Vol 20, No. 19 - May 11 - 17, 2015

May 11 - 17, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 19 | Php 12.00/copy  balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

Like us: Read archives at: www.facebook.com/Balikas issuu.com/balikasonline

Follow us: @Balikasonline

‘Dimacuha, Halili 153 hired on the pa rin sa 2016’ - spot at SM job fair in Batangas survey 6

3

Should Celia Veloso apologize to PNoy? >>>OPINION....P/4



JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

“IT is with great optimism and pride that in the recent surveys, your acting governor emerged as the top choice of our kababayans to be their next chief executive after Governor Vilma SantosRecto, if the election will be held today.”

Thus, this is how Acting Governor Mark Antonio Leviste IV presented to the members of the press the alleged result of the survey conducted by Creative Vibes, a private survey firm engaged in political and economic surveys, commissioned by their family. >>>PULSE....turn to P/2 Determined. Acting Governor Mark Leviste shows

the result of the recent survey by Creative Vibes with him as the best choice for gubernatorial position.| BALIKAS PHOTO

>>>FULL STORY....on P/2

Goal Zero.

Workers belonging to different contractring companies actively participated in the celebration of Safety Day which aims at attaining Zero Unsafe Hour.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Senior Citizens, pinagingat laban sa fixers PINAAALALAHANAN ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ang mga Senior Citizen na mag-ingat sa mga fixers na humihingi ng bayad kapalit ng kanilang serbisyo upang i-proseso ang kanilang pagpapa-miyembro sa PhilHealth.

“Hindi kinakailangang magmadali ng ating mga senior citizen sa pag-eenrol upang makakuha ng mga benepisyo sa PhilHealth dahil ito ay maaaring makamit, may PhilHealth ID man o wala.

Kinakailangan lamang na ipakita ang kanilang senior citizen card sa mga accredited na pasilidad ng PhilHealth,” wika ni Alexander A. Padilla, Pangulo at Punong Tagapagpatupad ng PhilHealth.

Simula nang ipatupad ang Republic Act 10645 noong ika-25 Nobyembre noong nakaraang taon, dinagsa na ng mga senior citizen ang mga Local Health Insurance Office ng PhilHealth na

>>>PASEGURO...sundan sa P/7

MAY 11 - 17, 2015

2

NEWS

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Shell’s stakeholders celebrate ‘Safety Day’ BATANGAS City – Going home safe and given by PSPC’s Personal Safety Officer, one’s commitment to attain the goal zero.

At least six groups composed of sound to reunite with family members Erwin San Miguel. and love ones is what matters most after Meanwhile, Tabangao General PSPC’s contractors actively participated the daily routine of work in any depart- Manager Eduard Geus, said that safety in the celebration with their best stage ment of Tabangao Shell Refinery of the should always be prioritized by every presentation depicting safety efforts among themselves to attain the goal zero.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. worker at any hour of any day.

PSPC’s Engineering Department was This is the general principal that all “Safety should always be in the mind workers have to bear in mind, officials of every worker and it is everyone’s duty hailed champion followed by RPD of the PSPC shared during the company to see to it that no untoward incident Construction as first runner up, and celebration of Safety Day at the Refinery would happen especially so when on duty Safeseas Shipping Manpower Agency as second runner up. They received Cash Covered Court, Tabangao Ambulong, inside the refinery,” Geus said.

“Everyone’s awareness is tanta- prizes, gift check and Plaque of this city, on Tuesday.

Guided by the theme: “Achieving mount in achieving our goal, but Appreciation.

Other contractors like JGC PhilipGoal Zero Because We Care”, refinery awareness must be one’s guide word for officials are united in reminding each himself and for his environment,” he pines and I&E Industrial Systems Services Inc., and Superior Maintenance and very employee of their part in added. ensuring safety in every knook of the Regional Vice President for Asia- Mnagement System, Inc. actively plant.

Pacific, Arnel Santos, said the celebration participated and did their best in stage The program commenced with the of the Safety Day also serve as a venue presentation.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS prayer followed with a safety briefing for recollection and renewal of every....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

<<<PULSE.... from P/1

Leviste tops survey for governor “We believe in scientific methodology utilized by the survey groups. We are believers of survey results because its results are not merely invested or by luck or tyambahan lang,” Leviste said.

The questionnaire is composed of 31 pages which include questions like “What are the most pressing issues in your locality today?” or “What type of leader do you prefer to have?”

“I am very confident that I will win over any other perceived gubernatorial candidate. Sabi nga, ang kabataan daw ay hindi niimpluwen- Pag-uulat. Humarap sa mga miyembro ng Media si Vice Governor Mark Leviste siyahan ng ibang tao, dahil sa huling araw niya bilang Acting Governor ng Lalawigan ng Batangas, Mayo 7, siya ay may sariling desis- upang magbigay ng kaniyang Accomplishment Report ng kaniyang pamamahala bilang chief executive nito. Inihayag ni Leviste ang kaniyang adhikain at seryoyon,” he said.

LOUIE HERNANDEZ In the said survey, four song balaking pagkandidato bilang gobernador sa 2016.| sets of candidates were of Batangas. supposed votes will go to only validates the result of a offered as potential choices.

In Set A, Leviste got 57%; Leviste, rather than Man- separate survey conducted on Even when directly pitted Mandanas, 25%; Mendoza, danas or Briones.

January 17 25, 2015 with the with former Congressman of 11%; Briones, 2%; Others 2% In Set D where Leviste was same size and margin of 2nd District/ex Governor Her- and Undecided, 3%. matched one-on-one with error. In the said survey, milando “Dodo” Mandanas, In Set B, Leviste got 57%; Mandanas, Leviste got 66% which he allegedly do not 4 th District Congressman Mandanas, 27%, and Men- and Mandanas got 30%. know who commissioned the Mark Llandro Mendoza, and doza, 12%. While in Set C, The survey was con- same revealed that Leviste got AGAP Party List representa- Leviste got 61%; Mandanas, ducted January to May 2015 45% rating, Mandanas, 33%; tive Nicanor Briones, Mark 31% and Briones 4%. with 1,200 respondents and Mendoza, 12% Briones, 5%, Leviste is seen to be the Seemingly, should Mendoza a margin of error of +/-2.7%. Others, 2% and Undecided, foremost choice for Governor did not run, most of his This particular survey 3%.| ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Disaster management capacity ng lunsod lalong pinalakas BILANG bahagi ng patuloy na pagpapalakas ng disaster preparedness ng Batangas City, sumailalim sa dalawang araw na pagsasanay ang mga miyembro ng City at Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Council noong April 27-28 tungkol sa maayos na pamamahala ng Disaster Operation Center at mga evacuation centers sa panahon ng kalamidad.

Ayon kay CDRRM Officer Rod dela Roca, napapanahon ang pagsasanay na ito na isinasagawa ng kanilang tanggapan sapagkat on-going ang construction ng two-storey National Standard-

Disaster Evacuation Center na malapit lamang sa kanilang opisina sa barangay Bolbok. Ang proyektong ito na inaasahang matatapos ang konstruksyon sa 2016 ay pwedeng maglaman ng 2000 evacuues at may kumpletong pasilidad tulad ng malawak nan kusina, comfort rooms, stock room, breastfeeding room at couple room.

Itinuro sa naturang pagsasanay sa Camp Management at Camp Coordination ang mga paraan para sa mas mabilis na paghahatid ng serbisyo sa mga evacuees kagaya ng health, sanitation, nutrition, at mga basic needs nila.

