Mindanao Daily Set A (October 13, 2016)

MindanaoDAILY THE PURVEYOR OF TRUTH , JUSTICE, AND DEVELOPMENT

Volume VI, No. 113

web portal: www.mindanaodailynews.com

P10m worth of cigarettes seized in Oro

C

Thursday

October 13, 2016

P15.00

A1

By GERRY LEE GORIT, Correspondent

AGAYAN de Oro City--At least P10 million worth of fake and imported items were seized by the Bureau of Customs as they raided warehouses in the Cogon area Tuesday and Wednesday.

The bulk of the goods comprised of about 350 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes reportedly imported from China and Taiwan, said Sonny Sarmiento, Customs technical assistant at the Office of Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon during an interview yesterday.

The raid, he said, stemmed from a tip given to them by anonymous citizens on the proliferation of

smuggled and fake products in the local market in Northern Mindanao.

Acting on the directive of Faeldon, the Customs team from Manila and region 10 raided the warehouses owned by a certain Mr. Chan.

He said they have yet to verify the complete name of the owner of the items as they also demand See seized, page A7

SMUGGLED BOXES OF CIGARS. Two officials from the Bureau of Customs in Manila, Capt. Joenel Pogoy (right), and Capt. Sonny Sarmiento (second from right) inspect the smuggled assorted boxes of cigarretes that the BOCManila uncovered at a warehouse near Cogon market in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday. Intelligence Officer II Alvin Enciso (left) of the Bureau of Customs in Region 10 (BOC-10) talks with the representative of a tobacco company shortly after the raid. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

Opinion today A4 & A5 Development is not a just a dream

n

n A leader and his own problem

Agusan radiomen elated over dismissal of erring NTC exec government service of the former regional director of the National Telecommunications Commission who SAN Francisco, Agusan del Sur—Local have been the subject of their gripes broadcast journalists have expressed on alleged extortion activities to radio a sigh of relief on the dismissal from stations in the province.

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Contributing Editor

Farmers denounce killing of ‘Saypan’

Strength of people

n

Is there basis for Ramos’ claims n

Banana Congress. President Rodrigo Duterte at the National Banana Congress in Davao City on Friday, October 7, 2016 said “the greatest promise of the banana growers in the Philippines … is really the law and order” and urged everyone to help “put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion.”

Robinson Niñal/Presidential Photo

By SHAINE ABEJERO New Era University-intern

n Mercy: What a gift

Military to militants: Help in the investigation

With a hardened heart

DAVAO City––The military’s 10th Infantry Division told the militant group who accused them of masterminding the death of farmer Jimmy Saipan, who was an anti-mining and human rights activist,

A FARMERS group on Monday condemned in the strongest terms the killing of one of its leaders on October 10.

In a press statement,

See military, page A2

See farmers, page A7

n

Editorial: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • Advertising: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Contact: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776

A2 NewsInFocus

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Military to militants: Help in the investigation

DAVAO City––The military’s 10th Infantry Division told the militant group who accused them of masterminding the death of farmer Jimmy Saipan, who was an anti-mining and human rights activist, to cooperate in the ongoing police investigation to identify the suspects.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Secretary General Antonio Flores earlier blamed the killing of Saipan on the 10ID, who he said has been “terrorizing the entire Compostela Valley since 2008.”

Capt. Rhyan B. Batchar, chief of 10ID’s division public affairs, called on Flores “to instead cooperate with the ongoing police investigation of the cowardly killing of Mr. Saipan by providing information and evidences to support his allegations against any suspect.”

He said that they are willing to investigate any of their members if the KMP could present investigation that would point to any 10ID personnel who may have attacked the farmer leader early Monday.

Batchar advised the militants to wait for the results of the police investigation.

“We encourage con-

Gunmen kill anti-mining, human rights

PROTEST ACTION. The slain Jimmy Saypan in a protest action in Compostela town calling for the pull-out of military and Agusan Petroleum in their communities. Photo supplied cerned individuals and groups to file appropriate charges against any of our personnel who commit any crime. We do not tolerate any misbehavior of our troops and will be very grateful to those who will

help us purge our ranks of misfits,” he said.

Saipan, the secretary general of the Compostela Farmers Association (CFA), was attacked by unidentified gunmen around 5:45 a.m. on Monday in Montevista

town in Compostela Valley.

He survived the ambush and rushed to the nearby Poblacion area to ask for help from concerned citizens.

Saipan was then brought to the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital and later transferred to the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, Davao del Norte where he died at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday.

In a statement, the militant group believed that

the attack on Saipan had something to do with his anti-mining stance in the community.

Saipan opposed the entry of Agusan Petroleum and Mineral Corp. (AGPET), a large mining company owned by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) that covers 12,000 hectares within the ancestral domain of the Lumads. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion

for Orders, Contact Yoyong:

09354145759 09169249371

DAVAO City--An antimining and human rights activist died a day after he was ambushed in Montevista town in Compostela Valley.

Jimmy P. Sayman, a Mandaya farmer from Barangay Ngan in Compostela town, was shot by two unidentified gunmen around 5:45am on Monday.

According to a report released by the Police Regional Office 11, Sayman was riding his motorcycle along the national highway in Purok 6-A, Brgy. San Jose Poblacion in Montevista when the suspects aboard a black motorcycle shot him once.

The assailants escaped towards Compostela town.

Sayman, 48, secretary general of the Comval Farmers Association (CFA), managed to ask for help from the people near the ambush site.

