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DECEMBER 2016

Marcos buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani

F

ormer president Ferdinand Marcos was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with full military honors past noon Friday, November 18, giving closure to his family and supporters but reopening wounds inflicted by his 21-year rule marked by human rights atrocities.

The “simple and private” funeral rites, as requested by the Marcos family, were carried out late Friday morning so that the remains of Marcos would be interred by 12 noon, Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said in an interview with different media groups.

Albayalde said there was a 21-gun salute for the late strongman as part of the military honors, but there was no parade that marked a state funeral service.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa told reporters outside the cemetery gates that 3 helicopters brought members of the Marcos family and the remains of the late dictator to the LNMB. Reporters who were at the Heroes’ Cemetery said they thought there would only be a rehearsal for the burial until the PNP chief himself arrived on site. Dela Rosa said police were only informed about the final schedule of the burial on Thursday night.

He said authorities were ordered to ensure that the former president would be “buried properly.”

Palace spokespersons said they did not know about the burial, which was carried out while President Rodrigo Duterte was abroad.

He left Manila on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’

Meeting in Peru.

Maximum tolerance

Asked how the police would deal with anti-Marcos groups who were expected to flock to the area, Dela Rosa said, “Maximum tolerance, hindi maximum paluan (not maximum beating)....We are prepared (for them).”

RJ Piniera, a media relations officer of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, said Imee flew to Manila last night.

“Kaming mga Ilocano pupunta ng Manila kasi [may] pasasalamat rally baka sakali mailibing (We Ilocanos will go to Manila because there’s a thanksgiving rally in case the burial pushes through),” Piniera said.

Marcos supporters were reportedly informed about the plan but were asked to keep it confidential.

The funeral rites for Marcos took place over a week after the Supreme Court, voting 9-5, ruled in favor of a hero’s burial for the former president. The petitioners against a state interment for Marcos, mostly Martial Law victims, had filed manifestations before the Court that they would file a motion for reconsideration on the ruling.

SC spokesperson Theodore Te said the burial is not prohibited as the Court had already lifted the status quo ante order on it.

‘Like a thief in the night’

Vice President Leni Robredo strongly condemned the hero’s burial for Marcos and reiterated her position that “he is no hero.”

“Like a thief in the night, the Marcos family deliberately hid the information of burying former President Marcos today from the Filipino people,” Robredo said in a statement.

Barry Gutierrez, counsel for the anti-Marcos court petitioners, said the burial was illegal because of the outstanding appeals.

“It’s not really surprising that this is happening. Marcos flouted the law when he was still alive, and even at his burial, he is still breaking the law,” Gutierrez told Agence France-Presse.

“We are shocked and angered,” Gutierrez added.

Anti-Marcos groups and others opposed to the burial, who were caught flat-footed by the surprise burial, also slammed the Marcoses for their “underhandedness” and said they would mark the day with a “Black Friday” protest.

“This is a continuing deception, deviousness, abuse, and underhandedness of the Marcos family. They are just continuing the abuses and atrocities committed during the martial law regime,” said Albay Representative Edcel Lagman.

Rule of plunder, abuse Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades until forced into US exile by the “People Power” revolution, a largely peaceful event that inspired democracy movements throughout Asia and around the world.

Marcos, his infamously flamboyant wife Imelda, and their cronies plundered up to $10 billion from state coffers during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.

The Philippines’ foreign debt went from $2.67 billion in 1972, when Marcos declared martial law, to $28.2 billion in 1986, according to the World Bank.

After Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, his family began a successful political comeback and tried repeatedly to have him buried at the heroes’ cemetery, where other presidents and celebrated military figures are interred.

Imelda became a congresswoman and fended off all corruption charges against her.

Two of her children established themselves as influential politicians. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, was the more successful, becoming a senator before almost winning the vice presidency this year.

However previous presidents had refused to allow the burial in the heroes’ cemetery because of Marcos’s crimes, so the family kept the preserved body in a glass casket at his home in the northern province of Ilocos Norte.

The family’s fortunes changed with the election of Duterte, a longtime ally of the Marcos family, as president in May this year.

He said Marcos deserved to be buried at the heroes’ cemetery based on the fact he had been a president and a veteran of World War II. Duterte also said he owed loyalty to the family because his father served in the Marcos government and the family had helped fund his election campaign.

—Rappler

burying him at the Libingan, and the decision of DepEd is a review of accounts of textbooks so they do not contradict each other,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in the statement.

The textbooks, however, will not dictate on school children whether Marcos is a hero. It will encourage them instead to make their own conclusions based on objective information, the DepEd assured.

“It’s not like the book will tell you he’s a hero, or he’s not a hero. What we’re trying to develop is critical thinking. The student, the learner, decides for himself. Let’s give them facts, the positive things vis-à-vis the human rights [issues], so that the child, the learner, can make a judgement for himself or herself,” Briones said. Last March, under the Aquino administration, the education department vowed to deepen the discussion on Martial Law and its impact on Filipinos today, after one book was heavily criticized for its “misleading claim” that all of Marcos’ programs “were done to uplift the lives of

Filipinos.” In June, during her first press conference as incoming education secretary, Briones was asked if she would heed these calls to review the country’s history books.

She said any review should cover the administration of all Philippine presidents, and not just that of Marcos: “If ever there would be a review of textbooks, not only on martial law period. We should review again the coverage of all the administrations because not all of the administrations have also been examined fairly.”

The Supreme Court decision to allow President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to give Marcos a hero’s burial was hailed by the late president’s loyalists, but was met by a series of protests from various sectors, including the victims of human rights abuses during Martial Law. — Rappler.com

makakatulong sa kaso ng complainants,” Esguerra told ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda.

De Lima, a well-known lawyer before she joined the government, admitted to having an affair with Dayan, who was accused by President Duterte of receiving drug money for her 2016 senatorial campaign.

The senator has denied the allegations linking her to the narcotics trade. She said the allegations were masterminded by Duterte as payback for her criticism of the government’s brutal war on drugs.

She also maintained that her personal life has never interfered with her work.

Esguerra, however, said the Supreme Court takes into account a lawyer’s personal affairs in tackling disbarment cases citing immorality.

“Ang morality kasi o immoral character ng isang abogado o abogada ay kabuuan ng buhay mo, hindi lang iyung professional life mo,” he said.

“May mga nadi-disbar nga na iyung mga relationship nila ay noon pang mga estudyante sila at ang complaint ay nagkataon lang na isinampa noong abogado na sila.”

The SC, he added, may task the IBP with investigating the complaint against De Lima, but the final decision on her case would still

rest on the court.

“Anuman ang kalabasan ng imbestigasyon at anuman ang maging resolusyon namin dito, ito ay recommendatory nature lang. Ang final, ultimate arbiter ng anumang disbarment case laban sa isang abogado ay ang ating Korte Suprema,” he said.

Aguirre sees De Lima disbarred due to immorality. De Lima’s disbarment case was filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, which also lodged separate drug trafficking charges against the lawmaker.

De Lima said she will file counter charges against the people who are conniving to pin false allegations against her. —ABS-CBN

New textbooks to include SC ruling on Marcos burial – DepEd

T

he recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to allow the burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) will be reflected in the new batch of textbooks for public schools.

In a statement on November 14, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it would include the SC decision in its “thorough review of textbooks and objective account of history.” It cited its “commitment to be fair in its assessment of all administrations.”

DepEd’s communications’ team clarified it further for Rappler: the decision on a hero’s burial for Marcos is not only being considered, it will already be part of the fresh batch of textbooks for public schools. The DepEd replaces approved textbooks every 5 years.

“The Supreme Court [decision] is about

The Supreme Court ruling allowing the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani may soon be included in textbooks.

De Lima’s affair strengthens disbarment case: IBP

S

enator Leila de Lima’s admission that she had an affair with her former security aide, Ronnie Dayan, strengthens the disbarment case against her, the Integrated Bar Of The Philippines (IBP) said.

IBP Director Ramon Esguerra said De Lima’s affair and its supposed implication of immorality were cited by her critics as one of the grounds of the case.

“Mayroong bagay iyun kasi ang isinumpa nung complainant doon sa Korte Suprema tungkol doon sa relationship na sinasabi nilang immoral o illicit with the former security aide and driver. Iyung pag-amin ay

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Next on Duterte’s to-do list: Abuse of women and children

I

t’s not just illegal drug operations that are on President Duterte’s radar. Cases of child abuse and violence against women are on the rise, and the government will address these developments, Mr. Duterte said before departing for Lima, Peru to attend an economic summit with world leaders.

“Cases of child abuse, sexual or battery are on the rise and crimes against women are increasing a bit. I think we really have to talk to the [Department of Social Welfare and Development],” Mr. Duterte said in his predeparture remarks. He said he learned of the development from the briefer provided to him, though he did not mention the statistics.

He cited a case where a two-year-oldchild was beaten to death after being left in the care of cousins. The child’s mother was working in the Middle East at the time. This is really very disturbing, for a human being who cannot defend himself to die in a brutal manner through negligence. We’ll have to do something about this,” he said. According to him, there are many cases where parents leave their children in the care of relatives while they earn a living in other countries.

And in not a few incidents, their hard work becomes all for naught when their children end up abused or dead back home. Some children of overseas workers also end up addicted to drugs, he added.

“These are the things we have to balance.

Their hard work, almost killing themselves in the Middle East, might go to waste,” he said. At the same time, Mr. Duterte said Filipino workers in the Middle East are treated brutally, like most foreigners.

He recalled an experience as Davao City mayor where he had to fly to Saudi Arabia to seek help for five Filipinos who had been arrested by the religious police there for giving out rosaries.

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P2,000 hike in SSS pension to be staggered

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etirees will receive a P2,000 increase in their monthly Social Security System pension on a staggered basis – the first half in January 2017 and the second tranche in 2020.

SSS chairman Amado Valdez manifested this position before the committee on government enterprises and privatization at the House of Representatives on November 15.

The committee approved the report regarding the P2,000 pension hike.

Committee chairman Jesus Sacdalan said they were able to talk to SSS officials during an executive session where they found a way to invest the money to ensure its financial viability, like investing in public-private partnership agreement. Last September, the committee consolidated and approved 16 bills seeking to provide a P2,000 across-theboard increase in the monthly SSS pension for retirees, with a corresponding adjustment of the minimum monthly pension.

It approved the bills seeking to amend Section 12 of Republic Act 1161, as amended,

otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 1997. About two million SSS pensioners and their families stand to benefit from the proposal. Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu and Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie KittilstvedtRomualdez welcomed the approval of the proposal as a show of President Duterte’s commitment to help the pensioners. Abu said it is a very worthy proposal that would show Congress’ sincere desire to serve the people’s interests. “It is feasible, necessary and urgent,” he said. “The current pension benefit was not adjusted enough to meet the current cost of living standards.

“It’s a major step towards sharing the inclusive growth to the elderly. I hope the Senate will also expedite the passage of the measure aimed at easing the plight of our SSS pensioners.” Romualdez, wife of former lawmaker Martin Romualdez, agreed.

“This is a good gift to our elderly and we hope that Congress will rally on its passage until it reaches the President’s table for his

signature to make this measure a law,” she said. “This would extend economic relief to retired private workers who are in their sunset years. The increase on their monthly pension is a good act of Congress to champion their plight.” The Senate and the House approved the SSS pension hike proposal during the 16th Congress (July 2013-July 2016) but former president Benigno Aquino III vetoed it. The committee on government enterprises and privatization is within its timeline, where it vowed to approve the bill at the committee level this month and reach the plenary of the House of Representatives by mid-November.

Sacdalan said they approved the 16 bills last Sept. 7, after which they were referred to the committee on appropriations headed by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles for the funding provision of the proposals.

Sacdalan said the proposals were given back to the committee on government enterprises and privatization after the

appropriations committee had acted on them.

“We are done with the committee report and it is only a matter of approving it on Nov. 15,” he said.

Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said there was no justifiable reason to delay further their approval of the pension hike since this proposal was approved by both the Senate and the House during the 16th Congress.

“The bill has priority status in this 17th Congress,” he said. “This was thoroughly studied during the 16th Congress. So whether or not the SSS officials will show up, we need to discuss and vote on the report so it can already proceed thereafter to the plenary.”

