News Pictorial

“Pag-aeaw-aeaw” is an Aklanon term which means to welcome. This term was used by some 300 Banganhon men who gathered at crossing Banga to welcome the Japanese soldiers on October 21, 1943 but instead, they were machine gunned and massacred. The Japanese soldiers declared “Juez de Kutsilyo” in Banga as shown in picture at left. Picture at right shows the “Saguibin Festival” which means mutual cooperation to complete a project of neighbors. 

Pictures above (left) shows “Parada it Litson”, a very important and gainful industry in Numancia, while the picture at right portrays the century old trees growing in Brgy. Albasan, Numancia.

Upper photo shows “Nasuraan Falls” while upper right is a wild river fit for kayaking. Lower photo is Madalag showing its good potential source of electricity as shown in this picture where water is ever flowing to the sea unutilized. Mountains with ever green trees serve as depository of unlimited water.

  This photos portray the remains of the 15th century wine distillery (Lambique) in Batan.

“Pag-aeaw-aeaw” is an Aklanon term which means to welcome. This term was used by some 300 Banganhon men who gathered at crossing Banga to welcome the Japanese soldiers on October 21, 1943 but instead, they were machine gunned and massacred. The Japanese soldiers declared “Juez de Kutsilyo” in Banga as shown in picture at left. Picture at right shows the “Saguibin Festival” which means mutual cooperation to complete a project of neighbors. 

Pictures above (left) shows “Parada it Litson”, a very important and gainful industry in Numancia, while the picture at right portrays the century old trees growing in Brgy. Albasan, Numancia.

Upper left photo shows “Nasuraan Falls” while upper right is a wild river fit for kayaking. The lower photos portray the remains of the 15th century wine distillery (Lambique) in Batan.

COA Is Undermanned, Has 40% Vacancy

The Commission on Audit (COA) is undermanned and their staff is overworked but the agency has a 42 percent unfilled position, the Senate Committee on Finance found out recently.

At the COA’s budget presentation last week, Senator Chiz Escudero said the authorized COA staffing is 15,219 but its filled rate is only 8,737. This leaves 6,482 unfilled positions for 2013.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance said this wide margin of vacancy is a cause for concern, which he said even COA itself is alarmed.

“The COA is doing its job. In fact the government has saved up a lot by what the COA does in terms of auditing services”.
With only 57 percent filled position, asked the COA if “it could have rendered more auditing services and could have detected the misuse of funds” if it has more people to do their mandate. Heidi Mendoza, COA Commissioner who presented the agency budget responded, they could have used more personnel to double their output than their current ones.

COA cited the difficulty in getting accountants to join the agency as the reason for vacant positions remaining unfilled.
COA has generated almost P2 billion of savings from these unfilled positions. Having been given a fiscal autonomy, the amount was already disbursed to them. When asked how it utilizes this lump sum amount, COA said this is being used to augment their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

“Can you furnish us how this amount augments your operations? Where else does this go?” Escudero directed COA.

The senator asked COA who audits them. “Forgive me if this maybe a unique question, but who audits COA maam”?

“We have our own auditor and as I mentioned a while ago, our own auditor issues audit observation addressed to us” Mendoza replied.

Escudero said it is quite awkward that the agency is being audited by one of its own where the nature of check and balance might be put in question.

“But your auditor reports to you too? I mean, they are under you, where is the check and balance? Again this is no allegation, no accusation, just out of curiosity”.

Mendoza said the set up has been that way since COA was established. She said the agency tries to preserve the independence of its auditors, “in fact when they have audit observations, we too conduct exit conference and discuss the issues one by one, but we understand that reality”.

Escudero said if COA has been self-auditing since its inception, it could look and adopt international auditing practices and standards to apply not only to themselves but to the government wide system as well.

“COA said they have been rolling out international standards in auditing system. Be that as it may, Congress may still find ways to improve their current system to remove any doubts and fears and to also maintain the check and balance between their auditor and themselves”.

COA’s budget hearing was deferred until some senators who were absent can attend to ask questions regarding COA’s budget in the next meeting. /MP

New DAR Chief In Aklan

To ensure smooth transition and  sustain DAR Aklan’s commitments to its clientele, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Eberardo N. Erispe turned over the management of DAR Aklan to Manuel A. Velasco, incoming Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) just recently. 

Before his assignment to Aklan, Velasco, a former Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I since 1999 was assigned at Negros Occidental. He is a Career Executive Officer, and a Career Executive Service Eligible. In his assumption, he challenged all DAR Aklan employees to work with the catch up plans to meet the targets for this year. “As liberal manager, I encourage everyone to participate in making CARP work for Aklan especially for the agrarian reform beneficiaries”, he enthuses. “Participatory approach is essential as we learn from each other and everyone can contribute to make the program work.”

Velasco is married and has three children. He served as Professor in various Universities in Iloilo and Negros and a former Project Manager of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement in Negros. /MP

Editorial

PH ‘Leapfrogs’ In Global Competitiveness Rank

The Philippines jumped six places up a global competitiveness ranking but still lagged behind most of its neighbors, a news report Wednesday, Sept. 4 showed.

