MADYAAS PEN: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

EDITORIAL

The Need For Fast And Fair Justice

“Services Provided by Provincial Prosecutor’s Office”, is the topic of Kapihan forum on February 23, 2013. The guest is Atty. Flosemar Chris Gonzales, Department of Justice (DOJ). He said, “the mandate of the National Prosecution Service is to dispense justice without fear or favor. This includes: a) building legal cases that may lead to prosecution and conviction, b) providing information to different judicial courts, c) free legal assistance to battered women, victims of human trafficking, extra judicial killings, d) free legal advice to LGU’s under the Barangay Justice System, and e) implement the Witness Protection Program”.

Violence against women is a public crime under RA 9262. Under the law, male suspects are subject to warrantless arrest and inquest is immediately done within 18 hours. Initially, case is filed with the Barangay Captain and Philippine National Police (PNP) with the coordination of NGO (VAWC). Women on the other hand who pummel their husbands during family feud can be charged to slight physical injuries, said Gonzales.

The Anti-Trafficking in Person’s Act or RA 9208 prohibits illegal recruitment, facilitating and transporting persons promising them decent jobs and security but in reality herds them into prostitution, forced labor and slavery. The law also covers migrant sugarcane workers or “sacada” long exploited by unscrupulous labor contractors. The Department of Labor and Employment implements a rigid hiring guideline capped by a work contract. It stipulates minimum wage, adequate medical assistance, food and regular working day of 8-10 hours.

Likewise, the “Kasambahay” Law stipulates a contract signed between an employer and a domestic helper at local Barangay Office. Salient provisions are 10 hours rest per day, day off once a week, Social Security Service and PhilHealth memberships, 13th month pay, overtime pay and minimum wage of P1,500 per month (towns) and P2,500 (cities) subscribed to by employer.

Election Gun Ban

The Election Gun Ban covered by Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A started on January 13. It will end on June 30, 2013. Permit to Carry Firearms (PTC) prohibits permitees to carry guns outside their residence. This includes deadly weapons (knives, bolos) and toy guns. Violators will be subjected to one year to 6 years imprisonment and P12,000 bond, underscored Atty. Gonzales.

If found guilty as charged of violence of any form perpetuated against women and children will be meted harsher penalties under the law. Data of National Demographic and Health Survey of 2008 show that:

a) One in 5 women aged 5-18 years was exposed to physical violence since age 15,

b) 14.4 percent of married women were abused by their husbands; 36 percent if widowed or separated,

c) One in 25 women aged 15-49 years experienced forced sexual intercourse, and

d) One in 10 women aged 15-49 experienced sexual violence.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) Index of 2010 reported that there are 30 million Filipino children whose ages range from 15 to 17 years old. However, 5.4 million Filipino or 19 percent of total are working in questionable jobs like prostitution, mining and construction. In Western Visayas, there are 250,000 children mostly found in cities.

Curbing criminality can only be achieved if we have responsible gun ownership. Death from bullet wound in the United States is 30 per million population while in the Philippines, 9 per million. The Philippines has 1.2 million registered guns while 0.6 million are unlicensed. In Western Visayas, out of 37,821 firearms as of August 2012, some 33,675 or 89 percent had expired guns licenses to date. It will be herculean task if the PNP will go after the illegal possessions of firearms. Kalibo alone has 400 cases of it, said Atty. Gonzales.

Supt. Raul Petrasanta, Chief of PNP Firearms and Explosives Division revealed that the Short Messaging System (SMS) is adopted to verify ownership of firearms whose owners are arrested during the election period. Is this fully implemented in Aklan?

The NSO 2010 data show the top 10 occupational categories is dominated by domestic helpers (98 percent). The implementation of the Kasambahay Law might hasten the development of the most exploited labor group. In order to professionalize Kasambahay, they must follow labor standards – like educational qualification, good moral character and in good health.

It is deplorable that another People’s Organization leader named Dexter Condez working for rights of indigenous people in Boracay is victim of extra judicial killing. He was reportedly gunned down February 26, Friday evening by unknown assailants while walking home after a public meeting. It is ironic that both Comelec and PNP are powerless in curbing gun violence in highly protected areas. The culture of impurity tends to go unabated as gunholders refuse to cooperate with authorities. Better to revoke their licenses and confiscate hidden firearms to better armed the members of PNP.

The ratio of service firearm to PNP personnel is 1:17, enough reason why criminal syndicates proliferate. DOJ has a daunting task what with heavy backlog of cases in the courts. The wheels of justice in this country move at turtle pace, the reason why Pres. Ramon Magsaysay was moved to say, “The less in life must have more in law”. Evidently this is just wishful thinking and dysfunction that create class distinctions of justice for the poor and another for the rich. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Congratulations! NVC Community

The Entrepreneurial Farmer sincerely wishes happy 65th Annual College Festival and Foundation Day Celebration to the Northwestern Visayan Colleges. This festival will take place on March 1 & 2, 2013.

