August 24 - 30, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 34 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373
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Kontra sa pagdebelop EMB: ‘JG Summit’s naphtha plant violates ng Grand Terminal, pirmado na >>>NEWS....P/3 environmental laws’
>>>BUSINESS....P/6
LUNSOD BATANGAS – Umaabot na sa mahigit pang P1.1-bilyon ang magkasamang kabuuang pagkakautang sa buwis sa pamahalaang lunsod ng Batangas ng JG Summit Petrochemical Corporation (JG Summit) at ng Kepco Ilijan Corporation (KEILCO). Ito ang nabatid ng Pahayagang BALIKAS batay sa dokumentong inilabas ng Tanggapan ng Panlunsod na Ingat-Yaman. Sa liham-sagot ni Gng. Maria Teresa T. Geron, Panlunsod na Ingat-Yaman, kay dating Pangalawang Pununlunsod Jose Y. Tolentino na may petsang Hulyo 24, 2015 nabatid na pumalo na sa kabuuang Php1,107,393,608.87 ang magkasamang pagkakautang sa buwis sa mga ari-ariang di natitinag (real property taxes) ng dalawang kumpanyang nabanggit.
>>>TULAY.....sundan sa P/2
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DAMBUHALANG BANTA.
Ang maitim na usok na ibinubuga ng JG Summit Naphtha Cracker Plant ay isang malaking banta sa kalusugan ng mga residente at sa kapaligiran.| BALIKAS PHOTO
PAGKILALA SA LIPA. Gawad Sulo ng Bayan 2015 CALABARZON Awardees: Mayor Meynard A. Sabili, Pinakamahusay na Pununlunsod; Pamahalang Lunsod ng Lipa - Pinakamahusay na Lunsod; Kag. Nonato Monfero, pinakamahusay na konsehal ng lunsod; BM/Kag. Kathleen Briones, natatanging kagawad at indibiduwal na may adbokasiya sa agrikultura; at Kag. Patsie Leviste, sa pagtulong sa sector ng senior citizens.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Sorry for us consumers, it’s always a Lose-Lose situation
‘Bridge of Hope’ sa Calumpang >p.4
>p.5
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AUGUST 24 - 30, 2015
ENVIRONMENT balikasonline@yahoo.com
Kontra sa pagdedebelop ng Grand Terminal, pirmado na PORMAL nang nilagdaan noong Lunes, Agosto 17, ang Contract of Lease sa pagitan ng Pamahalaang Lunsod ng Batangas at ng Batangas Ventures Properties and Management Corporation (BVPMC) para sa debelopment, konstruksiyon at pangangasiwa ng Batangas City Grand Terminal. Lumagda sa naturang kontrata si Pununlunsod Eduardo B. Dimacuha sa ngalan ng lunsod at si BVPMC president Benjamin Ramos naman sa kabilang panig. Nakapaloob sa naturang kontra-ta ang pagdebelop sa may 6-ektaryang lupain sa Diversion Road, sa Brgy. Alangilan, kabilang na ang 23,511 metro kwadradong lupang pag-aari ng pamahalaang lunsod na walang gagastusin ang syudad. Ayon kay Ramos, natanggap na ng kanilang kumpanya ang Notice to Proceed mula sa pamahalaang lunsod
at sisimulan na kaagad ang debelopment ng Phase I ngayong Disyembre 2015 kapag nakumpleto na ang mga business permits at iba pang rekisitos. Patuloy na magagamit ang terminal habang isinasagawa ang debelopment nito, at inaasahan ding matatapos sa loob ng isang taon. Sa kabilang dako, tiniyak naman ni Atty. Narciso B. Macarandang, tagapangulo ng Chairman of the Selection Committee for the PPP (SCPPP), na ang Contract of Lease na ito ay dumaan at pumasa sa mga legal requirements; at ito rin ay isang kapuripuring proyekto ng pamahalaang lunsod sa pakikipagtuwang sa pribadong sektor. May alokasyong badjet ang BVPMC na hindi bababa sa P83-M para sa debelopment ng lugar at konstruksiyon ng mismong terminal. “Bukod pa sa buwanang upa na
P225,000.00 na babayaran ng BVPMC sa pamahalaang lunsod, kakailanganin ding bayaran ng BVPMC sa pamahalaang lunsod ang mga buwis sa mga ariariang di-natitinag, Mayor’s Permit; at iba pang mga bayaring pangregulasyon sa pamumuhunan,” pahayag pa ni Macarandang. Wala ni isa mang sentimong gagatusin sa naturang proyekto ang pamahalaang lunsod. Kasama ni Macarandang sa SCPPP sina Engr. Januario Godoy (CPDO); Councilor Gerardo dela Roca (Chairman, SP Committee on Urban Development and Land Use and Zoning); and Ma. Teresa Geron (CTO) bilang mga kasapi ng lupon, at si City Legal Officer Atty. Teodulfo A. Deguito bilang Kalihim at si DILG Director Amor Sangabriel bilang observer.| May ulat ni LETTY CHUA
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Lung Month Celebration tagumpay – STOP TB sigaw ng Lalawigan MATAGUMPAY na ipinagdiwang ng Lalawigan ng Batangas ang Lung Month Celebration na may temang Stop TB! Hanapin, Gamutin, Pagalingin para sa taong 2015.
Tampok sa programa ang paglulunsad ng TB DOTS Referral Network of Batangas Province na siyang magiging kabalikat ng lalawigan na labanan ang nakamamatay na sakit na tuberculosis.
United Front Vs. TB- Pinangunahan ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang ceremonial launching and MDU commitment ng TB DOTS Referral Network of Batangas Province kasama ang mga opisyal ng Provincial Health Office at mga local government units na kinabibilangan ni Municipal mayors Charito Apacible ng Nasugbu, Aurea Segunial ng Sta. Teresita, Michael Montenegro ng Taal, Entiquio Briones ng San Jose, Isagani Bolompo ng Lian at Mayor Ryanh Dolor ng Bauan.| LOUIE HERNANDEZ
Ang TB DOTS Referral Network ay isang sistema na binubuo ng pinagsamasamang aksyon ng mga ahensyang nangunguna laban sa sakit na TB. Hinahanap nito ang mga pamayanan sa lalawigan na may posibilidad na makapagtala ng mataas na porsyento ng sakit sa pamamagitan ng network system na binubuo ng mga health professionals, at volunteers na siya ring tututok sa pagpapagaling sa mga apektadong indibidwal ng naturang sakit. Ipinakita rin dito ang success story ng lalawigan na kinilala bilang mga TB warriors o mga indibidwal na kaisa ng bansa para pagsugpo ng sakit na TB. Kaugnay nito, lubos ang pasasalamat ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto sa mga TB warriors sa patuloy na pagsisikap na maging TB free ang lalawigan. Isang prayoridad na programa ng kanyang administrasyon ang pagsugpo ng mga ganitong uri ng karamdaman na mabilis na kumakalat at walang pinipili, bata man o matanda. Patunay rito ay ang pagbuo sa Provincial Multi-Sectoral Alliance versus TB, na pinangungunahan ng Provincial Health Office kasama ang mga government and private medical institutions. Kinilala rin sa okasyon ang mga punumbayan na nagpakita ng kanilang pagsuporta sa pagsugpo sa TB, pati ang mga municipal health officers, sectoral alliance, nurses, at Direct Observed Treatment System (DOTS) referring hospitals sa buong lalawigan.|
EDWIN V. ZABARTE .....................................................................................................................................................................
