Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Biden, Trump and Democracy

The RFID Hassle

Homobono A. Adaza | A6

Mehol K. Sadain | A5

Tawi-Tawi, the home of gentle, peaceful and nonviolent people (A sequel)

ILO now concern on BARMM employment process

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A5

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A4

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

Save the Earth (Page B2)

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Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442) | 2 Sections | 12 Pages

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Sen. Go tells Duque, Galvez: Go ahead, be the first to be injected Inside

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Memorable Moments Tawi-Tawi Beach Volleybal

reatness in any endeavors would not be complete without mentioning the great moments and personalities who lent their talents and made a remarkable impact in bringing up to greater heights the games of volleyball in Tawi-Tawi. (Full Story on Page B1)

7th of December is the Eid Milad of Madam Ruby Sakkam

oday is Monday, December 07, 2020. It is a Very Special Day of my better half, simply called “Ruby” to kin and close friends, for me and my children we just fondly called her “Mom”. (Full Story on Page B3)

Mindanao multisectoral council formed

ver 60 participants from different parts of Mindanao have converged at the Moh‟s Beach Resort here on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, for a forum to discuss federalism amidst the clamor for a revolutionary government. (Full Story on Page B4)

Full Story on Page B2

Bangsamoro govt to put up seaports in Datu Blah Sinsuat town By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, Managing Editor and MARK NAVALES, Correspondent Minister Dickson P. Hermoso of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) makes a gesture by raising his right hand as a sign of approval on the ocular inspection he conducted on the potential of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) as a future economic hub when the DBS Seaport is fully established. Shown here in the tour of the shoreline is Mayor Marshal Sinsuat (3rd from right) and Vice Mayor Bai Raida Tomawis-Sinsuat (extreme left). Director Sajiron Alonto (2nd from right) of the BMARINA and General Manager Garib Abas (3rd from left) of the Bangsamoro Regional Ports Management Authority (BPRPMA). Photo by MARK NAVALES (Full Story on Page A3)

Davao business chamber elects new set of officers In a statement from the chamber furnished The Ranao Star, Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, former president of Davao Medical Society and former governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)-Southern Mindanao, was unanimously elected as the chamber‟s new president during the annual election of trustees held virtually on Saturday, December 5, 2020. (Full Story on Page B4)

The Bangsamoro

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Bangsamoro govt to put up seaports in Datu Blah Sinsuat

Lanao town mayor gives up a rewarding career to be a public servant

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, Managing Editor and MARK NAVALES, Correspondent

OTABATO CITY: The Ministry of Transportation and Communications in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOTC-BARMM) has favorably acted on the proposal of the Municipality of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) in the Province of Maguindanao to put up seaports and communications facility. MOTC Minister Dickson P. Hermoso accompanied by the different heads of the agencies under his ministry visited DBS recently where they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Datu Marshal Sinsuat and Vice Mayor Bai Raida Tomawis-Sinsuat who is also the mayor‘s wife. Minister Hermoso a retired general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was very much involved in finding the elusive peace between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Prior to joining the Bangsamoro Government as Transportation and Communications Minister, Hermoso was the Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). During the ocular inspection of the coastal municipality of DBS, Minister Hermoso and the different heads of MOTC agencies were toured by Mayor Sinsuat around the shoreline of the municipality in order for them to determine the strategic location where the municipal seaports can be established as an additional infrastructure to the Bangsamoro region. After conducting the ocular inspection, Hermoso said, ―I can foresee when the DBS Seaport is established there is a potential of turning it into an economic hub just like other ports of BARMM like the Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao.‖ Hermoso added that the

Minister Dickson P. Hermoso of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) makes a gesture by raising his right hand as a sign of approval on the ocular inspection he conducted on the potential of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) as a future economic hub when the DBS Seaport is fully established. Shown here in the tour of the shoreline is Mayor Marshal Sinsuat (3rd from right) and Vice Mayor Bai Raida Tomawis-Sinsuat (extreme left). Director Sajiron Alonto (2nd from right) of the BMARINA and General Manager Garib Abas (3rd from left) of the Bangsamoro Regional Ports Management Authority (BPRPMA). Photo by MARK NAVALES establishment of several seaports and communications facilities in the BARMM is one of the mandates of MOTC that he is heading right now in order to boost livelihood for the Bangsamoro people and to add to the economic activities of the region. Mayor Sinsuat emphasized that the establishment of the future DBS Seaports and Communications Facilities can be the region‘s economic connectivity to the rest of the provinces in Mindanao and the whole Philippines as a whole, while at the same time boosting the economic activity with the BMIP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines- East ASEAN Growth Area). Minister Hermoso added

DBS CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Mayor Marshal Sinsuat at extreme right accompanies MOTC Minister Dickson P. Hermoso along with Director Hamid Bayao of the Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission (BTC) during the inspection tour of DXDM Radio Station in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Photo by Mark Navales

to give an opportunity for the heads of the different agencies under the MOTC to personally witness the economic potential of DBS, he tagged along with him the following agency officials: General Manager Garib Abas of the Bangsamoro Regional Ports Management Authority (BRPMA); Director Sajiron Alonto of the Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA); Director Hamid Bayao of the Bangsamoro Telecommunication Commission (BTC); Chief Regulation Officer Anwar Upahm of the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO) and other MOTC staffs. Finally, Minister Hermoso reiterated the MOTC‘s direction during the political transition by laying down its commitment to enable the safe, orderly, timely, economical movement of people and goods, as well as the dessimination of information. Likewise, the MOTC is mandated to have the power to grant the regional franchises, licenses, and permits to operate and exercise quasi -judicial powers over land, sea transportation plying the routes within the Bangsamoro Automous Region in Muslim Mindanao. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL AND MARK NAVALES

ARAKA, Lanao del Sur: The lady mayor of the municipality of Taraka in Lanao del Sur is thankful for being a recipient of the prestigious Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pag-asa Award this year, saying not everyone could be granted this prestigious recognition. Mayor Nashiba U. Gandamra-Sumagayan expressed her word of appreciation and gratitude in an awarding ceremony held at the municipal gymnasium here on Thursday, Dec. 3. Mayor Sumagayan said when she gave her teaching career to choose to be a public servant by leading her municipality, she was little apprehensive. ―Alam ko marami akong kakaharapin na hamon bilang leader most especially sa ating kultura at sa estado na mayron ang aming lugar noon.‖ She admitted many had doubted her capacity during the first time she sat as mayor of the town. ―Pero di ko yun hinayaan na makasira sa aking determination to continue serving my people. Instead, I took that as a challenge to do my best. I topped up fear with work and effort and took strength from those who had faith in me,‖ stressed Sumagayan. Her journey as chief local executive is not smooth sailing as there were countless stumbling blocks along the way that somehow tested her resolve to introduce reformations. ―But my ultimate aim to help my constituency served as a fuel that kept me pushing forward. Further, I am fortunate to be able to work with people who have helped me realize the potential of my profession to truly make a difference,‖ added Sumagayan. The mayor who was a professor at the Mindanao State University said though the award is in her name, it does not mean it is for her alone. She said: ―This is for all the people behind the developments we have made in our municipality. And I would like to acknowledge them in this very special occasion. Nandyan ang aking better half who stands as the other pillar of our workforce, our vice mayor, Atty. Amenodin U. Sumagayan. I must say that he is basically the one who set off the groundwork para sa lahat ng improvements sa aming lugar. At yun ang sinikap kong ipagpatuloy at iimprove all throughout my endeavor as the local chief executive of my municipality. ―I also have my untiring and persevering team consisting of my Department Heads, Barangay Chairmen, at lahat ng bumubuo sa local na pamahalaan ng Taraka kasama pati na ang lahat ng aming mga constituents. Hindi ko po maabot lahat ng ito kung wala ang kanilang tulong at partisipasyon. Kaya naman, I want to salute my team and my people. It is truly a privilege for me to share this award to all of you. Para po sa inyo tong lahat. ―More so, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude sa lahat ng bumubuo sa Civil Service Commission, kay Dr. Sandra Arnica Usman, at sa lahat ng tao sa likod ng HAP o Honor Awards Program. Napakalaking bagay po nito not because it allows us to be recognized by others but because it serves as a marker that indeed, we are doing well and that we are worthy of appreciation. Most importantly, it boosts our motivation to further gives our best in changing the lives of our people and make tomorrow better than today for our younger generations above all, to the Almighty Allah.‖ ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL YAHYA

