Vol. 20, No. 24 -- June 15 - 21, 2015

June 15 - 21, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 24 | Php 12.00/copy  balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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DA actively promotes 46th Batangas City local mango industry for Foundation Day, global competitiveness kasado na! >>>BUSINESS....P/6

>>>F.E.S.T....P/8

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JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

AS cause-oriented groups from the private sector reinforce their crusade to save environment from threats of degradation and destruction as a multi-million mining company alleged poised to exploit 263 square hectares of mountainous portion of Lobo town in Batangas’ eastern coast and the JG Summit Holdings is set to construct a coal-fired power plant in Batangas City, a welcome development came into picture with the discovery of more than 100 new marine species in Verde Island Passage.

Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences are celebrating World Ocean’s Day with a slew of brand new marine discoveries — more than 100 species that are likely new to science.

COLORFUL turnicates are among the new marine species discovered by the academy in Philippine waters. |

>>>DISCOVERY.....turn to P/3

PH to submit 300-year-old map to UN in case vs China 

ELLEN T. TORDESILLAS VERA Files

THE Philippine government will be submitting to the United Nations Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in The Hague this week an almost 300-year-old map of the Philippines showing the disputed Scarborough Shoal being part of Philippine territory as far back as three centuries ago.

The map debunks the so-called ninedash-line China has been using as proof of its claim over the South China Sea. It also locates Scarborough shoal, then known as “Panacot,” also called “Panatag” by Filipinos, off the shores of Luzon, then known as Nueva Castilla. Scarborough shoal has been a source of conflict between the Philippines and China.

The Jesuit priest Pedro Murillo Velarde

had the map published in Manila in 1734. It surfaced in 2012 among the possessions of a British lord, who put it up for auction at Sotheby’s in London, where Filipino businessman Mel Velarde bid and got it for £170,500 ($266,869.46 or P12,014,463.09).

The first certified true copy of the map has been reserved for Malacañang. Velarde will personally present it to President Aquino on June 12, the anniversary of Philippine independence.

How Velarde, president and chief executive officer of Information Technology-based Now Corporation, acquired the map that had lain among the treasures of one of England’s most prominent families for more than 200 years is like something out of the movies. In fact, the wizard Harry Potter even makes a cameo appearance in the story.

Kasarinlan. Magkatuwang na pinangunahan nina Batangas governor Vilma Santos Recto

at Lipa City mayor Meynard Sabili, kasama ang iba pang opisyal ng pamahalaan, ang pagdiriwang ika-117 Taon ng Kalayaan sa Plaza Independencia, Lipa City. Ito na kaya ang signal na nagka>>>TERITORY....turn to P/2 ng sundo na ang dalawang lider ng ‘pagbibigayan’ ng pwesto sa 2016?| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

NEWS 2 Kahandaan sa K-12 program tinalakay sa sesyon ng konseho balikasonline@yahoo.com

“On-process pa ang tulong lalo na ang mga karagdagang school buildings na hinihintay mula sa national government hinggil sa implementasyon ng K to 12 dito sa lungsod ng Batangas.”

Ito ang inamin ni OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Rhina Silva sasesyon ng Sangguniang Panlunsod, Hunyo 8.

Ayon kay Silva, kailangangan ma-validate ng Department of Education Central Office ang mga criteria upang mapondohan ang mga naturang school buildings tulad ng buildable space.

Aniya, oras na makumpleto na ang validation process, maaari nang simulan ang pagpapagawa ng mga paaralan na popondohan ng national government.

Subalit ayon kay Silva, “minor setback” lamang ang delay ng tulong buhat sa Deped central office dahil aniya, inako ng pamahalaang

lunsod ng Batangas ang kakulangan ng school buildings at resources upang maging handa ang mga paaralan sa lunsod sa K to 12 program.

Bukod sa K to 12 trainings at seminars para sa mga guro na pinondohan ng City Government bago magbukas ang klase, tatlong school buildings-dalawang twostorey at isang three storey, ang ipinagawa nito sa Batangas National High School.

Ito aniya ay inilaan ng city government para sa senior high school. Subalit dahil sa nagbaba ng isang Department Order ang DepEd na ang mag-o-offer ng senior High School ay dapat na ang populasyon ay hindi tataas sa 5,000 mag-aaral, hindi na ito magagamit, bagkus ang mga estudyante ng BNHS ang makikinabang dito. Sa kasalukuyan may humigit-kumulang sa 10,000 estudyante ang nag-aaral sa BNHS.

Ani Silva, hindi ito masasayang sapagkat malaking tulong ito dahil bumalik na sa single shift ang klase sa BNHS at inaasahang mababawasan na ang kaso ng absences at drop-outs sa nasabing paaralan.

Napondohan na rin ang pagtatayo ng mga gusali sa stand alone ng Senior High School Buildings sa Alangilan Central School at Gulod Itaas Elementary School mula sa Special Education Fund (SEF). Ang SEF ay bahagi ng Real Property Tax (RPT) na kinokolekta ng pamahalaang lunsod ng Batangas.

Nanawagan naman si Silva sa mga magulang na huwag mag-alala sapagkat ginagawa ng DepEd City Schools Division at pamahalaang lunsod ang lahat upang maging handa ang lunsod sa pagpapatupad ng K to 12.| JERSON J. SANCHEZ

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Safety. The Burueau of Fire Protection has started inspecting all type of occupancies in Batangas City to insure safety of the public. The inspection focuses on domritories, boarding house and even commercial and industrial buildings.| PALAKAT PHOTO

Inter-Island News Mga paaralang magkakaroon ng Senior HS, tinukoy ng DepEd ROMBLON, Romblon — Batay sa memorandum na inilabas ng Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office Mimaropa, 19 DepEd at anim na non-DepEd schools sa lalawigan ng Romblon ang kasama sa partial list ng kagawaran na mag-aalok ng Senior High School (SHS) sa school year 2016-2017.

Ang inilabas na memorandum ni Gloria M. Cruz, hepe ng Quality Assurance Division ng DepEd Mimaropaang 19 na DepEd SHS ay kabilang sa unang batch ng mga paaralan na hiniling sa Department of Budget Management (DBM) na maproseso ang pondo para sa pagpapatayo ng mga bagong silid-aralan.

Samantala, ang anim na non-DepEd schools ay ang mga paaralan na inapbrubahan ng DepEd SHS National Task Force (naitala hanggang Mayo 7, 2015).

Ang mga kabilang sa DepEd schools ay ang sumusunod: Banton National High School, Corcuera NHS, Mabini NHS (Corcuera), Magdiwang NHS, Cambalo NHS (Cajidiocan), Cajidiocan NHS, Don Mejias Memorial NHS (San Fernando), España NHS (San Fernando), San Jose Agricultural HS, Santa Fe NHS, Alcantara NHS, Looc NHS, Ferrol NHS, Odiongan NHS, Sta. Maria NHS, Esteban Madrona NHS (San Agustin), Carmen NHS (San Agustin), Calatrava NHS at San Andres NHS.| ...........................................................................................................................

9 Chinese fishermen in endangered turtle poaching up in Palawan face deportation PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — After the Palawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a release order Monday, the nine Chinese fishermen, who served a one-year jail time here for poaching and taking critically-endangered sea turtles will now face deportation.

A Chinese consul arrived in Puerto Princesa Tuesday and picked the fishermen out of the Palawan Provincial Jail (PPJ), where they were detained, said Ferdinand Tendenilla, Alien Control Officer of Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) in Puerto Princesa.