The country rose to rank 59th out of 148 in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index 2013-2014 from 65th of 144 in the previous report.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Philippines posted improvements in the global list. It ranked 87th in 2009, 85th in 2010 and 75th in 2011.

The report said for the Philippines, “trends are positive across most dimensions of the Index,” which assesses countries’ business environment and competitiveness.

The country bagged an overall index score of 4.3 points from a total of 7, an improved score. The report attributed to gains in the fight against corruption.

The Philippines “leapfrogged over the past years” in the index’s institution pillar, where it now ranked 79th. It also improved in ethics and corruption (87th) and government efficiency (75th).

The report lauded the administration of President Benigno Aquino III which it said “made the fight against corruption an absolute priority” since 2010.

“There are signs that these efforts are producing results,” WEF said, adding that corruption had been “one of the country’s biggest drags on competitiveness.”

However, the Philippines still compared poorly to most of the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) listed in the WEF.

Singapore led the ASEAN countries, ranking 2nd globally. It is followed by Malaysia (24th), Brunei (26th), Thailand (37th) and Indonesia (38th).

The Philippines posted a better performance than its neighbors Vietnam, which ranked 70th, Laos, (81st) and Cambodia (88th).

The competitiveness report further said the Philippines “cannot afford to be complacent” since improvements are coming from “a very low base.”

It cited as examples how rankings improved but remains in a dire state in transport infrastructure (84th), especially with respect to airport (113th) and seaport facilities (116th).

In terms of labor market, although the Philippines has become more flexible and efficient over the years, it still ranks low at 100th.

The report nonetheless stressed that recent government successes “are encouraging and proof that bold reforms and measures can yield positive results.”

Malacanang welcomed the improved ranking as “an endorsement of the President, the brand of transparent and accountable leadership he espouses, and the hard-fought reforms he and his allies have tirelessly pursued.”

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, for his part, said “investors in the Philippines now enjoy a playing field that is more stable, more transparent, and more level than it has ever been.”

This, as he noted that the Philippines will no doubt see even greater rises in the competitiveness rankings amid “progress in further solidifying gains of good governance.”

“I fully expect to see the Philippine business environment become even more vibrant, more dynamic, and most importantly, more open and welcoming of opportunity,” Purisima said. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Worms From PDAF

Out of the 17 million pesos Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), some 2,000 farmers of the Second District, Zamboanga City got one kilogram each of worms. This worms are to be used in the composting project. This PDAF was channeled to an NGO called “BLT Touch” by former Congressman Basilio Fabian, 2nd District, Zamboanga City. 

The 2,000 farmer first attended a daylong seminar on Organic Farming. The City Agriculturist, Mr. Diosdado Palacat arranged the holding of the seminar. The farmers, before they went home got their one kilogram of worms.

If the worms cost P1,000 per kilo, only P2 million was spent. If the daylong seminar cost P500 per participant, they only spent P1 million for training or a total of P3 million. 

Where is the other P14 million? Moreover, it is doubtful if there was a supply of 2,000 kilograms of worms just after the training!

Victorino M. Mapa

Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz is sponsoring a provincial ordinance “naming the Municipal Trial Court of Kalibo In The Municipality of Kalibo, Province of Aklan, The Justice Victorino M. Mapa Municipal Hall of Justice.” 

Why not? Naming that Municipal Trial Court along D. Maagma Street, Kalibo to Victorino M. Mapa Hall of Justice is highly commendable. This will make Aklanons especially the young and future generations more loving and loyal to the Province of Aklan. It will enhance our sense of belongingness and further appreciate Aklanon’s cultural heritage. 

Victorino M. Mapa was born in Kalibo, Aklan in a site where Glowmoon Hotel now stands, along Martelino Street. 

Mapa was the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

However, can the Province of Aklan rename it to Victorino M. Mapa Municipal Hall of Justice?

Not really, much as I like to name it such. The lot where the building now stands is donated by the LGU Aklan to the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The construction of the building was financed out of the Supreme Court money. Hence, both house and lot are owned by the Supreme Court.
Can the LGU Aklan name or do something for a piece of property it does not own? Again, a real no. 

The best that Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz can do is work for the approval of an Aklan SP resolution requesting the Supreme of the Philippines to name the Municipal Trial Court building in Kalibo to “Justice Victorino M. Mapa Municipal Hall of Justice”. Other offices and non-government organization can also approve a similar resolution addressed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Alyansa Kontra Gutom

The Alyansa Kontra Gutom has requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan to “appear and appeal to provide the information needed to trigger the legislative actions to address the hunger situation”.

What legislation does the Alyansa need? There are more laws, rules, ordinances in farm productivity now in the Philippines. But sad to say, only a very limited number of farmers implement these laws, ordinances and rules. Agricultural offices charged to assist farmers in farm productivity are shy in providing agricultural technical assistance.  

A good example is the anti burning or rice straw to conserve soil fertility, and reduce warming. Sorry to say cremation of rice straw is continuing. Our farmer, most of them are weekend farmers. They visit their farm projects during weekend. How can they provide plant care like water and control weeds?

In poultry and livestock, only few follow recommended method of raising. They disregard proper sanitation, so the project pollutes the environment. Our local officials recommend closure of the project, the easiest but poorest solution. The best is to compel project owners to practice scientific method of farming. 