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for National Capital Region ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions

ILO is now concern on BARMM employment process

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA DR. BENJ BANGAHAN ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE DR. JOHNNY R. LEE DATU AMINULLAH ALONTO LUCMAN ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC DR. FILEMON G. ROMERO ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN DR. ABDUL HANNAN M. TAGO DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

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Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

ith the fast approaching upcoming election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) based on the agreed pact between national government and BARMM. Politicians constituents and stakeholders have started debating each other on the BARMM extension appeal. Recently, I received an email from an Independent Consultants Network, Co. According to the sender, his firm was contracted by the International Labor Organization to conduct a study entitled „Promoting productive employment and skills development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM): Assessing economy, labour market, and skills development in BARMM.‟ The request aims to secure an interview to include our perspective on the development prospects and labor market situation in BARMM. The request mainly addressed to the Bangsa Moro Federal Business Council (BFBCI). This Columnist is the executive director of the organization. It is worthy to know that the country head of the labor global organization is a fellow Muslim. Absolutely, this is honor and interesting move by the ILO to draw its attention and interest in the affairs of employment in BARMM to assess economy, labour market, and skills development in the region. My latest article on BARMM includes the massive termination of the defunct ARMM workforce and the nepotism practices in the employment process that seen in some ministries. We have seen now mass Oath-taking happening now in various ministries to accommodate deserving and qualified candidates. This indicates that the BARMM has started delivering its mandate in this particular. This coupled with the appeal of the new formed entity for the extension of its term to another three years that would enable them to finish the job. In this regards we may need the concern ministry on labor at BARMM to provide us latest information on this particular. We may need data to support our statement. According to the organizer, the interview will focus on three key areas: assessment of the labor market in BARMM, the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, and policy recommendations. To know what the enabling conditions and challenges are to promoting local investment. The state of employment and unemployment—whether there are sufficient opportunities for skilled workers or if a mismatch persists. Our observe labor migration, especially among skilled workers in the region. Finally, the anchor industries in the region are and what industries you believe have high growth and employment. AHMT

Opinion

Ijtihad

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

The RFID Hassle

MEHOL K. SADAIN

esidents of Metro Manila have witnessed the daily queues of vehicles on roads leading to toll gates and other selected areas from the time the tollways authorities said they will be implementing an RFID system of toll fee collection in all tollgates along the South and North Luzon Expressways, and other interlinked expressways. One of the proffered justifications for the use of RFID was cashless tollgate transactions will prevent the spread of covid19. If you are a vehicle owner and you frequent these expressways, chances are you may have also been in one of these horrendous queues. The RFID, which stands for ―radio frequency identification‖, is supposed to be a technological innovation that will modernize toll collection along the expressways by making it ―cashless‖. It utilizes radio waves in collecting and entering data into a computer system with little or no

human intervention. It consists of an RFID tag which stores user information, an RFID reader which retrieves this information when needed, and an antenna. It is already being used in other countries, and it appears efficient and nifty until you are at the end of those horrendous queues to have the tags attached to your vehicle. To be fair, there are areas where they say, the procurement of these RFID tags is fast. Like SCTEX Clark, says one friend, where it took him only five minutes to get the tag. It just goes to show that it could have been managed well even here in Metro Manila, where there are hundreds of thousands of cars compared to just a few hundreds in the Clark area. It could have been managed better given a well-thought system of registration aimed at avoiding thousands of vehicles lining up in a registration area. Apparently, the tollways authorities and their experts,

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ssalamu Alaykum. Here we are again tackling the topic about TawiTawi where many have the feeling that they constitute the majority of the populace who are left behind. One such particular Sama or the native of Tawi-Tawi is my former MSU-TCTO Instructor, Prof. Hamid Ladjakahal who expressed his honest to goodness opinion that the Sama of Tawi-Tawi are left behind in all aspects. I am not a Sama but a Tausug but I have stayed for more than two decades in the Capital town of Bongao and I consider Tawi-Tawi as my Second Home Province. It is in this province where I earned my Baccalaureate degree in Academic Year: 1976-77. His other intriguing question: ―WHY TAWI-TAWI AS A WHOLE IS LESS IMPORTANT TO THE BARMM AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENT? Answer: Many people especially the gentle and

peaceful Sama of Tawi-Tawi have the belief that the BARMM and national governments treat them with less importance. Take for example in BARMM as of the moment there is no single member of the Cabinet or a Minister who is a Sama or one who comes from Tawi-Tawi. Unlike in the ARMM before many professionals from Tawi-Tawi were appointed as Members of the Cabinet or to other responsible posts like Abubakar J. Mohammad who was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Trades and Industry (DTI); Dr. Jainal Hamad as Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH); Annel Masahud, as Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DoT); and Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide as Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). And we have another Sama appointed as Sports Official. He

in typical bureaucratic manner dismissed the matter as just a process of registration, and therefore, easy to manage. We see this happen in many mass activities involving bureaucratic offices in the country --- from paying your tax to paying your utility bills, from registering for assistance benefits to receiving these benefits, from securing government documents to securing something like the RFID tags. We never learn and we do not seem to have a regard for the comfort of others. A friend who now works in a foreign company in a foreign land tells me, we have low regards for third persons‘ rights and welfare. In the case or the RFID, instead of providing a workable and systematic schedule for the procurement of tags, the lords of the tollways imposed a deadline and threatened those who do not have RFIDs with fines and apprehension. Fines for what? Apprehension for what? Is it now a crime not to have RFID tags on your car windshields or headlights? What about those

who seldom use the expressways? Don‘t they have the option of not having RFID tags? The deadline and the threat, which were withdrawn later, worsened the situation because car owners flocked to the registration centers like there was no tomorrow. Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City is correct in imposing a toll collection moratorium until the toll operator resolves the traffic problem that it has been causing in the expressway and adjacent roadways of his city. He is also correct in castigating the toll operators for making it appear that they, along with the motoring public, are both victims here. The good mayor said that the toll operators are not the victims and have never been the victims; they are instead the victimizers or the culprits, along with the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulatory Board, which neglected their duty to secure the welfare of car-owners and motorists. Instead of being a solution to our covid19 problems, the irresponsible and cavalier

attitude of these toll operators and authorities have exacerbated our health and financial difficulties. The timeconsuming process of securing the RFID tags have stressed people and delayed their productive activities. It is just like our traffic problem in the metropolis: we get harassed motorists and riders, who do not get to their work on time, and therefore result in wasted work hours. If other countries can implement a glitch free RFID system, or minimize its problems, so can we. But we need time and a visionary plan that seriously considers the welfare of the clientele. We need officials and experts who do not only know the technology and the system, but also empathize with their clients and the public, and feel their difficulties even before these actually happen. To put it bluntly, for the RFID implementors to avoid being ―potential victimizers‖, they should put themselves in the shoes of their ―potential victims‖, so ―potential problems‖ will not materialize. MKS

