Intelligent Pinoys And Insecure Colonizers

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” BERTRAND RUSSELL

Søren Kierkegaard was right when he cautioned that we must understand life backward and live it forward.

Before we die, we must be able to know the truth and understand the roots of our sufferings, what precipitated our ignorance and why many of us are ashamed of our culture and why we are wallowing in insecurity and lack of pride as a nation. 

The murder of Ferdinand Magellan by Lapu-Lapu sealed our fate.

Although Magellan’s death delayed the Spanish colonization of the Philippines by more than 40 years, what happened next became a horror which had unleashed irreparable damage and wrought unimaginable havoc on our psyche until today in the computer age.

Desperate to enslave the Filipinos after efforts to conquer them by force had failed, the Spaniards shifted to Plan B: they instituted an organization which would disable the development of our critical thinking, an intelligent quotient (IQ) reduction program aimed at making the natives dumb. 

And they succeeded!

COMMISSION

According to Dr. Carlos Alfonso Santos, this program was called the National IQ Reduction Commission (NIQRC) founded in 1521 “by a bunch of starving Spanish conquistadores in Limasawa.”

“The conquest was not doing well,” wrote Santos. “They were hopelessly lost (they were really looking for Malacca) and Lapu-Lapu had just killed Magellan. The Spaniards realized that if they wanted to claim the land, they would have to make the natives dumber. So they began a number of IQ reduction programs, all coordinated by the NIQRC.”

The most successful initiative at the time, according to Santos, was taken by the Catholic Church. “The fraile (Spanish word for “horny cretin”) pretended to preach the Gospel, but actually aimed to impose blind obedience and servitude.”

“Every Sunday, homilies throughout the archipelago essentially revolved around one theme: You are dirty, uneducated, learning impaired idiots who need white men to manage your affairs.” (This is humiliation.)

Santos revealed that when the Americans bought the Philippines three centuries later, they asked the Spaniards what was the secret to holding on to a colony for so long. A former governor general reportedly answered: “It’s simple: keep them stupid.”

“The Americans took this advice to heart and did their utmost in keeping our IQs low. Instead of using the Church, however, they established the public school system,” Santos narrated.

EDUCATION

“Practically every government ministry was eventually turned over to a Filipino--except the Department of Education. With a condescending smile and a great deal of false charm, the Americans taught English and Math and the Boogie, but left critical thinking out on purpose.”

The Americans reportedly were afraid that if anyone actually started thinking, “we would realize that it was just a little bit weird that the United States, itself a former colony that had to wage a bloody revolution to win its freedom, was now taking the rights to self-determination away from another people.”      

After World War II, the Americans left when they reportedly realized it was too expensive to fix a war-torn country and kept Guam for posterity sake.

In the history of Western thought, according to Dr. Mortimer Adler, freedom has a number of distinct meanings: 

A man is said to be free when external circumstances permit him to act as he wishes for his own good. 

A man is said to be free when he has acquired enough virtue or wisdom to be able willingly to do as he ought, to comply with the moral law, or to live in accordance with an ideal befitting human nature.

All men are said to be free because they are endowed by nature with power of free choice--the power to decide for themselves what they shall do or become.

‘INVISIBLE FORCE’

Meanwhile, Santos said the Philippines’ new leaders retained the NIQRC and is now “a major albeit invisible force.”

“They had to find another way of keeping us stupid though. Sunday Mass was no longer effective since no one went to church anymore and those who did invariably fell asleep after the entrance hymn.

“The public school system, on the other hand, was too expensive. If the government had to build schools, pay teachers and buy books, there would be hardly enough funds to set aside for graft and corruption which eats up 50 percent of the budget.

“So under the auspices of the elected officials of the newly independent Philippine Republic, the folks over at the NIQRC received a new mandate: set up a cost-effective IQ reduction program. They, of course, outdid themselves and cooked up the best scheme yet: the soap opera.”

Santos said, “it is a scientifically proven fact that soap opera decreases an average human’s IQ by half a point per episode. The characters and story lines are so flat and utterly lacking in depth that the viewer’s IQ almost invariably drops.”

It’s never too late actually to unshackle our minds from the bondage of this age-old system. We all watch TV and today’s sophisticated cable network offers a smorgasbord of programs. The choice is ours. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Mata It Banog

(Matanglawin)

Guina kilaea sa kaabtik ro pispis nga banog o lawin. Kita ko anang mata maskin ano ka eayo ro bu-ot nana nga dagiton. Busa ro manok nga naga tuka sa kaeati-an hay maabtik man nga naga panago daea ko anang mga isiw agod makalikaw sa banog.

Mabuhay eon nga naga alila it mga pispis si Satur. Una kana tanan ro sari-saring klase it pispis. May maeagko, maintok, maila ag mahugop ag naga kasari-saring kolor. Guina pangayaw imaw it mga maila-on man mag alila it hayop tongod antiguhan imaw mag obra it kisiw. Guin daea ni Satur sa anang baeay ag guin alila. Ko olihi, guin gamit nana ro banog sa pagdakop it mga ilahas nga manok agod ibaligya sa tindahan. Abo nga naila sa namae ko ilahas busa abo ro naga bakae kana hasta nag manggaranon si Satur. Maila-on man imaw mag alila it manok pang bueang ag tongod mas mahae ra bili, halipatan eon nana it pagtatap ro alilang banog. 

Ko olihi, nagpanaw ro banog ogaling owa sa bu-ot ni Satur tongod abo kana nga naga bakae it pang bueang nga manok. 

Tumaliwan ro mga inadlaw ag binuean, nag abo ro eanggam ag katsori sa anang baeay. Abo nga mga manok ro guin pang kaon ag nagkaeasipot man ro anang ibang pispis. Hadumduman nana ro anang alilang banog. Guin bo-oe nana ro anang baktoe nga pantawag sa anang banog. Habati-an ko banog ro tunog it baktoe. Nag abot imaw sa baeay ni Satur. Nalipay guid it duro si Satur sa pagbalik ko anang alilang banog. Halin kato, guin tatap it husto ni Satur ro anang alilang banog nga guin halinan ko ana tanan nga manggad. /MP

PNP Claims Most Peaceful Elections

The conduct of the 2013 mid-term polls has been “generally peaceful.” This is the assessment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a few hours before polling precincts closed down nationwide on Monday evening, May 13.