Tambunting said the authors want to prove to SSS officials that the pension hike can be funded. “First of all, the collection rate of the SSS has not improved, it has remained at 40 percent,” he said. “The lack of SSS funds is due to the unimproved collection rate of the agency.”

—Philstar

T

activities involving officials and employees of the DOTr and its more than 20 attached agencies through the website, according to spokesman Assistant Secretary Cherrie Mercado. She urged the public to use the portal or call the DOTr hotline 7890 for any complaints or issues, which will help them police their ranks.

The DOTr is also set to reactivate its

Public Concerns Action Center, as well as dedicate a Digital Media Group to take action on all complaints on the agency’s social media accounts. Mercado assured the public that they are looking into reports on a regular basis, although they have limited resources and personnel assigned to their complaints center. “We’re sharing this with you as well as launching our corruption portal,” she said.

“We have 20+ agencies and we’re trying to shorten the business processes.”

Mercado said the launch of the portal and the hotline is line with the coming Christmas season. Tugade has issued a strict “no-gift policy” for all his officials in the coming holidays, she added. There will also be no solicitation for Christmas parties, which will only be allowed if it is department-wide.

Department of Transportation launches anti-corruption portal he public can report incidents of corruption within the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through an online portal launched recently.

It was activated on November 15 as part of the anti-corruption measures being implemented upon orders of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

The public can report any corrupt

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So it was wrong? OK, probe me, says Bato of Vegas trip

“

So it was wrong? OK, then investigate me,” an apparently surprised Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa responded when he learned that the Office of the Ombudsman was starting its investigation on his sponsored trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 5.

Dela Rosa earlier admitted that boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao had hosted him and his family when they watched the Pacquiao-Vargas bout in Vegas and that the senator took care of their plane tickets, hotel accommodations and allowance.

“Bahala na ang propriety na ’yan (Propriety be damned). All I know is that it’s free,” Dela Rosa told reporters upon arrival from Vegas.

In a text message, Rawnsle Lopez, acting director of the Office of the Ombudsman media bureau, said that the antigraft body was “conducting a factfinding investigation regarding the alleged travel perks received by the PNP chief when he went to Las Vegas.”

The Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and

General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Philippine National Police Chief Director

Other Law Enforcement Offices (Moleo) was tasked to head the probe, Lopez said.

The investigation will look into possible criminal and administrative liabilities that Dela Rosa may have incurred when he accepted the free trip and accommodations from Pacquiao.

Probers could check if there were violations of Presidential Decree No. 46, which punishes public officials for receiving gifts “on any occasion,” as well as Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical

Duterte says Philippines would welcome refugees: They can always come here

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at the “hypocrisy” of the West for closing borders to an exodus of refugees he said he would welcome to his country and accept until it was “filled to the brim.”

In a short documentary broadcast by Al Jazeera, Duterte lambasted critics for complaining about his deadly war on drugs and railed at the United States for “bullying” that he said someone had to stand up to.

He accused Washington of double standards and said where human rights were concerned the Philippines was in the same league as the United States, where “bigotry is very much alive” and where police kill innocent people, not drug pushers.

In interviews crammed with expletives, the 71-year-old former mayor spoke warmly of Beijing and Moscow, describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a very courteous person” and Vladimir Putin as a man who was sincere.

Commenting on the refugee exodus that has plagued Europe, Duterte said Western countries had failed those most in need and the Philippines, a developing country of 100 million, was willing to take them in.

“They can always come here, and will be

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welcome here, until we are filled to the brim,” he said. “It’s all right. We will survive. I say send them to us. We will accept them. We will accept them.

They are human beings.”

Since he was elected in May, Duterte has been shaking up the Philippines and scoring high approval ratings, despite his hostility towards ally the United States and an anti-drug campaign that has killed more than 2,400 people. Many of the deaths have come during police operations to arrest suspects, but some are believed to be the work of vigilantes. Duterte denied responsibility for unleashing a wave of vigilante killings and denied that gunmen were hired by authorities to carry out hit-and-run killings.

But he said he would take the law into his own hands if his own family members were killed, saying, “I will kill you.”

Asked if that meant he was encouraging vigilantism, he responded: “Yes I am encouraging.

So what’s wrong now?”

Duterte said he was “pissed off” hearing criticism from the West about his drugs crackdown. “If I look like a bad boy to them I really do not give a shit,” he said. “Who are they to me?

They are nothing.”

— Reuters

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“What’s important is that we did not steal any public funds,” Dela Rosa said. “It would be difficult to imprison me because of an invitation. Let’s see… I’m okay [to be investigated],” the police chief told reporters in Davao City on Friday following his arrival from Malaysia, where he joined President Duterte during the latter’s visit.

In a radio interview, Dela Rosa said he never had official transactions with Pacquiao, whom he called his “personal friend.” There was no reason to think there would be strings attached in Pacquiao’s freebies, he added.

“I accepted the invitation not in consideration of my position as PNP chief, (but) because we’ve been friends for a long time. I’ve known him for years when he was not yet famous. It was also not done in consideration of any transaction between the office of the PNP chief and the office of Senator Pacquiao,” Dela Rosa said.

As a former amateur boxer who had

always idolized Pacquiao, the police chief asked, “What’s wrong with going there to show my support? It’s a rare thing to be able to witness the achievements of a Filipino senator in world boxing history. It was an honor for me and [my] family to be invited.”

He was also transparent enough to volunteer the information about his sponsored Vegas trip, the PNP official said, adding that he had also accepted previous Pacquiao invitations to his bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015 and with Timothy Bradley Jr. in April this year. He went on leave to watch both boxing matches, he added. — Inquirer Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno defended Dela Rosa and said no government fund was spent for the trip and that the PNP chief had secured Malacañang’s permission for his travel to Vegas.

Pacquiao, for his part, chalked things up to their being both from the Visayas where, he said, giving treats was considered better than being involved in shenanigans. “Alam mo kaming mga Bisaya, OK lang ’yang ilibre, kaysa gumawa ng kalokohan,” the senator said.

CHR bucks lowering of crime liability age

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he Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is opposing a proposal lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine years old.

In a position paper submitted to the House of Representatives, the CHR said lowering the age of criminal liability violates the principles of child protection and welfare.

“The principle of protecting a child’s wellbeing and development is entwined with that of their best interest. It encompasses the need for additional measures and protections due to a child’s vulnerability,” CHR said.

“The Commission joins all civil society organizations and other rights advocates in their fight against the proposal. May this also serve as a reminder to our legislators and the present administration to recognize the role of the youth in nation-building,” it added.

The agency said lowering the age of criminal liability violated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the Philippines ratified in 1990.

It said the committee on the rights of the child previously stated that a minimum age of criminal responsibility below 12 years old “is unacceptable by international standards.”

“To renege on this commitment would constitute violation of international law and the principle of non-regression,” the CHR said, referring to the provisions of the ratified convention. Instead of lowering the age, CHR urged the government to fully implement the provisions of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Law, including the allocation of funds for the building or restoration of Bahay Pag-Asa facilities for children in conflict with the law (CICL).

The agency said only 37 Bahay Pag-Asa facilities were established across the country, even as the law mandates there should be one in each of the 81 provinces and 33 highly urbanized cities.

“Aside from the lack of residential facilities for CICLs, we have observed that most Bahay Pag-Asa facilities have structural deficiencies as they fail to provide the pleasant domestic and therapeutic environment that is appropriate for children,”

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it said.

“Lacking also are the multi-disciplinary personnel, such as social workers, medical doctors, guidance counselors and psychologists, who will work on the individualized intervention plan for the children and their families,” it added.

Proponents of the measure said it is a policy of the state to teach the youth to accept responsibility for their words and actions as early as possible.

They said the lowering of the criminal liability to nine years old is ripe as most children above this age are fully informed, given the easily accessible wealth on information.

If approved, the measure will allow CICL aged nine and above to undergo regular proceedings following the determination that he or she has acted “with discernment.”Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo also opposed the proposal. Taguiwalo said lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility has never resulted in lower crime rates, as she cited the Philippine experience and that of other countries.

“There is a need to distinguish between making children responsible for their actions and criminalizing them. RA 9344 makes children responsible without making them criminal and holds them accountable in entirely non-punitive, welfare-based, and education-oriented measures,” she said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development chief said lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility runs counter to scientific knowledge about the cognitive, psychosocial and neurological development of children.

She said the proposal is anti-poor, citing data showing most CICL comes from lowerincome families. She appealed to lawmakers and concerned agencies to support the training and monitoring of prosecutors handling cases of CICL and promote more child-sensitive and gender-sensitive standards and processes in the conduct of inquest, preliminary investigation and prosecution of all CICL cases. —Philstar

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10 NEWS

DECEMBER 2016

85% of Pinoys satisfied with drug campaign–SWS

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mid criticisms from US President Barack Obama and the European Union that the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs had resulted in grave human rights violations, a majority of Filipinos thought otherwise and rated the antinarcotics drive “excellent.”

Results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll found that 85 percent of 1,200 adult respondents were satisfied with the campaign against illegal drugs, while 7 percent were either dissatisfied or undecided, giving the administration a net satisfaction score (satisfied minus dissatisfied) of “excellent” +78.

The nationwide and noncommissioned survey, conducted on Sept. 24-27, had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points. The survey also found that 74 percent were satisfied with the administration’s promotion of human rights, while 11 percent were dissatisfied and 15 percent undecided, resulting in a “very good” +63 net satisfaction score.

SWS said 75 percent were satisfied with the administration’s overall performance, while 8 percent were dissatisfied and 17 percent expressed indecision, yielding a “very good” net satisfaction score of +66.

It was a record-high that was similarly achieved by the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III in June 2013.

Malacañang expressed its gratitude to

the public for the Duterte administration’s high net satisfaction rating in the latest SWS survey.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the +66 net satisfaction rating of President Duterte’s leadership was

a “source of inspiration and strength to the President and his entire team to double their time and energy.”

“Let these survey results not lull us to complacency. The President, as we all know, has been elevating the consciousness of our

people from the gravity of the drug problem and the threat of terrorism and lawlessness,” Andanar said in a statement.

“This means much work has to be done and we all need to roll up our sleeves and buckle down to work and get things done,” he added.

Results of the survey also showed that the Duterte administration received “very good” net satisfaction scores in addressing national issues of helping the poor (+63), promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (+62), fighting crime (+58), eradicating graft and corruption (+57), fighting terrorism (+55) defending territorial rights (+53) and distributing lands to deserving tillers under land reform (+53). The administration scored lowest net ratings, which SWS still rated as “good,” in fighting inflation (+33), eradicating hunger among families (+37), reconciling with communist rebels (+39), ensuring an efficient transport system (+39) and maintaining foreign relations (+39).

It also obtained “good” net ratings in efforts at reconciling with Muslim rebels (+42), providing jobs (+46) and developing science and technology (+49).

SWS considers a rating of +70 and above “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”, +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; -70 and below, “execrable.”

the development of an electronic Freedom of Information site as well as with sorting the inventory of 60,000 pages of the Official Gazette, Andanar said.

The two-month lack of activity makes the archives of the websites, which journalists and researchers use to verify information or source data from, unavailable to the public.

The social media accounts formerly controlled by Aquino’s two communications teams—the Presidential Communications and Operations Office and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office—are also abandoned.

The 2016 General Appropriations Act, which allots the main unit alone a budget of more than P211 million, states that the PCO is responsible for “public access, engagement and understanding of presidential policies and government programs.”

It is also mandated to serve as the top information dissemination agency and the “premier arm of the Executive Branch in engaging and involving citizenry and the mass media in order to enrich the quality of public discourse on all matters of governance.”

Earlier this year, the PCO folded the Facebook pages of its units into one, which has more than 550,000 subscribers. It is now the unit’s remaining public platform

that posts regular updates, usually with live streams of presidential activities and a few photos.

Despite Facebook’s expansive reach in the Philippines, searching a Facebook page for information is not as easy as going through a website’s archives. A website is crawled by Google, making its content available to an even wider user base.

PCO’s Twitter and Viber accounts are not as active, with fewer than two tweets and posts a day, and with a few photos from some of the president’s activities.

“(Presidential Communications) is now the official social media account for both Facebook and Twitter,” Andanar said.

The last update on its Google Plus account was on September 30, before which the page would release photos of presidential appearances as well as statements, transcripts and other releases quickly.