Tawi-Tawi, the home of gentle, peaceful and non-violent people (A sequel) was Al-Trekee P. Dayan who was appointed as Executive Director of the Regional Sports Coordinating Office (RSCO) of ARMM. Then at the National level of course we have Assistant Secretary Hamid Ladjakahal of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Back in Bongao I have so many friends and fraternal brothers in the Alpha Sigma Phi-1845, that‘s why since 1986, I have placed the name of the Province of Tawi -Tawi in the national Map everyday for so many years. When I joined the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 1986 as a News Correspondent, my Regional Editor changed the name of the Regional Page from ―Aparri to Jolo‖ to ―Batanes To Tawi-Tawi.‖ This can be read everyday noting that Inquirer is a daily national broadsheet. Prof. Ladjakahal, who in his Facebook Account (Hams Ladjakahal Tanjong Awal) lamented, ―if you are in Co-

tabato or Manila, Tawi-Tawi which is dominantly populated by Sama tribe is not wellknown to high officials of both governments,‖ he said. He also emphasized ―we are lucky if Sama Tribe is mentioned by leaders and officials in government during conferences, dialogues, meetings and other big gatherings. What is known to them are the Tausugs, Maranaos, Iranuns, Maguindanaos and Yakans and other tribes in BARMM.‖ Geographically, ―we are the farthest from Cotabato and Manila and accesibility is a big problem. Contacts and rubbing elbows with many people of influence who can help reach other offices for presentation of problems and issues affecting the Sama tribe are seldom attended to.‖ In terms of population and voting status during elections, Tawi-Tawi is the last province attended to. The only places they can visit to are Bongao and Simunul municipalities. Other munici-

plities are very difficult to reach especially Mapun (Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi) and Turtle Islands. In term of the number of the availability of professionals, Prof. Ladjakahal said the Sama tribe has the least number except the sons and daughters of affluent families and politicians who have access to Cotabato and Manila because of their status in life. These are some of the primary reasons why the Sama tribe is being less attended to especially for positions in Tawi-Tawi and outside Tawi-Tawi. Take note also of reality, there are no Sama who are multi-millionaires in TawiTawi that can match the wealth of other tribes, according to Asec Ladjakahal. Note: However, I would like to point out that there is a friend from Tubig Indangan, Simunul the former Tawi- Tawi Vice Governor Abubakar ―Baks‖ Mohammad, Al Haj who owned a mansion in the plush Ayala JANNARAL | A8

Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A, ADAZA “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” – Alan Moore "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." -Plato

merica is a beacon light of democracy in the world. As some people say, when America catches cold, the rest of the democratic world gets pneumonia – that is in a political sense. When Donald J. Trump was elected American President in 2016, democracy was in grave peril because the man has no respect for democratic values and institutions – as his vulgar words and erratic behavior show. He is so enamored with himself he succeeded, with his charisma and demagoguery, to create a cult whose members worship him as a demigod incapable of being wrong – even if he spews lies in all direction so brazen that it is almost difficult to think how it is possible for him to have tens of millions of Americans who believe in his lies hook line and sinker. But to an intelligent observer, it is no surprise that someone can create cults in America because there are many cults in America, in microcosmic forms – Ku Klux

Klan, Manson, Qanon, NeoNazis, Proud Boys and many others. The surprise is the millions of members who embrace the Trump cult without the need for active recruitment. All they do is listen to Trump and respond to their own insane and ignorant impulses which Trump encourages. The truth of the matter is that the true believers in Trump are ignorant of democracy and belong to the lunatic fringe in America. Of course, there are so many exceptions. Many of them deserted Trump at the beginning of the 2020 election campaign. More known personalities who did just that are former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Colin Powell, General Mathis; Michael Cohen, Trump‘s lawyer who wrote a devastating book on Trump entitled MEA CULPA; Trump‘s niece who wrote a book, TOO MUCH AND NEVER ENOUGH: HOW MY FAMILY CREATED THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN which demolished Trump as a

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

nknown to most peace and autonomy advocates, appropriations or budget allocations from the national government for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) bureaucracy are currently trickling down to the infant entity circuitously or through delayprone fashion. Because of the absence of a regional office of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in BARMM, funds with corresponding notices of release are momentarily coursed through the DBM office in Region XII, according to Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael ―Toto‖ Mangudadatu. Mangudadatu filed on Dec. 1 House Bill 8117 seeking to postpone the 2022 election for the 80 regular

members of the BARMM parliament, thereby extending the lifespan of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the governing body of regional autonomy, from 2022 to 2025. Rep. Loren Legarda and Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez reportedly filed on same day similar bills meant to give the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-led transitional governance to fully accomplish its mandates under R.A. 11054 and the MILF‘s 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the government. The edict, also known Bangsamoro Basic Law or BARMM charter, and the CAB seek among others the completion in three-year time (2019-2022) the normalization track (decommissioning

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Biden, Trump and Democracy liar, a cheater and a fraud; Trump‘s own National Security Adviser, John Bolton who wrote a book, THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED, which described Trump as incompetent; John Kelly, resigned Trump NSA before Bolton who described the White House under Trump as a ―bad place to work‖; Anthony Schwartz who was the ghost writer of Trump‘s best selling book, THE ART OF THE DEAL, who like the others described Trump as a liar, incompetent, racist and misogynist; and Mike Pompeo, Trump‘s Secretary of State who still desperately clings to Trump for his own reasons, called Trump once as ―full of shit‖. If a relative who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, a lawyer who used to champion your cases, a ghost writer who wrote your best selling book, and your own close associates describing you as the worst possible person they know, you must really be a piece of shit – unfit to be president of your own country. Poor loser: Despite Trump‘s strenuous campaigning, Trump lost the election to Joe Biden by a comfortable electoral vote margin and historic popular votes, Con-

sistent with his whining even before the election that the only way he could lose is if he is cheated, he filed cases all over the place and continues to claim he won the election and was robbed of victory. What a pitiful sight for a President of the United States of America. He has not only dishonored the American presidency, he has diminished America and democracy in the eyes of the world. Until now he refuses to concede he lost. He went to court thinking he could win the cases, all of them were thrown out of court for being baseless, numbering about thirty four. Leaders all over the world have congratulated Joe Biden for his victory – Boris Johnson of England, Angela Merkel of Germany, Emmanuel Macron of France, Netanyahu of Israel. Only the dictators in the world have not congratulated Joe Biden – Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jin Ping of People‘s Republic of China and Kim of North Korea. Trump‘s own Department of Homeland Security declared that the 2020 election was the most secured in the history of America. A number of Republican senators, governors and leading figures

like Chris Christie of New Jersey have already congratulated Joe Biden. American media has already announced the incontestable victory of Joe Biden but Trump refuses to budge. What a miserable sight! What a poor loser! Back to America: The election of Joe Biden as President of the USA is breath of fresh air not only for America but all democratic countries in the world. It‘s a re-affirmation of the validity of democratic values and institutions. It is a loud and clear repudiation of racism, a misogynist orientation, fascistic behavioral patterns, affection for dictatorships and strong men and isolationism. It is a return to constitutional democracy and fundamental democratic values. It is the dawning of a regime that seeks a return to what is considered American – civility in words and conduct, adherence to the rule of law, affirmation of equality before the law, enjoyment of freedoms tempered by responsibility, a choice of excellence as against the forces of incompetence and ignorance, and leadership in the world to preserve civilization dedicated to the survival and elevation of mankind to a level of excellence. ADAZA | A7

