Mindanao Daily News (September 13, 2014)

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Regional Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Volume III, No. 094

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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See story on Page A1 12 September 13, 2014 P15.00

VICTORY TOAST. BPI Housing Festival with Family Auto Loan and BusinessWeek Real Expo, a three-day housing and real estate expo, was finally opened September 12, 2014. The event will continue until September 14, 2014 at Limketkai Center Activity Area. In the photo (center) are Jatico Events Chairman Joseph Jatico, City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas, BPI Family Savings Bank’s Product Marketing Division Head Noel Altamirano, BusinessWeek Group of Newspaper Founder Dante Sudaria, Mindanao Daily News Editor-in-Chief Allan Mediante and other stakeholders. Photo by Glen Palacio

BPI, BWM hold 3-day Housing fest, Real Expo

C

By Cheng OrdoÑez, Associate Editor

AGAYAN de Oro City––Some 40 exhibitors join the “BPI Housing Festival with Family Auto Loan” and BusinessWeek Mindanao’s “Real Expo,” which run from September 12 to 14, 2014, at the activity area of Limketkai Center here.

Stakeholders in real estate and automobile industries are expected to deal businesses with a projected 80,000 or more walk-in clients from all walks of life during the duration of the expo, which was co-organized

by Jatico Events.

A press conference was held before the formal opening of the exhibit booths with the following panelists: Noel Altamirano, vice president of BPI, Arabelle Solidum, area manager of Filinvest, Emmanuel Magto, project sales director of Avida Sales Corporation, Ryan Jay Santos, sales manager, of Ford, Lucelo Gono, Jr., sales manager of Mazda, Jin Lee, CFO, Smart Condominium, Joan Kathleen

Hernandez, assistant sales manager for Hyundai, with Keith Ervin Gamil, dealer sales trainer, and Neil Que, general manager for Jenbei.

Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) President Efren Uy and city administrator Atty. Roy Raagas graced the press conference and the opening ceremonies.

Mr. Uy said CDO’s becoming Second Most Competitive City in the country will further the real estate and automobile industries here, even as he said that there is no way, but to “move onward.” He congratulated BWM Group of Publications for a See EXPO, page A11

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saturday, sept. 13, 2014

News In Focus

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to begin Imagining the future House discussions on Bangsamoro through BBL on October 20 the draft Basic Law

By Sammy F. Martin

By Carolyn O. Arguillas

DAVAO City––Among the country’s 17 regions, the future Bangsamoro, targeted to be set up by June 30, 2016, will be distinct from all the rest — including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that it will replace — because it will be the only region in the country that will run a government through parliamentary means.

The Bangsamoro will also be the only region with an “asymmetric relationship” with the Central or national Government, “reflective of the recognition of their Bangsamoro identity, and their aspiration for self governance” and in accordance with the Constitutional provisions on the creation of autonomous regions.

According to the 119page draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted to Congress on Wednesday morning, the powers of government are vested in the Bangsamoro Parliament which shall set policies, legislate on matters within its authority and elect a Chief Minister who shall exercise executive authority on its behalf.

The legislative authority shall be exercised by the Bangsamoro Parliament, the executive authority by the Cabinet which shall be headed by a Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister, who shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members of Parliament (MPs), appoints

President Benigno S. Aquino III, flanked by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (left) and Senate President Franklin Drilon, at the start of the Agenda-Setting with Dialogue Partners that include reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace on Friday (September 12, 2014).

(Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau/PNA)

the Deputy Minister from among the MPs, and the members of the Cabinet, majority of whom shall also come from the Parliament.

60 members Unlike other regions in the country, the Bangsamoro will have a titular head of government, the “Wali” who shall take on “only ceremonial functions.”

At present, the 24-year old ARMM, the political entity set up in accordance with the Constitutional mandate on autonomous regions supposedly in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras, is run by a Governor, Vice Governor, Cabinet

and a 24-member Regional Legislative Assembly.

The government and MILF signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on October 15, 2012, with both parties acknowledging that the status quo is “unacceptable” and that they would work for the creation of a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro, to replace the ARMM. The parties signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on March 27 this year, which includes the FAB, the annexes, and other agreements signed by both parties in the 17-year peace negotiations.

As soon as the Basic Law is ratified, hopefully by the first quarter of 2015, the ARMM shall be deemed abolished and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) shall take over and

run the government using a parliamentary system, until officials of the regular Bangsamoro Government are elected in mid-2016.

During the transition period, the BTA, which will serve as the interim government. will have 50 members, appointed by the President. Lumads (Indigenous Peoples) in the Bangsamoro territory, women and settler communities and other sectors “shall have representatives in the BTA.” The Bangsamoro Parliament, whose MPs will be elected in May 2016, will be composed of 60 members “unless otherwise provided by the Parliament.”

MindaNews learned that the original 97-page draft submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to the Office See imagine, page A11

MDN: June 16-Dec.15, 2014

HOUSE Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II on Friday said the House of Representatives will begin discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on October 20, the resumption of session after their adjournment on September 27.

“We will do everything to expedite the BBL’s approval. But we have to finish first approving the budget until September 26,” said Gonzales.

Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman, the chairman of the House special committee on peace, reconciliation and unity, also vowed to work for the passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that is not only constitutional, but also beneficial to the people of Mindanao especially to the five million Filipino Muslims.

Hataman-Salliman underscored the importance of the draft BBL to be passed by Congress to ensure a genuine lasting peace to end the decades-long rebellion of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“He (President Benigno S. Aquino III) wants that the agreement be realized and that it could help lessen the gap in terms of development between indigenous, Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and the whole country and will pave the way towards a lasting peace,” said Hataman-Salliman.

“President Aquino is very much hopeful that both Houses of Congress will pass the draft BBL and eventually schedule the plebiscite,” he said. “He said that they have done their part on legal possibility on legal issues, and hoping that Congress will do its part to speed the process without, of course, sacrificing the quality of the debate.”

The House of Representatives is now on the process of forming the 75-man Bangsamoro ad hoc committee to review, discuss and evaluate the proposed BBL to be headed by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

On Wednesday, President Aquino submitted the draft BBL to House leaders through his peace adviser Sec. Teresita Deles aimed at ending the rebellion of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s largest Muslim group.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon accepted the draft BBL during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.

The bill is aimed at creating the new Bangsamoro juridical entity replacing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

This was the result of another peace talks being pushed by the government with the MILF. The Bangsamoro measure was an offshoot of the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by the Government Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MILF last March 27.

Asked by reporters on Friday, Belmonte said the House of Representatives is eyeing the first quarter of 2015 to pass the draft BBL. “Hopefully by the first quarter next year, we will deliver to ensure that common interest of the people and the country is served,” Belmonte said. A report from Sammy F. Martin of the Philippine News Agency

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Opinion

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EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE • ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

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The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA , mindanao daily westmin and Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are published daily by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. BP-02275 Under Business License Certificate No. 2014-00525, TIN No. 209-980-927, Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)7233-44, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com MINDANAO DAILY NEWS Publisher ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief ruel pelone Managing Editor cheng ordoÑez Associate Editor CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor felix santillan Layout Artist Rene Michael BaÑos Regional Editor-Northmin PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editors-Caraga SAM NERI Provincial Editor-Bukidnon MARLON GAYOG Regional Editor-Davao AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin irene dayo Reporter-NorthMin gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist URIEL C. QUILINGUING JOE FELICILDA Editorial Consultant ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------

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Solar flares, rains, floods, winds: ‘the end is near’ LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. `Tell us,’ they said, `when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’...” (Matthew 24:3, the Holy Bible).

-oooSOLAR FLARES, RAINS, FLOODS, WINDS: “THE END IS NEAR”: Mixing science, current events, and the Bible, as what we have been trying to do on several occasions in this column, has given rise to a number of fascinating, if terrifying, scenarios. I wish to write two or three of these mixes today, and once again arrive at the conclusion that

A deeper View

Jesse E.L. Bacon II Biblical predictions about the fiery end of the world is really fast approaching.

Let us go to science and current events first. The Internet is right now filled with reports about relatively strong solar flares or fire leaping off from the sun and going to the direction

of our earth. The first flare occurred on September 09, 2014, while the second erupted the day after, or on September 10.

While the general prognosis is that, only the earth’s power grids and radio and satellite transmissions will be damaged by these latest solar flares, scientists on the other hand confirm that the flares are occurring more frequently and quite stronger nowadays. Pete Riley of Predictive Science, Inc. is one of these scientists, and he even published a book on the subject.

-oooPREDICTIONS AND SIGNS ABOUT THE END: The second intermingling of science and current events

that has some significance during these times is the report of persistent flooding of many parts of the world, coupled with tornados and strong winds barreling down many areas, causing death and destruction. It is clear flooding and strong winds are becoming the new normal situation everywhere now.

Where does the Bible come in, in these deadly incidents? Well, it has foretold and prophesied, very accurately it now appears, the occurrence of such solar flares hitting and scorching the earth, and of the rains, floods, and strong winds engulfing many regions.

Offhand, I could think See solar, page A11

A chicken or egg question

By H. Marcos C. Mordeno

MALAYBALAY City––We’ve always heard it said whenever policemen, the supposed guardians of peace and order, get involved in crimes themselves that those acts don’t mirror the whole police organization. Of course, except that such acts no longer seem to be “isolated incidents” committed by “a few bad eggs”.

Mind you, these misfits in uniform are not endemic to the national capital region alone. Even the so-called pulis probinsiya have learned the tricks of moonlighting the dirty way. Gone are the days of the pulis patola, the derogatory term for cops who are being portrayed as naïve and stupid,

if naiveté means the inability to earn on the side through illicit means.

What I’m saying is this: Reports of police personnel being implicated in crimes have surfaced as often as rumors about showbiz figures. At least, stuff about entertainers amuses us.

But news about police involvement in crimes is another thing; it sends the chilling message that those paid by taxpayers’ money to protect us cannot be trusted 100 percent with our safety and security. A monster could be lurking beneath that well-pressed, sleek uniform and clean-shaven face.

So where does the problem lie? At the recruitment stage where standards might have been compromised for some consideration, for example, in

the conduct of psychiatric tests? The reluctance, if not unwillingness, of authorities to really instill discipline?