<<<BUWIS.... mula sa P/1
Utang ng JG Summit at KEILCO, lampas P1.1 B na Sa naturang halaga, nabatid na umabot na sa Php722, 977,600.00 ang pagkakautang ng JG Summit pa lamang para sa operasyon nito ng naptha cracker plant. Hindi tinukoy sa dokumento kung nakababayad ba ng maayos ang kumpanya sa operasyon nito ng petrochemical plant. Bahagi ng halagang ito ang Php47,297,600.o0 na kumakatawan sa mga multa sa hindi pagbabayad sa takdang panahon ng pamuwisan hanggang noong ikalwang kwarter ng taon. Dahil dito ay itinuturing na due and demandable ang kabuuang pagkakautang ng kumpanya hanggang sa matapos ang taon. Kung hindi mababayaran ang pagkakautang, madaragdagan pa ulit ito ng kaukulang multa kapag inabot ng pagtatapos ng ikatlong kwarter sa Setyembre. Samantala, nabatid din na sa panig naman ng KEILCO, pumalo na sa Php384,416,008.87 ang pagkakautang nito sa buwis, kasama na ang multang umabot sa Php 25,147,710.83 Kapansin-pansin na sa mga pagka-
kautang na ito ay umabot na sa kabuuang Php 72,445,310.83 ang pinagsamang multa (penalties) para sa Basic Tax at Special Education Fund (SEF) ng dalawang kumpanya. Ayon sa ilang observers, pangita na umanong hindi maganda ang track record ng dalawang kumpanya sa larangan ng pagbabayad ng buwis sa pamahalaang lokal, bagay na dapat ikunsidera sa aplikasyon ng JG Summit sa pagkuha ng locational clearance para sa plano nitong pagtatayo ng coal-fired
power plant sa lunsod. Nakabinbin ngayon sa Sangguniang Panlunsod ang naturang aplikasyon. Nabatid pa sa liham-sagot ni Geron, na kapwa napadalhan na ng Notice of Delinquencies ang mga naturang kumpanya kaugnay ng kanilang mga pagkakautang na lampas na sa takdang panahon (overdue taxes), ngunit hanggang sa sandaling sinusulat ang balitang ito ay hindi pa rin nababayaran ang naturang mga pagkakautang sa buwis.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM
PUMALO na sa Php 384.4-milyon ang pagkakautang sa buwis ng plantan ito sa Ilijan, Batangas City.|
Inter-Island News Komunidad ng mga batak sa Pto. Prinsesa, magkakakuryente na PTO. PRINCESA, Palawan — Magkakaroon na ng kuryente ang isang komunidad sa Sitio Kalakwasan, Brgy. Tanabag, Puerto Princesa sa pamamagitan ng electrification program ng Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI). Ayon kay Konsehal Gregorio Q. Austria, pinuno ng Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources ng Sangguniang Panlunsod, inindorso na ng konseho sa pamamagitan ng Resolusyon Bilang 1255-2015 ang proyekto ito ng PSFI upang makakuha ng Certificate of Non-Coverage mula sa Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) ang naturang proyekto. Ang proyektong ito ay ang restorasyon at rehabilitasyon ng kasalukuyang pagpapailaw sa mga komunidad ng mga katutubong Batak at mga mamamayan sa nasabing lugar. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng isang kilowatt na microhydro power at isang kilowatt na micro-solar power, kung saan ang enerhiya mula sa tubig ay magmumula sa Tabanag River at ang solar power nito ay mula sa isang genset na mayroong photovoltaic array. Nasa Php1.5 milyon ang inilaang pondo ng PSFI sa nasabing proyekto. Ang naturang alternatibong enerhiya ay inindorso din ng mga katutubong Batak sa naturang barangay sa pamamagitan ng isang resolusyon mula sa mga pinuno nito. Tinatayang nasa 49 na kabahayan o nasa 202 na populasyon ang makikinabang sa proyektong ito na kung saan nasa 30 porsiyento ay mga katutubong Batak. Ang nasabing proyekto ay isa lamang sa mga nakalinyadang proyekto na ipinatutupad ng PSFI sa mga komunidad ng mga katutubong tribo sa Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa.| .......................................................................................................
High Impact 5 program, inilunsad sa BatMC LUNSOD BATANGAS -- Inilunsad ng Department of Health (DOH) ang High Impact (HI) 5 program sa Batangas Medical Center (BatMC), kamakailan. Sinabi ni Dr. Ramoncito Magnaye, chief of hospital ng BatMC na ang HI-5 ay mga programang tututok sa maternal care, infant care, child care, HIV/AIDS at service delivery network na layong makamit ang Millenium Development Goal (MDG). Ayon naman kay Department of Health Region 4A assistant regional director Dr. Noel Pasion, ang paglulunsad ay layong mapataas ang antas ng kaalaman at kamalayan ng publiko ukol sa mga serbisyong pangkalusugan na binibigyang diin ng kanilang kagawaran. "Kaakibat nito ang 4 na Cs na kinabibilangan ng commitment, compassion, competence at creativity upang maisakatuparan ang magagandang programang tulad nito," paliwanag ni Dr. Pasion Alinsabay ng paglulunsad ng HI5, ang pagdiriwang ng National Hospital Week na tinatampukan ng iba’tibang programa kabilang ang art exhibit, AIDS 101 Forum, palaro sa mga empleyado, employees night, Ms. BatMC 2015 competition at iba pa. Ipinakilala din ang Kuya Doc/Ate Doc at Kuya Nurse/Ate Nurse na siyang gagamiting DOH branding ambassadors para sa mga patient-centered hospital. Binuksan din ang Alagang Pinoy Kiosk na magsisilbing one-stop-shop para sa mga serbisyong pangkalusugan at maging tanungan ng impormasyon ng mga pasyente ng naturang hospital. Ayon kay Magnaye, ang BatMC ay malaki na ang naging pagbabago kumpara noong mga nagdaang panahon sapagkat maraming mga serbisyo na ang napadagdag dito tulad ng kumpletong laboratory, CT scan, X-ray, 2d echo, Dialysis machine at iba pa. “Marami na ding mga doktor at narses ang nagseserbisyo lalo na ang mga espesyalista mula sa Maynila. Itinataas din naming ang kalidad ng serbisyo kaakibat ng abot kayang presyo,” dagdag pa ni Magnaye. Napag-alaman din na kabilang sa plano para sa BatMC ang pagdaragdag ng bed capacity, kidney transplantation, pagkakaroon ng MRI, karagdagang tatlong gusali at operating room para sa pagtaas ng bilang ng mga pasyente mula sa Calabarzon at kalapit probinsiya tulad ng Mindoro at Romblon.| PIA BATANGAS
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NEWS
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HEARTS program ni Gov Vi, gagawing HEALTHY HEART ni Briones “HINDI natin babawasan, kundi dadagdagan pa at lalong palalakasin ang mga programa ng kasalukuyang administrasyon.” Ito ang pahayag ni Congressman Nicanor ‘Nikki’ Briones ng Agricultural Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) Party-List sa isang pulongtalakayan sa Lunsod ng Lipa nitong nakaaraang Miyerkules, Agosto 19. Ani Briones, wala siyang nakikitang masama sa mga programa ng administrasyon ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto na nakaangkla sa platapormang HEARTS na kumakatawan sa Health, Education and
Environment, Agriculture, Roads, Tourism and Technology, and Social service and security. “Pero batid natin na marami pang kailangang maibigay sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman yung HEARTS program ay gagawin nating HEALTHY HEART,” dagdag pa ni Briones. Si Briones ay nasa ikalwang termino ng pagiging konggresista ng AGAP Party-List at isa sa mga nagpahayag na ng kanilang balaking tumakbo bilang gobernador ng Lalawigan ng Batangas sa 2016 elections. Ang iba pang mga
nagbabalak tumakbong gobernador ay sina Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza ng Ika-aapat na Distrito, dating Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas at Bise Gobernador Mark Leviste. Anang kongresista, mas makabubuti sa probinsya at sa taumbayan kung hindi lamang puso ang paiiralin niya sa pagpapatakbo ng lalawigan kundi dapat maging healthy ( o malusog) ang isang puso. Kaugnay nito, ang kaniyang HEALTHY platform ay sesentro sa mga sumusunod na Health (kalusugan), Education (edukasyon), Agri-
culture (agrikultura), Livelihood projects ng sektor ng kababaihan at (pangkabuhayan), Tourism (turis- mga karaniwang mamamayan. Samantalang sa mga programo), Housing (pabahay) at Youth mang panturismo ay nakalakip ang (kabataan). Kabilang sa livelihood advocacies progtama para sa kalikasan. Aniya, ang pagpapalakas ng mga koope- hindi maisusulong ng maayos ang ratiba at ang pagpapalawig ng industriya ng turismo kung pamumuhunan sa mga livelihood >>>PROGRAMA....sundan sa P/7