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

Sinanay din sila sa epektibong pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga konsernadong indibidwal at ahensya at pagbibiggay ng tamang impormasyon sa publiko at sa media. Kasama rin dito ang simulation on camp, site planning, at critiquing on the output of simulation exercises.

Naging resource speakers sina Kelvin John Reyes mula sa Office Of the Civil Defense Office of the Civil Defense IV-A, Marlene Adante at Bernadette Manalili ng Department of Social Welfare Field Office IV-A, at Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe mula sa Department of Health Rergion IV-A.| MARIE V. LUALHATI

Inter-Island News

By JOMAR PARAN

Earth Day 2015, paalaala sa tungkuling pangkalikasan BOAC, Marinduque — Ang Earth Day 2015 ay isinasagawa taun-taon para paalala sa publiko sa kanilang tungkuling pangkalikasan.

Ayon kay Provincial Environment Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Nicasio Rino, ang Earth Day 2015 ay nagpapataas ng kamalayan at kaalaman sa mga barangay hinggil sa pangangalaga sa ginagalawang mundo.

Bilang simbulo ng pakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Earth Day 2015, nilinis ng mga kawani ng PENRO, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at iba pang kabalikat na ahensiya ang mga kalsada at mga kanal sa Bgy. Bangbangalon.

Ang paglilinis ng mga kalsada at kanal, ani Atty.

Rino, ay malaking tulong upang maibsan ang pagbaha lalo na’t nagbabago na ang panahon.

Noong nakaraang taon, ang coastal clean-up sa Cawit Port at kapit-lugar ang ginawang gawain para ipagdiwang sa Earth Day. Bukod sa paglilinis ng kalsada, kanal at mga dalampasigan, sinabi ni Atty. Rino na maraming pang paraan upang pangalagaan ang kalikasan tulad ng pagtatanim ng bakawan, mga namumungang puno at paglilinis ng ilog.| LYNDON PLANTILLA .......................................................................................................

PA contingent sa Marinduque, sumailalim sa pagsasanay CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro, Mayo 7 (PIA) – Sumailalim kamakailan sa Speaker’s Bureau Training ang mga sundalo ng Philippine Army sa lalawigan.

Ito ay isinagawa sa Brgy. Pag-asa sa bayan ng Bansud.

Naniniwala ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) partikular ang 203rd Infantry Brigade (IB) na ang patuloy na pagsisikap na mabago ang istilo ng kanilang hanay sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad ay magagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga pagsasanay.

Kabilang sa mga isinagawang pagsasanay na may kaugnayan sa Speaker ’s Bureau ay ang mga sumusunod tulad ng proper media handling, basic news writing, radio broadcasting at public speaking.

Naging katuwang dito ng 203rd IB ang mga opisyal at kawani ng kapitolyo bilang mga tagapagsanay.

Ang Speaker’s Bureau Training Class-01-2015 ay isang akademikong pagsasanay ng mga bagong magaaral na sundalo. Bahagi ito ng kanilang aralin na tumututok sa kanilang pakikisangkot, koordinasyon, at paglilingkod sa mga komumidad.

Samantala, ayon kay 203rd IB CMO Officer Captain Arthur Alluigan, malaki na ang kaibahan ng imahe ng mga sundalo ngayon kumpara sa mga nagdaang panahon.

Aniya pa, isinasagawa nila ang ganitong pagsasanay dahil ninanais ng kanilang pamunuan na madagdagan pa ang kanilang kaalaman at kasanayan sa tamang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga mamamayan. .......................................................................................................

Mayo 8, idineklarang Special Non-Working Holiday sa Puerto PUERTO PRINCESA City - Idineklara na ng Malakanyang bilang special non-working holiday ang Mayo 8, 2015 sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa.

Ang deklarasyon ay sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation No. 1000 na nilagdaan ni Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa noong Abril 20, 2015.

Ang pagdi-deklarang ito ng Malakanyang ay ayon na rin sa kahilingan ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sa pamamagitan ng COMELEC en banc Resolution No. 15-0284 noong Abril 07, 2015.

Ito ay kaugnay ng pagsasagawa ng Recall Elections sa lungsod sa posisyon ng Mayor na nakatakda sa Mayo 8, 2015.|

* Rehearsals * Rentals * Tutorial *Band Service

D’ BLADES JAMM

We welcome home-grown bands, ................................................................................................................................................................

We also offer: students, amateur jammers. <<<TRANSPORTASYON... mula sa P/1 Photobooth Service for all occasions.

Call: 0926.774.7373

Panukalang coal-fired power plant, tinututulan

BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373.

MAY 11 - 17, 2015

3

NEWS

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO

Top 6 Most Wanted Person, patay sa enkwentro

TANAUAN City Mayor Antonio C. Halili (left) exchange pleasantries with the delegates from the Australian Political Exchange Council (APEC) who were in the country for an 8-day international political exchange program between the Philippines and Australia.| JUN MOJARES

Tanauan City hosted Australian political leaders TANAUAN CITY, Batangas – A delegation of young political leaders from Australia made a courtesy visit to Mayor Antonio C. Halili at the Tanauan City Hall on May 5, 2015.

The 6-member delegation from Australian Political Exchange Council (APEC) headed by Ross Macdonald, adviser to the Chief Government Whip in the Australian Parliament, was in the country for an 8-day international political exchange program between Australia and the Philippines.

Other members of the delegation were Jessica Turner, Electorate Officer from the Office of Senator Matthew Canavan; Nathan Seng, Scholarships and Prizes Officer, Griffith University; Daniel Barbar, member of Marrickville Council; Ross Schafer, Adviser to the Minister for Industry and Science and MP Ian Macfarlane; and Ben Riley, Immediate Past President-Young Liberal Movement of Australia.

APEC’s local counterpart, the Philippine Center of Young Leaders in Governance (PCYL), and the Australian Embassy, arranged the visit to Tanauan City which was warmly welcomed by Mayor Halili, Vice Mayor Jhoanna C. Corona and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

In the luncheon meeting hosted by

the city government, a dialogue was held Early this year, Vice Mayor Corona where issues of common concern, such was one of the Philippine delegates who as local governance and leadership, were were recipients of the exchange program GERALD LARESMA extensively discussed among and in Australia.| between the city officials and guests. ...........................................................................................................................................

‘Dimacuha, Halili pa rin sa 2016’ - survey MANANATILI pa ring hawak ng mga Dimacuha ang liderato ng Lunsod Batangas at ni Mayor Thony Halili ng Lunsod ng Tanauan sa 2016, kung isasagawa ngayon ang eleksyon at kung ang pagbabatayan ay ang pinakahuling survey ng Creative Vibes na iosinagawa mula Enero hanggang Mayo 2015.

Sa isang press conference ni Vice Governor Mark Leviste noong Huwebes kung saan niya inihayag ang resulta ng survey na kinomisyon ng kanilang kampo, ibinahagi rin ni Leviste sa mga mamahayag ang resulta ng survey tatlong lunsod ng lalawigan.

Sa Lunsod Batangas, sa tatlong itinapat na kalaban, nanatili ang pulso ng taumbayan sa mga Dimacuha. Sa Set A, Eduardo B. Dimacuha, 51% vs. Doc. Jun Berberabe, 41%. Sa Set B, Vilma A. Dimacuha, 48% vs. Jun Berberabe, 19%; samantalang sa Set C, Dondon Dimacuha, 40% vs. Joe Tolentino, 19%.