Tendenilla added the Bureau has no facility where they can hold in custody the freed Sino poachers, thus they stayed overnight in PPJ while waiting for the Chinese consul who accompanied them on their flight to Manila.

Possibly, they will be deported back to china any time Monday, Tendenilla told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) in a text message.

The fishermen were captured May 6, 2014 off the Philippineclaimed Hasa-Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) in Balabac town, aboard a vessel found with 555 giant sea turtles, over 300 of which were already dead.

Branch 51 Judge Ambrosio de Luna of the Palawan RTC ruled them guilty of violating Sections 85 (poaching) and 97 (taking endangered wild life) of Republic Act 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

<<<TERITORY.. from P/1

PH to submit 300-year-old map to UN in case vs China

Velarde has yet to find out if he is related to the Jesuit priest, although a possible connection was one of the motives for his pursuit of the artifact.

Velarde said Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, a long time friend, suggested to him sometime in October last year to bid for the Murillo Velarde map. Velarde said Carpio’s convincing line was: “You know, man, you’re a Velarde.”

Carpio, who has been conducting lectures debunking China’s claim of almost the entire South China Sea, calls the Murillo Velarde map the “Mother of all Philippine maps.”

Local public and private museums declined to take part in the Sotheby’sbid. The National Museum was interested but didn’t have the money, so the plan was for Velarde to buy the map and sell it later to the National Museum.

The Murillo Velarde map measures 1,120 by 1,200 mm. The Sotheby’s catalog carried a description of the map by Filipino historian and biographer Carlos Quirino: “Murillo Velarde’s map of the Philippines is a landmark in the depiction of the islands, and the first scientific map of the Philippines. It is flanked by two pasted-on side-panels with twelve engravings, eight depicting native costumed figures, a map of Guajam (Guam) and three city or harbour maps, notably Manila.”

The map was among 80 heirlooms that the current Duke of Northumberland, Ralph George Algernon Percy, decided to auction off after a devastating flood hit Northumberland County in April 2012.

Newspaper reports said heavy rains had “caused a culvert on the Duke of Northumberland’s land to collapse. Many residents were evacuated and some homes demolished after the foundations were damaged.”

Although the Duke’s estate did not own all the affected homes, he provided urgent help for his neighbors. The flood left him with a £12 million bill for repairs, hence the need to auction off his family’s collection.

As a bit of trivia, the Duke owns the vast Alnwick Castle, which has been featured as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films.

Sotheby held the first auction on July 9, 2014 and the second on Nov. 4, 2014, both in London.

It was in the November auction that the Murillo Velarde map, called Carta Hydrographia y chorogphica de las Yslas Filipinas, Manila 1734, was included under Lot 183.

The Murillo Velarde map names two Filipinos as responsible for the map— Francisco Suarez who drew it and Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay who engraved it.

Historian Ambeth Ocampo wrote in his column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “The Murillo Velarde map of 1734 is quite rare, with less than 50 known copies to exist in the entire universe.”

Velarde registered to participate in the auction through an agent. He had participated in auctions in person before but his acquisition of the map last November was his first bid by phone.

The Sotheby’s auction took place at 9 p.m, Manila time while Velarde was in a Resorts Worldsteakhousefor his mother’s 78 th birthday dinner.

Velarde described the bidding, which lasted only for three to four minutes, as “furious.”

He was on the phone before Sotheby’s put Lot 183 on the auction block, and noted that in other lots, it was over after two to three bids.

Bidding for the map started at £30,000.

He started to bid through his agent, thinking that he could go as high as £80,000.

Velarde said he could hear “30,000 pounds,… 40,000 pounds… 50,000 pounds.

Fifty-five, sixty.” He said,”It seemed like so many were bidding.”

When the bidding reached £80,000, Velarde said he paused for a few seconds to decide whether or not to stop. The exchange rate was P68 to £1. He knew that the National Museum could allot only P5 million to buy rare items.

Then images of the Chinese occupying the contested islands in the Spratlys came to mind, he said, and he decided to proceed.

“Pansariling away na, nagiging personal na sa akin (lt became a personal crusade),” he said. He eventually paid more than double the amount he thought he was willing to part with: £170,500.

When you buy a car, Velarde said, you have something to compare it with. Not in the case of an old map. But Velarde also thought of the possible implications later, knowing that there is a pending case before the U.N.

International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea against China. “You need some evidence,” he said.

Velarde said he is thankful the auction was not held in Shanghai or Macau, where the map could have attracted Chinese bidders and the price would have been much higher.

Now that Velarde owns the map, the National Museum has informed him it has no funds to buy the map this year, and that there was some uncertainty about funds next year. Velarde decided to donate the map instead.

Why is he doing it?

“In a true-to-life movie, there’s a part for everybody. There’s a bully in the neighborhood. He already took over our land. We have soldiers in the Spratlys. Nakastandby lang sila (They’re just on standby there),” Velarde said.

“Then, this map is owned by a Duke in a Harry Potter castle. It’s like you wanting to play your part in the movie,” he added.

Velarde said he hopes to meet with the Duke of Northumberland someday. His children want to come along, not really for the Duke, who comes from a 700-year-old English aristocracy and is the fourth largest landowner in the United Kingdom. They are excited to see the room where Harry Potter had his first flying lessons.

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)

JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

3

NEWS

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Fitness group, namahagi ng libreng school supplies BATANGAS CITY- Namahagi kamakailan ang grupo ng Barako Fitness Group Batangas City ng mga kagamitan pang eskwela sa mga mag-aaral na tinutulungan ng Artreach Mission Inc. Mahigit na 40 bata sa grade 1 hanggang grade 6 ang nakatanggap ng school supplies gaya ng bag, notebook, papel, lapis, gunting, pambura, pantasa atbp.

Ang nasabing grupo ay aktibo sumusuporta sa mga programa ng pamahalaang lokal upang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan. Ito ay bahagi rin ng kanilang outreach program na makapagbigay ng kasiyahan lalot higit sa mga kabataan. Nagbigay rin sila ng financial assistance sa 37 estudyante. Anila, “layunin ng pagbibigay ng school supplies na matulungan at mahikayat ang mga mag-aaral na pumasok ngayon pasukan”.

Ayon kay Epoy Sison presidente ng Barako Fitness Group Batangas City ang pondo na kanilang ipinambili ng gamit sa pang eskwela ay

Batangas PPO 1st Advisory Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO Council Summit held

galing sa fund raising sa Aero Dance Zumba at sa mga sponsors na tumutulong sa kanila.

Ang Barako Fitness Group ay binubuo ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan sa lunsod na ang layuin ay makapag-advocate sila ng healthy life style sa mamayan. Hinihikayat nila ang palagian pag-eehersisyo dahil ito ay isang mabisang antidepressant. Pinagaganda ng pagehersisyo ang mental health at pinababa ang sintomas ng depresyon. Ang 30 minutong ehersisyo mula tatlo hanggang limang beses sa isang linggo ay sapat na upang magkaroon ng improvement sa sintomas, pinahuhusay ang pag gana ng puso at mga baga at mababawasan ang panganib sa sakit sa puso, mataas na presyon ng dugo, osteoporosis o pag hina ng mga buto at diyabetis.

Nagpasalamat naman ang pamunuan ng Arteach Missions Inc. sa tulong na ipinaabot ng Batangas Fitness Group Batangas City sa kanila.| LIZA DE LOS REYES

THE Batangas Police Provincial Office held its 1 st Advisory Council Summit today, March 30, 2015.

