Vol. XIX, No. 49 | December 8 - 14, 2014

>>Bb. Lunsod Batangas Dana Denise B. Sabillo, Mutya ng Batangas 2014 > F.E.S.T. P/3 Sharing Good News..

Bridging Communities Towards Development

Vol. 19, No. 49 | December 8 - 14, 2014

Southern Tagalog, Philippines

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FOUNDATION WEEK FORMALLY OPENS. With Taal Mayor Michael Montenegro on her side, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto declares at the balcony of the historic Taal Municipal Hall the formal opening of the weeklong celebration of the 433rd Foundation Day of Batangas province highlighted by the 7th Ala Eh Festival, December 1. Other officials of the province and the municipality of Taal are also present, together with the thousands of Batangueños and guests from other provinces. [Read full story on page 2.| BALIKAS PHOTO / JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Faith and Calamities

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Tanauan City bags SM Foundation College Silver in Global Scholarship Program Benchmarking now accepts applicants > NEWS.. P/3

> LIFE TIMES.. P/9

Hypocrisy and big joke!

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NEWS

2 PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS

December 8 - 14, 2014

ANAUAN CITY, Batangas – “We have practically skirted some of the processes and the requirements just to see to it that we can make it to Abu Dhabi,” was how Mrs. Juanita Marfa, head of the city government’s Benchmarking Team, described their experience in securing the necessary travel documents in time for the 3rd Global Benchmarking Awards held last November 24-25, 2014 at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

T

And their sacrifices paid off, handsomely, as Tanauan City, in its first try, bagged the first runnerup finish in this annual search for companies, public or private, that best demonstrate the organizationwide role of benchmarking in enhancing and innovating performance.

Launched three years ago by the Global Benchmarking Network (GBN), a network founded in 1994 by representatives from benchmarking centers in Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, the competition aims to help businesses strengthen their long-term competitiveness through adaptation of global best practices.

“Benchmarking, learning from the experience of others, is a

powerful method for breakthrough thinking, innovation, improvement and for delivering exceptional bottomline results,” according to the group’s website.

The City Government of Tanauan earned the right to represent the country after topping the 1st Philippine Benchmarking Competition. The team, composed of Mrs. Marfa, Jacqueline Landicho and Regina Aala, showcased the city government’s achievements in adopting best practices and experiences learned from other local government units and private entities.

It cited the 17 core business processes certified with ISO 9001:2008, the launching of Tanauan City College, establishment of the Tanauan Packaging and

Service Center and the operation of three (3) birthing homes, as some of the city’s success stories achieved through benchmarking.

Tanauan City Mayor Thony C. Halili lauded the team for the honor it brought, not only to the city, but to the whole country.

“This unprecedented and remarkable feat is the embodiment of our resolve in providing our constituents with excellent service through good governance, principled and determined leadership,” stated Mayor Halili as he congratulated the team upon arrival from this 2-day event.

“Once again, we have shown the world that here in Tanauan City, our local government’s service is at par

Tanauan City Benchmarking Team composed of (L-R) Jacqueline Landicho, Regina Aala and Juanita Marfa receives the 1st Runner-Up trophy and certificate from Mr. Suresh Lulla, founder of BestPrax Club and Quimpro Consultants Pvt. Ltd. India, one of the judges during the 3rd Global Benchmarking Award held at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Abu Dhabi, UAE last November 24-25, 2014. | with the world’s top companies,” he added.

This year’s Global Benchmarking Award grand winner is OCBC Bank of Singapore, last year’s first runner-up.

Earlier on, the city bags the 1st Philippine Benchmarking Award in October 24, 2014.

It shared the tile with the City of Marikina as Philippines’ key cities.|

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Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO

AGAPAY KABAYAN. PSSupt. Omega Jireh D. Fidel , Provicial Director through PSI Albert F. Fabregas, Administrative Officer/Chief Provincial Logistics Branch, distributed 10 flashlights to blood donors who arrived first for bloodletting activity of the Batangas Police Provincial Office with the theme, "Buhay Mo Karugtong ng Buhay Ko" held at the BPPO Multi-Purpose Center, December 5.|

Petroleum by products showroom robbed

A BRANCH of Gas Petronas, represented by Rojie Roxas y Dula, 25 years old, single, manager, native of Apalit, Pampanga and presently residing at Purok 1 Brgy Lodlod, Lipa City and Randy Yapot y Omlang, 25 years old, with live-in partner and resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Tambo, Lipa City was the new victim of holdup incident in Lipa City over the weekend.

Three (3) unidentified malefactors armed with a short firearm and riding in red Kawasaki Rouser Motorcycle without plate number were the suspects.

Initial investigation conducted showed that on or about 6:30PM of December 6, 2014 victims were sitting inside their show room when two unidentified male persons entered. At gun point, one of the suspects ordered the victim to drop at the floor and not to look at them and declared hold-up. At that instance, one of the suspects still pointed his gun at the victims while the other suspect taken the cash money amounting to more or less Php17, 000.00 which was placed inside the drawer of their table.

On the process, the Iphone 4S cellular phone of Rojie Roxas worth Php20,000.00 and the MyPhone cellular phone of their office worth Php3,000.00 were taken by the said suspects. After they held-up, suspect immediately left the place and rode a motorcycle which was parked few meters away and fled towards Brgy. Pangao, Lipa City direction with the firearms used. Dragnet operation was already requested at nearby Police Stations for possible identification and apprehension of the suspect.| 

Gov Vi opens Ala Eh Festival is historic Taal WITH Taal Mayor Michael Montenegro on her side, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto declares at the balcony of the historic Taal Municipal Hall the formal opening of the weeklong cele-bration of the 433rd Foundation Day of Batangas province to be highlighted by the 7th Ala Eh Festival, December 1.

Other officials of the province and the municipality of Taal are also present, together with the thousands of Batangueños and guests from other provinces.

Now on its 7thyear in upholding a grand tradition, the Provincial Government of Batangas once again brings forth its most colorful event attraction.

As the biggest tourism event of the Provincial Government headed by Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, the Ala Eh! Festival aims to join all contingents across the province of Batangas in a unified commemoration of the province’s foundation.

The Ala Eh Festival is the mother of all festivals in the province of Batangas— the biggest, grandest, and most colorful event celebrated every year. Its name Ala Eh! was lifted from the very popular expression for which the Batangueños are well-known for. The first official Ala Eh festival was held in December 2008, at

the Provincial Capitol in Batangas City.

Before then, the province didn’t celebrate its foundation,and so Governor Vilma Santos Recto led an inquiry as to the province’s founding date, which was finally establishedon the 8th of December, with this year marking the 433rd anniversary.

In 2010, the festival was hosted by Lipa City, and from then was held in a different city/municipality each year. In 2011 the host municipality was Calaca, followed by Tanauan City in 2012. Last year, it was again held in its home turf, only that time it was hosted by the city government of Batangas.

The Ala Eh festival is a week-long festivity, packed with various events and activities for the enjoyment and appreciation of stakeholders and tourists alike.

Mainly, the Ala Eh festival aims to unite the local government units, private sectors, and all stakeholders in showcasing the culture, products, arts, tradition, and history of each municipality.

The celebration commenced December 1, starting with the Fun Run at 5:00 AM, followed by the Opening of the Trade Fair, Agri Fair and Photo Exhibit, which will be mainstay attractions from December 1-8. The Street Party was among the

innovations this year, and it was held also on the first day at 4:00 PM, along Marcela Agoncillo Street.

The Municipal Government of Taal has also integrated its homegrown events in the festival, such as Mutya ng Taal and Taaleño Ang Galing Mo!, which was held December 2 and 3, respectively.

Among the most anticipated events in the festival was the Mutya ng Batangas Pageant– a search for beauty, brains and personality in a distinctive young Batan-gueña. The Coronation Night was held December 5, at the Taal Plaza, which was also where the star-studded grand finals of Voices, Songs and Rhythms will be held sometime this week.

The culmination of the week-long event will be rescheduled due to typhoon Ruby starting with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours at 7:00 AM, followed by the Street Dance and Float Parade going to Taal Park— the site of the festival dance competition.

The Ala Eh! Festival has always been and must always be a remarkable event, and as such,Gov. Vilma Santos Recto invites everyone to join the celebration: “See you in Batangas! There’s no need to look further. All here. So near.”|

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DPWH Batangas I DEO receives recognition from PDRRMC TAAL, BATANGAS – District Engineer Julie Vergara accepted a plaque of recognition given to Department of Public Works and Highways Batangas First District Engineering Office (DPWH Batangas I DEO) by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Batangas during the opening of the one-week celebration of Batangas province foundation day dubbed as “Ala-Eh Festival”, Dec. 1.

Presented by Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, also the PDRRMC Chair, the award recognizes DPWH Batangas I DEO’s support and contribution to the successful implementation of risk reduction and management programs/activities for the safety and welfare of the whole populace of the province of Batangas.

Four out of the ten recipients were the DPWH District Engineering Offices in Batangas. The offices contributed to disaster risk reduction and management by repairing/rehabilitating/strengthening bridges, maintaining good road conditions, widening roads, installing appropriate traffic signs and pavement markings that help reduce the

From left to right: V ice Gov. Mark Leviste, Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, DE Julie Vergara, Taal Mayor Michael Montenegro and Taal V ice Mayor Pong Mercado, members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Taal. Inset: A close-up of the Plaque of Recognition.|

>>>RECOGNITION....turn to P/9

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

December 8 - 14, 2014

Inter-Island News Collated By RONALINA L. ELARMO

3 paaralang nagpatupad ng Brigada Eskwela, pinarangalan ROMBLON, Romblon — Tatlong eskwelahan sa lalawigan ng Romblon ang tumanggap ng parangal kaugnay sa maayos na pagpapatupad ng Brigada Eskwela ng Department of Education (DepEd).

Ang Brigada Eskwela ay isang nationwide community service and volunteerism program ng DepEd na nangangailangan ng pagkakaisa o pagtutulungan ng mga school officials, guro, magulang, mag-aaral at pribadong sektor upang magsagawa ng paglilinis at pagsasaayos ng mga pampublikong paaralan bilang paghahanda sa pagbubukas ng klase tuwing Hunyo.

Kaugnay ng programang ito, ang DepEd nagsasagawa ng ebalwasyon sa lahat ng paaralan kung maayos na naipatupad ito sa lahat ng mga eskwelahan. Mayroong kategoryang pinagbabasehan ang mga nagsasagawa ng inspeksiyon at ebalwasyon upang bigyang pagkilala ang paaralan na matagumpay na nakapagpatupad nito.

Pinarangalan ngayong taon ang Odiongan National High School bilang Hall of Fame Award (Big School Category), nakamit ng Romblon National High School ang parangal bilang Best Brigada Implementor (Exceptional Category for Secondary) at nakuha naman ng Tabubuan Elementary School sa bayan ng Odiongan ang Best Brigada Implementor (Exceptional Category for Elementary).

Ayon sa pamunuan ng DepEd Division of Romblon, ang mga karangalang natanggap ng mga naturang eskwelahan ay patunay lamang na ipinamamalas ng lahat ang bayanihan sa kanilang lugar tuwing ginaganap ang aktibidad na ito kada taon.