‘Circuitous’ fund flow to BARMM of the MILF‘s 40,000 members) and political or governmental track (building of full blown parliamentary bureaucracy). Both tracks are still halfway, even as Palace officials and BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim had admitted lack of time to enact ordinances needed for wellfounded autonomous bureaucracy and complete the decommissioning or transformation to civilian, peaceful and productive life of MILF combat-members. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has confirmed that inadvertent ―delays‖ caused mainly by the massive shift of government attention to preventive efforts against COVID-19 are main reasons in the foreseen inability of the BARMM interim governance to accomplishment its two-track key missions on or before 2022,

the year supposedly set for the election of regular members of the regional parliament. Only 12,000 of the MILF‘s total members have so far been decommissioned, but the government has released only P100,000 of P1-million support package committed for each processed excombatant. On the other hand, the BTA has enacted so far the regional administrative code, and is still deliberating other edicts needed to flesh out the fundamentals of better autonomous governance. But earlier reported narratives had not mentioned about the absence of a DBM office in BARMM as another major impediment in the smooth operations of the interim autonomous government, until Rep. Mangudadatu divulged it in an interview with the Philippine Muslim

Today on Nov. 23. Mangudadatu said the national government has so far been downloading the BARMM‘s yearly block grant and other budget supports from the Department of Finance through the KKoronodal City-based DBM field office in Region 12. ―Kahit na papaano ay nadedelay ng dalawa o tatlong araw ang pundo sa Region XII bago dumating sa BARMM,‖ Rep. Mangudadatu said. At the Nov. 23 interview, BARMM parliament Member Khadafeh ―Toy‖ Mangudadatu corroborated his elder sibling‘s revelation, and announced that he would sponsor a bill creating a DBM office in the Bangsamoro to fill up the vacuum in the autonomous government‘s interim and regular stages of operations. (Comments on or suggestions to this column can be sent to alimac.bulletin@gmail.com)

News ADAZA | from Page A6

Biden, Trump... With the beginning of the Biden era, one gets to be reminded of Thomas Jefferson‘s articulation in the American Declaration that ―We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…‖ Similarly, with Abraham Lincoln‘s immortal words, ―A government of the people, of the people and for the people shall not perish here on Earth.‖ We also reminisce of the undying dreams of American Presidents - Woodrow Wilson‘s New Freedom, Franklin Delano Roosevelt‘s New Deal, John Fitzgerald Kennedy‘s New Frontier and now, Joe Biden‘s Back to America. We fondly remember also remember some lines from American songs like ―Land where my father‘s died, land of the Pilgrim‘s Pride. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.‖ We cannot help remembering the line which defines America as the ―land of the free and the home of the brave‖ This is what Joe Biden means to many observers in the world, return to the fundamentals – constitutionalism, rule of law, equality among men and women, justice for the deprived and downtrodden, unity in diversity, global leadership for democracy in the greater interest of mankind, and condemnation of all forms of dictatorship and mindless and ignorant cults. America defined: America is not only a land of immigrants; it is also a land of dreams for people of all colors – black, white, yellow, brown. It is a land of tremendous possibilities – where a black man like Barack Obama can be President of the country, Catholics like John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden can be President and a colored Asian woman can be Vice-President like Kamala Harris. Indeed, it is a land of dreamers where the impossible become possible; where dreams become real and realized. It is also a land of tremendous intellectual and artistic excellence – Justices like Oliver Wendell Holmes, Louis Dembitz Brandeis, Felix Frankfurter, William Douglas and Robert Jackson; novelists like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, F.B. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Robert Penn Warren and Sinclair Lewis; short story writers like O. +Henry and Sherwood Anderson; poets like Robert Frost, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Toni Morrison, Christina Rossetti; and men passionately driven by divine incandescence to better the human condition like Robert Fitzgerald ―Bobby‖ Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. I can go on and on but the list is interminable that celebrates man at his best, brightest and greatest. As the line of the song Frank Sinatra sang so well – ―that is America to me.‖ The man: Joe Biden is a very simple man going back to the fundamentals. As he said it so well, he is a President for all Americans, those who voted for him and those who did not vote for him. He wants to unite America not divide it. He celebrates the noble impulses of the human being not the dark forces. This reminds me of what a governor from Mindanao said when he was taking his oath in the smallest town in his province under conditions of martial law in 1980, ―Partisan politics ends with the elections. Whether you like or not I am your governor. I will serve all of you irrespective of party, gender, age and persuasion.‖ That is the politics of the democrat, of an intelligent and well-oriented President, of a unifier not a divider, of a noble human being skirting the fringes of divinity in these times when the forces of evil dominates many of the countries in the world. He is for the rule of law not only in America but for the world - giving everyone hope that massive human oppression, lawlessness and tyranny in many parts of our planet will begin to disappear for the good of mankind. For now, these are just words. In January 20, 2020 and days, weeks, months and years thereafter, let us see how Joe Biden translates into action. As Joe Biden said, with a Kennedy flourish and flavor, ―Let us show them not only the example of our power but the power of our example.‖ As they say, the taste of the pudding but in the eating. HAA

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Military, Banguingui municipality sign pact as partners for Agri-business in Sulu

AMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City: The military‘s 4th Marine Brigade and the local government of Banguingui, Sulu signed a Memorandum of Understanding as partners for the Agri-Business, Marketing, Market Networking, Social Entrepreneur, Branding, Labelling, and Product Development recently. The signing of MOU spearheaded by 4th Marine Brigade Commander Col. Ruben B. Candelario and the local government officials of Banguingui together with the LGU-sponsored Banguingui Women Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BWL MPC), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing of the Department of Agriculture, and Society for Peace, Economic, Environment, and Development in the Philippines was done purposely to ensure the success of the project. The 4th Marine Brigade also facilitated the launching of Banguingui Seafoods Products at Barangay Dungun, Banguingui. It is the realization of Col. Candelario‘s thesis for his Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) entitled ―The Non-Conventional Role of AFP in Social Enterprise with the Poor as Primary Stakeholders (SEPPS): An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Peace and Development in Sulu‖. The research revealed that the sustainability of peace and security in the area is the sustainability of its economic security, less unemployment, and less underemployment. The bounty of seafood resources and other unexplored potential resources for small and medium cottage industry made the Municipality of Banguingui an ideal model for a prototype for