The Official Gazette last updated its Facebook page also on September 30. Its Twitter account has been similarly neglected.

The website, meanwhile, contains Duterte’s latest orders, signed legislation and only a few Palace statements.

In October, Andanar said it will be returned to its “constitutional function” of publishing administrative and executive orders, proclamations and legislation.

Recent documents, however, are not posted on the site’s accompanying social media accounts, which have a combined number of 2.6 million followers.

The Official Gazette was established

by Act No. 453 in 1902, and given further mandate to publish new laws to effect their promulgation by President Corazon Aquino in 1987.

An online version with social platforms started during her son’s presidency in 2010.

The website of the Philippines News Agency,

a unit reporting to the PCO, has similarly experienced downtime for the past week.

The current online efforts are a far cry following Duterte’s inauguration in late June when photo releases became available right after his address, and all the other properties released information relevant within the news cycle.

In September, netizens slammed the Official Gazette for “historical revisionism” when its Twitter and Facebook accounts seemed to downplay abuses during the martial law period under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The publication has since apologized, claiming that it based statements on its archives.

A string of infographics on the PCO’s main Facebook account on illegal drug use in the Philippines were criticized for misinterpreting the numbers. The posts were later on deleted, noting complaints

by Facebook users. This month, the agency was again in hot water over a Facebook infographic on infrastructure spending.

“The graph is misleading because averages were used with different number of years per value. You can improve the comparison by using year one of each administration,” a netizen pointed out.

In the wake of the September 2 Davao City blast, where more than a dozen people died, informal statements made via SMS, social media and broadcast interviews by Duterte’s officials sowed confusion among journalists on whether the declaration of a “state of lawlessness” applied nationwide or only in Mindanao. The proclamation was posted only a day after on the Official Gazette.

Andanar, in mid-September took full responsibility for his team’s failings, and appealed for understanding. He said the team follows a daily communications plan, but sometimes has to revise it at the last minute because of input from Duterte.

Satisfaction with the National Administration on Specific Issue (Sept. 2016) Overall Performance Rating Campaigning against illegal drugs Promoting human rights Helping the poor Promoting the welfare of the OFWs Fighting crimes Eradicating graft and corruption Fighting terrorism Defending the country’s territorial rights Distributing lands to deserving tillers under land reform Developing science and technology Providing jobs Reconciliation with Muslims rebels Foreign relations Ensuring an efficients transportation system Reconciliation with communist rebels Ensuring that no family will ever be hungry Fighting inflation

SAT

UND

DIS

NET

75% 85 74 75 73 73 71 69 65 65 61 63 59 58 57 57 57 58

17% 7 15 13 16 11 14 21 23 23 25 20 22 23 23 23 22 17

8% 7 11 12 11 15 14 13 12 12 12 17 17 18 19 18 21 25

66 78 63 63 62 58 57 53 53 53 49 46 42 39 39 39 37 33

*Net figures (% satisfied minus % dissatisfied) correctly rounded Source: Third quarter 2016 Social Weather Report (Sept. 24-27 National Survey)

Palace online platforms left inactive for months

I

t has been months since online platforms of the executive branch’s lead communications arm were updated with information on President Rodrigo Duterte’s activities as well as statements and other media releases.

The main digital properties of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), which Secretary Martin Andanar heads, show a black homepage labeled “under maintenance” since late September, a few months after the staff of former President Benigno Aquino III turned it over to the new administration.

“We will turn off the pcoo.gov.ph site this weekend for design upgrade. We shall notify you when the new website will be online,” the white text over a black background on the site’s homepage reads. There was no date indicated in the advisory.

Asked when the PCO’s websites will relaunch, Andanar said the new target is the end of November. In early October, the PCO chief said they would be restored that month.

“[The] delay is caused by other projects,” Andanar said in a text message. “We will be releasing new web products soon.”

He said these are part of a change in the office’s “policy direction”.

His team, meanwhile, is occupied with

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NEWS 11

DECEMBER 2016

House sub-group OKs bills to extend passport validity

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technical working group (TWG) of the House committee on foreign affairs has finished consolidating 22 bills all seeking to lengthen the validity of the Philippine passport to 10 years for adults and five years for minors.

Deputy Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo, who chairs the TWG, approved the proposals to amend Republic Act 8239, otherwise known as the “Philippine Passport Law.” Under the proposed amendment, passports of adults or those 18 years old and above will have a 10-year validity while those

of minors will remain at five years.

Arroyo clarified it was not the intention of the bills’ authors to introduce any other amendment to the existing law, but only to lengthen the passport’s validity.

The lawmaker from Pampanga said the current five-year passport validity “is rather too short given the tedious process and cost it requires to obtain or renew a passport.”

ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III and Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil expressed support for the amendment during the TWG meeting.

Under Section 10 of RA 8239, the

passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.

With the amendment approved by the TWG, the provision of the said law shall read: “SECTION 10. Validity. Regular passports issued under this Act shall be valid for a period of five (5) years for minors, ages zero to seventeen (0-17) years old and ten (10) years for adults eighteen (18) years old and above.” The amendment, however, allows the issuing authority to limit the period of validity to less than ten years “whenever in the national economic interest or political stability of the country such restriction is

purchased by the government.

Dengaxia was given an exemption from this assessment by former Health Sec. Janette Garin in February, though an invitation to bid and a purchase request was prepared in January. Department of Health (DOH) Department Order No. 2014-0088 states that exemptions can only be granted for “a current or potential urgent health situation” and “for concerns that are of public health importance upon decision and endorsement of the Secretary of Health.” Garin explained that the purchase request would not have pushed through had the exemption not been approved. “Kunwari nagkaroon ng Purchase Request pagkatapos wala pang exemption, hindi ‘yan magpu-push through. Kung kunwari naman hindi binigyan ng exemption, ika-cancel ‘yan automatically,” she said.

Garin insisted that Dengvaxia was proven to be safe in clinical trials completed

by WHO-accredited laboratories in Brazil and Mexico. She added that these results were transmitted to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration before its approval of the drug and any “undue haste” in acquiring it was from the time of former Health Sec. Enrique Ona. “’Yung sinasabing ‘undue haste,’ panahon pa po ni Sec. Ona. Ang tagal na niyang plinano.” hould there be any side effects from the vaccine, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) President Dr. Rustico Jimenez said, physicians would be able to detect them by now as the second round of

vaccinations took place in September.

Jimenez added in an interview on Balitanghali that parents of schoolchildren in the program were asked for permission before they were given Dengvaxia.

“Kung meron magkakaroon ng sideeffects, we expect it this month after the giving. Kaya nga ang ginagawa ng DOH diyan... humihingi sila ng consent sa magulang para at least alam nila yung possible side effects, at least nag-consent sila,” he said. Jimenez believes the vaccine to be safe but lacked subjects for its trials, and may have diverted too much attention and funding from the government to find and fund cures for other common diseases.

“Hindi mako-cover lahat ng age group kasi hindi effective yan sa ibang age group. At isa pa, yung mahal. Kasi baka iko-concentrate sa isang sakit samantalang yung ordinaryong TB hindi pa natin nako-cure,” he said. “And yung number one killer dito sa Pilipinas, yung pneumonia.” Three shots of Dengvaxia are required to provide full coverage for students. The DOH said it was able to procure the vaccines at P3,000 for all three doses.

Jimenez added that experts do not need to worry about ordinary citizens getting access to the vaccine due to the DOH’s campaign for stricter rules on antibiotics.

Since the DOH began its free immunization program in April, almost 500,000 Grade 4 students in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4 have been inoculated.

—GMA News

Dominguez said Landbank would fit into the picture as “we don’t have any other bank to do it—DBP [state-run Development Bank of the Philippines] is not a universal bank.”

The finance chief said the government might have to infuse additional capital into Postbank to beef it up, but they have yet to determine how much. “It’s like giving your child some money—it’s still for yourself,” he said. It would take about 11 months to conduct due diligence on and get a valuation of Postbank as well as get the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ nod for Landbank’s acquisition of Postbank, Dominguez said.

According to its website, Postbank has 31 branches and microfinance banking offices nationwide.

As of end-September, Landbank is the country’s fourth biggest bank in terms of assets with P1.29 trillion.

Duterte mulls converting postal bank to OFW bank

Free dengue vaccine questioned by scientists over safety

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ritics of the previous administration’s free dengue vaccination program raised concerns over the safety of the vaccine again after recent studies questioned its efficacy. Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Dr. Anthony Leachon and other physicians questioned Dengvaxia after a study by a group of scientists published in Science in September indicated that the dengue vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur may expose those inoculated to worse strains of dengue and increase their risk of hospitalization.

Leachon, an ardent opponent of the vaccination program, said Dengvaxia should have been put through a more stringent testing process before it was used in a mass inoculation program. “Hindi ako kumporme na public vaccination kagad or mass vaccination. Dapat optional and private muna, tapos gawa ka ng physician-lead clinical trial,” Leachon said. He also pointed out that the vaccine was not prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO prequalification “aims to ensure that diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and immunization-related equipment and devices for high burden diseases meet global standards of quality, safety and efficacy, in order to optimize use of health resources and improve health outcomes.”

Executive Order 49, series of 1993 states that drugs must be approved the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF), which uses concepts from the WHO, before they can be

Landbank to buy Postbank, to serve OFW

I

nstead of privatizing Philippine Postal Savings Bank (Postbank), the government plans to have it absorbed by state-run Land Bank of the Philippines next year to serve as a subsidiary catering to overseas Filipino workers, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

Dominguez, who chairs Landbank, told reporters that the Department of Finance already gave its go-ahead for Landbank to acquire the Postbank from Philippine Postal Corp. “Landbank is a universal bank and universal banks reach out to different markets just like BDO bought One Network Bank so it can go to the rural market. We are going to do that, too,” Dominguez explained.

“(Postbank) will be operated as a fully owned subsidiary and it will be serving an underserved market—the OFWs. It has a very good tie-up right now with the postal service so that would help in its marketing efforts,” the finance chief added.

Tel.: (02) 2595-8686 / 0800-075-725

President Rodrigo Duterte has been eyeing the conversion of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank into a bank that will cater to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) since sending mail is becoming obsolete.

In a speech before the Filipino community in Tokyo, Japan last Oct. 25, Duterte said: “Maybe ‘yung postal bank ng gobyerno, wala namang nagmail, sumusulat ngayon sa—sulat, ‘my love, dadating ako diyan.’ Eh puro load lang naman ‘yan, loadload lang ‘yang love ngayon, hindi na sulat.”

During the campaign season before the May 2016 polls, Duterte said he wants to create a dedicated government agency and bank for OFWs. He said the bank would enable OFWs to send their remittance more efficiently. Data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas showed there are at least 4.21 million OFWs as of 2013.

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necessary.”

The measure also requires the issuing authority to return an old passport to the holder after cancellation and passport renewal. The present law refers to passport as “a document issued by the Philippine government to its citizens and requesting other governments to allow its citizens to pass safely and freely, and in case of need to give him/her all lawful aid and protection.”

The consolidated bill will be presented to the committee on foreign affairs chaired by Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica during its next hearing.

‘Legitimate contracting’ is necessary for Philippines, says group

D

espite issues surrounding “contractualization,” the Philippine contracting industry cannot be fully removed since it employs millions of people in the country according to a contractors organization.

The Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors (PALSCON) believes that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) should first address problems and issues with fly-by-night contractors instead of a blanket ban on contract labor.

PALSCON Chair Butch Guerrero said contractors and contracted employees can reach a beneficial situation for both parties where employees are rewarded full benefits under a contractual setup and are given a separation or retirement pay when work stops.

Rhoda Caliwara, PALSCON president, defended the contracting industry saying there is legitimate service contracting that guarantees full benefits to its employees.

“There is legitimate service contracting and when we say legitimate service contracting we give full benefits, we comply with the general labor standards issued by the DOLE. We also provide occupational health and safety standards,” she said on ANC’s “Headstart.”

They explained that what is only illegal in the country is labor-only contracting and the 5-5-5 system, where employees are prevented from being regularized by renewing contracts every five months,

commonly known as “endo,” an abbreviation of “end of contract.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has previously announced that he wants contractual jobs halved by the end of the year and completely eliminated in 2017.