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300 kabataan, lumahok sa Southern Leg ng Nationwide 23rd Shell Chess Tournament HUMIGIT-KUMULANG sa 300 kabataan ang lumahok sa 2015 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship na isinagawa sa Event Center ng SM City Batangas, Agosto 15-16. Ito ang Southern Leg ng five-leg regional eliminations na isinusulong ng Pilipinas Shell sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng National Chess Federation of the Philippines. Kalahok dito ang mga kabataang estudyante mula sa ibat ibang paaralan. Tinanghal na Leg Champion sa Kiddies Division si Dennis Gutierrez ng Immaculate Concepcion of Malolos. Siya ay tumanggap ng P4,000, trophy at gift bag. Si Dale
Bernardo naman ng Far Eastern University ang nagwagi sa Juniors Division na nagkamit ng P5,000, trophy at gift bag habang si Ricardo Batcho ng City University of Pasay ang nag-uwi ng P6,000, trophy at gift bag bilang kampeon sa Seniors Division. Ito ang ika-23 taong pagsasagawa ng Pilipinas Shell ng nationwide event na ito na isang patuloy na paghahanap ng mga chess talents sa bansa sa paniniwalang ang kabataang Filipino ay may kakayahang mag-excel at maging competitive sa pamamagitan ng global mental sport. Ang naturang chess competition ay nagbunga na ng ilang mga
international masters at grandmasters kagaya ni Wesley So na minsan ay namuno sa juniors division ng two-category tournament bilang kiddies entry. Nakatakdang ganapin ang grand finals sa SM Megamall sa Mandaluyong sa September 19 at 20 kung saan pipili ng top two placers sa kiddies (7-12 yrs old) division, juniors (13-16 yrs old) at ang seniors (17-20 yrs old). Tatanggap ng trophy at cash prize ang mga magwawagi at ang karangalan na maging kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa mga chess tournament sa ibang bansa.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS
CHESS it out! [Upper photo] Pinangunahan ni Tabangao Shell Refinery Communications Manager Cesar Abaricia sa opening ceremony ng 23rd Annual Shell Chess Tournament - Southern Leg sa SM City Batangas, August 15. [Lower photo] Ang mga manlalaro sa pag-arangkada ng dalawang araw na torneo.| ELMER ZARASPE
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Be a part in shaping public opinion. Email your comments/reactions to: balikasonline@yahoo.com AUGUST 24 - 30, 2015
OPINION
INAASAHANG masisimulan na sa mga susunod na buwan ang pagdebelop at konstruksiyon ng Ikatlong Tulay sa Ilog ng Calumpang. Kung may Bridge of Promise sa gawing silangan, at inaasahang matatapos naman ang rehabilitasyon/rekonstruksiyon ng nasirang Calumpang Bridge, tinatawag din ang Ikatlong Tulay na “Bridge of Hope” o Tulay ng Pag-asa, bilang simbolismo ng pagasang masolusyunan ang lumalalang sitwasyon ng trapiko sa lunsod bunsod na rin ng kakitiran ng mga kalsada at sa paglawak ng komersyalismo dito. Inaasahan ding sa pamamagitan ng tulay na ito ay higit na susulong ang komersyo sa mga growth areas ng lunsod at mapapadala ang mobilisasyon ng mga tao. Ang Bridge of Hope ay lalagos mulasa Sitio Ferrry, sa brgy. Kumintang Ibaba patungo sa Brgy. Gulod Labac, kapwa sa lunsod na ito. Sinabi ni Engr. Adela Hernandez, hepe ng City Engineering Office, na nailathala na sa PHILGEPS at sa isang nationwidely-circulated newspaper ang Invitation to Bid para sa mga interesadong gumawa ng naturang tulay. Kaugnay nito, nakapagsagawa na rin ang pamahalaang lunsod ng Pre-Bid Conference noong Agosto 19 para sa mga usaping kaakibat ng paggawa ng naturang tulay. Nakatakda ang Bidding sa Martes, Agosto 25. Idinagdag pa ni Hernandez na ang debelopment ng Bridge of Hope ay sa ilalim ng design and build scheme o kasama sa pag-bid ng paggawa ng tulay ay ang pagdedisenyo nito, batay sa nakaprogramang proyekto ng pamahalaang lunsod. marahil ay maitatanong kung bakit sa Ferry itatayo ang tulay? Ayon kay Hernandez, higit na maikli ang distansya o luwang ng ilog sa gawing ito ng lunsod. Mas kakaunti rin aniya ang mga pamilya o informal settlers na maapektuhan dito. Sa usapin ng right of way, kakaunti o mallit din lang ang kinailangang mai-expropriate na lupa, sapagkat ang lupa sa dulo ng ferry road ay pag-aari ng lunsod samantalang sa kabilang ibayo naman ay sa probinsya. Ang tulay na ito ay isang suspension bridge o walang poste sa gitna ng ilog kaya hindi delikado para sa mga debris o mga troso na inaanod ng baha kapag may bagyo. Mayroon itong dalawang malalaking poste sa magkabilang pampang ng ilog at may malalaking kable na maghahawak dito. Magkakaroon din ng tig 100-metrong developed encroachment sa magkabilang dulo nito. Ito ay nakadesisyo sa two-way traffic, tig-1.5 metro para sa motorcycle lane at tig-1 metrong pedestrian lane sa magkabilang gilid ng tulay. Demolisyon at relokasyon Upang matiyak ang maluwag na daloy ng trapiko, paluluwangin ang mga approach ng tulay sa bahagi ng Ferry Road at Gulod Labac Road. Nasa mahigit 100 bahayan at pamilya ang kinakailangang mai-relocate kabilang na ang mga iskwater sa Sitio Ferry. Natanggap na ng mga maaapektuhang pamilya ang Notice to Vacate ng pamahalaang lunsod na pirmado ni City Legal Officer, Atty. Teodolfo Deguito, na nagsasaad na kinakailangang mabakante na nila ang naturang lugar sa Setyembre 3, 2015 upang bigyang-daan ang pagpapalawak ng encroachment ng gagawing tulay. Kaugnay nito, ilang mga residente ang umangal at inirereklamo ang umano’y biglaang pagpapalis sa kanila. Ngunit bago ito, isang expropriation ordinance ang pinagtibay ng Sangguniang Panlunsod sapagkat mayroon ding pribadong lupa na madadaan o mahahagip ng road midening. Ayon pa kay Hernandez, aktibong nakikipag-ugnayan sa pamahalaang lunsod ang pamunuan ng Sangguniang batangas ng Gulod labac sa pagtiyak ng maayos na lilipatan ng mga apektadong residente sa kanilang barangay. Umaasa ang mga maaapektuhang pamilya na maayos silang maililipat ng paninirahan. Sa isang dayalogo sa Kumintang Ibaba nitong nakalipas na linggo, iginigiit ng mga residente na lubhang minamadali ang pagpapalayas sa kanila. Ayon naman sa pamahalaang lunsod, may proseso silang ipinatutupad gaya ng maagap na pagbibigay ng pabatid at pakikipag-usap sa mga apektadong pamilya; bukod pa ang matagal nang pagbabalita sa mga dyaryo, radyo at TV ukol sa pagtatayo rito ng tulay. Huwag naman sanang maging sangkalan ang usaping ito ng mga pulitiko para sa kanilang mga pansariling interes.|
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‘Bridge of Hope’sa Calumpang
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SALT
THE Archdiocese of Lipa initiated the establishment of a lawyers’ guild to help minister to the spiritual and professional growth of Catholic lawyers in the archdiocese. With the founding of the St. Thomas More Association of Lawyers for Transformation (SALT), lawyers who are advocating human rights and social justice, protection of the environment and natural resources, and economic, social and political reforms will find a home where kindred advocates dwell and work for common causes and the sanctification of their professional life. The members of the SALT adopted the following objectives of the guild: (a) encourage Catholic lawyers to profess their Catholic faith in order to obtain sanctity in the profession through the practice of Christian virtues; (b) help all Catholic lawyers, especially the young and the aspiring lawyers, realize their profession as a noble calling of their faith; (c) make it their apostolic mission to render assistance and offer opinion to lay persons in matters of the Catholic faith and the law; (d) make themselves available as much as possible to provide legal assistance to the archdiocese in its noble advocacies for a more God-centered, just and patriotic society; and (e) enhance the appreciation by civil law lawyers in the canon law and moral theology. The St. Thomas More Association of Lawyers for Transformation (SALT) is under the governance of the local church of the Archdiocese of Lipa with the archbishop as head. To guide the guild and minister to the spiritual needs of its members, Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, D.D. assigned Fr. Benny Aguila as its priestin-charge. As priest-in-charge, Fr. Benny, shall be