Ang 2014 Brigada Eskwela National Awarding Ceremony ay ginanap noong Nobyembre 26 sa Meralco Theater, Meralco Compound, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.|

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Fil-Chi Biz Group, nagpatayo ng ng school building sa Romblon

ALCANTARA, Romblon, — Isinagawa kamakailan ang inagurasyon at pormal na paglipat ng tatlong gusaling pampaaralan na ipinatayo ng Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) sa mga napiling paaralan sa Romblon.

Ang bawat gusaling pampaaralan ay may dalawang silidaralan na magagamit na ngayon ng mga mag-aaral ng nabanggit na eskwelahan.

Kabilang sa mga nabiyayaan ng proyekto ay ang Alcantara Day Care Center sa bayan ng Alcantara, Eduardo Moreno National High School sa bayan ng San Agustin at Pagsangahan Elementary School sa bayan ng Calatrava.

Nagpapasalamat si Congressman Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona sa mga Filipino Chinese businessman dahil sa pagbibigay nito ng proyekto sa mga paaralan sa lalawigan na lubhang nangangailangan ng mga pasilidad pang-edukasyon upang makapag-aral ng mabuti ang mga kabataan.

Pinasasalamatan din ng mga guro at mag-aaral ang mga donors ng FFCCCI School Buildings na kinilalang sina Mr. Mark Lester Hao, Mr. Tan Teng Li, Mrs. Tan Han Ty at Brethren from Mencius Lodge No. 93 Headed by Worshipful Master Richard T. Ching.|

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Tamaraw Educational Exposure, para sa grupo mula sa OrMin

CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro – Isinagawa kamakailan ang isang Tamaraw Educational Exposure Trip na nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral, mga guro at empleyado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

Ang exposure trip ay isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita ng grupo sa Tamaraw Gene Pool sa Manoot, Rizal sa lalawigan ng Occidental Mindoro.

Isa itong kakaibang karanasan para sa mga taga-Oriental Mindoro, ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na makakita ng buhay at tunay na Tamaraw. Ang gawain ay bahagi ng premyo ng mga mag-aaral na nanalo sa Biodiversity Quiz sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Tamaraw noong Oktubre.

Kasama sa pagbisita sa lugar ang mga guro at kanilang mga mag-aaral na nagwagi sa Biodiversity Quiz mula sa mga paaralan ng Holy Infant Academy (HIA), Naujan Municipal High School (NMHS) at Leuteboro National High School (LNHS).

Sa Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon para sa karamihan nang mga taga-Oriental Mindoro, nakita at nakilala si Kalibasib o Kali, mula sa pangalang Kalikasang Bagong Sibol – ang nag-iisang Tamaraw sa gene pool na may 15 taong gulang na. Dito siya ipinanganak at inalagaan mula kina Charlie at Mimi – ang kanyang mga magulang.

Ang Tamaraw ay mas maliit kaysa sa karaniwang kalabaw.

Ang sungay ng Tamaraw at may pormang letrang V at mas maitim ang kulay ng balahibo nito at mas may maikling buntot kaysa sa karaniwang kalabaw.

Taliwas sa karaniwang pagiging mailap ng ibang Tamaraw, si Kali, lumalapit sa mismong bakod palapit sa mga taong gustong makakita sa kanya.|

NEWS

PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS 3

Panlalawigang pagdiriwang ng World’s Aids Day, isinagawa sa Lunsod ng Tanauan Nanawagan din siya sa mga kinauukulan at awtoridad na pag-ibayuhin pa ang kampanya laban sa prostitusyon.

Ayon pa sa kanya, bagama’t malaki na ang ibinaba ng kasong ito sa lungsod simula ng siya ay manungkulan, lubhang nakakabahala naman ang pabata ng pabata na mga naitatalang sangkot kaugnay ng panlipunang suliraning ito.

Naging tampok naman sa palatuntunan ang testimonya ng isang Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive at HIV/AIDS advocate na si Humprey Gorricetta. Binigyang linaw niya ang mga maling pananaw hinggil sa sakit na ito, lalo’t higit ang di makatarungang pagdiskrimina sa mga biktima na katulad niya.

Hinimok din niya ang pagpapasailalim sa ekspertong pagsusuri at pagsangguni sa mga kinauukulan ng sinumang nag-aakala na meron o nahawahan ng sakit upang ma-agapan ang paglala nito.

Nakiisa rin sa pagtitipon sina Batangas Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rosvilinda Ozaeta, HIV/AIDS Provincial Program Manager Ana Liza Abrenica, mga miyembro ng Sanggunian ng karatig bayan ng Malvar, at mga municipal at city health workers mula sa iba’t ibang bayan.

Malugod namang tinanggap ni Mayor Halili, mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlungsod, sa panguMASAYANG pinangunahan ni Tanauan City mayor Thony C. Halili ang nguna ni Vice-Mayor Atty. Jhoanna panlalawigang pagdiriwang ng “World AIDS Day” na ginanap sa Jose Corona, at ni City Health Officer Dr. Adel P. Laurel Gymnasium 1 ng lungsod noong Disyembre 2, 2014 at Bautista, ang mga delegado sa taunang dinaluhan ng humigit kumulang 1,200 delegado mula sa iba’t ibang pagdiriwang na ito.| bayan at lungsod sa Lalawigan ng Batangas.| JUN MOJARES GERALD LARESMA ...............................................................................................................................................................

TANAUAN CITY – “Getting to ZERO,” ito ang pangkalahatang tema ng panlalawigang paggunita ng “World AIDS Day” na ginananap sa lungsod na ito noong Martes, Disyembre 2.

Tinatayang mahigit sa 1,200 delagado mula sa iba’t ibang bayan at lungsod ng lalawigan ang nagkatipon sa Tanauan City at nagkaisa para sa panawagang ZERO new infection, ZERO AIDS-related death at ZERO discrimination.

Umarangkada ang pagdiriwang sa pamamagitan ng isang motorcade mula SM Lipa na nagtapos sa Jose P. Laurel Gymnasium 1 ng lungsod at kung saan

ay nagkaroon ng isang maikling programa na pinalolooban ng lectures, testimonya, at open forum hinggil sa nasabing paksa.

Sa kanyang talumpati, hinimok ni Tanauan City mayor Antonio C. Halili ang mga kabataan, lalo’t higit ang mga estudyante, na pagtuunan muna ng pansin ang kanilang pag-aaral bago sila pumasok sa anumang seksuwal na aktibidad, na isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan sa paglaganap ng AIDS. Gayunpaman, binigyan diin niya ang “responsableng” pakikipagrelasyon upang mabawasan pa ang posibilidad ng pagkalat ng sakit na ito.

Panayam ukol sa Gender Sensitivity, isinagawa sa Batangas ISANG Forum on Gender Responsive Case Management System ang isinagawa noong ika-2 ng Disyembre sa Bahay Pagasa Transition and Rehabilitation Home.

Ayon kay CSWD Officer Mila Espanola layunin ng nabanggit na forum na maipabatid sa publiko ang mga luma at bagong batas na mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga kababaihan at mga kabataan at maipabatid ang mga tungkulin ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno na syang tutugon dito.

Ito ay dinaluhan ng mga kinatawan ng “five pillars ng justice system” na kinabibilangan ng Health sa pamamagitan ng City Health Office, Peoples Órganization sa pamamagitan ng women’s group (KALIPI), Batangas City PNP, Court o City Prosecutor’s Office at City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Layon din nito na mapaigting ang implementasyon ng mga batas upang maiwasan ang mga karahasan sa komunidad at mapalakas ang kamalayan ng mga tao sa Republic Act 9262 o “Violence against Women and their Children o VAWC na tumutukoy sa anumang akto ng physical, sexual, psychological violence at economic abuse against women o kanyang anak.

Ang nabanggit na forum ay bahagi ng 18-day campaign mula November 25-December 12 to end violence against women and children (VAWC).

Magugunita na dineklara ang ika25 ng Nobyembre ng bawat taon bilang National Consciousness Day for the elimination of VAWC. Samantala, nagkaroon din ng workshop sa naturang pagtitipon kung saan inalam ng mga participants kung alin ang mga dapat iwasan at mga plano at preventive measures na kanilang ipatutupad sa hinaharap.

Ipinabatid din ni Espanola na patuloy ang kanilang tanggapan upang

mabawasan o mapababa ang bilang ng mga batang inaabuso at mga biktima ng karahasan sa mga kababaihan.

Bukod sa naturang forum, magkakaroon din ng pagpupulong para sa mga daycare workers, sa mga pamilya ng mga pardon, parole at probationers sa bilangguan at sa mga paaralan hinggil naman sa anti bullying at antipornography.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS

PINANGUNAHAN ni City Social Welfare and Development officer Mila Española ang maselang bahagi usapin ng Gender Sesitivity lalo na ang may kaugnayan sa mga menor-de-edad.| JERSON SANCHEZ

0905.753.3462 0917.807.9787 0912.902.7373

4 PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS

OPINION

December 8 - 14, 2014

Faith and Calamities A YEAR has passed after Yolanda devastated many parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Now, another typhoon is reminding us of the horror it has left us. Many have moved on from bad memories but not everyone had forgotten the pain they had inflicted. People continue to suffer from the hopelessness that Yolanda imprinted in our country.

According to PAG-ASA, Ruby has weakened. It is no longer classified as a super typhoon. Yet, it remains a potent threat. As of Saturday night, Metro Manila was placed under public storm warning signal number 1.

PAG-ASA expected Typhoon Ruby to make a landfall in Eastern Samar by Saturday evening and another landfall in Masbate by Sunday afternoon.

Metro Manila and other Southern and Western Luzon areas would have to contend with it and be prepared for its worst impact.

Our experiences taught us not to be complacent in the face of even the weakest or the most predictable of weather disturbances. We are always vulnerable to them. Loss of lives and properties are inevitable whenever they occur. Their effects on the lives of people are beyond what statistics and numbers can comprehend.

One of the saddest lessons we learned from the past is that our leaders cannot truly help us get through with calamities and disasters. Citing the government’s lack of preparedness when the typhoon is still upon us seems impracticable but inevitable. The incompetence that we see tempts to speak our mind even if it seems unethical to do so. Most often, official response after typhoons brings more frustration and despair than hopes and gratitude. We have seen this in the past.

Sometimes it is useful to believe that what happened in the past will happen again. It could help us not to expect so much from others and free us from the inclination to unduly rely from them for our deliverance.

Our people’s piety is admirable. Faith inspires them to confront reality with unshakeable resolve. The energy that faith releases is unbelievable.

Even hopelessness is no match to the believers who see that disasters are one way of reminding that God is on top of everything. Who can take away such faith from the hearts of those whose only hope is God? History shows that sometimes great disasters and calamities induce political and societal changes. Sometimes, societies forced their leaders to account for their failure to prevent disasters or to cushion the impacts of calamities. People punish their leaders when they failed in their mandate to serve especially during hard times. Yet there are those who linger on because they have mastered the tricks of staying in power. Others continue to reign because many people do not care anymore about the future.

We have withstood the strongest typhoon ever because of our faith in God and in ourselves. We did not rely so much on the officials that we have chosen to govern over us. We rely on ourselves. We rely on our belief that God is with us.

