Pacman – Marquez Fight Nears Almost All Tickets Sold

With only three days left before the fight, tickets of the Pacquiao – Marquez fight is almost sold out. All the $500, $300, $200 and $100 tickets to mega-bout are sold out. Billed as the “Unfinished Business”, only few tickets of $600 and $400 are left.

As of Monday, March 10, bookmakers tagged Pacman at minus 230 and Juan Manuel Marquez plus 190. This means a bet of $230 for Pacquiao will net just $100 while a $100 bet for Marquez will win $190.

During their first encounter, Pacquiao floored Marquez three successive times. However, Marquez managed to have a draw in a twelve round encounter.

Since December 15, 2007, Marquez has been training rigidly for this second encounter in the evening on March 15, 2008 in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be Sunday morning, March 16, 2008 in the Philippines.

Marquez did daily high altitude jogging. He had logged 120 rounds of sparing under the guidance of Ignacio Beristain. He is a Mexican boxing trainor who has produced a total of 17 world boxing champions.

“I am coming to fight and I am coming to box and this time it will be different and I want to do it right” Marquez told the members of the media in Spanish. According to him, when he fought Pacquiao for the first time, Marquez admitted “he came into the fight too loose and relaxed’. This time, I will be more cautious, Marquez added.

At The Press Conference

Manny Pacquiao chose to be humble during the press presentation held in Los Angeles, California. Marquez was surrounded by his countrymen. It appeared that Plaza Olvera in downtown Los Angeles, California is predominantly Mexican. Pacquiao appeared like a visitor in an unknown territory. Mexican out numbered the Filipinos 9:1 who shouted, “Viva Mexico!” cheering their pet boxer.

Pacquiao Team proceeded to the nearby Thai restaurant to eat their lunch. Lunch over, they proceeded to Las Vegas in a 12 cars convoy. Though the arrival was unannounced, several Filipino fans welcomed them upon their arrival in Mandalay Bay Hotel.

Juan Manuel Marquez vowed to end Pacquiao’s domination of Mexican boxers. But Manny Pacquiao has trained hard and he is in good shape. Bob Arum said, “Marquez is a capable fighter, a good fighter, but there will be just one winner and that is Manny Pacquiao”. /MP

Hard To Place Bets

‘Everyone Wants To Go To The US Because of Manny Pacquiao’

By ALEX P. VIDAL

A Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Boarder Protection (DHS-USCBP) officer in Los Angeles, California, USA said they have noticed an “unusual” number of Filipinos entering the United States in the past days “only to watch the fight of Manny Pacquiao.”

The officer, who asked not to be named if the story will come out in the media, said they have interviewed and approved the admission papers of several Filipinos that arrived in Los Angeles recently. Many of them claimed they are here for the boxing championship either as spectators, journalists and “members of the boxing entourage.”

“It seems that every time Pacquiao has a fight here, many Filipinos want to come to the United States,” he stressed. He also thought Pacquiao would be fighting Erik Morales on March 15 in Las Vegas.

When told that the Filipino lefty will face World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeather-weight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in a 12-round championship showdown, he quipped: “Is Pacquiao not fighting Morales? I thought he will fight Morales. How about his fight with Morales?”

“Manny Pacquiao has already fought Erik Morales three times and Pacquiao beat him twice by knockout,” this writer informed the DHS-USCBP officer.

Among the “spectators” and “members of the entourage” who arrived on board PAL flight 102 from Manila last Thursday night (March 6) in Los Angeles were showbiz couple Rudy Fernandez and Lorna Tolentino and Jinky Pacquiao, wife of the Filipino superstar, and her three companions.

Others who are expected to plane in for the Marquez-Pacquiao rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas are Sen. Ramon Revilla, Jr., former governor Chavit Singson, comedians Tito, Vic and Joey and several other politicians from Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. Some Filipino journalists from GMA-7, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philboxing, among other media outfits and boxing websites, have been here (Los Angeles) since March 3.

Meanwhile, several members of the Filipino-American community in California have confirmed the betting his heavily stacked against Marquez.

“Here in L.A., nobody from the Filipino-American community believes that Pacquiao will lose. In fact, the betting is whether or not Marquez will survive beyond five rounds,” said 45-year-old Lynon Cortez, a bank armored security staff.

Tomas Paynor, 56, another boxing enthusiast, said they are finding it hard to place a bet among Latino-speaking residents, “because they themselves are not confident of a Marquez victory.” /MP

Aklan Media To Launch “KAPIHAN”

Aklan media practitioners will launch a regular weekly gathering dubbed as “Kapihan Sa Aklan” at the Kusina restaurant located at D. Maagma Street in Kalibo, Aklan on Sunday, March 23.

The “Kapihan Sa Aklan”, an initiative of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and the Aklan Press Club, Inc. (APCI) in partnership with the Aklan Media Forum (AMF), is a round table public discussion of social, political, economic and cultural issues of immense significance to the people of Aklan and country.

A panel of discussants/reactors will be formed to add a measure of proactive and intellectual depth to the media forum.

An advisory council of the AMF that will provide policy direction, planning, and coordination of this development-oriented initiative is being organized.

Composing the AMF advisory council are Juan P. Dayang, PAPI president and chairman emeritus of the Aklan Press Club, chairman, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, co-chairman. Members are former congressman Allen Salas Quimpo, president, Northwestern Visayas College; Dr. Benny A. Palma, president, Aklan State University; Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former Aklan Vice governor and president Aklan Press Club, Inc.

The President of the Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the president of the Boracay Foundation are also invited to serve the AMF advisory council as members.

After the Kapihan launching, a seminar-workshop on “ethics and responsibilities” will be conducted to help professionalize the ranks of tri-media practitioners.

Groundbreaking of the proposed Aklan Press Club building will also take place on the same day. /MP

DAR-Aklan Gears Up For Gender Affirmative Actions

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan prepared its operational plan to implement the Gender and Development (GAD) program and Women’s Month activities in the province through a two-day planning workshop attended by fifty stakeholders composed of women farmer-leaders, and DAR personnel at Kalibo, Aklan on February 28-29, 2008.

The operational support plan for Gender and Development is an indicator of how the GAD budget is being utilized by the agency to address gender biases and gaps prevailing in the office and most importantly within the agrarian reform communities in the province. The budget amounting to P1.248 M covers program, activities for the agrarian reform beneficiaries worth P542,000, DAR personnel, the strengthening of the implementing mechanisms like the DAR Ladies Association- Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Agraryo, Inc. (DARLA SAKA), the women’s desks, and women’s associations in the communities.

Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, chairperson of the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point of DAR-Aklan, emphasized that more than ever, GAD is always given impetus in the agency as manifested by various programs addressing women and the utilization of the GAD Budget. Gender discrimination in promotions and other personnel concerns are never an issue in the agency.

The two-day workshop also featured the induction of officers of the DAR Ladies Association Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Agraryo (DARLA-SAKA) led by its President. Leah T. Oquendo, the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer of Balete, Aklan. /MP

Reason and Concern

By Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Congressional Power

of Investigation

Sec. 2l, Art.VI of the l987 Philippine Constitution provides: “ The Senate and the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.” Sec. 22 of the same constitutional article in relation thereto, states: The heads of departments may upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President, or upon the request of either House, as the rule of each House shall provide, appear before and be heard by such House on any matter pertaining to their departments. Written questions shall be submitted to the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least three days before their scheduled appearance. Interpellations shall not be limited to written questions, but may cover matters related thereto. When the security of the State or the public interest so requires and the President so states in writing, the appearance shall be conducted in executive session.”

The congressional power of investigation, as cited in McGrain vs. Daugherty, 273, U.S. 135 ( l927 ), considers as an essential and appropriate auxiliary to legislative functions. Legislation deals with social and economic maladjustments about which congressmen are no more automatically informed than college students and professors are. That in order to legislate wisely, lawmakers must be able to acquire the information they need, even it means subpoenaing witnesses and compelling them to testify on pain of punishment for contempt of Congress. Rightly has it been observed that many of the vital legislative reforms would never have been made if congressmen were unable to investigate the problems beforehand. Even as this is so, such inquiries, as succinctly stated in Quinn vs. U.S., 349 U.S. l55s shall not delve on strictly private affairs of a person unrelated to legislation and the rights of the individual guaranteed by the Bill of Rights must be respected. But then, as emphasized in re Chapman, 166 U.S. 66l, in such inquiries, the legislature must punish contumacious refusal to testify or produce documents for contempt and no double jeopardy can be invoked in case of punishment for Congressional contempt.

Recalling the importance of congressional inquiry in R.B. McCallum (ed.), On Liberty and Considerations on Representative Government (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, l948), p. l72, observed that the power of inquiry also gives life and meaning to congressional supervision of the administration. Under the separation of powers spelled out by the Constitution, Congress would be hopelessly overshadowed by the executive if it had no power to call administrators to account. A law acquires meaning only as it is administered, and congressmen would be rendered almost impotent if they were denied the right to inquire into whether administrative practices and rulings are in keeping with the broad policy directives of Congress. “Instead of the function of governing, for which it is radically unfit,” John Stuart Mill submitted, “the proper office of a representative assembly is to watch and control the government…. And, if the men who compose the government abuse their trust, or fulfill it in a manner which conflicts with the deliberate sense of the nation, to expel them from office.”

“Although Congress can expel executive officers only through the laborious process of impeachment, its power of investigation, coupled with its control over the appropriations, assures it the power to supervise the work of even the most powerful executive officers. Finding the system of investigation “the main guarantee against dishonesty or inefficient administration.” Harold Laski, in his work The American Democracy: A Commentary and An Interpretation (New York: The Viking Press, 1943), said: “After all, a system which drove three cabinet members to resign in 1924 and resulted in imprisonment and two suicides may reasonably claim to have a measurable public value.”

“The function of informing public opinion is strengthened by the power of investigation. This informing function enters into almost everything Congress does. For example, Woodrow Wilson felt that investigations of the administration were themselves primarily important for their effect on public opinion. “The informing functions of Congress should be preferred even to its legislative function,” he observed. “The argument is not only that discussed and interrogated administration is the only pure and efficient administration, but, more than that, the only really self-governing people is that people which discusses and interrogates its administration.” In recent years, the informing function has been extended beyond administrative matters, as Congress has pushed its investigations in such areas as civil liberties, concentration of economic power, labor and business practices, lobbying, campaign expenditures and subversive activities.”

Eric F. Goldman, in his work The Crucial Decade: America, 1945-1950 (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1956), said “Like any other power, the power of investigation is sometimes abused. Rather than serving as a basis of legislation, it may be used to gain personal publicity or partisan advantage; rather than operating as a salutary check on the administration, it may become a means of usurping executive power; rather than informing the public, it may serve to confuse, mislead, and agitate.”

Evidently, in the history of Philippine congressional investigations, we find trial of individuals before the “court of public opinion”. Congress should stop to consider finding individuals guilty of crime what they can do by congressional inquiry that they cannot do by law. Congress should not be oblivious of “McCarthyism” which became a symbol of irresponsible, self aggrandizement, suspicion, insistence on conformity, demoralization and insubordination in the civil and military service, harassment of private citizens and guilt by accusations - all under a cloak of congressional power of investigation.

Notes: Tito B. Garcia, banker-businessman, a friend and brother to all, left this world on March 2, 2008. Tito was instrumental in the foundation of the Aklan Bankers Association, was a leader in the campaign to have a Central Bank clearing house in Aklan, former chair of the Metro Kalibo Water District and many other outstanding activities.

He was an ardent believer in the six-line creed of Jayceeism – belief in God that gives meaning and purpose to human life, brotherhood of man, economic justice, government of laws, human personality and service to humanity. He served the Jaycee movement as president of the Western Visayas Regional Jaycees, National Vice President of the Philippine Jaycees. He was Jaycee International Senator. His body arrived on March 5, 2008 on an afternoon flight. Wake and burial shall be at New Washington, Aklan. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Damgo Ni Lehi

Kato anay nga tiempo, owa pa natawo si Kristo, hay may magpamilya sa Heru-salem nga maeapit sa Diyos. Raya ro pamilya ni Lehi. Sanda hay guin paandaman nga mag-halin sa Herusalem bangod paga samaron ro dayang siyudad. Guin tuman nanda ro sugo ag nagpanaw sandang bilog nga pamilya. Paghalin nanda sa Herusalem, nagpakita kay Lehi, paagi sa damgo ro kahoy it kabuhi. Ro nasambit nga kahoy hay sadyaan toeokon, ag ro mga bunga hay maka ilibog kan-on.

Bu-ot magpaeapit si Lehi sa rayang kahoy ogaling makitid ag madanlog ro daean. Sa tunga ko rayang daean, nagtunga ro madamoe nga gae-um ag indi nana makita ro anang guiya nga tikangan. Mayad ngani ay may barandilya nga anang pagabuytan, busa naka-abot si Lehi sa kahoy. Nag ipo imaw it bunga agud anang manaksaman. Tag anang nasamitan ro katam-is, matsa owa guid it maka tupong sa kanamit.