 
AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan said the situation throughout the country remained “generally peaceful.”

 
“People were able to go to polling centers and were able to cast their votes,” Tutaan said.
The AFP official added security authorities are able to address reports on the presence of armed groups.

 
Tutaan insisted this despite reports of several incidents of election-related violence on polls day, which they claim are very isolated cases.

 
Earlier, at least one person was killed while five others were wounded when unidentified men opened fire at a convoy carrying people, who were on their way to cast their vote in Panglima Estino, Sulu at around 7:30 am on Monday, May 13.
Before the voting even began on May 13, PNP Western Mindanao regional police spokesperson Chief Inspector said an explosion incident rocked the house of a village chief Ruben Pepania at around 3:48 a.m.

 
But identities and the motive of the suspects have not been identified as of posting.

 
Meanwhile, a sub-village coordinator identified as Fernando Lopez was also reported wounded after being shot by one Lucas Florentino in Barangay Abra, Santiago City around 1:30 a.m.

 
The victim was rushed to De Vera General Hospital, while the suspect escaped after the incident. 

 
The PNP earlier deployed police personnel to perform election duty in 77,829 clustered polling precincts nationwide for the 2013 midterm polls on May 13.

 
In a statement, PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima believes their early preparations are sufficient to accomplish their mission despite overwhelming odds.

 
“Up until the last hour before the polls open at 7:00 am on Monday, May 13, our confidence remains high that this national electoral exercise of 2013 shall emerge as the most peaceful polls ever in the history of Philippine elections,” Purisima said.

 
“We share the outlook of our Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials that the next 12 hours of voting day will be uneventful, orderly, and credible,” he added.

 
The PNP was in full alert and ready to provide police assistance to members of the Board of Election inspectors (BEI) and to the 52-milion registered voters who will troop to the voting centers, Purisima said.

 
The PNP official claimed their command and control center in Camp Crame was in constant communication with all regional directors, who were tasked to supervise local election security operations in coordination with the Comelec.

 
The PNP continued to enforce the gun and liquor ban even if it was preoccupied with normal law enforcement functions and poll duties.

 
The gun ban is effective until June 13 while the liquor ban was effective until Monday night, May 13.

 
“Your 148,000 strong Philippine National Police joined the entire nation in fervent prayer for secure and fair elections last May 13, 2013 until after the leaders that we have elected into office were duly proclaimed,” Purisima said. /MP

Policarpio–Guarino Nuptial

Eric Policarpio and Rowena Guarino with the grace of God and blessings of their parents, Mr. Edilberto Orali Policarpio & Mrs. Monaliza Sabidor Parohinog Policarpio (†) and Mr. Carlos Dela Cruz Guarino (†) & Mrs. Rosemarie Retoriano Rebogbog Guarino with joyous hearts will share and celebrate the joys and blessings during the exchange of marriage vows. The wedding ceremony will be held on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon at St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary Parish Church, Banga, Aklan. Rev. Fr. Val Nalangan will be the main celebrant.

 
The bridal entourage is composed of 22 pairs of principal sponsors who are: Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente & Mrs. Merely I. Romaquin; Dr. Dobie P. Parohinog & Mrs. Daylinda R. Rigodon; Mr. Norlito V. Isagan & Mrs. Geraldine R. Isagan; P/SInsp. Gelacio R. Guarino, PNP (Ret.) & Mrs. Jean R. Guarino; Mr. Teddy C. Tupas & Mrs. Gleceria G. Bullo; Mr. Renato I. Rasco & Mrs. Purita S. Beltran; Mr. Leoncito P. Indelible & Mrs. Mila C. Inciong; Mr. Eleuterio V. Guarino & Mrs. Myrna L. Guarino; Hon. Teodorico R. Teodosio, Jr. & Mrs. Elma T. Calves; Hon. Mamerto C. Romaquin & Mrs. Lourdes C. Romaquin; Hon. Arnulfo C. Pastrana & Mrs. Marilyn S. Pastrana;

 
Mr. Lino P. Quisote & Mrs. Vivian R. Resos; Mr. Noel G. Tolentino & Mrs. Merilos I. Tolentino; Mr. Rolly F. Quives & Mrs. Lyn R. Resos; Mr. Andrew Lopez & Mrs. Melody M. Lopez; Mr. Renato N. Mendoza & Mrs. Sonia V. Malihan; Mr. Alejandro R. Sta. Maria & Mrs. Lyn G. Bantigue; Mr. Alex M. Fernando & Mr. Bliss F. Nabor; Mr. Jolito B. Andrade & Mrs. Josalie S. Sioco; Mr. Edison R. Rebaldo & Mrs. Helenita L. Ricamonte; Mr. Joseph V. Guarino & Mrs. Remia M. Guarino; and Mr. Allan P. Salvador and Mrs. Terry P. Romaquin. Mr. Rowel R. Guarino is the best man and Miss Emelie R. Rasco is the maid of honor. 

 
The groomsmen and bridesmaids are: Jose Gabriel L. Alba & Angelie Jude I. Tolentino; Leandro S. Parohinog & Charlene Rose S. Padua; Ronald T. Imaysay & Jenalyn D. Indemne; Mark Antony G. Barrera & Princess Abegail R. Romaquin; Jomar T. Relente & Kate Andrea F. Caparas; Darryl D. Regusta & Deby A. Reyes; Rudy P. Vargas, Jr. & Jenie Lyn G. Dulpa; Leo R. Guarino & Lea R. Guarino; Renel D. Rico & Hazel Joy R. Beltran; and Archie N. Guarino & Joan L. Flores.

 
I-ple M. Alba & Emie Joy M. Ibisate will light their path with candles; Rudyguer Ropa & Carolyn C. Ropa clothe them as one with veil and John Andrew S. Rentillo & Symie Ariette M. Romaquin bind them together with the cord.
The bearers who will carry the symbols of love, faith and prosperity are: John Nire R. Andrade – ring; Cris David R. Rampola – rosary & bible; Ken Ivan B. Bullo – coin; Steve Raphael S. Alejandro – veil; and Jean Matthew T. Magdael – cord.   