Anchored on the theme: the “Role of the Academe in the Disaster Preparedness Program”, the celebration addresses its activities to assist the government mitigate the ill effects of disasters. The celebration theme reveals the NVC’s community concern and its academic relevance to the present day goals, problems and its possible solutions.

The two day annual foundation day celebration will highlight the important contributions in the human resource development of Aklan and other provinces which is the number one factor in community development.

Indeed, NVC is the paradigm of an ever progressive institution sustaining the test of time for the last six decades and five years of existence.

The Use of Mother Tongue

How useful is your tongue? Without your tongue the world will be miserable for there will be no communication to take place between two persons and among persons. There will be no understanding and peace will be jeopardized. And this is one of the reasons why language is one of the elements of an independent state.

Moreover, tongue is also used in the cultivation of an eternal and sincere love. It is used in kissing, to aid the lips.

Furthermore, tongue helps a person enjoy the food he eats. It helps a person enjoy the food or drink he takes.

In the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, Mother Tongue (MT) is used as the medium of instruction for Grade I classes. In Aklan, the MT is “Akeanon”. DepEd recognizes Akeanon as a distinct language, hence becoming part of the MT Based Multilingual Education.

A group of Akeanon teachers of DepEd has developed an “Akeanon Orthography” to be used as learning and guides in the teaching of Akeanon. This Akeanon Orthography is validated by Akeanon speakers last Friday, Feb. 22. This will be finalized and contextualized to be held soon in Tagaytay City.

Congratualtions Dr. Jesse M. Gomez and staff of the Division of Aklan, DepEd for this project.

This will surely improve the Akeanon language, expands its application, develops our culture, and promotes common understanding and peace not only among Akeanons but among Pilipinos. /MP

Muguing, Banga Home Reading Program

Photo shows Mr. Jenzen Z. Rubi, Elementary School Head Teacher III of Muguing Elementary School, Banga, Aklan welcoming the officers of the Rotary Club of Kalibo. They are (l to r) Sps. Dolce Lim, Rtn. Tessie Kennedy, Pres. Dennis Lim and Rtn. Frank Kennedy during the launching of the Home Reading Program in that school. Some seven big cartons of books were donated to the school to develop good reading habits not only among the children but also among their parents and the teachers. The launching was held in Muguing on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 27.

Reason & Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Politics & Morality

Too much had been said about politics and politicians. It’s always like that when elections usually come. Even in the early years, it has been that way like Aristophanes who said: “Under every stone lurks a politician “. As a young man, I would always go to the public plaza of Kalibo ( Pastrana Park) to listen to political rallies and campaign speeches during election seasons. Not one of the national candidates who campaigned in Aklan had talked about morality as far as I can reminisced.

I had occasion to hear a respected old Aklan journalist answer my friend about 45 years ago. He asked why nary did he hear politicians speak about morality in their campaign speeches. And the journalist’s riposte quoting Perry de Havilland:

“Getting a lecture from a politician is like getting a lecture on chastity from a whore”. Really, so many are wary and critical about the subject of politics. I am, not considering that I had been a public servant. As such, my outlook or criticism about politics is mitigated by being in the political field for so many years. I would rather look at it either as an art or science.

Politicians can pose as the most humble of all people. There is verity to the observation of Charles de Gaulle when he said that in order to become master, the politician poses as the servant. For another De Gaulle added: “Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word.”

And of political promise is that funny statement of H.L. Mencken, thus: “If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner.”

Former US president Ronald Reagan had his critical view of politics when he said: “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a close resemblance to the first.”

A rather gender biased statement comes from Steve Chapman when he said: “Politicians may think prostitution is a grim, degrading life. But prostitutes think the same of politics.”

XXX

President Aquino is leading the campaign for Liberal Party and their guests candidates from the Nacionalista Party for his Team Pinoy senatorial ticket. Measured this early, it would seem that the president considers the victory of the senatorial ticket on which he is seriously campaigning for as if the success of his remaining three years of presidency is dependent on the total triumph of his senatorial slate. Is the election triumph the be-all, end-all, cure-all to the economic and political problems of the nation of the President’s remaining three years?

XXX

Before March 2013 is over, a new Pope shall have been elected by the conclave of 117 cardinals with the exception of cardinals 80 years old or over to replace resigned Pope Benedict XVI.

The search for the new pope had been scheduled to start on March 15, 2013 to end on March 24, 2013, a Palm Sunday.