He was brought to Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital where he received initial treatment before he was transferred to Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, Davao del Norte where he died at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday.

In a statement issued before Sayman died, CFA vice chairperson Noli Villanueva said the group condemned the incident.

He said Saypan stood against the human rights abuses allegedly committed by the 66th Infantry Battalion, and opposed the entry of Agusan Petroleum and Minerals Corporation.

The group renewed its call to President Rodrigo Duterte to pull out the military from their community and hold them accountable for the alleged human rights abuses, among them, the harassment of their leaders.

“It is outrageous that this happened while we are celebrating peasant and indigenous month this October, a peasant and a lumad like Jimmy Saypan who defended his farmland and ancestral land suffered this brutalities. It is also ironic that as the new administration is forwarding peace efforts the AFP officials and personnel in the ground remain to be rabid butchers,” he said.

The group claimed that the attack was “a form of silencing our leader.”

Duterte said on September 22 in Cagayan de Oro See gunmen, page A7

A3

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Seda Centrio celebrates

Oktoberfest

Beer lovers all over the world rejoice every time October sets in because it means one whole month of beer festivals.

These festivals are known as Oktoberfest celebrations.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, where an annual beer festival and traveling funfair takes place from middle or late September to early October. Considered an integral part of Bavarian culture, the festival is celebrated in different ways around the world. The central figure in all these celebrations is beer; large amounts of it, plus food and some music.

In the Philippines, Oktoberfest is celebrated with music and food. Throughout October, various concerts featuring the country’s top bands are held in different venues around the country. Restaurants and hotels also come up with special events to commemorate these Oktoberfest celebrations. Some of these events feature popular German food like sausages.

Here in Cagayan de Oro, Seda Centrio Hotel’s Misto is one of the establishments offering special treats for the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Beer Time Oktoberfest actually started early at Seda as it introduced Beer Time at Misto last August. This is perfect for beer lovers who want to unwind after a challenging day at the office.

From Monday to Friday, guests at Misto you can order all your favorite local beers at a discounted price of Php80.

For a more satisfying Beer Time experience, you can pair off your beer with any of the restaurant’s Snack Platters. If you want something sweet and spicy, go for the Sweet Beef Tapa with Spicy Coconut Dip. If you prefer to take your beer with something fried, try Misto’s Crispy Squid Heads.

Other Snack Platter choices are Tokwa’t Baboy, Sisig Sipa, Sinuglaw, and one of their bestsellers, Cheeseboard. Prices for these platters are reasonable, ranging from Php180 to Php350.

Other alcoholic drinks are available at 30% off per glass.

Beer Time at Misto is from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Oktoberfest at Misto Oktoberfest celebration at Seda Centrio is special this year.

From October 15 to 22, you and your friends can celebrate world’s largest beer festival at Misto. For only Php699, savor all the mouthwatering grilled sausages that you can. Pair this with one free round of iced tea, or you can order your favorite beer or alcoholic beverage at a special discounted price.

Oktoberfest at Misto is from 6pm to 10pm.

Misto is located at the 4th floor of Seda Centrio Hotel. For more information and for your reservations, please contact 088-323 8888 or 0917-577 5910. You may also send an email to reservations.cdo@ sedahotels.com.

Cheers! Prost! See you at Seda Centrio!

The NATIONAL DAIRY AUTHORITY-MINDANAO FIELD OFFICE (NDA-MFO), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites sealed written tenders for the: “SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF TWO (2) UNITS BRAND NEW PICKUP TYPE VEHICLES UNDER PUBLIC BIDDING” with an Approved Budget Contract (ABC) amounting to TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 2,200,000.00) sourced from the regular funds.

All particulars relative to Eligibility Screening, Bid Bond, Performance Bond, Pre-Bidding Conferences, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and award of Contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

War dance. Students from the Makilala National High School perform a Manobo

war dance during the Kasagingan Festival on October 7, 2016 in Makilala, North Cotabato. MindaNews photo by Geonarri Solmerano

House panel tackles Charter change modes THE House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments on Wednesday started its deliberations on the proposed Charter change measures in preparation for a shift to a federal form of government.

The House panel, chaired

by Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, tackled the modes of overhauling the 1987 Constitution, either through a constituent assembly (Con-Ass) or a constitutional convention (Con-Con).

Several lawmakers made a pitch for convening Congress as a constituent assembly to draft a new charter since it is more practical and more expeditious than a constitutional convention, which requires an election of delegates.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said a constituent assembly is the “most cost-efficient and fastest mode”, noting that a ConCon entails billions of pesos and operational expenses.

Similarly, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. favored a constituent assembly because it is the “most practical mode as far as amending the Constitution is concerned”.

House deputy speaker and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who backed Con-Ass, said that there should be less discussion in adopting a resolution and more discussion in the assembly itself.