Duterte has also ordered an inspection of all companies and warned those that would not terminate short-term contracts, saying “you will not only lose your money, you will lose your pants.” Guerrero however explained that companies who engage in labor-only contracting should not be closed down. “They don’t need to be closed down they need to stop this illegal practice and then correct the practice,” he said.He added: “Contracting is a worldwide trend. And for the Philippines to be competitive in the ASEAN region we need this.” —ANC

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12 NEWS

DECEMBER 2016

Madugong Pasko MUSINGS OF THE SOULS

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adugo ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa taong ito sa Pilipinas.

Naririnig natin ang mga panaghoy ng mga kaanak sa pagtangis sa mga namatay. Mula pa ng Hulyo hanggang sa ngayon ayon sa Rappler report ay umabot na sa 4,791 ang napatay sa Oplan Tokhang at tataas pa marahil sa pagpasok ng Bagong Taon. 1,790 ang napatay na suspected drug personalities sa Nobyembre 3 na report.

3,001 naman ang biktima sa Extra-Judicial Killings sa Oktubre 23 report. Nababahala ang mga Human Rights advocates at mga bansa sa report na ito lalo na at may mga inosenteng nadadamay. Subalit sinabi ni Rodrigo Duterte, presidente ng Pilipinas na ang pagkapatay sa mga inosenteng mga tao sa giyera laban sa duroga ay hindi krimen, hindi kapabayaan, o kawalan ng pag-iingat. Ito ay tinatawag na collateral damage o nadamay lamang. Walang liabilidad ang mga Pulis sa paggawa ng kanilang ligal na operasyon. Ang pangunahing responsibilidad ni Presidente Duterte ay pangalagaan ang mga taong sumusunod sa batas, at ang kinabukasan ng bayan laban sa talamak na kasiraan dulot ng pagkalat ng duroga.

Maaalala din naman na naging madugo ang unang Pasko, sapagkat maraming bata ang napatay sa utos ng gobernador sa bayan ng Judea. Ngunit, hindi ipinag-utos ito dahil sa mga sugapa ang mga bata sa duroga o may krimen ginawa. Nang inanunsiyo nang Anghel ang pagdating nang Messias ay tutuong natuwa ang nahatiran ng magandang balita subalit hindi ang hari ng Judea. Nang dumating ang mga Pantas sa Herusalem matapos ipanganak si Jesus at nagtanong: “Nasaan matatagpuan ang kapapanganak pa lamang na Hari ng mga Hudyo? Sinabi nila na nakita nila ang Tala o Bituin ng Messias sa silangan at pumarito sila upang sambahin Siya (Mateo 2:2).” Ipinatawag ni Herodes ang mga Pantas upang matunton kung nasaan ang bata, at sinabing sasambahin din niya ito. Ngunit ang kanyang tunay na pakay ay patayin ang batang Messias sa takot na agawan siya ng trono nito. Binalaan ng Diyos ang mga Pantas tungkol sa plano ni Herod sa panaginip. “Pagkaalis ng mga pantas, nagpakita kay Jose sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi nito sa kanya, “Bumangon ka’t dalhin mo agad sa Egipto ang iyong mag-ina. At huwag kayong aalis doon hangga’t hindi ko sinasabi sapagkat hahanapin ni Herodes ang bata upang patayin.” Bumangon nga si Jose at nang gabi ring iyon, dinala niya sa Egipto ang kanyang mag-ina. Galit na galit si Herodes nang malaman niyang nalinlang siya ng mga pantas. Kaya’t inutos niyang patayin ang lahat ng batang lalaki sa Bethlehem at sa palibot nito mula sa gulang na dalawang taon pababa, batay sa panahong sinabi sa kanya ng mga pantas. ….Duon narinig ang malakas na panaghoy sapagkat tinatangisan ni Racquel ang kanyang mga anak (Matthew 2:13-18). Si Dakilang Herodes, (pangalan na gusto niyang tawagin siya) ay malupit, ganid sa kapangyarihan at patuloy ang kampanya ng pagpatay sa lahat ng aagaw sa korona niya miski mismong mga sariling kapamilya.

Gayun din naman sa ating panahon ngayon sa harap ng pagdiriwang ng Pasko.

Patuloy pa rin ang kampanya ng mga modern day Herodes laban sa mga baby na walang malay, walang laban, walang kakayanang

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mag-protesta laban sa banta sa kanilang buhay. Ang kaibahan ng mga modern day Herodes kay Herod ng Judea ay pinapatay ang mga baby na aagaw ng kanilang kaginhawahan o convenience. Sa Rev. Pastor Ko kanila, ang sino mang hadlang sa kanilang pansariling kaaliwan, ambisyon sa buhay, at sagabal sa kanilang sexual pleasure, walang kailangan patayin ang mga baby na iyon. Sariling convenience o comfort kaysa sa buhay ng bata ang mahalaga sa kanila.

Sino ba ang aking tinutukoy na modern day Herodes o Heroda? Malamang kilala mo sila o kaisa ka nila. Ang aking tinutukoy ay ang mga sinasadyang ilaglag ang mga baby sa sinapupunan ng ina. Kasama na ang lahat ng kasapakat sa pag-aabort gaya ng mga ina mismo ng baby, ang asawa nito, mga hilot o doctor na nagsasagawa nito. Ang abortion ay termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death.

Abortion can occur spontaneously due to complications during pregnancy or can be induced (Wikipedia). Hindi ko tinutukoy iyong kusang nalaglag (miscarriage). Hindi ko rin tinutukoy ang nilaglag na fetus o baby dahil sa nasa peligro ang buhay ng ina (kakaunti lamang ang kasong ganito). Tinutukoy ko ay iyong induced o sadyang pag-aabort ng unborn baby. Ayon sa datos ng World Health Organization (WHO), tinatayang 40-50 milyon paglalaglag ang naitatala bawat taon. Ito ay humigit kumulang na 125,000 paglalaglag kada araw! Sa Amerika, halos kalahati ng pagbubuntis ay hindi ninanais at apat sa sampung pagbubuntis ay nilalaglag. May 3,000 paglalaglag kada araw! Dalawampu at dalawang porsiyento ng pagbubuntis ay sinasadyang ilaglag. Samakatuwid, maraming Herodes o Heroda ang gumagawa nito bawat minuto sa buong mundo. Sila ang mga modern day baby killers.

Sa pagdiriwang ng Paskong ito, tutuong madugo at magpapatuloy na maging madugo ang pagpasok ng taon. Pagsamahin pa ang mga namamatay sa giyera sa Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, at giyera sa duroga sa Pilipinas, hindi kayang pantayan ang dami ng pinatay na sanggol na sadyang inilaglag sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo. Isipin pa na ang kumitil mismo sa mga sanggol ay kamag-anakan mismo. May pananagutan ang lahat ng nasasangkot sa paglalaglag ng mga sanggol sa Diyos.

Ano ang puno at dulo kung bakit nagagawa ito ng tao laban sa sariling laman? Ang sagot ay paghahari ng kasalanan sa tao.

Layunin ng Pasko na wakasan ang kapangyarihan ng Kasalanan. Ipinanganak ang Messias ng Pasko upang wakasan ang kapangyarihan ng Diablo at kasalanan. Ganito ang sabi ng Biblia, “Ang bawat nagkakasala ay lumalabag sa kautusan ng Diyos, sapagkat ang kasalanan ay paglabag sa kautusan.

Nalalaman ninyong naparito si Cristo upang pawiin ang ating mga kasalanan, at siya’y walang kasalanan. Ang nanatili sa kanya ay hindi nagpapatuloy sa pagkakasala. Ang nagpapatuloy sa pagkakasala ay hindi nakakita ni nakakilala man sa kanya…..Ang nagpapatuloy sa pagkakasala ay kampon ng diyablo, sapagkat sa simula pa’y nagkakasala na ang diablo.

Kaya’t naparito ang Anak ng Diyos upang wasakin ang mga gawa ng diablo” (1 Juan 3:4-8).

PASKO

Continued on Page 14

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Newsbits New top Philippines envoy Banayo arrives in Taiwan he Philippines’ new top envoy to Taiwan has arrived the country to start his tenure as chief representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). Angelito Banayo, concurrently serving as MECO chairman and resident representative in Taiwan, arrived in Taipei Tuesday (November 8) afternoon.

MECO functions as the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan, in the absence of diplomatic relations. Speaking to Taiwan’s Central News Agency in Manila before he departed for Taiwan, Banayo said he was “very happy” to take up the top envoy post. “I am very happy that I Angelito Banayo have being given the responsibility to represent the Chief representative of the Manila Philippines to the ROC Taiwan.” The new envoy said he Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) wished to continue with efforts to strengthen relations with the Philippines closest neighbor to the north, adding he would prioritize the enhancement of bilateral exchanges in agricultural, finance and industry. “There are a lot of things (for bilateral cooperation), even tourism, where we can really help each other out. “I also want Filipinos to go to Taiwan so that they can learn (about) the culture of Taiwan, which is very rich.” Serving as Manila’s top envoy in Taipei, Banayo fills the vacancy left by his predecessor Antonio Basilio, who has moved into a role as a senior advisor to MECO. He was appointed

by President Rodrigo Duterte in June before assuming his current post on Aug. 1. Banayo, 70, previously served as postmaster general during the Cory Aquino administration, head of the Philippine Tourism Authority during the Joseph Estrada administration and administrator of the National Food Authority from 2010-2012 under President Benigno Aquino III.

T

Amended migrant worker employment law to come into effect Nov. 5 resident Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) promulgated on Thursday (November 3) an amendment to the Employment Service Act that scraps the maximum stay requirement for migrant workers and will come into force on Saturday, the Ministry of Labor said. The Legislative Yuan passed the amendment on Oct. 21, removing a provision that required migrant workers who work in Taiwan for three years — the longest contract allowed — to leave the country for at least one day if they want to be re-hired. The ministry said that Pres. Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) once the amendment comes into effect, migrant workers Taiwan President who have lived in Taiwan for three years can be re-hired without having to leave the country if their employer applies for a new permit from the ministry.

However, the amendment also stipulates that foreign workers can still take paid holidays and paid time off to visit their home country and employers must comply with this requirement or face a fine, according to the ministry. In line with the amendment, the Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers will be revised to include new procedures that enable employers to extend the employment of workers who have already worked three years, the ministry said. Regulations governing how to change employers will also be revised to give migrant workers clear guidelines on what steps to follow if their labor contracts are not renewed after three years, according to the ministry.

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Taiwan to invite Filipino basketball teams aiwan will increase sports exchanges with Southeast Asian countries in line with the government’s “new southbound policy,” the Sports Administration said. This will be one of three strategies to promote the government policy, the other two being to encourage new immigrants and migrant workers to take part in local sports meets and increase exchanges with sporting officials from other countries. Wang Han-chung, chief secretary of the administration, cited as an example plans to invite Filipino basketball teams to Taiwan early next year, noting that the Philippines excels at the sport. Wang said that Filipino basketball players could come as early as March when the Taiwan’s High School Basketball League season ends. He also said that the 2018 Asian Games will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia and as that country is particularly good at badminton, “we could invite players to Taiwan or send Taiwanese competitors to be trained there.” Taiwan will also encourage its many foreign workers and brides to take part in local sports meets. “Foreign migrants could form a team themselves to take part in local sports meets,” he said. Noting that separk takraw and kabaddi are popular in Southeast Asian countries, Wang also expressed the hope that the national High School Athletic Meet, National Intercollegiate Athletic Games or National Sports Meet could invite foreign migrants to demonstrate the sports which are less well known in Taiwan. Wang said the administration’s program to promote the “new southbound policy” will be launched next year with a budget of NT$72.7 million (US$2.3 million).

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Taiwan has no plans to allow foreign farm workers: minister aiwan has no plans to use migrant workers in the agricultural sector to ease the current labor shortage, Minister of Agriculture Tsao Chi-hung (曹啟鴻) said. However, the Council of Agriculture (COA) and the Ministry of Labor will continue to study issues related to bringing in foreign farm workers, with an initial focus on the dairy industry, according to Tsao. Tsao made the remarks during a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Economic Committee to review the COA’s 2017 budget, at which several ruling Democratic Progressive Party legislators expressed concern that Taiwan’s agricultural sector is being held back by a severe labor shortage and the aging of the nation’s farmers. Meanwhile, Chang Chih-sheng (張致盛), director of the COA’s Department of Farmers’ Service, said that the council has adopted two measures to cope with the growing shortage of farm workers, including establishing agricultural service work teams made up of 320 workers from six cities and counties and a program to encourage the wider use of female labor in rural areas

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NEWS 13

DECEMBER 2016

MOCA Taipei held Filipino Fiesta M OCA (Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei) together with MECO have organized a fiesta for all Filipino friends in Taiwan last November 13. This event aims to introduce the Filipino talents to Taiwanese people.