 
The flower girls are Marianne Nicole D. Falcon, Jaris Shane R. Lachica, Angel Q. Relator, Iris Kristel R. Aragon, Aizel Mae M. Laiz, Kym P. Romaquin, Karen R. Rebogbog, Angelika S. Pastrana, Roxanne C. Rebogbog, Lucky Mae P. Parohinog, Abegail P. Salvador, and Shane Tresha Kyla S. Vargas.

 
Gericar D. Santillan, Roselyn T. Ignes, Noemi D. Andrade, Maezil R. Naig and Joselyn P. Penillos are the usherettes.
The church ceremonies over, the newlywed will receive and entertain their guests, immediate family members, relatives and friends in a wedding reception and party at the Aklan State University Review Center, ASU Compound, Banga, Aklan with Roland F. Democrito and Quennie G. Corona as hosts.  /MP

Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Coco Farmers: Living On Life’s Edge

Aklan’s emergence as top performer in crushing poverty and hunger at its core can be melodramatic. The National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) report of 21.0 percent poverty incidence in 2012 compared to 38.4 percent in 2009 is very significant because three years ago the province is classified as belonging to a group of 20 provinces wallowing in poverty. Perhaps, resiliency and dogged determination of its people and leaders to overcome social problems and/or challenges have given them the strength to beat the odds. 

Everyone must be aware that NSCB report is not conclusive since the final one is expected towards the end of this year. Yet the 45.3 percent reduction may remain as is or adjusted based on existing realities. Certainly, euphoria at this point in time is too premature. 

The argument that Aklan’s poverty incidence must be validated is borne by a humbling fact: Aklan historically is a coconut producing province and considered the biggest in Western Visayas yet its stakeholders are poor as a rat. Its economy and fortune are tied to a crop which product market price is conveniently dictated by traders. 

Ms. Plevy C. Reyes-Raco, Philippine Coconut Development Manager in Aklan revealed that area planted to coconuts in Aklan totaled 46,409.73 hectares. Of which, bearing trees are 2,904,780 hectares with average nut production per tree of 63.55 a year. The average farm size is 1.2 hectare managed/owned by 45,765 farmers. The leading town producers are Ibajay – 6,012.35 hectares and Libacao – 5,380 hectares. 

The bearing tress constitute 62.5 percent of total area which the 29.9 percent are non-bearing, and the senile – 7.6 percent. This shows that the actual bearing trees per hectare is 97.5 producing 6,196.25 nuts per hectare per year. At an average of four nuts to produce a kilogram of copra, one hectare coconut plantation will produce 1,549.0 kgms. copra per hectare a year. At a current farm gate price of P12.00 per kilogram, the income of a coco farmer is P18,588 per hectare or P19,000 gross for the 1.2 hectare average landholding a year.

At P19,000 gross annual income, this is equivalent to a monthly income of P1,583.33 or P52.77 per day. The expenses for harvesting, drying and hauling must be subtracted. In the case of tenants, they are in dire straits because 60 percent go to the land owner. 

Management of 1.2 hectare coconut farm does not demand full time activities. The farmer can engage in other projects to augment his coconut income. 

Definitely, the coconut industry in Aklan needs to be physically and structurally rehabilitated. A well funded replanting program coupled with the use of high yielding varieties and fertilization must be implemented. Fortunately program on physical transformation is on-going for the last three years under PCA manager Euclides G. Forbes.

On the other hand, USec Merly Cruz of the Department of Trade and Industry said that coco coir from coconuts, one of industry by-products is being tapped to be one of the three big exports of the country by 2016. USec Cruz said that exports of the product could be P1.7 billion per year. Versatility is seen in upholstery padding, mattresses, floor mats, doormats, strings, ropes, nets and brushes. 

The Philippines produces only 6,037 metric tons (MT) of coco coir products for export out of the 15,205 billion nuts harvested from 3.56 million hectares. In comparison, Shri Lanka produces 120,616 MT of coco coir for export from the 395,000 hectares of land that produce 2,707 billion nuts. The major export markets for coco coir are China, Japan and Taiwan. 

The biggest irony is that the coconut has a thousand and one uses be it in industry, food, beverage and medicine yet unexploited or underutilized. More than a century ago, George Washington Carver, a US scientist discovered the prodigious uses of peanuts and Americans have fully exploited the crop to the hilt making them prosperous and powerful.

Coco coir is manufactured into geotextiles notably nets for slope rehabilitation, fish nets, twines and ropes. The horticulture industry uses cocopeat, bricks and blocks combined with seaweeds as fertilizer-receptacles.

Among the active producers of coco coir products are found at Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and the Ivisan Small Coconut Farmers MPC. Unfortunately the Ibajay Small Farmers Coconut Farmers MPC folded up in 2009 due to financial and institutional problems. However, in the past, the latter cooperative exported significant volumes of coco coir mats and ropes to China. 

Undoubtedly the physical and structural reform in the coconut industry must be fully developed to alleviate poverty, provide livelihood and decent income to the increasing population. It is foreseened scenario that if the coco industry is fully exploited as to its various products, full employment of workers can be assured. Mr. Joel Recamora, Chief Anti-Poverty Commission recommended that the P70-80 billion coco levy fund be channeled to projects that directly benefit coco farmers. 

Even if Aklan is now better off than its neighbors, it is imperative leaders give due attention to the worsening plight of coco farmers. The World Bank report that 20 percent of Filipinos lives on a dollar a day is well validated in the case of coco stakeholders. Living on life’s edge surely is not what God intended us to be. /MP    

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Education For Loving And Faithful 

Pilipinos To RP

Due to the death of a Taiwanese fisherman in an incident in Philippines waters north of Cagayan province, the authorities in Taiwan demanded apologies from the Philippines. It also demanded payment as compensation to the family of the dead fisherman. It set a deadline with treats.

And president P-noy immediately complied with. He sent his apologies. However, the Taiwanese rejected the apology as the Taiwanese believed, it lacks sincerity. As to the compensation, there is nothing paid yet.

These actions of a Taiwanese government requiring apologies and payment for the death of its citizen with deadline is a manifestation of lack of respect to a sovereign country like the Philippines. It is arrogance devoid of acceptable diplomacy.