Meanwhile, other See modes, page A7

The tenderers shall be required to submit until 25 October 2016, the following documents for pre-qualification: a. Certified list of related contracts ongoing and completed for the past five (5) years including quantity and specifications name of client with telephone numbers, date of contract and project cost b. Articles of Incorporation or Partnership or its equivalent c. Audited Financial Statement for the current and previous year d. Latest Income and Business Tax Returns duly stamped and received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and duly validated with the tax payments made (per EO 398 dated January 12, 2005) e. Tax clearance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue ( per EO 398 dated January 12, 2005) f. Business license/registration g. Authority of the Local Representative, if any h. Company Profile i. The prospective bidder’s audited financial statements, stamped “received” by the BIR or its duly accredited and authorized institutions, for the immediately preceding calendar year, showing, among others, the prospective bidder’s total and current assets and liabilities; j. The prospective bidder’s computation for its Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC); or a commitment from a licensed bank to extend a credit line if awarded the contract to be bid; or a cash deposit certificate, which shall be at least equal to ten percent (10%) of the approved budget for the contract (ABC) to be bid; k. Sworn statement of the Bidder that it is not related to the head of the NDA by consanguinity or affinity up to the third civil degree or any of the NDA’s officers or employees l. PhilGeps Registration/Accreditation Purchase of Bid Documents for the “SUPPY AND DELIVERY OF TWO (2) UNITS BRAND NEW PICKUP TYPE VEHICLES” may be obtained from the NDA-MFO BAC Secretariat from 10 to 25 October 2016 upon payment of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00). A Pre-Bid Conference for Qualified tenderers shall be conducted on 18 October 2016 at 2:00pm and the Opening of Bids shall be held on 25 October 2016 at 2:00pm. Both activities shall be conducted at the NDA-NM Department Office, Door 206, Waterside Living Complex Bldg., Julio Pacana St., Licoan, Cagayan de Oro City. The Bidder must present a bid bond during the bid opening in any of the following forms:

The NDA_MFO reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts hereof, to waive any information therein, or to accept such bids or to award any part thereof to any bidder/s whose bid/s is/are considered most advantageous to the NDA. (SGD.) MARLON C. FLORES BAC-Chairman 10 October 2016

MDN: Oct 10-16, 2016

A4 Opinion

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Development is not a just a dream Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA, mindanao daily westmin and Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are founded by by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS on May 18, 2011 under Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certififcate No. 01791042 , Region 10. It is incorporated as MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION on February 17, 2015 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. Business Plate No. BP-28984 Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000

MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION Publisher main office Door 2, 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 President and CEO TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera Advertising Rolando sudaria Production

WE are not just hoping for it where one among four Filipinos are poor. Our country’s leadership seems passionate for development.

Looking at the fundamentals of sustainable development discourses-economic, social and environmental--the administration of president Duterte has a unique outlook of a maverick. The good news is Duterte scraps off the oligarch’s control of our government, which for ages have stalled a genuine upward leap.

This means the government is no longer ostensibly putting programs as a means to create “pogi points” which Filipinos have scorned. The actions of the present administration

bureau and mktg staff

candy macabale - 09161326483 ED A. MAINIT - 09156590273 RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - TITA FINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 tangub city - bobby mag usara OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 OZAMIZ CITY - VICTORIO D. ESTUDILLO - 0926-321-9389/0923-839-5137 ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 davao - MARLON GAYOG-09276314995 davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 davao occidental - alma ORTIZ - 09058532215 davao city/island samal - jessie palabao -0935-874-9825/ -0946-242-6672 digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez davao city - flaviano mahinay davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) mati, davao - ronald “sanchez” sicad - 0936-704-2580 tagum city, davao del norte - rhodel javier - 0939-509-2970 comval province - mike sumapig lupogan - 0926-182-3005 Davsur, davao occ., gensan and saranggani province: butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO

Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

are housekeeping efforts to make us feel safe from drug-related crimes.

But we see beyond mere housekeeping such as the appointment of grassrootssympathetic secretaries in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of

Strength of people

PRESIDENT Digong Duterte, who might have --------------------------------------------------------------------------manila marketing office thought he was the great9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. est and went wild into his Salcedo Village, Makati City killing instinct, finally, met people who would oppose lani vallido MIJIE JUAT him and even criticized his Marketing and Sales MAY IGLECIAS

excesses. The heavy criti Manager Account Executives --------------------------------------------------------------------------cisms of movie star Agot EDITORIAL Isidro should put Duterte so ashamed that he must now ALLAN M. MEDIANTE tone down on his expression Editor-in-Chief or pronouncement of words.

ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ He must change his lifestyle

Managing Editor Executive Editor and act as chief executive of the country with honor CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO JOEL ESCOL and dignity and not as an Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor Feature Editor ordinary guy in Davao City. gerry lee gorit

GILBERT Y. CHAO And I praise Miss Isidro for

Motoring Editor Photo Journalist her strength and courage to assail a top politician.

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Former President Fidel Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao Ramos described Duterte’s

administration, particularly Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor on his criticisms against America, favoring in the

AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA process China, as a failure.

Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant If this sour gesture of Ra felix santillan EDSEL BANTOL

Layout Artist Layout Artist

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------

Lucell Larawan

Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

By principle, the social aspect of sustainable development meets distributional equity, provision of social services and political accountability and participation. The recent pressure on Hacienda Luisita to pay the farmers is an indicator. The end of unfair contractualization of labor is imminent.

Hotlines like the 8888 to report corruption and 911 emergency dial spares us a lot of bureaucratese.

As environmental policies avoids over-exploitation of renewable resource systems, we see development will be sustainable. The revocation of 30 non-com-

mos were fired by other politicians, it would mean nothing to Duterte. We recall it was Ramos, who prodded Duterte to run for the presidency and the killings must have embarrassed him. I would even suggest that Digong should resign as president. It was too early that he displayed his true color. This must be the change he was talking about.