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responsible to ensure that the raison d’ etre or and objectives of the guild is carried out. The present membership of SALT comes from the ranks of private practitioners and govern-ment lawyers who bring into the guild their various expertise and competencies. Considering that it is envisioning itself as a ministry, it is not limiting its membership to legal practitioners but extends invitation to members of the Judiciary who are not only practicing Catholic but also willing to help in the moral and spiritual formation of members of the Bar in the Archdiocese of Lipa. Complementary to this is the integration of law students and future legal practitioners to the fold of the guild to help them in their aspiration to become worthy members of the Bar and the Catholic community. An interim officers were elected by the members of the SALT to flesh the details of its programs and advocacies. This interim leadership is also responsible for the expansion of the guild and the establishment of the committees and units necessary for its consolidation. In the coming days, it is expected that SALT will start its work for the preservation of the rich natural resources of the province and initiate legal and social mobilization to address grave concerns arising from social inequity and poverty. SALT will provide the necessary legal assistance in the various advocacies of the Archdiocese in the areas of family life, environment, good governance, and electoral reforms. As a transformative organization, it will carry out programs that will uphold the highest ethical standards of the legal profession and the teachings of the Church.|
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AUGUST 24 - 30, 2015
5
OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com
Sorry for us consumers, it’s always a Lose-Lose Drop, Cover, Hold… and Pray situation during corporate-gov’ t disputes
UNDER the regime of privatization and deregulation, c o r p o r a t e - g o v e rn m e n t disputes are occurring with increasing frequency, especially when consumers are able to force the hand of government to fight for its interests. For sure, these disputes would not occur without citizen pressure. In the first place, the subjects of disputes are most often sweeteners granted by government to corporations to make the purchase of hitherto government owned and controlled corporations attractive such as sovereign guarantees, guaranteed rates of return on investment, rate increases, and allowable charges. Second, governments do not normally act against corporate interests for fear of losing foreign investors. Third, all presidents of this country, and even the heads of states of most countries for that matter, could not have won in elections without the financial backing of big corporations. Fourth, it is against the essence of privatization and deregulation for the government to regulate the business activities of corporations. Government normally surrenders its regulatory functions and in its stead, legislates self-regulation (if there is really such a thing) for corporations. Thus, it would take a lot of protest actions and exposés before government asserts its regulatory functions. And during the rare times that the government acts for the interest of consumers, companies run to the International Court of Arbitration on charges of breach of contract. As readers most probably know already, there is a ton of difference between reconciliation or mediation and arbitration. The purpose of reconciliation is to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement between the two parties in the dispute. In arbitration, the two parties to a dispute submit themselves to the decision of the arbitrator/s. The other thing about the International Court of Arbitration is that it is under the auspices of the
International Chamber of Commerce. Understandably, since it is under an organization of big corporations, it would take the viewpoint and standpoint of big business. For example, in February 2015, the arbitration tribunal allowed the Bases Conversion Development Authority to boot out the CJH Development Corp. after the latter failed to pay its obligations to the government. But at the same time, the BCDA was ordered to pay CJH P1.4 billion ($30.4 million) in back rentals. Just recently, in June 2015, DFNN, a technology solutions provider, filed and won in an arbitration case against the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office after the latter terminated its Equipment Lease Agreement with the former. DFNN is now seeking a P310 million ($6.7 million) damage award. Maynilad and Manila Water often run to the international arbitration tribunal whenever the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) denies their petition for rate increases. For example, in September 2013, both water utility companies filed petitions for rate increases. The MWSS not only denied their petition but also ordered them to reduce their base rates after disallowing the inclusion of corporate income taxes in the computation of pass on costs of both companies. In October 2013, Maynilad filed for arbitration, and Manila Water followed suit a little later. In December 2014, Maynilad got a favorable ruling, with the arbitration court allowing it to pass on to consumers its corporate income taxes and upholding its rebasing adjustment. In March 2015, the arbitration court, with a different panel hearing the case, denied Manila Water’s claim citing that it is a public utility. Manila Water is contesting this claiming that under the concession agreement, both water utility companies are deemed as agents and contractors of MWSS, which is the public utility (hair-splitting technical legalities). Based on these decisions, Maynilad customers would
Benjie Oliveros
>>>PERSPECTIVE....turn to P/6 ........................................................................................................................................................
Think Before You Click
FR. FRANCIS ONGKINGCO Whatever
I CAN still vividly recall how my dad used to enjoy teaching us proverbial phrases. He got a book, I now forget the title, and showed us some pictures accompanied by wisdom-filled sayings. One of them had an amusing caricature of a man jumping into a lake. He is shocked when he realizes too late that he is diving right into the hungry mouth of a smiling crocodile. The cartoon was labeled: Look before you leap! I remembered this adage as I re-read Pope Francis’ address to the youth in the University of Sto. Tomas last 18th January this year. In a youthful tone, the Pope encouraged young and old to learn how to love. Unfortunately, this youthful experience can encounter interferences within and without the heart. Thus, recently with the youth of Paraguay, Francis warned them about the “numerous snares that trap and enslave the heart: exploitation of people, the lack of the basic resources to survive, drug addiction, sadness, all these things remove freedom.” In order to avoid these snares, one has to observe the following steps suggested by the Holy Father: to think well, feel well, and lastly to act well. This sequence is the secret to learning how to love. This brings me back to the saying “Look before you leap!” How often do we love without following this wise sequence? How often do we ACT that is, by ‘clicking’, ‘liking’, ‘uploading’ and ‘downloading’ etc., without first THINKING? How many virtual misadventures occur because one has not ‘thought before jumping into cyberspace’? I’m not only referring to pornography, hate, and terrorist sites, and violent video games, etc. I’m more concerned about how much time, resources, and opportunities are wasted because one has not thought wisely before acting. The act of loving is undoubtedly something powerfully associated with the heart of every human being. This is because every person was created by God for love and each one naturally wants to be loved! But it is important to give the heart the love it truly deserves and not only what it whimsically desires. Otherwise, it will be trapped by lower forms of enslaving and corrupting loves.