The immediate sending of “apology” of the Philippines government means lack of guts. The Taiwanese government has so humiliated the Philippines. It became unfriendly to its neighbor. The Philippines should not have apologized to an arrogant and unfriendly island.

What are the Filipinos afraid of the Taiwanese government?

First, the Philippines has no diplomatic relation with Taiwan. There is no diplomatic relation to break. This is in accordance with “one China policy”.

Second, true we have economic relations. However, the Taiwanese need the Filipinos more than we need them. Recall all the Filipinos working in Taiwan and its industry will collapse. Stop the buying of Taiwanese products, the more its manufacturing industry will collapse. It is so disgusting to continue a friendly relation with a hostile island. 

This Taiwanese fisherman incident is a great reminder for us to minimize the sending of Filipino human resources abroad, if not stopped. While they earn money, they are humiliated, some are raped, some are tortured, and others die. 

It is difficult to imagine for the Philippines spending so much for the education of its people and after graduation leave the country for the benefit of foreigners.

It pains to think that the largest portion of the National Budget is for the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education and the graduates go abroad to serve foreign masters.

The most important factor in productivity is human resource. All other factors of production like money, machine, material, method and time are just wasted with unqualified manpower.

But the Philippine is spending the biggest portion of her budget for the education of her people geared to work abroad. It is time now to review Philippine education policy with emphasis to produce graduates who can live and prosper in the Philippines.

It is now time to produce Filipinos via education and training who are faithful, loyal and loving to the Philippines and the Pilipino. Through thick and thin, stay, work, earn and live happily in the Philippines. The Philippines is rich with natural resources just waiting for sincere, dedicated, and industrious Filipinos to develop and profit from them.

The Philippines has more lands still uncultivated. This land must be developed to produce more food for her people. It has wide ocean rich with marine and other aquatic resources. 

It has more rivers which when develop will help increase agricultural productivity. These rivers must be harnessed not only for irrigation purpose but to produce electricity, use as flood control and land reclamation. The 7,107 islands are so beautiful that attract more people to visit the Philippines. These must be developed for the good of the Pilipinos. /MP

Successful LGU Aklan Candidates

Picture above shows the victorious candidates in the May 13, 2013 mid-term elections in Aklan. They are (l to r) Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo - Vice Governor, Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores - Governor, and Kasangga Partylist Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. - Congressman, Lone District of Aklan. 

Come July 1, 2013, Aklan will have a new set of elected municipal and provincial officials.

Aklan has a total registered voters of 328,642. Out of this number, 268,199 actually voted or 81.6 percent on the May 13, 2013 midterm elections. Those who voted, they elected now Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores Aklan governor which term starts on July 1, 2013. Miraflores defeated Makato Mayor Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr. Miraflores got 122,427 votes or 45.6 percent to Legaspi’s 99,034 only or 36.9 percent of the votes cast.

There were four candidates for congressman for the lone district of Aklan. They were Phoebe Clarice L. Cabagnot – incumbent Aklan SP member (West), Partylist Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Banga Mayor Antonio T. Maming and former Boat Captain Ramy E. Panagsagan. Cong. Haresco prevailed over the three candidates. 

Haresco got 104,438 or 38.9 percent of the votes cast. Maming got 96,629 votes or 36 percent, Cabagnot got 34,216 votes or 12.75 percent, while Panagsagan got 5,324 votes or 1.98 percent. 

For Vice Governor of Aklan, the incumbent vice governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo defeated Victor Manuel M. Garcia. Calizo-Quimpo garnered 116,925 votes or 43.5 percent to Garcia’s 90,282 votes or 33.6 percent.

In the Sangguniang Panlalawigan race, the Eastern district retained Hon. Rodson F. Mayor as SP member. Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz is a first termer. He is an incumbent Kalibo SB member who topped the election for SP members. Atty. Plaridel M. Morania is a come backing SP member. Ms. Lilian Quimpo-Tirol, placed third. She is a former member of Kalibo SB. Atty. Harry C. Sucgang, a practicing lawyer from Batan, Aklan displaced Hon. Jean O. Rodriguez, the current SP member who placed sixth. But sorry, SP member Eastern side needs five members only.

As the congressman and governor of Aklan who are cousins from Ibajay, Western Aklan is also represented in the SP by Ibajaynons. Hon. Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, son of Congressman Joeben and Ibajay Mayor Lulu topped the election. Roberto M. Garcia, Jr. son of the late former Governor Nono Garcia is elected SP member. Ibajay Vice Mayor Nelson O. Santamaria is elected with Malay SB member Esel L. Flores, Ramon S. Gelito, a former SP member, got the second highest number of votes. Although he is now residing in Makato, Gelito’s roots are from Ibajay. Among the nine candidates for SP member (Western), Engr. Ricardo I. Ileto of Malinao, Makato SB member Basilides T. Tabernilla, Cipriano G. Casidsid – Nabas, and Basilia I. Fajardo – Numancia did not make it to the SP.  

Aklan PBC Winds Up Proclamation 

of Winning Candidates

Reconvening at noon on Thursday, May 17, 2013 at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall, the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBC) finally proclaimed the winning candidates for the last two slots in the provincial board in the East District of the province.

Proclaimed were lawyer Plaridel M. Morania for the fourth slot and lawyer Harry C. Sucgang for the fifth and final slot. Morania garnered a total of 48,633 votes while Sucgang got a total of 48,190 votes.

Sucgang narrowly edged incumbent SP Member Jean Oquendo Rodriguez who was relegated to the sixth slot when she got only a total of 48,166 votes, 24 votes behind Sucgang.

Proclaimed early Thursday morning by the PBC are Congressman-elect Teodorico Haresco, Jr. who got a total of 105,971 votes, edging narrowly rival candidate, Banga Mayor Antonio Maming, by only 9,649 votes.

Likewise proclaimed with Haresco are Governor-elect Florencio T. Miraflores and re-elected Vice Governor, Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo who got a total of 123,034 votes and 117,605 votes, respectively.

Miraflores edged rival candidate, Makato Mayor Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr. by a margin of 24,060 votes. Quimpo edged rival candidate, incumbent SP Member Victor Manuel M. Garcia, by 27,197 votes.