Many Filipino Americans in several states of America expressed their disappointment of their once favorite candidate Digong Duterte. They said they expected so much of Duterte to do miracles in the country, particularly on the issue of poverty. They were dismayed. On top of this, criminality which he vowed to eradicate has ironically skyrocketed with murders

every day.

Well, there is nothing we can do with our president, but give him the time to change. From his small authority in Davao, he rose so abruptly, to rule the country and he must adjust to the new environment. And because there is nothing we can do, and since we accepted him to rule- - let him proceed. The things I like with Digong is his honesty, determination and know-how. Because of these features I guess things really will change. And it would be for better things unlike some of those past politicians who ended up in corruption. Digong has never been heard of as linked to any wrongdoing.

His only weakness in life is his being a womanizer, which he divulged, but that was a long time ago when

Mercy: What a gift THINK a Minute.

There’s a story about a very poor family who inherited $100,000. The mother knew this was their only chance to buy a nice little house and a better life.

The daughter saw the money as her only chance to go to medical school and become a doctor. But the older brother wanted the $100,000 to start a business with his friend. He promised his mother and sister that he would soon pay back the money.

Well, the mother decided to give her son the one chance he needed to start a business and become successful. But just a few days later, that son’s business friend took all the money

and ran. That family’s only hope for a better life was completely gone.

You can imagine how terribly guilty the son felt.

His sister was so angry she hated him for what he had done.

She called him the worst names she could think of.

But her mother stopped her and said to her daughter: “Don’t you know that the time to love somebody is not just when they’re doing well. That’s not real love.

Real love is loving someone when they’re at their worst and failed. When they can’t believe in themselves. It’s now that your brother needs our love and acceptance the most! And if you haven’t learned that,

then you haven’t learned anything!”

That’s the kind of love and mercy God has given you and me. There’s no possible way we can ever earn or deserve God’s love and forgiveness.

We’re like the soldier in Napolean’s army who was being punished for a crime he had done. His mother begged the great leader Napolean for mercy on her son. Napolean said: “Woman, your son does not deserve mercy.” And the mother answered: “I know, sir. If he deserved it, then it would not be mercy.”

You see, it’s God’s mercy and love that Jesus Christ died to give us. Because He knows it’s our only hope for

Hardened heart

OUR heart becomes hardened when we choose to ignore that inner feeling inside which nudges us to do or say something.

When this feeling is ignored too many times the heart becomes insensitive to conviction and it becomes hardened.

It’s important to realize the impact of our actions or inactions.

Have you declined your compassion to others with a hard heart?

Reflection from Ephesians 4:18 “Their minds are full of darkness; they wandered far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.”

pliant mining companies’ permits tells us the seriousness of the government to enforce laws for our ecology.

It tells us that the country’s natural resources are not pizza for the magnates.

After conquering the drug war a few months from now, we have high hopes to defeat what ails our society.

Development is a hot topic nowadays. If you want to present papers at the International Conference on Regional Development and Local Government to be held in Bohol, send your abstract online and be able to connect with practitioners and scholars of development. See this link: http://www.sobiad. org/CONFEREN CES_held/ IC-REGIONAL/dead.html

The Striker

Ben Emata Jr.

he was young. Now he is 71 and people this age feel the end is near.

Because nobody is perfect, any nation will suffer, one way or another sort of blunder or things similar in that order. Leaders being human succumb to mistakes any moment. We criticize them, but still we forget and forgive. I just wish Digong’s advisers should remind him of his limitation. For instance, he forgot our See PEOPLE, page A7

Think A Minute

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

a better life both now, and after we die.

So won’t you ask Jesus right now for His gift of mercy and new life?

Just ask Him to forgive you for all your wrongs in the past, and to help you start changing with Him in charge of your life today, and every day.

Just Think a Minute.

Daily inspiration Juvy Sarraga

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

A leader and his own problem Agreeing or not with the chosen strategy for a certain national-critical problem is not other nations’ concern if they are not part of “this” nation.

Only “this” nation and their leader know their own critical problem. For that reason, any national strategy chosen is on their own responsibility. Let them solve their own problem.

A leader who is elected by the people, both popularly and famously—but not notoriously—has his own rights. This rights related to solving the nation’s problem he is leading.

Everything is proper as long as the whole people or in majority provide him with time and place (his country) to solve the national problem.

No other nation can intervene “this” leader’s strategies in tackling the nation’s major problem.

In a small-scale metaphor, we can judge the same condition above e.g., as in an organization. It can be in a company or institution where the members are under the leader’s authority. This organization must have its own and unique problem. By being unique, it means that the problem is very specific and of course, it might be very critical: problematic and complicated.

It is unique for only

Dr. Djuwari

“this” nation’s leader who has been voted by the people. It is very specific because the people have relied on him. And, it is very serious, due to the people’s understanding their own critical problem. In considering this national and critical situation, there are some controversies when the unique and specific strategy is taken into a global discussion.

G l o b a l at m o s p h e re deals with various factors, depending on the world public’s different points of view.

For that reason, when a certain nation’s unique problem is viewed from various nations’ perspectives, there are probably various comments.

When viewed from an other nations’ social perspective, the strategy can be controversial. When viewed from the human rights point of view, it can also be controversial. Yet,

Power clinging the last two minutes THAT man, the former City Vice-Mayor and O-I-C City Mayor of Iligan City, Ruderick Marzo before, together with his political cahoots, had shamelessly clung onto power the last two minutes. It was only unfortunate to think about that their actions that were supposedly considered by them as noble and warrantable and clothed with legal propriety, but nullified by the Commission on Audit, for it runs afoul to the legal precept.