The first part of the program was the registration followed by the program proper which started with the mass singing of National Anthem and an opening prayer.

Inspirational messages were delivered by the Provincial Director, Police Senior Superintendent OMEGA JIREH D FIDEL and the Chief, Regional Operations and Plans Division, Police Senior Superintendent MARCELIANO VILLAFRANCA, Lectures on different subjects marked the 3rd part of the program wherein the Police Chief Superintendent NOEL ALVAREZ BARACEROS, Director, Center for Police Strategy Management discussed “Knowing the PNP and its PGS Journey” while PGS Accomplishment and PAC/TWG Calendar of Activities were presented by

PCINSP JOEY JONATHAN B BAGAYAO, Chief Strategy Review Brach. Afterwards, words of encouragement from academe, government, business, and media sectors were delivered by Dr. Zosimo DC Bolaños, Mr. Ronald M Banzuela, Mr. Wildy Meng Tan, and Mr. Noel S. Alamar respectively.

Under Secretary Ronaldo A Geron of the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration discussed matters on “Harnessing Community Participation in Policing”.

Fourth part of the program was the Open forum and was ended with the Ceremonial Signing of the PNP Integrity Pledge led by Dr. Rolando Tumambing, Chairman of the Provincial Advisory Council.| HAZEL PARIAN LUMA-ANG

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ <<<DISCOVERY......from P/1

100+ new marine species found in Verde Island Passage

SCIENTISTS discover a new variety of nudibranch, a species of sea slugs known for its poisonous adaptation, at a site near Puerto Galera. created during our years surveying the country’s land and sea will help to inform future conservation decisions and ensure that this incredible biodiversity is afforded the best possible chance of survival.”

The Academy’s 2015 expedition to the Philippines zeroed in on the Verde Island Passage — the veritable treasure trove of marine life nestled between the Philippine islands of Luzon to the north and Mindoro to the south. While previous expe-

survey conducted in Anilao, Balayan Bay, recorded an impressive 319 species and 74 genera of hard corals.

More than half the Philippines’ documented fish species as well as many globally threatened species can be found here. Numerous studies in the Verde Passage continue to yield discoveries of species that are new to science, further underscoring the global biological significance of this area.

In 2005, Kent E. Carpenter,

Victor G. Springer dubbed the Verde Island Passage as the center of the center of world’s marine biodiversity. The declaration was made after a thorough research and expedition of world’s famous dive sites and concentrations of marine biodiversities based on previous expeditions worldwide.

Elisea Gozun, former environment secretary and WB consultant, said the broad trends affecting the Philippine coastal areas include rapid population growth, widespread poverty, declining fishery productivity, increasing environmental damage and loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

Scientists were pleased to find live specimens of a nudibranch — Chelidonura alexisi — initially discovered during the Academy’s 2011 expedition. Gosliner based his nearly-published species description on examinations of a deceased specimen, and the live, speckled nudibranchs provided valuable additions to the official species description.

“I was able to submit new details about Chelidonura alexisi — what it looks like, how it lays eggs, and how it varies within its species — literally two weeks before the study came out,” says Gosliner. “It’s thrilling to return to such an incredibly diverse

www.calacademy.org

ditions (in 2011 and 2014) explored life in the western and northern portions of this narrow passage, the most recent trip took researchers to lesser-known field sites at its southern end.

“Scientists surveying the region’s diversity snorkeled in sandy shallows, scanned steep, clear-water reefs, and dove to unimaginable depths — 150 to 500 feet beneath the ocean’s surface — in deep-water “twilight zone” regions never before seen by human eyes. Extensive fieldwork yielded thrilling results; the 2015 research sites appeared every bit as diverse as previous expedition visits to distant Passage regions,” the Science Daily reported.

The Verde Island Passage Corridor occupies more than 1.14 million hectares between the provinces of Batangas, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon in the Philippines.

Results of a 2005 study (Carpenter and Springer) has dubbed the Verde Passage as the world’s “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity,” hosting the greatest number of shorefish species. A coral

www.calacademy.org

The Philippines is home to the most biologically diverse waters on Earth, and remains the centerpiece of the Academy’s multi-year exploration of the Coral Triangle’s biological treasures. Over the course of this seven-week undertaking, funded by the National Science Foundation, scientists collected countless marine specimens, including rare and new species of colorful sea slugs, barnacles, and delicate heart urchins — among several others — to be studied in the coming months. Mysterious live animals from dimly-lit, deep-water reefs were also collected for a new exhibit at the Academy’s Steinhart Aquarium, expected to open in the summer of 2016.

“The Philippines is jam-packed with diverse and threatened species – it’s one of the most astounding regions of biodiversity on Earth,” says Terry Gosliner, PhD, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the California Academy of Sciences and a Principle Investigator of the expedition. “Despite this richness, the region’s biodiversity has been relatively unknown. The species lists and distribution maps that we’ve

A SCHOOL of fish swims through the Verde Island Passage, a strait between Luzon and Mindoro where California Academy of Sciences centered its expedition.| region year after year. Whether A carpet of sea slugs Though the Verde Island we’re finding new species or adding Passage houses wildly diverse to our understanding of previously marine habitats, Gosliner says one known creatures and habitats, these spot “shines like a beacon” for sea expeditions help us pinpoint how slug experts on the lookout for new and where to focus protection species. This spring, Gosliner and a efforts.”

New heart urchin team of marine invertebrate “a living fossil” researchers discovered more than Rich Mooi, PhD, Academy 40 new varieties of nudibranchs — vibrant sea slugs made famous by Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and their poisonous adaptations and Geology, knows that the Philippines importance to biomedical research. is an “incredibly special place” for Many of these discoveries were made sea urchin research, but admitted in one notable research site near the to a moment of pure astonishment Philippine harbor of Puerto Galera. during the recent expedition.

“In 2014, we found the internal “This remarkable stretch of coral rubble was carpeted in colorful skeleton for a lovely new species of nudibranchs,” says Gosliner, who heart urchin, about the size of reported that most slugs he balled-up fist,” says Mooi. “I encountered appeared entirely new remember saying, ‘I haven’t the to science. “It was like an underwater slightest idea what this is!’ This Easter egg hunt. It was one of the spring, we found several more most exciting scientific dives of my deceased specimens, but lost hope that we’d find a living urchin with 50-year career.”

all its appendages and spines. I thought we’d never know what this cool beast actually looked like.”

As the expedition approached its final weeks, Will Love, Academy Dive Officer, came to the rescue with a live specimen from 70 feet below the ocean’s surface off Puerto Galera. Mooi marveled at the heart urchin’s pinkish-white spines, “like silk, or fine hairs.” While in the process of completing a formal species description, researchers linked the new discovery with a long-lost relative from the Prenaster genus — a fossil species that roamed the seafloor roughly 50 million years ago.

“It’s critical we fill the gaps in knowledge about the life that thrives in the Philippines — you never know when you’re going to discover a living fossil among the corals. We want to work with folks in the Philippines and global scientific community to help sustain these unique environments for generations to come.”

Study begins locally The study and continued expedition of the Verde Island Passage, particularly the Batangas Bay area commenced with the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 03, Series of 1995 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas.

The ordinance, authored by then Board Member Ronaldo Geron of 2nd District of Batangas, now Deputy Executive Secretary for Financial Affairs (DESFA), created the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO).