The culture of machismo that makes them susceptible to the prospects of instant money? Or is it the example set by their superiors and senior peers that draw them to things they have sworn to prevent or stop in the first place?

Perhaps it’s the combination of some or all of the above.

And what are the authorities doing about it? Has the Department of the Interior and Local Government done serious efforts to cleanse the police force? It seems [almost] nothing is done aside from issuing statements See CHICKEN, page A11

Daily Inspiration A gift “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. TODAY IS A GIFT.” Eleanor Roosevelt - First Lady (1884 - 1962)

Juvy Sarraga

Worried minds review the myriad and muddied waters of the future. Today is unique. Little miracles are waiting to be discovered as you navigate through your day. Don’t miss a thing. See the Why does our mind often wander present with fresh eyes and be grateful to the past as if the future lies there? for the gifts of today.

Mindanao Daily A5 NEWS

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Mindanao stakeholders urge Congress to fast-track the passage of the BBL ZAMBOANGA CITY Mindanao stakeholders are urging Congress to fast-track the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to legalize the establishment of the Bangsamoro region – a key solution to end the decades-long armed conflict and for the Bangsamoro people to regain their political power over their ancestral lands in southern Philippines.

Leaders in Mindanao made the call after it was announced that President Benigno S. Aquino III would transmit the draft BBL to leaders of Congress on

Wednesday in Malacanang Palace.

“I hope Congress will approve it immediately,” said Vincent T. Lao, chair of the Mindanao Business Council in Mindanao.

Lao also called for the members of Congress to set aside their political and personal interests in the deliberation process rather put premium the interests of the people not only of Mindanao but the entire country as well.

Even leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have backed the BBL, saying

Aringay village in Kabacan receives Birthing Facility on its 67th anniversary

KABACAN, Cotabato – Just in time with its 67th founding anniversary, a birthing facility project worth P1M was recently handed to Barangay Aringay, Kabacan, few days before the Province of Cotabato celebrated its centennial.

The project was funded by the Dept. Of Health – Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) which seeks to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of government health facilities across the country.

No less than Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. TaliñoMendoza led the formal turnover of the project to village officials of Aringay led by Chairman Jerry Manalo.

Manalo said he couldn’t thank the governor enough and the health department for providing their village such facility.

Hundreds of residents, including many pregnant women witnessed the activity and expressed their gratitude for the project.

Gov. Taliño-Mendoza said she is more than happy that a facility like this was put up in Aringay which is a remote village in Kabacan.

“This is a worthwhile health facility project from the DOH that helps out pregnant women of the village in giving birth.

As we know, the health department is doing its best to persuade pregnant women or mothers to give birth at birthing centers or hospitals” Gov. Mendoza said adding that the safety of pregnant women is the utmost concern of the health department.

She also lauded the efforts of the DOH in implementing projects through its HFEP and for aiming to complete facility enhancements in many areas.

The governor stated that this program leads to the improvement of health and medical services to people which concur with the health initiatives of the Provincial Government of Cotabato.

She emphasized the DOH’s goal of providing Universal Health Care (UHC) to the people especially the poor Filipino families will be more successful when the Local Government Units do their share of help. “We still have a lot of work and challenges ahead of us in attaining a healthy community but with this partnership between the health department and LGU’s I am certain that we reach our goal”, Gov. Taliño-Mendoza finally said.

(JIMMY STA. CRUZ with reports from ROVILLE ANN SOTTO/Photos by SIDNEY NANINI-PGO Media Center)

the proposed bill is their hope for the Bangsamoro people to achieve a genuine autonomy over their lands in Mindanao.

“Let's hope it shall usher in a better autonomy for Bangsamoro.

Otherwise, it becomes a mere exercise in futility, another experiment. Anything new must prove itself better than the old,” Kong Sahrin, secretary general of the MNLF central committee.

Muslim groups have also welcomed the submission of the BBL to Congress by President Aquino.

“We welcome the good news and enthusiasm to help in peace building and hopeful that sustainable peace be achieved,” Prof.

Alih S. Aiyub, secretary general of the Bishop-Ulama Conference.

Other expressed that Congress should ensure that the BBL is inclusive.

“Hopefully the last version they made truly reflects the sentiments/aspirations of the Mindanaoan.

Again, the last revision was away from the public eye. Hopefully, no secret deal just to rush the law,” said Alrashid Jama, mem-

ber of the Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates, and a University professor.

“Alhamdulillah! The submission of BBL is a welcome development and I enjoin the Zamboanga City Muslim communities to be hopeful for the finality of the issue of Bangsamoro.

However, let us also be reminded that Zamboanga City’s multi-ethnicity and its diversity are unique and this the MILF should respect as its constituents decided to be not part of ARMM and possibly of the Bangsamoro Government,” said Ismael

I. Musa, mandatory representative to the Zamboanga City Council.

The BBL serves as the legal document of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which is a result of more than 17 years of negotiations as the parties vowed to end the decades-old conflict in the south.

When passed into law and ratified in a plebiscite in the core territory, the BBL will establish the Bangsamoro government in Mindanao as envisioned in the southern peace deal.