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

MoU for AGRI-BUSINESS: The military’s 4th Marine Brigade and the local government of Banguingui, Sulu signed a Memorandum of Understanding as partners for the Agri-Business, Marketing, Market Networking, Social Entrepreneur, Branding, Labelling, and Product Development recently. Signing the MoU are Colonel Ruben B. Candelario, 4th Marine Brigade Commander, Banguingui Administrator Hadji Abdulwahid Sahidullah and Municipal Councilor Hadja Kerma Agga. (Photo Supplied)

the implementation of the research concept. The research banked on the idea that Genuine Relations married with Economic Security equates to a Sustainable Social Enterprise. The product was developed through the initiatives of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8) headed by Lt. Col. Allan Angelo Tolentino and Gagandilan Mindanao Women, Inc. (GMWI) who provided the training to the members of the Banguingui Women Livelihood Multipurpose Cooperative (BWL MPC) for the ―sardines-making project‖. BWL MPC is an LGU -sponsored cooperative organized by Banguingui Municipality Admin Officer Hadji Abdulwahid Sahidullah. Initiating innovations and avoiding market competition, Banguingui Municipal Councilor Hja. Kerma Agga developed her recipe by using abundant seafood resources from the different island barangays with a distinct vari-

ety of sea snails, conch, shellfish meat, clams, and other mollusks. Using the same concept of sardines making, it produces high-quality seafood gourmet that supports and uplifts the lives and livelihood of women who mostly belong to the immediate families of MILF, MNLF, and ASG surrendered personalities. MBLT-8, GMWI, and Agga trained the local women on tradecraft, cooking, innovations, and product development with an Inclusive Value Chain and Innovative Skill Production that bring about the various gourmet of Tapalang in Herbs & Tomato Sauce/Corn Oil, Bangungun in Herbs & Tomato Sauce/Corn Oil, and Kahanga in Herbs & Tomato Sauce/Corn Oil. To complete the cycle of inclusive business, the 4th Marine Brigade provided for the security, logistics, transport, and distribution from high risks areas to the market farm gate. While SPEED Philippines developed product

branding, labeling, product development, and quality control. Meanwhile, ASec Kristine Evangelista from the Department of Agriculture, Office of Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing provided the legal backbone and avenue for grants and capital outlay. Col. Candelario lauded the Local Government Unit of Banguingui and the Women of Banguingui Livelihood Multi-purpose Cooperative for the successful launching of Banguingui Seafoods Products and the signing of MOU. He further encouraged the populace to continue the effort that has been started and enhance the training and innovation. Likewise, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said, ―This noble endeavor is a great opportunity for us to reach out to the people of Sulu, extend our assistance, and bring about peace and reconciliation‖. JIJ

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

BARMM Investments board approves first investment for 2020 C

OTABATO CITY: The regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (RBOI) convened on Tuesday last week after its composition was revamped under the Bangsamoro Administrative Code that was recently passed. Republic Act No. 11054, more popularly known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, retained the original Regional Board of Investments due to the devolved powers it was already enjoying, such as administering fiscal incentives to investors, in the interest of stability of the investment policies in the autonomous region. Under the recently passed Bangsamoro Administrative Code, the revamped regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments is composed of its Chairman, two (2) members of the Board of Governors, and the Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Minister of Finance, Budget and Management and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, as exofficio members of the Board of Governors. On Tuesday last week, the regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments approved the registration of the investment of Community Wireless and Power Corporation in a community internet service provider project worth Fourteen Million Pesos (P14,000,000) in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, particularly with Wao, Lanao del Sur as its first project site. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a notable dip ininvestments that could be registered in the autonomous region for this

Left to right: MTIT Dir. Gen. Romeo Diocolano, MFBM Dep. Minister Ubaida Pacasem, RBOI Chairman Ishak Mastura, Board of Governor Mohamad Pasigan, BTA Rep. Mansor Ebrahim, MAFAR Director Ismael Guiamel, (seated) RBOI Chief Tech. Div. Farida Biruar and MTIT Div. Head Shamera Abobakar. (Contributed Photo) year. RBOI registered firms were struggling to survive the economic crisis brought about by the lockdowns instituted by the government to contain Covid-19. Most RBOI registered investors are in agriculture allowing them to survive and continue operating. For 2020, one major achievement of the RBOI was in pushing for the inclusion of investment operations under the newly passed Republic Act No. 11439 or the Islamic Banking Act of the Philippines, in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2020 that was just signed by the President last month. The IPP is the list of industries and sectors, investments in which the govern-

ment allows for fiscal incentives, such as income tax holiday and reduced duties and tariffs for capital equipment, to be given by the national Board of Investment, as well as, by the RBOI. On the prospects of investments next year, lawyer Ishak Mastura, the chairman of the RBOI said that together with other Investment Promotion Agencies his agency will be heavily involved in popularizing the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or CREATE law. “Hopefully, the impact of CREATE in the BARMM is minimal in terms of our incentivegiving powers because the BARMM can still craft its own list of priority industries and sectors to be incorporated with the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan to be adopted by BOI-Manila and promulgated by the President under CREATE”, Mastura added. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

SABAH | from Page B3

On the Sabah Claim the Kirams have a sure Path to Victory Although, he died in 1881, Sultan Jamalul A‘lam preempted with foresight the 1885 Madrid Protocol, under which agreement Spain ―has relinquished all claim to Borneo.‖ Now, with the Lease Agreement of 1878 legally in effect, it follows that Spain has no right whatsoever to claim Borneo (e.g., Sabah) and the document also proves that the Sultanate of Sulu has never ever submitted to, much more having

been conquered by, the Spaniards. [The same logic or import could have applied too with the 1898 Treaty of Paris, even if Sultan Jamalul Kiram II were to sign that treacherous Bates Treaty a year later in 1899 – Sabah has never been a sovereignty of Spain to be included in the US$20 Million cession money that Washington paid Madrid]. In 1962, the Sultanate of Sulu had no political power or sovereign status to block the

inclusion of North Borneo into the Federation of Malaya. It had no standing army, no good lawyers of its own and no financial resources to stage a claim. And following the creation of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu in 1914 and the signing of the Kiram-Carpenter Agreement a year later, the Sultanate of Sulu [whilst retaining certain rights) has ceased to be a self-governing sovereign entity within the country. It preferred, with the majority of the

people not protesting, the entire Sulu Archipelago and all previous dominions of the Sultanate of Sulu to become just a collective part of the Philippine Republic. However, even in those rather chaotic scenes (especially, as regards Sabah), the Sultanate of Sulu up to the time has always been asserting its proprietary, legal and historical rights over Sabah. Sultan Esmail Kiram I did what was right in saving the

Sultanate of Sulu from losing Sabah [without protest and legal remedy] to peninsular Malaysians. The declaration he issued ―ceded and transferred sovereignty over Sabah to the Philippines,‖ with the condition that the Sultanate of Sulu (i.e., the House of Kiram) can revoke the declaration if the Philippine government is unable to fulfill its task in claiming Sabah for the Philippines. ABRAHAM I. DALAGAN

especially in BARMM, according to my former College Professor. Undeniably, he said ―the leaders and officials in then ARMM and now BARMM including the national government are paying less attention to the Sama tribe because we are not of the violent type of people. ―In fact, we are the most peaceful tribe in the

Philippens in which even the military especially the Philippne Marines consider Tawi-Tawi as their place of R & R (REST AND RECREATION),‖ Prof. Ladjakahal proudly attested to. For your comments and suggestions please send an E-mail to: munir1845media@gmail.com

JANNARAL | from Page A5

Faith of a Balik-Islam endured the great pain... Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City. To my assessment he is a millionaire though not that multimillionaire. But as far as I know he is the only Muslim Filipino whose house was in the exclusive subdivision for the rich and the famous. In fact the former President of the Republic of

the Philippines, PFVR is one of his neighbors. In politics. Money is more favored than relatives even among brothers and sisters are separated from each other during elections because of money politics. As a matter of fact, there are Sama leaders who have hundreds

of relatives but except for a few who remain loyal to support their relatives, most of them have the tendency to abandon their relatives. In politics, money is more influential than any other factors even if you have only a handful of relatives. In fact, this is true to all other provinces

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Memorable Moments and Best Players of Tawi-Tawi Beach Volleybal

Putli’ Mandi is a Tausug version "The Best of Home-Cooked Halal Tausug-Filipino Dishes"

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

With MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

One famous moment was when two local boys named Gabshar Tahiluddin and Yusop Abdulkarim slugged it out in the FINALS during the 2015 NATIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS held in the scenic and famous Boracay Island. Facing a formidable tandem from Far Eastern University of Metro Manila, the two Tawi-Tawi boys withstood and vanquished the number one seeded FEU team in a thrilling deciding set with a regulation two point margin after a 15 -15 tie in the final set. At stake was a P250,000.00 cash prize plus loads of sports equipment.