Nangunguna naman si ex-Vice Mayor Wawing Chavez, 55% kung

itatapat kay Kon. Glenn Aldover, 21%.

Nananatili pa ring 55% ang kay Chavez kung itatapat naman kay Kon. Kristine Balmes, 19%.

Sa Lunsod ng Tanauan, nakuha ni Halili ang 67% kung itatapat kay former Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino, 25%. May natitirang 8% na undecided. Naitala din ang 62% ni VM Jhoana Corona kung tatapatan siya ni ABC Pres. Paul Mark Fajardo na nakakuha ng 24%. May nalalabi namang 14% na undecided pang pumili ng magging bise alkalde.

Samantala, sa Lunsod ng Lipa, madaling makababalik si Gov. Vilma Santos Recto na nakakuha ng 52% kung itatapat kay Mayor Meynard Sabili na nakakuha ng 39%. Halos doble naman ng pabor kay VM Eric Africa, 41%, ang pumabor kay Kon. Lydio Lopez na 26%.

Nakakuha naman si Kon. Kaye Briones ng 21%.

Ang naturang survey ay may size na 1,200 respondents at may +/- 2.7% na margin of error.|

...............................................................................................................................................................

‘Magandang nasimulan ng HEARTS program ipagpapatuloy ko’- Vice Gov. Leviste BATANGAS City - Sa huling araw ng kanyang katungkulan bilang acting Governor ng Lalawigan ng Batangas, humarap sa miyembro ng media si Vice Governor Mark Leviste upang magbigay ulat sa mga naganap sa lalawigan sa ilalim ng kaniyang pamumuno bilang chief executive nito.

Kaharap ang mga kasapi ng media organization mula sa print, radio and TV na kina bibilangan ng Batangas Press Club, Batangas News Writer’s Association, ABS-CBN Southern Tagalog, at ilan pang mula sa radio broadcast industry, una nitong ipinahayag ang seryoso niyang balaking tumakbo bilang Gobernador ng Batangas sa darating na halalan sa May 2016.

Ayon kay Leviste, wala siyang nakikitang dahilan upang hindi ikonsidera ang kanyang kandidatura bilang chief executive ng lalawigan sapagkat buong puso na niya itong pinaglingkuran bilang Board Member noong 2004 at Bise Gobernador mula 2007 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Isang malakas na bentahe umano sa kanyang balaking pagkandidato ang kanyang karanasan at kaalaman tungkol sa malinis at epektibong

pakikiisa sa mga adhikain ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto.

Binigyang-diin pa nito na ang epektibong teamwork ng naganap sa pagitan ng legislative branch na kanyang pinamumunuan at ng executive branch ng administrasyong Santos Recto ang dahilan sa pagkakaroon ng mabilisan at malinis na pagbibigay public service sa mga Batangueño at ang di makakailang lalo pang pag-unlad ng lalawigan.

“Ang pagpapatuloy ng nasimulan ni Governor Vilma ang aking prayoridad, lalo na ang continuity ng HEARTS program nito ang patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ko sa mga kawani ng pamahalaang panlalawigan upang lalo kaming mag move forward at wala akong nakikitang dahilan upang hindi ipag patuloy ang mga maganda naming nasimulan” ang madiing pahayag nito sa mga dumalo sa nasabing Press Conference.

Partikular umanong tutukan ng kanyang administrasyon kung siya ay papalarin ang sector ng agrikultura at turismo, “Nailatag na ni Governor Vi ang imprastraktura at iba pang

resources sa Health and Education, dadagdagan na lang natin ito at ipagpapatuloy”.

Aniya ang pagtutok sa Agrikultura at Turismo ay bilang pagsasa alangalang sa potensiyal at katangian ng lalawigan na kilala pa rin agricultural province at isa sa may pinakamagandang tourist attraction tulad ng baybayain at kabundukan nito.

Ibinalita din nito ang resulta ng isinagawang survey na nagpapakita ng paglutang ng kaniyang pangalan bilang nangungunang candidate of choice bilang susunod na Gobernador ng lalawigan sa oras na matapos na ang termino ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto.

Ang resulta umano ng survey na nagpapakita ng kanyang bentahe sa mga napapabalitang mga pangalan na nagnanais na tumakbo bilang Gobernador ang gagawin niyang motibasyon upang lalo pang pag buitihin ang kanyang pagsisilbi sa lalawigan, “ hindi porke number 1 tayo sa survey eh maging complacent tayo, dapat pagigihin pa natin ang trabaho at serbisyo para makuha lalo ang puso ng Batangueño” pagtatapos nito.| EDWIN V. ZABARTE

CALACA, Batangas – Patay ang isang wanted matapos manlaban sa mga miyembro ng pulisya na nagsilbi ng Warrant of Arrest sa Barangay Dacanlo, bayang ito, kama-kailan.

Batay sa ulat ng pulisya, katanghalian noong Mayo 6, 2015 nang isilbi na ang warrant of arrest kay Joseph Cortiñas y Aliling @ Jomong ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng Lemery PNP at Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company para sa mga kaso ng paglabag sa Republic Act 10591, kilala bilang “Comprehen-sive Firearms And Ammunition Regulation Act” at Republic Act 9165, kilala bilang “Com-prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

Si Cortiñas ang itinuturing na Top 6 Most Wanted Person sa talaan ng Lemery PNP. Ang naturang warrant of arrest ay ipinala-bas ni Hon. Judge Eleuterio Bathan, ng Regional Trial Court Branch 5, bayan ng Le-mery, at walang nakarekomendang piyansa.

Nabatid pa na nang isilbi ang naturang Warrant of Arrest ay nagkaroon ng palitan ng putok ng baril sa pagitan ng suspek at ng mga otoridad na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng suspek.

Narekober sa pinangyarian ng insidente ang isang caliber .45, iba’t ibang live ammu-nitions, humigitkumulang sa 156.3 gramo ng pinaghihinalaang shabu at mga paraphernalia sa pagamit ng nasabing iligal an droga.|

2-Day BPPO OPLAN Checkmate IN response to the crime incidents involving the use of motorcycles, Police Senior Superintendent OMEGA JIREH D FIDEL, Provincial Director, directed the re-launching of OPLAN Checkmate or OPLAN “Bulabog” in collaboration with Batangas Provincial Highway Patrol Team. Said operation was conducted from May 2, 2015 to May 3, 2015 at about 6:00 am to 6:00 pm provincewide which resulted in these notable accomplishments: (Please see attached).

Impounded motorcycles are subjected for macroetching examination by Batangas Provincial Crime Laboratory Office. On the other hand, authenticity of pertinent documents whether said vehicles were carnapped are being verified by the Provincial Highway Patrol Team.

Intensified conduct of checkpoint operations as one of the measures to lessen the occurrence of crimes involving motorcycles will be sustained. Thus, this Office further asks the public, especially the motorists, for their cooperation and patience during checkpoints.

Enrollment sa SSS voluntary provident fund bukas na TUMATANGGAP na ngayon ang Social Security System (SSS) ng applications para sa Personal Equity and Savings Option (SSS-PESO) Fund program, isang paraan para lumago ang ipon ng mga miyembro nito, partikular ang kanilang retirement fund.

Lahat ng miyembro ng SSS na 54 anyos pababa at mayroong anim na buwang magkakasunod na contribution sa ilalim ng regular na SSS program sa loob ng nakaraang 12 buwan bago ang enrollment ay maaaring sumali sa SSS-PESO Fund Program. Magsisimula ang membership ng isang miyembro sa mismong buwan ng kanyang unang contribution sa SSS PESO Fund.