The Catholic Church list has the following popes who resigned, as follows: Marcellenus (304 AD), Martin (655), Benedict V (964) Benedict IX (1045), Gregory VI (1046), Celestine V (1294), Gregory XII (1406) and Benedict XVI.

I remember Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J. who had an anecdote about Pope Benedict XVI closely a year after the present pope assumed the papacy on April 19, 2005.

In his March 18, 2006 Philippine Star column Fr. Reuter narrated, thus:

“After getting all Pope Benedict’s luggage loaded into the limousine, the driver noticed that the Pope was still standing on the curb.”

“Excuse me, your Holiness,” said the driver.

“Would you please take your seat, so that we can leave?”

“Well, to tell you the truth”, said the Pope, “they never let me drive at Vatican when I was a Cardinal. I’d really like to drive today.”

“I’m sorry Your Holiness,” said the driver. “I cannot let you do that. I would lose my job! What if something should happen?’’

“You will not lose your job”, said the Pope, smiling. “I guarantee that”.

Reluctantly, wishing that he had never gone to work that morning, the driver got into the back of the car as the Pope climbed in behind the wheel.

The driver quickly regretted his decision.

After leaving the airport, the pontiff pressed the gas pedal right down to the floor, accelerating the limousine to 105 miles an hour.

It was then that the driver remembered that Benedict was a German Pope. “Please slow down, Your Holiness!” he pleaded.

But the Pope kept the pedal down to the floor until they heard sirens.

“Oh, dear God, I’m going to lose my license!” moaned the driver.

The Pope pulled over and rolled down the window as the cop approached.

But the cop took one look at him, went back on his motorcycle, and got on the radio.

“I need to talk to the Chief,” he said to the dispatcher.

The Chief came on to the radio and the cop told him that he had stopped a limousine going 105 miles an hour.

“So bust him,” said the Chief.

“I don’t think we want to do that, sir,” said the cop. “He’s really important!”

The Chief said: “All the more reason!”

“No,” persisted the cop. “I mean really important!”

The Chief asked: “Who do you have there . . . . the Mayor?”

“Bigger!”

“The Governor?”

“Bigger!”

“Well,” said the Chief. “Who is it?”

The cop swallowed and said” “Chief . . . Chief . . . I think it’s God!”

The Chief was amazed. “What makes you think it’s God?”

The cop said: “He has the Pope as his driver!” /MP

Sex And Super Sex: Human Zoo

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“One of the bizarre satisfactions of rape for the sadist is that the writhings and facial expressions of pain he produces in the female are somewhat similar to the writhings and facial expressions of a female experiencing an intense orgasm.” DESMOND MORRIS

When we put a piece of food into our mouth it does not necessarily mean that we are hungry. When we take a drink it does not inevitably indicate that we are thirsty.

In the Human Zoo, wrote English zoologist Desmond Morris, eating and drinking have come to serve many functions. We may be nibbling peanuts to kill time, or we may be sucking sweets to soothe our nerves.

Like a wine-taster, we may merely savor the flavor and then spit the liquid out, or we may down 10 pins of beer to win a wager. Under certain circumstances, we may be prepared to swallow a sheep’s eyeball in order to maintain our Facebook status.

“In one of these cases is the nourishment of the body the true value of the activity,” wrote Morris. “This multi-functional utilization of basic behavior pattern is not unknown in the world of animals, but, in the human zoo, man’s ingenious opportunism extends and intensifies the process.”

Let’s examine the different functions of sexual behavior one by one. Morris reminds us that “it is important to realize at the onset that, although these functions are separate and distinct, and sometimes clash with one another, they are not all mutually exclusive. Any particular act of courtship or copulation may serve several functions simultaneously.”

These are the 10 sexual functional categories, according to Morris:

1. PROCREATION SEX. There can be argument that this is the most basic function of sexual behavior. It has sometimes been mistakenly argued that it is the only natural and therefore proper role. Paradoxically, some of the religious groups that claim this does not practice what is preached. Monks, nuns and many priests deny themselves the very activity which they hold to be so uniquely natural.

2. PAIR-FORMATION SEX. The human animal is basically and biologically a pair-forming specie. As the emotional relationship develops between a pair of potential mates it is aided and abetted by the sexual activities they share. The pair-formation function of sexual behavior is so important for our species that nowhere outside the pairing phase do sexual activities regularly reach such a high intensity.

3. PAIR-MAINTENANCE SEX. Once a pair-bond has been successfully formed, sexual activities still function to maintain and reinforce the bond. Although these activities may become more elaborate and extensive, they usually become less intensive than those of the pair-forming stage, because the pair-forming function is no longer operating.