Bu-ot nana nga pasamiton ro anang pamilya. Ngani anang guin sampit. Sa kilid ko daean hay may suba nga madauem ogaling mahigko. Kon ingkaso madanlog ikaw, idto ka guid mahueog sa suba ngato. Sa indi kaeayu-on hay may kabahoe-bahoe man nga baeay nga naga eotaw-eotaw sa hangin. Abo man nga tawo idto nga naga paadto. Ro mga tawo hay naga sinadya. Ro iba hay guina hibaygan ko ratong mga tawo nga naga paadto sa ratong kahoy. Rikara ag habugtaw si Lehi. Indi nana maintindihan ro anang damgo, busa, guin suguid nana kay Nephi, ro isaea sa anang mga onga nga kapareho man kanang relihiyoso ag masinueondon sa Diyos.

Bu-ot nga masayran ni Nephi ro kahueogan ko damgo ko anang ama, ngani nagpangamuyo imaw paagi sa pangadi. Guinsabat ro ana tanang guin hinyo sa anang pangamuyo.

Ro kahueogan ko anang damgo hay ro kahoy hay imaw ro pagpalangga it Diyos katon, imaw ro ebanghilio it mayad nga balita. Guina baton naton ro anang mayad nga balita paagi sa pagkaon ko anang bunga. Busog ro atong espiritu kon makaon naton rayang bunga ag bu-ot man naton nga makasamit ro ibang miyembro it atong pamilya.

Ro makitid ag madanlog nga daean ro atong pagpangabuhi iya sa ibabaw it kalibutan nga abo nga pagsubok, tentasyon, pwersa it demonyo nga naga engganyo katon nga kalipatan ratong mayad ayad nga balita.

Ro barandilya imaw ro mga pueong it Diyos nga mabasa sa mga Bibliya, mga baeasahon sa simbahan ag mga guinsueat it mga mangin aeamon, mga dumaan ag moderno nga propeta. Kon guina basa naton ra, malikawan ro madanlog ag mapunggan ro pagka hueog idto sa madauem ag mahigko nga suba nga imaw ro impiyerno. Ro mabahoe nga baeay nga naga eotaw sa hangin hay ro engganyo it kalibutanon nga bagay. Una ro bugae, hakog sa pwersa ag manggad, mga bisyo ag mga urbanidad nga indi malipatan it tawo nga naga paadto sa puno it kahoy. May mga tawo nga sa tunga-tunga pa eang hay indi eon makatakod, busa, owa eon lang magpadayon ag nagpadoeong eonlang idto sa mabahoe nga baeay nga puro kalipay.

Bulahan ratong mga tawong nag-pinadayon hasta nakaabot sa puno it kahoy ag nakasamit ko matam-is nga prutas. Bulahan man ratong nagpursige ag owa guid magpadaea-daea sa mga tentasyon. Mas bulahan ratong nahueog eon sa suba ogaling nagtinguha nga makatakas ag makaron naga kaon eon sanda ko sadyaan nga bunga.

Siin eon kita sa rayang daeanon? Sige pa baea kita nga naga-padayon hasta maabot naton ro kahoy it kabuhi? Man-o kada-moe ro naga tabon nga gae-um sa atong daeanon? Kita baea hay hugot nga naga buyot sa barandilya agod indi mahueog idto sa suba? Masarangan baea naton nga talikdan ro engganyo ko mabahoe nga baeay o ro kalibutan?

Kita tanan hay onga it Diyos ag palangga kita Nana. Naga agi kita sa makitid ag madanlog nga daean sa pagsamit kon baea hantup sa atong tagipusuon ag paino-ino ro pagsunod sa Anang kagustuhan. Hugton naton ro atong pagtuo Kana agod indi kita matip-eang. Ibutang naton Imaw sa sentro ko atong kabuhi. Owa it duda nga maeampasan naton ro kadanlog ag kakitid ko daean. Maskin nanong kadamoe ko gae-um nga nagatabon sa atong daeanon, maabot guid naton ro atong bu-ot adtonan. /MP

Big Jokes

By GARY VARGAS

Telecom History

After digging to a depth of 100 meters last year, Japanese scientists found traces of copper wire dating back to 1000 years. They concluded that their ancestors already had a telephone network one thousand years ago.

In the weeks that followed, American scientists dug 200 meters and headlines in the US papers read: “US scientists have found traces of 2000 year old optical fibers. They concluded that their ancestors already had advanced high-tech digital telephone 1000 years earlier than the Japanese”.

One week later, a Filipino newspaper reported the following: “After digging as deep as 500 meters, Filipino scientists have found absolutely nothing.”

They concluded that 5000 years ago, their ancestors were already using wireless technology “.

Pinoy Contractor Abroad

Three contractors were bidding to fix the White House fence. One from the Philippines, another from Mexico and an American. They went with a White House official to examine the fence.

The American contractor took out a tape measure and did some measuring... then worked some figures with a pencil. Well,” he said, “I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for labor and $100 profit for me.”

The Mexican contractor also did some measuring and figuring, then said,” I can do $700: $300 for materials, $300 for labor and $100 profit for me.”

The Filipino contractor did not measure or figure out, but leaned over to the White House official and whispered: “$2,700.”

The official, incredulously, said, “What? You didn’t even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure? How do you expect me to consider your service with that bid?? “Easy,” the Pinoy explained, “$1,000 for you, $1,000 for me and we hire the guy from Mexico”. The next day, the Pinoy and the Mexican started working on the fence.

The Difference

Q. What’s the difference between corruption in the US and

corruption in the Philippines ?
A. In the U.S., they go to jail. In the Philippines, they go to the U.S.

Q. What’s the difference among former Presidents Cory, Gloria and Erap?
A. Cory can’t tell a lie; Gloria can’t tell the truth; and Erap can’t tell the difference.