Today, Aklan imports most of its food requirements like, eggs and chicken meat, vegetables, fruits and others. The best to address hunger is more and extensive production of agricultural products. The consumers must recognize the works of the farmers by buying their products at a reasonable profit. /MP

15 Municipal LGU’s Operate On 1.4 Billion Budget

In October of each year, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of each municipality in Aklan will start the review of their respective budget for the year 2014. This will happen even if two (2) towns: Batan and Numancia are yet to submit their  2013 respective budgets for review by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). 

Actually, Batan has submitted its municipal budget for review by the SP. However, it was officially withdrawn due to substantial error in the budget documents. 

Numancia has new Municipal Mayor who assumed office on June 30, 2013. The previous Mayor on one hand, and the SB members on the other, whose term of office was 2010 – 2013 were in conflict. Hence, Numancia town has not approved its municipal budget for the year 2013. 

Buruanga’s 2013 budget has the distinction to get the first approval and declared operational in its entirety on March 13, 2013. The total budget approved is 51.8 million pesos, 3.3 million pesos is for its Municipal Economic Enterprises Development (MEED) and the rest is for general fund. Moreover, a supplemental budget of P236,545 was approved for Buruanga. 

Balete’s 2013 municipal budget was approved on March 20, 2013 in the amount of 61.731 million pesos. It also obtained approval for its P5.2 million supplemental budget.

Among the 17 municipalities in Aklan, Malay has the biggest budget which are 310 million pesos general fund and 20 million pesos MEED or a total of 330 million pesos. 

Kalibo the capital town is only second to Malay. Kalibo has 158.66 million pesos for general fund and 51.114 million pesos for MEED or a total of 209.782 million pesos. It has P0.779 supplemental budget. Kalibo’s budget is 30 percent smaller than that of Malay.

For the other towns, their respective total 2013 budget are as follows: 1. Tangalan – P50.582 million; 2. Madalag – P60.701; 3. Malinao – P59.288 million; 4. Altavas – P59.011 million; 5. Makato – P63.085 million; 6. New Washington – P93.873 million; 7. Ibajay – P86.935 million; 8. Banga – P79.398 million; 9. Libacao – P71.987 million; 10. Lezo – P35.232 million; and 10. Nabas – P63.614 million. 

Among the 17 municipalities, Lezo has the smallest annual budget. Not including the annual budgets of Batan and Numancia, the total 2013 annual budget of the 15 municipalities is 1.403 billion pesos. (with the report of Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary) /MP

Solons’ Prosecution & Conviction In PDAF Scam Is P-noy’s Grant Legacy

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

While public attention and ire are focused on P10 billion scam, there’s little doubt that this anomaly will not surface again in the future. Such callous raid on the Treasury is affront to the conscience of civilized society where trust and confidence are bestowed on elected public officials. The Commission On Audit (COA), a government watchdog on its official report has ruled out any possibility of collusion with those involved. Those involved must be prosecuted for this dastardly act. Those who pocketed their huge PDAF allocations instead of spending it on public projects must be answerable under the law. The P500 million or above is considered economic plunder. This grants no bail and if convicted, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all his separation pay benefits.

Senate President Franklin Drilon is disillusioned about this wanton excesses of his colleagues. He came out with a drastic proposal to abolish Congress. Hopefully, this would smoother the tarnished image the PDAF scam has created. Atty. Romulo Macalintal, a leading election lawyer approves the abolition subject to Constitutional amendments. Article VI which creates the legislature or Congress must be deleted. With the abolition of Congress, all 80 governors will replace them and the term of office is limited to six (6) years. Since there will be no budget for salaries and allowances, the total generated savings must be sufficient to build 180,000 classrooms or cement 400 kilometers of standard 2 lane highway or water reservoir to generate electricity and for irrigation. 

Pres. P-noy has declared the suspension of 2013 PDAF fund releases of legislators in response to public outrage against it. The current allocation is P200 million per senator and P70 million per congressman. The President aims to overhaul its implementing guidelines by having the congressman or senator identify projects, project beneficiaries, and purpose before a government line agency releases the fund. Under the proposed guideline, the lawmaker have no direct involvement as to money claims under his PDAF. 

Many critics noted the reluctance of President P-noy to totally scrap the pork barrel. Why target only the PDAF of legislators and not his own pork barrel that amounts to P24 billion annually? Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda explains that the P24 billion is the President’s Social Fund taken from earnings of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. This is held in trust and is replenished from year to year by these agencies. Lacierda cited government assistance to provinces and cities stricken by calamities like typhoon, flood and earthquake. The standby fund allows emergency response without going through the hassles of congressional funding approval.

Congress, based on recent history was abolished by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1972. He replaced it with a parliament, a unicameral system. However, it was never meant to curb excessive spending by politicians but to perpetuate himself in power. 

To date, we have 10,000 laws Congress enacted. But who cares to implement them to the fullest? For instance we have one of the most comprehensive environmental and forest conservation laws in the world and yet we have the highest level of pollution and deforestation. Laws not implemented according to its spirit and intent are technically dead and fit to be placed in the archives. Japan may have far less laws than the Philippines, but Japan is far more economically progressive, stable, peaceful. Government officials are of high integrity. What matters most is proper law enforcement as crime never pay.