(OPAPP/PIA)

A6 Mindanao Daily NEWS

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Opening Ceremony

City Administrator, Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas leads the Victory Toast.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to finally open the event. In the photo are BusinessWeek Mindanao Publisher Mr. Dante Sudaria; City Administrator, Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas; BPI Family Savings Bank Product Marketing Division Head, Mr. Noel Altamirano; and Oro Chamber President, Mr. Efren T. Uy.

Photos by GLENN PALACIO

Oro Chamber President Efren T. Uy graced the kick-off program of the three-day BPI Housing Festival with Auto Loan and BusinessWeek Real Expo. He said during media interaction that activity like this showcases what Cagayan de Oro City have. The event let the residents and other people outside the city know that CDO has everything.

The activity area of Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City was packed with business exhibitors and presenters for BPI Housing Festival with Auto Loan and BusinessWeek Real Expo, a housing and real estate expo happening September 12, 13 and 14.

Mindanao Daily A7 NEWS

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Division Head for Product Marketing of BPI Family Savings Bank, Mr. Noel Altamirano, delivered the opening remarks for the kick-off program of three-day event. BPI Family Savings Bank now offers housing and auto loans for individuals who are interested to avail such products, considering that a number of housing developers, real estate companier and car companies are putting their investments in the booming CDO. Altamirano said that BPI Family Savings bank is slashing 0.25 percent from their 6 percent rate for loan applicants during the expo. Aside from house and car loans, BPI Family is also offering loan services, called Negosyo Loan, for individuals who plan to start or boost their business.

Mr. Joseph Jatico is giving insights on how the BPI Housing Festival with Auto Loan and BusinessWeek Real Expo came to realization. He is the chairman of Jatico Events, an event-organizing company for more than five years already. Jatico Events and BusinessWeek Mindanao partnered to organize the successful housing and real expo.

BusinessWeek Mindanao CEO and Publisher Dante Sudaria pours drink to the wine glasses for the Victory Toast.

On behalf of Mayor Oscar Moreno, City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas graced the event. In his message, he mentioned that the agricultural relativity of the city has been challenged by the existence of housing and real estate developers. However, the city is ready for this because this means that individuals are coming into the city to do business, enter employment or pursue education or as well, made CDO as their choice of residence. He also added that the city is coordinating with business sector because it should be responsive to the needs of business and general public.

The BPI Crew

A8 Mindanao Daily NEWS

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Gunmen abduct Chinese national in Zamboanga Sibugay

Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo (4th from left), Mambajao Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo (center) and DTI Provincial Director Joselito S. Enot (2nd from right) led the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Diskwento Caravan last week. This discount caravan was held at the Mambajao Food Terminal, Camiguin on September 03-05, 2014 aimed to help consumers avail of various basic products marked down by as much as 2% to 10%.

(Zita M. Abellare, DTI-Camiguin/Cam-PIAInet)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Su s p e c t e d k i d n app e r s seized Thursday a Chinese nationa l in downtown Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, a military official disclosed.

The incident took place a day after combined police and military forces arrested a member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Capt. Franco Suelto, Public Affairs Officerin-Charge of the Army’s First Infantry Division, identified the victim as Li Pei Zhei, 18, the sales manager Kabasalan Sales Center, a ready-to-wear outlet.

Su e l t o s a i d L i w a s seized by four gunmen around 6 p.m. Thursday from the Kabasalan Sales Center in Barangay Poblacion, Kabasalan. The gunmen forced the victim to board a mini-van.

Suelto said the getaway vehicle sped towards Si-

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tio Mangahas, Barangay Timuay Danda.

From there, the suspects transferred the victim to a waiting motorized banca and sped to the high seas, Suelto said.

He added that pursuing lawmen have the suspects’ getaway vehicle, but was burned by the gunmen.

He said that military and police forces are tracking down the whereabouts of the victim.

Arrested around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday off the s h ore s of Z a mb o a n g a Sibugay was Masdal Sabatal, an alleged follower of a KFRG known as the “Mamay Aburi Group.”

Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) Information Officer-in-Charge, said joint police and military forces were conducting maritime interdiction and law enforcement operation when they chanced upon Sabatal along the seawater of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Samuddin Sabtal has standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and robbery issued by a court in Zamboanga Sibugay.

(MindaNews)

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The Nation

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Cleansing of overseas voters’ list sought

By Dionisio P. Tubianosa Congressional Writer

A LAWMAKER from Mindanao is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to update and cleanse the certified list of overseas voters to ensure clean, honest and credible elections.

“Let’s not take for granted the votes from our overseas Filipinos,” Rep. Rufus Rodriguez stressed.

Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) and Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez are seeking

the update and cleansing of the voters’ list as contained in House Resolution 1310.

“An updated Certified List of Overseas Voters will ensure the credibility of elections and will ensure that the result of the elections is the will of the people,” the brother-lawmakers stressed.

They recalled that just last January 2013, before the May 2013 National Elections, the COMELEC delisted around 200,000 registered voters abroad from the official voters’ list for failing to file a manifes-

Lawyer to media outfits: Careful when reporting about kids captured on CCTV DAVAO City––A lawyer here handling cases of children in conflict with the law (CICL) has advised media outfit to be careful in airing children’s faces and names when the latter were captured on CCTV as one of them was stealing a driver’s income while his jeepney was parked at a gas station.