REPORTER: Sir, kung wala po kayong evidensiya, saksi o pinag- hihinalaan, ano na po ang susunod na hakbang ninyo?
Police: DNA na...
REPORTER: Sir, ano po yung DNA ???
Police: “Di Namin Alam!!!” /MP

COMMENTS ON THE BLOG

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post “Editorial - January 5, 2008 Issue”:

Boracay West Cove is a work of art. An architectural wonder sitting on top of an age-old rock foundation in Diniwid Beach. I heard that they will be the first resort in the island to have a Green Resort commendation from hotel association. Boracay West Cove is helping to revive the environment at this side of the island. Let’s give them the benefit that they deserve. /MP

What Is Truth?*

* MESSAGE OF ATTY RONQUILLO C. TOLENTINO, FORMER VICE GOVERNOR OF AKLAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONVENOR’S MEETING OF THE AKLANON MOVEMENT, FOR TRUTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY, PLAZA CANTEEN, PASTRANA PARK, MARCH 6, 2008, 5:00 P.M.

What is Truth?

Truth has many definitions and meanings.

Consider these views about truth;

“Truth is the foundation of all knowledge and the cement of all societies”-Dryden.

“What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.”-Demosthenes.

“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Emerson.

“Truth without charity is often intolerant and even persecuting, as charity without truth is weak in concession and trustworthy in judgment. - But charity, loyal to truth and rejoicing in it, has the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove.”-J. Swartz.

“Much of the glory and sublimity of truth is connected with its mystery. – To understand everything we must be as God” - Tyron Edwards

“The finest and noblest ground on which people can live is truth; the real with the real; a ground on which nothing is assumed.” - Emerson.

“The withholding of truth is sometimes a worse deception than a direct misstatement.”

“Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.” – Amien.

“The most natural beauty in the world is honesty and moral truth; for all beauty is truth. True features make the beauty of the face; and true proportions the beauty of architecture; as true measures that of harmony and music. In poetry, which is all fable, truth still is the perfection.” – Shaftesbury

Ever since Pontius Pilate asked on what is truth, the question had become rhetorical although truth in law is evidence.

The Pilate question was a consequence of Christ’s proclamation that He has come into the world to witness to the truth.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Old Testament attests that God is the source of all truth. “His word is truth. His Law is truth. His faithfulness endures to all generations.”

Rightly has it been said that man tends by nature towards truth. He is obliged to honor and witness to it. They are impelled by their nature and bound by moral obligation to seek the truth.

St. Thomas Aquinas, In Summa Theologiae said: “Truth as uprightness in human action and speech called truthfulness, sincerity or candor. Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words and in guiding against duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy.

In a country that prides itself to be a government of laws and not of men, truth should come as an important requirement of good governance. The official denials that we often read and hear from the government without evidence are often seen as justifications for a wide credibility gap.

The clamor for truth, accountability and reform should continue on a sustaining basis if we intend democracy to survive. /MP

What Is Truth?*

* MESSAGE OF ATTY RONQUILLO C. TOLENTINO, FORMER VICE GOVERNOR OF AKLAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONVENOR’S MEETING OF THE AKLANON MOVEMENT, FOR TRUTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY, PLAZA CANTEEN, PASTRANA PARK, MARCH 6, 2008, 5:00 P.M.

What is Truth?

Truth has many definitions and meanings.

Consider these views about truth;

“Truth is the foundation of all knowledge and the cement of all societies”-Dryden.

“What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.”-Demosthenes.

“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Emerson.

“Truth without charity is often intolerant and even persecuting, as charity without truth is weak in concession and trustworthy in judgment. - But charity, loyal to truth and rejoicing in it, has the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove.”-J. Swartz.

“Much of the glory and sublimity of truth is connected with its mystery. – To understand everything we must be as God” - Tyron Edwards

“The finest and noblest ground on which people can live is truth; the real with the real; a ground on which nothing is assumed.” - Emerson.

“The withholding of truth is sometimes a worse deception than a direct misstatement.”

“Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.” – Amien.

“The most natural beauty in the world is honesty and moral truth; for all beauty is truth. True features make the beauty of the face; and true proportions the beauty of architecture; as true measures that of harmony and music. In poetry, which is all fable, truth still is the perfection.” – Shaftesbury

Ever since Pontius Pilate asked on what is truth, the question had become rhetorical although truth in law is evidence.

The Pilate question was a consequence of Christ’s proclamation that He has come into the world to witness to the truth.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Old Testament attests that God is the source of all truth. “His word is truth. His Law is truth. His faithfulness endures to all generations.”

Rightly has it been said that man tends by nature towards truth. He is obliged to honor and witness to it. They are impelled by their nature and bound by moral obligation to seek the truth.

St. Thomas Aquinas, In Summa Theologiae said: “Truth as uprightness in human action and speech called truthfulness, sincerity or candor. Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words and in guiding against duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy.

In a country that prides itself to be a government of laws and not of men, truth should come as an important requirement of good governance. The official denials that we often read and hear from the government without evidence are often seen as justifications for a wide credibility gap.

The clamor for truth, accountability and reform should continue on a sustaining basis if we intend democracy to survive. /MP

CHED Grants ASU Permit For Review Center ASU Offers Review Classes

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted the Aklan State University (ASU) permit to operate a Review Center for Teacher Education Program with Permit Number 012, Series of 2008 effective February 11, 2008.

The permit is in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” and Executive Order No. 566, directing the CHED to regulate the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities and pursuant to CHED En Banc Resolution No. 056-2008.

The Permit to Operate a Review Center is valid only for four (4) years and shall be subject to revocation if the University fails to operate in accordance with the CHED Memorandum Order No. 30, S. 2007 entitled Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Establishment and Operation of Review Centers and Similar Entities in the Philippines pursuant to Executive Order No. 566.” Further, the Permit shall entitle the University to operate an off-campus center in any part of the country provided all the requirements under aforesaid CMO are fully complied with and after proper evaluation is made by the CHED Regional Office where the off-campus center is located.

According to Dr. Edna I. Gonzales, Dean of the ASU-College of Teacher Education, the schedule of review for the Licensure Examination for Teachers are as follows: May 5-30, 2008 from Monday to Friday and June to August every Saturday. Pre-board exam will be on June 9, 2008. Application starts March 10 to April 28, 2008. For more details please contact the Office of the Dean at telephone no. (036) 267-6813. (SRVillasis, ASU-ECS) /MP

The Way I Earn US$100 ‘Bonus’ Boxing’s ‘Mandatory Standing Eight Count’ In World Championship Fight

By ALEX P. VIDAL

When the “mandatory standing 8 count” in professional boxing was still in effect, I was among the last referees to administer it in a world championship fight 12 years ago, modesty aside.

This was on February 17, 1996 in Chonburi, Thailand when I refereed the 12-round WBF super-flyweight championship fight between champion Samson Elite Gym (also known as Samson 3-K Battery and Samson Dutchboygym) and Mexican challenger Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia.