“Sa halagang P1,000 kada buwan at minimum na P1,000 sa mga susunod na kontribusyon, maaaring maglagak ng hanggang P100,000 kada taon ang bawat miyembro ng SSSPESO Fund,” ayon kay SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division Agnes San Jose.

Para sa pilot implementation ng SSS-PESO Fund, maaaring mag-apply ang interesadong SSS member sa mga sumusunod na NCR branches: Diliman, Cubao, San Francisco Del Monte, Pasig-Shaw, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Makati-Gil Puyat, Alabang, Legarda, Pasay-Roxas Boulevard.

Simula Setyembre 2015, tatanggap na ang lahat ng SSS branches sa buong bansa ng applications sa SSS-PESO Fund.

Iaaanunsyo nito kung kailan maaaring magpatala dito online gamit ang My.SSS portal.

Ang mga refunds, withdrawals o benefit claims ay maaring i-credit sa single savings o current account ng member sa isang SSS depository bank. Bawal ang maagang terminasyon ng membership.|

4

Be a part in shaping public opinion.

Email your comments/reactions to: balikasonline@yahoo.com MAY 11 - 17, 2015

OPINION HIS is the challenge of Easter. Christ’s resurrection has reopened the gates of heaven and has given us a way to enter it. With his rising from the dead, we are given a new life. We are now a new creation, a new man because the eternal curse of sin and death was undone with Christ’s passion and death.

But it’s up to us to receive this ineffably tremendous divine offer or reject it. And if we receive it, to develop and care for it, because even if God has given us everything to be what he wants us to be, we always have to correspond to that offer with our freedom, whose proper language is love.

That’s why we have to understand that Easter challenges us to correspond to the new life Christ has given us. Are we ready for it? Are we willing to accept it and to assume the re s po ns i bi lit i e s inherently attached to it?

In this regard, St. Paul gave us a relevant piece of advice: “Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ our pasch is sacrificed.” (1 Cor 5,7) These words certainly have reference to the Jewish feast of the Passover when the Israelites were delivered from bondage. It was a practice that involved purging the old leaven they had and offering a spotless lamb as sacrifice.

This Passover feast has become a precursor of Easter when we are supposed to cleanse ourselves from our old man to receive the new life offered to us by the risen Christ, the new paschal sacrifice that is most pleasing and acceptable to God. Easter or the resurrection of Christ, the fruit of the cross, replaces and perfects the old sacrifice. It has the power to forgive us of our sins, and not just to cleanse us externally, which was what the old sacrifice could only achieve. The spotless lamb is replaced by Christ, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

We can take Easter as the occasion to be more aware of the need to purge ourselves of the old leaven. We have to be aware that through the year, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we acquire many kinds of the old and undesirable leaven.

We have the leaven of the world, for one, that may be represented by the new technologies and other new worldly things that can be very exciting, but can only feed, if we are not careful, our self-indulgence and selfcenteredness, instead of enhancing what is proper to us—our love for God and love for neighbor.

This leaven can so mesmerize our intelligence or our feelings and emotions and our entire bodily organism that it can become an addiction, desensitizing us to our need to be with God and with others always.

Nowadays, many people especially the young are hooked on drugs, sex, games, etc. Withdrawal from them has become almost impossible.

Our other worldly concerns and affairs, like our business and politics, can also produce such old leaven that can give us certain perks and advantages and convenience, but just the same can only swell our ego. This is actually a very formidable foe because this kind of mindset is the mainstream at present.

Of course, we have the usual leaven of the flesh that can lead us to a variety of anomalies like pride, vanity, greed, envy, lust, sloth and the like.

But what is important to realize is that our process of dying to ourselves, which is what purging the old leaven would mean, should simultaneously correspond to our need to rise with Christ, imitating him, identifying ourselves with him in all things.

We can only purge ourselves of the old leaven to the extent that we leaven ourselves with Christ, increasingly knowing, loving and serving him, that would always redound to knowing, loving and serving others, and everyone else.

We need to spread this good news around because many are still ignorant of it, or if not completely ignorant, are still at sea as to how we can purge ourselves of the old leaven and leaven ourselves with Christ.

Actually the leaven of Christ is presented to us as the unleavened bread of life, meaning purged of worldly and bodily leaven. And as Christ himself said, to get this leaven of his, which is unleavened of worldly things, we need to deny ourselves and carry the cross.

We need to love the cross to be able to have the new life.|

A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804.

Member:

Like us: www.facebook .com/Balikas

CBCP online

The challenge of the new life

........................................................................................................................................................

Should Celia Veloso apologize to Pres. BS Aquino III? NETIZENS depicted Celia Veloso as an ingrate for telling reporters that it was not Pres.

BS Aquino III that saved Mary Jane from execution.

Mrs. Veloso made the declaration in a press conference organized by some militant civil society groups which held massive protest actions on MJ’s behalf. Some viewed that her sentiments had been clouded all the more by her association with these groups.

Many netizens is crediting Aquino for the suspension of MJ’s execution. Newspapers reported that he broke protocol during the ASEAN summit by talking to the Indonesian Foreign Ministers about the matter.

Indeed, Mrs. Veloso was tactless when she aired her sentiments against the administration’s last ditch efforts to save her daughter. She could have put it nicely even if she was telling that the government could have done more had it acted two or three years earlier. Be that as it may, she is entitled to her sentiments. She just acted and spoken candidly. As such, rantings against her “acts of ingratitude” are as gratuitous as her claims that the government did nothing to help her daughter.

To put the matter straight, MJ’s lawyers have exhausted all legal remedies available to her but these all failed. The only available remedies then were diplomatic and political. In truth, diplomatic efforts helped much to save her. Political pressures from civil society groups here and abroad might have put the Indonesian government on the hot seat but they could

Editorial & Business Office: ZENAIDA ARCADE, M.H. Del Pialr St., Brgy. Pob. 2, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa City Office: San Sebastian St.,Barangay 10, Lipa City, 4217, Philippines Batangas League for Alternative Development & Services (BLADES), Inc.

Follow us: @Balikasonline

Read archives at: issuu.com/balikasonline

not claim that their efforts led to the suspension of the execution.

However, this does not mean that full credit should be given to Pres. BS Aquino III. In the first place, her execution was just suspended in the meantime. In all probability, the Indonesian Supreme Court will not overturn MJ’s final conviction because of diplomatic plea from the Philippine government. Unless the Indonesian government commuted her sentence to life imprisonment, the firing squad will continue to await its turn to execute her.

That the government and its diplomatic officials did everything to save her should not be unexpected.

From being magnanimous or charitable, their efforts were called upon by the mandates. These acts do not oblige gratitude. It is enough that people recognize that they are doing their best to fulfil their duties.

The Philippine government could not afford to neglect Mary Jane’s cause. Its duty to protect and give assistance to MJ and those under similar predicament remains the same even if they are later on found to be underserving. Protection and assistance in times of need are the primary consequences of citizenship.

Unless the ruling administration exists for itself, this principle remains an important bedrock of our government.

So, is there a need for MJ’s mother to apologize to Pres. BS Aquino III?

Joenald Medina Rayos

Nicetas E. Escalona

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Lifestyle Editor

Jerick M. Dorado Copy Editor Melinda R. Landicho |Minerva Padua Sarah Joy Hernandez News Reporters Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist

Atty. Roberto Iñigo Sanchez Legal Consultant Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Contributors Ronalina B. Lontoc Special Project Editor

Leo Magnaye Circulation In-Charge

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

MAY 11 - 17, 2015

5

OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

Angry Mama

A lesson in respect FILIPINOS are known for their hospitality. But hospitality and graciousness are not the only values being taught to Filipino children. Filipinos also value respect. Children could never tell their parents to “shut up” or “I hate you,” because that would be disrespectful.