The high definition video, supposedly captured at the Flying V gas station along Ponciano St. last August 17, has gone viral, with over 1,000 shares on Facebook and aired on TV news networks.

It showed five children roaming near the gas station, and approaching a Multicab jeepney with plate number LWK835. One of the minors then reached for the driver’s income through the jeepney’s front window.

According to the video poster, with username Shangy Aishiteru, the suspects were apprehended minutes later through the coordination of the Public Safety and Security Command Center and the Davao City Police Office, with officers catching the minors reportedly at People’s Park, roughly 300 meters away from the crime scene.

“I hope they self-regulate,” regional prosecutor Francis Calatrava said in an interview Wednesday at the Department of Social Welfare and Development

office.

Calatrava said media outfits should remember that the faces of the minors should not be shown in public, citing the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act or Republic Act 9344, eventually amended by RA 10630.

“You are not allowed to use the children’s names and not even allowed to look at the blotter at the police station during investigations,” Calatrava said.

The lawyer, who works with the Public Attorney’s Office, said media outfits should ask themselves about the effect of the infamy of any image they pose to the public, especially involving children in conflict with the law.

“Is this helping the child?” Calatrava asked.

“You have to ask, why are these children living a life like this? Maybe it’s because they were neglected. Or maybe because they are just hard-headed. Either way, you should nurture goodness and raise the children properly in the right environment,” he pointed out.

Calatrava, meanwhile, lauded the efforts of the Davao City government in helping out CICLs, among these through the provision of more plantilla positions for social workers as well as the development of halfway houses for minors who have run-ins with the law. (MindaNews)

GENERAL Santos City–– Three more professionals here have tested positive of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bringing the disease incidence in the area to 150.

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, coordinator of the City Health Office’s (CHO) Social Hygiene Clinic, said Friday the three new cases were found among several local residents who recently volunteered to undergo

screening for the virus, which causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

She said the results of the confirmatory tests were released last week by the Department of Health’s (DOH) Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STD)/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory in Manila.

Aside from the three new positive cases, she said

3 more HIV cases recorded in Gensan

See cases, page A11

tation of intent to vote in the May 2013 polls.

The authors also noted a previous pronouncement made by Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes that the registered voters for Overseas Absentee Voting went up to 900,000 to almost a million for the May 2013 elections.

“This number is quite significant and can affect the results of the elections which is why there is a need to ensure that the voters’ list is updated and all persons in the list are qualified to vote,” Rodriguez pointed out.

They said that under Republic Act 10590 or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013, which amended R.A. 9189 or the Overseas Voting Law, the Comelec is mandated to maintain a National Registry of Overseas Voters containing the names of registered overseas voters and the posts where they are registered.

Furthermore, Rodriguez stressed that under the same law, the Comelec is also mandated to prepare the Certified List of Overseas Voters not later than ninety

(90) days before the start of the overseas voting period, and furnish within the same period electronic and hard copies thereof to the appropriate posts.

The said copies shall also be posted in their respective bulletin boards and/ or websites within ten (10) days from receipt thereof.

The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chaired by Rep. Fredenil “Fred” Castro (2nd District, Capiz) for its appropriate consideration. Rodriguez

A10 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Emotional Special Gospel of the day: John16:16-20 (Septmeber13, 2014-Saturday) John 16:16-20- Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, `A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, `because I go to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What is this that

He says, `A little while’?

We do not know what He is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, `A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’? “Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will

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Biblical reflection

rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy: This gospel reminds us to “persevere” in this life. In Matthew 24:13-”But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This little time that Jesus disciples could not see Jesus was referred to his death. The time that they can see Jesus again was Jesus resurrection from the dead. This was

the time that the disciples experienced both “sorrow and joy.” Printing paid by: Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! #0928414949009266607505: Question – Prayer request: Please Bro. Edcel L. Closas follow me “WORD ON FIRE” on CCTN channel 12-CDO @ 10 PM- Mondays, Tues- AM Sunday. God day @ 3:30 PM and 2:00 loves you!!!

SUDOKU How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

of the same digit.

clifford’s Yesterday’s Answer

Daily HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) - Something odd happens midday that takes everyone -- especially you -- by surprise. It’s not likely to be a bad thing, but it may still feel uncomfortable at first. Roll with it and you should be fine.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - You need to devote your energy toward creation today -- otherwise, you may stumble. It doesn’t take much for you to recharge your batteries -- even a whispered, improvised poem will do!

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - You’re searching for permanence, which could mean a new home or a new approach to spirituality. A door opens today that is at least worthy of investigation. Check it out right away!

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - You’re a bit indulgent today -- of yourself, of your kids or maybe of that one obnoxious coworker. Let it happen, as your great energy shouldn’t be kept completely to yourself!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - You are sorely tempted to walk away from that confrontation or other problem, but it must be faced head-on. Steel yourself for whatever it is and you should be able to get right past it.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - At least one skeptical person comes around to your way of thinking today.

You may wonder what exactly got into them, but that doesn’t mean that you need to worry about them long-term.