About three (3 years thereafter, Geron authored another ordinance to particularly focus on the concerns of the Batangas Bay. Ordinance No. 001, Series of 1996 was passed and thereafter established the Batangas Bay Region Environmental Protection Council (BBREPC).

The two Ordinances paved the way for the crafting of the Strategic Environmental Management Plan for Batangas Bay. This development lays the platform for a more thorough study by different agencies, both from public and private sector, here and abroad.| - With reports from Science Daily and www.calacademy.org.

4

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Email your comments/reactions to: balikasonline@yahoo.com JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

OPINION

NO. This is definitely not about any business corporation with unlimited capitalists funding it, with unlimited incorporators managing it, and other unlimited features. Yes. This is about something that brings about unlimited issues, unlimited difficulties, unlimited contradictions—irrespective of whether BBL is approved or disapproved by the Legislative department, confirmed or rejected by the Judicial department. The supposedly Basic Law can readily be the cause for otherwise law-abiding people to turn lawless. And this is a big predicament for this country which is now, in fact, under threat from within and without.

This is in effect saying that the present administration under the baton of the incumbent Malacañang occupant with its obedient and even subservient allies in the Executive department, has formally started a big socio-political predicament in the Country—something that will continue to haunt the peace and tranquility of people of the Philippines even after the same public official is long gone from the sight and attention of the general public in the post-May 2016 era. Instead of bringing about a solution, exactly the same Chief-in-Command is instead leaving behind a legacy of confusion and pursuant dissension.

Once approved by the Legislature and affirmed by the Judiciary, considering that the BBL covers but a small portion of both the people and the land of Mindanao, anything and many things can happen through one after another disconcerting or even dissenting initiatives of those not benefited by it – especially so when their interests and concerns, their common good or public welfare are, in effect, undermined by the said law.

In other words and saying it from the heart, BBL spells neither definitive unity nor defining peace. The standing fact is true even now during its politico-constitutional evaluation, both loud pro and anti BBL camps are already being heard repeatedly, here and there.

When disapproved by the Legislative and thus silencing the Judiciary, taking into account that those avidly proposing and endorsing it from within the Philippines, as well as from another country—who are not exactly known as promoters of public harmony and much less are they looked upon as moderates—to expect but their submission or acquiescence to such a disapproval is but a dream. They are not exactly “fighters” for peace.

They do not manufacture, own and carry guns and ammunitions just for picture-taking. What they say, they do. And what they have, they use.

What a serious and dangerous national predicament this present administration has brought about and is leaving behind to the fear and uncertainty of the people in terms of the BBL—in addition to the “Pork Barrel” institution, the redefinition of “Savings”, the example of being “Busy” while doing nothing, etc., etc. What is more strange is hearing the one behind all the above hullabaloo—and more—repeatedly saying thathe wants a successor who will continue what he has done, come May 2016! This is hallucination—to say the least!

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“BBL unlimited”

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The first thing essential AS expected, the air is already filled with entertaining talks and visuals about the 2016 Presidential election. At least five politicians have hinted that they may contest for the presidency next year. Of these five, only VP Jejomar Binay has categorically declared his intention to run as President. Binay announced his Presidential ambition immediately after being sworn into office as Vice-President. No wonder then that the demolition jobs against him started already during the middle of his term.

Others presidential wannabes are just sending ambiguous signals. In spite of their TV ads and interviews, they are yet to declare that they are vying for the highest position in the land. They are still teasing the public—testing whether the latter would jump the bandwagon and make as much noise as necessary to convince traditional political blocks and big funders to support their bid.

The calculated move to draw polemics between Grace Poe and the camp of VP Binay cannot be denied.

Regardless of whether it is designed to make Poe as a decoy to give Mar Roxas space to gain grounds while Binay is busy parrying the assaults against him and his family or to build up her image and political base as future official Liberal Party standard bearer, the strategy proves to be working well. The public is certainly entertained while the ruling administration secretly reaps the intended consequences of the mileage that the Poe-Binay skirmish has been getting.

While most of the public are being entertained, the issues confronting the present automated election system (AES) have been effectively blot out from the headlines. Contrary to the expectations of critics, the declaration that the deal between the COMELEC and the SMARTMATIC-TIM is null and void by the Supreme Court did not create so much noise that would lead to dramatic changes in our electoral system. The public

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did not mind at all that the Supreme Court finally noticed that something very wrong is going on in the way the COMELEC and the SMARTMATIC-TIM has been handling the Philippine elections. Advocates and critics gained initial victory at the Supreme Court.

However, more should be done to force the election body to institute the needed electoral reforms.

The appointment of former PCCG Chair Andres Bautista as COMELEC Chair has not changed the perception of the public about the COMELEC. Some quarters have expressed enthusiasm that the reformminded Chair would modify many questioned decisions of the former COMELEC administration. To their dismay, however, Chairman Bautista expressed that his administration will not change the present form and mechanics of the automated election system. He claimed that he is open to ideas but put no assurance that the defective PCOS will not be used in the coming elections. In fact, news reports have it that the COMELEC will still be utilizing the old PCOS if they are still serviceable.

Unless the COMELEC assures the public that its election system will secure the integrity and the transparency of the whole electoral process—from voting to canvassing of votes and the transmission of the canvass results—the coming Presidential election will be farcical. The PCOS will, once again, put in place another de facto administration to rule over us in the next six years. This means that, ultimately, the question is not whom shall the people choose to rule over them but in whose favor will the COMELEC and the SMARTMATIC-TIM side with.

The most essential thing today is to do away with the PCOS and adopt an open-election system that will guarantee that nothing and no one, not even the gods of the machines, can frustrate the people’s will.|

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.|

JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

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OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

MRT: the fallacies and folly of privatization WHAT the government does, corporations can do better and more efficiently. Competition will bring down the prices of services, which were formerly provided by government. Besides, governmentowned and controlled corporations are just milking cows of corrupt government officials so it is better to turn it over to the private sector. Right?

Well, these are the justifications for privatization, which are being repeated over and over again by governments and the IMF-World Bank to make the privatization of government services and basic utilities acceptable to the people.

These were the justifications cited by the first Aquino administration, of the late Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino mother of the current president. It became acceptable then especially since the ousted Marcos dictatorship had a monopoly over the provision of basic services and utilities and the profits accruing from it. Privatization became an urgent concern at the tail end of the first Aquino administration when basic services, utilities, and infrastructures were deteriorating because of government neglect and inefficiency.

And yet privatized basic services and utilities are nowhere near the promised efficiency and affordability.

There have been a lot of diggings by water companies but water is still an expensive resource and is hardly accessible to poor households. The Philippines has the highest power rate in Asia, fifth highest residential rate and seventh highest industrial rate in the world. This is because of monopoly rate manipulation, unjustifiable charges, and consumers are made to carry the burden of “investments” made by companies in the form of stranded costs.

The latest example of how privatization not only failed to live up to its promises, instead it is even a burden to the people is the long saga of breakdowns and accidents at the MRT/LRT commuter train system.

In April 2014, after numerous complaints about the breakdowns in MRT trains were reported in the news, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made matters worse by telling the public to go ride the bus instead. Coloma then asked the public to wait for the new train coaches, which was supposed to arrive in February 2015. Well, it is already June.

More tragic is the fact that after a MRT train rammed through the barrier at the Taft station in August 2014 and more mishaps thereafter, the Aquino government had the gall to raise MRT train fares in January 2015. By February, Malacañang had to, for the nth time, ask for the public’s patience after successive mishaps on February 17 and 18. The Aquino government said it is just ensuring the public’s safety.