In order for the heart to desire and possess a genuine love, it requires enlightenment from a formed intellect. This light presents what is truly and authentically desirable to the will. A man can never desire something that he does not know. Only when the intellect presents something good to the will can the heart now have an object to desire and tend to. Knowing what is good, however, isn’t sufficient. The will must move towards the possession of what is desired. Now, sometimes (as experience shows) the will isn’t very inclined towards the arduous good (work, exercise or the virtues) and tends more towards the gravitational pull of instant gratification or quick fixes (comfort, pleasure, laziness or the vices). Only with a formed intellect and a disciplined will can a person freely choose a good that will truly fulfill him. One concrete tool that can be employed to help us think well and feel well is to follow a daily personal plan or schedule. Given that we have so many things in mind and in heart, we cannot allow anything to simply derail us from more important tasks and duties. St. Josemaría, would say, “When you bring order into your life your time will multiply, and then you will be able to give God more glory, by working more in his service. (The Way, no. 80)” This order naturally begins within us by dominating flights of fancy and laziness. But having a schedule that we sincerely follow can be a helpful means to keep us on the right track. This daily schedule could contain the basic components of prayer, study-work, family, and rest. When we strive to keep to it, we will grow in self-discipline and when we lift up the things we do for love of God, then we grow spiritually. St. Josemaría, often considered a useful personal evaluation that helped him carry out his duties: “Ask yourself many times during the day: Am I doing at this moment what I ought to be doing? (Ibid., no. 772)” Perhaps, Pope Francis’ prayer in Paraguay may be a handy prayer to say every time we are tempted not to do what we ought to do, and not to be in what we must be doing: “Lord Jesus, give me a free heart, one that is not enslaved by the traps of the world, that it may not be enslaved by comfort, the lie that it won’t be enslaved by a good life, that it may not be a slave to vices, and a false freedom of doing what I please at every moment.”
ATTY. AURORA A. SANTIAGO Duc in altum
TELEVISION, radio, newspapers, and social media reported that the Metro Shake Drill last July 30 was a huge success. Each and every city, municipality, and about 6 million people participated in the Shake Drill. All LGUs (Local Government Units), business establishments, schools, churches, and individuals conducted drills in their respective places. The MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authorities) conducted both daytime and nighttime Shake Drills, the evening drill was done in Ortigas Business District in Pasig City. In Caloocan City, at the strike of 10:30 in the morning, the City Hall siren blasted while the San Roque Cathedral bells were rung. Office employees and students did the Drop, Cover, Hold in their offices and schools, and we must not forget to Pray. After 45 seconds, employees, and students calmly left their offices and classrooms, with hands over their head (or books covering their head), and proceeded to Mabini Street where the Shake Drill volunteers gave orientations to the participants on what to do in case of earthquake. According to the study by MMDA, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), a 7.2 magnitude earthquake disaster could result in an estimated 33,500 casualties and 113,600 wounded. The Shake Drill is the much-needed preparation when the Big One strikes, everyone and anyone is at risk with what the powerful earthquake can cause to everyone. With the Shake Drill, we hope that everyone will know what to do. We suggest that the Shake Drill be done either monthly or every two months so that people are well-informed about disaster preparedness. Family members must have a plan on a previously agreed place where to meet, if ever communication lines are cut. We must be familiar with the emergency hotlines and where the evacuation centers are in our area. We must at least know basic first aid, navigation, swimming, self-defense, fire fighting, and physical fitness. However, it is important that we are informed and equipped. We must be ready with the “go bag or emergency bag” for each member of the family. It must be stored in the car, office, and near the bed of the house, easily handy when calamity strikes. We never can tell where we would be when it happens. Being informed, prepared, and well-equipped is an everyday effort. Dr Ted Esguerra, the Disaster Preparedness and Response Unit Lead of the Energy Development Corporation and the founder and course designer of Wilderness Search and Rescue Team, said bringing an emergency bag wherever one goes is only one element of preparedness. “The percentage of preparation is equal to the percentage of survival.” In the past issues of our column, we enumerated what the “go-bag” must contain. We are repeating the same today. The go bag could be a backpack or small stroller bag which contains the following: whistle (so other people can hear and find you), flashlight with batteries (to aid in evacuation or searches), small battery-operated radio (to stay updated on disaster information), a “help” banner (so people can see you), water, biscuits, medicines, and First Aid Supplies, a blanket, important documents, glow sticks, garbage bags that can be used as mats, alcohol and betadine patches, and aquatabs for purifying water, a family photo for identification purposes, a pocket-knife (to cut food, duct tape, first aid), a dust mask (a contamination protection), a change of clothes (underwear, sturdy shoes, a warm top for cold weather or a hat for the sun), soap, shampoo and lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste (travel size is sufficient), small amount of cash (small denominations and coins), local map (know local evacuation routes), pencil, permanent markers, paper (to record information), an extra set of car/home keys, feminine hygiene products (depends on the individual), small toys, playing cards, books (depends on the individual), emergency kits for pets (optional). On the occasion of its 200th Anniversary as a parish, the San Roque Cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Kalookan, embarked on the renovation of its Sanctuary or Altar. It has launched the “Tree of Generosity” to raise funds for the project, however, the funds raised were not enough to finance the project. Hence, the Diocese through Fr. Romy Tuazon, organized a concert entitled “Dakila ka San Roque” to be held on Aug. 14, 2015, Friday, at 7:00 p.m. at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City. The concert is with the special participation of Bishop Francis de Leon, Fr. James del Rosario, Fr. Ken Neral, Fr. Hieden Timbang, Fr. Nestor Fajardo, Fr. Rey Amante, Fr. Gau Sustento, and surprise guest celebrities. It will also feature the NBI Chorale, Rosa Mystica Choir, Immaculate Heart of Mary Grand Chorale, and San Roque Cathedral Grand Chorale. We invite everyone to watch the concert and be a part of the repair of the Altar of our Cathedral. You may buy tickets at Curia Office (02) 961-7630 (Gigi de Lara), (02) 287-3693 (Ryan Rezo) and (02) 288-9035 (Atty. Au Santiago). The replica of Magellan’s Cross, the symbol of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu from Jan. 24-31, 2016, visited the Diocese of Kalookan. The Welcome Mass was celebrated by Fr. Benedict Cervantes while the Farewell Mass was presided by Fr. James del Rosario with concelebrants Fr. Rey Amante, Fr. Philip Pepito, and Fr. Alberto Cahilig. Fr. Pepito of the Archdiocese of Cebu is the priest in charge of the visit of the IEC symbol to the different dioceses in the country. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma approved the use of Magellan’s Cross as the IEC symbol because it represents the first Mass in the Philippines on March 31, 1521. This is the 2nd time that the Philippines will host the IEC, the first one was in 1937 during the Pontificate of Pope Pius XI. The gathering provides the opportunity for “experiencing and understanding the Eucharist as a transforming encounter with the Lord, as well as the occasion for the discovery and rediscovery of the faith.”|
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Increase the potential of your business! Advertise with us. Email us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com AUGUST 24 - 30, 2015
‘JG Summit naphtha plant violates environmental laws’ – EMB “THE odor is a violation. They should have mitigating measures. They don’t have control facilities. If we see in their explanation that the violation was due to negligence or was not in good faith, we will fine them Php50,000 ($1,080) per violation, but the company would not be fined if the violation was due to “factors beyond their control.”