It is highly ironic, LGU’s like Kalibo require commercial establishments like banks, malls and pawnshops to install CCTV cameras as a requirement to obtain Mayor’s permit. This is one way to deter nefarious activities of criminals. This is a symptom of the presence of thieves. Yet the heist that could be hauled usually never come to more than a million pesos.

The big buck swindlers are located in air conditioned rooms of congress, clothed with immunity the amount involves billion of pesos annually. The hallowed halls of Congress and NGO offices require CCTVs more than any place.

Prosecution of erring public officials involved in the scam must not be regimented and painfully slow like the Maguindanao massacre trial. Rather, judicial processes must be hastened since majority of our present and past lawmakers are involved. Based on their filed SALN’s, our lawmakers comprise the upper five (5) percent of our society. The rich and famous like the Ampatuans of Maguindanao have the capacity to hire a battery of topnotched trial lawyers. The scope and magnitude of the problem makes it Quizotic but there’s a rubout – the power of the vote. 

Under no circumstances, the Ombudsman and Department of Justice must rapidly promulgate the resolution of the second biggest scam in our nations’ history. Let no one fool the people all the time. Let justice runs its course regardless of who gets hurt in the process. Here credibility of P-noy is tested with his dogged determination to rid the government of corrupt officials. He does not need to fear since under the Constitution his term ends in 2016. This can be P-noy’s legacy to the present and future generation. /MP   

FPPC Celebrates 50th Anniversary On Oct. 18-20

The Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (FPPCI), a national confederation of provincial media organization, will celebrate its 50th anniversary and convention on Oct. 18 to 20. 2013. It will be held at the Aklan State University, Banga and Boracay Island in Aklan.

The three-day event will be hosted by the Boracay Global Press Corps in partnership with various organizations and institutions.

FPPCI is organized in 1963 as an adjunct of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC by a group of leaders of Philippine press fraternity spearheaded by then NPC president Macario T. Vicencio, former NPC presidents Teodoro F. Valencia, Ernesto O. Granada, Jose D. Aspiras, Nereo C. Andolong and NPC stalwarts Blas F. Ople, Mao Chanco and Vic Tagle.

Johnny Dayang, then NPC director and chairman of the NPC provincial affairs committee, was tasked to undertake  the formation until it was formally organized on Oct. 18, 1963 during a national convention held at the NPC.

Among the FPPC officers elected during the convention were Ermin E. Garcia, Sr. of the Pangasinan Press Club, president; Atty. Ricardo Nava, Negros Press Club, executive vice president; and Johnny Dayang of the Aklan Press Club, secretary-general.

Allan Sison, incumbent FPPCI president, said the FPPCI’s 50th commemorative event, will endeavor to rally the participation of the members of the provincial media fraternities, specially the founding FPPCI members, press club presidents, officers and members and those doing media-related works.

Strengthening of the provincial and community press will be the central theme of the 50th observance, particularly dwelling on FPPC advocacies enshrining press freedom, enhancement of the welfare of the media men, passage into law of freedom of information bill and other relevant pursuits.

FPPC, Sison said, will also push for the realization of its long-felt need to establish institutional mechanism that would upgrade the standard of community journalism and adoption of measures that would protect journalists from any form of violence.

Presidents, officers, and members of press clubs, media organizations or other media-related practitioners and institutions desiring to participate may register at the FPPC convention secretariat chaired by Joseph A. Punay, 0922 8840971 or Jlap2003@yahoo.com./MP

I Won’t Cast The First Stone On Janet Napoles

by Alex P. Vidal

“Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.” HENRY JAMES

Unlike some of my impatient and angry fellow Filipinos, I will not cast the first stone on Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged chief operator of fake NGOs (non-government organizations) that siphoned billions of “pork barrel” funds for the last 10 years.

I will not even condemn her in my Facebook and Twitter accounts. I will never “share” caricature of the woman whose face had been disfigured to look like a pig. I will not laugh while others agonize in shame and humiliation. I will always put myself in the shoes of others. Only God can pass the final judgment.

Now that she has been incarcerated (she was ordered arrested with no bail recommended not for the alleged P10-billion “pork barrel” scam but for illegal detention), I will wait for justice system to grind. In legal parlance, she must be given her day in court; she is still presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

ALLEGATIONS

I have no reason to hate the woman based on allegations written in the newspapers and broadcast on TV and radio. I don’t know her personally; and it is not in my competence to determine whether she is a sinner or a saint.  

In our Christian Living, we were taught to hate the sin, not the sinners. We were taught not to throw the first stone if we live in a house of glass. We were told not to do unto others what we would not want others do unto us”, and so on and so forth.

I am more interested on the big fish -- the high-ranking government officials, the SIN-nators and representa-THIEVES who committed plunder and amassed unexplained wealth by cavorting with Napoles. These are the public servants in cahoots with Napoles who betrayed the Filipinos. Why are they still scot-free and enjoying their “pork”-subsidized lavish lifestyle while Napoles is behind bars?

Let’s wait for proper charges to be filed against Napoles, et al and their conviction in the court of law (not in the court of public opinion) based on solid evidence (paper trails of the PDAF transactions). 