The scene during their championship games was one for the record. The bleachers were filled to the rafters as all 13 participating team members were in attendance. These, plus the hundreds of visiting tourists and local residents were there too watching closely the annual events sponsored by Nestea Philippines. The FEU sports management, sensing and anticipating a worthy contender from the Tawi-Tawi, shipped out and ferried their school cheerers with a marching band all the way up from Manila down to Boracay island. Added to the spectacular tourna-

ment were the presence of prime and known Philippine movie personalities who were there as part of the Nestle company product endorsers. The Tawi-Tawi sports heroes, Tahiluddin and Abdulkarim, played under the banner MSU Tawi-Tawi Team coached by MSU Sports Director Prof. Edward Lee. (This writer was present at the scene when the game was played in Boracay. He was there as the Coach of Team Mahardika Institute (MIT) who landed as 7th placer of the 13 qualifiers from around the country.) JOHNNY R. LEE

Tourism workforce urged to avail DOT-DOLE financial assistance MANILA: The Department of Tourism (DOT) is reaching out to tourism workers who were affected by the closure of establishments or those which scaled down operations, to immediately avail of the expanded financial assistance as part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act interventions to address the pandemic‘s impact on Philippine tourism. Under a Joint Advisory between the DOT and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), titled Expanded Coverage of Beneficiaries Under DOLE-DOT Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-001, the financial assistance program now extends to: 1) beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under Bayanihan 1; 2) workers of affected establishments that implemented flexible work arrangements or alternative work schemes; and, 3) LGU-licensed secondary tourism enterprises. "This initiative will widen the scope of recipients of this financial assistance program

and accommodate those who have already availed of existing programs open to the tourism sector. Hopefully, the program‘s take-up rate significantly improves to reach more members of the micro-, smalland mediumenterprises (MSMEs) and more importantly, those belonging to the informal sector,‖ Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said. The tourism chief urged the tourism enterprises, associations and local government units (LGUs) to help in providing the necessary documentary requirements for their affected employees or members. The expanded coverage also allows for the issuance by the DOT of training vouchers to endorsed tour guide associations or groups for the conduct of a relevant training for its qualified members no later than 30 June 2021. In effect, the tour guide applicant may already avail of the financial assistance prior to the DOT-spearheaded training to be undertaken within the prescribed period. The Joint Advisory further deems valid and enforceable the other provisions of the DOLE-DOT Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-001.

As provided for in the Joint Memorandum Circular, the following persons remain as the primary beneficiaries of the program: Displaced DOT-accredited and local government unit (LGU)-licensed tour guides; Displaced employees of DOT-accredited Primary Tourism Enterprises; Displaced employees of DOT-accredited Secondary Tourism Enterprises; LGU-Licensed Primary Tourism Enterprises (primary tourism enterprises, and tourism trainers that are not accredited by DOT but are registered by their LGUs); and Members of registered Community-Based Tourism Organizations (CBTOs) (organized groups in a community exclusively serving tourists in an attraction or destination duly registered with the relevant National Government Agency or the relevant LGU). ―We continue to assist our LGUs in slowly opening their tourism destinations in order to restore businesses, livelihood and jobs. Meanwhile, we hope that this program, along with other COVIDrelated schemes of assistance, will be warmly welcomed by our workers to tide them over this Christmas,‖ Puyat added. (PR)

ssalamu Alaykum! Finally we have reached the 26th Digital Online Edition since the Philippine Muslim Today started its Maiden Issue in June this year. Now it is December and we are about to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome the New Year of course by January 2021 but we won‘t stop and with your full support being our dear readers, The Best of Halal Home-Cooked Muslim Filipino Dishes is here to stay and to give you more Halal HomeCooked Muslim Filipino Dishes. For this issue we would like to feature the Putli‘ Mandi, another Tausug delicacy in Sulu, which is among the delicacies listed in the Coffee Table Cookbook written by Tausug Chef Abdulaziz H. Hamsain. Putli‘ Mandi is akin to a Buchi, a Chinese delicacy being served as dessert in most Chinese restaurants. However Putli‘ Mandi is usually made of glutinous violet flour and made in a round ball shape as big as a ping-pong ball just like the Buchi in size. It has also a common ingredient with Daral that I discussed in my previous Column in the preceding issue wherein it is also stuffed with Hinti, a grated coconut mixed with brown sugar. Enjoy the Putli‘ Mandi as it is best served during merienda time with hot brewed coffee or hot tea with lemon. Just refer to the ingredients and easy to follow procedures below. Putli' Mandi Serves 2-3 Ingredients: - ½ kilo glutinous rice flour (white or violet color) select the powdered type available at any grocery store - Hinti (refer to Daral recipe for direction on how to cook Hinti) - Grated coconut Procedure: 1. In a pot, prepare 2 liters of water then let it boil. 2. In a large bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with water till it forms into a soft dough. 3. Take a hand full of the dough, flatten on hand, stuff with Hinti' then form into a round ball shape. 4. Dip into boiling water, allow it to cook till it floats then drain. 5. Spread the grated coconut in a flat surface then roll the formed balls. **Pulti Mandi is best served cold as merienda or afternoon snack.

Ready to be served Putli’ Mandi just like the Chinese Buchi. It tastes just like a Daral since it is also stuffed with Hinti inside. (Photo Courtesy of Abdulaziz H. Hamsain)

Save the Earth

Covid-19 vaccination not mandatory: FDA

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Sen. Go tells Vaccine Czar Galvez, DOH Sec. Duque: Go ahead, be the first to be injected By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

AVAO CITY: Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has challenged Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque, III to be the first to be injected with COVID-19 vaccines in order to allay fears and build confidence of the public once the vaccine ordered from SINOVAC arrived from China.

ANILA: Filipinos would not be forced to get inoculated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) once a vaccine becomes available in the country, an official of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Thursday. FDA Director General Eric Domingo was reacting to social media posts urging Filipinos not to take any Covid-19 vaccine amid safety issues concerning its quick development. ―Wala naman po talagang pwedeng pilitin para bakunahan. Hindi po kayo pwedeng pilitin at hindi po tayo pwedeng sapilitan, kapag tayo ay nagpabakuna kailangan naiintindihan natin kumpleto kung ano ang benepisyo at adverse events, side effects o risks nito (No one can be forced to be vaccinated. You can‘t be forced and we can‘t be mandatory, when we take the shot we must understand completely the benefits and adverse events, its side effects or risks),‖ Domingo said in a virtual media forum. To help the public make an informed decision, Domingo noted that the Department of Health (DOH) is planning an education campaign that will explain the purpose, benefits, and risks of vaccination against Covid-19. ―We would like to assure the public we take it very seriously. We will make sure that the benefits will outweigh the risk more than anything before giving the emergency use authorization for any vaccine,‖ he said. On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 121 allowing Domingo to issue an emergency use authorization (EUA) to Covid-19 drug and vaccine makers. Domingo said pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, US biotech firm Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinofarm could be the first ones to apply to the country for a EUA as they have similar authorization from other countries. If ever a Covid-19 vaccine gets cleared and distributed in the country, Domingo said the DOH and the DFA would implement a strict post-authorization monitoring on the people who would take it. ―Nang ang adverse events ay ma-monitor at gayundin, makikipagugnayan tayo sa FDA ng ibang bansa na gumagamit ng bakunang ito para makapag-share tayo ng information at malaman natin kung mayroon tayong dapat imbestigahan (To monitor the adverse events, coordinate with the FDA of other countries using this vaccine and share information to know if there is something to be investigated),‖ he added. (PNA)