Filipinos use the term po, opo, manong, manang, ate, kuya to show respect to older people. Yet, these terms are also used to persons who are not that old but, nevertheless, to show respect. In jeepneys one could hear passengers handing out their fare to the driver, calling him kuya or manong.

It is also taboo to say something negative about a dead person because doing so would be disrespectful to the dead and to the grieving family. Accompanying the value for respect is sensitivity to the feelings of others.

This is why Filipinos could not, oftentimes, be upfront and tend to hide their true feelings.

Sadly, all of these are lost in social media because one could hide behind handles and avatars. Trolls abound in social media. Others, while not hiding behind handles, tend to be disrespectful because they are not in front of the person who is the subject of their tirades.

Sadly, the Veloso family who has been through so much – poverty, oppression, government neglect and now having one of the siblings in death row and was almost executed, if not for a last minute reprieve – became the victim of trolls and vile attacks in social media.

The reason? They complained about government neglect in the case of Mary Jane.

For this they were called “ignorant” and “traitor” by a member of a once-popular singing group in the 1970s. They were also called as “ingrates” by trolls.

Monique Wilson is right, these are classist and discriminatory. UP Prof. Roselle Pineda is correct in saying that colonizers and the ruling class used these same words to insult and demonize the oppressed toiling masses that dare question their rule.

There are those who are neither trolls nor bashers but were offended by what they call as a lack of “utang na loob” or gratitude of the Veloso family. After all, President Aquino did appeal to the Indonesian president to save the life of Mary Jane when the execution was about to be implemented. And there are also those who are allergic when they see Red or the Left being involved in an issue.

Nevertheless, the Veloso family has every right to be angry, frustrated, scared, and exasperated. And the least we could do is respect that.

If these bashers have gone through even half of what the Veloso family experienced all their lives, then, probably they would be cursing the heavens. These are real life experiences and petty bourgeois existential angst is nothing compared to it.

Do their expressions of anger and frustration show that they are being manipulated? Genuine anger and frustration could not be imposed on a person; it has to come from within. On the other hand, it is easy to manipulate social media bashers; all one needs is a computer, smartphone or tablet, a lot of fake social media accounts, and some money to pay whoever is doing it for his or her efforts.

Do their actions show their ignorance? On the

Benjie Oliveros

>>>PERSPECTIVE... turn to P/7

........................................................................................................................................................

Capital punishment as spectacle THANKS to her lawyers from the National Union of People’s Lawyers — and no thanks to the government — the execution of Mary Jane Veloso has been deferred, hopefully toward its eventually being commuted, or her being released.

Only in the very last days prior to her scheduled execution five years after her conviction for alleged drug trafficking did the Philippine government appeal to the Indonesian government for a stay of execution on humanitarian grounds.

Veloso’s trial took place in 2010, during which the Indonesian government provided her with a public attorney who was less than enthusiastic in defending her, and an interpreter whose competence in translating the court proceedings from Bahasa Indonesia to English was at least questionable. A further complication was Veloso’s own limited understanding of the English language.

Despite its current claims that it was helping her “from Day One,” the Philippine government, whether through its embassy in Indonesia, or the Overseas Workers Welfare Agency, provided neither the lawyer nor the interpreter that could have assured Veloso of a fair trial five years ago. Apparently the Philippine government has no established protocol to aid Filipinos in trouble with the laws of other countries, despite the crucial role of overseas workers’ remittances in keeping the economy afloat, and with dozens of overseas Filipino workers executed through various means — including decapitation and hanging — all over the globe.

The Veloso case has once more focused citizen attention on the difficulties of migrant Filipinos, including those of Veloso herself, who appears to have been duped into transporting 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia.

But equally important, it should lead to better informed understanding among the populace of the imperative of maintaining the country’s moratorium on the death penalty, and toward abolishing it by law.

This is crucial in the context of recent calls to restore it from such quarters as a senator widely known for his cluelessness on a vast array of public issues, and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).

Vicente Sotto III has once again filed the usual bill restoring the death penalty, and the VACC, through one of its board members, has weighed in on that ignoble attempt to curry favor with the public. It has suggested that not only should the death penalty be restored, it should also be both public as well as through — a la Indonesia — a firing squad. The idea is to “embarrass”

the person being executed as well as to “scare” the population enough for would-be criminals to think twice before they kill, rape or kidnap.

(Terrorize through a public display of State violence is the more precise term.)

Death by firing squad is among the means of capital punishment in current use in such countries as Indonesia. (Hanging, decapitation, stoning, lethal injection, electrocution are used in other countries.) In an orchestrated public spectacle, José Rizal was executed through the same method by the Spanish colonial government, which also favored public strangling through the garrote, which it used in the execution of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora in 1872. But the last time a firing squad was used to kill anybody officially was during the martial law period when, widely publicized through the captive media, a supposed drug lord was executed. But it was never used again, apparently because even the dictator Ferdinand Marcos had doubts about its efficacy as a deterrent, and its propaganda value.

Other than its dubious history — it’s being associated with colonial rule and dictatorship in this country in behalf of terrorizing the populace — the suggestion to re-impose capital punishment through musketry is apparently driven by no more than the desire for vengeance and retribution through the justice system rather than its civilized use to rehabilitate wrongdoers, which of course is impossible once he or she has been executed.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) points out that the death penalty not only cheapens human life, it does not deter crime either. It is also a form of torture in that the anticipation of death is itself a form of punishment against the offender. In addition — and this is as true in other countries as in the Philippines — an imperfect justice system can make mistakes, or can willfully condemn someone for reasons other than justice.

It happens even in the US, which has a jury system.

Because there is no jury system in the Philippines, once the death penalty is restored, a judge will have the sole power over the life or death of the alleged wrong-doer.

Some judges, said the CBCP, “betray the dignity and nobility of their calling” by allowing “extralegal considerations to taint their judgments.” And yet, “The death penalty, once executed, is irreversible and no repentance or regret can ever make up for the horrible injustice of a person wrongfully executed.”

The CBCP also pointed out that among the country’s international obligations is the abolition of the death

I THINK the mother of MJ Veloso who is facing execution in Indonesia for drug trafficking, went out of bounds when she vented her pent-up ire on the President for the sad fate of her daughter. She did not even acknowledged the effort done by the President in personally talking to the Indonesian president to save her, for the moment, from the firing squad. Instead of appreciating the efforts of everyone, including President Aquino’s, she went ballistic. Although we perfectly understand her angst, let’s hope she realizes the mistake, given that the effort to save her daughter is a temporary relief and has still a long way to go. We need everyone, especially Malacañang, to help!  CONNECTED -- Here’s last Sunday’s sermon I heard from a priestcelebrant at the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati that is worth sharing. He said that in today’s cyber-age, everyone is “connected” by phones, the computer, in the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. He noted how we become so distressed or feel incomplete if we suddenly discover that our cellphone is lost or nowhere to be found. Or when the internet or network is lost. When the “network signal” is lost or gone, we all become disconnected. Even the most expensive phone or most modern computer is less useful if it is not connected to a network.