4. PHYSIOLOGICAL SEX. In the healthy adult human male and female, there is a basic physiological requirement for repeated sexual consummation. Without such consummation, a physiological tension builds up and eventually the body demands relief. Any sexual act that involves an orgasm provides the orgasmic individual with this relief. Even if copulation fails to fulfill any of the other nine functions of sexual behavior, it can at least satisfy this basic physiological need.

5. EXPLORATORY SEX. One of man’s greatest qualities is his inventiveness. In all probability, our monkey ancestors were already endowed with a reasonably high level of curiosity; it is a characteristic of the whole primate group. However, when our early human ancestors took to hunting, they undoubtedly had to develop and strengthen this quality and magnify their basic urge to explore all the details of their environment.

6. SELF-REWARDING SEX. It is impossible to draw up a complete list of the functions of sex without including a category based on the idea that there is a thing as ‘sex for sex’s sake’; sexual behavior, the performance of which brings its own reward, regardless of any other consideration. The function is closely related to the last one, but they are nevertheless distinct.

7. OCCUPATIONAL SEX. This is sex operating as occupational therapy, or, if you prefer, as an anti-boredom device. It is closely related to the last category, but again can be clearly distinguished from it. There is difference between having spare time and being bored. Self-rewarding sex can occur as just one of many ways of constructively utilizing the spare time available.

8. TRANQUILIZING SEX. Just as the nervous system cannot tolerate gross inactivity, so it rebels against the strains of excessive over-activity. Tranquilizing sex is the other side of the coin from occupational sex. Instead of being anti-boredom, it is anti-turmoil. When faced with an overdose of strange, conflicting, unfamiliar or frightening stimuli, the individual seeks escape in the performance of friendly old familiar patterns that serve to calm his shattered nerves.

9. COMMERCIAL SEX. Prostitution has already been mentioned, but only from the point of view of the customer. For the prostitute herself the function of copulation is different. Subsidiary factors may be operating, but primarily and overwhelmingly it is straightforward and commercial transaction. Commercial sex of a kind also figures as an important function in many marriage situations, where one-sided pair-bond exists: one partner simply provides a copulatory service for the other in exchange for money and shelter. The provider who has developed a true pair-bond has to accept a mock one in return.

10. STATUS SEX. With this, the final functional category of sexual behavior, we enter a strange world, full of unexpected developments and ramifications. Status sex infiltrates and pervades our lives in many hidden and unrecognized ways. It is concerned with dominance, not with reproduction, and to understand how this link is forged we must consider the differing roles of the sexual female and the sexual male. Although a full expression of sexuality involves the active participation of both sexes, it is nevertheless true to say that, for the mammalian female, the sexual role is essentially a submissive one, and for the male it is essentially an aggressive one. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Naga Ginhawa Nga Bukid

Sa kahaba-on ko bukid it Sierra Madre, may guina patihan nga may una nga naga ginhawa nga lugar ko bukid kato anay. Rondaya hay nagtuhaw pagkatapos it mabaskog nga linog. Abo nga mga hayop, pamaeay ag mga tanum ro nagkaeaduea tongod sa linog.

May isaeang ka bakero nga naga bantay ko anang mga baka ag anwang kat hakita nana nga naga buga-buga it kaeayo ro bukid. Sa anang kahadlok, nag uli imaw sa anda ag guin sugid ro hakita sa anang lolo.

Suno sa anang lolo, unang nagtuhaw ro pagginhawa it bukid ka’t imaw hay maisot pa. Suno pa guid sa anang lolo, guin sumpa ro higante nga naga estar sa mabahoe nga yungib tongod abo ro anang guin halitan nga mga kasapatan. Sa pagsumpa kana, maga balik ro anang pagginhawa nga guin eobong sa bukid pagkatapos it sanggatos ka dag-on.

Nagtaliwan eon ro sanggatos ka dag-on, ag pagkatapos it mabaskog nga linog, napukaw ro higante. Busa, naga buka-buka ro bukid kon mag ginhawa ro higante. Bangod sa abo eon man nga kabuhi ag katamnan ro naduea ag nagkaeasamad, duro guid ro kaakig ko mga tawo. Nag paino-ino sanda kon paalin mapapundo ro pagbuka-buka it bukid.

Ko gabi-e ngaron, nagdamgo ro bakero. Nagpakita kuno kana ro isaeang ka magueang. Guin sugo imaw ko magueang nga usoyon ro higante nga naga katueog sa isaeang ka uengib. Kun makita nana, magpotoe imaw it buhok ko higante ag ihaboy sa nagabuka-buka nga bukid.