Also proclaimed Thursday are SP Members-elect in the West District, namely: Jose Enrique M. Miraflores (re-elected), Ramon S. Gelito, Roberto M. Garcia, Jr., Esel Flores, and Nelson D. Santamaria. With them proclaimed were SP Members-elect for the East District, namely: Soviet Dela Cruz, Rodson F. Mayor (re-elected), and Lilian Q. Tirol.  /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Alila Ni Apo Lakay

Pinaka maeapad nga patag ro guina panag iyahan ni Apo Lakay. Bata pa imaw ka’t ana nga guin pang hawanan ro kagueangan hasta anang guin aplayan it titulo ro kutob ko ana nga nalimpyuhan. Sa anang pag pangabuhi, rikara imaw nakaasawa ag naka unga hasta naka apo. Imaw ro anang guin umahan it paeay nga guina pagaling nga bugas, guina anihan it tinoea ag prutas sa andang lugar. Nakapatapos imaw sa anang mga onga sa pag eskuyla sa kolehiyo. Tanan man sanda hay puro man nakapag asawa. 

Isaeang adlaw, hakibot si Apo Lakay sa golping pag aeabot it mga bulldozer ag maeagko nga trak sa anang lugar. May guin ta-o kana nga papel nga permado it tag-ana. Guin baligya gali ko anang onga nga inhenyero ro anang eogta nga owa imaw nakasayod. Busa, makaron hay guina limpyuhan ko naka bakae agod obrahon nga mall. Sa kaakig ni Apo Lakay, nagpanaog imaw sa basement ag guin buksan ro isaeang ka kahon nga mabuhay eon nga owa habuksi. 

Gumuwa ro maputi nga sawa ag golpi mang nadoea. Owa mabuhayi, nag aeabutan ro kaabo-abo nga sawa ag guin pang angkit ro kutob tawohan it bag-ong tag-ana. Nagpauli eon lang sanda. Sa andang pag abot, guin sugid nanda sa tag ana ro tanan. Guin balik ko milyonaryo nga intsik ro eogta ni Apo Lakay. Guin uli man ko inhenyero ro kabakeanan ko eogta. Nangayo imaw it patawad sa anang ama. 

Hanangda sa sugae ag iba-ibang bisyo ro anang onga ag nagbueag pa sanda ko anang asawa. Busa, nagbalik eon lang imaw sa anang ama ag nag pangako nga imaw ro maga tatap ko andang eogta. Pagkasayod ko anang pamilya nga nag bag-o eon ro andang ama, nagbaealik ro bilog nga pamilya sa maskin kato pa hay una eon sanda naga estar sa baeay ni Apo Lakay.  /MP

Merciless Political Triumvirate

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“Being the first to cross the finish line makes you a winner in only one phase of life. It’s what you do after you cross the line that really counts.” RALPH BOSTON

The combined Defensor-Tupas-Garin Liberal Party coalition forces in the province of Iloilo proved too much for those not included in the powerful Malacanang-inspired bandwagon that recently reigned terror in the provincial political landscape.

The Liberal Party Express was merciless in its coup de grace here as it registered a shocking sweep that toppled some of the strongest names in local politics even before these big names in the opposition could win in major battles. 

Among those casualties are the patriarch and matriarch of the dreaded Flores dynasty in the first district, who were wiped out in one of the bloodiest political executions in the history of the province. It was like a French Revolution where both the king and queen were guillotined.

Former police general Gerardo Flores (UNA) failed to regain his mayoral post in Miag-ao town losing to Dr. Macario Napulan (LP), while his wife, Juliet (UNA), also a former mayor, was badly mangled by the younger Richard Garin (LP) with a margin of about 40,000 votes in the congressional contest. Both Flores husband and wife have failed to win a congressional seat in their many attempts and their tormentors all came from one clan-- the Garins.

SYJUCO

Another prominent casualty is former TESDA chief and congressman Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco (UNA), whose long dominance in the second district finally was put to a screeching halt by Frank Drilon sidekick Arcadio Gorriceta (LP), former mayor of Pavia town. Makati-raised Syjuco, who seemed indestructible since taking the district by storm with a shellacking of local favorite Jomarie Gerochi in 1998, fell with a thud as he finished last in a three-cornered duel.

Dr. Ferjenel Biron (UNA), demigod of the fast-rising Biron dynasty, followed suit as he absorbed his second and probably most bitter political setback since winning the congressional seat in the fourth district a decade ago, losing the Iloilo gubernatorial race to reelectionist Arthur Defensor (LP) also by a big margin. 

Biron’s father, Hernan Sr., however is still mayor of Barotac Nuevo town while his brother, Jun, could be the next congressman in the fourth district at the expense of former Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. 

SUPLICO

The debacle was also most particularly painful for former fifth district congressman and vice governor Rolex Suplico, Biron’s running mate, who is still smarting from one electoral setback to another since declaring his emancipation from the Tupas clan, his relatives and original political benefactors.

The defeat to his first cousin, Boboy Tupas, could bring Suplico’s political career to ground zero. Suplico used to be one of the most colorful and promising solons in the country sharing the same popularity with now Sen. Chiz Escudero and former senator Miguel Zubiri, his former colleagues in the House of Representatives. 

Now that Defensor has been assured of his second term, the Garins will now probably shoot next for the gubernatorial post to be vacated by Defensor as part of the concession. The Garins did not want Defensor’s present throne to change hand this early as they were aware they could not take capitol, the only empire that they haven’t captured, once the Birons are already there.

President Noynoy’s Liberal Party also showed its full force in Iloilo City when all its candidates from congressman to mayor, vice mayor and 12 city councilors completed the sweep, a first in the history of Iloilo City. /MP

Aklan Political Mystiques

POLITICAL MYSTIQUE NO. 1, WHO IS “JOEBEN” 

Two-termer Mayor of Ibajay, Three Termer Governor of Aklan, Three-termer Congressman of the Lone District of Aklan at the House of Representatives.  Now, governor-elect of the province.

Still undefeated  throughout his political career which started in 1988 when he was first elected as Ibajay Mayor.  He is incumbent Congressman, now Governor-elect of Aklan, Florencio “Joeben” Tumbokon Miraflores, endearly known to his townmates as “Kalamay” (sugar).