Samson (43-0, 36 KOs), Thailand’s most charismatic world champion until his retirement on April 19, 2002 at age 30, decked the visitor from Puebla, Mexico with a barrage of head and body blows in the 7th canto.

Sensing the fight no longer was sport, I automatically pulled the plug and declared Samson winner by technical knockout (TKO).

Three rounds earlier, I gave Genaro a mandatory standing eight count after Samson trapped him in the ropes and threatened to blow away the space between Genaro’s ears with a series of damaging uppercuts and hooks.

Genaro survived Samson’s homicidal onslaught but finished the 4th round in wobbly legs.

When I collected the scorecards of the three judges—the late Don Marks (Australia), Jaffar (Indonesia), a Thai judge—and submitted it to fight supervisor, WBF Asia Pacific Rim representative and now vice president Jack Rennie, who sat beside with then WBF president Ron L. Scalf (Tennessee, USA), he gave a thumbs up sign indicating his approval of the mandatory standing 8 count.

In the sixth round, Samson, fighting like a full gasoline tank, again pulverized the then 19-year-old Genaro with ear-piercing shots in the jaw and in the midsection.

I thought of stopping the carnage but Genaro showed some signs of life as he quickly used dizzying lateral movements to avoid Samson’s laser-laced fists while punching his way out from harm’s way.

Genaro was good for another round.

After I terminated the fight in the 7th round, Supervisor Rennie approached me while on my way to the dressing room and handed over a US$100 bill. “You deserve a bonus for a job well done. Those two mandatory standing eight counts showed that you were decisive,” said Rennie who immediately informed President Scalf of the ante.

The WBF rules then allowed the referee to impose a “mandatory standing 8 count” for a fighter who was still on his feet despite absorbing an avalanche of heavy blows in any round.

A mandatory standing eight count is a rule in amateur boxing.

In imposing the WBF rule, the referee had the sole discretion whether or not to halt the action and declare the besieged boxer a loser by TKO if he felt that he had suffered punishment too many or to allow him to continue but give him a time to recuperate by administering the mandatory standing 8 count if he felt he was still in the fistic game.

This rule once had sparked some controversies especially that the other world boxing bodies then like the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) did not observe it.

Under the unified rules, a boxer can be given only a mandatory eight count if, after being hit with legal blows, any part of his body down to his legs touches the canvas.

And if he fails to beat the mandatory count after being dropped by a legitimate punch or punches, he loses the bout by knockout. /MP

Editorial - March 8, 2008 ISSUE

Love The Philippines As You Love Yourself

“I refuse to let this country go to hellbecause it is the only country I call mine and it is myresponsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.”
I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines are caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn’t true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I am always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves are out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?
Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events, I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these “honorable” crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!
I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like “Honorable”, “Senator”, “Justice”, “General” and worse, “President”. . Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And I wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are our leaders, and the leaders of this nation Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? “Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich.”
It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment produced them, such creatures who lie, cheat and steal from a heavily indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!
I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family’s, even though 30 percent of my earnings go to the nation’s coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.
And then this. scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone’s morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own “pag bad ka, lagot ka!” slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it’s all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?
And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. “Love (of power) is blind” takes a whole new meaning when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo time and again turns a blind eye on her husband’s financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.
They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don’t agree. Many like me feels anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won’t make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.
But I am writing this because I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who are the decent, fair, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us, that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.
Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray including relatives and friends here and abroad. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!
I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Be good role models, shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.
I call on educators and teachers to encourage children to be aware of what is happening in our surroundings. Instill in them the love of country, inculcate the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, governors, mayors, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.
I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Neither let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. Nor let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gives you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay. I tell you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.
There are more capable men to manage the Philippines. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.
For the love of the Philippines, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe our country even more. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Arsenio Yields
To Judge Paman

Perhaps justice will be served best with the surrender of the prime suspect, former Lezo Mayor Alfredo “Fred” Arsenio. Arsenio is suspected in the death of the late Herson “Boy” Hinolan, manager of the Bombo Radyo–DYIN, Kalibo, Aklan.
Arsenio appeared in the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 5, 2008 accompanied by his lawyer Atty. Lou Tirol.
Mr. Hinolan was shot at D. Maagma Street, Kalibo, Aklan on November 13, 2004. He died the next day in the hospital. On November 18, 2004 a certain Peter Melgar executed an affidavit which pointed to former Mayor Alfredo Arsenio as the suspect in the murder of Hinolan. That affidavit served as the basis for the issuance of Warrant of Arrest. However, Arsenio went into hiding until he showed up in RTC, Branch 7, Kalibo. With his lawyer, they requested Hon. Virgilio Paman to schedule Arsenio’s petition for hearing in Criminal Case No. 7475. Atty. Tirol cited the mistake of the lone witness, Peter Melgar.
It appears that Peter Melgar has retracted his sworn statement dated November 18, 2004 before Provincial Prosecutor Reynaldo Peralta which identified Arsenio as the man who shot Hinolan.

The Retraction

But on February 12, 2008, Melgar retracted his sworn statement of November 18, 2004. According to Melgar, he “wrongly identified Arsenio as Hinolan’s assailant”. “I have come to a conclusion that I have committed an honest mistake,” admitted Melgar. “The incident happened so fast in the nighttime”, Melgar added. Arsenio is now being detained in Aklan Rehabilation Center, Nalook, Kalibo.
“The case against Arsenio has no more leg to stand on and he should be entitled to bail for, although he is charged with a capital offense, the evidence against him is truly very weak,” argued his lawyer, Atty. Lou Tirol.
“There no longer exists any legal impediment for the court to proceed and hear the accuser’s petition for bail. Arsenio should be allowed to post bail for his temporary liberty as the evidence against him is weak,” Tirol pointed out.

P6 Billion For Agriculture

For the best of local agricultural sector, P6 billion is set as additional funds for the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEP) until 2015.
ACEP consists of all duties collected from the importation of agricultural products under the minimum access volume mechanism. This money will be used to modernize food processing, value adding and construction of post harvest facilities and to modernize Philippine agriculture as revealed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap.
If this money is well spent, it will attain its goal of helping small farmers move beyond primary agriculture to value added, higher earning farm enterprises.
The ACEP ended in December 2007. However, Congress approved its extension until 2015. It was signed into law last month. Congressman Abraham Kahlil Mitra sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives, while Sen. Edgardo Angara sponsored it in the Senate.