By March 2015, it was revealed that the MRT was fielding only 13 to 14 trains during weekdays. Just two days ago, after commuters endured long queues, it was

reported that now only eight of 20 coaches were running. Again, Malacañang said the government was just ensuring the public’s safety and again asked for the public’s patience.

At the rate this is going, by September of this year, there would be only three trains running. So it appears that the Aquino government is taking commuters for a ride with its promises of improvements in the MRT train system.

Bulatlat.com has published several articles explaining the reasons behind the increasingly frequent MRT breakdowns, the more recent of which are Reasons behind MRT’s frequent breakdowns, mishaps and Poor maintenance to blame for LRT collision, MRT breakdowns.

The articles about MRT breakdowns are based on interviews with MRT and LRT workers and the RILES Network. It was revealed that the increasingly frequent breakdowns are a result of years of neglect by private maintenance service providers. The maintenance service providers turned out to be inexperienced, undercapitalized companies with links to the ruling Liberal Party.

Two successive maintenance providers replaced Sumitomo in 2012, with both having links with the Liberal Party. Sumitomo, the original maintenance provider, was paid P100 million a month for 10 years.

So did the privatization of MRT result in better, more efficient, affordable services? The answer is obvious: the MRT has been deteriorating even as taxpayers have been paying the private investors of Metro Rail Transit Corporation its guaranteed 15 percent return on investment since year 2000 and the current maintenance provider P61 million a month, despite the fact that there have been no new upgrades and investments and that the maintenance of the trains has been neglected.

Taxpayers have also been paying the $485.5 million loan incurred by the government in building the MRT because the private investors merely raised $190 million.

The burden of the Filipino people has been made heavier with the increase in fares in January 2015.

Did it eliminate corruption? Definitely not.

What is the solution of the government to the problems plaguing the MRT train system? The government wants to buy out the equity of MRTC and purchase 48 new trains, again using taxpayer’s money.

And when the train system becomes viable once more, it will again be privatized.

Filipinos have a saying to describe what the people have been experiencing with privatization: “Ako ang nagbayo, ako ang nagsaing, saka nang maluto’y iba ang kumain.” (I did the pounding and the cooking, when it was cooked, someone else ate it.)|

can’t be accused of breaking the law.

That law is the Fair Election Act (RA 9006), which mandates the number of hours of exposure through an ad in any of the media a candidate may expend, supposedly in order to give everyone the same opportunity to address the electorate through political ads.

But don’t blame the Comelec for its position on the ads. In a 2006 decision, the Supreme Court declared that political advertising, when aired or published before the campaign period, would merely be a form of free expression, which the Constitution protects. The Court also ruled in 2009 that anyone can promote himself/ herself through advertising even before the campaign period so long as he or she is not yet an official candidate.

Most television viewers have seen the television ads by, among others, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, former Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and lately Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. They’re not openly campaigning for anything, although all have declared that they’re at least thinking of running for some elective post or another.

There’s a “movement” of a sort for Duterte for President, although the mayor has been saying he’s not interested, and has been touring the archipelago solely in behalf of his supposed advocacy for federalism.

Lacson’s being bruited about as a possible Duterte running mate, which seems logical (although that word seldom applies to much of Philippine partisan politics),

I READ reports saying that Mindanao is well and “ok” on power needs due to the many new power plants being put up. True? Not really!

Mark my words. In a year or so, there will be another acute power shortage in Mindanao. This will trigger a mad rush among power coops where to get power on a stop gap basis. They will be scrambling and stumbling all over the place to see where to get power while the new power plants are not yet in operation. That's a gap window of about four to five years or so.  NOT ROSY --- The rosy picture being painted today by the energy sector about sufficient generating capacities on a long term in Mindanao may be accurate but if we look closely, the challenge is how to address the situation on a short term before these new power plants start operating. Yes, there are big coal-fired plants being built but they will not give us electric power earlier than four or five years from today. In the meantime, where do we get the power that we need to sustain our incremental growth? Take note that even in today's power situation, Mindanao is already having a power shortage or a deficit in its demand and supply data. Hence the intermittent brownouts now occurring.  COOPS UNEASY -- The power coops are sitting uneasy today. For example several coops, or more than 20 of the 33 electric coops all across Mindanao had early on signed up for their power needs with Ayala’s GN Power to cover their future power need projections. Such power sales agreement in 2010 was a breakthrough when the Mindanao coops aggregated to leverage a better price deal. Well and good! But a reality check is that GN Power's planned 540MW plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte has just started breaking ground. The coops are now becoming restless, knowing that the original targeted start of operations in 2018 or two (3) years from now as earlier projected, is too tight given its current accomplishment which, based on latest DOE report, was less than 20 percent and still at earthwork stage. Several of these coops are no longer pinning totally their hopes solely on their supply contracts with GN Coal Power. In fact, several of them have started reducing, withdrawing or reconsidering and looking for power somewhere else. Why? Simply because the contracted power they are expecting within the next three years or so will NOT be available by then. Besides GN Power, the consuming public needed to be apprised of status of other ongoing big-ticket coal-fired power plants such as Filinvest 405MW in Misamis Oriental, Alsons Coal 200MW in Sarangani, 600MW San Miguel in Malita, Davao del Sur and the still to be constructed San Ramon 100MW in Zamboanga.  REALITY CHECK -- Their reality check is coming from the lessons of Aboitiz-owned new 300 MW Thermal South Inc. now completed in the outskirts of Davao City. Although the construction is completed, it is not yet giving us power up now. Although the Therma South Unit 2 with 150MW is expected to come online this month, the other Unit 1 with 150MW was pushed back for about 10 months due to some technical glitches not of its own making. The famous “Easter Sunday Blackout” that darkened almost the whole of Mindanao caused by a rotting machine part falling and throwing a virtual monkey wrench that stopped the power transmissions was totally unexpected. Therma South Unit 1 is still behind schedule. (And still counting.) Hence, the speculation that within 3 or 4 years there may be a power gap that must be bridged , is now a reality. This is why a mad scramble among the coops where to get power during the interim is my projection into the near term.  STOP GAP --- This brings us now to a situation where power coops will have to scout around for temporary arrangements to bridge this power gap. The way forward is to install small to medium power generating capacities that are embedded or exclusively intended for specific coops for their own localities, like diesel or bunker fired modular generators. They may be a bit expensive in terms of consumer price. But past experience taught us that it's far better to have a bit more reasonably expensive power than having "no power" at all! There are other options like installation of solar powered or small hydro or biomass plants. Whatever the option is, there must be ways done to insulate and protect communities from a serious deficit in the whole grid -- an eventuality that now appears inevitable.  DASURECO -- I am a native of Davao del Sur so I am proud to cite my province as an example of this forward looking remedial and preemptive measure. Look at what the Davao Del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO) in Digos, Davao del Sur has done. It installed early last year modular gensets with a 15MW standby capacity in partnership with Alson’s Mapalad Power Company. General Manager Godofredo Guya and his board of directors took the right , decisive steps. I understand DASURECO reduced its contracted supply contract which it earlier signed with GN Power.  BALUT ISLAND --- Here’s another example of the same power coop’s strategic move. Last week, DASURECO paved the way for the putting up of a small embedded power plant in Balut Island by signing a “waiver agreement” with PowerSource Phil. Inc., Being four (4) hours away from General Santos City by boat and not connected to the Mindanao power grid, the planned new power capacity will boost the island economy which serves as our frontier with neighboring Indonesia. The island is not easily accessible but a hidden jewel at the southern tip with a forward-looking chief executive, Mayor Virgie Cawa in tandem with husband, Vice Mayor Gerry Cawa. It is one of the towns of the Municipality of Sarangani (not to be mixed up with Province of Sarangani in South Cotabato.) Balut is now part of the newly created province of Davao Occidental, carved out of

>>>TEODORO....turn to P/6

>>>DUREZA....turn to P/7

Benjie Oliveros

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Elections: They’re all about money DO those television advertisements trumpeting the virtues of individuals who have either announced their intention to run for elective office in 2016, or whom many assume will be candidates next year — or even those who keep saying they’re not interested — constitute what’s usually referred to in these neck of the woods as “premature campaigning”? And are these individuals liable to such charges under Philippine election law?