Read Most widely read in the Ranao Region

Amid few doubts on the efficacy and safety of COVID19 vaccines, Senator Go posed the challenge to DOH Secretary Duque III and vaccine czar Presidential Peace Adviser Galvez to have themselves injected first with the vaccine. This is to allay the fears of some people as well as to build their confidence on its safety and efficacy. ―May mga nag-aalangan pa kaya dapat unahin natin ang safety ng vaccine na ito. That is why I‘m challenging Secretary Galvez once safe na ipapakita niya, along with Secretary Duque, na sila muna ang magpapaturok ng vaccine once proven safe to encourage [the people],‖ Go said in an interview on Laging Handa last week in the newly opened Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City. ―(This is) to encourage naman po at mawala ang takot ng mga tao, pero dapat unahin natin ang poor, vulnerable, and frontliners, of course. Sila ang nangunguna sa labang ito — sundalo, guro, medical workers. Huwag rin natin pabayaan ang mga senior citizens natin na vulnerable and, especially, ang mga mahihirap na kailangan lumabas at magtrabaho — dapat po libre ito sa mahihirap,‖ mentioned Go. Allan Afdal Nawal of the PNA had quoted Senator Go saying that a national vaccine roadmap has already been prepared for a systematic distribution of the vaccine

CONCERNED FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINES: The 3 Masked Men of President Duterte in a huddle as they are discussing about what they will do upon the arrival of SINOVAC Vaccines from China. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Center) challenges both DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III (left) and Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez. Jr. (right) to have themselves injected first with COVID-19 vaccines in order to allay fears and build confidence of the public once the vaccine arrived from China. (Contributed Photo) once it is deemed safe and effective. He encouraged concerned agencies to properly communicate and implement the vaccine program to assure the public that the government is doing its best to restore normalcy amid the ongoing pandemic. ―Napaka-importante po sa vaccine na ito ang issue ng affordability at accessibility. Unang una, pagdating sa availability — dapat po unahin ang mahihirap nating kababayan,‖ he reiterated. In the same interview, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said that they are anticipating the need for a larger budget to procure suffi-

cient vaccines for the country‘s population. ―‗Yan ang laging pinaguusapan namin ni Senator Bong dahil siya ang chair ng Committee on Health. Kami naman, ina-anticipate namin na kailangan ng mas malaking pondo ‗yan. Sa ngayon, meron tayong nakastandby na PhP10 billion sa Bayanihan 2 for the procurement of vaccine. Bagama‘t sa susunod na taon, under the National Expenditure Program, meron lang nakalagay doon na PhP2.5 billion na initial na budget for the procurement,‖ Avisado said. Avisado assured, however, that there are several ways the government can secure enough funding for the much needed vaccines. Meanwhile, Go has praised members of the private sector who have expressed their intention to help the government in procuring the safest and effective vaccine against COVID-19 once it becomes available in the market. Go said that both the government and the private sector are working together to ensure access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. ―Tulung-tulong ang ating private sector, mga negosyante, alam naman nila na ‗di ito kakayanin ng gobyerno lang, salamat sa suporta sa Administrasyong Duterte. Kailangan nating magkaisa para malagpasan natin ito,‖ DBM VACCINES ASSURANCE: Secretary Wendel E. Avisado (right) of Go said. the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in a file photo ―Sino ba naman ang magwith PMT Managing Editor Julmunir I. Jannaral (left) gives his assurtutulungan kundi tayong mga ance that the Philippines has stand-by funds of P10 billion for Bayakapwa Pilipino,‖ he addnihan 2 for the procurement of vaccine and P2.5 billion under the National Expenditure Program next year as initial budget for procure- ed. JULMUNIR I. ment. JANNARAL

Diplomatic Corps

On the Sabah Claim the Kirams have a sure Path to Victory By ABRAHAM I. DALAGAN Member, Ruma Bissara Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Philippine Embassy in Jordan rescues a Maguindanao OFW after 10 years ordeal By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

FA, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City: The Philippine Embassy in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was able to rescue an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Maguindanao Province who suffered an ordeal for 10 years transferring from one employer to another.

Regarding Sabah, it is my personal belief and opinion that the Kirams actually did what was practical [or wise] and appropriate in 1878 and 1962. Without the written and signed Lease Agreement between Sultan Jamalul A‘lam of Sulu and Baron de Overbeck of the British North Borneo Company, there would be no legal document to boot to even start discussing the claim. And without the documented formal transfer by Sultan Esmail Kiram I of the Sultanate‘s sovereignty [over the territory] to the Philippine government, the latter has no right to engage, much more interfere, in the discussion. Without these two documents, no concrete evidence could be presented in court today when contesting the colonization of the territory by the British in 1946 and its subsequent inclusion into the Federation of Malaya in 1963. And without these two documents, the Philippine government and the Sultanate of Sulu, together, could never ever build a strong case to lay claim on the territory and to vigorously pursue the same to this very day. Sultan Jamalul A‘lam who signed the 1878 contract lease and Sultan Esmail Kiram I the 1962 transfer of sovereignty were both from the House of Kiram, whose hold on the sultanate throne has never been interrupted since the reign of Sultan Jamalul Kiram I from 1823 to 1841. And, today, from amongst its members, it is Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, the reigning 35th Sultan, who stands tall as rightful and legitimate. All past and recent efforts coming from other royal houses in protesting or debunking what the House of Kiram did in 1878 and 1962 have proven inconsequential and futile. Neither Overbeck nor the British Crown has ever given credence to the pretenses of the Houses of Shakirullah, Aranan and Pulalon against that deed of 1878. And since 1962, no Philippine president has ever officially invited a non-Kiram sultan to Malacañan. To put it succinctly, on or relating to the Sabah Claim, it is the House of Kiram that is recognized by the Philippine government, including the Philippine Congress, as legitimate. It is the Kirams, therefore, that have a clear path already to tread on – a well-documented case to pursue [carrying its name], unlike any and all the other Sulu royal houses. The latter, perhaps, can manage to put up their respective sultans [according to self-prescribed household taritibs or protocols] but must have to start from scratch [when laying claim on Sabah]. They may build their individual cases starting with the use of respective family tarsilas, purposely-made flags, certain fruit artifacts, gilded barongs or budjaks, supportive history books and, even, sworn affidavits. But these are material things that can never be presented or accepted in any court of justice as legal proofs to challenge the Kiram position regarding Sabah and to lay rival claims on it. The Kirams, with the support of the Philippine government and the services of good lawyers, may have to use only those two documents in order to win [or benefit from] the case. This royal house does not even need to prove its legitimacy anymore. It only needs to assert it [and to speak about Sabah as one royal house]. Questions: Why was the Lease Agreement of 1878 practical and appropriate that time? And, for that matter, the 1962 transfer of authority that year? SABAH | back to A8