Habugtaw ro bakero. Anang guin tuman ro sugo sa anang damgo. Nag padueong imaw sa pag usoy sa higante. Hakita nana nga naga katoeog ro higante. Madahan nga guin gaeab nana ro buhok it higante. Dayon dali-dali nga nag adto sa naga ginhawa nga bukid. Mabakas nana nga guin pilak ro buhok. Sa owa magbuhay, owa nag-uli ro pagbuka ko bukid.

Owa masayuri kon siin nag adto ro higante. Basi namatay. Ro buka nga bukid hay nangin aeagyan it mga tawo ogaling kon agyan it mga saeakyan hay naga kurog ro eogta.

Makaron una pa ro bukid sa Sierra Madre ogaling owa eon naga ginhawa. /MP

Tagle Seen Most Viable Third World Bet For Pope

One of the most highly respected Vatican analysts in Italy, who had been critical of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, now believes the cardinal is the only viable Third World candidate for the papal throne.

Italian journalist Sandro Magister, who writes for the magazine L’Espresso, said there seems to be no other prominent churchman from the Third World, except for Tagle, who is “capable of attracting votes” in the coming conclave that would elect Pope Benedict XVI’s successor.

With the Pope’s historic decision to abdicate due to the complications of old age, Tagle’s youth (he is 56) “will no longer be an obstacle to being elected Pope,” he added.

“If from Latin America and Africa, where indeed the majority of the world’s Catholics live, there do not seem to emerge prominent personalities capable of attracting votes, the same is not true of Asia,” Magister said. “On this continent, soon to become the new axis of the world, the Catholic Church also is wagering its future.”

“In the Philippines... there shines a young and cultured cardinal, Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Tagle, the focus of growing attention,” Magister said in his article, “Who Will Take Up the Keys of Peter,” published on his website.

‘Doctrinal Correctness’

Magister, who espouses right-wing views, said that despite Tagle’s ties to the so-called “Bologna School” of progressive academicians, the cardinal’s “balance of vision” and “doctrinal correctness” had impressed even Pope Benedict.

“As a theologian and Church historian, Tagle is one of the authors of the monumental history of Vatican Council II published by the progressive ‘school of Bologna,’” Magister said.

“But as a pastor, he has demonstrated a balance of vision and a doctrinal correctness that Benedict XVI himself has highly appreciated. Especially striking is the style with which the bishop acts, living simply and mingling among the humblest people, with a great passion for mission and for charity,” he added.

Being Young No Obstacle

Magister downplayed Tagle’s youth, often cited as a reason why Tagle’s chances of getting elected are slim.

“One of his limitations could be that he is 56, one year younger than the age at which Pope Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) was elected. But the novelty of Benedict XVI’s resignation again comes into play. After his action, youth will no longer be an obstacle to being elected Pope,” Magister said.

Magister had been critical of Tagle in his previous articles due to the cardinal’s ties to the “Bologna school,” which produced a controversial history of the Second Vatican Council that conservatives criticized for supposedly providing an overly progressive interpretation of the council.

After it was announced that Tagle was the new Archbishop of Manila, Magister revealed that Tagle’s ties to the “Bologna school” was not mentioned in his file that was submitted to the cardinals and bishops, who vetted Tagle’s record before his appointment as Archbishop.

Some Church observers saw this revelation as one of the possible reasons why Tagle was not immediately named a cardinal when the Pope called for a consistory in February 2012.

Raised To The Purple

When Benedict finally made Tagle a cardinal in November, Magister noted that Tagle was raised to the purple even after a Vatican prelate had criticized the chapter he wrote in the controversial “History of Vatican Council II.”

Magister noted that Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, in a book published by the Vatican, criticized the chapter Tagle wrote as “a rich and even comprehensive study, but unbalanced,” written in “journalistic language” and here and there “lacking the objectivity required of the true historian.”

“Marchetto’s criticism nonetheless did not prevent Tagle, Bishop of Imus since 2001, from becoming Archbishop of Manila in 2011 and now cardinal,” Magister said.

Magister also said that Italian Cardinals Gianfranco Ravasi, Angelo Scola and Angelo Bagnasco, and the patriarch of Venice, Archbishop Francesco Moraglia, were possible papal successors. From North America, the candidates include Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet and the Archbishops of New York (Timothy Dolan) and Boston (Sean O’Malley), he said.

Magister’s Credentials

Magister’s views on Tagle’s chances for the papacy drew reactions from other Church observers.

In a post titled “A Pope from the Philippines?” on the website of the conservative American magazine National Review, writer Michael Potemra said: “Sandro Magister is one of the most highly respected Vaticanisti (Vatican experts) in Italy, so it’s interesting that he thinks the young Filipino cardinal, Luis Antonio Tagle, has a serious chance.”

In a 2006 review of Magister’s website, the American magazine on geopolitics Foreign Policy dubbed Magister as “The Pope’s Prognosticator.”