PRAY

Instead of joining the mob baying for Napoles’ blood, happiness is the secret to all beauty. we prefer to pray and ask enlightenment from God. May I invite you to pray:

Lord, we come to You in prayer before we begin to analyze the shocking “pork barrel” report before us. We recognize that the Commission on Audit (COA) report is the information we need in order to assess the issue properly and fulfill our responsibilities as purveyors of truth.

We ask You, Father, to help us analyze this story that has been circulating in social media accurately and to draw from it what we need to make wise decision.

Show us, Lord, not only those things that are obvious, but also those that are not really apparent to the natural human eye. Increase our understanding. If there is more information needed, help us to determine what it is and how to go about getting it.

ASSIMILATE

Help us to be able to assimilate vital data and facts about the scandalous item in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and to reduce them to their bare essentials. Amid the tumult that has resulted in restlessness among the middle class and the hoi polloi, give us discernment to notice any trend, either positive or negative, that is developing within our country. Help us to take the information and knowledge we gain and use it to better carry out our duties. We pray, in Jesus’ name, amen. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bueawan Sa Bangâ

Isaeang ka simpli nga babaye si Sarita. Kaibahan ro anang guinikanan, idto sanda naga estar sa kabukiran. Kada agahon, naga sag-ob imaw sa bubon sa ubos it bukid. Malisod ro tubi sa andang lugar ag mabahoe nga sakripisyo ro guina obra it mga tawo agod maka inom eamang it tubi. Ro iba hay naga tapas it butong ag guina obra nga sag-ob. Kon may oean, andang guina saeod sa uean agod makatipon eamang it tubi.

 
Isaeang adlaw, agahon pa nana-og si Sarita daea nana ro eagi nga banga agod mag sag-ob it tubi. Samtang guina tinakos nana ro tubi sa anang banga, may magueang nga babaye ro nagpaeapit sa isaea nanang kaibahan. 

 
“Ineng, kon mahimo nga paimnon mo ako ko imong tubi sa bangâ?” pakitlo-oy ko magueang. 

 
“Ay lola guina hueat ko akong pamilya ro akong tubi ngara. Basi kon matapnan mo pa man it masakit ro akong tubi. Sa iba ka eon lang mangayo”, pamalibad ko babaye.

 
Pagkabati, naeo-oy si Sarita sa magueang. Paimnon ko ikaw”, pagdahan ag sampit ni Sarita sa magueang. Dali-dali mat-a nga nagpaeapit ro magueang ag nag inom sa bangâ ni Sarita. Abo guid ro nabuhin sa tubi ni Sarita. Ogaling owa it bale. Iba ro anang nabatyagan sa anang tagipusoon. 

 
“Saeamat guid, Ineng. Katuead guid ko matin-aw nga tubi ro imong tagipusuon. Bendisyonan ka it grasya nga katupong ko imong mayad nga binohatan”, pasaeamat it magueang. Dayon mat-ang nagpanaw ro magueang. Guin sundan it pamantaw hasta naduea sa panueok ni Sarita. 

 
Guin dugangan nana it tubi ro anang bangâ hasta napuno eon man. Dayon nagpadueong sa andang baeay sa ibabaw it bukid. Pag abot nana sa andang baeay, hangawa imaw nga ham-an naga siga ro anang bangâ. 

 
Ro maka ngawa-ngawa pa hay maskin man-o it abo ro andang pagtinakos hay owa naastani ro sueod nga tubi ko andang bangâ. Halin kato, owa guid naastani ro tubi maskin una sanda naga bo-oe ko andang guina eaba, guina paligos, ag guina inom sa rondayang bangâ. Ro banga ni Sarita hay nangin bueawan. Owa sanda nawawad-i it tubi halin sa bangâ. 

 
Ro pagta-o ni Sarita sa magueang hay modelo ko pagka maatag ag owa it guina pili. Kon sin-o man ro buligan, kapares ni Sarita, kinahangean nga mangin maatag man kita sa atong isig katawo. 

 
Tongod kara, guina grasyahan kita it Diyos ko tumaeagsahon nga kalipay kon makabulig kita nga owa it pagpili maskin sin-o.

 
Bulahan kuno ro magbulig kaysa sa maga baton Kabay pa nga mangin kapareho kita kay Sarita: maeoeoy-on, matinumanon, mapainubsanon ag naga batyag sa kakueangan it atong isig katawo. /MP

GMA Weather News Strengthens Disaster Preparedness

At the onslaught of Tropical Storm Maring, viewers relied on GMA News and Public Affairs’ GMA Weather for comprehensive and accurate weather reporting. At the forefront of GMA Weather was the leading authority in the field of meteorology, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz.

Mang Tani lent his 30 years of expertise to GMA News to report various weather conditions as the network’s resident meteorologist. A former meteorologist for Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, Mang Tani was also the Officer in Charge in the Office of the Deputy Administrator for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). To date, GMA remains the only broadcast news organization in the country with a resident meteorologist.

Mang Tani recently topped the online survey of a local website which polled netizens on their choice for the country’s Most Reliable Weatherperson with an overwhelming 53 percent or 13,717 votes. GMA Weather’s Consultant for Science and Weather Karen Cardenas ranked second with 39.86 percent or 10,139 votes.