Most Filipinos will probably say yes, but that’s only because they’re sick unto death of how the politicians are almost daily testing their patience and assuming they’re too naive to see through their wiles.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) says otherwise, and in support of that position, we have the explanation of Comelec Director James Jimenez, who has said so in his blog, and who said again in a recent radio interview, that the TV ads in question will constitute “premature campaigning” only if their subjects have already filed a certificate of candidacy (CoC) and have begun campaigning before the mandated period.

What’s more, just because the ads have been paid for by people who are not yet official candidates, or by their friends, they’re not yet liable to charges of campaigning ahead of the campaign period from February to May next year.

And no, says Jimenez, even if a political ad, whether on TV, radio or print were to urge viewers, listeners and viewers to vote for the person it’s pushing, the individual, so long as he hasn’t filed a certificate of candidacy, still

Power scramble

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Increase the potential of your business!

Advertise with us. Email us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

BUSINESS DA actively promotes local mango industry for global competitiveness

AS demand for Philippine mangoes increase due to global trade integration, the Department of Agriculture has been actively prioritizing measures that would enable local growers to grow high quality mangoes that conform with international standards.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that his department is continuously promoting Philippine mangoes due to its important role in every Filipino’s diet as well as its great export potential being the third most important fruit crop in the country based on export volume and value.

Mango, which grew by 8.43 percent or a gross harvest of 885,038 metric tons last year, is a major contributor in the growth of agri-fisheries sector in 2014.

“Last year, the country exported more that 11.2 metric tons of fresh mangoes valued at more that USD 16.2 million compared to the 7.886 metric tons worth USD 13.29 million in 2013,” Alcala said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Orlan Calayag bared that the DA has been consistently receiving invitations from

other countries on how to bring Philippine mangoes into their shores, proof of the increasing global demand of our local mangoes.

Vietnam is the latest country that is opening its market to Philippine mangoes which is hailed as the sweetest and most luscious in the world.

Calayag said that formal bilateral trade meetings with Vietnamese representatives will commence on June 10, and there are also upcoming negotiations with Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries interested in our mangoes.

In the meantime, Alcala said that because of the great export potential of Philippine

mango, the government is giving attention to food safety component in mango production and utilization.

Just recently, the Agri chief signed with Health Secretary Janet Garin the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10611 (Food Safety Act) which strengthens the country’s food safety regulatory system and paves the way for agricultural products to penetrate local and foreign markets.

“However, it is not enough to just set the proper mechanisms to control food hazards that might be brought about by globalization of food trade. It is

everyone’s responsibility to follow those,” Alcala said.

The DA chief also emphasized the importance of following Good Agricultural Practices or GAP as part of the implementation of ASEAN Economic Integration.

“With the free flow of goods, everyone must be vigilant and alert in monitoring the exit of fresh mango and mango products from the country,” he said.

He said that quarantine support must be strengthened to check insecticide and chemical residue level and mango producers are encouraged to comply with GAP.

Mangoes on sale along the highways of San Juan, Batangas.|

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION LIPA CITY OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EXOFFICIO SHERIFF EJF NO. 2015-0037 SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118 filed by UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK, mortgagee, with principal office at UCPB Executive Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro, Manila, against SPOUSES ERWIN M. LIWANAG and URSULA U. LIWANAG, mortgagors with postal address at Block 4, Lot 15, Tres marias Homes, Baseview, Brgy. Banay-Banay, Lipa City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of April 13, 2015 amounts to Php 2,452,710.86 including/excluding interest and other charges agreed thereon and other expenses in connection with this sale, secured by the mortgagee, the undersigned Deputy Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Office of the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff, Lipa City, will sell at public on July 01, 2015 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Maraouy, Lipa City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the described real property/ies and its improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 072-2011000061 A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 15, BLK. 4 OF THE CONSOLIDATION AND SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-04013797, BEING A PORTION OF THE CONSOLIDATION OF LOT 6066-A, (LRC) PSD-217993, LOT 6065, CAD-218, LIPA CADASTRE, L.R.C. RECORD NO.___), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF BANAY-BANAY,

LIPA CITY, ISLAND OF LUZON. BOUNDED ON THE SE., ALONG LINE 1-2 BY LOT 16, BLK. 4; ON THE SW., ALONG LINE 2-3 BY ROAD LOT 5; ON THE NW., ALONG LINE 3-4 BY LOT 14, BLK. 4, ALL OF THE SUBDIVISION PLAN; ON THE NE., ALONG LINE 4-1 BY LOT 6066-B (LRC) PSD-217993. x x x x x x x x containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS. Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of herein above described and the encumbrances thereon if any there be.

In the event the public auction should not take place on said date, it shall be held on July 08, 2015 same place and time without any further notice and re-publication.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.

Lipa City, May 29, 2015.

(Sgd.) ARSENIO D. LORZANO Deputy Sheriff IV DULY RAFFLED: Award of Publication hereof in the “Pahayagang BALIKAS” drawn by raffle in accordance with law.

HON. NOEL M. LINDOG Executive Judge AURORA B. MANGUBAT OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff

Copy furnished: All parties concerned.

WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this notice on or before the date of sale. UNDER PENALTY OF LAW Pahayagang BALIKAS | June 1, 8 & 15, 2015

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<<<TEODORO.... from P/5

‘They’re all about money’ given the duo’s peace and order, shoot-’em-up approach to governance, and their shared notoriety.

Former senator and PNP Director-General Lacson has been accused of various crimes (which have been dismissed) including salting dollars abroad and multiple murder. For his part, Duterte has been accused of organizing, funding and encouraging the Davao Death Squad, which, it has been fairly well established, targets for assassination not only drug dealers but drug users as well, and even street children.

Cayetano, who has been said to be also interested in the Presidency, demonstrated during the Senate hearings on the Mamasapano incident a level of bigotry against Muslims, although disguised solely as antipathy toward the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), that should appeal to the fundamentalists among the Christian majority who look at the Moros solely in terms of their religious affinity rather than as citizens worthy of the same rights as every other Filipino. One can even argue that Cayetano’s anti-MILF, antiMuslim bias was something he deliberately projected, by pandering precisely to those prejudices rampant among the Christian majority as a vote-getting tactic just in case he runs in 2016 for some post or another.

Marcos, Jr.’s TV ads have emphasized his anti-BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) position and his pledge to put a substitute bill together in ads that claim to be reports to the public (Ulat sa Bayan). It’s no secret that Marcos, Jr. hopes to do a Marcos himself by returning to the Malacañang of his youth, and he’s used the presumed surge in his popularity occasioned by his anti-BBL posture to get into the TV talk shows and interviews, and to generally enhance his media presence.