Our experience should have made our resolved to survive stronger. It should have galvanized our solidarity as a nation and bring us to common understanding of the tasks needed to rebuild the country.

Faith can help us change the course that our country is taking. We need only to believe and act as one to change the historical and structural calamities that continue to destroy our land and people.|

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Ang Mabuting Balita Ang Kordero ANG mga pinuno ng mga Judio sa Jerusalem ay nagsugo ng ilang paring Judio at Levita upang itanong kay Juan kung sino nga ba siya. 20 Hindi nagkaila si Juan; sa halip ay maliwanag niyang sinabi, Hindi ako ang Cristo.

"Sino ka kung gayon?" tanong nila. "Ikaw ba si Elias?"

"Hindi ako si Elias", tugon niya.

"Ikaw ba ang Propeta?"

Sumagot siya, "Hindi rin".

"Sino ka kung gayon? Sabihin mo kung sino ka upang may masabi naman kami sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?" tanong nilang muli.

Sumagot si Juan sa pamamagitan ng pangungusap mula sa aklat ni Propeta Isaias, "Ako ang tinig ng isang taong sumisigaw sa ilang, Tuwirin ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon."

Ang mga nagtanong ay sugo ng mga Pariseo. Muli nilang tinanong si Juan, "Bakit ka nagbabautismo, gayong hindi naman pala ikaw ang Cristo, o si Elias, o ang Propeta?"

Sumagot si Juan, "Ako'y nagbabautismo sa tubig, ngunit nasa inyong kalagitnaan ang isang hindi ninyo nakikilala. Darating siyang kasunod ko subalit hindi man lamang ako karapat-dapat na magkalag ng sintas ng kanyang sandalyas. " Ang mga ito'y nangyari sa Bethania, sa silangan ng Ilog Jordan na pinagbabautismuhan ni Juan.

Kinabukasan, nakita ni Juan na si Jesus ay lumalapit sa kanya. Kaya't sinabi niya, "Tingnan ninyo, siya ang Kordero ng Diyos na nag-aalis ng kasalanan ng sanlibutan.

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.|

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Maging bahagi ng responsableng pamamahayag. Mag-e-mail ng inyong mga komento, suhestiyon, puna, reklamo, balita, larawan, o maging pagbati sa balikasonline@yahoo.com

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Puso’t paninindigan para sa bayan ISA sa mga kaugalian na malalim ang pagkatatak sa ating puso’t isipan ay ang diwa ng bayanihan. Noong sinagasaan tayo ng Ondoy, nagkapit bisig ang lahat para sa mga binaha. Noong Yolanda, dumagsa ang kolektibong aksyon maiahon lang ang mga nasalanta.

Natuto na tayo, masakit man ang pamamaraan dahil papasok pa lang ang bagyong Ruby o Hagupit ay bumaha na kaagad ang mga inisyatibong hangad ay makatulong at maiiwas sa hagupit ng panahon ang mga kababayan natin.

Pero marami rin ang nagtatanong kung totoo nga ba talaga itong diwa ng bayanihan. Kaya ba ng ilan na isakripisyo ang kanilang kasaganahan para makayanan ng karamihan na ituloy ang pakikipaglaban sa mga hamon ng pagkakataon?

Ito ay hamon sa ating lahat lalo na’t nasa alanganing sitwasyon ang ating seguridad dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, regional economic and political developments, ang internal peace and security problem natin, at ang nakatakdang pagpasok ng ASEAN Economic Community.  Ihalimbawa ko na ang sitwasyong kinakasangkutan ng gobyerno, ng Napocor, at ng NPC-Drivers and Mechanics Association.

Isa itong halimbawa ng kakulangan sa tamang foresight ng ilang managers na pinapasueldo ng pamahalan para pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ngunit lumitaw na sa kanilang desisyon ay tila hindi nila naisip na kahit pribado man o pampubliko ang Napocor kailangan pa rin ang mga drayber at mekaniko sa kabuuang operasyon nito. Sobra sa 9,000 na tauhan ng Napocor ang apektado’t itinala na redundant na sa privatization nito kaya sila sapilitang pinaretiro o tinanggal na may kaakibat na separation fee na tigiisang milyong piso on the average.

Ang siste, sa dami nilang yun ay sobra sa 7,000 ang na-rehire ng privatized Napocor at ng mga subsi-

diaries nito katulad ng TransCo at ng PSALM. Wala rin epekto ang separation nila dahil tila pinabakasyon lang sila’t pinakimkiman pa ng pera. Na sya namang ikinasiya ng mga drayber at mekaniko, siyempre. Pero ngayon ay ligal nilang sinisingil ang pamahalaan ng P62-bilyon sa backpays at allowances.

Kulang ba ng foresight talaga ang mga decision makers noon ng NPC o di nila alam ang katagang diligence? Ang mga apektado naman ay tila lumabas na oportunista sa pagkakasangkot nila kahit di naman sila ang may sala?  Binibigyan ko po ng atensyon ang isyung ito dahil dalawang positibong posisyon ang nagkakabanggaan dito ngunit taumbayan ang apektado – tayo ang siguradong magbabayad ng P62-bilyon na iginawad ng Korte Suprema sa mga apektadong kawani ng NPC. Heads on ang clash ng mga doktrinang accountability ng may babayaran sa dapat bayaran, at ng batas bilang tagapagtanggol at sumiserbisyo sa taumbayan lalo na sa nakakarami alin-sunod sa democratic principles natin. In short, ang utang na dapat bayaran at ang batas ay dapat magserbisyo sa nakakarami at hindi ito dapat maging amo ng taum-bayan.  Alin ba ang mas importante – ang buhay ng 100milyon na Pilipinong maaapektuhan kapag binawasan mo ng P62-bilyon ang kaban ng pamahalaan, o ang 9,000 na kawaning pinakimkiman na’t binigyan ulit ng trabaho? The majority rules sa demokrasya natin.

May mas malalim itong bunga sa ating pambansang seguridad dahil kapag ang kakaunti ang i-prioritize ng gobyerno mawawalan ito ng suporta mula sa taumbayan. Na magreresulta na naman ng pag akyat ng problema na nakaangkla sa peace and security ng bansa.

Medyo selfish kung isipin dahil ako ay isang sundalong simulang makatapos ng kolehiyo hanggang sa

>>>ZAMUDIO... sundan sa P/5

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Contributors: Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes

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OPINION

December 8 - 14, 2014

Kabayaran ng panggagahasa ANG katandaan ba ay nagpapatunay ng kawalan ng kakayahang makipagtalik?

Iyan ang tanong sa kaso ni Mang Tino.

Animnapu’t walong taong gulang na si Mang Tino, may asawa at sakitin. Siya ay napaghihilo at nanghihina na mga palatandaan ng alta-presyon. Nakatira silang magasawa sa bahay na katabi ng kanyang pamangking si Minda na may 10-anyos na anak na si Rina.

Isang gabing nagpunta si Rina sa banyo na banyo rin nina Mang Tino, nakita ni Rina ang lolong si Mang Tino na papuntang banyo rin at binababa ang kanyang siper. Dahil sa mga nakaraang pangyayari, naramdaman ni Rina na may masamang balak na naman si Mang Tino. Dagli siyang nagdamit upang umalis ngunit siya ay inabutan din. Nakuha na naman ang gusto ni Mang Tino. Inabuso at ni-rape niya si Rina.

Makalulusot na naman sana si Mang Tino kundi lang napansin ni Minda, nanay ni Rina na sabay lumabas ng banyo ang dalawa.

Nang tanungin ni Minda si Rina kung ano ang nangyari, agad itong nagtapat kaya nakasuhan ng rape si Mang Tino. Buo, tuwid at walang alinlangang isinalaysay ni Rina sa Korte ang ginawa sa kanya ni

Mang Tino. Itinanggi ito ni Mang Tino. Wala raw itong katotohanan dahil sa kanyang edad at pagiging masakitin at may alta-presyon pa, wala na raw siyang kakayahang makipagtalik. Makalusot kaya si Mang Tino?

 Hindi. Ang kawalang kakayahang makipagtalik o impotency ay dapat mapatunayan ng matibay na ebidensya. Ipinalalagay ng lahat ng tao ay may kakayahan sa pakikipagtalik, kaya siya ang dapat magbuwag sa pagpapalagay na ito ng batas. Ang pagiging masakitin ni Mang Tino ay hindi sapat upang sabihing wala na siyang kakayahang makipagtalik. May palatandaan lang siya ng alta-presyon na ayon sa doktor ay maaari pang magamot. Kaya hindi masasabing nawalan na siya ng kakayahang makipag-ugnayang sekswal. Hindi rin magagamit ni Mang Tino ang kanyang edad upang ipakita na siya ay laos nang talaga. Sa isang kaso nga, napatunayang maski 80-anyos na ay nakikipagtalik pa rin. Ang edad ay hindi matibay na batayan tungkol sa kakayahan o walang kakayahan ng isang taong makipagtalik. May sala si Mang Tino. (People of the Philippines vs. Abloy G.R. No. 124005 June 28, 2000)|

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Human rights is not just about numbers IT’S human rights week once again and it is the time when different groups would come out with their analysis of the human rights situation prevailing in the country. At the same time, the Aquino government is into the tail end of its term, four and a half years this December, and everything that is happening now is its own doing.

It is already too much of a stretch if the Aquino government would still insist on blaming the previous Arroyo administration for the problems besetting the country.

The prevalence of impunity and the excruciatingly slow progress in the Ampatuan massacre case already give the people a sense of the human rights situation in the country. But to come out with a definitive description of the human rights situation in the country, it would be worthwhile to ponder over the following.

1. Are there political prisoners languishing in the country’s jails and detention camps?

It doesn’t really matter whether these political prisoners took up arms or merely expressed their views through writing or public speaking or holding a peaceful rally in front of Malacañang or President Aquino’s family residence in Times St., Quezon City. The mere presence of political prisoners is indicative of the country’s maladies, of the prevalence of social injustices.

If a country is truly free and democratic, there would be no need for dissent and there would be no political prisoners.

2. Are there extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary killings of political activists, human rights defenders, journalists, civilians and even those suspected of being members of the revolutionary movement?

It doesn’t really matter if the numbers have gone down, one killing is still one killing too many.

It is worth noting that the Philippines has earned the infamy of being the second most dangerous place for journalists and one of the top five countries where land rights defenders are frequently killed.

3. Are there cases of forcible abductions and enforced disappearances?

This abhorrent practice could not be treated as just a human rights violation; it is a crime against humanity because it is so cruel it has no place in a civilized society.

4. Are people being forcibly displaced from their homes and sources of livelihood? Are they being made

the target of attacks of military operations?

International Humanitarian Law prohibits forcibly displacing civilians as a military strategy and making them the target of attacks. Even hors d’ combat or those whose capacity to fight has been deterred should be accorded their rights under International Humanitarian Law. 5. Are elections truly democratic and free? Could anyone vote, run for office and be elected without threats to life and liberty and pecuniary considerations? Has there been an end to political dynasties, trapo politics or political patronage, warlordism and the politics of guns, goons, and gold?