CROSSWORD puzzle

across 42. Donate 1. British country 44. Small amount 6. Pungent taste 46. Hello 11. Come up 47. Happening 12. US state 49. Taints 13. Yes, in Segovia 51. Water grasses 14. Pouch 52. Follow 16. Created DOWN 17. Golf peg 1. Rubbish 19. Light 2. Zodiac sign 21. Chess rank 3. Jet the star 22. Notice 4. Curved letter 24. Svenson of Walking Tall 5. Stamp 25. While 6. Morning 26. Plural ending 7. Crame 28. Explode 8. Inlet 31. Until 9. Asian land 33. Bout Ending 10. Judges 35. Big fish 15. Taxi 38. Viva Papa 18. Center prefix 39. Evil 20. Cleaning tool 41. Each 23. The: archaic

27. Move on snow 29. Game extension 30. State university 31. Big cat 32. Green fruit 34. Ancient 36. First Indian prime minister 37. Appear 39. Sell 40. Luxury 43. Bobby the singer 45. _ ]ovi 48. Elliot’s initials 50. You and me Yesterday’s Answer

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - Some big, important project is almost done -- and you can’t believe you’re nearly where you want to be. Keep at it until it’s all the way to completion. Things should feel a lot better soon.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - Your spiritual energy is just right for today’s big question. In fact, you may want to do nothing but just kick back and consider spiritual and philosophical issues. Why not?

It helps you practically.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - You’re facing some big problems with people -- but they’re all under the surface, so you may not even understand what’s going on until you’re in the thick of it. Just breathe and you should be fine.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - It’s a great day to practice non-attachment, especially because things are getting a bit weird between you and one of the fixtures in your life. It may not be time for a breakup, but a separation could be good.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) - One tiny detail is all it takes to trip you up today -- so make sure that you’re taking greater care with facts and figures! You probably spot the outlier before it becomes a serious problem.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Remember to cover the basics today -- otherwise, you may find that your life starts to get really difficult later in the day. The good news is that even if that does happen, your good energy helps you cope.

Sylvester Stallone Pacquiao eyes Manila as venue for next fight to direct ‘Rambo 5’?

Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone will reportedly helm the final and fifth ‘Rambo’ movie, besides starring in it.

T h e Jo h n R a m b o saga will conclude with ‘Rambo: Last Blood’, closing the franchise which kicked off with ‘First Blood’ in 1982, reported Aceshowbiz.

Stallone, 68, said last month that he has started preparing for the film.

The last film in the franchise, titled, ‘Rambo’, was released in 2008.

(PNA/PTI)

GENERAL Santos City–– With barely two years left before his planned retirement from boxing, eightdivision world champion and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Manny Pacquiao is considering bringing one of his remaining fights to the home crowd.

Pacquiao said he will ask his promoter, Top Rank chief executive officer Bob Arum, to set up a fight in Manila after his scheduled showdown in November with undefeated American brawler Chris Algieri in Macau, China.

“I’ll try to bring one of my next fights here (Philippines). Hopefully I’ll be able to convince (Arum) with that plan,” he told reporters here on Thursday.

Pacquiao, who also represents the lone district of Sarangani in the House of Representatives, returned to the country last Tuesday following a promotional tour for his upcoming with Algieri.

The boxing icon said he will begin his two-month training camp here on Monday in preparation for the November 23 fight, which will be held anew

at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao ResortHotel.

He will hold conditioning workouts in various venues here and nearby Sarangani while his sparring sessions will be done at the Pacman Wild Card Gymn located in the city’s main commercial district.

Pacquiao had held his training camp in the city in preparation for his November 2013 fight against Brandon Rios in Macau, China.

His conditioning training included pickup basketball games at his gymnasium in Barangay

Calumpang as well as early morning runs at the city sports complex and nearby Maasim town in Sarangani.

“I actually started some light conditioning workouts this week but my training will officially start on Monday,” he said.

Hall of Fame boxing coach Freddie Roach is expected to fly to this city later this month to supervise Pacquiao’s training camp.

Roach is a frequent visitor of this city, who formally adopted him last year as an “adopted son.” A report from the Philippine News Agency

Mindanao Daily A11 NEWS

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Chicken... from page A4

and holding press conferences.

Sadly, in many cases, we never get to know about the progress (is there?) in investigations and litigations of erring cops. The cycle has never changed: policemen are implicated in a crime; their higher-ups promise an investigation and prosecution; and the media and public eventually forget the incident until another one happens.

For instance, have we heard any update on that report linking some highranking police officials to the sale of firearms to the New People’s Army?

A few bad eggs? Well, there must be a bad hen somewhere. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)

Solar... from page A4

of two verses for the solar flares, and four verses for the rains, floods, and strong winds.

In Malachi 4:1 of the Bible, there is this prediction: “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.

All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. `Not a root or a branch will be left to them’…”

-oooFIRE AS THE END OF EVERYTHING: On the other hand, in 2 Peter 3:10-11, there is a more fearsome description of how the sun, the moon, the stars, the heavens and the earth will be burned. These verses say: “…But the day when the Lord comes again will surprise everyone like the coming of a thief. The sky will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in the sky will be destroyed with fire. And the earth and everything in it will be burned up…”

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus, our God and Savior, gave a warning: the rains, floods, and strong winds will come. Although some say that His references to rains, floods, and winds are mere figures of speech to denote the problems that will confront man, it is clear that Jesus actually meant real rains, floods, and strong winds, as is what is happening now.