I feel certain that they are likened to Lucifer as found in the book of Isaiah, which state: “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth, you who laid low the nations! You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will set enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit, (Isaiah 14:12-15). You were brought down Former City Vice-Mayor and O-I-C City Mayor before, together with your political cahoots into the political

quicksand of no return.

Your clinging into power for the last two minutes could be your fatal mistake.

What you did, together with your City Councilors, are devoid of logic and moral imperative thus shameful indeed in your part for your being honorable men and women that you were once and, most assuredly, you will never be called again as honorable people now and in the future, because you were convicted

by Ombudsman. You were perpetually disqualified of holding public office, unless, of course, you will be pardoned by the President.

Could it not mean that you are already that desperate politically?

What should be the very purpose of former City Vice-Mayor, together with his councilors, to cling into power for the last two minutes? Would it be for some ignoble purposes? Didn’t the Iliganons had already cast them down into the political quicksand of no return? Why? Precisely, as alleged, maybe for some ulterior motives, or for some ignoble purposes. It was being speculated that they wanted to gather more gold the last two minutes.

Why then that he and his cahoots have arrogated unto themselves the title of

that is the choice.

The most important thing is the trust given by the whole people throughout the country. When the whole people still rely on their leader, they should altogether be committed to whatever is done. So, it is a matter of national commitment. And, only the people who live in “this” country know what their leader does. Whether it is true or not depends, again, on their own perspective and their chosen leader.

However, there must also be an advocacy by the national experts to see the national strategy for the whole nation. Scrutinizing both the positive and negative impacts of certain strategy still needs to be done.

There is nothing perfect in life as long as the masterpiece is created by the human beings. There is no perfect strategy in the world life. Everything still needs wider consideration.

The more widely the strategy is evaluated, the better the result is.

The more experts get involved in determining the strategy, the better the strategy is. Nothing is perfect in the world. Advocacy by the experts from various considerations will lead to better result of the national administration.

When making a meta-

Agree or disagree

Demosthenes P. Maglasang Sr.

fiscalizers, progressiveness and lovers of democracy, but could not abide with grace and politeness to the will of the Iliganons that elected City Mayor Celso G. Regencia together with his ten councilors.

I would suggested you people, that it would be better for you to set aside any bitterness of losing the election. Do not allow such bitterness destroy your personalities and your political ambitions, for you were already been destroyed, no more to be destroyed upon.

In spite of such bitterness, why should you not let go of such bitterness and instead help the Regencia administration accelerate development and in the nipping in the bud of the illegal gambling and drugs in our city, to lessen your shame and ignominy, if you love our city, as you should, which may seems doubtful perhaps, as speculated by cynics and pundits alike.

Granting but not admitting that you loved our city, See POWER, page A7

Opinion A5

phoric expression, it can be similar to the proofreaders (advocacy) to the article (strateg y) to be published. These proofreaders can proofread all the articles submitted by the contributors. The more proofreaders get involved in proofreading the writing, the better the article being published. It must be also well-read by the readers of the publications.

Thus, advocacy by the experts in the national strategy is still required.

The advices and comments are important for making the strategy the best for the national solution. But, again, it is only the leader and the whole people who know their own national problem. Other nations cannot intervene any nation and their internal problem solution.

••• Editor’s Note. Dr. Djuwari is the Director of Language Laboratory, STIE Perbanas Surabaya. He is also the guest lecturer at Ottimmo International Master-gourmet Academy, Surabaya; The advisor of Indonesia Association of Press Practitioners/ Journalists in East Java province (HIPSI), Indonesia. He is also the president of the International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, and Reviewers (IASPER)

Is there basis for Ramos’ claims vs. Duterte?

LIFE’S INSPIRATION: “…

Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf…” (Isaiah 43:8, the Holy Bible).

-oooIS THERE BASIS FOR RAMOS’ CLAIMS VS. DUTERTE? So, okay, former President Ramos is not satisfied with the performance of President Duterte during the first 100 days of the Duterte government. According to Ramos, Duterte focused principally on the illegal drug trade, virtually leaving out issues on poverty, living costs, jobs, and foreign investment.

The question, however, is this: is there a factual basis for the claim of Ramos that nothing has been done by the Duterte government about poverty, living costs, jobs, and foreign investments during its first 100 days? It is significant to note that what Ramos offered in support of his claims are mere generalizations, without appropriate data to back him up.

This is dangerous as it is misleading, especially since it came from someone who, for all intents and purposes on account of his being Duterte’s personal representative on the South China Sea row, is a part of the

Kakampi mo ang batas

Atty. Batas Mauricio

Duterte government. People may entertain---as indeed, many, especially from those who oppose Duterte, are now entertaining the possibility that Duterte really failed in his first 100 days, as what Ramos said.

-oooDUTERTE GOV’T IS DOING ALL ITS CAN TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS: I mean, it is one thing to say that nothing is being done about something, and another to say that nothing is being reported about what the government is actually doing to address the many problems that have been inherited by President Duterte from past administrations, including that of Ramos.