6. Could the people genuinely express themselves, practice their beliefs, join associations and fight for their rights without threats to life and liberty?

7. Do the people have access to their basic needs and essential social services?

8. Do the people enjoy their right to work and do they get the fruits of their labor? Do people have jobs and sources of livelihood that enable them to realize their potentials and provide a decent life for themselves, their family and community? Do farmers own the land they till?

A positive answer to any of the first four questions and a negative response to any of the last four questions would show that the human rights situation is far from good, even if the government repeatedly makes formal declarations of respecting and upholding human rights.

Human rights, in its totality, could never be fully realized for as long as there is oppression and exploitation, social inequities, and elite rule. Human rights violations would continue to be committed for as long as a few live on the labor of the majority.

This is why the people could not rely on the government to accord them their rights. The people should fight for it continuously, because whatever rights the people gain through struggle, it could be taken away arbitrarily by those in power. In the final analysis, people’s rights do not emanate from government; it is the result of the people’s struggle against all forms of oppression and exploitation and for social justice, freedom and genuine democracy.|

Benjie Oliveros

........................................................................................................................................................ <<<ZAMUDIO....mula sa P/4

Puso’t paninindigan para sa bayan ngayon ay nakatuon na ang aking atensyon at nakataya pa ang aking buhay sa pagharap sa problemang umuugat sa rebelyon. Mas maganda na sana ang kalagayan natin ngayon dahil di na gaano karelevant ang NPA’t nakiki-transition na tayo sa territorial defense ng bansa natin.

Pero, knock on wood, ang isyung ito ay maaaring muling makatulong sa mga isinusulong ng mga grupong may koneksyon sa NPA. Alam nyo naman yan sila, kahit anong problema sinasakyan nila maka-

pagrekrut lang. Yung di nakapagbayad nga ng utang na umiiwas sa sariling nayon ay pinapatulan nilang rekrutin ito pa kayang 7,000 na mga drayber at mekanikong P62bilyon ang nakataya?  Siguro tamang posisyon kung manawagan tayong lahat sa 9,000 na apektadong kawani na ibalato na lang nila yung supposedly back pay at allowances nila sa 100 milyong Pilipino. Tutal nagkatig-iisang milyon naman kayo’t binigyan pa ulit ng trabaho. Kayo na nga siguro

ang pinakabuenas na sektor sa lahat ng mga Pilipino ngayon. Kung puwede ba namang ipamahagi natin yan eh di mas ok.  Gawin ninyong maligaya ang pasko ng 100-milyong Pilipino.

Konting bias naman para sa bayan.

Para maiwasa ang mas malalang problemang maging sanhi ulit ng hindi kanais-nais na social, political, economic at business climate sa ating bansa.

Maligayang pasko po.|

>>>ZAMUDIO.....sundan sa P/8

PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS 5

Who’s afraid of coal-fired power plant?

ONE day last month from Manila, I took Tiger Air (recently acquired by Cebu Pacific) enroute to Cagayan de Oro to visit the STEAG coal fired plant in Villanueva town inside the PHIVIDEC industrial estate. I thought I was out of Manila’s bad traffic. I thought wrong! It took us about one hour sitting there on the taxi- way at the NAIA , before we could take off. Air traffic is now at its worst!

The last time I visited the 210MW STEAG power plant was in 2006 or thereabouts. I was in charge of Mindanao at that time for Malacañang and I wanted then to see for myself what was the real score about the use of coal which critics said could “dirty” the environment. It just started operations then and my former Mindanao co-worker, JEROME SOLDEVILLA who is now STEAG’s public affairs official arranged my visit. Now, about 8 years since, I am revisiting to get more recent updates on the plant, again through the courtesies of JEROME. I was joining some city officials and private sector groups from Iligan City who wanted answers to their questions about the proposed 20MW plant that a company, PowerSource Philippines Energy Inc. (PSPE) plans to build within the present compound of the Lafarge cement company in Iligan City. (I am senior advisor for PowerSource Phil., the proponent.)

I recall how officials and stakeholders from Davao City once did a similar plant briefing at STEAG and when they returned home, some fears and apprehensions about a proposed coal plant were cleared and explained.

Now, the construction of the Aboitiz-owned 300MW power plant in the boundary of Davao City and Davao del Sur is almost done and its commissioning and operation may start anytime next year.

We urgently need more power in Mindanao, given that our governmentowned hydro generating plants in Lake Lanao are no longer reliable due to the fickleness of Mother Nature. Regretfully, climate change is upon Lake Lanao and us and other waterways cannot be relied upon-- as what we have witnessed currently.

The Iligan group included city councilors, barangay officials, the media, including “anti-coal” protesters. The exercise was an example of citizen action and STEAG’s JEROME did the briefing and answered pointed questions. He explained in layman’s terms the state-of-the-art technology that protects the environment and prevents and/or mitigates the risks to the health of the population of host barangays where the plant is situated.

For example, contrary to public belief, the emission of ashes or residues of the coal plant are “controlled in the flue gas by air cleaning devices such as flue-gas desulfurization (to neutralize sulphur) nitrogen dioxide reduction (by using low NOX burnet and fly-ash removal (using bag filters).” The ashes are therefore not released to the environment but are captured before they escape from the smokestack and then collected in a containment area.

Some of these STEAG ashes are in fact transported over the years to the LAFARGE plant in Iligan as a raw material in the manufacture of cement.

Modern air pollution control devices and other state-of-the-art technology coupled with the quality of coal used bring about no traces of mercury, lead, arsenic and other toxic elements, it was explained.

In short, the feared “dirty” coal power generation, by modern technology is no longer “dirtying” the environment. And STEAG for the last 8 years or so of operations has proven this to be so.

“Seeing is believing” and this seem to be the consensus of those whose visited the STEAG plant.

In the case of the proposed relatively small-sized 20MW proposed plant to be built within the Lafarge cement plant in Iligan, the possibility of a hybrid biomass component (using biomass or grasses) to fuel the plant to generate electricity is also in the planning board.  HONORING SEN.PATERNO -- When the late Sen. Vicente “Ting” Paterno died a few days ago in Manila, one of his final wishes before he is buried is for his remains to be brought to Mindanao, a region he loved most and for which he devoted his expertise, resources and personal commitment for its development and progress. His last wish is being fulfilled when a convergence of Mindanao leaders and stakeholders just spontaneously decided to give him their fitting last respects. His cremated remains arrived recently on board a private plane for neurological services and honors at the Sangguniang Panlunsod session hall and then a mass at the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus at Matina Heights, after which the ashes was flown back to Manila in the same afternoon for his interment.

I will quote a brief statement coming from MS SUSAN CHANG from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia who knew how Senator Ting worked for Mindanao and for the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East Asian Growth Area ( BIMP EAGA). She sent this message when she learned of Sen. Ting’s passing: ..............................................................................................

“In the East ASEAN Business Council, he is our Commander-in-Chief, the first Chairman and the ‘Father of BIMP-EAGA’.

When he walks in – we all stand and greet him; and others would want to know who he is this ‘ handsome and highly respected by all’ When he speaks – we all listen. When he proposes – we accept and agree.

When he calls – we come running … even after 20 years.

As always, our beloved Sen. Ting always tells us “to connect the dots looking backward.” He is a very special and unique friend who touches my heart and will always be remembered … soft spoken, caring and I am going to miss him dearly …”  [Atty. Jess Dureza is the president of the Philippine Press Institute, a national association of newspapers and served former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Arroyo. He previously served as chief government negotiator and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.] Send your comments to jessdureza@gmail .com]

CLASSIFIED ADS REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH I BUWAGAN NG KATARUNGAN PALLOCAN WEST BATANGAS CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY OF AYATUNGA TODRUUL OVER MINOR TERGELSAR CHARLES EDW ARD KRASNY ERGEN CHARGES EDWARDS, ON BEHALF OF TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARD KRASNY ERGEN, Petitioner, SP. PROC. NO. 14-9796 -forSuspension of Parental Authority AYATUNGAA TODRUUL, Respondent. x- ---- ----------------- ---- -x ORDER The Ex-Parte Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication filed by the petitioner through counsel is granted.

WHEREFORE, the petitioner is allowed to publish a copy of this Order, summons together with the copy of the petition, once a week for two(2) consecutive weeks, in the newspaper of genera circulation in the Philippines, and in the Province of Batangas. The latter to be chosen by raffle to be conducted by the RTC, OCC, Batangas City Let copy of this Order be sent to the Office of the Solicitor General.

SOOREDERED. GIVEN in open Court, this 5th dy of November, 2014 at Batangas City.

(Sgd.) FLORENCIO S. ARELLANO Presiding Judge I hereby certify that copy of this Order has been sent by registerd mail to the petitioner; respondent; Atty. Paolo Francisco Camacho and by personal delivery to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.

(Sgd.) ATTY. GLENDA M. LACSAMANA-KING Branch Clerk of Court ..................................................................................................

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH I BUWAGAN NG KATARUNGAN PALLOCAN WEST BATANGAS CITY CHARGES EDWARDS, Petitioner, SP. PROC. NO. 14-9796 -forIN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY OF AYATUNGA TODRUUL OVER MINOR TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARDS KRASNY ERGEN CHARGES EDWARDS, ON BEHALF OF TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARDS KRASNY ERGEN,

AYATUNGAA TODRUUL, Respondent. x- ---- ----------------- ---- -x SUMMONS TO: AYATUNGAA TODRUUL, THROUGH THE HONORABLE CONSUL OF MONGOLIA TO THE PHILIPPINES 2nd Floor Alencor Bldg.

No. 41 Linaw Street Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City GREETINGS: You are herteby required to file with the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court, Batangas City, Branch I, within fifteen (15) days after the service of this summons upon you, exclusive of the day of such service, your Answer to the Complaint/ Petition filed by the plaintiff/petitioner, a copy of which together with annexes is hereto attached and herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of said answer within the same period upon the plaintiff/petitioner.

WITNESS, the HON. FLORENCIO S. ARELLANO, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 3rd day of December, 2014.

(Sgd.) ATTY. GLENDA M. LACSAMANA-KING Branch Clerk of Court Respectfully referred to Fernando A. Magcasi, Sheriff IV, requesting immediate service and return of the original with your indorsement thereon.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH I BUWAGAN NG KATARUNGAN PALLOCAN WEST BATANGAS CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY OF AYATUNGA TODRUUL OVER MINOR TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARD KRASNY ERGEN CHARGES EDWARDS, ON BEHALF OF TERGELSAR CH ARLES EDW ARD KRASNY ERGEN, Petitioner, SP. PROC. NO. 14-9796 -forSuspension of Parental Authority AYATUNGAA TODRUUL, Respondent. x---------------------------x PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY Petitioner, CHARLES EDWARDS, (“Petitioner”), on behalf of the minor TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARD KRASNY ERGEN (“Tergelsar”), by counsel, respectfully files this Petition for Suspension of Parental Authority, and states: I. NATURE OF THE PETITION 1. This is a Petition for Suspension of Parental Authority under Article 231 of Executive Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines (“Family Code”).