The priest intoned: If we all want to be always connected, let God be our “network”. Amen.  OODLES OF MONEY -- It’s been a week since Las Vegas but Pacman’s defeat to “weather weather” Floyd continues to haunt all disbelieving Pinoys. “Money” Floyd is now called “Runner” and “Hugger”. And the fight is now dubbed the FLIGHT -- not fight-- of the CENTURY. By the way, let’s not forget: while we all agonize over the incident, the two boxers, their promoters and teams are happily laughing their way to the bank.  KAINGIN -- I read a recent article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer authored by a group of experts saying that it is wrong to always refer to “kaingin” or the practice of “slash and burn” by our natives or lumads as the culprit in the deforestation of our forests. There is such a thing as “sustainable or renewable kaingin” that provides indigenous ways of livelihood and sustenance. Our bald forests today were caused principally by big-time loggers who did not re-forest. Let’s all think twice before blaming “kaingin” and our lumads for today’s environmental backlash.  PADRE PIO --- We visited the shrine of Saint Padre Pio off C-5 highway in Quezon City near Eastwood a few days ago. An Italian Capucin priest from a place called “Pietrelcina”, Padre Pio, while alive, was known for being a “stigmata” or one whose body was mysteriously found bearing the wounds of crucified Jesus Christ. Many devotees who are sick seek his help. On the walls of the chapel are written testimonials of those whom he healed. Thousands of rosary beads are hung by devotees everywhere. One gets that soothing “healing feeling” just visiting and praying in the quiet shrine in the midst of the noise and hubbub of the metropolis.|

“

Intelligent discussions and exchange of views on issues are encouraged among our readers. Anyone can send comments or feedback about the news, features or stories published in our pages. However, the editorial board reserves the right to edit comments for clarity and brevity. The use of foul language, personal attacks or hate campaign on a person or an institution is not tolerated, otherwise, they will not be published. Likewise, promoting one's own agenda or interests (such as those that are commercial or political) are not intertained here. The same policy is also applied to our social media pages.

penalty, as mandated by the Second Optional Protocol of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “The principal obligation we assumed under this international agreement is to abolish the death penalty. We cannot and should not renege on our international obligations, especially when these are not only lawful but moral.”

Despite that Protocol, among the developed countries, only the US federal government and 32 states of the Union still have the death penalty. It is the subject of furious debate in the US, where executions have been botched, and in some cases found to have claimed the lives of people innocent of the crimes they had been convicted of.

Capital punishment is prohibited in the European Union. Only 36 countries still routinely impose the death penalty, while 103 countries have completely abolished it. The Philippines is among 50 countries where there is a moratorium on its use, but where it is in constant danger of being restored through

”

such mindless campaigns as that of the VACC. These considerations aside, restoring the death penalty would put the Philippines on the same level of hypocrisy as Indonesia, which has the death penalty, but campaigns against it in other countries when its nationals are involved. The Philippines could be executing alleged criminals at home while supposedly trying to save its citizens on death row abroad.

Essentially, however, the fact is that the death penalty is cruel, inhuman, irreversible, and doesn’t work in deterring crime. What it does is satisfy the thirst for vengeance, and — if the VACC were to succeed in having its suggestions followed — the lust for an obscene spectacle via State-sponsored violence.

Luis V. Teodoro is on Facebook and Twitter (@luisteodoro).

The views expressed in Vantage Point are his own and do not represent the views of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.

WWW.LUISTEODORO.COM

6

Increase the potential of your business!

Advertise with us. Email us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com MAY 11 - 17, 2015

BUSINESS

BEST AND WISE CHOICES, NOW IN TOWN. Known for their long line of imported items at very affordable prices, HMR Philippines now opens its newest branch, the HMR Trading Haus, that would cater to the Batangueño shoppers and the rest of the Calabarzon-Mimaropa, with its center strategically located inside the SM Hypermart along National Highway, Brgy. Balagtas, Batangas City. The store opens its doors Friday, May 8.| ADVT.

153 hired on the spot at SM job fair in Batangas IN celebration of Labor Day, SM Supermalls held its 8 th nationwide job fair last May 1, 2015.

At SM City Batangas, with 15,412 posted job vacancies from 65 participating companies, a total of 802 job seekers joined in the job fair of which 48 were hired on the spot. No other than Batangas City Legal Officer Atty.

Teodulfo Deguito representing Batangas City Mayor together with DOLE Batangas Representative Cristy Barayang, Batangas City

PESO Officer Noel Silang and Provincial PESO Officer Razel Ingco graced the event attended by other project partners and SM Affiliates.

While at SM City Lipa, a total of 192 companies participated with posted job vacancies of 12,966 to give employment opportunities to 4,890 registered applicants of which 105 were hired on the spot. Opening the job fair through a ribbon cutting ceremony are SM City Lipa Mall Manager Liza F. Dimaculangan, ABS CBN

Southern Tagalog Senior Reporter Ernie Manio, ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Station Manager Woodrow Francia and News Head Terry Aquino Pedrocha with Lipa City PESO Manager, John Toledo.

Held in cooperation with DOLE and PESO, SM Supermalls Nationwide Job fair aims to bring employers together, lessen the inconveniences of job seekers and provide opportunities for gainful employment to our Filipino workers.|

......................................................................................................................

THE ribbon cutting ceremony marked the opening of the Job Fair at SM City Batangas graced by distinguished guests and project partners.(L-R) SM Regional Marketing Manager for South Luzon 3 Darlene Mangubat, SM City Batangas Mall Manager Rosalinda Gabriel, Representative of the Mayor Atty. Teodulfo Deguito, DOLE Representative Ms. Cristy Barayang, Batangas City PESO Officer Mr. Noel Silang, Provincial PESO Officer Ms. Razel Ingco and SM City Batangas HR Manager Sheila Ojeda.|

OPENING the job fair through a ribbon cutting ceremony at SM City Lipa led by (L-R) SM City Lipa Mall Manager Liza F. Dimaculangan, ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Senior Reporter Ernie Manio, ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Station Manager Woodrow Francia and News Head Terry Aquino Pedrocha with Lipa City PESO Manager, John Toledo.|

‘Dugong Tomasino, Dugtong ng Buhay Ko’ GINANAP kamakailan ang mass blood donation drive na “Dugong Tomasino, Dugtong ng Buhay Ko”. Ang programa ay pinangunahan ng Municipal Health Office sa pamamagitan nina Dr. Pedrito Mayuga, Municipal Health Officer at Ms Bea Vitto, Staff Nurse.

Ang programa ay may ayuda mula sa Provincial Health Office ng Batangas.

Mga empleyado ng Pamahalaang Bayan at Pamahalaang Barangay, pribadong indibidwal at mga estudyante ng Sto. Tomas ang

boluntaryong nagbigay ng kanilang mga dugo para sa ikakaligtas ng mga nangangailangan.

Bago sumalang sa blood donation kinuhanan muna ng blood pressure, timbang at iba pang impormasyong pangkalusugan ang mga interesadong magbigay ng dugo upang matiyak ang kalidad ng dugo at kaligtasan ng tatanggap at magbibigay nito.

Ang minimum na timbang na pinapayagan ay 50 kg at kailangang normal ang blood pressure ng magbibigay ng dugo.|

AFFIDAVIT OF SOLE ADJUDICATION

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late MARIO M. VEGA who died intestate on November 8, 2013 at batangas Medical Center, Batangas City consisting of a memorial/burial lot particularly described as “Court of Lorenzo Ruiz - P Sec. “C”, Block 20; Lots 1 of Eternal Gardens Memorial Park Corp., Batangas and covered by Certificate of Ownership with No. 95-2601 was extrajudicially setlf-adjudicated by his sole heir Mara M. Vega as per Doc. No. 432; Page No. 88; Book No. CXCVI; Series of 2014 of ATTY. CIPRIANO U. ASILO, Notary Public.