The celebration showcases the traditional Filipino dance perform by the COT (Cordirella Organization in Taiwan) called “Pattong”, a dance that usually performed during their festivals such as Kanyaw, it’s the thanksgiving feast for a good harvest, good health and a good life. Filipino communities also display the native delicacies while EEC offers the local famous products from the Philippines. A Sand Art performed by Mario Subeldia and a first solo exhibit of Filipino Artist held at MOCA by Ronald Ventura.

Mario Subeldia, the first Filipino street artist recognized by Taiwan

Mario Subeldia, hails from Lucena City and works in a shipment company in Taiwan.

Way back then in the Philippines, he’s already interested in sand performances and when he came here to Taiwan he continued to enhance his talent. In 2011 he joined the Pinoy Got Talent Season 4 in Tanzu organized by Father Joy Tajonera and bagged the first prize. After the competition he continuously explore ideas to enhance his talent, he also tried to take his sand performance on the streets, but unfortunately he was caught by the police, because it is illegal to perform on the street without a license. That’s when he decided to apply for street artist license. He is the first Filipino Artist who got the certification as a street artist performer. He can now perform legally around Taiwan. Recently he was awarded second placer at 2016 Street Artist Competition last September, participated by Taiwanese and foreign artist. His advice to fellow OFW who have talent, is that to not be afraid to show your given talent, and that being away from our family is not a hindrance to pursue our talent but an inspiration. “My performance show my homesickness to my family because I pour all emotions on it, he said.” He was recently invited to perform at the concert (北飛的)of famous Hakka singer in Taipei together with the Hakka singer in Miaoli.

Contemporary Ronald Ventura showcase his art work "Rainbow Bridges"

Philippine products from EEC

population of Overseas Filipino Workers here.

The exhibition hopes to be an eye opener to Taiwanese about the Filipino culture, said Frances, the Education Teacher. He’s upcoming exhibitions will be in Italy and New York on 2017.

Rainbow Bridges

COT members performs the traditional "Pattong" dance. (Right) Mario Subeldia, the Sand performer artist.

The events highlighted the works of contemporary Artist Ronald Ventura, the first Filipino Artist who held solo exhibition in MOCA Taipei from Sept. 15 to Nov. 30, 2016.

Born 1973 in Manila, where he continues to live and work, graduated Bachelor in Fine Arts in Painting at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. Ronald Ventura ranks as one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation in Southeast Asia. His work features a complex layering of images and styles, ranging from

hyperrealism to cartoons and graffiti.

He’s a multimedia artist because he’s not only into paintings but he also does sculpting, digital and printing and uses a lot of medium for his works. There’s a lot of renaissance and contemporary artists that he looked up to, those who contributed a lot to his works, to his styles and movement as an artist.

This year’s exhibition is very special because this is the first time the MOCA Taipei is hosting a solo exhibition for a Filipino artist, not to mention that Taiwan is also a good place to exhibit since the concept of this exhibition is FINDING HOME, which could relate to the big

unang sumabak noong 2015 at nakapasok sa Top 15. Sinorpresa rin si Kylie nang ipakausap sa kanya ang kanyang mga magulang, via phone patch, na ngayon ay nasa Japan.

Kuwento ng ina niyang si Gemma Raquel Fausto-Verzosa, hindi nila pinilit ang anak na pumasok sa beauty pageant.

“Hindi po namin siya pinilit. Nagulat na lang kami noong sinabi niya na she wanted to join the pageant.

“Sinuportahan naman namin siya,” sabi

ni Mommy Raquel, na sumali rin sa Binibining Pilipinas noong 1985 at naging semifinalist.

Inilarawan din ni Raquel kung anong klaseng anak si Kylie.

“Kylie is such a very good daughter. At bubbly ang personality niya at saka mapagmahal na kapatid at anak.”

Sa usaping love life naman ng anak, sabi ng ina ni Kylie: “As of now, wala po siyang love life. I don’t think she has time for that.”

Maiksing mensahe naman ng ama ni Kylie na si Mr. Ari Verzosa: “Go out in the world and make a difference!”

Misty-eyed si Kylie nang magbigay naman siya ng mensahe sa kanyang mga magulang. Sabi niya, “Thank you so much for everything. Marami tayong pinagdaanan.

“Maraming salamat sa support ninyo. Hindi lang emotionally, financially as well.

“Hopefully napasaya ko kayo.

“Thank you, Mommy and Daddy, I really love you!” Panganay si Kylie sa limang magkakapatid.

Sinundan siya ng kapatid na babae at sumunod naman ang kambal na lalaki at bunso na lalaki rin.

Inusisa si Kylie kung may plano rin ba ang nakababatang kapatid niyang babae na pumasok sa beauty contest.

“My sister is very beautiful, but she’s focusing

Finding Home: Ronald Ventura solo exhibition

This artwork displayed outside the museum, are among the favourite of most spectators. According to Ventura, this colourful flowing lines, complex and endless path symbolizes for seeking home, for people seeking roots. He used bamboo as a medium, because bamboo have all the necessary characteristics: flexibility, strength and toughness. It can withstand strong winds. It’s soft and can be curved and shaped freely. Many Asian countries like Philippines mostly use bamboos for construction projects. It hopes to convey the sympbolic meaning and relevance of the work and to also reinforce the concept of generosity. He used the spectrum colour on the bamboo as a representation of multiple definitions of home. The word bridges refers not to the structure’s foundation of the building but the ability to connect and gather.

Miss Int’l 2016 Kylie Verzosa triumphs after her second shot at Bb. Pilipinas

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lessing in disguise para kay Kylie Verzosa na hindi niya nakasungkit ang Miss Universe-Philippines 2016 title sa Binibining Pilipinas pageant noong April.

Marami noon ang nag-akalang kay Kylie mapupunta ang mas mataas na titulo, ngunit ang napanalunan niyang korona ay Bb. PilipinasInternational.

Samantalang si Maxine Medina ang nanalong Miss Universe-Philippines at sasabak sa Miss Universe pageant sa susunod na taon na dito sa Pilipinas gaganapin.

Ngunit may mas malaking korona palang nakalaan para kay Kylie—ang Miss International 2016.

Si Kylie ang ika-anim na Pinay na nanalong Miss International; pagkatapos nina Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), at Bea Rose Santiago (2013).

Ilang linggo mula nang mapanalunan niya ang Miss International title, nakabalik na ng Pilipinas si Kylie.

Pahayag niya sa kanyang pagkapanalo, “I feel honored… everything happens for a reason.

“Even kung may mga questions ka, God has greater plans for you.”

Repeater si Kylie sa Binibining Pilipinas na

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on her job right now and on her studies,” sagot ni Kylie.

Bago sumali sa nasabing pageant, isa siyang volunteer para sa Natasha Goulbourn Foundation na tumutulong sa pag-educate sa mga tao tungkol sa depression and suicide.

Kaya advocacy ni Kylie ang tumulong sa pagbibigay ng kaalaman sa mga taong may mental problem at makahanap ng gamot para rito. Isa rin siyang preschool teacher at nakatapos siya ng Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management sa Ateneo De Manila University. Ang paraan daw ni Kylie para makapag-release ng stress sa mga ginagawa niyang trabaho ay ang painting at drawing.

“Nakaka-release po siya ng stress and creativity.

“Mas gusto ko yung may kinokopya ako or may tumutulong sa akin. “Yung mga ginawa ko naman is for myself lang.

“It’s more sa pag-release ng emotions. Ito yung nasa loob ng puso ko,” sabia niya.

Makikipagtulungan daw ang bagong Miss International sa UNICEF (United Children’s Educational Fund) para sa worldwide charities. “I will stay here for about a month or two until I fly to Japan and to the other countries I’ll be assigned to. “We are an ambassador of beauty and peace of the world so we are to promote peace and goodwill, and to promote Japan as well.”

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14 NEWS

DECEMBER 2016

Taipei festival showcases diverse Asia-Pacific cultures

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he 2016 Asia-Pacific Culture Day concluded Nov. 6 at Taipei Main Station, with 20 foreign missions from the region and representatives from seven local governments participating in Taiwan’s efforts to promote cultural exchanges, interactions and understanding between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies and partners throughout the region.

“Culture is at the heart of our relationship with regional neighbors. Whereas before, economics and trade largely defined our diplomacy towards Southeast and South Asia, our new government has launched a New Southbound Policy that is more diverse and well-rounded,” Vice President Chen Chien-jen said. “We are working to build stronger ties with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

“These ties go beyond economics and trade, into education, tourism, science and technology, and crucially, culture,” he added.

“The Asia-Pacific Culture Day symbolizes this effort perfectly.”

Chen made the remarks during an address Nov. 5 at the two-day event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the embassies and representative offices of Asia-Pacific countries, local

governments and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

MOFA Minister David Tawei Lee said each year the Asia-Pacific Culture Day draws a large attendance, as reflected in the more than 100,000 visitors seen last year.

“Thanks to globalization, exchanges between countries in such areas as culture are growing in both number and importance,” Lee said. “Such exchanges en- (Left photo ) EEC staff promotes Philipine products at the event. (Right) A Miss World 2015 pageant contestant, Hillarie Parungao (Center) of the Philippines with the MECO Staff attended the opening day of Asia-Pacific rich our cultures, foster mu- Culture Day. Parungao was invited to attend the event to help promote tourism between Taiwan and the tual understanding, reduce Philippines. friction between peoples and Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Singapore, South New Southbound Policy. (KH-E) nations, and move us closer Korea, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, The closing ceremony was hosted by Li to realizing a true global village.”

Now in its fifth year, the festival fea- the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu and Chengran, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic tured dance and music performances as well Vietnam.

Six Taiwan cities, namely Kaohsiung, of China on November 6th. He thanked the as booths showcasing artwork, specialty cuisines and tourism information from six of New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei and people of the Asia-Pacific region for their Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and 14 partners in Taoyuan, as well as one county, Hsinchu, support to the Asia-Pacific Culture Day were also represented. The local govern- for five consecutive years. He also invitthe Asia-Pacific.

The countries that had a presence at ments of these areas have each signed ed everyone to look forward to the “ 2017 — the event are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, In- friendship or sister city agreements with Asia-Pacific Cultural Day. donesia, Japan, Kiribati, Malaysia, Myanmar, their counterparts in target countries of the Taiwan Today

Miss Universe 2016 pageant will be in Philippines

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t’s official: the 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held here in January.

The Miss Universe Organization and the Department of Tourism (DOT), along with partners from the private sector such as the LCS Group of Companies, Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment Corp. and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., have signed a contract officially making the Philippines host for next year’s pageant.

Richelle Louise Singson-Michael will lead the Miss Universe competition’s host committee from the private sector.

“The Philippines will benefit from the staging of the Miss Universe pageant. The event will bring not only pride to the country, but also revenues for the tourism sector,” Michael said. Shawn McClain, vice president for the Miss Universe Organization business

development and marketing, committed to highlight the destinations and positive aspects of the Philippines during the threehour telecast of the pageant.

“We have about 400 people and we’re going to visit a lot of places and show the world what the Philippines has to offer. We will boost tourism and help put a positive focus on everything the Philippines is, stands for and will be in the future,” McClain said.

Baguio, Vigan, Cebu and Davao were among the venues confirmed to host the pageant’s ancillary events.

Pass It Forward, an online portal where individuals and charities can come together, will be the philanthropy platform for the next Miss Universe pageant. Other sponsors named during the contract signing were San Miguel Corp. and JPark Island Resort and

Waterpark in Cebu. The LCS Group, along with all the sponsors, secured and paid the Miss Universe Organization around $12.9 million in cash and letters of credit, guarantees and barter even before the contract signing for the holding of the pageant in the Philippines.

“We’re looking for more partners. We’re seeking other venues, provinces that the contestants will go to,” Michael said.