And so, as the popular song goes, “… the end is near.” Significantly, the Bible also predicted that people will mock those who will warn about the end of the world, which will be signaled by the Second Coming of Jesus (see 2 Peter 3:3-9). Whatever, it can no longer be denied that the signs and the predictions are now coming true, and he who is wise will know what to do. Those who are not wise will surely perish!

-ooo-

PLEASE LISTEN: “Tambalang Batas at Somintac”, jointly aired at 1062 kHz in Manila, 1080 kHz in Dagupan City, 711 kHz in Naga City, 1260 kHz in Lucena City, 1224 kHz in Davao City, and at www.eaglenews. ph, Mondays to Fridays, at 6 a.m.; “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas”, at 103.7 mHz in Don Carlos, Bukidnon, Mondays to Fridays, at 7 a.m.; “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas” at 801 kHz on the AM band (Panay Island), Mondays to Fridays, at 10 a.m.; and “Kakampi Mo Ang Batas” at 107.5 Win FM, Roxas, Isabela (Saturday, 5:30 a.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m.).

Expo... from page A1

successful holding of the expo along with its partners, BPI and other stakeholders.

Atty. Raagas, for his part, has assured investors in real estate that the city government is doing its best to provide them with the needed support and amenities. The city government, he said, is updating standards, through the housing board, and that reclassification of land use for the purpose of accommodating real estate investments in the city is on its way.

Although wary of the effect to agriculture of mushroming real estate properties, Atty. Raagas said the local government will just have to deal with it, since it is part of urbanization and development.

Automobile industry players, for their part, assure better incentives for Kagay-anons during the three-day expo.

Meanwhile, BPI, Vice President Altamirano encourages clients to patronize its housing festival and auto loan program, with good incentives and relaxed payment schemes, offering less than six percent interest loan for financing should clients avail its loan facility during the three-day event.

BPI is into consumer campaign in its housing festival, believing educating homeowners is critical to the future of the home performance industry.

“That’s why consumer outreach has become one of BPI’s most important efforts,” Mr. Altamirano said.

BPI’s housing festival and auto loan for families is designed to inspire Kagayanons and the neighboring residents through a free, family-friendly expo that allows family members to indulge with their marketing personnel during the duration of the expo.

Toughly competing for excellent offers at the threeday expo are real estate companies currently investing in this city, giving their clients here better options to choose from.

The “BPI Housing Festival With Family Auto Loan” and the “BusinessWeek Real Expo” runs until Sunday, and, Oro Chamber president Mr. Uy, no less, invites Kagay-anons to visit it.

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Mr. Dante Sudaria, CEO of BusinessWeek Mindanao Group of Publications, this early, has expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders for their indispensable participation, even as he looked forward to closing the expo in high gears.

“This undertaking is our way of helping clients find credentialed companies in financing, real estate and automobile industries.

Clients will be able to weigh performances, hear offers from others, understand the value of credentials, and find what they look for all in one place, and that’s here at the Expo,” Mr. Sudaria said.

“BWM wants to explore opportunities by forging new relationships with stakeholders in different industries. Being in media, we help raise awareness for opportunities, and pave the way for development of the communities where we run our business,” Mr. Sudaria said.

Imagine... from page A2

of the President on April 22, proposed an 80-member Parliament.

Reserved seats The final draft provides that the Parliament’s seats will be allocated at 50-40-10: 50% for party representatives through a system of proportional representation; 40% for single-member districts; and 10% reserved seats for sectoral representatives.

Of the reserved seats allocated for different sectors, two seats each are specifically reserved for “non-Moro indigenous communities (Lumads or Indigenous Peoples) and settler communities.” Women shall also have a reserved seat.

The final draft BBL also provides for the creation by the Bangsamoro Parliament of an office or ministry for Indigenous Peoples (IPs), to be headed by IPs. The Bangsamoro will also have its Bangsamoro Electoral Office which shall be part of the Commission on Elections, to, among other powers, register and accredit regional political parties.

The similarity with the rest of the elective officials in the country is that officials of the Bangsamoro will also have a three-year term and a maximum of three consecutive terms.

The BTC draft proposed a five-year term, for a maximum of two terms.

Administration of Justice, Police, Representation The justice system in the Bangsamoro is also unique in the entire country in that it will consist of a Shari’ah law “which shall have supremacy and application over Muslims only;” the traditional or tribal justice system for the IPs in the Bangsamoro territory; local courts; and alternative dispute resolution systems.

The Bangamoro will also have a “Shari’ah High Court.”

The final draft law also provides for a Bangsamoro Police Force which shall be part of the Philippine National Police, that will be “organized, maintained, and utilized for the primary purpose of law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the Bangsamoro.”

The final draft also proposes representation of the Bangsamoro in the Central or National Government – with at least one qualified Bangsamoro appointed as Cabinet Secretary, at least one in each of the departments, offices and bureaus holding executive, primarily confidential, highly technical, policy-determining positions, and one Commissioner in each of the Constitutional bodies.