What a mystique is Joeben in the field of Aklan politics.  The man I once described in my written articles as “Mr. Cool” is again elected as the next governor of Aklan.  He was, is and will never be a “pikon” in the midst of harshest criticisms from his political detractors, a trait which greatly endeared him to the voting populace of our province.

Definitely, he was, is and will always be regarded as a dynamic performer in public service during all his stint as an elected public official as mayor, governor and congressman, thereafter, as governor again.

When will he taste defeat in the political arena in Aklan?  No one will ever know, as Joeben continues to win.  A born winner, never to lose in Aklan political arena.

POLITICAL MYSTIQUE NO 2. WHO IS “ANTONG”. 

He has no college degree to boast of.

I was personally amused when he announced his plan to launch his mayoralty bid.  Where?  In his hometown, Banga, The Beautiful, a home for choosy and classy people where a college degree is an indispensable stature particularly in the field of politics.

I am referring to Banga Mayor Antonio Maming, very popularly known as “Antong”.  Antong loves to call me always Nong Odon as his elder sister was a college classmate in Aklan College, Josephine “Jo” Maming, now working at the United States Defense Department, or the PENTAGON.

Ranged against a doctor of medicine and a lawyer, Antong handily won the mayoralty race in Banga in 2007.  In 2010, ranged against a doctor of medicine with the full backing of the Provincial Governor, Antong handily won his reelection bid.

Despite that, I was more amused when Antong announced his congressional bid bannering the political opposition in the province.

Ranged against the vaunted, well-oiled machinery of the local Tibyog Party which dominated Aklan politics for decades, Antong was undaunted.

Opposing Ted Haresco’s debut in Aklan politics, Antong never waivered.

Despite his intellectual stature, Antong persevered and got the nod of the majority of the voting population in the capital town of Kalibo and the neighboring towns of Banga, New Washington and Numancia municipalities generally considered as the hometowns of intellectual voters.  Antong also won in Libacao and Makato.

Ted Haresco, admittedly, is an economist, schooled and trained in foreign universities and the international business community.  Most importantly, Ted is regarded as “moneyed”, an indispensable ingredient in politics.

Antong narrowly lost.  But he will never lose his pride as far as Aklan politics is concerned.    

Leading, the ragtag opposition in the province with hardly a political machinery to speak of, Antong had a very decent showing giving Ted the greatest scare in his political life.  Without Ted’s hometown of Ibajay delivering the clinching margin, Antong could be the representative of Aklan in Congress starting July this year, a thing I cannot size up how. Banga is now Antong’s stronghold.  While he lost the congressional race, his amiable and lovely wife, Erlinda, won as the next mayor of the town which hosts the sprawling campus of the Aklan State University. (by Odon S. Bandiola) /MP

Aklan Political Mystiques

POLITICAL MYSTIQUE NO. 1, WHO IS “JOEBEN” 

Two-termer Mayor of Ibajay, Three Termer Governor of Aklan, Three-termer Congressman of the Lone District of Aklan at the House of Representatives.  Now, governor-elect of the province.

Still undefeated  throughout his political career which started in 1988 when he was first elected as Ibajay Mayor.  He is incumbent Congressman, now Governor-elect of Aklan, Florencio “Joeben” Tumbokon Miraflores, endearly known to his townmates as “Kalamay” (sugar).

What a mystique is Joeben in the field of Aklan politics.  The man I once described in my written articles as “Mr. Cool” is again elected as the next governor of Aklan.  He was, is and will never be a “pikon” in the midst of harshest criticisms from his political detractors, a trait which greatly endeared him to the voting populace of our province.

Definitely, he was, is and will always be regarded as a dynamic performer in public service during all his stint as an elected public official as mayor, governor and congressman, thereafter, as governor again.

When will he taste defeat in the political arena in Aklan?  No one will ever know, as Joeben continues to win.  A born winner, never to lose in Aklan political arena.

POLITICAL MYSTIQUE NO 2. WHO IS “ANTONG”. 

He has no college degree to boast of.

I was personally amused when he announced his plan to launch his mayoralty bid.  Where?  In his hometown, Banga, The Beautiful, a home for choosy and classy people where a college degree is an indispensable stature particularly in the field of politics.

I am referring to Banga Mayor Antonio Maming, very popularly known as “Antong”.  Antong loves to call me always Nong Odon as his elder sister was a college classmate in Aklan College, Josephine “Jo” Maming, now working at the United States Defense Department, or the PENTAGON.

Ranged against a doctor of medicine and a lawyer, Antong handily won the mayoralty race in Banga in 2007.  In 2010, ranged against a doctor of medicine with the full backing of the Provincial Governor, Antong handily won his reelection bid.

Despite that, I was more amused when Antong announced his congressional bid bannering the political opposition in the province.

Ranged against the vaunted, well-oiled machinery of the local Tibyog Party which dominated Aklan politics for decades, Antong was undaunted.

Opposing Ted Haresco’s debut in Aklan politics, Antong never waivered.

Despite his intellectual stature, Antong persevered and got the nod of the majority of the voting population in the capital town of Kalibo and the neighboring towns of Banga, New Washington and Numancia municipalities generally considered as the hometowns of intellectual voters.  Antong also won in Libacao and Makato.

Ted Haresco, admittedly, is an economist, schooled and trained in foreign universities and the international business community.  Most importantly, Ted is regarded as “moneyed”, an indispensable ingredient in politics.

Antong narrowly lost.  But he will never lose his pride as far as Aklan politics is concerned.    

Leading, the ragtag opposition in the province with hardly a political machinery to speak of, Antong had a very decent showing giving Ted the greatest scare in his political life.  Without Ted’s hometown of Ibajay delivering the clinching margin, Antong could be the representative of Aklan in Congress starting July this year, a thing I cannot size up how. Banga is now Antong’s stronghold.  While he lost the congressional race, his amiable and lovely wife, Erlinda, won as the next mayor of the town which hosts the sprawling campus of the Aklan State University. (by Odon S. Bandiola) /MP

Municipal Election In 3 Towns

The election results  in Libacao, Numancia and Kalibo deserve more serious look and studies. 