Thus, Regional Director Carlos Magno of the Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) – CALABARZON told the press on Wednesday, August 19. The pronouncement of Magno was an answer on queries on possible sanction that JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) might be facing following the complaints of Batangas City resi-
AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BATANGAS CITY SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF NO. 15-1549 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as ameded by Act 4118 filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (Pag-Ibig Fund), mortgagee, with postal address at Petron MegaPlaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, was assigned in favor of HDMF (Pag-Ibig Fund) with business office at High Rise Business Center, National Highway, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City, Laguna, against LILIAN C. MARALIT married to HIPOLITO C. MARALIT as borrower/mortgagor with residence and postal address at Blk. 03 Lot 06 Carmel Ville Subd., Brgy. Alangilan, Batangas City to satisfy the amount of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE PESOS AND 20/100 (Php 1,553,589.20) inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of May 8, 2015, attorney’s fees equivalent to ten (10%) percent of the total indebtedness plus the expenses of foreclosure plus the fees in connection with this sale also secured by the said mortgage/s, the undersigned Sheriff announces that on October 6, 2015 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter in the CITY HALL, BATANGAS CITY, she will sell at public auction for cash in Philippine Currency to the highest bidder, the property/ies described in teh said mortgage together with all improvements thereon to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 052-2010000879 “A parcel of Land (Lot 6, Blk. 3 of the subd plan Psd-04-032767, being a portion of Lot 5678D-1, Psd-04-023814, LRC Rec. No. ____), situated in the Barrio of Alangilan, Batangas City. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 5; on the SE., along line 2-3 by Lot 8, both of Blk. 3; on the SW., along line 3-4 by Road Lot 4; on the NW., along line 4-5 by Lot 4; and on the NE., along line 5-1 by Lot 3, both of Blk. 3, all of the subdivision plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 87 deg. 33’E., 160.94 m. from BBM No. 27, Cad264-D, Batangas Cadastre. thence S. 80 deg. 35’E., 7.12 m. to point 2; thence S. 9 deg. 48’W., 12.00 m. to point 3 thence N. 80 deg. 35’W., 10.00 m. to point 4; thence N. 9 deg. 50’E., 12.00 m. to point 5; thence S. 80 deg. 35’E., 2.88 m. to the point of beginning containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS. All points referred to are iindicated on the plan and are marked on the ground by P.S. cyl. conc. mons. 15x60 cm.; bearings true; date of original survey, may 1930-July 1936 and that of the subdivision survey, Oct. 10-14, 1988 and was approved on Nov. 23, 1988.” Copies of this Notice of Sale shall be posted at three (3) most conspicuous public places at Batangas City (CITY HALL, POST OFFICE, PUBLIC MARKET), at BARANGAY HALL of Barrio Alangilan, Batangas City) where the property is located, and at the Bulletin Board of Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Pallocan West, Batangas City.
dents on the foul odor and black smoke being emitted by the company’s naphtha cracker plant in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City. On August 14, EMB’s personnel conducted an initial investigation, a day after residents nearby complined of nauseating odor suspected to be caused by malfunctioning of machineries or error in operation of the plant that is coupled by emitting black smoke that lasts as long as the plant runs. “When the smoke is black, then there is wrong in the operation because anything black is unburnt. The combustion process is incomplete and this may have long-term harmful effect to the people” the official said. During a technical conference between company representatives and environment officials on Tuesday, the former were ordered to submit explanation within 10 days. Members of the Sangguniang Barangay of host communities, NGOs, and other local officials were also either present or represented in the said conference. Aside from submitting its explanation, the company was also ordered to conduct air quality study and is recommended to install Continuous Ambient Monitoring System to that would improve its ability to detect pollutants coming from their plant. Such a system would monitor the presence of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. As of this writing, the EMB is waiting for the company to submit its reportexplanation before the
government regulator would act on the issue accordingly. Meanwhile, JGSOC is the operator of JG Summit Holdings’ naphtha cracker plant which supplies byproducts to JG Summit Petrochemical Corporation (JGSPC), its sister company, which in turn produces polyethelene, a main raw material in producing plastic wrappers, plastic containers, and other plastic-based products. Sources from the city hall revealed that the company has a standing obligation to the city government by way of taxes amounting to P722.97-million as of July 24,
2015. (Read related story). Its website says that JGSPC is the pre-eminent world-class manufacturer and supplier of polyolefin products in the Philippines. It started commercial operations in 1998, and is the first and only integrated polyethylene and polypropylene resin manufacturer in the country, producing the Evalene brand of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). The JGSPC plant is located in Brgy. Simlong, Batangas, 125 km south of Manila, and is built on a 100-
hectare PEZA-accredited complex. The plant is highly integrated, having its own 50 MW Power Plant, a jetty for receiving raw materials and de-mineralized water treatment facility. In order to prevent or minimize importation of raw materials for the JGSPC, the holding company created the JG Summit Olefins which operates the country’s first naphtha cracker facility in the same JGSPC complex in Simlong. The plant primarily produces polymer grade ethylene and propylene, which will be feedstock for the polyolefins plant.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM
...................................................................................................................... <<<PERSPECTIVE.... from P/5
Sorry for us consumers, it’s always a Lose-Lose situation during corporate-gov’ t disputes be charged a higher rate while the Manila Water customers would get a rate rollback of P2.77 per cubic meter, which would be spread over two years. However, Maynilad would be filing another arbitration case against the MWSS because the latter delayed compliance with the arbitration ruling, allowing for a rate increase, while awaiting the decision on the Manila Water case. Maynilad would be asking for P3.44 billion ($73.9 million) in losses from foregone revenues since 2013 and another P208 million ($4.5 million) each month beginning January 2015. Manila Water, on the other hand, is seeking a damage claim from the Department of Finance (DOF) amounting to P79 billion
($1.52 billion), computed on the basis of its projected future financial losses from 2015 to 2037 resulting from the cut back and rollback in rates provided for by the decisions of the MWSS and International Court of Arbitration. Manila Water is basing its claim on the Letter of Undertaking issued by the government through the DOF in July 31, 1997. In the said Letter of Undertaking, the government commits to “indemnify Manila Water against any loss caused by any action on the part of MWSS resulting in the reduction of the standard rates ‘below the level that would otherwise be applicable in accordance with the Concession Agreement’ thereby denying Manila Water a rate of return ‘allowed from time to time to operators of long
term infrastructure concession arrangements in other countries having a credit standing similar to that of the Philippines’ pursuant to Section 9A of the Concession Agreement.” So whenever the companies gain in arbitration, consumers shoulder the burden of increased rates and charges; when the companies lose, consumers, through their taxes, bear the burden of paying the claims for damages emanating from the sovereign guarantees provided by the government. Bayan Muna is right. The arbitration clause and sovereign guarantees provided for in concession agreements and Public Partnership Project contracts being entered into by the government are downright immoral and antipeople.|
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VG Leviste, tuloy sa pagtakbo sa Batangas BINIGYANG-DIIN ni Vice Governor Mark Leviste ang kanyang intensyong tumakbo bilang gobernador ng Lalawigan ng Batangas sa 2016, sa isang round-table discussion kamakailan, kasama ang mga miyembro ng mga mamamahayag sa Batangas. Sinabi niyang buo ang suporta ng kanyang pamilya sa kanyang adhikaing mabigyan ng pagkakataong mai-
pagpatuloy ang mga magandang programa ni Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, na nasa huling termino bilang local chief executive ng lalawigan. Ibinahagi ng bise gobernador sa pagpupulong ang resulta ng isa umanong independent poll survey noong Mayo 2015, kung saan patuloy siyang nangunguna sa hanay ng mga nagnanais tumakbo sa pagka-gobernador ng Batangas. Sa
nasabing survey, 35% ng mga nakibahagi ang pumili kay Leviste, na sinundan naman nina dating Gob. Dodo Mandanas (26%) at 4th District Cong. Dong Mendoza (13%). Ayon din kay Vice Gov. Mark, nirerespeto niya, kasama ng kanyang ina na si Lipa City Councilor Patsie Leviste, ang anumang plano ni Gov. Vi para sa 2016, subalit kinikilala din nila ang panawagan ng marami na
kumandidato siya bilang Pangalawang Pangulo ng bansa. Aniya, “Anuman ang labanan ni Gob. Vi sa 2016, aming susuportahan. Kung siya ay lalaban bilang Bise Presidente, ako ay sasama sa kanyang pangangampanya sa buong bansa; hindi ko siya iiwan at hinding hindi pababayaan lalong higit sa pinakamalaki niyang laban.”| VINCE ALTAR
Prospective buyers and bidders are hereb enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumberances thereon, if any there be. In the event that the Auction Sale should not take place on said date, it shall be held on October 14, 2015 without further notice. “All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.” Batangas City, August 12, 2015. (Sgd.) MINERVA C. CANIEDO Sheriff IV Published at: Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at: Batangas City Posted at: Batangas City Copy furnished: Parties concerned. Pahayagang BALIKAS | Aug. 3, 10 & 17, 2015
UPDATING. Si Vice Governor Mark Leviste sa pagharap niya sa media noong Huwebes, Agosto 13.| MACC OCAMPO
AUGUST 24 - 30, 2015
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LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com
6 Shopping Tips for SM Lipa’s 3-day Sale TWICE a year, SM Lipa is staging its biggest promotional sale - the SM 3-day Sale. The second sale this year will actually be a 4-day sale to give way for a long weekend on August 28-31. Below is a list of shopping tips that will help a shopper get the best value for their money. 1. Take advantage of SM’s raffle promos – the 3-day sale is a highly budgeted event of the mall and thus they are preparing fabulous prices for their raffle promos. Below are the two raffle promos that shoppers can join in. The Mall Raffle - Prize at stake:1 Unit of Suzuki Celerio How To Join: For every, 1000-peso worth of purchase in any shop, store and restaurant inside SM Lipa, a shopper is entitled to have a raffle ticket. The raffle tickets can be redeemed at the redemption booths that will be located at SM Lipa’s Events Center and in between Café de Lipa and Pizza Hut. Last 3-day sale, the prizes at stake were 2 units of Suzuki Raider motorcycles and were won by Renelyn Endozo of Lemery, Batangas and Vanessa Cruzat of Balete, Batangas City. The SM Store Raffle Prizes at stake: P24,000worth of load from Globe. How to Join: They are giving this to each of the nine lucky winners. For every single receipt purchase of Php 2,000 at The SM Store, the shopper may redeem his/her raffle entry at the redemption booth located at the ground floor of The SM Store. Winners will be drawn on the following dates and time: AUGUST 28 (FRI) – 8:00
PM (3 WINERS)/ AUGUST 29 (SAT) – 8:00 PM (3 WINNERS) / AUGUST 30 (SUN) – 9:00 PM (3 WINNERS). 2. Get that Additional 10% off on the first three hours on the first day of sale. First, you have to be an SM Advantage, SM Prestige or BDO rewards card holder to avail of the additional discount. To be precise, this is between 10:00 am to 12:00noon on August 28, Friday. The stores that gives this additional discountare the following: The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Surplus Shop, Crocs, The Body Shop and Uniqlo. Yes, Crocs, The Body Shop and Uniqlo are already SM Affiliates. For the SM Appliance Center on the other hand, additional 5% off are given for their appliances on the first two hour sale.