What, to me, is happening at this point, is that,

PRE CHRISTMAS SALE

UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS

R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TENZEN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED GRANITE TILE IMPORTED GRANITE SLAB EUROLUX LIGHTING OSRAM LIGHTING FIREFLY LIGHTING AKARI LIGHTING FOCUS LIGHTING TILE TRIM WASH BASIN PVC MOULDING

ROYALTERN WATERCLOSET HUIDA WATERCLOSET SUNLOT WATERCLOSET SOHO WATERCLOSET ROYU ELECTRICAL DEVICES ANAM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GLASS BLOCK PINLIGHT/CHANDELIER BATHROOM ACCESSORIES CONCRETE PAVERS SHOWER PANEL ABC ZEMCOAT

CONGRATULATIONS

To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 Governor

ROYALTERN BATH TUB AEROGAZ WATERHEATER ARISTON WATERHEATER FIRSTANK STAINLESS TANK RONDINA KITCHEN FAUCET RONDINA LAVATORY FAUCET STAINLESS KITCHEN SINK PRETTYDOOR PVC DOOR ABC TILE ADHESIVE ABC TILE GROUT PVC/BRASS STAIRNOSSING DOOR KNOB

A6

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Duterte gets ‘very good’ to ‘excellent’ rating nationwide; Mindanao rates him ‘excellent’ DAVAO City––Criticisms against alleged extrajudicial killings in the ongoing war on drugs and his verbal outbursts notwithstanding, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the country’s 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines and the first Mindanawon to lead the country, got a net satisfaction rating of 64% and trust rating of 76%, with Mindanao giving him “excellent” marks at 84% and 94%, respectively, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey on September 24 to 27 shows.

The SWS survey also shows an 84% satisfaction with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs (54% very satisfied and 30% somewhat satisfied), with Mindanao again giving him the highest rating at 87%.

But Mindanao posted the lowest mark on the question, “in the police’s fulfillment of their duty in the campaign against illegal drugs, how important is it that they arrest suspects allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade alive?”

Nationwide, 71% said they find

it “very important” to keep suspects in the illegal trade alive, with Visayas posting the highest at 82%, NCR at 74%, balance of Luzon at 70%, and Mindanao, the lowest at 62%.

Nationwide, Duterte’s net satisfaction rating was “very good” with 76% satisfied and 11% dissatisfied or a net satisfaction rating of 64%, with Mindanao giving him “excellent” rating at 85% (88% satisfied, 4% dissatisfied).

The SWS’ net satisfaction rating is classified “excellent” for 70% and above, and “very good” for 50 to 69%).

Duterte got the second highest net satisfaction rating from Visayas at 62% (75% satisfied and 14% dissatisfied). In the National Capital Region (NCR), Duterte got 58% (74% satisfied and 16% dissatisfied); and 57% in the Balance of Luzon (70% satisfied, 13% dissatisfied).

The rural areas also showed more satisfaction than the urban areas with 67% for the former (78% satisfied and 11% dissatisfied) and 63%

for the latter (74% satisfied and 12 dissatisfied).

The poorer sector of society also showed more satisfaction than the ABC socio-economic class. Both D and E classes gave Duterte 65% with both having 76% satisfied and 11% dissatisfied. Class ABC gave Duterte 56% (69% satisfied and 13% dissatisfied).

More men are satisfied with Duterte’s performance than women.

The men gave Duterte 71% (79% satisfied and 8% dissatisfied), the women gave him 58% (72% satisfied and 15% dissatisfied).

Nationwide, Duterte’s net trust rating was “excellent” with 76% (83% much trust, 8% little trust); with Mindanao giving him 92% (94% much trust, 2%little trust).

The NCR gave Duterte second highest at 76% (83% much trust, 7% little trust); Visayas at 73% (82% much trust, 10% little trust), and the Balance of Luzon at 69% See good, page A7

Military in Mindanao undergoes 3-day anti-illegal drug training

By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City - The three day training of 70 military personnel of the army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) about illegal

drug enforcement started Monday here, a military official said.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, the army’s 4ID spokesperson, said that the training would expose elements of the military in Northern Mindanao and Eastern

Mindanao in the fight against illegal drugs in accordance with the police work.

The activity was a firm response to the current thr ust of the National Government in the fight against the illegal drug menace, Martinez said.

He said that the training would further enhance the capacity of each soldier to support the Law

Enforcement Operations being conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Martinez said that the training would certainly enhance the collaboration of the PNP and military in the implementation of the “Kabalikat Laban sa Druga” (Partners in the Fight Against Illegal Drugs), a Joint Implementing Plan in line with

SOON TO OPEN!!!

ELIFE INT’L RECRUITMENT AGENCY

the PNP’s Oplan DoubleBarrel.

He said that experts from the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were invited as resource persons to provide insights on matters pertaining to the whole process of the Law Enforcement Operations.

It is expected that the PNP and the PDEA would discuss the particular role of the Armed Forces of t he Phi lippines (AFP) in the anti-illegal drug campaign.

Major Gen. Benjamin R . Madr igal Jr., C om-

mander of the army’s 4ID, said that the “training was aimed at capacitating our troops on the rigors of law enforcement.”

“We need to give our all-out support in order to attain the pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte to eradicate the illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption in the country,” Madrigal said.

The desire of our President to create a drug-free country should be braced not only by the PNP and AFP but by the entire Filipino nation, Madrigal said.