Former Ilocos Sur governor and LCS Group chief Chavit Singson said the company was not expecting to profit from hosting the international event.

“What I’m after is for the good of our country and the effect of tourism is good.

It benefits all businesses,” Singson said in Filpino. Tourism assistant secretary Frederick Alegre expressed confidence the pageant would bring in more tourists in the coming

years. “Even each candidate can bring their delegates, as many as they want. Can you imagine the multiplying effect?” Alegre said.

The DOT said the sponsors would shoulder only the expenses of the Miss Universe candidates. This means hotels, airlines and other businesses will earn from the expenses of delegates and supporters who will come to the Philippines for the pageant.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment said it would transform the SM Mall of Asia into a virtual Miss Universe village, showcasing an array of activities that will bring the Miss Universe experience to mall visitors. Aside from the coronation night, SM MOA will also be the site of the Governor’s Ball, National Gift Auction, National Costume, Fashion Show and the Designer Showcase segments of the pageant.

he Department of Transportation’s infrastructure projects all have accompanying plans to ensure traffic in the area will not be disturbed during construction, an official assured.

Assistant Secretary Cesar Chavez revealed that this is upon the instruction of Secretary Arthur Tugade. “All infrastructure projects under the Department of Transportation and all attached agencies, [sic] before its implementation, should have a

clear traffic management plan. Otherwise, the Secretary will not approve,” he said.

Under the Duterte administration, several railway projects may be constructed, including a line that will connect the Diliman campus of University of the Philippines to Quiapo in Manila. The project, which will be a combination of underground and viaduct railways, will traverse through Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue, España, and Lerma. “This is a 10-kilometer project to be finished in three

and a half years,” said Chavez.

Recently approved is a public-private partnership (PPP) project for the Philippine National Rail (PNR) South Line from Tutuban to Los Baños, Laguna. “We’re expecting that this will also be finished within the term of the president,” he said. The government is also studying “Line 5”, which will connect the business districts in Makati City, Taguig, and Pasay City. Chavez noted that this would be “very, very critical” to the public because

it can accommodate plenty of passengers everyday. Chavez added, their plan is for every station, as much as possible, to have a commercial complex which can serve as an intermodal passenger terminals as well as a multi-level parking to allow private car owners to “park-and-ride.” He added, there are bills pending in both Houses of Congress to have a “Rail Regulatory Board” that will determine “whether the price is sufficient, the price is affordable to commuters.”

PASKO

iyong pagpapakabait ang pinatay para sa kasalanan mo. Maraming Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Protestants, Catholics ay mabait ngunit nalaglag sa impierno. Dugo ni Jesus Cristo ang ibinuhos at naglilinis ng kasalanan, hindi ang ano mang relihiyon, organisasyon, o samahan.

Kaya hingin mong maligo ka sa dugo ni Jesus.

Sa kanya ka mananalig. Siya ang nagbayad at mag-aalis ng iyong kasalanan. Sinabi ng Biblia, “Gayun na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kung kaya at ipinagkaloob niya

ang Kanyang Bugtong na Anak. Ang sino mang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapapahamak, kundi mayroon nang buhay na walang hanggan (Juan 3:16).” Sumampalataya ka ng buong puso mo at walang halong pagkukunwari. Kasama ang taimtim na pagsisisi at pagpapakumbaba sa Diyos. Kapag ginawa mo ito, dadanas ka ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng iyong kasalanan. Dadaloy ang kapayapaan sa iyo at tatanggap ka ng buhay na walang hanggan (Roma 5-8). Ano pa ba ang hinahangad mo sa

Pasko? Dugo ni Cristo ang kailangan mo!

DOTr tells agencies: No traffic plan, no construction

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Continued on Page 12 Unawain mo ang sabi ng Biblia, “Siya’y (Jesus) ipinapatay dahil sa ating mga kasalanan at muling binuhay upang tayo’y mapawalang-sala (Roma 4:25). Huwag mong biruin ang sinabi ng Biblia, “Ang kabayaran ng kasalanan ay kamatayan (Roma 6:23).” Mananatili ka sa iyong kasalanan kung HINDI sasampalataya kay Jesu Cristo. Hindi relihiyon o denominasyon ang pinatay para sa kasalanan mo. Hindi ang

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Merry Christmas and Happy Blessed New Year!

Kung nagkaroon ng kahulugan sa inyo ang mensaheng ito, mangyari na i-text ang iyong pangalan at tirahan sa 0922300808. Padadalhan ka ng libreng aralin at babasahin. Kung nais maipanalangin, isulat o i-email ang prayer request sa paul@launchpoint.cc.

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NEWS 15

DECEMBER 2016

Iba’t Ibang klase ng Boyfriend James Bond – mga klaseng boyfriend the chickboy, talagang mahilig sa babae. Ito yung klaseng boyfriend na parating nagbibigay ng sakit ng ulo sa kanilang mga girlfriend. Madalas lumuwa ang mga mata niyan pag may sxing babae nakikita.

Pastor Ely – mga boyfriend na hindi makabasag ng pinggan, kadalasang mababait at parang pastor na nangangaral sa mga tao. Madalas niyang pangaralan ang kanyang girlfriend tungkol sa mabubuting salit ng Panginoon.

Very endangered ang mga Pastor Ely, kaunting-kaunti lang sila pero magaling humawak ng relasyon.

Commander Robot – mga boyfriend na seloso, over protective, at paladikta sa kanyang girlfriend. Yung tipong ayaw niyang padapuin yung kanyang GF sa ibang tao. Palagi siyang nakabuntot at binabantayan ang bawat kilos ng kanyang GF. Madalas nasisira agad ang isang relasyon kapag ang lalaki ay Commander Robot.

Bed-King – mga boyfriend na kaya lamang gustong magkagirlfriend ay upang gawing pampalipas oras. Mga boyfriend na masyadong maL. Palaging gustong matulog kasama ang kanyang GF. Sexually adventurous si bed-king at hindi ideal ng mga Maria-Clara style na babae.

Crisostomo Ibarra – mga boyfriend na masyadong matatalino. Palaging pinaglalaban ang kanyang mga karapatan. Minsan ginagamit ang katalinuhan upang mang-akit

ng girls. Palaban, madalas isinisingit ang kanyang rights as BF. Kadalasan ito ang mga boyfriend na walang gaanong looks pero dinadaan sa utak ang pagsuyo sa babae. Masyado ring mapalabok ang kanyang sinasabi – yung tipong matalinghaga at para kang magkaka-nose bleed pag kinakausap mo.

Coco-loco – mga lalaking kinababaliwan dahil gwapo may looks, kaya nga loco. Yun nga lang medyo matu-turn off ka dahil kung ano ang guwapo niya siya namang kawalan ng utak. Mga BF na sumusunod lang sa agos, walang alam sa buhay. Walang talino in short.

Coco dahil parang empty coconut shell ang utak. Madalas ang GF ang sumasalo ng lahat ng problema kapag may problemang dumating sa kanilang relasyon.

Uto-uto – from the word itself. Ito yung mga BF na medaling lokohin, bigay-kaya kahit na alam na niyang niloloko siya. Madalas mahiyain ang mg uto-uto. Hindi makahindi sa mga girls. Kapag ikawa ng GF nya, madalas ka ring magka-migraine dahil kahit na pangaralan mo eh tuloy-tuloy pa rin sa pagpapaloko.

Mr. Easy-go-lucky – mga BF na kaya lamang nabuhay sa mundo eh paran mag-bunjee jumping at kumain. Mga walang alam sa buhay, tamad, at sumusunod sa agos. May talino ang mga ito, unlike sa mga coco-loco, ngunit hindi ginagamit ng husto. Mabisyo rin ang ganitong type ng BF. Laging may hithit sa sigarilyo, lagging nasa lakwatsahan. Kung ikaw ang GF, iniexpec niya lagi kang sasama sa kanyang mga gimmicks. Palatandaan ng mga ganitong BF: palaging kasama ang kanyang mga katropa.

Economista – mga BF na nakakaimbiyerna hindi dahil pangit ang ugali niya, kundi masyadong BARAT, KURIPOT, at WAIS. Ito yung tipo ng BF na kapag kakakin kayo sa labas eh sa karinderya ka ibabagsak, o sa tindahan ng kwek-kwek. Less romantic ang mga ganitong BF dahil kapag magde-date kayo eh laging KKB as in KANYA-KANYANG BAYAD. Masinop sa pera, madalas siyang magbibigay ng mga regalo na mabibili lang sa Divisoria, buy-one-take-one pa! Ito yung tipong BF na mas mahalag pa ang pera kaysa sa kanyang GF. Roadrunner – mga BF na bigay-kaya ngunit wais. Mabilis pagdating sa persistence. Ito yung BF na mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro, pag susunduin niya ang G sa school man o sa trabaho. Bigay-kaya in a sense na madalas siyang may regalo sa kanyang GF, yung tipong nakatatak na sa utak niya kung kalian ang birthday mo, monthsary niyo, birthday ng nanay mo, tatay mo, blah-blah. Pero may limitasyon din itong si Road runner dail pag nagbreak kayo, sisingilin niyang lahat ang mga naibigay niya sa iyo.

Salawahan – very very very basic. Mga BF na mahilig sa girls, kung magka-girlfriend eh dalawa. Minsan 3, minsan 4. Mga traydor, palihim na sumisimple sa GF at naghahanap ng panibagong GF. Madalas pinagsasabay ng mga ganitong BF ang dalawa o higit pang relasyon. Madalas itong magbigay ng sakit ng ulo sa GF lao na kng selosa ang una. Katulad siya ni James Bond, in short, pero ang Salawahan talagang lantaran sa panloloko sa kanyang GF. Ang mga James Bond naman, on the other hand, ay madalas ligaw-tingin lang sa makikita niyang sexy girls. Pero ang Salawahan, gagawin niya ang lahat para lamang mapasakanya ang mga babaeng nais nya.

Mr. Dreamboy – mga BF na masyadong

sweet, caring, maalalahanin, thoughtful at parang tutang sunud-sunuran sa GF. Ito yung mga BF na under-de-saya. Sinasamba ang kanyang GF, in short, ito yung mga BF na madalas tanungin ang kanyang GF kung kumain na ito, kung naiinitan ito, kung nalulungkot ito blak-blah. Pero kung ako ang GF, medyo maaasiwa ako sa mga Mr. Dreamboydahil para itong tutang susunod-sunod sa iyo. Kulang na lang dilaan ang pwet mo kung tatantiyahin mo kung paano ka niya sambahin. Perfect s asana si Mr. Dreamboy, yun nga lang medyo nakakaasiwa.

Richie-rich – ito yung mga BF na hambog, mayabang kasi nga mayaman –rich! Madalas maporma at laging new-wave. Kapag susunduin ang GF laging naka-wheels. Minsan Inglisero, minsan Pilipinong-Pilipino, minsan alien. Elite, maituturing siyang kabilang sa conyo secto. Yun nga lang maiimbierna ng kaunti ang GF dahil masyadong paistariray ang mga Richie-rich, gusto palaging bida.

Kung mahal talaga ito ang GF, maaasar siya ng kaunti. Kung pera lang ang habol GF, wala lang sa kanya.

Mr. Nice Guy – mga BF na masyadong matindi ang sense of humor mga one-liner at joker kaya madalas sumakit ang tiyan ng GF dahil sa katatawa. Parang Easy-go-lucky, medyo nakikiagos lang sa sitwasyon. Minsan papansin din si Mr. Nice Guy pero hindi ka nga maaasar sa halip matatawa ka lang sa kanya.

Papa Bori – opposite ni Mr. Nice Guy. Mga BF na BULOK ang sense of humor. Madalas tahimik, borrrriiiiiing at corny. Heto yung tipong BF na parang may sariling mundo, minsan parang may dinadaluhang lamay gabi-gabi kung tatantsahin mo ang kanyang pagiging boring. Masyado ring problematic si Papa Bori at mahirap pakisamahan. Madalas na rin syang nabasted dahil sa kanyang ugali.

BI launches face recognition system in 10 Philippines airports

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he Bureau of Immigration has upped the Philippines’ security against foreign visitors.

A report by Jun Veneracion in Unang Balita said that face recognition systems are now installed at the immigration counters at 10 international airports in the country.

The faces detected by the machine located at the immigration counter are cross-checked with the government’s and Interpol’s database to see if they have existing records.