II. PARTIES 2. Petitioner CHARLES EDWARDS is a citizen of Saint Christopher and Nevis, of legal age, single and is currently a resident of Pontefino Hotel and Residences, Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, Batangas City. Petitioner is the biological father of Tergelsar, on whose behalf Petitioner is filing this case. Sometime in April 2012, Petitioner changed his name from Charles Edward Krasny Ergen to his present name, Charles Edwards. For this case, Petitioner may be served with pleadings, orders, and other processes of this Honorable Court through the undersigned counsel, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices, at 22nd Floor, ACCRALAW Tower, Second Avenue corner 30th Street, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, 0399 Taguig, Metro Manila.

3. TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARD KRASNY ERGEN is a two year-old baby girl who is a citizen of Saint Christopher and Nevis. Tergelsar is the common child of Petitioner and Respondent Ayatungaa Todruul (“Respondent”). Tergelsar is currently in the custody of Petitioner, and is also currently a resident of Pontefino Hotel and Residences, Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, Batangas City.

4. Respondent AYATUNGAA TODRUUL is a citizen of Mongolian People’s Republic, of legal age, single, and whose current residence is unknown. Respondent is the biological mother of Tergelsar. Respondent may be served with pleadings, orders, and other processes of this Honorable Court through the Honorary Consul of Mongolia to the Philippines, at 2nd Floor Alencor Bldg., No. 41 Linaw Street Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City.

III. STATEMENT OF FACTS 5. On 1 September 2012, Petitioner arrived in the Philippines with plans of investing in the economy and contributing to the development of the country. In consort with this goal, Petitioner applied for a Special Investor Resident Visa (“SIRV”) with the Bureau of Immigration, after being qualified as an investor by the National Board of Investments.

6. Sometime in the same month, Petitioner invited the Respondent to come to Manila and bring with the latter their infant daughter Tergelsar. At that time, Respondent had custody of Tergelsar and both were living abroad.

7. On 19 September 2012, Respondent, along with Tergelsar, and Respondent’s mother, Solongo Bukhchuluun (“Solongo”), arrived in Manila. The three of them first stayed at The Exchange Regency Hotel in Pasig City. Petitioner hired a professional nanny to assist Respondent in taking care of Tergelsar.

8. During their first few days in Manila, as Petitioner, Respondent and Tergelsar began to settle in, Petitioner observed that Respondent and Solongo’s belongings consisted primarily of paraphernalia used in, what appeared to be, satanicshamanistic rituals, including but not limited to, demonic cult ritual garb, skulls, dried snakes, other dead and partially-decayed animals, animal and human body parts and bones, grave dirt, candles, whips, ritual daggers, restraining ropes, and pipes for smoking hallucinogenic substances.

9. Upon seeing these paraphernalia, and through the representation of Respondent and Solongo, Petitioner realized that Solongo is a voodoo practitioner, and Respondent is a witchcraft apprentice. Petitioner, while visiting Respondent’s hotel room, observed that Respondent and Solongo would engage in daily voodoo-esque rituals and practices. These acts included satanic worshipping ceremonies, incense burning in the shape of human figurines, consistent intake of alcohol, smoking of unknown substances to facilitate going into a trance, masked dancing, drum beating, dressing and eating snake skins, speaking to animals, filling precious metal cups with blood and vodka, lighting the same on fire and taking turns ingesting the same.

December 8 - 14, 2014

6

Petitioner likewise observed that these rituals centered around Tergelsar.

10. Later during their stay in Manila, Petitioner noticed that Tergelsar had bruises on some parts of her body. Petitioner likewise learned from the nanny that he hired, that amidst these rituals, Respondent and Solongo would involve Tergelsar by feeding the latter with vodka and other alcoholic drinks, flogging her and dripping candle wax on her.

11. Upon learning of the apparent harm inflicted by Respondent and Solongo on Tergelsar, Petitioner pleaded with the two to stop their rituals and practices, at the very least, on Tergelsar.

12. Petitioner became very concerned about these practices and, having initially thought the events described to be a result of a cultural misunderstanding, he proceeded to acquire the services of a full-time translator from Mongolia and invited everyone to the Shangri-La Resort in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, to discuss the aforementioned rituals and to understand the Respondent’s perspective. Petitioner likewise attempted to make steps in order to protect what appeared to him as child abuse. Unfortunately, while Petitioner was partially successful in understanding the ideas behind the ritual, he failed to put an end to the acts of abuse being done by Respondent and Solongo on Tergelsar, which exponentially escalated as the days passed.

13. Eventually, due to the continued ceremonies and complaints from the other guests of the Shangri-La Resort that Respondent and Solongo refused to clothe themselves, Petitioner, along with the people he invited, were asked to leave the resort.

14. Due to the worsening events, Petitioner made one last effort to try to resolve the issue. Petitioner chartered a plane to Amanpulo resort in Palawan, which offered a more secluded setting where special arrangements to accommodate the ritualistic practices were made, with the condition that Tergelsar be supervised by a full time professional nanny and special attention be given to monitor the child’s well-being.

15. Unfortunately even with this level of service, Respondent and Solongo were successful in several other ways to abuse the child including refusing to put sunscreen on Tergelsar while keeping her naked on the beach for hours, which resulted in an extremely severe sunburn and a heat stroke. There was even an instance when Tergelsar was force-fed bird droppings.

16. After returning from Amanpulo, Petitioner, along with Respondent, Tergelsar and Solongo, decided to stay at the Exchange Regency Hotel in Pasig City. There, the abuse kept intensifying. Apart from the already familiar practices of feeding the then five month-old Tergelsar raw meat and alcohol, Respondent and Solongo likewise refused to take the child to the hospital to treat the resulting diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

In addition to the foregoing, other abusive practices were introduced. These included but were not limited to binding Tergelsar with ritual restraint ropes, which preventing normal blood circulation to a degree where Tergelsar’s extremities would turn blue, and gagging the child with a ritual cloth containing hallucinogenic plants and grave dirt. Half-decomposed animals and decaying animal and human body parts were likewise placed on top of Tergelsar while Respondent and Solongo conducted their satanic rituals. The two likewise pulled Tergelsar’s tongue out of her mouth with tongs, and ritual incisions were made on her, in order to extract blood. Such extracted blood was offered to skulls placed on Solongo’s voodoo altar by means of wetting the idol’s lips with the Tergelar’s blood.

17. Petitioner observed that there are other times when blood would be extracted from Tergelsar by pricking her palms and feet. On other occasions blood would be collected for the rituals from wounds on Tergelsar’s lips and mouth resulting from the ritual whipping of the child’s face.

18. Petitioner repeatedly tried to interfere and protect Tergelsar on multiple occasions, however Respondent and Solongo threatened that they would rather kill the child with their ritual daggers than let her live under the influence of forces alien to their accepted hierarchy of demons. This is an allusion to the fact that Petitioner was raised as a practicing Christian.

19. Sometime towards the end of October 2012, Petitioner, Respondent, Tergelsar and Solongo moved into Unit 17B, North Tower, Pacific Towers Condominium in Taguig City. Petitioner hoped that providing such a high standard of living and engaging Respondent and Solongo in various healthy activities such as physical exercise, yoga, swimming, and diving, would distract them from their barbaric practices. Unfortunately, upon their settling at the Taguig condominium, the ongoing child abuse quickly escalated to a very dangerous degree. New rituals involving strangulation with ceremonial skull beads resulted in the near asphyxiation of Tergelsar. Respondent and Solongo, began poking into the Tergelsar’s mouth cavity with ritual daggers resulting in profuse bleeding and untold suffering of the child.

For the entire duration of the ceremonies, Respondent kept pouring vodka and other alcoholic drinks into the Tergelsar’s mouth while Solongo was chanting incantations.

20. For the entire duration of the Tergelsar’s stay in the Philippines, Respondent and Solongo refused Tergelsar basic medical care, and denied the necessary hospital visits and vaccinations. Rather than refer Tergelsar to qualified medical specialists, which Petitioner insisted on and was more than willing to provide, Respondent and Solongo would instead perform their sadistic “healing” rituals on her.

21. Due to his ever growing concern for the safety and well-being of Tergelsar, Petitioner talked to Respondent on the possibility of turning over to him the custody and care of Tergelsar. Petitioner requested for the full custody and care over Tergelsar as Respondent had no legitimate source of income

December 8 - 14, 2014 in Mongolia or anywhere else, which would enable her to raise the child. Respondent likewise did not want to reside in the Philippines for the long term. After several discussions with Petitioner, Respondent agreed to waive custody rights over the infant Tergelsar.

22. On the 5 November 2012, in hopes of providing Tergelsar some rest from the continuous abuse, Petitioner brought Respondent and Tergelsar to Arthur’s Place, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas for a vacation. There at a local resort, Respondent again subjected Tergelsar to vodka ingestion. Tergelsar started crying hysterically as apparently, she could no longer take any more alcohol, and because of this Petitioner finally decided to intervene and took the vodka away from Respondent.

23. Respondent resented Petitioner’s act of stopping what she was doing. Respondent became enraged, shouted that Tergelsar must die, and then violently threw Tergelsar to the ground. Tergelsar then lost consciousness for several minutes, had convulsions and seizures, vomited and defecated. Fearing for the Tergelsar’s life, Petitioner immediately picked up the baby from the ground and rushed Tergelsar back to Manila. Upon arriving in Manila more than two and a half hours later, Petitioner brought the baby to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where at the said hospital, Tergelsar was found to have had alcohol poisoning and severe concussion.

24. Due to these events, Petitioner filed criminal cases against Respondent and Solongo in the Office of the City Prosecutors of Pasig, Taguig and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas. Supported by Petitioner’s own complaint-affidavit , as well as the affidavits of witnesses who personally witnessed abusive conduct committed by the Respondent on Tergelsar, the criminal complaints prospered. All three criminal complaints were found to be credible and with proper basis. In each of the said complaints, probable cause to file a criminal case was found.

25. The Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig, in a Resolution dated 14 January 2014, found probable cause to charge the Respondent with a violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. No. 7610, otherwise known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (R.A. No. 7610) due to cruelty and psychological abuse: “After evaluating the evidence on record, we find probable cause to charge respondents with Violation of Sec. 10(a) of R.A. 7610 committed by inflicting physical harm on the victim by strangulating the child, poking into the child’s mouth cavity with a ritual dagger and pouring alcoholic drinks into the child’s mouth constituting cruelty and psychological abuse.”

26. The Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasig likewise found probable cause to charge Respondent and Solongo with violation of R.A. No. 7610.

27. More notably, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas, in a Resolution dated 21 December 2012, found probable cause to charge Respondent with Frustrated Parricide under Article 246 in relation to Article 6 of the Revised Penal Code due to the act of Respondent in throwing Tergelsar on the floor with intent to kill her: “With respect to Ayatungaa’s act of throwing on the ground her baby, who was merely five months old, out of anger and after shouting that the child must die, the undersigned finds that there was intent to kill on the part of Ayatungaa Todruul. And the fact that the child sustained cerebral concussion shows the gravity of respondent’s acts and the seriousness of injury sustained by the baby. Thus, the undersigned finds that the crime of Frustrated Parricide is applicable in this case.”