MAMERT0 DY BUILDING @ P. GOMEZ STREET, BUTUAN CITY

MDN: Octo 10-14, 17 & 18, 2016

OROFIESTA TRADING SERVICES, INC. TEL. #S: 0998-991-3742 - Smart / 0917-720-3742 - Globe

PURCHASING OFFICER

Mindanao Daily TARPS-STICKERS-EWS

tarpaulin sticker billboards

backlitfilm panaflex photopaper

881-0100

0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com

www.mindanaodailynews.com

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH

Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on August 2016: AUCTION DATE: October 21, 2016 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

JY TRADING First Standard Finance Corporation Zone 2 Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental

services offered: - Vehicle Loans - Real Estate Loans contact numbers

- Car Financing 0935-111-7921 / 0997-381-1836

A7

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016

People... from page A4

country is just a dot in the eyes of the universe. We are so small and our capability is so little to notice.

We should be humble and patient and avoid displaying our muscles. We are not as big as America, England, Germany, France and others that we open our mouth so wide and spit non-sense issues.

We are losing our credibility. America must have been hurt badly of Digong’s “son of a bitch” and “go to hell” statements towards President Barack Obama resulting in the shortening of the joint American-Filipino war game this week. The military drill was beneficial to us in all aspects as our soldiers are exposed to modern war and the use of powerful weapons.

One more important issue is the joint patrol of the Americans and our men in the disputed seas which Duterte ordered to cease.

Our country is now open to invasion bereft of any advance security.

I can see Vice President Leni Robredo will soon break up good relationship with President Duterte.

Leni, who is soft-spoken and passionate lawyer disliked the murders of suspects without trial. More catholic bishops are now now vocal in their disagreement of Duterte’s kind of handling criminality in the country.

Some journalists are now opening their mouths and issue their criticism against the Duterte administration.

Duterte’s plan to have ties with Red China does not guarantee the Chinese will not grab more parts of our territory as it has done to the Scarborough. I even suspect such plan would amount to giving our whole country on a silver platter to the communists. The main problem now is Duterte is sometimes handling the affair of the country as if it is his personal corporation thus subject to his disposition.

Our country is dangling like a pendulum and I am afraid the people will be further divided. I still think we must unite and keep our surrounding solid and strong. We must strengthen our voice and look forward for progress and development. At the brink of discouragement, we must stand strong. We must open a new threshold of hope and stand firm on our belief. (Bennex News Service)

Power... from page A5

you should treat one another with mutual respect.

How could you arrogate that you are Christians in words and deeds, even one of you is a man of God, that up to now you still harbor ill feelings against the people that defeated you all on May 9, 2016 election? How could you be such a Christian in that manner? The main

objective of Christians is to love one another and even you enemy. In that score then, my honorable friends, could you be worthy enough to be called Christians in words and in deeds? No, not at all.

Remember, deliverance lay in the hands of the oppressed, not the oppressors.

The hope of redemption lay in the hands of the oppressed, not the oppressor. That the hope of redemption lay in solidarity not in divisiveness, and, regardless, therefore, of our personal differences and agenda, let us cast aside any bitterness. It would be imperatively discreet that you have “to transcend your petty selves, to forget your hurts and bitterness, and to cast aside thoughts of revenge and let sanity, reason and, above all, love of our country (city) prevail,” according to late Senator Ninoy Aquino.

Remember, there is an upsurge of drug addictions, drug pushing, illegal gambling and criminality, which remind us that we have no time to loss to put an end of all these malady, to join hand in hand to work together to solve these social ills threatening our city. The Iliganons have placed their hopes in the new set of elected officials for social reforms.

They will do their duties for they cannot afford to squander this chance history has given them to prove that they can tame political liberty with social responsibility. The problem we faced today are many, the challenges staggering and the expectations of the Iliganons rather high.

Most assuredly, the 15th City Council under the leadership of City ViceMayor Monsi Jemar Vera Cruz, of course, in coordination with City Mayor Celso G. Regencia’s program of government, are determined within their inherent powers to build a new Iligan City out of the ruins and wrinkles made by the outgoing 14th City Council, for they believed, and will always will, that: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to great ideals, it is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming a part of an edifice,” according to Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Accordingly, the 15th City Council “have faith with the constitutional injunction that pubic office is a public trust and that public officers and employees are at all times accountable to the people and must serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, and act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives.” We only hope and pray that there will be radical changes for the better, for better Iligan, a better place to live in: a utopia. As one of the City Information Office Staff, untarnished truth will only be published by me.

Seized... from page A1

pertinent documents and import permits from him.

Customs was able to determine the goods to be counterfeit based on the findings of the technical product experts the agency has tapped for verification purposes.

Sar miento s aid t he experts have a set of parameters and were able to establish that the products were fake based on those factors.

The bulk of the seized goods were boxes of cigarettes with different brand names coming reportedly from mainland China and Taiwan.

Sarmiento said the experts surmised that the cigarettes bore fake serial numbers and other markings through the use of a cellphone application that can be used to scan an item.

The more than 300 boxes of cigarettes alone were valued at P7.5 million based on the prevailing market price.

Aside from the cigarettes, also confiscated were firecrackers, insecticide, medicines, mosquito killers, wires and insecticide.

Sarmiento said they will give the owner of the items a chance to explain and show any legal documents, “then we will process it [documents] and the district collector will communicate with them.”

If the seized products are indeed legal based on the documents submitted, he said they might release them.

Lawyer Roswald Joseph Pague, BOC-10 assistant collector, said the confiscated goods will be brought to the district office for further verification and assessment.

Alvin Enciso, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), said they have assisted Sarmiento and Capt.