It also proposes that a Moro be named Justice in the Supreme Court and to two seats in the Court of Appeals.

The 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) actually proposed the same representation in the Cabinet and Judiciary.

But it also sought a sectoral representative in Congress.

RA 9054 which transformed the 1996 political document into a legislation, provides for the same provisions of representation by appointment to the Cabinet, GOCCs and the Judiciary but did not provide for the appointment of a sectoral representative to Congress.

Powers The final draft BBL lists the reserved powers exercised by the national government and the exclusive and concurrent powers exercised by the Bangsamoro government, as well as provisions for inter-governmental relations.

Fourteen matters are listed under concurrent powers, 58 under exclusive powers and 16 other exclusive powers previously granted to the ARMM under RA 9054 and RA 6734.

The Malacanang-reviewed draft in June had proposed that the terms “reserved,” “exclusive” and “concurrent” be deleted and revised as recommended by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) which said these terms “are only for political documents.”

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told MindaNews the listing should not be deleted since this is the heart of the agreement.

The listing was returned.

Funding the Bangsamoro The draft law provides that the Bangsamoro is entitled to all fund sources as enumerated in the law as well as the powers to create sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees and charges as indicated.

It also provides for the sharing scheme between the Bangsamoro and the national government, in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources within

the Bangsamoro: 100% for the Bangsamoro for nonmetallic minerals such as sand, gravel and quarry resources; 75% for metallic minerals; and 50% for fossil fuels –petroleum, natural gas, and coal- and uranium.

Funding support from the national government, a major aspect in the success or failure of a new entity, was the last topic tackled by the government and MILF for the draft BBL. Mohagher Iqbal, BTC chair and MILF peace panel chair told MindaNews on September 7 that the last provisions whose text would be finalized, although these had been agreed upon already, were on funds the Bangsamoro would need to run the government: the block grant, special development fund and the transition fund.

The final draft submitted to Congress provides for an annual block grant as share of the Bangsamoro in the national internal revenue of the government, at 4% of the net national internal revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, less the internal revenue allotment of local government units.

MindaNews learned that the formula for the block grant indicated in the original BTC draft was “5% of the sum of the collection of Bureau of Internal Revenue less the IRA of LGUs, and the collection of the Bureau of Customs.”

Under the Article on Rehabilitation and Development, the final draft BBL provides for a Special Development Fund (SDF) for rehabilitation and development in the Bangsamoro, which shall be released upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, at P7 billion “for the first year following the ratification of this Basic Law” and beginning with the second year, the SDF shall be P2B per year for five years.

The BTC draft proposed an SDF equivalent to one per cent of the current national budget, estimated at around P19 billion, every year for a period of 10 years.

Same amount, circa 1989 MindaNews learned that the Malacanang-reviewed draft in June proposed to change the SDF to a total of P10 billion at P2 billion a year for five years. The final draft added P7 billion for the first year and P2 billion a year for the next five years.

The P2B-a-year-for-fiveyears fund however, is the same amount provided for the first ARMM administration in 1989, as “annual assistance” for five years for infrastructure projects, as provided for under Section 10 of the Transitory Provisions of RA 6734, approved on August 1, 1989 by then President Corazon Aquino.

Twenty-five years later, under the administration of her son, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the final draft law proposes an additional P7 billion SDF for the first

year (2015), but proposes the same amount of P10 billion spread across five years at P2B a year starting with the second year (2016-2020).

Based on the computer price index, the value of P2 billion in 1989 is P8.7 billion in 2014.

The BTC draft also proposed a “Normalization Trust Fund” dedicated to addressing the need of combatants and their communities.

The Annex on Normalization provides that the government shall provide the necessary funding for the normalization process. It also said the parties agreed to “allow either party to access funds from donors for the operations of the difference mechanisms under the normalization process to supplement the budgetary requirements provided by the GPH.” The BTC draft did not specify an amount but merely provided for the adoption of a “financing scheme criteria” for the use of the fund to cover “capacity building and institutional strengthening, impact programs to address imbalance in development and infrastructure, and economic facilitation for return to normal life affecting combatant and non-combatant elements of the MILF, indigenous peoples, women, children, and internally displaced persons.”

The final draft does not include this provision.

For the “organizational activities of the BTA, organization of the bureaucracy, hiring of personnel, and the exercise of functions and powers of the BTA,” the BTC draft proposed P20 billion.

The Malacanang-reviewed draft in June 2014 recommended to change the amount to 500 million pesos.

In the final draft submitted to Congress, the amount was pegged at one billion pesos or 1/20th of the BTC-proposed amount.

In addition, the final draft law provides that the current year’s appropriations for the ARMM is to be transferred to the BTA and supplemental budget “may be appropriated by Congress to support the transition.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Cases... from page A9

they sent another sample last week for confirmatory tests after turning out “reactive” for the virus based on their initial screening.

As of December last year, the CHO already documented a total of 129 seropositive cases of HIV in the city. The area’s HIV/AIDS cases, which were detected through screened blood serum, involve 99 males and 30 females. A total of 29 persons with AIDS – comprising 7 females and 22 males – have already succumbed in the last three years to various complications caused by the disease. (MindaNews)

A12 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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