“Among the most reliable and revered Vaticanisti is Sandro Magister, who covers the Vatican for L’Espresso, an influential Italian newsweekly magazine with more than 600,000 readers. Magister is well-regarded for both his acuity and his prolificacy,” the magazine said.

Open To Dialogue

Across the world, in Brazil, some analysts said the Church needed a younger, more modern and open-minded Pope who could halt the exodus of the faithful in Latin America, home to half of the world’s Catholics.

Brazil has the world’s largest Roman Catholic population-at 125 million faithful-but the country’s leftist tilt has left many feeling alienated from a church seen as overly wealthy and detached from modern life.

Brazil’s Catholics wonder who will be tasked with leading the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics, many of whom were appalled by recent pedophile and corruption scandals and shocked by the surprise resignation of Benedict.

“It does not matter whether the next Pope is Brazilian [or] Filipino, although it will be difficult to get a non-European,” said Franciscan friar and writer Frei Betto, a friend of Cuba’s famed communist revolutionary Fidel Castro.

“I want a man open to dialogue with the modern world, to interreligious dialogue,” Betto said. “The Catholic Church maintains medieval practices. It did not enter modernity and is not comfortable with the digital world.”

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, emeritus Archbishop of Sao Paulo, stressed the need for a Pope younger than the 85-year-old Benedict XVI. Around 65 “would be a good age,” he said. (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) /MP

Marquez Increases PhilHealth Coverage

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

As part of his administration’s accomplishments in the health sector, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez cited the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s expanded membership coverage in the Province of Aklan particularly among the indigent sector.

Marquez said there are now 57,001 PHILHEALTH regular members sponsored by the provincial government. The municipalities sponsor another 19,995 covered under the universal coverage program.

The governor reported that under the National Household Targeting System, 32,949 beneficiaries are already covered.

Marquez likewise expressed his gratitude to the Department of Health for its various health services enhancement programs such as: the P13 million worth of equipment and P100 million worth of infrastructure for the eight hospitals of Aklan and the eight rural health units; computer sets for electronic field health services information system; registered nurses for health enhancement and local services; rural health midwives placement program; doctors to the barrios program; and the rural health team placement program.

Marquez also lauded the establishment of Inter Local Health Zone Pharmacy and 202 Botika ng Barangay, one of which got a national award for its excellent operation.

The governor said the upgrading of the Ibajay District Hospital and the Libacao Municipal Hospital is on-going.

The provincial government operates the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, a provincial hospital, two district hospitals in Altavas and Ibajay, the municipal hospitals in Libacao, Madalag, Buruanga and Malay, and another hospital in Boracay Island. /MP

EDITORIAL

by Ernesto T. Solidum

PhilHealth Must Open

Municipal Offices

“Universal Coverage of PhilHealth”, the topic discussed at Kapihan forum at Payag Street Lounge on February 16, 2013. The guests are Mr. J’Ruel del Rosario, Manager PhilHealth, Mr. Renato L. Dela Cruz – Human Resource Management Officers, Ms. Winelia S. Geonanca – HIA II and Ms. Aimy Joy M. Desadorada – SIO III.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino cited RA 9241 that amended RA 7875 or an Act Institutionalizing National Health Insurance Program for all Filipinos and Establishing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for this purpose. Today, PhilHealth celebrates its 18th founding anniversary adopting the theme, “Synergy for Universal Health Care”.

Socialized health insurance addresses the primary health needs of all Filipinos at nominal insurance premium of P1,800 per year. Considering the dismal level of poverty and unemployment existing in the countryside, it is a welcome development that PhilHealth coverage has been expanded to include 2.5 million domestic helpers and Case Type Z benefit package for catastrophic illness like kidney transplant, coronary heart disease, congenital heart defects, and others, said former Vice Governor Tolentino.

Mr. del Rosario is very optimistic that within this decade, PhilHealth can realize corporate target of 95 percent based on current accomplishment. Slogan adopted under the leadership of DOH Sec. Enrique Ona is, “Bawat Pilipino miyembro, bawa’t miyembro protektado, kalusugan natin sigurado”.

Del Rosario started with PhilHealth as an ordinary employee on February 1, 1999. All these years dedicated himself to quality service delivery since majority of the clienteles belongs to the poor. PhilHealth regular office hours is 8:00 AM but it opens at 6:30 because 80 percent of them desperately need supporting documentation record to liquidate hospital bills. To minimize congestion in the provincial office. PhilHealth opened two (2) outlets – Member Assistance Center in Boracay and PhilHealth Express Counter in Caticlan. In the planning stage are service desks in Ibajay and Altavas. Opportunity was opened to us that Gaisano Mall allows to use office space in the third floor for our permanent provincial office. We are ready to move there next week. Del Rosario is grateful that the Civil Service Commission has recognized their humble efforts in terms of compliance with the Citizen’s Charter.