Filipino information technology experts were the ones who created the program.

One of them said that it is the first of its kind in the country.

“Sa buong bansa ngayon, this is the first time na magkaroon ng system na banggaan ng mukha, hindi lang pangalan. Alam naman natin na minsan, pinepeke lang ang mga documents eh,” he said.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) is still collecting information on wanted personalities from different

intelligence and law enforcement units to complete the database.

Authorities are hoping that the system will be fully operational before the year ends.

BI Comm. Jaime Morente said this will help deter those involved in crimes.

“Of course, ‘yung deterrence niya.

Matatakot ‘yung those involved in criminal activities to come in to the country,” he said.

National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said that the new system will help with counterterrorism efforts.

“Isang napakagandang bagay insofar as security is concerned. Kung tama ‘yung input mo diyan, Interpol, ‘yung ating security services, ay magagamit mo na agad sa counterterrorism ‘yan,” he said.

The new program will also improve the processing time at the immigration counters.

Authorities have noticed that the processing time decreased from 40 to 60 seconds to 20 to 30 seconds.

The BI will formally introduce the new system on November 25.

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NEWS 17

DECEMBER 2016

Robin Padilla sa natanggap na absolute pardon: Hindi ko hiningi

L

abis daw na nagulat si Robin Padilla nang bigyan siya ng absolute pardon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Giit ng aktor, hindi niya ito hiningi kapalit sa pagsuporta noong panahon ng kampanya.

Sa ulat ni Nelson Canlas sa GMA News “24 Oras”, sinabing naluluha si Robin nang basahin niya ang dokumentong ibinigay sa kanya ni Duterte na nagsasaad ng kaniyang absolute pardon.

Kuwento ng aktor, nagtungo siya Palasyo para makapanayam ang pangulo tungkol sa ilang hospital na ipapaayos nila.

Hindi raw alam ni Robin na may malaking surpresa na inihahanda para sa kaniya ang pangulo.

Ayon sa aktor, pinababasa sa kaniya ni Duterte ang ibinigay sa kaniyang absolute pardon pero hindi niya ginawa dahil maiiyak siya.

Kasikatan ni Robin noong 1994 nang hatulan siya ng korte na guilty sa kasong illegal possession of firearms dahil sa ilang baril at mga bala na nakuha sa kaniya sa Angeles City, Pampanga noong 1992.

Pinatawan ng korte si Robin na makulong ng 17 hanggang 21 taon sa New Bilibid Prison. Sa loob ng kulungan, nagconvert siya sa relehiyong Islam.

Habang nakakulong, naamyendahan ang batas na nagtatakda ng parusa para sa illegal possession of firearms. Ang parusa ay naibaba sa anim na taon hanggang 12 taon na lamang.

Matapos ang tatlong taong pagkakakulong, binigyan si Robin ng conditional pardon noong 1997 ng noo’y Pangulong Fidel Ramos.

Tuluyan siyang nakalaya noong Abril 1998.

Pero nakalaya man, hindi pa rin naibalik ng conditional pardon ang ilang karapatan ni

Robin tulad ng malayang makapaglakbay sa labas ng bansa, makaboto at makahawak ng anumang posisyon sa gobyerno.

Sa panahon ng kampanya para sa May 2016 presidential election, sinuportahan ni Robin ang kandidatura ni Duterte.

Nabatikos pa siya sa social media at tinawag na ex-convict na walang karapatang bumoto nang mag-post siya ng balota at naghayag na sana raw ay makaboto siya.

Kaya naman labis ang pasasalamat ni Robin sa absolute pardon na iginawad sa kanya ni Duterte dahil naibalik na ang kaniyang karapatan.

Gayunman, nilinaw ng aktor na hindi niya hiningi ang absolute pardon kay Duterte at maging sa mga nagdaang administrasyon.

Paliwanag niya, hindi niya alam na nagapply ang kanyang manager na si Betchay Vidanes sa Board of Pardons and Parole para

sa kanyang absolute pardon.

“Kung ano man ang kasalanan ko sa lipunan, binayaran ko ‘yan ng tatlo’t kalahating taon sa loob ng kulungan,” ani Robin. “Kaya walang pwedeng magsabi na nanghingi ako ng pabor. At binayaran ko pa uli ng 23 years sa labas na yung isang paa ko nasa bilibid.”

Dobleng kasiyahan ang nararamdaman ni Robin dahil halos nasabay ang absolute pardon sa pagsilang ni Mariel Rodriguez sa panganay nilang anak na si Isabella sa Amerika.

At ayon kay Robin, gusto niyang bumawi at makarating sa Amerika para maging hands on dad .

“Mag-apply ng [U.S.] visa ‘yan ang una kong ano... napuno na kami ng pag-asa baka kasi ito [absolute pardon] makatulong sa pagpunta sa Amerika.” — GMA News

Medina, ang kanyang post tungkol sa female lead ng teleserye na si Nadine Lustre.

Nagpadala ng pahayag si Joed sa PEP tungkol sa kanyang post.

Nilinaw niyang walang kinalaman ang Kapamilya actress na si Julia Barretto sa naging post niya tungkol kay Nadine, taliwas sa espekulasyon ng JaDine fans.

Pahayag ni Joed, “Gusto ko lang po i-clear na wala pong kinalaman si Julia Barretto at fans po ni JB sa ginawa ko po about Nadine.

“Kasi po sinasabi nila na dahil fan ako ni Julia Barretto, binayaran daw po ako ng JB

Fans para i-bash si Nadine.

“Kini-clear ko po na wala pong kinalaman ang fans ni JB sa ginawa ko pong post about kay Nadine…

“Nasabi ko lang po yung post ko dahil dala lang po ng nararamdaman.

“Yun lamang po, maraming salamat.”

Nilinaw namin sa naturang bit player kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin sa kanyang sinabing “dala ng nararamdaman.”

Tugon nito, “Kasi po sa set, I try to approach her always, pero di po ako pinapansin. “Tapos, ayun po, then dami nga daw po nagsasabi na di daw po approachable si Nadine. “Pero di naman po ako naniwala nung una, pero nung naranasan ko po, parang naniwala na po ako sa kanila.”

Sa ngayon, matapos magbigay ng kanyang pahayag, dini-activate na ni Joed ang kanyang Facebook.

Nag-private na rin siya sa kanyang account sa Twitter at Instagram. —PEP.ph

left me all the more wounded and broken.”

Hindi tinukoy ni Jodi kung anong klase ng drugs ang nabanggit niya, kaya naman nang maibalita ito, marami raw ang nagbigay ng mensahe sa aktres.

“Kasi people were thinking it was shabu, cocaine. “I just said that I turned to drugs, but it was anti-anxiety drugs that I turned to during those moments.” Sa kabila nito, umaasa si Jodi na maging inspirasyon ang istorya niya sa iba pang mga nakararanas ng depression. Aniya,

“Iyong story na pinagdaanan ko sa buhay ko, I’m praying that it brings strength and inspiration and hope to people na dumadaan doon sa pinagdaanan ko. “And it’s really with God’s grace na nandidito ako ngayon kung nasan ako sa buhay ko.” Nitong November 17, umalis patungong New York si Jodi para dumalo sa 2016 International emmy Awards.

Isa siya sa mga nominado para sa Best Actress para sa pagganap niya bilang Amor Powers sa remake ng Pangako Sa’yo.

JaDine fans petition to oust Till I Met You bit player for bashing Nadine Lustre

N

agpupuyos sa galit ang ilang fans nina James Reid at Nadine Lustre—mas kilala sa tawag na JaDine—dahil sa pangba-bash ng isang nagngangalang Joed Medina sa Kapamilya actress.

Ayon sa fans na nagpaabot ng impormasyon, si Joed ay isang bit player o extra sa teleseryeng Till I Met You ng ABSCBN na pinagbibidahan nina James at Nadine.

Nag-post daw kasi Facebook at Twitter ang naturang extra sa TIMY na wala raw karapatang kumanta ang female lead ng show na si Nadine.

Ipinost ito ni Joed noong November 14, isang araw matapos ipalabas sa TV ang JaDine In Love concert ng reel- and real-life sweethearts.

Sabi ng bit player: “Pa lapel lapel pa si Nadine lumi LypSync lang naman.”

Sa pamamagitan ng Twitter at Instagram, nanawagan ang JaDine fans sa mga direktor ng show na sina Antoinette Jadaone at Andoy

Ranay na tanggalin na si Joed sa Till I Met You. Ayon naman sa ABS-CBN publicist na si Eric John Salut, iniimbestigahan na ito ng pamunuan ng produksiyon.

Samantala, pinanindigan ni Joed

Jodi Sta. Maria clarifies ‘I turned to drugs’ statement

P

rescription drugs at hindi illegal drugs ang ginamit ni Jodi Sta. Maria noong panahong depressed siya dala ng paghihiwalay nila ng mister niyang si Pampi Lacson.

Sa panayam sa kanya ng ABS-CBN News, nilinaw ng Kapamilya actress ang naging pahayag niya sa The Perfect Love Conference sa Mandaue City, Cebu, noong Oktubre.

“Next time, I have to be specific,” sabi ni Jodi tungkol sa sinabi niya.

Matatandaang sa naturang convention, isinalaysay ng Be Careful With My Heart actress ang pinagdaanan niya.

“Before becoming a workaholic, I became an alcoholic. “I drank day and night. I even drank during tapings, ang gusto ko kasi masolusyunan yung feeling ko of pain and emptiness. “When alcohol wasn’t enough, I turned to drugs. I felt empty. “I pretended to be okay when the truth is hindi naman talaga.

“I was in and out of bad relationships that

Blakdyak natagpuang patay

N

atagpuang wala ng buhay ang comedian-singer na si Blakdyak sa mismong bahay nito sa Sampaloc ng November 22. Siya ay 46 taon gulang.

Ayon kay Sr. Insp. Pidencio Saballo Jr., ang anak nitong lalaki ang nakakita sa bangkay ng ama dakong alas-siyete ng gabi na nasusukluban ng plastic bag ang buong ulo at nakahubad. “Nagtataka siya hindi nagbubukas iyong kwarto ng tatay niya. Umikot siya dito sa likod, binuksan niya iyong bintana, [wala] din [ang] ilaw, nag-flashlight siya, then nakita niyang hubad ang tatay niya, may parang transparent na plastic bag,” kuwento ni Saballo.

Hindi pa madetermina ng pulisya, habang isinusulat ang balitang ito, kung may foul play pa sa pagkasawi ni B­lakdyak na Joseph Formoran Amoto sa tunay na buhay. Maging ang mga kamag-anak nito ay wala pang masabing dahilan ng insidente.

Ganunpaman ay patuloy ang pag-iimbestiga ng pulisya.

Si Blackdyak ang mangaawit sa likod ng mga sikat na novelty hits noong dekada 90 na ‘Modelong Charing,’ ‘Noon At Ngayon,’ ‘Papa,’ ‘Goodboy,’ ‘Magic Kapote’ at ‘Asin At Paminta.’

Nakagawa rin ito ng ilang pelikula.

May mga nagsasa­bi na si Blakdyak ay

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half Filipino at half Barbadosian. Kasal ito kay Twinkle Estanislao at may apat na anak.

Magugunitang naging laman ng mga pahayagan ang comedian singer noong 2014 nang mahuli ito dahil sa kasong malicious mischief, alarm and scandal at illegal possession of drug paraphernalia sa tinitirahang apartment sa Cubao.

Sa kabila nito ay nagawa pa rin nitong maka­bawi at ipagpatuloy ang kanyang career.

Laman pa rin siya ng ilang shows at gigs at balitang nakikipagtulu­ngan sa veteran compo­ ser na si Lito Camo para sa isang bagong album.

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Blakdyak Comedian-singer

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18 NEWS

DECEMBER 2016

Billy Crawford clarifies reported incident in Hong Kong: “Hindi po ako nakulong.”