Ambassador Akmad Atlah Sakkam of the Philippine Embassy based in Amman said as early as March 15, he posted at the Facebook about the case of an OFW whom he said they were able to rescue a Maguindanao OFW with an assumed name as Sameera Salama but actually it was found out that the real name was Noraisah Bendi Asi. According to Ambassador Sakkam the OFW went to work in Jordan when she was still at an under age of 16 to work as Household Help or domestic helper. But she began to experience her ordeal in the last 10 years where she transferred from one employer to another as her services were being bought as she kept on changing also her employer in the process. However, the worst part of it she was not allowed to go on vacation to her home province in Maguindanao and her salaries were not fully paid. ―Through the help of a tip from a well-meaning neighbor, we were able to rescue her with the dynamic assistance of the human trafficking unit (HTU) of Jordan's Ministry of Interior,‖ Ambassador Sakkam said. The Philippine Ambassador said this is another triumph of the vibrant cooperation between Amman PE (Philippine Embassy in Amman) and the Kingdom's government agencies. As of this writing, Sameera now age 26 is fully vindicated after fearless legal pursuit for about seven months. Sameera is now scheduled to go back home after a decade in Jordan without spending a single vacation.― She is going home happy and overjoyed to join her ailing mother and oth-

Ambassador Akmad A. Sakkam with Noraisah Bendi Asi, the rescued Maguindanao OFW who suffered an ordeal for 10 years transferring from one employer to another. (Facebook Photo) er members of her large family in Maguindanao,‖ according to the Philippine ambassador. ―This is another landmark case, a milestone in our continued efforts to address the plight of our distressed workers, a mandate we have firmly and solemnly resolved to do the best we can, in the name of public service, as our people continue to seek better opportunities abroad,‖ Ambassador Sakkam emphasized.

A tribute to the devotion and dedication of Amman PE Assistance To National (ATN) Team in carrying out its mandate that, ''public office is a public Trust,‖ is what Ambassador Sakkam wants to declare as a fitting tribute to the men and women behind the successful rescue and giving justice to Maguindanaoan OFW Sameera Salama who is Noraisah Bendi Asi in real life. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

People, Events & Places

7th of December is the Eid Milad of Madam Ruby Sakkam By Akmad Sakkam Ambassador Philippine Embassy Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Ambassador Akmad Sakkam and the Birthday Celebrator, Atty. Ruby Sakkam (Contributed Photo) Today is Monday, December 07, 2020. It is a Very Special Day of my better half, simply called “Ruby” to kin and close friends, for me and my children we just fondly called her “Mom”. It is her Eid Milad or Natal Day. A special one of a loving wife, caring mother and loyal friend all these years of over four decades since we were united in a sacred matrimony called marriage. I and my children cannot ask for more. She stood by us, role model as wife, paragon of virtue as a mother, an icon to so many for her sterling qualities of brain and beauty, above all for her exemplary conduct as a woman of upright behaviors, and nobility of character. She is always with us, in all trying times, travails and ordeals of life, steady, confident and hopeful that the best in life is yet to come. Happy Birthday Mom, you are simply the best! May the good Lord Almighty God continue to shower you with the blessings of good health and everlasting joyful life! Alhamdulillah! (Thanks be to God)

Happy Birthday Fhebie! The Management and Staff of Philippine Muslim Today would like to greet Happy Eid Milad or Natal Day to one of their Writers Maria Fhebie Ortil who celebrated her 19th Birthday on the 7th of December 2020. There was no glamorous celebration but Fhebie is very much thankful that another year was added by the Almighty God to her age. For those who read the Digital Online Edition of Philippine Muslim Today you must be familiar with the name of Fhebie as she writes the weekly Column that comes out every Friday, The Best of Halal Home-Cooked Muslim Filipino Dishes. PMT

Maria Fhebie.

Vol. I, No. 26 | Dec. 11-17, 2020 (Rabi ‘ul Akhir 26-Jumad ‘ul Awwal 2, 1442)

Davao business chamber elects new set of officers By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

AVAO CITY: A renowned medical practitioner and business personality has been elected anew as the new president of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII). In a statement from the chamber furnished The Ranao Star, Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, former president of Davao Medical Society and former governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)-Southern Mindanao, was unanimously elected as the chamber‘s new president during the annual election of trustees held virtually on Saturday, December 5, 2020. She served as the president of DCCCII from 2011 to 2012 and held a variety of roles both in the field of medicine and real estate. She is a member and convener of Consular Corps of the Philippines in Mindanao and Davao Chapter, the founder of Philippine Real Estate Service – Davao Chapter, the National Committee Chairperson on Economic Zone Development in the Philippines under the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA), a Certified International Property Specialist, and the Immediate Past President of Ambassador Club – Davao. Currently, she is the Honorary

Consul of Mexico to the Philippines in Mindanao. She is also the incumbent president of the National Ambassadors Club of the Philippines. Other officers elected were Bernard Benedicto (Berben Merchant, Inc.) as Executive Vice President; Engr. Rodger Velasco (Davao Light and Power, Inc.) as Vice President for Industry; incumbent chamber president John Carlo Tria as Vice President for Trade and Commerce; Art Gerald Perez (Bank of the Philippine Islands) as Vice President for Professional and Service Ven-

tures; Jennifer Dumlao (SVLand Corp.) as Corporate Secretary; and Marilou Ampuan (Bloomers Travel and Tours and Bloomers Goldsmith and Marketing) Corporate Treasurer. Newly-elected trustees Atty. Myra Quilatan (ACCRA Law Office) and Cherry Faye Al-ag (CFBA Travel Station) will join the incumbent Board of Trustees which also include former chamber presidents Antonio dela Cruz and Simeon Marfori II, Al Balagot (Balagot & Co.), Yvonne Cabada (CCTechnologies & Allies Services), Engr. Remegio Salanatin (RG Salanatin Construction, Inc.), and Roland Suico (Zilverband Inc.). Former chamber president Joji Ilagan-Bian led the firstever online election of trustees and officers, which ran for almost eight hours via Zoom. Chamber members, however, had the option to cast their votes manually provided that they follow the safety and health protocols set by DCCCII. MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

New Mindanao multi-sectoral group formed for Federalism MAIGO, Lanao del Norte: Over 60 participants from different parts of Mindanao have converged at the Moh‘s Beach Resort here on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, for a forum to discuss federalism amidst the clamor by many sectors for a revolutionary government as a way to federalize the Philippines in order to solve the present multifaceted problems engulfing the country. Datu Mohammad Nasser Canoy Abbas, leader of a few professionals who planned and organized the forum, said while we support federalism, the group is apolitical, being independent and siding no political personality or party. ―Ours is supporting a move we believe for the interest of the Filipinos in general and the Mindanaoans in particular,‖ he said. Abbas said Federalism is the solution to the problems besetting the Philippines. The forum has invited private individuals whom it believes knowledgeable on the concept of federalism and its advantages than the present unitary form of government. One of the two resource speakers Omar Solitario Ali, former mayor of the Islamic City of Marawi, discussed thoroughly how federalism

could solve the country‘s problems which the present system of government failed to solve. On his part, Atty. Usmin P. Diamel, a former official of the Commission on Audit (COA) who had been assigned as COA regional director in various regions including the National Capital Region (NCR) talked on the disparity and unfair distribution of income between the national government and the regions. Diamel said while Mindanao is remitting much income to the central government, only about 10 per cent of which returns to Mindanao in form more of development. The forum has arrived at four things: (1) Organized the Mindanao Multi-Sectoral Cau-

cus Council; (2) Passed and adopted two resolutions -- a. Supporting Federalism, and, b. For the 2022 national elections to push through; (3) Hold larger assembly next year; and (4) Link with other federalists movers for the realization of federalism in the country. Since the group is not concentrated in BARMM as many of its members are outside the autonomous region, it did not touch on the proposed extension of the 2022 first BARMM elections. Individual members who are residing in BARMM may express their opinion on the issue as residents of the region. Abbas was elected first chairman of the Council. MASIDING NOOR YAHYA