Ms. Desadorado issued a call to all PhilHealth active paying members to execute individual policy contract insurance in line with new management policy. Filing as well as updating can only be done at the Provincial Office. Despite several paying options, she advised straight one year premium payment of P1,800 or at least on quarterly basis in order to get optimum benefits, said the Lady Accountant.

To date, there are 85,760 PhilHealth cardholders in Aklan where premium payments are sponsored either by LGU’s or Priority Development Assistance Fund of Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Kasangga Partylist Representative Cong. Teodoro T. Haresco revealed Ms. Geonanca. In addition, the DOH under the National Household Targetting System has 32,201 beneficiaries while the provincial government under Gov. Carlito S. Marquez has 20,000. LGU Malay increased recently PhilHealth coverage by allocating P2 million as sponsorship insurance payment that could benefit 1,111 indigent households.

The data of PhilHealth Aklan with total registered membership acquired through sponsorship of 85,760 may appear satisfactory. However, based on NSO data, total households in August 2007 is 433,219. This means only 19.7 percent is actually covered by Philhealth sponsored membership.

Even if voluntary and lifetime members are included, the highest accomplishment could be not more than 50 percent of the total households. It should be noted that some households may have two (2) or more active paying members since parents and children may be fully employed.

Considering the surprisingly low acceptance rate of health insurance of the government, there is cogent need for more effective and comprehensive info campaign for PhilHealth membership. Under the policy, members and their legal dependants – children less than 21 years old and their parents more than 60 years old are entitled to 20 percent discount of their bills in any PhilHealth accredited hospital. This is very significant especially for the less privileged in life to take advantage.

Mr. Del Rosario allayed fears that the new location of their office at Gaisano Mall could inconvenience the elderly and disabled members. Concerns and issues are working condition of elevator (subject to rotating brownouts despite standby generator), reimbursement proceeds spent because of impulse buying and clienteles subject to rules and regulation of the Mall (like business hours, security check, fire safety). A major consequence could be increased traffic congestion and smog in that stretch covering Kalibo Wet Market, ACC High School, Aklan Valley High School, Aklan State University (Kalibo Campus) and Aklan Cooperative Mission Hospital. It should be noted that parking lot of the Mall is at the back and access to both entrance and exit is very narrow.

There must be nationwide policy that medical practitioners desist from charging extra payment beyond that authorized by Philhealth. In surgical cases, they are given 30 percent as professional fee, reasonable enough and yet some of them want to raise the bar. It is heartbreaking that some physicians do not empathize with the plight of indigent patients. They are advised to “haggle” first over professional fees of surgeons and anesthesiologists before giving the thumbs down.

Perhaps, 18 years is not enough to convince the large majority of Aklanons to avail of package of benefits with a nominal sum. Consequently, the low acceptance rate poses formidable challenge to policymakers to analyze the weakest link. Perhaps, people rely so much of largesse of politicians to subsidize premium membership payments. If this is the case it smacks of patronage politics. Here we are seriously undermining the democratic process.

The decision of PhilHealth to open offices at municipal level is innovative and a giant step. This only requires synergy of all concerned. Happy anniversary PhilHealth. /MP

Marquez Lauds National Offices

In his February 6, 2013 State of the Province address, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez expressed his greatest gratitude to various national offices operating in Aklan for their laudable performances and accomplishments especially the projects done, which are re-enforcing and strengthening LGU – Aklan’s development efforts.

Marquez cited the Bureau of Internal Revenue for its P1.14 billion tax collected in Aklan province in 2012. Aklan LGU is less dependent on its internal revenue allotment. Nevertheless, Akan’s IRA share constitutes a large portion of the provincial budget.

Marquez credited the Department of Trade and Industry for generating US$2.4 million in export sales, P195 million in domestic sales and registered over P452 new investments. It generated about 5,200 jobs for the Aklanon.

For rehabilitating and upgrading Aklan’s irrigation system, Marquez recognized the National Irrigation Administration. He noted the P78.5 million NIA channeled to irrigation which is one of the major components of the quest to rice supply sufficiency.

For maintaining Aklan as the regional capital in Region VI in Coconut industry, Marquez cited the good job the Philippine Coconut Authority for its massive planting and re-planting programs. According to Marquez, Aklan has 4.5 million growing coconut trees on 44,700 hectares of land where 45,000 Aklanons are depending on it.

Marquez thanked and lauded the Department of Agrarian Reform for its program of land acquisition and distribution. In 2012, DAR distributed 95 hectares and another 91 hectares under leasehold.