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“

It was taken out of context, other party, they had to hold hindi po ako nakulong.” them, too, para malaman nila Ito ang paglilinaw ng kung ano yung kaso, ano Kapamilya TV host-actor na yung mangyayari. “So, I had si Billy Crawford sa report na to explain to them, Coleen nakulong diumano siya habang had to explain to them. “So, nagbabakasyon sa Hong Kong na-detain kami nang kaunti, kamakailan. Ayon sa ulat na pero hindi kami nakulong.” lumabas sa Pilipino Star Ngayon Ayon kay Billy, ang ulat noong November 7, magdamag tungkol sa insidenteng ito ay daw na nakulong si Billy sa exaggerated lamang. Sabi Billy Crawford Hong Kong matapos nitong niya, “Alam mo naman dito, protektahan umano ang kanyang girlfriend yung exag na reaction na sinasabi. na si Coleen Garcia mula sa pambabastos. “They assume things before they Imposible naman daw ito, ayon kay Billy, dahil, actually know... “This is the first time I’m “Kung nakulong ako, hindi ako makakabalik actually asked about it, e. sa Pilipinas, to be honest with you. “In all “I’ve never made any comments or any cases, I’d be deported to the United States.” statements about it. “Tinitingnan ko lang kung Gayunman, pag-amin ng It’s Showtime host [ano] masasabi ng mga tao.

“May nangyari, may kaguluhan na nangyari “For me, I had to protect Coleen. dahil nabastos si Coleen.

“You know what I’m saying? Kababaeng “It was a verbal altercation between tao, ayaw ko namang mabastos siya, di ba?” someone there and me. “Good thing, yung Gayunman, inulit ng It’s Showtime at Pinoy medyo shunga na nambastos kay Coleen ay Boyband Superstar host, “Hindi ako nakipagginawa niya sa harapan ng pulis, so nakita away, hindi ako nanuntok, hindi ako nasuntok, ng mga pulis.” Ito marahil ang dahilan kung walang gulo. “As in, masuwerte na lang kami bakit namataan ang magkasintahan sa isang that the police were there and sila yung nagpresinto sa Hong Kong. Ayon pa kay Billy, handle ng situation, which was the proper “The thing about Hong Kong police, they’re way of doing it. very, very strict. “Kahit yung pinakamaliit, “If it’s done in another country, you have magsigawan kayo sa street, puwede kang to abide and respect the rules of that country, makuwestiyon, at puwede kang i-hold for a so we were just complying.” statement. “Dun lumaki talaga ang respeto ko Nakangiting sabi pa ni Billy, “Kahit sa authority ng Hong Kong. pumunta kayo ng Hong Kong, magtanong

“Kasi, they had to hold us — ako, si kung may record ako dun, wala akong record Coleen, si Renz na kasama ko — and the dun.”

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NEWS 19

DECEMBER 2016

How OFWs can get NBI clearance abroad

F

ilipinos who want to work abroad needs to submit documents on a licensed recruitment agency.

These documents include curriculum vitae, diplomas, transcript of records, police clearance, certificate of trainings and NBI clearance. All of which should be authenticated. Among these documents, the NBI clearance expires yearly and so an overseas Filipino worker or OFW should renew it. But it would be a hassle if you are working abroad. So, how would you get one since it has to be obtain personally for security purposes? OFWs can obtain their NBI clearance by following the steps below: 1. The OFW should secure NBI Clearance Application Form (NBI Form No. 5) from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in the country where you currently are.

2. Fill out the form and go to the Embassy/Consulate or nearest police station for fingerprinting, which should be rolled impressions. The one who took the fingerprint impression must sign on the form.

3. OFWs must attach a 2x2 picture in white background, taken within three (3) months prior to application, photocopy of passport and other valid identification card/s.

4. Other than the instructions above, OFWs are also required to register online at www.nbi-clearance. com. An applicant is required to sign-up and o sign-in to apply for clearance where a reference number will appear on the screen. The OFW must copy this reference number which will serve as the NBI’s code in the retrieval of the applicant’s data and status of application.

5. Enclose money order or bank draft in the amount of two hundred pesos (P200.00), Philippine currency, negotiable in the Philippines, payable to the NBI Director. Cash is also accepted equivalent to two hundred pesos (P200.00). Clearance fee is one hundred fifteen pesos (P115.00) and the remaining eighty-five pesos (P85.00) will be used to send clearance through the Philippine Post.

6. OFWs should send completed application form to: Ms. Sandra P. Sobida , Mailed Clearance Section 3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Bldg.,UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines Ms. Sobida can also be reached at (+632) 523 8231 local 5465.

7. Processing time for applications will take a maximum of five (5) days upon receipt of documents.

8. If the OFW would let a relative to submit the documents, a Letter of Authorization should be provided.

—ofwguide

How OFWs can avail Enterprise Dev’t and Loan Program from OWWA and DTI

H

ow OFWs can avail the Enterprise Development and Loan Program from OWWA and DTI

Overseas Filipino workers can avail up to 2 million pesos loan from DTI and OWWA to start their own business here in the Philippines.

The Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP) caters to repatriated OFWs affected by employment crisis abroad. EDLP is a joint program of DTI and OWWA which aims to provide OFWs the assistant they need to start anew.

OFWs can get a minimum of P100,000 up to a maximum of 2 million pesos loan once the requirements presented passed the evaluations.

Here are the steps to avail the loan program: STEP 1. Verification of OWWA Registration * For OFWs still outside the Philippines — Email the Welfare Officer of the Embassy that covers your country of work about the OFW Reintegration Program.

— The Welfare Officer will verify your registration in OWWA as an OFW. — Upon verification, the Welfare Officer in the Embassy will refer the OFW to an OWWA office in the Philippines — Upon returning to the Philippines, the OFW must visit the OWWA office to get the certification — This certification will be presented to Landbank. * For OFWs already in the Philippines - Visit the nearest OWWA office to verify your eligibility to the program - If the OFW is eligible, a certification of membership will be issued, which will be presented to Landbank for assessment.

STEP 2. Enterprise Development Training — An eligible OFW will be advised to personally attend the Enterprise Development Training (EDT) conducted by OWWA, DTI and Landbank — The OFW must present the certificate of attendance on the EDT to Landbank as part of the requirement. * The EDT will empower the OFW on how to manage a business. It will also be the best opportunity to ask questions about the business loan.

T

STEP 3. Preparation of Business Pland and other requirements The OFW must prepare the business plan and other requirements of Lanbank * Processing requirements for the loan — OWWA certification that the borrower is a bonafide overseas worker and has completed EDT — A business plan on the specific projecy that will generate income for OFW and his/her family — With contract growing agreement, purchase order or service contract, if applicable — Certificatie of Registration with DTI — Bio-data of OFW applicant — Mayor’s permit — Income tax return (last 3 years), if applicable - Financial statements (last 3 years, BIR-filed), if applicable — Latest Interim Financial Statement, if applicable — Statement of Assets and Liabilities STEP 4. Submission of Processing Requirements, Review and Inspection — Submit your business plan and other requirements to Landbank for review.

— Inspectin of your business (if already existing) will be done STEP 5. Approval of Loan — If approved, Landbank will release the fund to the OFW. Other information: Eligible borrowers - Overseas Filipino workers certified and endorsed by OWWA to Landbank Eligible projects - Viable projects with confirmed market or Purchase Order (if any) that will generate net monthly income of at least P10,000.

Eligible loan purposes - Working capital, Fixed asset acquisition Loanable amount - Minimum of P100,000 and maximum of P2,000,000 Interest rate - 7.5% per annum fixed for the duration of the loan Loan repayment Short term loan - maximum of 1 year Term loan - based on cash flow but not to exceed 7 years inclusive of maximum of 2 years grace period on the principal.

—ofwguide

Only for OFWs: NAIA opens exclusive entrance lane for OFWs

he government is keeping up its promise of upholding the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

This is shown in the recent changes from the processing of documents, security check on airports up to the waiting lounge for their family upon send off. Recently, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 opened an entrance lane just for the overseas Filipino

workers (OFWs).

It is exclusive for OFWs to avoid long lines and other hassles upon checking in to the airport for their departure for a work abroad.

Though many, especially the OFWs, welcomed the gesture with great appreciation, others are skeptical about this as they feel this will not last long and everything will be back to what it is used to be.

—ofwguide

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Hotline for the labor service

新北市土城區民族街22巷4號1樓

11F, No. 176 Chang Chun Rd., Taipei,Taiwan,104, R.O.C. Tel: 02-25081719 Fax: 02-25079805 10F, No.151, Xinyi Rd , Sec. 3, Taipei,Taiwan Tel: 02- 25811979 Fax: 02- 25818707 6F., No. 550, Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei City Tel: 02-87526170 Fax: 02-87523706 No. 3-1, Lane 69, Songjiang Road Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-25043477 Fax: 02-25041761

Pag-IBIG Taiwan

3F, No. 33, Sec. 2, Jianguo N. Rd. Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City Tel. No.: (02) 2517-7775 Mobile: 0975563561 Facebook: Pag-IBIG Taiwan Members Club

Language English Thai Indonesian Vietnamese

Service Line 0800-885885 0800-885995 0800-885958 0800-017858

Fire Dept. and 119 Ambulance Service Police 110 Local Directory 104 Assistance (Mandarin) 105 Long Distance Directory Assistance (Mandarin) Directory Assisance (English) 106 Protection Hotline 113 Coast Guard 118 Anti-Fraud Hotline 165 Freeway Report 168 Operator Assistance 1128 International Call Center 0800-080-100 International Community 0800-024-111 Service Hotline 24-Hour Toll-Free Travel 0800-011-765 Information Call Center English-Speaking Taxi Service 02-2799-7977 Tourist Information Hotline 02-2717-3737 Taoyuan Int’l Airport 03-383-2194 Tourist Service Center Taoyuan Int’l Aiport 03-383-2194 - Terminal 1 Taoyuan Int’l Airport 03-398-3341 - Terminal 2 SSS Taiwan 3F, No. 33, Sec. 2, Jianguo N. Rd. Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City Tel. No.: (02) 2507-9187 Mobile: 0926-38256

台北縣土城市中山路6號

Taiwan International Airport Office- Foreign Worker Service Center

新北市新莊區中正路516號之35

新北市新莊區五工三路86巷1號1樓

Taoyuan Int’l Airport Office

桃園縣龜山鄉文化村3鄰文化2路97號1樓

桃園市中正路48巷2號之12桃園市中正路48巷2號之12 桃園縣,桃園市桃鶯路372號1樓

Kaohsiung Int’l Airport

桃園縣中壢區中正路30號

03-398-9002 / 03-393-1469 English: 03-398-3976 Thai: 03-398-3975 Indonesian: 03-398-3977 Vietnamese: 03-398-3974

No. 9, Hangjan S. Rd., Dayuan Township, Taoyuan, Taiwan Room No: C-0-278

07-803-6804 / 07-803-9177 07-803-6419

No.2, Zhongshan 4th Rd., Siaogang Dist.

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

桃園市中壢市中華路一段903號 新竹市中正路22號7樓之1 新竹市東區中正路54號

新竹縣湖口鄉鳳凰村仁樂路169號1樓 新竹縣新豐鄉中崙村7鄰中崙235-2號 苗栗市中正路93號1樓

苗栗縣苗栗市中正路847號 台中市綠川東街68號2F

台中縣潭子鄉中山路2段480之3號1樓 嘉義市東區長榮街278號1樓

Tainan

(06) 223-8260

No. 184, 1F, Zhongshan Rd., Tainan City

NEPZ

(07) 364-0036

No. 563, 1F, Dexian Rd., Nanzi Dist. Kaohsiung City

Gangshan

(07) 622-9903

No.1, 1F, Lane 101, Gangyan Rd., Gangshan Dist., Kaoshiung City

Shalu

(04) 2635-2601

No. 24-1 Datong Street, Shalu District, Taichung City

Guanyin

(03) 476-1281

No. 567, Zhenggong Rd., Sec. 1, Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan City

Zhunan

(037) 551-605

No. 119 Zhongshan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County

Douliu

(05) 533-2190

No. 114, Minsheng Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County

Daliao

(07) 787-8310

No. 1235, Guangming Road, Sec. 1, Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City

台南市中山路184號1樓

高雄市楠梓區德賢路563號 高雄縣岡山鎮岡燕路101巷1號1樓

eecnow

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台中市沙鹿區大同街24號之1

桃園市觀音區成功路１段567號 苗栗縣竹南鎮中山路119號 雲林縣斗六市民生路114號

高雄市大寮區光明路一段1235號

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NEWS 31

DECEMBER 2016

Tel.: (02) 2595-8686 / 0800-075-725

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32 NEWS

DECEMBER 2016

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