Name recall via media presence is indeed the name of the election game in the Philippines, especially when a politico is running or intending to run for a national office such as the Presidency, the Vice-Presidency, or the Senate.

The Fair Election Act is supposed to have “leveled the playing field,” as Jimenez and company are fond of saying.

Because of the Supreme Court decision, however, between now and October, when candidates for 2016 will have to file their CoCs, the moneyed can flood the media with a tsunami of ads promoting their candidacies — so long as, of course, they have the means to pay for them. As Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago once pointed out, ads, whether political or not, cost — and running a 30-second TV ad a number of times a day can easily cost a million pesos or more, which means that airing them for days, weeks and even months can easily run into the hundreds of millions.

Not that the media, especially television, are complaining.

The orgy of ad spending every election period means billions in revenues for them, which is probably why there’s not even a hint in the old media (print and broadcasting) of any concern over “premature campaigning.”

In 2010, said the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, candidates for national office spent P4.3 billion in ads, while candidates for local office spent P162 million. As Defensor Santiago has candidly declared, that means that once in power, these candidates will want to recover these costs by, among others, raiding the public coffers through various creative ways.

But aside from that by now glaring indication of how the electoral process itself feeds corruption, there is as well the question of how the same process and practices effectively keep the political system in the hands only of the monied and powerful, meaning the same families that for decades have monopolized political power in this country at the exclusion of those who really need it — the poor, the powerless, and the marginalized.

This column said last week that Congress intends to convene as a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution.

That is inaccurate, its preferred mode being to amend the Charter solely through legislative action. My apologies.

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 | Published in Business World, June 11, 2015

JUNE 15 - 21, 2015

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F.E.S.T.

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Bagong Child Development Center sa Tingga Itaas, pinasinayaan PINASINAYAAN ni Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha at iba pang opisyal ang kauna-unahang National Child Development Center sa Batangas City, Barangay Tinga Itaas noong June 4.

Ito ay isa ring learning center na proyekto at pinondohan ng pamahalaang nasyunal para sa mga batang edad 0-4 na taong gulang at itinayo alinsunod sa Republic Act 10410.

Kumpara sa isang day care center na may sukat lamang na 80 square meters, ang center na ito ay may sukat na 125 sq.m. Ang teacher dito ay sumailalim sa pagsasanay ng Early Childhood Care and Development Council sa loob ng anim na linggo.

Ayon kay Julia U. Lizada, punumbarangay ng Tinga Itaas, napakalaking tulong

Child care. Ang bagong National CHild Development Center sa Tingga Itaas, Batangas.| RUSSEL LALUCES .......................................................................................................................

SM City awards honest Lady Guard BATANGAS City –Estrella Magsino, a lady guard from SM City Lipa was given recognition during the recently concluded Joint Tactical Inspection of the SM security force of SM City

Batangas and SM City Lipa held last June 5 at the parking grounds of SM City Batangas.

The citation was given for Magsino’s honesty in finding and returning a plastic bag

containing a total of 79,000 pesos in cash and checks amounting to 126,000 pesos.

The owner of the recovered money and checks who wants to remain anonymous calls her experience as both “miracle and hope”.

“Nowadays, it is a miracle that money of this amount can still be returned once misplaced or lost. There is still hope in this world as long as there are people like Estrella”, said by the owner.

Citations were also given to SM Batangas guards: Melanie M. Escarez who turned over 15,000 cash which she recovered during her tour of duty last December; and Leo Ryan De Chavez who apprehended a

shoplifter stealing SM merchandise worth 1299.75 last March. Erwin Icaro, on the other hand, Customer Relations and Services Supervisor was given citation for his apprehension of another shoplifter at the SM Store last March also.

Headed by SM’s senior vice president for engineering, design and security affairs Engr. AntolinPaule, the Joint Tactical Inspection is an annual inspection of the men and women tasked to secure the people and items inside the SM Malls. It is attended by officials from Philippine National Police, Philippine Air Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

PA L A IS IPA N 1

EXEMPLARY HEROISM. Estrella Magsino, the lady guard who recovered and returned a plastic bag containing a big amount of cash was given a certificate of commendation by SM’s Senior V ice President for Engineering, Design and Security Affairs during the joint tactical inspection at SM City Batangas, June. |

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<<<DUREZA.... from P/5

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into its shoes as mandated by the EPIRA law.  DELAYS -- One critical area that also needs radical reforms is the unmitigated and unreasonable delay in getting permits and approvals . Private investors had been complaining about unnecessary and institutional delays that contribute to the mess the power sector is now facing.  FUTURE -- One important final point. There are still sticky issues about Mindanao power generation in relation to the prospective emergence of the Bangsamoro governance as a consequence of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), given that Lake Lanao, the main source of hydro power in the island region is within the territory.

We need to resolve these issues with clarity.| (jessdureza@gmail.com)

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Davao del Sur, but still within DASURECO’s franchise area.

Am I glad Power Source Phils, Inc. agreed to take care of power generation, operation and distribution in Balut Island. This is part of my own personal Mindanao advocacy in the private sector.  CHEAP NO MORE -Soon, Mindanao will no longer enjoy its comparative advantage over Luzon and Visayas . The regime of low “blended price”, which is a mix of cheap hydro and fossil (coal, bunker, diesel) power is about to come to an end. This is inevitable with the privatization of power generation mandated by the EPIRA law. Hydropower (from Agus River and Lake Lanao ) will no longer be a key player that will give a price blend that will keep cost of power cheap, especially when government starts transitioning to a regime where the private sector will have to step

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PABABA 1 Ngayon lang 2 German 3 Uwak 4 Isang pandiwa 5 Associated Press 6 Pampang 7 Alapaap 8 Halimbawa: ikli 9 Hidwa 10 Igiban ng tubig 16 Palayaw ni Katrina 17 Pakiramdam 20 Tanim 23 Imbakan ng tubig 24 Uri ng isda 25 Pambansang dahon 27 Lunan sa Laguna 28 Pahayag 29 Hita 30 Maagang paggitaw gaya ng pawis 33 Galoon: daglat 36 Nigeria: salita 37 Singapore daglat

ng nasabing center para sa kanila at isa ring karangalan bilang kauna-unahang barangay sa lunsod na napagkalooban nito.

Lubos din ang kanyang pasasalamat kina Mayor Dimacuha, Mrs. Mila Española at Exec. Dir. Teresita G. Inciong ng Early Chilhood Care and Development Council sa pagtitiwala at pagkakaloob ng nasabing center sa kanilang barangay.

Sinabi ni City Social Welfare and Development Officer Mila Espanola na naaprubahan ang kanilang kahilingan na magkaroon ng National Child Development

Center dahilan sa nakumpleto ng barangay Tingga Itaas ang mga requirements kung saan isa rito ang paglalaan ng loteng may sukat na 250 square meters.

Ayon kay Española, nagkaroon din ng tulong ang pamahalaang lunsod sa naturang sentro sa pamamagitan ng pagpapagawa ng bakod, landscaping at iba pang suporta.

Ang nasabing sentro ay magkakaroon ng mga program materials, kagamitan katulad ng tables and chairs, furniture at playground devices.| MONINA B. FERNANDEZ

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Tamang panahon para hanapan ng solusyon ang dati nang problema. Harapin ang katotohanan na kung nagkasala, panahon na para humingi ng tawad. Lucky numbers at color ay 10, 22, 24, 30 at brown.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Ang hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pamilya ay malamang mare­medyuhan. Ang alitan sa kaibi­ gan o kasamahan ay maisasaayos kung nanaisin subalit lalala kung pababayaan.