Mang Tani and Cardenas have been invited by different schools, universities, organizations, and even the Department of Budget and Management to talk about climate change and disaster preparedness.  GMA Weather is under the I M READY banner, GMA News’ award-winning campaign for public safety.  

Working in synergy with PAGASA and Project NOAH (the Department of Science and Technology’s unit for disaster prevention and disaster risk management), GMA Weather is able to do both weather forecasting and news casting. The team has met with DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and key officials of PAGASA and Project Noah to discuss ways on how to effectively prepare people for floods, strong winds and the calamitous effects of typhoons, monsoon rains and other weather disturbances.

GMA Weather’s up-to-the-minute updates may be seen on GMA-7’s 24 Oras, Unang Hirit, and Saksi, as well as on GMA News TV’s State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, QRT, Balita Pilipinas, Balitanghali and News To Go. Weather forecasts may also be heard via GMA Network’s flagship radio station, Super Radyo DZBB 594.

GMA Weather is powered by Weather Central, a US-based weather solutions provider widely-regarded as the most viewed broadcast weather system in the world. Weather Central allows GMA Weather to deliver interactive weather reports, highlighting key weather events and the extent of a weather disturbance’s potential impact down to a specific location. /MP

News Pictorial

Malumpati Cold Spring, Antique

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

 

 Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Dr. Marianne L. Quimpo and Dr. Eva Guanzon, NVC Research Director on the bridge watching the bathers. 

 The jolly group in their resort room before they partake their delicious food prepared by Ms. Rebecca Barrios and Ms. Fatima Arboleda. 

 The parking lot at Malumpati with nipa hut cottages. 

 “Life is what we make it”, and to make life more meaningful and enjoyable, our group which is still unnamed went to Malumpati Cold Spring, Pandan, Antique on Sunday, September 8. We were in two vans. One van is owned and driven by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, his brand new Crosswind Izuzu. His passengers were Dr. Marianne  L. Quimpo, Dr. Eva Guanzon, the two Chinese guests and myself. 

The other van rode Director for Student Affairs Ms. Rebecca Barrios and her daugther, NVC Property Director Ms. Fatima Arboleda and Ms. Liza Cesar, NVC Community Affairs Director. 

The Pandan municipal tourism officer joined us for few hours. She is popularly called “Lotlot”. According to her, Malumpati means “maeompat ro Ati” hence, Malumpati. Picture above shows the cold spring with swimmers enjoying.

UP Pinay At Phi Kappa Phi Summit In US

 by BIENVENIDO P. CORTES

Miss Ancilla Marie Inocencio, 22, a cum laude graduate of the University of the Philippines’s School of Economics in Diliman, Quezon City, was the lone Philippine delegate to the Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Student Vice President Leadership Summit held on July 26-28, 2013  at the Louisiana State University in Baton  Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Ancilla Marie is the granddaughter of former Roxas City Schools Division Superintendent Artily D. Inocencio. Marie is now enrolled  at U.P.’s MA Economics program. She joined selected undergraduates and graduates representing 50 of the 300 PKP Chapters worldwide to engage in personal and organizational development, to learn about strategies for operating and maintaining active chapters of Phi Kappa Phi.

In addition, they underwent a one-day training called Leadership’s Catalyst, which is based on Philosophies about leading, inner work and connecting with others.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 at University of Maine with  Diance  G. Smathers as president. This Honor Society has over 300 chapters across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Philippines. PKP is in all academic fields and professions., united by the same mission “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education to  engage the community of scholars in service to  others.

The society inducts around 30,000 top students every year, provides academic, leadership and networks opportunities to promote academic excellence.

Among its famous members are former U.S. President Jimmy  Carter, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and YouTube CEU and co-founder Chad Hurley.

The National Council of Students, formed in 2010, initiated this summit with the goal of strengthening the  core of the society – the connection and network of its student leaders.

Ancilla Marie Inocencio is the daughter of lawyer Andrew Inocencio and Arlene Baulita of Cainta, Rizal and Maayon, Capiz, and grand niece of Fr. Erno Diaz of Staten Island, New York, U.S.A. She was here in Maayon last May as muse of the annual Maayon Educational and Civic Association festivity. /MP

Murder of Oriental Mindoro Journalist

The Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (FPPC) denounced recently the killing of another journalist in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Vergel Bico, publisher of Kalahi, was shot dead by two unidentified  motorcycle riding gunmen.  Bico died of several gunshot wounds in the head.

Bico, a resident of Barangay Pachoa, Calapan City, was shot repeatedly with a 45 caliber pistol at close range.

Speaking through Josef Punay, FPPC vice president said, the police should leave no stone unturned in solving the murder of Bico, one of the recent victims of violence against members of the Fourth Estate.   Punay said the authorities, in the face of all these killings, should consider allowing journalists to possess firearms to protect themselves.

The unabated killings of journalists until these days will be one of the major concerns up for deliberation in the forthcoming FPPC 50th anniversary on Oct. 18-20, 2013 to be held at the Aklan State University, Banga, and Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. /MP

Editorial

Besides The Living, 

BIR Goes After The Departed

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to look into the bank accounts of dead people to reach their target collection goal of P50 billion by 2016.