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late TEDDY C. HERNANDEZ who died intestate on October 11, 2014 in Brgy. Sto. Cristo, San Jose, Batangas consisting of a motor vehicle described as Model: 1994, Mitsubishi L300 FB Van, with Engine No. 4D56A-C5829, Chassis No. L039PYZL-15250 and Plate No. TTJ526, covered with Certificate of Registration No. 3516720-4 has been extra-judicially settled by and among his heirs with waiver of rights per Doc. No. 73; Page No. 15; Book No. 194; Series of 2015 of ATTY. ANGELITO V. MARAÑA, Notary Public.

Pahayagang Balikas | May 4, 11 & 18, 2015

Balikas | April 27, May 4 & 11, 2015

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. 0926.774.7373 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

MAY 11 - 17, 2015

F.E.S.T.

balikasonline@yahoo.com

7

Sorpresang inspeksyon sa mga food establishments, isinagawa ng CHO BATANGAS City -- Nagsagawa ng sorpresang inspeksyon ang Sanitation Division Team ng City Health Office sa mga food chain at restaurant sa lunsod na ito upang siguruhin kung sumusunod sila sa rules and regulations ipinatutupad ng nasabing tanggapan.

Ang sanitation o sanitasyon ay isang pangkalinisang gawain o pamamaraan na

ang layunin ay iwasang magkaroon ng kontak ang mga tao at ang mga sanhi ng sakit mula sa kapaligiran upang mapanatili ang kalusugan.

Ang sanhi ng mga sakit ay maaaring pisikal, kemikal, mga mikrobyo, at iba pa na maaaring makuha sa mga basura, maduming tubig at hangin, at mga ingay.

Ayon kay Sonia Leyco,

Sanitary Inspection V ng Batangas City Health Office ginagawa nila ang spot inspection upang masigurado nilang pati ang mga empleyado nila ay physically fit, malinis, magandang postura at mahusay ang pakikitungo sa mga kostumer.

Ayon pa rin kay Leyco, ang mga pamamaraan upang mapanatili ang hindi pagkakaroon ng kontak ng mga tao at ng mga sanhi ng sakit ay ang mag sumusunod: paggamit ng mga inhenyerong solusyon tulad ng paglalagay ng maayos na imburnal; simpleng teknolohiya sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng palikuran na may poso negro; o kaya’y sa pamamagitan ng paghuhugas ng kamay na may gamit na sabon.

Sa datos ng City Health Office wala pa naman naita-

INISA-ISA ng mga tauhan ng CHO-Sanitary Section ang mga pasilidad ng mga food establishments sa lunsod upang tiyakin ang sanidad ng mga ito.| PALAKAT talang nagkaroon ng kaganapan ng food poisoning sa Lungsod ng Batangas patunay lamang ito na sumusunod ang mga owner ng restaurant at establisimyento sa mga regulasyon ng sanitation.| LIZA PEREZ DE LOS REYES

................................................................................. <<<PASEGURO.... mula sa P/1

Senior Citizens, pinag-ingat laban sa mga fixers...

MAGING ang mga pamamaraan ng pag-iimbak ng mga suplay ay isinailalim din sa masusing inspeksyon ng mga tauhan ng CHO-Sanitary Section| PALAKAT PHOTO

PA L A IS IPA N 1

2

3

4

5

6

11

10

16 17

20

18

21

22

24

25

A lesson in respect

26

28

29

30

31

33 35

36 PAHALANG 1 Pag-alis ng damo sa h a l a ma n 6 Kawatan 11 Badigard 12 Nais 13 Ama 14 Unang tama ng palakol sa kahoy upang matiyak ang punto ng hati 15 Sapi 16 Bayaning lumpo 17 At iba pa: Espanyol 19 Pagbabawal 21 Maliit na plato 23 Bating banyaga 25 Memorandum: Ikli 27 Isang bagay na mas malaki at mas mataas 29 Magkatulad na tunog ng huling silaba 32 Igpaw 33 Uri ng prutas 34 Bagay na malayo sa nag-uusap 35 Bigkas 36 Reklamo

sila kabilang. Nakikipagtulungan rin ang PhilHealth sa Department of Social Welfare and Development, mga rehistradong samahan ng Senior Citizen sa bansa, mga nongovernment organization (NGO) o maging ang mga non-profit private organization upang masiguro ang pagpapamiyembro ng mga senior citizen.

“Hinihikayat po namin ang maramihang pagpapaenrol ng Senior Citizen sa PhilHealth sa pamamagitan ng OSCAs o ano mang lehitimong samahan ng Senior Citizen upang mapadali ang kanilang pagpapatala,” pahayag ni Padilla.|

................................................................................. <<<PERSPECTIVE.... from P/5

19

32 34

9

14

15

27

8

12

13

23

7

sinamantala naman ng mga fixer ang pagkakataon upang makapanloko at makalikom ng pera mula sa mga senior citizen.

“Huwag gumawa ng ano mang transaksyon sa mga fixer dahil ang pag-eenrol sa PhilHealth ay libre, wala kayong dapat bayaran.

Huwag ninyong hayaan na maging biktima kayo ng mga fixers,” diin ni Padilla.

Ang PhilHealth ay naglabas ng Circular 33 serye ng 2014 na nag-aanyaya sa mga senior citizen na magpatala sa PhilHealth sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) o kung saan mang Local Government Unit

37 37 Tela sa pinilakang tabing PABABA 1 Pinigang niyog 2 Joel o Boy 3 Kabisera ng Davao Oriental 4 Kapital ng Sarangani 5 Ms. ALonzo, artista 7 Paghuhugas ng bigas 8 Kapital ng Aklan 9 Awit ng papuri 10 Ugat ng punong-kahoy (sinunang Tagalog) 14 Talas 16 Kapalit ni Lotlot 18 Batugan 20 Sandok 21 Imbakan ng ihi 22 Kanta ng Moonstar 88 24 Isang uri ng malaking suso 26 Huling yugto ng paglaki ng kulisap 28 Sigla ng pagkain 30 Pamamayani 31 Nasaan: ibang anyo 33 Patrolman: ikli

contrary, it shows that they have regained their dignity, for they would no longer allow that their rights be trampled upon. On the other hand, those who got what they know about Mary Jane, her case and her family from press releases and think that they have the right to judge the Veloso family are the ones displaying ignorance.

Are the Velosos traitors?

Traitors to whom? Aren’t they the ones who were betrayed?

It’s bad enough that trolls and bashers abound in social media. But for a major daily to pick up the posts of bashers and trolls in social media and misrepresent, package it, as news for the general public’s consumption is worse. A colleague in alternative media aptly described it as a new low in journalism.

It does not only glorify trolls and bashers, it is also deceptive. Worse, by providing a wider audience for trolls and bashers, it demonstrates the major daily’s utter

disregard for the feelings of the Veloso family.

In the race, nay war, for ratings and sales, respect is also lost in media. The common forms of disrespect in media are shoving the cameras at the faces of grieving families, posing leading questions then misquoting a source, taking statements out of context, scolding those holding press conferences, among others.

But this is the worst, for it amplified the insults and attacks on the Veloso family.

Call us old school, but we believe that the media should show some respect. By respect, we mean not the feudal kind, but that which upholds the dignity of human beings.