28. Informations in relation to the foregoing findings of probable cause against Respondent were accordingly filed before the appropriate courts and corresponding warrants of arrest were subsequently issued. The following criminal cases against the Respondent are now pending before the courts: 28.1. People of the Philippines v. Ayatungaa Todruul and Solongo Bukhchuluun, docketed as Criminal Case No. 150322, for Violation of R.A. No. 7610, pending before the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City, Branch 163; 28.2. People of the Philippines v. Ayatungaa Todruul and Solongo Bukhchuluun, docketed as Criminal Case No. 150026, for Violation of R.A. No. 7610, pending before the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City, Branch 159; and 28.3. People of the Philippines v. Ayatungaa Khiad Todruul, docketed as Criminal Case No. 17882, for Frustrated Parricide under Article _ of the Revised Penal Code, pending before the Regional Trial Court of Batangas City, Branch 1.

29. Considering that all three (3) trial courts issued warrants of arrest against her, the Respondent, along with Solongo, fled the country and supposedly returned to Mongolia. In order to effect their arrest, and owing to the seriousness of the offenses committed by the Respondent, the Interpol, through the recommendation of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes, issued a Red Notice against the Respondent in order to seek her location and effect her detention, arrest or restriction of movement for the purpose of extradition, surrender, or similar lawful action.

30. After filing the foregoing criminal cases, Petitioner, the only remaining parent and guardian of Tergelsar, brought the latter out of the country in order to seek proper medical treatment for her. Since the flight of the Respondent out of the country, Petitioner has exercised sole and actual parental authority and custody over Tergelsar, raising her in the safety and protection of his constant supervision, affection and care.

31. Petitioner has now returned to the country, and brought Tergelsar along with him, in order to raise her here in the Philippines, as he continues his plan of investing in Philippine economy.

IV. ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE PETITION 32. From the clear and undeniable acts of abuse, cruelty and excessive harshness inflicted upon Tergelsar by the

CLASSIFIED ADS Respondent, which acts have become the basis for charging her with serious violations of R.A. No. 7610 and Frustrated Parricide under the Revised Penal Code, the parental authority of the Respondent over Tergelsar must be suspended, if not altogether revoked, pursuant to Article 231 of the Family Code, which reads: Article 231. The court in an action filed for the purpose or in a related case may also suspend parental authority if the parent or the person exercising the same: (1) Treats the child with excessive harshness or cruelty; (2) Gives the child corrupting orders, counsel or example; (3) Compels the child to beg; or (4) Subjects the child or allows him to be subjected to acts of lasciviousness.

The grounds enumerated above are deemed to include cases which have resulted from culpable negligence of the parent or the person exercising parental authority.

If the degree of seriousness so warrants, or the welfare of the child so demands, the court shall deprive the guilty party of parental authority or adopt such other measures as may be proper under the circumstances.

The suspension or deprivation may be revoked and the parental authority revived in a case filed for the purpose or in the same proceeding if the court finds that the cause therefor has ceased and will not be repeated. (332a) 33. As narrated above, Respondent committed acts against Tergelsar that could easily be categorized as excessive harshness or cruelty. At her tender age, Tergelsar was exposed to serious and bizarre forms of physical abuse in the form of forced ingestion of alcohol, wounds caused by knife stabs and cuts, flogging, asphyxiation, and forced feeding of bird droppings.

On account of these reprehensible acts, Respondent was charged with several counts of Violation of R.A. No. 7610 or Child Abuse by both the Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig and Pasig.

34. Throughout all the abusive conduct of Respondent, Tergelsar was denied medical treatment by Respondent despite repeated pleas from the Petitioner to bring Tergelsar to a hospital, which in itself constitutes a clear form of abuse under R.A. No. 7610, to wit: Section 3. Definition of Terms. – xxx (b) “Child abuse” refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes any of the following: xxx (4) Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity or death.

35. The acts committed by Respondent against the infant Tergelsar culminated in the act of violently throwing Tergelsar on the ground while shouting that “Tergelsar must die.” The convulsions and seizures, as well as the severe concussion suffered by Tergelsar resulting from her being thrown on the floor is clear evidence of the excessive harshness and cruelty inflicted by the Respondent upon her own daughter. The abusive and cruel conduct of the Respondent over Tergelsar was confirmed by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas found which found probable cause to charge Respondent with Frustrated Parricide.

36. Frustrated Parricide under the Revised Penal Code, is merely one step lower than actual Parricide – the capital offense of killing a father, mother, or child, whether legitimate or illegitimate, or any of his ascendants, or descendants, or spouse, and punishable by the penalty of reclusion perpetua to death. By being charged with Parricide in its “frustrated” stage, the Respondent “[performed] all the acts of execution which would produce the felony as a consequence but which, nevertheless, do not produce it by reason of causes independent of the will of the perpetrator.” In other words, had it not been for the swift and effective intervention of the Petitioner in saving the life of Tergelsar by rushing her to a medical facility, Respondent would have killed Tergelsaras, as she, with criminal intent, performed all the acts necessary to commit the crime of Parricide. On this very score alone, Respondent should be stripped of parental authority over Tergelsar.

37. The existence and continued pendency of the criminal cases against the Respondent before three (3) different Courts, the outstanding warrants of arrest issued against her, and the Interpol Red Notice for her arrest, speak volumes on the propriety of suspending Respondent’s parental authority over Tergelsar pursuant to Article 231 of the Family Code.

38. The serious abuse and excessive harshness and cruelty inflicted by the Respondent upon Tergelsar cannot be justified on the ground of tradition or of cultural ritualistic ceremonies of Mongolia, for the following reasons: 38.1. First, it is the declared policy of the State “to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty exploitation and discrimination and other conditions, prejudicial their development.” R.A. No. 7610 does not provide for any exception to the proscription against child abuse on traditional or cultural grounds.

38.2. Second, the protection of children from abuse is an international policy that is highlighted and embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty signed, ratified and accepted by more than one hundred countries – including Mongolia and the Philippines. According to this treaty, “States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.”

PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS 7 38.3. Third, Respondent was charged with Frustrated Parricide for an act that was not, in any way whatsoever, connected with or arising from Respondent’s cultural and traditional background --- i.e., throwing Tergelsar on the floor with intent to kill her. Hence, Respondent cannot hide under the notion that the acts done on Tergelsar is part of the cultural or traditional practices of Respondent to justify the same.

39. The fact that Tergelsar is only two (2) years old does not preclude the suspension of Respondent’s parental authority.

According to the Supreme Court in Perez v. Court of Appeals : “The general rule that a child under seven years of age shall not be separated from his mother finds its raison d’etre in the basic need of a child for his mother's loving care. Only the most compelling of reasons shall justify the court's awarding the custody of such a child to someone other than his mother, such as her unfitness to exercise sole parental authority. In the past the following grounds have been considered ample justification to deprive a mother of custody and parental authority: neglect, abandonment, unemployment and immorality, habitual drunkenness, drug addiction, maltreatment of the child, insanity and being sick with a communicable disease.”

40. Under the aforequoted jurisprudence, maltreatment of a child is cause for a parent to lose parental authority even if the child is less than seven (7) years old. Calling what the Respondent did to Tergelsar as “maltreatment of a child” is understating what Tergelsar went through in the hands of Respondent. There is therefore much more compelling reason why this Honorable Court should suspend the parental authority of Respondent.

41. Furthermore, Respondent’s flight to Mongolia is a strong indication of her guilt of the crimes charged against her. Indeed, it is “well-established that the flight of an accused is competent evidence to indicate [her] guilt; and flight, when unexplained, is a circumstance from which an inference of guilt may be drawn.”

Thus, there is more than sufficient basis, in fact and in law, to suspend, if not altogether remove, the parental authority of Respondent over Tergelsar.

42. To date, Respondent has been absent from the Philippines, and in all likelihood, will not be returning in the country due to the outstanding warrants of arrest and the criminal cases that she will be facing should she choose to enter this jurisdiction.

Since the Respondent’s flight to Mongolia, Petitioner has provided, and continues to safeguard, Tergelsar’s well-being, security and overall development.Accordingly, Petitioner, who is gainfully employed, is the only remaining parent and guardian of Tergelsar present in the country whocan and will guarantee that her best interests are protected.

43. In this regard, due to violent acts committed by Respondent against Tergelsar, Respondent’s parental authority over Tergelsar must be suspended. Likewise, by automatic operation of law and since this Honorable Court must recognize that Tergelsar is most safe and most cared for in the custody of the Petitioner, Petitioner must be granted custody of Tergelsar.

44. Moreover, granting custody over Tergelsar in favor of the Petitioner will operate to serve her best interests. Petitioner intends to raise Tergelsar in the Philippines and will, thus, require an official pronouncement over his parental authority and custodial rights over Tergelsar to efficiently and expediently discharge his duties as parent, including, but not limited to, securing Tergelsar’s health insurance and enrolling her in educational institutions.

45. As a final note, it must be recalled that is a declared policy under Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” that the “State shall intervene on behalf of the child when the parent, guardian, teacher or person having care or custody of the child fails or is unable to protect the child against abuse, exploitation and discrimination or when such acts against the child are committed by the said parent, guardian, teacher or person having care and custody of the same.”

Petitioner believes that this Honorable Court can and should uphold such policy.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, Petitioner Charles Edwards respectfully prays that case this Honorable Court: 1) SUSPEND the PARENTAL AUTHORITY of Respondent Ayatungaa Todruul over the minor Tergelsar Charles Edward Krasny Ergen; and 2) GRANT Petitioner Charles Edwards PERMANENT CUSTODY over his minor daughter Tergelsar Charles Edward Krasny Ergen.

Petitioner likewise prays for other just and equitable reliefs.

Taguig City for Batangas City, 23 September 2014.

ANGARA ABELLO CONCEPCION REGALA & CRUZ Counsel for Petitioner 22nd Floor, ACCRALAW Tower Second Avenue corner 30th Street Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City 0399 Taguig, Metro Manila Telephone No. (632) 830-8000 Facsimile Nos. (632) 403-7007 and (632) 403-7009 By: (Sgd.) ARNOLD M. CORPORAL PTR No. A-1971551; 01/06/14; Taguig City IBP No. 951770; 01/06/14; Makati City Roll No. 43033 MCLE Compliance No. IV-0012402; 02/12/2013 (Sgd.) CARLO ENRICO C. ALOJADO PTR No. A-1971587; 01/06/14; Taguig City IBP No. 951953; 01/06/14; Quezon City Roll No. 62389 MCLE Compliance No. N/A

>>>EDWARDS vs. TODRUUL.....turn to P/8

BUSINESS

December 8 - 14, 2014

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Coast guard: 2,163 passengers stranded due to Ruby AT least 2,163 passengers were already stranded in various ports due to bad weather conditions brought

by Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) last Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said that as of 4 p.m., 2,163 were stranded along with 80 vessels, 434 rolling cargos, four motor bancas, 97 vessels and 13 motor bancas taking shelter.

There are at least six trips which were also canceled, it added.

In Southern Tagalog alone, there are at least 142 passengers, 157 rolling cargos affected in Batangas; 371 passengers, 156 rolling cargos in Oriental Mindoro; and 7 passengers, 3 rolling cargos in Occidental Mindoro.