 
BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said they will take advantage of a loophole in the Bank Secrecy Law to check taxable inheritance and boost estate tax collections from about P1 billion a year to an average of P12.5 billion.

 
An estate tax is a tax on the right of any given deceased person to transmit wealth to heirs. It is imposed on a given heir’s inherited estate or assets if the value of the estate exceeds an exclusion limit set by law. 

 
Republic Act 1405 or the Philippine Law on the Secrecy of Bank Deposits meanwhile states that accounts cannot be disclosed by banks and may not be examined except upon written permission of the depositor or if the money involved is the subject of litigation. Henares explained that bank accounts owned by the deceased are not protected by the law on bank secrecy because obviously, they have passed away. Heirs of the deceased cannot claim to enjoy bank secrecy either because technically, they don’t own the assets of their deceased relative yet. 

 
“The BIR wants everyone to become rich, so that we can collect more taxes. If you die, and you’re rich, you pay more estate tax,” Henares said.

 
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisma meanwhile said the low, static level of current estate tax collections contradicts rising property and stock princes. 

 
Purisima also urged inheritors (surviving heirs) to amend their estate tax declaration and payments before they are caught. According to him, the government is set to investigate estate tax payments over the last five years.
OP BUDGET PROPOSAL GETS SENATE NOD

The senate committee on finance approved the proposed P2.8 billion 2014 budget of the Office of the President (OP) and recommended the same for plenary deliberations.

 
Senator Francis Escudero, chairman of the finance committee said OP’s budget proposal, presented by Exceutive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. breezed through the committee because no other member attended the hearing and no issues were raised when the executive office presented its budget proposal.

 
The senator also said that traditionally, the OP and the Office of the Vice President, respectively are given due courtesies with respect to their budgets.

 
“There is no reason to stall the approval for plenary of the OP budget. Congress regularly gives courtesies to the Office of the President during budget deliberations. If there are any issues in their respective administrations and offices, these are directed to the departments and not to the office proper itself.”

 
Escudero said even the lump sum amounts associated with the OP and which has been critiqued as of late belong to the special purpose funds which lie on the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) responsibility to defend.

 
“Even the social fund is not in the president’s budget. The DBM will defend the special purpose funds to include calamity fund, contingency fund, and feasibility studies fund; all the lump sums that are being questioned by the public and the media or even the lawmakers fall under the DBM. They will address these issues during the plenary come November” Escudero explained.

 
The senator however said that even though the president’s social fund does not go through congress, it is still subject to Commission on Audit’s (COA) rules and regulations and guidelines.

 
“It is Congress that appropriates and allocates money for the social fund of the president when we passed the PAGCOR Charter and the other revenue-generating laws and how it will be divided and sub-divided into the various agencies of the government. COA, as the central examiner of all government funds, has its rules and regulations to govern even the president’s social fund.”

 
 The budget proposal of OP is broken down as follows: Personal Services–P641.132 million; Maintenance and other operating expenses–P1.998.435 billion; and Capital outlay–P183.400 million.

 
The OP budget for 2014 is 3 percent higher than its 2013 budget which was P2.73 billion. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Encouraging Farm Productivity

In a flower shop in Royal Supermart, Kalibo, Aklan, among the flowers and plants displayed is Sunflower this week. It is pretty. It really attracted my attention and admiration. 

 
Displayed are of two kinds: one are plants in plastic flower pots, the size of which is 8 inches. There are three plants growing in each pot. I asked, how much does each pot cost? “P280 each pot”, answered the pretty saleslady.  

 
Another kind is cut sunflower. I thought it is artificial, made of plastic material. I touched it. No, it is really real grown flower. “How much do you sell this?” I asked the pretty saleslady again, “P48.00 each sir”. 

 
Oh, those sunflowers are indeed beautiful and healthy. Are these imported from abroad? “No, they are grown in Bakhaw Sur, Kalibo”. Do you have greenhouse? “None, they are grown in the open field”. Can you sell these all? “That will be sold in two days”. 

 
That was my conversation with the pretty flower shop keeper.
If our farmers can grow beautiful flowers, it follows they can as well grow nutritious and delicious vegetables. Aklan is blessed with fertile soil and favorable climate for the planting and production of any kind of crops be it flowers, vegetables and fruits.

 
Moreover, all agricultural technologies in crops and livestock production are available in Aklan. Aklan State University is the premier agricultural university in Western Visayas. Its president, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon has just received a prestigious Education Leadership Award from Asia’s Best School Award given by the World Education Congress held in Singapore last month. 

 
Are we good teachers but poor implementers? However, sad to believe, Aklan imports from flowers to fruits; from eggs to chicken. Now, rice is even imported. 

 
Aklan is wealthy, but 21 percent of its people are poor. If our people will only apply the technical knowledge available in Aklan, develop and improve land productivity enhanced by favorable climate, Aklan could not be a home of people below the poverty level. 

 
Mr. George Calaor cannot find any reason to complain there is hunger, unemployment, and poverty in Aklan. There are plenty of work in Aklan for the willing hands, heads, hearts, and health (4-H). There is unemployment and poverty for those who do not work.  