Joenel Pogoy, also from Faeldon’s office, in the conduct of the raids.

Nash Guro of the BOC10 assessment division was also present during the raids.

Farmers... from page A1

the Compostela Farmers Association (CFA) said the 48-year-old Jimmy Saypan, a Mandaya farmer from Barangay Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley, was rushed to a nearby hospital when unidentified gunmen attacked him past 5 p.m. on Monday in Barangay New Visayas in Montevista town, also in Compostela Valley.

He died later.

The CFA said Saypan, prior to his death, is among those who opposed the entry of the Agusan Petroleum and Minerals Corporation (AgPet), a mining company that is currently exploring despite its exploration permit was expired.

The group considered the killing of one of its leaders as a form of silencing them.

For the past days, the group said a series of lobbying and confrontation, calling for the immediate pullout of troops of the 66th IB camping in the school in communities in Compostela.

“It is outrageous that this happened while we are celebrating peasant and indigenous month this October, a peasant and a land like Jimmy Saypan who defended his farmland and ancestral land suffered these brutalities,” the CFA said in the press statement.

“We call on the Duterte administration’s sincerity towards peace to pull-out the 66th IB in our communities and hold them accountable on their rights abuses in Compostela Valley,” the statement read.

Gunmen... from page A2

City that he wanted the military to take full control of paramilitary units.

“But you know, I have noticed from many reports that the government-backed para-military units are still operating. I am now ordering the Army to take full control itong mga Bagani command,” he said.

He said the presence of the paramilitary groups would undermine the peace process between the government and the National Democratic Front.

“The paramilitary men operating especially with firearms issued by the government that would undermine the peace process and of course, it would be also a crime if you do that, especially a couple na namatay sa Kitaotao (in Bukidnon). Mahinto na sana ito, because we are really trying our best to come up with a—with a peaceful country,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

Good... from page A6

(78% much trust, 10% little trust).

In the June 2016 survey, Duterte’s net trust rating was also “excellent” nationwide (79%), with Mindanao giving him 90%; NCR (78%), balance of Luzon (75%) and Visayas (74%).

Duterte got a higher trust rating from the rural areas than the urban areas, with 77% from the rural (85% much trust, 8 little trust) and 75% from the urban (82% much trust, 7% little trust).

He also got a higher trust rating from the socioeconomic class D followed

by ABC and E. In Class D, he got a 78% rating (84% much trust, 6% little trust); in Class ABC, he got a 72% (82% much trust, 10% little trust), and got a 67% (80% much trust, 13% little trust).

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Office said the latest SWS survey showing Duterte’s “excellent” trust rating “clearly affirms the Filipino people’s faith and conference in his leadership.”

FREE Publication of PRESS RELEASES for corporate accounts to Mindanao Daily News and BusinessWeek Newspapers

Andanar said that the “excellent” trust rating in two consecutive quarters “will further motivate his administration to continue what he started in his first 100 days--fighting illegal drugs and crime, combating terrorism, curbing corruption, and sustaining the momentum of economic growth” and “validates the people’s full support for his reform agenda of ‘tunay na pagbabago’ or real change.”

The first time Duterte figured in an SWS survey was in the Fourth Quarter 2014 Social Weather Survey conducted from November 27 to December 1, 2014, with a 5% rating when respondents nationwide were asked to name three “good leaders” who should be President in 2016. No list of names was provided.

Thirty-seven percent named then Vice President Jejomar Binay, 21% named Senator Grace Poe, 19% named Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas, 10% named Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, 9% chose Senator Francis Escudero who tied with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Duterte (5%), tied with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Bongbong Marcos and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano tied at 3%, and former Senator Manny Villar, Senator Bong Revilla Jr. and Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson tied at 2% each and Senators Loren Legarda and Franklin Drilon, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao tied at 1% each.

Subsequent sur veys showed Duterte’s ratings rise from 5% in December 2014 to 15% in March 2015, 20% in June 2015, 11% in September 2015, 20% in December 2015, 20% in January 2016, 24% in February 2016, 21% in the March 4-7, 2016 survey, 24% on March 18, 26% on March 22, 27% on March 30 to April 2, and 33% on April 13 to 14, April 18 to

20 and May 1 to 3. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Modes... from page A3

lawmakers insisted that a constitutional convention should be the mode of changing the Charter with respect to public outlook.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the public acceptability on the Con-Con was high.

“Public acceptability is the number one priority in considering amendments,” Villafuerte explained.

Mindoro Oriental Rep. Doy Leachon, who is in favor of Con-Con, said the downside of convening a constituent assembly was that most of the lawmakers’ time would be devoted to changing the Constitution.

“The legislature or both houses can no longer perform wholly the functions of being a legislator,” Leachon said.

During the same hearing, House deputy speaker and Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia led the motion that the committee recommend convening Congress as a constituent assembly to propose constitutional amendments.

The motion was opposed

by Buhay Partylist Lito Atienza, who argued that her move was “premature” and might be railroading Charter change.

The House panel’s voting on the mode was further impeded by a heated incident between Barbers and Pichay.

The tension grew from Barbers’ offensive comment on Pichay’s suggestion to invite senators to the House of Representatives before deciding on a Charter change mode. Barbers said Pichay’s proposal was “senseless” and “stupid”.

The two lawmakers had a verbal and near physical comprontation when the hearing was suspended.

(PNA) NEED TARP? CALL: 8578447 OR, 745380 MOBILE: +639061389421

A8

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2016