A breakdown of those stranded in other areas includes: In Manila: 340 passengers, 2 vessels, 2 canceled trips.

In Palawan: Puerto Princesa: 4 vessels, 4 canceled trips; Coron: 4 vessels (taking

<<<EDWARDS vs. TODRUUL.....from P/7 (Sgd.) PAOLO FRANCISCO B. CAMACHO PTR No. A-1971594; 01/06/14; Taguig City IBP No. 951957; 01/06/14; Quezon City Roll No. 62549 MCLE Compliance No. N/A Copy Furnished: AYATUNGAA TODRUUL & SOLONGO BUKHCHULUUN Accused c/o Honorary Consul of Mongolia to the Philippines No. 41 Linaw Street Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City REASON FOR SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL In compliance with Section 11, Rule 13 of the Rules of Court, counsel respectfully manifests that the foregoing PETITION FOR SUSPENSION OF PARENTALAUTHORITY will be served on the parties by registered mail because distance constraints, as well as temporary unavailability of messengers, render personal service impracticable.

(Sgd.) PAOLO FRANCISCO B. CAMACHO ------------------------------------------------------------------------VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING I, CHARLES EDWARDS, of legal age, single, and currently a resident of Pontefino Hotel and Residences,Pastor Village, Gulod Labac, Batangas City, after having sworn in accodance with law, hereby depose and state: 1. I, CHARLES EDWARDS,on behalf of myminor daughter, TERGELSAR CHARLES EDWARDKRASNY ERGEN, am Petitioner in the foregoing PETITION FOR USPENSION OF PARETAL ATHORITY (the “PETITION”); 2. I have read the contents of the PETITION, the contents of which are true and correct based on personal knowledge and records on hand; 3. No other action or proceding involving the same issue raised in the Petition hs been commenced with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, and to the best of my knowledge, no other action or procceding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency; 4. SHould I hereafter learn that any other imilar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agncy, I undertake to report such fact to this Honorable Court within five (5) days therefrom.

(Sgd.) CHARLES EDWARDS Petitioner SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 23rd day of September, 2014 at Taguig City with affiant exhibiting to me the following: Affiant Competent Evidence of Identity CHARLES EDWARDS 1. Passport - KNA RE0013726 valid until13 January 2024 2. NBI - E363HCHS88-MA214304 valid until 6 May 2015 (Sgd.) FELIMON RAY L. JAVIER Notary Public for Taguig City Until December 31, 2015 PTR No. A-1971607; 01/06/14; Taguig City LIFETIME IBP No. 010418; 01/10/2012 - RSM Appointment/Commission No. 67 (2014-2015) Roll No. 59170 Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices 22nd Floor, ACCRALAW Tower Second Avenue corner 30th Street Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City 0399 Taguig, Metro Manila Telephone No. (632) 830-8000 Facsimile Nos. (632) 403-7007 and (632) 403-7009 MCLE Compliance No. N/A Doc. No. 284 Book No. I;

Page No. 58; Series of 2014

Pahayagang BALIKAS | December 7 & 14, 2014

shelter); Cuyo: 2 vessels; and Brooke’s Point: 30 passengers, 5 vessels.

In Bicol -- Albay: 183 passengers, 19 vessels, 34 rolling cargos, 19 vessels (taking shelter); Sorsogon: 70 passengers, 6 rolling cargos; Catanduanes: 18 passengers, 9 rolling cargos; and Masbate: 91 passengers, 13 vessels, 10 rolling cargos, 2 motor bancas.

In Eastern Visayas -Maasin: 265 passengers, 23 rolling cargos; and Tacloban: 1 vessel.

In Western Visayas -Bacolod: 248 passengers, 8 vessels, 21 rolling cargos, 2 motor bancas; Iloilo: 118

passengers; and Caticlan: 76 passengers, 16 vessels.

In Northern Mindanao -Cagayan de Oro: 98 passengers, 2 vessels, 7 rolling cargos, 5 vessels & 6 motor banca (taking shelters); Surigao: 41 passengers, 2 vessels (taking shelter); Iligan: 1 vessel; Ozamiz: 30 passengers, 3 vessels, 21 vessels (taking shelter); Dapitan: 35 passengers, 4 vessels, 8 rolling cargos, 36 vessels and 7 motor bancas (taking shelter); and Butuan: 10 vessels (taking shelter).

Saved passengers Meanwhile, a total of 35 passengers were rescued by the Coast Guard personnel in

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION LIPA CITY OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EXOFFICIO SHERIFF SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF NO. 2014-0075 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118 filed by RURAL BANK OF SAN ANTONIO (QUEZON), INC., Cabuyao Branch, mortgagee, with office address at Cabuyao, Laguna against JUVY MONTEZON for herself and as attorney-in-fact of her husband Noel Montezon, mortgagor, with residence and postal address at Brgy. Bulacnin, Lipa City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 15, 2014 amounts to PhP1,200,962.29 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 January 14, 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 the Philippine Currency, the described real property and its improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-124799 A parcel of land (Lot 10, Block 15 of the consolidation subdivision plan Pcs-04-011777, being a portion of the consolidation of Lots 8810, 8811 & 8772 Cad-218, Lipa cadastre, L.R.C. Record No. ), situated in the Barangay Bulacnin, City of Lipa. Bounded on the SW., along line 1-2 by Lot 9, Blk. 15; on the NW., along line 2-3 by Lot 8, Blk. 15; on the NE., along line 3-4 by Road Lot 13; on the SE., along line 4-1 by Lot 12, Blk. 15, all of the consolidation subdivision plan. x x x x x x x x x containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY (750) SQUARE METERS. Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that the Auction Sale should not take place on said date it shall be held on January 21, 2015, without further notice and re-publication.

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

Lipa City, November 14, 2014.

(Sgd.) ARSENIO D. LORZANO Sheriff IV Note: Award of publication hereof in the “Pahayagang Balikas” drawn by raffle in accordance with law.

DULY RAFFLED: 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 | Nov. 24, Dec. 1 & 8, 2014

Batangas following a boat collision in Calumpang river at around 6:30 pm, November 28.

Reports received from a certain Andrew Suayan revealed that motor bancas Bingo and Lady Heart Kim accidentally collided with each other while crossing from the opposite ends of Calumpang river.

Motor banca Bingo, skippered by Capt. Salvador Zulueta, was loaded with 10 passengers while Lady Heart Kim, skippered by Capt.

Hartwel Claro, was loaded with 25 passengers when the incident occurred.

The personnel of CGS Batangas together with City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) conducted rescue operations onboard four motor bancas operating in the area.

All passengers were successfully rescued and were subsequently sent home to their respective families in good physical condition.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

.............................................................. <<<RECOGNITION......from P/1

DPWH Batangas I DEO receives recognition from PDRRMC occurrence of accidents; constructing well-made school buildings, covered courts and other public buildings that may serve as evacuation areas in cases of calamities; constructing rain collectors which help conserve water; constructing and maintaining flood control / drainage structures that help avoid flooding and formation of stagnant waters which can be breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

The District Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team of this office is one of the active teams that quickly

respond after the occurrence of typhoons; clearing national roads of debris and fallen trees and doing minor repairs to national roads and bridges.

DPWH Batangas I, in unity with DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and OIC Regional Director Samson L. Hebra, with the support of local government officials and residents of the first district of Batangas, together with the provincial government is committed to ensure continuous flow of traffic as well as safe and sound travelling for all the motoring public.| BALIKAS NEWS

Republic of the Philippines Province of Batangas MUNICIPALITY OF BALETE INVITATION TO BID Name of Project: SUPPLY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Location : Balete, Batangas Amount : Php 5,037,000.00 Materials : Cement Corr. G.I. Sheet (Sgd.) RAYMUNDO CUETO BAC Chairman Pahayagang BALIKAS | December 8, 2014

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS INRE: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT AS NOTARY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER NO. 2014-041 ATTY. FRANCIS B. CONTRERAS x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER Before this Court is a verified petition for commission as notary public for Rosario, Batangas and within the territorial jurisdictions of the Honorable Court, after payment of the legal fees prescribed by law.

Accordingly, Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the re-appointment of Notarial Commission of ATTY. FRANCIS B. CONTRERAS shall be held on December 11, 2014 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning before the session hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all interested persons may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

The Clerk of Court is directed to cause the publication of this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas at petitioner’s expense. Likewise, let copies of this Order be posted in conspicuous places in the Office of the Executive Judge and the Clerk of Court.

SO ORDERED. Rosario, Batangas, December 3, 2014.

(Sgd.) ROSE MARIE J. MANALANG-AUSTRIA Executive/Presiding Judge Pahayagang BALIKAS | December 8, 2014

Melinda Rodriguez-Landicho, Lifetimes Editor

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IN its goal to provide education opportunities to graduating high school students, the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for school year 2015-2016.

SM Foundation’s flagship project is open to all 4th year public high school students from the National Capital Region, Batangas, Pampanga, Benguet, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Rizal, Cavite, Tarlac, Laguna, Zambales, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Davao, Misamis Oriental and General Santos. Interested applicants must have a weighted average of at least 88% in the second or third grading

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PAHALANG 1 Abang 6 Lupang madamo 7 Sining: Ingles 9 Louie Ocampo 10 Lalawigan sa Kanlurang Visayas 13 Inisyal ng dating First Lady 15 Ayon kay (Waray) 17 Magkasa (Ingles) 18 Skills, Knowledge & Ability 19 Pangalang panlalaki 21 Addis ___ ng Ethiopia 23 Sulsol 24 Kupad 25 Lutong bigas 26 Banoy 27 Apelyidong Tsino 28 Tugi: Ingles 30 Kaibigan 31 Simbolo ngNickel 32 Pera ng Slovenia 34 Nora Aunor 35 Boss 37 Baboy: ingles 39 Singaw ng lupa

Climate Change ang bawat opisyales na paigtingin ang pagsunod at pagtalima sa RA 9003 o Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Kasabay ng LGU Summit ay ang ang paglulunsad ng 2014 Climate-Adaptive and Disaster Resilient (CLAD) Award for Cities and Municipalities.

Ito ay ang pagbibigay parangal sa mga LGU na may kakaiba at epektibong estratehiya upang labanan ang climate change at mabawasan ang impact ng banta ng kalamidad sa kanilang nasasakupan. Ang mga estratehiya ay dapat na naaayon sa polisiya at batas na pinaiiral ng Climate Change Act at Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. Kabilang sa mga naging resource person si City ENRO Officer Oliver Gonzales kung saan tinalakay niya ang pagtugon ng lokal na pamahalaan na labanan ang epekto ng climate change.

Aniya, ito ang priyoridad ng lunsod ng Batangas sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng mga programa bilang suporta dito. Isa na dito aniya ang pagpasa ng local environmental code na mahigpit na ipinatutupad sa lunsod.

Kasama ni Gonzales na dumalo sa Climate Change Consciousness Week 2014LGU Summit si Engr. Januario Godoy, City Planning and Development Officer ng pamahalaang lunsod ng Batangas bilang kinatawan ni Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha.| MONINA FERNANDEZ

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BILANG pagtugon sa usapin hinggil sa pagbabago ng klima sa Pilipinas, isinagawa ang Climate Change Consciousness Week 2014-LGU Summit sa Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) kamakailan.