In Libacao, one clan won the top positions. Mayor Charito Navarosa was elected Vice Mayor while his son Vincent Navarosa was elected municipal Mayor. Vincent’s brother, Winston, was elected member of the sangguniang bayan. 

On the other hand, in the municipality of Numancia, two brothers and a sister were defeated. Mayor Adolfo Iligan who ran for Vice Mayor lost to the current Vice Mayor Evangeline M. Ibabao by 1,516 votes. His brother, Atty. Pepito Iligan who ran for Mayor lost to a neophyte Jozyl Isidore T. Templonuevo by 400 votes. Even if Templonuevo haphazardly campaigned he prevailed over Pepito Iligan who is the current Numancia SB member. 

In Kalibo, Mayor William S. Lachica maintained his winning stretch. He defeated for the mayoralty position of Kalibo Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, the former Mayor of Kalibo, and a Congressman for 3-terms.  /MP

Taiwanese Death Affects Philippine Tourism Industry

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

If the diplomatic row with Taiwan continues over the killing of aTaiwanese fisherman in Philippine waters, Aklan tourism will lose some P3.2 billion in tourism receipts this year.

Taiwanese tourists are second to the South Koreans in number visiting the resort Island of Boracay.

The Taiwanese visitors constitute 22.54 percent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in the paradise island of Aklan.

Of the 409,408 total foreign tourist arrivals in Boracay in 2012, 92,209 were Taiwanese, next to the South Koreans who numbered 156,445 last year.

From January to April this year, total Taiwanese arrivals in Boracay already is 31,700 with the highest of 12,004 registered in April.

Kalibo International Airport Manager Percy Malonesio, in an interview with RGMA-DYRU Kalibo reported the cancellation of chartered flights of international carriers, Chinese Mandarin Airlines and Zest Air.

Chinese Mandarin Airlines fly twice a week direct from Taiwan to Kalibo while Zest Air planes fly six (6) times a week through the same route.

The Philippines Airline management is already meeting to decide on possible cancellation of the carrier’s Taiwan-Kalibo flights, Malonesio added.

The total foreign and domestic tourist arrivals last year in Boracay registered 1.2 million translated into some P23 billion in tourism receipts.

Asian arrivals outnumber Americans, Australians, Russians and Europeans in Boracay last year.

Asian arrivals is topped by the South Koreans with 156,445, Taiwanese-92,209, Chinese (mainland)-82,358, Hongkong-7,439 and Japanese-7,327.

American visitors last year in the island numbered 18,283, Russians-14,725, Australians-14, 473, Germans-7,409 and British-8,382. /MP

Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Resolving Kalibo’s Traffic Congestion

The basic question raised by program moderator Megs Lunn during the mayoralty campaign forum between Mayor William S. Lachica and Atty. Allen S. Quimpo is, “If elected Mayor, how can you solve the prevailing traffic congestion and smog of Kalibo?

Undoubtedly, the question is both timely and provocative. Everybody is quite aware of the Clean Air Act of 1997 and people need healthy environment conducive for growth in a rapidly growing metropolis. This problem has been around since the advent of motorized tricycles. 

The data of Land Transportation Office (LTO) show that there is 10 percent annual increase of motor vehicles in this country. On top of this pyramid are trucks, buses, jeepneys and vans. Motorized tricycles and motorcycles come in handy because they are adapted to our narrow and ill-maintained roads. As a means of public transport, LTO has a long standing plan of easing out trikes from the national highway due to safety considerations. At best they must be confined to feeder or secondary roads.

Despite their increasing numbers, our present roads are pretty inadequate to insure motorists’ and passengers’ optimum safety and convenience of travel. Appropriately installed signages, pedestrian lanes, pedestrian overpass, traffic signal, traffic light and designated bus stops are very inadequate or lacking. Compounding the problem is constricted road passage due to illegally parked vehicles, obstructions and undisciplined drivers.

Actually during holidays, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Poblacion, Kalibo is somnolent or a ghost town. Her shopping malls, grocery stores, home depot, bar and café shops have limited number of customers. Night life is likewise dry and desolate unlike other places like Boracay, Iloilo and Bacolod cities. Self imposed curfew hour during Martial law still lingers on among residents despite the lifting of the ban 27 years ago.

It is a welcome development that major educational institutions like Northwestern Visayan Colleges and Aklan Catholic College have relocated big bulk of their students population outside of the Poblacion. Others like Saint Gabriel College, Garcia College of Technology and Systems Technology Institute have opted to decongest the streets of Kalibo for good. Likewise the shopping center and wet market have eased out and transferred to Andagao.

Presently, there are three identified bottlenecks during rush hours in the streets of Kalibo namely: corner Toting Reyes St. and Roxas Avenue, corner Mabini and Roxas Avenue and corner D. Maagma and Toting Reyes St. Fortunately, the problems are sporadic and never permanent. From above situational analysis a short and long term plan could be developed and implemented by Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator.

Strategic and most practical way is to acquire a 2.0 hectare lot probably in Estancia or Tigayon, Kalibo to be developed as a modern Municipal Central Transport Terminal. This is quite similar to the one done by City of Iloilo at Tagbak, Leganes and City of Passi. In this facility, all passenger buses, trucks, vans, jeepneys, multi-cabs and tricycles will have parking spaces. Those trucks, buses, vans and jeepneys bound for Caticlan, Culasi Libertad, and other destinations shall have a diversion using the renovated bridge of Tinigao-Mobo passing Laguinbanwa, Numancia and exiting the national highway. On their return trip, they may use the Kalibo bridge and discharge its Kalibo bound passangers on a designated area along A. Mabini St. However, all travelers bound for different places on or outside of Aklan will board at the Central Terminal facility. This will free Kalibo streets of most transport vehicles.

It should be noted that increased traffic flow and pollutions have tripled for the last 10 years when the Roll On Roll Off used Caticlan Jetty Port as transit point of passengers from the South (Iloilo, Capiz, Negros) to Manila.

For the short term LGU Kalibo must limit the number of motorized tricycles to 1,500 units. Drastic reduction may cause temporary economic setback but there is a win-win solution to it. Four tricycle owners may band themselves to sell their units and acquire a brand new multi-cab. Economic analysis shows that they are viable, comfortable, efficient, sturdy and safer.