Poor Pilipino Families

There are now 4.7 million Pilipino families who are poor, according to the 2006 Official Poverty Statistics of the National Statistical Coordination Board.
The report said 4.7 million families equivalent to 26.9 percent of all Filipino families were poor in 2006. This increased to four (4) million poor families compared to the year 2003.
Poor are those families whose incomes fall below the threshold determined by the government. These are the families which could not provide in a sustainable manner for their minimum basic needs like food, health, education, housing and other social life’s amenities.
Is this because there are those whose greed is insatiable? They get more resources than what they can spend and enjoy lavishly in their lifetime?
This poverty incidence rose even if the average economic growth of 5.4 percent, as claimed by the Philippine economic growth from 2004–2006, the nation posted. This increase in poverty incidence simply means that the benefits of the growing economy does not trickle down to the poor.

Opposite

It is a real paradox and just simply the opposite. The late President Diosdado Macapagal in his presidency in the early 1960’s filed the Philippine claim to the United Nations that Sabah belongs to the Philippines. That ownership claim even led to the strained diplomatic relation between Malaysia and the Philippines. Pres. Macapagal and the First Lady, Eva M. Macapagal were never associated with any corruption and scandalous deals.
The opposite is now happening with their daughter, Gloria Maca-pagal Arroyo. She signed an Executive Agreement with the leaders of the Peoples Republic of China to allow China to enter and explore oil in Spratly Islands. GMA and her husband, Miguel Arroyo are also suspects to be involved in shady deals like the NBN and the Bureau of Customs purchases of X-Ray machines among others. What will the Filipinos do with these? Jun Lozada suggested, it is for the Filipinos to take action. /MP

DA Holds FOOD SUMMIT 2008 Rising To The Challenge of Food Security

“Negosyo sa Sakahan – Laban Sa Kahirapan, Pagkain Sa Mesa – Ramdam Ko Ang Kaunlaran” is the theme of the Food Summit the Department of Agriculture (DA) held in Lapu Lapu City, Mactan. The 10 storey Crown Regency Hotel served as the venue for some 200 participants on March 4–6, 2008.
The participants came from all the provinces and cities of the Visayas who were provincial governors, heads of farmers and fisherfolks organizations, heads of national industrial associations, sectoral group leaders, national government agency heads, legislators and officials of DA.
Aklan was represented by Mr. William Castillo – OIC, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Mr. Roberto M. Sazon, Jr. and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente representing the private sector. Gov. Carlito S. Marquez was not able to make it. Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez attended for the Province of Antique.
The Summit aimed to gather multi-sectoral initiatives to address food security issues and concerns, identify strategic interventions, draw up operational framework to translate common agenda into action, and strengthen collaboration with local government executives in the development and implementation of local action plans.
For one day, the participants inventoried current initiatives, the strategic interventions needed, strategic action plan/operational framework. They identified issues, concerns and recommended solutions on access to credit, markets and agricultural extension among others.
The workshops participants were grouped into:
1. rice and white corn, 2. poultry, livestock and feed crops, 3. fisheries and aquaculture, and 4. high value crops like fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.
The results of this area–wide Food Summit will be the subject of National Food Summit to be held on April 5, 2008 in Quezon City. And the output of this National Food Summit would serve as the platform for rural development thrust. /MP

2008 Health Highlights

by Cecille dela Rosa de Lemos

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez highlighted in his recent State of the Province Address the health performance of Aklan.
According to him, health is a high-priority concern of his administration. He thanked then Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores for the bold step taken to construct a P139 million with the LOGOFIND loan hospital building for the expansion and upgrading of Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital into second–level referral hospital now with 186 bed-capacity and modernized equipments.
Even if there were limited resources and the exodus of doctors and nurses abroad, the provincial government gradually expanded the health care delivery services by:
1. Employing 188 new health personnel, promoted 39 personnel and hired 141 new ones including doctors and radio technologists;
2. Implemented the electronic hospital management information system;
3. Contracted the services of a specialist to train personnel in CT Scan operation;
4. Initiated the Adopt-a-Ward program for private sector to adopt a ward and provide its needs;
5. Implemented Indigency Program that provided hospital discounts, free medicines and medical supplies;
6.Continued health care delivery services of the seven (7) other hospitals in Aklan; and
7. On health Poverty Alleviation Program, the Congressional District Office and the Provincial Government provided Php 10 million for the Philhealth Universal Coverage Program in coordination with Philhealth
The Aklan Provincial Local Health Board was awarded as the Most Outstanding Provincial Local Health Board by the Department of Health Center for Health Development in Region 6 in 2006 and 2007. /MP

Use of Libel Laws To Muzzle Press

Juan P. Dayang, president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) recommended the decriminalization of libel. This will avoid its being used to muzzle the press in performing its solemn duty of providing adequate and truthful information that affects the well-being of our people.
“Persons or organizations guilty of libel should suffer a reasonable fine, depending on the gravity of the offense, but they should not suffer imprisonment.” Dayang explained to the joint Senate committees on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws chaired by Senator Richard Gordon and the Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Bong Revilla.
In a position paper, Dayang informed the Senate committees that the threat of a libel suit is often used to prevent the media from reporting or discussing issues that are of paramount interest to the public.
Dayang’s sentiment was earlier acknowledged in a recent message made before the International Conference on Impunity and Press Freedom by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Reynato S. Puno who said that international organizations had identified two threats to freedom of expression and the free flow of information and ideas: censorship by killing and the abuse of restrictive defamation and libel laws.
Dayang also expressed to the Senate hearings that even the Supreme Court has recently advised local judges to impose fines, not imprisonment, on persons convicted of libel. “Libel law is grossly outdated” and violates the constitutional guarantee that “every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” he added.
“In many libel cases filed against journalists, the burden of proof lies always on the accused, not on the complainant, a burden that too often causes many news organizations to shy away from publishing controversial stories”, he pointed out.
To bolster his argument, Dayang cited past instances wherein corrupt government officials and their accomplishes, whether in the public or private sector, have used the libel law to silence their critics or their perceived enemies in the media.
“We in the media are fully aware of our grave responsibility to purvey accurate information, but it is also important that the press enjoys a wide latitude in deciding what to publish in the interest of truth and the public good,” Dayang said. /MP

Reason and Concern

By Ronquillo C. Tolentino

On Lawyers Again

The lawyer that I am, I have always believed, modesty aside, that the legal profession and pursuit of law - as history and tradition have always graded and ranked – is among the noblest, the most exalted, and the most learned of professions. Justice Ameurfina Melencio Herrera, once said, and rightly so, that the Bar is an order as ancient as the magistracy, as noble as virtue, as necessary as justice. But even as this is so, Justice Herrera stressed that as others see the Bar, the profession of law has been far from popular. This would stem from the wrong observation that lawyers are fomenting disputes to promote their own interest or even retarding the progressive pace of development. And lawyers too, are often the butt of uncomplimentary anecdotes. And there’s even a book it, titled “The Lawyer Joke Book”.
A friend of mine sent me a copy of the book which he bought at the Barnes & Nobles bookstore in Manhattan , New York on July 9, 2000.
Anecdotes about lawyers do not die down. The anecdotes increase from time to time which no other professions have.