Ang naturang summit ay inorganisa ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) at may temang “Plan Beyond Boundaries. Build on Victories” Ayon kay Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, Vice Chairperson ng CCC, isa sa layunin ng kanilang grupo na imulat ang mga lider ng bawat Local Government Unit kung ano ang tunay na kalagayan ng Pilipinas sa usaping pangkapaligiran.

Isa rin aniya sa layunin ng pagpupulong ay ang makabuo ng action plan ang bawat LGU kung paano haharapin ang banta ng climate change.

Dumalo sa seminar ang mga mayor, ENRO officers, planning officers at iba pang opisyales na may kinalaman sa pangangalaga ng kapaligiran ng bawat munisipalidad at lunsod sa bansa.

Ilan sa mga paksang tinalakay ay ang Understanding Hazard and Exposure, IPCC AR5 Vulnerabilities Impacts and Adaptation at the Local Level, Practical Strategies/Success Stories, Building A Community of Practice Among LGU’s at Renewable Energy Microgrid Project.

Pinaalalahanan ni Senador Loren Legarda Chairperson ng Senate Committee on

period in their senior year. Moreover, the applicant’s family must have a total household income that does not exceed P150,000.

SM scholars can pursue college degrees in Information Technology, Information Management, Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Elementary and Secondary Education and Accountancy. Scholars may also opt to study in SM Foundation’s partner schools in Metro Manila like Asia Pacific College, Far Eastern University, Adamson University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,

Philippine Normal University, FEU-East Asia, University of Caloocan, University of East-Manila, University of the Philippines-Diliman and National University. In Batangas City, partner schools are Batangas State University and University of Batangas.

Application forms for interested applicants are available at SM City Batangas Mall Administration Office located at the second floor near Cyberzone area and at the Customer Service Counters of the SM Store and SM Supermarket.

Deadline of application submission is on December 20, 2014.| ADVT.

SEA Camp calling for volunteers

PABABA 1 Pang-ukol: Ingles 2 Diwata 3 Lunan sa Indonesia 4 Infant formula milk 5 Grade: ikli 6 Paghahari ng kapangyarihan 8 Nilalang na tao ang katawan at mga kamay ngunit may mahahabang binti at hita ng kabayo 9 Buto sa lalamunan 11 Lambing 12 Estado sa Amerika 14 Magunita 16 Nanay 18 Ligtas 20 Buendia: singer 22 Sisidlan ng gamit 29 Batid 32 Tawagn ng magkakapatid 33 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 36 Morocco: daglat 37 Porma ng gamot 38 Inisyal ng dating First Lady

Climate Change Summit, idinaos

9

SM Foundation College Scholarship Program now accepts applicants for SY 2015-2016

PA L A IS IPA N 1

December 8 - 14, 2014

AVE Philippine Seas (SPS), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Manila, is looking for young leaders who are 18 to 23 years old and passionate about marine conservation to participate in SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) Camp in 2015.

The SEA Camp aims to give young people a platform to play bigger roles in conservation. There will be three regional camps: one in Luzon (Batangas) on April 15-21, Visayas (Negros Oriental) on April 27-May 3, and Mindanao (Tawi-Tawi) on May 9May 15. The national culminating camp will be in Palawan on June 10-14.

SEA Camp: Empowering youth as leaders in conservation The Philippines is recognized as the “center of the center of marine biodiversity” in the world, being home to about 300 species of coral and nearly 60% of the world's known shore fish.

Many of these are threatened or endangered due to overfishing, destructive fishing methods, pollution, and unsustainable tourism practices.

To conserve, protect, and restore the country’s marine resources, the Filipino youth must be recognized not

CHILDREN were taught through different activities of the necessity of protecting and saving our seas and earth.| just as leaders of tomorrow, but also as painting. Participants will also have the leaders of today. Only 30 participants chance to take PADI’s Discover Scuba will be chosen each from Luzon, Visayas, Diving course for free. All travel, and Mindanao to participate in the SEA accommodation and activity costs will Camp. They will spend five days be covered. immersed in fun and educational At the end of each regional camp, activities like workshops, fieldwork, panel the SEA camp youth will present a discussions, snorkeling, and mural project proposal geared towards coastal and marine conservation to a panel of judges. The top 10 proposals will receive funding to help implement their projects with assistance and guidance from local partners and SPS. All the regional representatives with projects will once again gather for the national culminating SEA Camp in June to give updates about their accomplishments. They will also have the chance to receive additional funding to take their projects further.

To see the full requirements and download the application form, please visit www.savephilippineseas.org/ seacamp.

All applications must be emailed or postmarked by December 23, 2014 (11:59PM).

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Helen Z. Yap at OUR seas and earth needs prompt protection from possible extinction due Anna to pollution.| alenzyap@gmail.com

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Ilagak sa isang siguradong puhunan ang iyong pera dahil kung masisimulang gastusin, mauubos ito na parang bula.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Magkakaroon ka ng paghihinala sa iyong minamahal. Pag-aralang mabuti kung totoo ang kutob bago gumawa ng hakbang.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Mapupunuan mo ang pangangailangang pinansiyal.

Pisces (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Magtatampo ang minamahal kung hindi mo matutupad ang iyong pangako sa kanya.

Aries (Mar. 21 - April 20) Maliliwanagan ka hinggil sa isang hindi pagkakaunawaan.

Taurus (Apr. 21 - May 21) Angkop lamang ang iyong kikitain sa iyong pangangailangan ngunit kung daragdagan ang pagsisikap at pagtitiyaga, magkakaroon ka ng sobrang pera.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Huwag itago kung ano ang

nararamdaman.

Maging totoo sa kapwa lalo na sa sarili.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) Iwasang mag-isip ng negatibong bagay dahil makakasira ito ng magandang diskarte sa iyong gawain.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) Daanin mo sa tawa ang dalang problema na siyang dapat. Pansamantala, hayaan mo ang problema na siyang mag-isip sa iyo kaysa isipin mo ang problema.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) KBigyan ng atensiyon at pag-ukulan ng panahon ang relasyon na maaaring masira ng dahil sa kapabayaan.

Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Huwag ipagkakaila ang nararamdamang pagseselos.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Layuan mo muna ang kaibigan na nag-iimpluwensiya ng masama dahil tiyak na mapapasama ka at magsisisi sa darating na panahon.|

> Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0905.753.3462 or 0912.902.7373 for inquiries.

F.E.S.T.

Ronalina L. Elarmo Special Project Editor

......................................................................... >>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<< December 8 - 14, 2014

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Dana Denise B. Sabillo, Mutya ng Batangas 2014 ULING nasungkit ng Lunsod ng Batangas ang korona ng pinakamalaking beauty pageant sa buong lalawigan ng Batangas, ang Mutya ng Batangas 2014!

M

Lite Talk D ha l end z L a ndi c ho Mula sa 23 naggagandahang kalahok, itinanghal na Mutya ng Batangas 2014 si Bb. Lunsod ng Batangas Dana Denise B. Sabillo (#23) ng Sampaguita Street, Batangas City.

Hakot-awards nga kung ituring si Dana sa Coronation Night nitong Biyernes ng gabi, December 5, sa Taal Plaza na tumagal ng halos apat (4) na oras. Nakuha rin niya ang Best in Batangas Wear, Best in Evening Gown at ang kaniyang artist na si Ariane Gamboa ang kinilalang Best Make-Up Artist.

Tinanghal namang Mutya ng Turismo (1st Runer Up) si Bb. Sto. Tomas - Karen Joyce Olfato (#22) na siya ring Best in Burdang Taal Wear. Samantalang Mutya ng Kalikasan (2nd Runner Up) si Bb. San Luis - Carmella Patricia B. Tanzo (#20) na siya ring Best in Casual Wear. 3rd Runner Up si Bb. Lobo - Haneen R. Mcevoy at 4th Runner Up si Bb. Taal - Hannah FaeAzalea G. Reyes (#15) na siya ring Best Designer Awardee.

Ang lima (5) pang kasama sa Top 10 ay sina: Bb. Agoncillo - Shiela Marie A. Reyes na siya ring Miss Photogenic; Bb. San Jose - Nina Keith B. Viterbo na siya ring Best in Production Number at People’s Choice Awardee (online voting); Bb. Lipa - Bianca Venus L. Recio; Bb. Rosario - Jessa Mae M. Aquino; at Bb. Lemery - Alva Noreen U. Javier na siya ring Best in Swimsuit.

Ilan pa sa binigyan ng Special Awards sina Bb. Lunsod ng Tanauan (Jellamae S. Carandang) - Miss Talent; Bb. Balayan

(Patricia B. Orasa) - Miss Congeniality; Bb. Cuenca (Nina Neila P. Verdan) at Bb. Bauan (Alyssa A. Boongaling) ang mga Texters Choice Awardee.  Congratulations, dear candidates! More next issue.

BATANGAS PRIDE! [L-R] Bb. Lobo, Haneen R. Mcevoy - 3rd Runner Up; Bb. San Luis, Carmella Patricia B. Tanzo - Mutya ng Kalikasan; Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas, Dana Denise B. Sabillo - Mutya ng Batangas 2014; Bb. Sto. Tomas, Karen Joyce Olfato - Mutya ng Turismo; at Bb. Taal, Hannah Fae Azaela G. Reyes - 4th Runner Up.| BALIKAS PHOTO / JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

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Elite Condominium developer opens its Showroom in SM Batangas!

EMPIRE East Land Holdings Inc., a leading developer of quality homes at the most strategic addresses in Metro Manila, is opening its doors to all Batangueños as it launches its brand-new showroom located at the second floor of SM City Batangas on December 11, 2014.

To grace the event are the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 finalists namely Bb. Pilipinas Universe Mary Jean Lastimosa, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Kris Tiffany Janson, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Yvethe Marie Santiago, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Parul Shah, Bb. Pilipinas International Mary Anne Guidotti, 1st runner up Laura Lehmann, 2ndrunner up Hannah Sison and Empire East president and CEO Atty. Anthony Charlemagne Yu. Hon. Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha is also expected to be there in the event.

The new showroom aims to not only serve the clients in the CALABARZON region but also to provide them an elaborate viewpoint of what Empire East can offer in terms of lifestyle enrichment without the hassle of visiting one of the showrooms in Metro Manila.

"We would like to reach out to the many people in the area aspiring

THE QUEEN and the QUEEN-MAKER! Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas, Dana Denise B. Sabillo - Mutya ng Batangas 2014 and her career handler, Ariane Gamboa, the Best Make Up Artist awardee together with the sponsors at the Coronation Night, December 5 in Taal, Batangas.| BALIKAS PHOTO / JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

for an Empire East home. We want to make sure that there will be a closer place to go to where they can pacify their questions about investing in real estate in Metro Manila.”; says Yu. He further states that Empire East's goal is to bring the luxury of manila into the rich neighborhood of Batangas and vice versa.

The Empire East showroom is free to visit on the event day. Free cocktails shall be available for those who will reserve a unit on the same event.

For inquiries and reservations dial (02) 810-3333 or 0917-8EMPIRE (367473). You may also visit www.empire-east.com. |ADVT

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas/ 184223348294142

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