On the human aspect, both drivers and pedestrians must faithfully observe traffic rules and regulation. These include observance of no parking sign, one way, loading and unloading zone, no blowing of horns in hospital and school zones, no drunken driving, wearing of helmet. On the other hand, pedestrians must not jaywalk but use pedestrian lanes or cross streets on corners, board and alight only on stop and unloading places. There must be strict implementation of the law.

It is laudable that Iloilo City several times bigger than Poblacion, Kalibo both in area and population has implemented an innovative infra projects that benefit the present and future generations. For more than a decade the streets of Iloilo City are clean, orderly and have minimal pollution. Thanks to the foresight of its leaders.

The challenge is upon us in Aklan. Must we keep abreast of the times or remain passive and skeptical? Your answer is as good as mine. We can resolve this nagging problem once and for all if there is unity and cooperation. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Chowking Phils. Kalibo Pays 

Actual/Moral Damages

For failure to deliver the correct products, Chowking Philippines, Kalibo paid Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente the sum of five thousand (P5,000) pesos for actual/moral damages.

On Sunday evening, January 20, 2013, I bought a “Lauriat or Set Meal” which is enough food for three people. Over the counter, I requested a Sr. Citizen discount but I was rejected. I was told company policy does not allow Chowking to grant Sr. Citizen discount for food good for three people like the Lauriat.

Nevertheless, I still bought without any discount. I bought “Set A” which consisted of rice, pancit, buchi, chicharap, chicken and soft drink. It cost me P455.

On my way home, I texted my people at home to wait for me before eating dinner for I have chicken for them I just bought from Chowking. And they waited for me. 

The table was ready for dinner when I arrived home. We unpacked the Chowking food. At first, my family was glad there were two chicharap in styrofoam. However, there was no chicken. We emptied the plastic bag container but no chicken. I was frustrated. I was embarrassed. My family members mocked me. I was humiliated. Our dinner that Sunday evening, January 20, 2013 was delayed. We ate late. We lost appetite. 

I went back to Kalibo hoping to get the correct product ordered and properly paid for my inconvenience and humiliation. It took me unusually long time to go home, back to Kalibo and back home because it was the culmination of the Kalibo Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo.

Upon arrival in Chowking Kalibo, I requested to see and talk to the manager. Mr. Jeffrey Nery, group manager talked with me. I presented to him the problem. First, Chowking refused to follow the Sr. Citizen law especially on giving discount, and second Chowking did not gave the correct product I paid for.

“Therefore, I came back to your store to inform you the kind of service your personnel provide to the customers. This feedback will help you train your personnel to improve your service,” I told Mr. Nery, “I also came back to request replacement of missing products and to pay me five thousand pesos for actual/moral dmages, no more, no less.” However, Mr. Nery can only give me replacement of missing products but not the P5,000 cash for actual/moral damages. The decision to pay is vested upon higher authorities of Chowking. He apologized though for the mistake of his personnel. 

I left his store taking back the products with me to be used as evidence if needed. I told him, I’ll bring the case to the court.

The following day, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, I reported the incident to barangay chairman, Hon. Inocencio of Estancia, Kalibo. He immediately scheduled the case for hearing. With the assistance of a lawyer, former RTC Judge Niovady M. Marin, we prepared a letter to Chowking Phils. Kalibo demanding that we be paid the amount of eleven (P11,000) thousand pesos for actual and moral damages. A few days later, Chowking Human Resource Development Officer (HRDO) invited me for a meeting “to settle the case”. But she only came to apologize for the bad service. She refused to pay me actual/moral damages and to grant Sr. Citizen Discount to all their products sold. 

The HRDO just came to apologize for its advantage but did not mind paying the damages inflicted to their customers. I said, “I accept apology but you refused to pay actual/moral damages. This will reach the court for proper interpretation of RA 9994. Your policy is designed for Chowking’s advantage and self serving”. 

So the case continues in Barangay Estancia. There were three hearings conducted but Chowking Phils. stood its ground never to pay me actual/moral damages. 

On Feb. 16, 2013, the Office of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, Estancia, Kalibo issued “Certification to File Action” on Brgy. Case No. 014-13 signed by Ms. Rose I. Yeban – Lupon Pangkat Secretary, Mr. Neil M. Alivio – Lupon member, and Atty. Higino C. Macabales – Lupon Pangkat Chairman. 

On April 10, 2013, I filed SCC No. 242 for Actual/Moral Damages versus Chowking Phils. Kalibo, Aklan represented by Mr. Jeffrey Nery with the Municipal Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan. In my “Statement of Claim” I demanded that Chowking Phils. pays me twenty (P20,000) actual/moral damages. 

In our first hearing in the Municipal Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan presided by Hon. Alicia A. Cruz-Barrios, Mr. Jeffrey Nerry offered to pay me P5,000 actual/moral damages and to work for the revision of the Chowking Marketing Policy with the end in view to give Sr. Citizen discount to all products of Chowking as provided for in Sr. Citizen law, RA 9994.

After thinking deeply of the offer, I accepted it with the thought this is victory of Sr. Citizen over a giant fast food network that will benefit all Sr. Citizens in the Philippines. The P5,000 is donated to the Scholarship fund of the Rotary Club of Kalibo.

The decision signed by Hon. Alicia A. Cruz-Barrios stated: “dependant through Group Manager Jeffrey Nerry undertakes to follow up the claim of twenty percent discount of Senior Citizens covering all meals and products offered and sold by the company to all clients and shall exert all effort to revise Chowking Memorandum relating to the Claim of Senior Citizen”.

“The dependant…shall pay the plaintiff (Dr. Villorente) the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) representing the damages incurred by the plaintiff (Dr. Villorente).

The sum of P5,000.00 was paid to me on May 10, 2013 in the office of Hon. Alicia A. Cruz-Barrios which I donated to the Rotary Club Scholarship Foundation. 

The decision on the Civil Case No. Sec. No. 242 for “Actual/Moral Damages” is a grand triumph over a greedy fastfood chain for inferior services and refusal to implement some provisions of RA 9994. /MP