Here are some not so new lawyer jokes:

What do you call a lawyer with an IQ of 50?
Your Honor

What does a lawyer get when you give him Viagra?
Taller

What happened to the lawyer who was thrown out of a saloon?
He was disbarred.

What does a lawyer use for birth control?

His personality

What do you throw to a drowning lawyer?
His partners.

What do you get when you cross a lawyer with a demon from hell?
Another lawyer.

You’re trapped in a room with a tiger, a rattlesnakes and a lawyer. You have a gun with two bullets. What should you do?
Shoot the lawyer. Twice
.
Why won’t sharks attack lawyers?
Professional courtesy

Why don’t lawyers go to the beach?
Cats keep trying to bury them in the sand.

Why does California have the most lawyers in the USA and New Jersey have the most toxic waste sites?
New Jersey got the first choice.

What do you do if you run over a lawyer?
Back over him to make sure. Then, make another notch on the steering wheel

What do you call a lawyer gone bad?
Senator

What do you call 5000 dead lawyers at the bottom of the ocean”?
A good start!

What do you call 25 skydiving lawyers?
Skeet.

What do you call 25 attorneys buried up to their chins in cement?
Not enough cement.

What do lawyers and sperm have in common?
It takes 300,000 of them to make human being.

What do dinosaurs and decent lawyers have in common?
They’re both extinct

What did the terrorist that hijacked a jumbo-jet full of lawyers do?
He threatened to release one every hour if his demands weren’t met.

What did the lawyer’s name his daughter?
Sue.

Why did God make snakes just before lawyers?
To practice.

Where can you find a good lawyer?
The nearest cemetery.

What’s the difference between God and a lawyer?
God doesn’t think he’s a lawyer.

What’s the difference between a mosquito and a lawyer?
One is a blood-sucking parasite, the other is an insect.

What’s the difference between a lawyer and a vulture?
Removable wingtips.

What’s the difference between a lawyer and a vulture?
The lawyer gets frequent flyer miles.

What’s the difference between a lawyer and an onion?
To cry when you cut up an onion.

What’s the difference between a lawyer and a liar?
The pronunciation.

What’s brown and looks really good on a lawyer?
A Doberman.

What are lawyers good for?
They make used car for salesmen look good.

How many lawyers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
You won’t find a lawyer who can change a light bulb.
Now, if you’re looking for a lawyer to screw a light bulb….

How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?
It takes only one lawyer to change your light bulb to his light bulb.

How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?
How many can you afford?

How many lawyer jokes are there?
Only Three. The rest are true stories.

How does an attorney sleep?
First, he lies on the side, then he lies on the other.

What’s the difference between a dead dog in the road and a dead lawyer in the road?
There are skid marks in the front of the dog.

What type of apparel is the most popular with lawyers?
Law-suits.

What should you do if you find a lawyer buried up to his neck in cement?
Get more cement.

What happens when you cross a pig with a lawyer?
Nothing. There are some things a pig won’t do.

What happens to a lawyer who jumps out of a plane at 35,000 feet without a parachute?
Who cares?

How can a pregnant woman tell that she’s carrying a future lawyer?
She has an uncontrollable craving for baloney.

How are an apple and a lawyer alike?
They both look good hanging from a tree.

Did you hear that the Post Office just recalled their latest stamps?
They had pictures of lawyers on them… and people couldn’t figure out which side to spit on.

Did you hear about the terrorists who took a whole courtroom full of lawyers hostage?
They threatened to release one every hour until their demands where met.

Did you hear about the new sushi bar that caters exclusively to lawyers?
It’s called, Sosumi. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Magic Alkansiya

Batasan ni Berto nga magpaligos sa suba kada agahon parabil daehon ro anang anwang sa eanas agud pahangeabon. Samtang naga eonip-eonip si Berto, may hakita imaw nga batong puti nga naga eotaw-eotaw. Gin saea nana ag guindaea sa andang baeay agud obrahon nga alkansiya.
Nagdamgo si Berto ko gabi-i ngaron nga sudlan permi ro anang alkansiya. Kada bakae nana it pamahaw, ana nga guina buhinan agud ihueay sa alkansiya. Nag-abut ro tig gutom sa andang lugar. Abu nga mga tawo nga ginagutom. Nadumduman ni Berto ro anang alkansiya. Mabug-at nga mayad ro anang sueod. Guin buka nana ro alkansiya ag hakibut imaw tongod may mga bueawan nga sueod. Guin baligya nana ro bueawan agud ibulig sa mga tawo. Nag obra eon man it bag-ong alkansiya si Berto. Sige ro anang hinueog sa anang alkansiya.
Tumaliwan ro mga dinag-on, sultero eon si Berto ag bo-ot eon nana mag-asawa. Ro guini-kanan ko daeaga nga anang naila-an hay duro it guina pangayo parabil sanda magsugot nga ipakasae. Bo-ot nanda nga parabil kaslon kay Berto hay may baeay eagui sanda nga may baraka sa idauem. Nadumduman ni Berto ro anang alkansiya. Tag anang hakwaton, maugan ro anang sueod. Masubo si Berto. Guin buka nana ro alkansiya ag hakibut imaw nga puro gali perlas ag brillante ro sueod.
Natuman rong kagustohan ko guini-kanan ko anang nobya ag busa mangin asawa. Abo nga hangawa sa pag manggad ni Berto. Ko olihi, nasayoran ko mga kontra ni Berto nga halin gali sa alkansiya ro anang manggad. Andang guin takaw ro alkansiya ni Berto. Pagbuka nanda hay puro bato ag bukbok ro sueod. Guinpilak nanda ro alkansiya. Pagkakita ni Berto, anang guin tago sa estante ratong alkansiya agod mangin isaeang ka dekorasyon sa andang baeay. /MP

Mementoes

Forwarded e-mail by DR. Raphy Tayco

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside.
She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents. “When we were to be married,” she said, “ my grandmother told me, the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.”
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.
“Honey,” he said, “that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?”
“Oh,” she said, “that’s the money I made from selling the dolls.”