While we are in the topic of respect, Bulatlat apologizes to the persons it quoted in the article “Netizens react to Veloso bashing” for inadvertently identifying them as “supporters” of Mary Jane Veloso in the original title.|

Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Ang komplikasyon tungkol sa pera sa nagdaang panahon ay malulutas. Huwag pansinin ang mga usapan na walang halaga at masasangkot lamang sa hindi pagkakaunawaan. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 8, 16, 32 at aqua blue.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Huwag magpadala sa mungkahi ng iba. Huwag mag-alinlangan sa kasintahan o minamahal. Sa mga dalaga, ang labis na pagseselos ang magbibigay ng malaking problema sa relasyon. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 9, 26, 27 at fuchsia.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Aabalahin ang sarili sa paggawa sa loob ng tahanan. Ang suliranin na sangkot ang ilan ay madaling malulunasan. Maaasahan ang payo ng kaibigan tungkol sa pag-ibig.

Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 22, 29, 33 at electric blue.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Ang kalusugan ay dapat bigyan ng sapat na pag-aalaga.

Kailangang mag-ingat at magtipid sa hawak na salapi. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 6, 18, 22 at dollar green.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Malaking pasasalamat kung matutulungan ng isang kaibigan o kamag-anak. Huwag ituloy ang isang bagay kung hindi alam ang kahihinatnan. Huwag mangutang o magpautang dahil hindi mababayaran. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 32, 39, 42 at pink.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Ang mga taong malapit sa kalooban ay pahalagahan.

Mahalaga ang tulong na naibigay ng iba.

Magpasalamat sa pagtanggap ng suhestiyon o mungkahi. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 9, 12, 15 at turquoise.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Tama ang panahon sa pagpapayaman ng katalinuhan at karanasan. Ang magsaliksik ay inaayunan ng panahon. Ang nagmamalasakit ay dapat bigyan ng kaukulang pansin at pasasalamat. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 8, 14, 20 at sky blue.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Huwag patangay sa agos ng karangyaan. Ang walang pakundangang pamimili ay malamang mangyayari. Ang tamang pagtitipid ay kailangan. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 4, 20, 40 at citrine yellow.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Kung may transaksyon sa negosyo, dapat isagawa pagkalipas ng tanghali. Iwasan ang mga mapagsamantalang kasamahan.

May pagbabagong magaganap. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 6, 19, 37 at red.

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Kung ang kalooban ay tapat at walang pagkukunwari, nasa tamang landas ka ng tagumpay. Maaaring may pagsubok sa kahirapan, kakapusan, relasyon o sa trabaho. Matutupad ang pangakong binitiwan. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 10, 16, 34 at honey yellow.

Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Mayaman ang guniguni na mapapakinabangan sa pagmumuni-muni sa kaunlaran. Taglay ang maliwanag at malikhaing pag-iisip sa pagpaplano sa kinabukasan. Matatapos ang gawain na nasimulan. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 7, 19, 41 at jade green.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Ang payo sa pinansiyal ay isaalang-alang at pagaralang mabuti. Magkakaroon ng bagong relasyon. Ang nagmamadali sa pagpapasiya ay magdudulot ng panganib. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 18, 19, 29 at emerald green.

8

Share with us Special Moments in your LifeTimes! Email your photos and details to balikasonline@yahoo.com MAY 11 - 17, 2015

F.E.S.T.

>>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

Local talents, sumailalim sa Production management seminar ng CCP UMAILALIM ang mga piling guro at estudyante sa lunsod sa isang trainingworkshop sa Production Management na isinagawa ng pamahalaang lunsod katuwang ang Cultural Center of the Philippines sa Saint Bridget College, kamakilan.

S

Naging resource speaker dito si Chinggay Bernardo, head ng Cultural Exhange Program ng Cultural Center of the Philippines at Production Manager sa mga national at international shows.

Tinalakay sa naturang workshop ang tamang pamamahala ng isang produksyon na maaring isang

Not just a man’s job. Even female participants have undergone trainings on sounds and and lights management that used to be a male-dominated job.| PALAKAT

Improving one’s skills. Sounds and light production staffs of the city’s Public Information Office have undergone training, too.| PALAKAT PHOTO

.......................................................................................................................................

GSIS to give scholarship slots to dependents of PWDs, IPs, solo parents STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced this year’s allocation of 20 of the 200 GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) slots for qualified dependents of persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), and solo or single parents.

The enhanced GSP guidelines alloting 10 percent of the total program slots for said special sectors were issued in recognition of their need for educational assistance, as well as in support of the national government’s effort to raise the number of college graduates in the country.

According to GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara, deserving and underprivileged dependents of PWDs, IPs, and single parents defined under Republic Act 8972 (Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000) now have more chances to fulfill their dream of earning a college degree from schools that provide quality education.

Under the program, GSIS shall shoulder the actual cost of scholars’ tuition and miscellaneous fees not to exceed P40,000 per academic year. They also get a monthly stipend of P2,000.

GSP is open to all active GSIS members who, at the time of application, have paid premium contributions for the last six months; are permanent government employees for at least three years; have salary grade of 24 or below or its equivalent job level; and whose dependents are incoming college freshmen accepted in any four- or five-year course, or in priority courses identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The application period is from May 4 to June 11, 2015. Application forms may be obtained from any

For authentic Thai and other Oriental Cuisine... visit

NUNG RU THAI

Restaurant and KTV Bar in the heart of the city Zenaida Arcade, No. 43 M.H. Del Pilar St. Barangay Pob. 2, Batangas City Look for Mam Baby Gutierrez, Proprietress

GSIS branch office or downloadable from the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph.

Launched in 1998, GSP has been the part of the pension fund’s corporate social responsibility.

Questions on the program may be directed to the GSIS Corporate Social Advocacies and Public Relations Facilities Department at 976-4970 or at 479-3600 (local 3414).

pagtatanghal sa entablado o isang simpleng proyekto upang maisiguro ang tagumpay nito.

Itinuro ni Bernado ang fundamentals ng Production Management kung saan ito ay nahahati sa PreProduction, Production Phase at PostProduction Phase.

Sa ilalim ng Pre-Production Phase ay ang pagpaplano at pagbubuo ng konsepto ng produksyon, pagkuha ng mga tauhan sa production at pagpili ng mga artistang gaganap. Nakapaloob din dito ang scheduling at ang pagba-budget. Kasama rin ang Marketing at Media Plans at ang technical requirements.

Ilan sa mga nakapaloob sa Production Phase ang set at costume design/fabrication, musical scoring/ arrangements, stage technical set up, runthroughs o rehearsals at ang mismong pagpapatatanghal at ang

documentation nito sa pamamagitan ng audio, video o print.

Mahalaga naman sa Post Production Phase ay ang evaluation ng produksyon,ang maisaayos ang lahat ng mga dokumento, mabayaran ang talent fees ng mga artista, production staff at rentals ng mga kagamitan, at lugar na ginamit at higit sa lahat ay makapagpasalamat sa mga sumuporta sa produksyon.

Binigyang-diin sa workshop ang malaking resposibilidad ng isang production manager kung saan bukod sa theories at lectures ay ibinahagi ni Bernardo ang kanyang mga personal na kaalaman at mga karanasan sa loob ng mahigit 20 taon.

Nagtapos ang two-day workshop sa pamamagitan isang pagtatangahal na pinangunahan ng mga dumalo sa stage management at lights and sounds workshops.| MARIE V. LUALHATI