DAR also extended P4.1 million credit assistance which benefited 650 families. It also trained 1,500 beneficiaries on livelihood.

Moreover, through the DAR projects, some P25 million was spent to construct 11 kilometers farm to market roads in 2012, P60 million in 2011 and P73 million in 2010.

The Department of Agriculture on the other hand spent P30 million for farm to market road in Aklan.

The DPWH’s Aklan Engineering District completed 37 infrastructure projects worth P102.4 million in 2012. It has until today on-going projects funded for P50.2 million out of the regular fund and P107 million from the 20 percent IRA development fund.

Escudero Is No. 1

Sen. Chiz Escudero in his re-election bid tied for the number one spot. This is the finding in a recent survey of senatorial candidates by pollster Pulse Asia.

Sen. Loren Legarda got a rating of 58 percent while Escudero has 54.3 percent. With a margin of error of plus or minus (+/–) two percentage points, the two re-electionists were in a statistical tie for number one.

The latest Pulse Asia poll showed those behind Legarda and Escudero. They were Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano–third; Nancy Binay and Rep. JV Ejercito were tied for fourth and fifth places.

Other candidates among the first top 12 were Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV; Sen. Aquilino Pimentel; Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr., former Rep. Cynthia Villar, former Sen. Migz Zubiri, Rep. Edgardo Angara, and Sen. Gringo Honasan II.

The 13th to the 16th places are Bam Aquino, Grace Poe and former Sen. Richard Gordon. /MP

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Gifts From Eykis

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“Reality is not a concept; reality is my daily life.”

J. KRISHNAMURTI

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way!

“This is the message of all my gifts. If you haven’t figured out this secret, happiness will always elude you,” Eykis, a citizen from Uranus, told a peaceful and life-loving Earthling in an exchange encounter.

“Remember,” Eykis added, “you all have such an advantage here on Earth. Your reality permits you to live in total harmony with your world...Why not take these gifts, apply them, and just attempt to experience a new reality?”

Dr. Wayne Dyer, the number one bestselling author of such reality-based, life-changing books as Your Erroneous Zones, Pulling Your Own Strings, and the Sky’s the Limit, tells us in a parable format, about an Earthling’s journey into space to find a new world, only to find a mirror image of his own.

LOVE

He fell in love with a woman from that other world. His inner voice, his deepest impulse, told him to bring her back to Earth. When she came, she brought gifts. He thrilled with inner excitement. Her precious gifts could mean no-limit happiness for all.

“Throughout history storytelling has been a significant avenue of communication,” Dyer wrote in the book that dwells about the story of self-discovery. “From Aesop’s Fables and biblical parables to Jonathan Livingstone Seagull and many additional ancient and modern sources, we can learn readily by stepping aside to the position of objective observer.

“There the sting of criticism is not so painful. The action and resulting consequences happened to the fox or bird or prodigal son. Yet with very little effort we see how the truth and universal essence belong to us all. We are moved to new perceptions, emotions, and behavior through these ‘fictional’ examples.”

NEW WORLD

Dyer said science and technology have brought us forward into a grand new world with greater possibilities than ever. “But in many ways our attitudes and feelings have not evolved equally,” he stressed. “We are less equipped to deal with the opportunities presented today because we drag along some unhelpful beliefs and misperceptions of the realities of our world.”

He asked: “What would be the reactions of an intelligent visitor from another planet to our complex systems here on Earth? How would we view that visitor’s culture? Can we compare favorably? Are we ready to accept an objective view?”

Meanwhile, the Earthling asked Eykis: “You mentioned something about secrets in our earlier discussions, Eykis. Do you want these secrets to remain clouded over, or are you willing to share them here on film with us?”

“I’d be happy to share my observations with you,” retorted Eykis. “But first I would like to say that the only reason I refer to what follows as ‘secrets’ is that they appear to have eluded so many of you here on Earth. Originally I call them secrets because I thought no one knew them. I’ve since discovered that all these so-called secrets are available to everyone on Earth, and have been as long as you’ve had recorded history. I will still refer to them as secrets, however, because their actual use continues to remain obscure.”

SECRETS

The secrets of the universe, according to Eykis, are: 1. We must learn to cultivate our own garden. 2. The kingdom of heaven is within. 3. Everything in the universe is exactly as it should be. 4. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. 5. Where I go, there I am! 6. Keep it simple. 7. These are the good old days. 8. You are perfect. /MP

Editorial

by Ernesto T. Solidum

PhilHealth Must Open Municipal Offices

The decision of PhilHealth to open offices at municipal level is innovative and a giant step. This only requires synergy of all concerned. Happy anniversary PhilHealth. /MP