A Prayer.....

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;And Patience for his moods;
Because Lord, if I pray for Strength,I’ll beat him to death, because I don’t know how to crochet. /MP

MANNY PACQUIAO TRIVIA (Part 1)

1. What was the ring name of Manny Pacquiao when he fought in the amateur rank in General Santos City in the early 1990’s?
a. Pacman
b. Little Bad Boy
c. Kulafu
d. Kung Fu Kid

2. Who was the first non-Filipino fighter who fought and lost by knockout to Manny Pacquiao?
a. Sung-Yul Lee
b. Ippo Gala
c. Lito Torrejos
d. Shin Terao

3. Which title and division did Manny Pacquiao win when he knocked out Chokchai Chockvivat in five rounds on June 26, 1997?
a. OPBF flyweight
b. PABA flyweight
c. IBO flyweight
d. WBF flyweight
4. Who was Manny Pacquiao’s former opponent who is now wanted in the Philippines for murder?
a. Melvin Magramo
b. Ariel Austria
c. Rustico Torrecampo
d. Bert Batiller
5. In which city and country in 1998 did Manny Pacquiao first fight as a professional boxer?
a. Bangkok, Thailand
b. Guadalajara, Mexico
c. Jakarta, Indonesia
d. Tokyo, Japan
Please text your answers to 09177011838 and include your complete name and address. /MP

Condes Risks IBF Belt vs African IBO Champ

Flamboyant International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimum-weight titlist Florante “The Little Pacquiao” Condes will finally defend his title against International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimum-weight champion Nkosinathi Joyi in a unification title fight on May 31, 2008 at the Emperors Palace Casino, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa.
Reputed as “Filipino killer”, the unbeaten 25-year-old Joyi has scored 13 knockouts in 17 wins.
Two of his stoppage victims were Filipinos Arman De la Cruz (KO 2) and Gabriel Pumar (KO 1), all in IBO world championship duels.
The 27-year-old Condes, who is now managed by Dante Ortiz, last fought on July 7, 2007 when he grabbed the IBF bauble from Indon phenom Muhammad Rachman via split decision at the Studio TV RCTI in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The diminutive Condes (22-3, 20 KOs) had been pencilled to defend his crown in Manila in a rematch with Rachman but the card did not materialize after several postponements.
After a falling out with his former manger Aljoe Jaro, Condes was reported to have signed a contract to fight in Mexico early this year until the offer to fight Joyi came. /MP

U.P. Gawad Plaridel 2008 Call of Nominations

The U.P. College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) is now accepting nominations for the fifth U.P. GAWAD PLARIDEL which recognizes Filipino media practitioners who have excelled in any of the media (print, radio, film, television, and news media) and have performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service. For 2008 the award will be given to an outstanding COMMUNITY–BASED PRINT PRACTITIONER.
The award is named after Marcelo H. del Pilar (nom de plume, Plaridel), the selfless propagandist whose stewardship of the reformist newspaper La Solidaridad helped crystallize nationalist sentiments and ignite libertarian ideas in the 1890s. Like Plaridel, the awardee must believe in the vision of a Philippine society that is egalitarian, participative, and progressive; and in media that are socially responsible, critical and vigilant, liberative and transformative, and free and independent.
Eligible for the awards are all l iving Filipino individuals who have excelled in the field of COMMUNITY-BASED PRINT JOURNALISM, as a publisher, editor, columnist, writer, etc. Aside from their probity and integrity, these media practitioners must have produced a body of work that is marked by excellence and social relevance and must have achievements recognized nationally and/or internationally.
Individuals and institutions may nominate potential awardees. Institutions include media corporations, professional media associations, media advocacy groups, educational institutions, cultural foundations, and NGOs. Previous nominees may still be considered for this year’s award.
All current full-time faculty and staff of the UP CMC are disqualified from the nomination.
Deadline for nomination is on March 31, 2008. The recipient of the U.P. Gawad Plaridel 2008 will be announced on May 5, 2008.
The U.P. GAWAD PLARIDEL is given every July 4 in commemoration of del Pilar’s death anniversary. The awardee will receive the U.P. Gawad Plaridel trophy (designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva) and will deliver the Plaridel Lecture addressing issues relevant to the state and practice of Philippine media.
Nomination forms and award guidelines are available at the U.P. CMC Office of Extension and External Relations (OEER) which can be contacted at 920-6864 for details. /MP

Symposium On Ecological Solid Waste Management

by Cecille dela Rosa de Lemos

A Symposium on Ecological Solid Waste Management, DevCom program of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, mass communication students, co-sponsored by the General Services Office LGU-Kalibo, the tri-media, the Philippine Army, and Aklan Medical Society; PsciJournalist Aklan Chapter; and the Bread & Butter Bake Shop was held at Purok 2, C. Laserna St., Kalibo, Aklan. Kool Earth is an environmentalist group from Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc., Aklan Chapter.
Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 is considered a broad-based, comprehensive and appropriate solid waste management which involves segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm the environment. The participants discussed how to segregate wastes into compostable, non-recyclable and special or hazardous waste.
Engr. Rogelio dela Cruz Purok 2 leader, expressed elation that the NVC MassCom students has chosen Purok 2 to respond to the challenge for the successful implementation of this program. Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo affirmed the continued support of his administration on this program.
Mr. Mario D. Balandra, NVC MassCom Dept. Head, gave the rationale of the program. Mrs. Editha Ignacio–de Lemos, General Services Officer (LGU-Kalibo) discussed clearly the introduction to Ecological Solid Waste Management. Ms. Adorada T. Reynaldo, GSO Admin/Supply officer explained the approaches to ecological solid waste management, waste avoidance and the benefits and uses of compost through a power point presentation.
Dr. Cynthia C. dela Cruz, president of Aklan Medical Society and Kool Earth, discussed the topic on health benefits. Mr. Gary Vargas and Jun Aguirre, PsciJorn officers, facilitated the open forum. Hon. Mary Jane A. Rebaldo, Punong Barangay of Poblacion, Kalibo gave her closing message. The signing of Manifesto of Support by the participants followed. /MP

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Contact: Daniel Remaldora
at Cell No. (0910)2888737
or e-mail: srarches@hutchcity.com