Lucky numbers at color 2, 7, 23, 39 at blue.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Kung may balak na magpakasal, ngayon dapat pagusapan para tamasahin ang kaligayahan ng pagsasama. Kung may balak na magbukas ng negosyo, ngayon dapat simulan para maging maunlad. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 19, 20, 26 at electric blue.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Ang pakikipagsosyalan ay inaayunan ng pagkakataon at panahon. Magiging masaya ang pakikihalubilo sa mga kaibigan, kamaganak o mga kasamahan. Lucky numbers at color ay 21, 29, 35, 39 at orange.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Alamin ang kalooban at sariling damdamin, huwag magkunwari. Pairalin ang pagkamahinahon dahil madali kang magalit sa biro, kantiyaw o pangungulit. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 7, 10, 17 at white.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Ang pagkamarunong at pagkaismarte sa mga gawain ay mapapansin ng boss. Ang suliranin sa pag-ibig o sa trabaho ay pagkukulang na dapat ihingi ng paumanhin. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 14, 29, 41 at pearl pink.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) -Hahanap ka ng paraan na maging abala kahit wala gaanong gawain. Ang pangakong hindi natupad noon ay maisasakatuparan kung pag-uukulan ng pansin at panahon. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 12, 18, 42 at yellow.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Magiging sensitibo sa mga bagay na makapagpapaunlad at makakalikom ng enerhiya sa pagsisimula ng bagong hakbang sa hanap-buhay. Lucky numbers at color ay 16, 19, 37, 42 at strawberry red.

Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb. 18) - Makakakita ng magandang pagkakataon para magsimula ng negosyo. Kung may kahirapan noon, ngayon ang simula ng kaginhawahan. Lucky numbers at color ay 12, 18, 23, 33 at ruby red.

Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Kahit mabagal o maliit ang simula kung daragdagan ang sipag at tiyaga, malulusutan ang suliraning pinansiyal. Magiging mainitin ang ulo at madaling magalit kung may mangungulit o magbibiro. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 14, 29, 36 at aquamarine.

Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Ang issue ng nakalipas ay maaaring lumitaw muli na siyang ikakagalit. Ngayon ang pagkakataon na pagtuunan ng oras ang pagresulba sa matagal nang suliranin. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 12, 22, 30 at honey yellow.

Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Magiging abala pero hangga’t maaari ay paglaanan ng panahon ang pagpapahinga, alangalang sa kalusugan. Kontrolin ang sarili.

Lucky numbers at color 11, 12, 38, 40 at aquamarine.|

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F.E.S.T.

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

46th Batangas City Batangueño Champion Kids Foundation Day, kasado na!

NAKALATAG na ang mga gawain para sa pagririwang ng 46th Batangas City Foundation Day sa July 10 -23 na may temang: Yamang Batangenyo! Palakat na ih!

Tara na sa Sublian Festival!

Pangungunahan ito ng pagtatanghal ng Dulaang Kabesang Tales ng Red Lantern Productionsna idaraos sa Batangas City Convention Center sa July 10 -13 at Papuon ng Lunsod Batangas sa July 11 sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum sa ganap na ika-2 ng hapon.

Ipakikilala naman ang Ms. Batangas City Foundation Day sa isang harana na gaganapin sa Pastor-Acosta Ancestral House sa July 12.

Itatanghal ang mga natatanging produktong agrikultural at industrial ng lunsod sa 7 th Agro-Industrial Fair sa Plaza Mabini sa July 13-17. Samantala ay ang Pista ng Kalikasan sa July 20-21 ay kapapalooban ng T ul a k a s an , Dulakasan, Sayaw Sigaw Pangkalikasan at ang malawakang paglilinis na may temang: Luntiang mga kamay tulong-tulong, Kalinisan ng Kapaligiran Isusulong.

Ang Araw ng mga Kawani ng Pamahalaan sa July 17 at Handog ni Mayor Eddie B. Dimacuha: Trabaho para sa Batangueño na gagawin sa July 18 ay kapwa isasagawa sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum.

Ang pinakaaabangang Pakitang Gilas sa Makabagong Sayaw ay idaraos sa July 19 sa Batangas City Convention Center sa ganap na ika-6 ng gabi. Ang pagdalaw ng CCP Sining Partners sa July 22-24 sa Teacher’s Conference Center at Patimpalak Parangal kay Apolinario Mabini sa July 22 na idaraos naman sa Batangas City Convention Center.

Samantala, sa mismong kaarawan sa July 23, ang Sublian Festival na uumpisahan ng pagpupugay sa watawat at pagaalay ng bulaklak. Susundan ito ng pagpapakilala sa Miss Foundation Day 2015 at ng Panalanging Pampagkakaisa at Pangkapayapaan at Misa Pasasalamat. Agad itong susundan ng Parada at Sublian sa Kalye, Sublian Float Parade, Lupakan at Awitan. Ang Patimpalak Sublian sa Batangas ay sa ganap na ika-2 ng hapon.

Pagkatapos nito ay ihahatid ang Mahal na Poong Sta. Cruz at Mahal na Poong Sto. Niño sa Basilica ng Immaculada Concepcion.| ALVIN M. REMO

MALIIT man ay matagumpay namang dinala ng Tanauan City Baseball Team ang pangalan ng Pilipinas at ng buong lalawigan ng Batangas matapos silang tanghaling 2015 champions sa Pony International Asia Pacific Zone Mustang U9 at U-10 divisions na ginanap sa Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam noong ika-21 hangang ika-26 ng Mayo. Sa kanilang courtesy call sa Kapitolyo ay buong pagmamalaki ang ipinakita ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto at Board Members Fred Corona at Devs Balba na hinandugan sila ng token of recognition at Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolutions para bigyang halaga ang kanilang karangalang nakamit. Ipinahiwatig din ng gobernadora ang kanyang suporta sa mga bata para sa kanilang darating na laban sa America sa Agosto kung saan muli nilang ipapamalas ang galing ng mga batang Pilipino at Batangueño sa larangan ng palakasan.| KRISTINA MARIE JOY B. ANDAL & LOUIE HERNANDEZ

BSU hosts PLDT SME Nation Hackaton BATANGAS City -- In support to its promotion of technopreneurship, the Batangas State University (BSU), in cooperation with Ideaspacec Foundation, hosted the PLDT SME Hackaton at the Lecture Room, CITE Bldg, Main Campus I, May 29-30.

PLDT, the telephone company which is part of the First Pacific Group of Companies, invited the University to host the said competition since the company believes that it is part of the University’s mission.

In the 2-day contest, students from different fields collaborate to create web solutions to some selectedbusiness establishments. It was open to different colleges and universities in the province.

After contest, the judges announced students from Batangas State University as the champion, De La Salle University – Lipa, 1st runner-up, and Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas 2nd runner-up.

Hackaton is a technical term used to describe an event in which computer programmers and others involved in software development, including graphic designers and project managers, collaborate intensively on software projects.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

Bahagi na ng taunang pagdiriwang ng Batangas City Foundation Day ang Timpalak Sublian sa Batangas Sports Coliseum. Ngayong taong 2015, ang team ng pagdiriwang ay Yamang Batangueño! Palakat na ih! Tara na sa Sublian Festival!|

Champion, Batangas State University

1st Runner Up, De La Salle University - Lipa

2nd Runner Up, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas

The Panel of Judges during the presentation and Q&A session.|