3. Get that Php200-worth of SM Gift Certificates. “May GC sa Resibo”. SM is giving away Php200-worth of SM Gift Certificates for every 5000 pesos worth of single receipt purchase starting August 28 to August 30 from any shop inside SM Lipa. Take note, the 5000 peso purchase must be in one receipt or transaction only. Keep your receipts with you as the GC redemption is timed on August to 29 to 30, 10am to 6pm only. The redemption booth is also located at the Events Center and in the area between Pizza Hut and Café de Lipa. 4. Get one of those 1000 free pizzas, burgers and sundaes. Yes, you heard it right. Free food! Shop at least 1000 pesos worth of purchase from any store or restaurant on
August 29 to 31 to get a free food promotional stub from our redemption booth. • August 29, Saturday: Free 1000 pizza slices from Pizza Hut • August 30, Sunday: Free 1000 burgers from Bigg’s Diner and Jollibee • August 31, Monday: Free 1000 sundae cups from McDonald’s Take note: Do not go directly to the participating restaurants, redeem your “free food stub” first at the redemption booths located at the Events Center and in the area between Pizza Hut and Café de Lipa. 5. Get additional rebates when you use your BDO credit cards, cash cards or debit cards at The SM Store. As credit cards make purchasing more convenient, it also gives us
Partnership for security. PSFI received another Plaque of Appreciation from BFP Regional Office for the Jr. Fire Marshal Program for the school children. Guest of honor was Cong. Dong Mendoza.|
<<<PROGRAMA.... mula sa P/1
HEARTS program ni Governor Vi, gagawing HEALTHY HEART ni Briones aniya na walang partikular na programang pangkabataan na kapantay ng ibang mga programa ng probinsya. Ayon kay Briones, naniniwala siyang kailangang may maayos na programang pangkabataan na tututok sa kanilang mga pangangailangan at magpapataas ng antas ng serbisyong magsusulong upang mas makita ng sektor na ito ang kanilang papel sa pagbuo ng isang matagumpay at makabuluhang komunidad. Samantala, naniniwala si
Briones na hindi tatakbong gobernador si Senador Ralph G. Recto, sa halip ay tatakbo siyang muli for reelection. Umaasa rin siyang makukuha niya ang pag-eendorso ng mga Recto sa darating na halalan. Kung hindi mangyari ito, nakahanda pa rin umano siyang tumuloy sa pagtakbo sa pagkagobernador sapagkat ang kaniyang makinarya ay nakaangkla sa bagong partido pulitikal na kanilang binuo, kasama ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan sa lalawigan ng Batangas - ang Partido ng
Masang Batangueño (PaMBatangueño). Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon na umnaong mahigit 16,000 miyembro ang naturang organisasyon na binubuo ng mga purok leaders, barangay leaders at iba pang opisyal sa grassroots level na siyang nagsusulong ng kaniyang mga adbokasiya. Naidulog na rin aniya ito sa Commission on Election at naghihintay na lamang ng Resolusyon para kilalaning isang partido pulitikal sa Batangas.|
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6 Unit ng koryente 7 Nagtatakda ayon sa schedule 9 Gunita 10 Marahil 12 Ibong mandaragit na kauri ng banoy 13 Organic Trade Assn. 16 bagwis 17 Kahabag-habag 20 Alimasag (Ilokano) 21 Dating Sec. Enriques ng Dept. of Health 22 Pag-aaruga o pagsasaalang-alang sa isang bagay 23 Nanay 24 Ligtas 25 Di naniniwala sa Diyos 26 Matingkad na kayumanggi 28 Munting palos 30 Unang bilang 33 Iran: daglat 35 Notang musikal
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early. Take note that the 3-day sale particularly its first two hours is something that people really look forward to so expect many shoppers as eager as you to shop. This is particularly obvious at The SM Store and Ace Hardware. One helpful tip is to hunt for your “things to buy” the day before the sale. Try to fit the clothes and shoes, test the appliances and inspect the items you are planning to buy. The sales associates at The SM Store and Ace Hardware are friendly enough to reserve your items for you. Have your items ready on one cart so when tomorrow comes, you will just be paying your items at the counters. 7. Take note of the mall hours. August 28, opening at 9am, closing at 10pm. August 29-31 opening at 10am and closing at 10pm.| ADVT
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mapapabayaan naman ang usaping pangkapaligiran. Sa programang pabahay, hindi lamang aniya ang pagbibigay ng libreng pabahay sa mga kapus-palad ang inisip niyang maging programa kundi ang pagdebelop ng isang programa kung saan magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga low-income earners na makapagpundar ng sariling tahanan sa presyong aboy-kaya ngunit may kalidad. Sa ilalim ng HEARTS program, kapansin-pansin
additional perks. Like if you use your BDO cards on the three day sale, the shopper will be getting additional rebates: A. 10% rebate will be given on a minimum P25,000 purchase when you use your locally issued BDO V isa, Mastercard, JCB, Union Pay / American Express credit card. B. 5% rebate will be given on a minimum P5,000 purchase when you use your locally issued BDO Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Union Pay / American Express credit card. C. 3% rebate will be given on a minimum P3,000 purchase when you use yourlocally issued BDO Debit or Cash Card. Take note: The rebates will be applicable on the net of all discounts (SMAC and Class Discounts). 6. Make a list and shop
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8 Biyuda ni Daboy: inisyal PAHALANG 1 Ms. Perez o Ms. Austria 11 Gulaman 12 Arkong kawayan 3 Kabag
SImbolo ng Tantalum Kastanyetas Gagamba Mangha Liban ng walang paalam Tauhan sa “Fili” Representative sa Tagalog Simbolo ng Lithium Anak ni Zuma Isang kontinente Bank of America Morocco: daglat Sabay-sabay na paglakad ng tropang militar Bigay sa waiter
PABABA 1 lamat sa bakal 2 Mountain: ikli 3 Paggising mula sa pagkakahimbing 4 Taumbayan 5 Simbolo ng pilar
Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Suliraning pinansiyal ang bumabagabag subalit kung pagsisikapan, matutugunan dahil may makakatulong. Huwag sarilinin ang problema. Lucky numbers at color ay 17, 26, 32, 36 at fuchsia. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Ngayon mo mapapatunayan kung gaano katotoo ang karma. Kung gumawa ka ng kabutihan sa kapwa, may kabutihan kang matatanggap mula sa kapwa. Subalit kung gumawa ng kasamaan sa kapwa, may gagawa rin nito sa’yo. Lucky numbers at color ay 12, 17, 27, 38 at cream. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Kung may hindi pagkakaunawaan sa relasyon, nakaamba ang panganib na maaaring magwakas kung hindi maaagapan. Lucky numbers at color ay 18, 19, 27, 29 at white. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - May balakid sa mga binabalak ngunit mapapansin at maitutuwid kung pag-aaralan muna bago pumalaot. Huwag magpadalus-dalos ng desisyon. Lucky numbers at color ay 14, 24, 34, 39 at aquamarine. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Masaya mong sasalubungin ang umaga, ngunit mag-ingat sa makakati ang dila dahil ikaw ang pagtsitsismisan. Lucky numbers at color ay 19, 27, 39, 41 at ocean blue. Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) Makakahanap ka ng magandang solusyon sa iyong nagdaang suliranin. Pero may kakaharapin kang mas malaking problema kung magpapabaya. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 22, 37, 43 at red. Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb. 18) - Huwag sarilinin ang balak na magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Ikunsulta at hingin ang opinyon ng mga mahal sa buhay para magtagumpay. Lucky numbers at color ay 19, 23, 24, 31 at violet. Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Nakataya ang kinabukasan ng pamilya. Huwag magtiwala sa usapan lamang. Ilagay sa kasulatan kung ano ang napagkasunduan at gawing legal dahil kung ano ang mahalagang napag-usapan ngayon, may malaking suliranin na darating sa mga susunod na araw. Lucky numbers at color ay 16, 24, 29, 34 at yellow. Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Mahalaga ang kaligayahan at kapakanan ng pamilya kaya huwag ipagkait. Paglaanan ng panahon para mapanatili ang harmoniya. Lucky numbers at color ay 14, 22, 28, 30 at blue. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Hangga’t maaga iwasan ang masamang impluwensya ng mga barkada. Kung magiging mapusok, madadamay ka sa kanilang masamang gawain. Lucky numbers at color ay 10, 14, 34, 42 at green. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - W alang masama kung bababaan o isusuko ang pride kung talagang mahal ang isang tao at ayaw magkahiwalay. Lucky numbers at color ay 14, 19, 31, 39 at orange. Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Magiging masaya ang iyong araw kung makakasama ang isang Leo o Pisces. Malamang makakatagpo ang iyong soulmate o twin flame. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 10, 33, 40 at brown.
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August 24 - 30, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 34 balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373
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>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS | EVENTS | SHOWBIZ & SPORTS | TRAVEL & TRENDS<<
ORMAL na itinalaga bilang mga Rover Scouts ang ilang mga kasapi ng Batangas Press Club (BPC) sa seremonya na isinagawa sa Estrellas de Mendoza Resort sa Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Agosto 15.
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Bago ang seremonya ay nagkaroon muna ng Orientation na pinangasiwaan ng mga opisyales ng Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Batangas City Council sa pangunguna ni Scout Executive Ramil Borbon. Itinuro nila ang mga tungkulin at ipinabatid ang mga kahalagahan ng pagiging isang Rover Scout. Ayon kay Scouter Tony Velasquez, Administrative Officer ng BSP Batangas City Council, layunin ng scouting na mapaunlad ang sarili, malinang ang angking husay at galing, mapalaganap ang kagandahang asal at makatulong sa kapwa at komunidad. Nagsilbing mga “Ninong” at “Ninang” sa naturang okasyon sina Batangas 4th District Congressman Dong Mendoza at Calatagan Mayor Sophia Grandeza Palacio, samantalang naging witness and assisting scout official si dating Calaca Mayor
Nas Ona, dati ring Chairman ng BSP-Batangas Province Council. Ang Rover Scouts Orientation and Investiture ay magkatuwang na proyekto ng BSP Batangas City Council at Batangas Press Club. Naging Circle Leader ng pinakabagong Rover Scouts Circle ng BSPBatangas City Council si BPC acting President Joenald M. Rayos. Ayon kay Scouter Rayos, isang mahalagang bagay na mangyayari sa grupo ng mamamahayag makalipas ang naturang okasyon ay ang pagpapaigting at pagiging aktibo ng grupo sa paghahatid ng social services sa komunidad katuwang hindi lamang ang BSP kundi maging ang iba pang samahang sibiko. Bago ito ay nagkaroon muna ng pagtutuwang ang Batanags Press Club at Batangas Lion’s Club.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS
Batangas Press Club joins Rover Scouting
KABILANG ang Lalawigan ng Batangas at ilang lingkod bayan sa mga natatanging organisasyon at indibidwal na pinarangalan sa ikalawang Gawad Sulo ng Bayan Awards para sa Calabarzon.| UPPER PHOTO. The new circle of Rover Scouts of BSP-Batangas City Council with the training team led by Scout Executive Ramil Borbon, with Cong. Dong Mendoza and former Provincial Council Chairman Nas Ona. LOWER PHOTO: A scene during the investiture ceremony.|
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Batangas Capitol, muling namahagi ng Balay Project assistance NAMAHAGI na muli ng financial assistance si Governor Vilma Santos Recto para sa mga beneficiaries ng Balay Project ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Batangas, na isang proyektong handog sa ilalim ng Provincial Social Welfare ang Development Office, noong ika-17 ng Agosto, 2015.
May 40 beneficiaries mula sa bayan ng San Jose at 32 beneficiaries mula sa bayan ng Laurel ang tumanggap bawat isa ng P70,000.00. Nakatanggap din sila ng “food for work” packages na kinapapalooban ng isang sakong bigas at goods upang makatulong at magamit nila sa panahon ng paggagawa ng
bahay. Sa kabuuan, P5,040,000.00 ang halagang ipinamahagi ng PSWDO, na pinangungunahan ni Ms. Joy Montalbo, sa 72 balay recipients. Nagbigay rin ng 16 sets ng carpentry tools upang magamit sa construction ng mga bahay. ELFIE ESTRELLAILUSTRE
Blood letting Caravan, idinaos sa San Luis
INFRA PROJECT. Pinangunahan ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto
ang Blessing and Inauguration ng Barangay Hall sa Brgy. Macalamcam A, Rosario, Batangas. Ang naturang proyekto ay bahagi ng infrastructure project mula sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan upang mas mapadali ang paghahatid serbisyo sa mga mamamayan.| E. ILUSTRE/L. HERNANDEZ
MATAGUMPAY na naisagawa ang Blood Letting Activity ng Batangas Province Blood Council sa bayan ng San Luis noong Agosto 19, 2015. Mahigit limampu at tatlong (53) units ng dugo ang nakolekta sa nasa-bing gawain na naisakatuparan sa pangunguna ni Provincial Blood Council Chairperson Jun Magana, mga mga kawani ng Provincial Health Office, sa pamumuno ni Dr. Rosvilinda Ozaeta, at mga kasapi ng Council. Ang kauna-unahang Blood Olympics sa San Luis ay naging matagumpay sa pakikipagtulungan ng Municipal Health Office at Mayor Samuel Noel Ocampo. Buo rin ang naging suporta ni Konsehal Ailene Ocampo, ganun din ng mga empleyado municipal government at mga lokal na Barangay Health Workers (BHW). Inaasahang ang inisyal na gawaing ito ay magmumulat sa mata ng mga taga San Luis
tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagbibigay ng dugo upang makatulong na madugtungan ang buhay ng mga nangangailangan. | MILLICENT RAMOS