deed of Sale in favor of AMANTE CARLO DULAY over property under TCT No. T- 102988 as NULL and VOID. B.) QUEITING TITLE over property under TCT No. T- 102988 and CANCELLING TCT No. 186673, in the name of AMANTE CARLO DULAY, and RECONVEYING and REINSTATING back TCT No. T-102988, and C.) DAMAGES in favor of plaintiff at the discretion of the Honorable Court;

Such other remedies just under the premises and later on may be proven are likewise prayed for.

City of Cagayan de Oro, April 20, 2017.

MDN: Dec 20, 27, 2018 & Jan 3, 2019

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Inflation... from page 2

of the priority infrastructure programs are roads, bridges and airports that are seen to help boost the economy, most especially in the far-flung communities of Mindanao. “We are certain that the government’s efforts will pay off and we will see improvements in the state of the country’s infrastructure over the medium-term,” he added. 2019 outlook Pernia sees the economy accelerating closer to 7 percent next year on the back of infrastructure and election spending. “The resilience of the Philippine economy in 2018 will likely continue over the medium term. With key reforms scored this year, we expect the performance of the economy to be robust despite domestic and external risks. This will be supported by the “Build, Build, Build” program gaining steam expected next year,” he said. The NEDA chief noted the global growth is expected to slow down starting next year, noting external environment “seems to be less supportive” of the country’s potential economic growth. As more projects of regional significance are expected to be included in line agency budgets for implementation, Pernia said these could provide a strong foundation for growth next year. This follows the signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular between NEDA and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) strengthening the link between national planning and budgeting with those of the regions. Pernia said he also expects a bouncy tourism sector with the Philippine hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games next year. “In terms of policies, NEDA has been on the forefront of several campaigns and advocacies for key reforms that will pave the way for economic growth that is inclusive and leaves no one behind. We anticipate reforms successfully laid out in 2018 to be felt by 2019,” he said. Pernia cited the signing into law of the Ease of Doing Business Act, or Republic Act 11032, which aims to simplify the requirements and streamlines procedures in starting and opening a business in the country. “This hopefully will result in enhanced business competitiveness, lessened bureaucracy, and reduced opportunities for corruption, while more foreign businesses are attracted to invest in the country,” he said. Pernia further said the signing of Executive Order No. 65 promulgating the Eleventh Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL) is also a boost to the country’s business com-

petitiveness. “Liberalizing more sectors for foreign investment in the country will open the country for new technology and innovation,” he added. Pernia also vowed to continue to push reforms in the coming years, as he reiterated a call for the immediate passage of the amendment of the Public Service Act, the Universal Health Care Bill, Coco Levy Bill, and the National Land Use Act. “We urge Congress to pass our budget for 2019 at the soonest possible time. We need this to make sure that we are on track of meeting our development targets,” he added. Pernia said the government is fully committed to enable the Philippines to join the ranks of uppermiddle-income countries by 2019 and reduce poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022. By the World Bank’s definition, upper-middle income economies have gross national income (GNI) per capita between USD3,896 and USD12,055. “We are just below the USD3,900,” he said. “By 2019, even we grow only at 4.4 percent per capita instead of 4.9 percent, which has been the case in the past several years, it will hit over USD4,000 per capita by 2019.” (PNA)

Elections... from page 5

of accountability for those responsible. "Kung sino po yung may kasalanan ay mananagot (Whoever is responsible will be made accountable)," he said. Go said investigations are also ongoing to identify those behind the slay of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was running for mayor of Daraga, Albay. Duterte earlier said that terror should not be committed, regardless of whether the assailant is a government official or a plain citizen. (Earl Jed Roque/PNA)

Signed... from page 1

regions in Mindanao. Eleven days after he enacted BOL, Duterte approved RA 11055 creating PhilSys or National ID which serves as a single official identification card for all citizens and foreign residents in the country. Duterte has said the PhilSys will boost his drive against “social menaces of poverty, corruption, and criminal issues as well as terrorism and violent extremism”. This year, the President also signed equally important laws such as RA 11053 or the ‘Anti-Hazing Act of 2018’ which completely prohibits all forms of hazing and imposes harsher penalties. To encourage more local and foreign investors, Duterte also signed RA 11032 or an act promoting ease of doing business and

Tue-Thu, January 1-3, 2019 efficient delivery of government services. Other significant measures signed into law include: RA 11148 or the so-called ‘First 1,000 Days’ Law which seeks to provide health and nutrition to children during their early days of development; RA 11037 institutionalizing a national feeding program for “undernourished” grade school pupils; and RA 11036 creating National Mental Health policy. Since his overwhelming victory as the first President from Mindanao in the 2016 elections, Duterte has signed a total of 227 laws, many of them for the establishment of national high schools, barangays and hospitals. Executive Orders, Memorandum Circulars For 2018, Duterte also made substantial achievem e nt s i n g ov e r n a n c e through the issuance of Executive Orders (EOs) and Memorandum Circulars (MCs) particularly those that bolstered his campaign against environment exploitation, terrorism, insurgency and illegal drugs. Two weeks after he ordered the closure of Boracay, Duterte signed EO 53 on May 8 creating an inter-agency task force to address the degradation of the island paradise which the President described as ‘cesspool’ due to illegal waste discharge and other environmental problems brought by years of neglect. After six-month cleanup and rehabilitation, the famous island tourist destination reopened on Oct. 26 with clean waters, proper sewerage system, widened roads and new rules and regulations that will protect Boracay. Duterte’s order to rehabilitate B oracay has prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to also correct possible environmental flaws in other tourist destinations of the country. The President also boosted his drug war by issuing EO 66 which directed all government offices, departments, bureaus, agencies and offices to implement the Philippine anti-illegal drugs strategy (PADS). The EO was supported by Memorandum Circular 53 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Nov. 12, directing all government offices and public universities and colleges to take “active role” in the war against illicit drugs. To address insurgency, Duterte signed EO 70 on Dec. 4 to institutionalize the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach in attaining and sustainable peace by creating a national task force aimed at ending local communist armed conflict. He also issued EO 68 adopting the national anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) strategy, and EO 69 granting financial support to the Citizen Armed Force

Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Serve (CAFGUAAS). To sustain economic growth, Duterte signed EO 65 promulgating the Eleventh Regular Foreign Investment Negative List; EO 64 reviving barter in Mindanao; EO 61 modifying the rates of import duty on certain imported articles; EO 57 reducing rates of duty on imported capital equipment, spare parts and accessories, EO 51 which protects the right to security of tenure of all workers. Duterte also strengthened the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) through EO 50 directing all concerned government agencies and local government units to implement the MSME Development Plan 2017-2022. Aside from EO 53 on drug war, another important circular issued by the Palace was MC No. 52 creating inter-agency task force on federalism and constitutional reforms. Presidential proclamations A total of 241 presidential proclamations have also been approved in 2018, many of them declaring special (non-working) days in different areas of the country. Proclamation 572 was the most controversial as it revoked the amnesty granted to the Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. According to the proclamation, the grant of amnesty to Trillanes is declared “void ab initio” (invalid from the beginning) because the lawmaker did not comply with the minimum requirements such as filing of the official amnesty application form and “expressly” admission of guilt for the crimes of rebellion. Trillanes, a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, was one of the military officers who led at least three military uprisings -- the Oakwood Mutiny, Marines Stand-off and Manila Peninsula siege against former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Duterte also issued Proclamation 489 on May 15 to formally declare 352,390 hectares of the Philippine Rise within the country’s executive economic zone (EEZ) as the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR). In 2017, Duterte issued EO No. 25 renaming the 13-million-hectare area undersea landmass off Aurora from Benham Rise to Philippine Rise. Administrative orders Duterte, meanwhile, signed five administrative orders (AO) in 2018 including AO No. 13 which removed non-tariff barriers and streamlined administrative procedures on the importation of agricultural products particularly rice. The order was the government’s solution to the rising prices of rice and

other agricultural products while waiting for the Rice Tariffication Bill to be signed into law. The bill, certified as urgent by the President in October, was approved by the bicameral conference committee of Congress on Nov. 22 and is expected to be signed “anytime” soon by Duterte, according to Malacañang. Other important administrative orders signed this year were AO No. 10 centralizing all government efforts for the reintegration of former rebels; AO No. 11 which created an oversight panel for the entry of third telecommunications player; and, AO No. 12 directing all government agencies in implementing the National Security Strategy 2018. (PNA)

Botanist... from page 1

in the country, 39 species and 3 subspecies are found in Quezon province. It is no wonder that another subspecies was uncovered in the same area,” explained Conda. Also called wax plant, wax vine, wax flower or shooting star, Hoya is an Asian native plant that usually creeps or climbs. It has thick, waxy leaves and a cluster of flowers that holds up to 40 individual flowers firmly packed together. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, 13 December 2018)

Deal... from page 4

venture near the shoal are invariably chased by the Chinese. -In the Spratlys, China deployed anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems on all of the seven artificial islands it had built. -Just off Pag-Asa (which is occupied by Philippine troops, China deployed four ships to chase off Filipino fishermen from the Sandy Car sand bar. The move was clearly intended to prevent the Philippines from doing much needed repair work in Pag-Asa. -In 2017, China stepped up its construction of runways, capable to accommodating fighter jets, transforming occupied features into virtual air and naval bases. President Duterte must have studied Law under the same professor who taught us Property in our sophomore year. The professor taught both at the Ateneo and San Beda. The professor, may his soul rest in peace, told our class: “You don’t argue with your neighbor over property boundaries when your neighbor is holding a gun.” D ute r te app are nt ly learned his lesson well. Still fresh in Duterte’s mind, is the manner by which China massacred its own citizen in Tiananmen Square in 1989 and how China dealt with the Vietnamese in the Paracels Islands in 1974. Further, Duterte doubts if the US would come to

11

our aid should push comes to shove in the West Philippines. C ertainly not when US statements on the implementation of the Mutual Defense Treaty remain ambiguous at best. And definitely not when President Trump himself announced that the US will stop playing policeman to the world. There was a time when Scarborough shoal, part of the disputed territories, was used by US naval forces as a target range. China did not raise as much as a whimper. But that was a long time ago. International law experts, not unmindful of the realities of the ground, claim that the Philippines is not left with options. These options, of course easier said than done, have to be pursued. In other words, we “use it or lose it”. Some suggestions from the experts: (as quoted in Marites Danguilan Vitug’s book) -SC Justice Antonio Carpio: “The real and practical option for the Philippines is to talk with China while taking measures to fortify the arbitral ruling”. -International pressure could encourage the implementation of the award –but friendly countries have to the take the lead from the Philippines. -The Philippines must invest heavily in upgrading its coast guard. -Follow the Nicaragua model. In a case filed against the United States, where the US did not participate, Nicaragua obtained a favorable decision from the International Court of Justice. Nicaragua then went to the UN Security Council to have the ICJ ruling enforced. As a member of the Security Council, the US exercised its veto power. Undeterred, Nicaragua went straight to the General Assembly which eventually ordered the US to comply with the ICJ ruling. Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@ gmail.com. You may also “like” us on Facebook at “Speaking Out.”

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Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Greetings from:

The Management and Staff of