 
To encourage more productivity, the food and other farm products, consumers can motivate farmers to produce more agricultural goods by willingly paying the price of goods they need. They can do this by avoiding bargaining to reduce price. For instance, those people with vehicle may purchase farm goods similar to how they purchase gas in the gas station. Pay the cost without asking discount. 

 
But the habit is: bargain too strong to reduce market price of farm products and pay without question the price as tagged of manufactured goods. 

 
Can we reverse this habit to promote farm productivity and reduce poverty? /MP

Is P7.8-M Flagpole Overpriced?

Is P7.8 million too much - or a justified cost to build the National Flagpole of the Philippines?

The new flagpole will replace the current 30-meter (105) high pole now standing at the Rizal Park. To be built will be a towering flagpole 52 meters (150 feet) high.

Earlier, the National Parks and Development Committee explained that the cost of building the flagpole also covers other construction details, such as the new foundation that will hold the structure up to 150 feet, strong enough to with stand the wind force.

An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called the project overpriced.’’That flagpole is really overpriced,’’ Manila Auxilary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action, said. ‘’That’s the fate of many government projects.’’

Another church official, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, believes the funds that will be spent in the flagpole is an abuse of money.

“I think the price of that flagpole - P7.8 million - if it’s true, is an abuse of money. Did it really all go to the flagpole”? He asked. “Most of it could have been better spent’’.

Other prelates also shared the same sentiment.

“What is the purpose of the structure? What are the priorities of those responsible for it? Are public funds used?’’ retired Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez asked.

“I believe there is a way of spending less and getting the work done. I understand why people are angry. I hope competent authority should check this,’’ said Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.

The new mechanized flagpole, which will be called the National Flagpole of the Philippines, will be imported from China.

Price Is Justified

Meanwhile, South Manila District Engineer Mikunug D. Macud explained that the cost of the project is justified considering the materials used and the extent of the construction needed for its foundation. He explained that the foundation will be widened to support the higher and thicker flagpole.

“You may say it is expensive, but when you see the details, the materials [needed], actually it is not,’’ he said.

He explained that the project, which was proposed in 2011, went through proper public bidding. The DPWH had allotted P8.5 million for the project, but that went down to P7.8 million after the bidding. It was awarded to AKH Construction and Trading Corp.

On the other hand, Engineer Rudolfo Mendoza Jr., a structural engineer for Arup, a multinational professional services firm said that the Luneta Flagpole project is grossly overpriced.
He hit earlier statements of the DPWH explaining the high cost was incurred because of a deeper foundation for the support of the flagpole to withstand wind force.

He cited a similar project that required more rigorous specifications for the foundations. He said the cost for the foundation, labor and transport for a two-meter thick, 20- meter high unipole for a billboard only cost P2 million back in 2000.

While the height for his unipole billboard was smaller, he said that the foundations for it needed to be stronger because of the greater wind forces that would be acting upon it. According to him, the Luneta flagpole project would not need a foundation as strong as it would be subject to significantly less wind force compared to the billboard.

He also said that there is no reason for the DPWH to order a flagpole overseas since there are many manufacturing firms that could make a similar pole locally.

Grandspan Development Corporation for example, the firm which made the Lufthansa Technik hangar in NAIA that could house the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, could have easily made the flagpole, he said.

DPWH-National Capital Region Director Reynaldo Tagudando had earlier defended the project, saying the new flagpole soon to rise in front of the Rizal monument is not just ‘’ordinary,’’ but it is thicker and higher. /MP

What Awaits Napoles If Proven Guilty As Charged?

Janet Lim Napoles surrendered late Wednesday amid charges of serious illegal detention, a crime which, might keep her in prison for life if proven guilty.

Authorities have earlier launched a manhunt against Napoles and her brother, Reynald Lim, who allegedly detained whistleblower Benhur Luy.

Under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, a person found guilty of serious illegal detention “shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua to death…”
The Philippines currently doesn’t have death penalty. 

The penal code defines illegal detention as “detaining another, or in any other manner depriving him of his liberty for at least five days “simulating public authority.”

Other components of the crime include “serious physical injuries,” “threats to kill him,” and if the person kidnapped is “minor, female or a public officer.”

Lawyer Theodore Te, who also heads the Supreme Court’s Public Information Office, in his Twitter account said Napoles can’t file bail.

“Napoles offense is non-bailable as a matter of right-serious illegal detention; Burden on [prosecution] to show strong [evidence] of guilt,” Te tweeted.

Napoles surrendered on the eve of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on the P10-billion scandal, which involves lawmakers.

Reports confirmed by the Commission on Audit claimed that senators and congressmen diverted their funds to NGOs led by Napoles.

Among those dragged into the controversy are Senators Bong Revilla, Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Bongbong Marcos and Gregorio Honasan.

Rumors have meanwhile been swirling that Napoles may be enlisted as a state witness to identify lawmakers involved in the scandal.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima earlier said the government is not ruling out the possibility of having Napoles on the witness stand.

In an interview over dzBB, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas also said Aquino considers Napoles an important “witness” in the pork controversy.
From Exposé To Napoles’ Surrender

The name of Janet Lim-Napoles first gained the public’s attention in July when the alleged P10 billion pork barrel scam first hit the newstands.

Here’s a look back at the events that culminated with Napoles’ surrender.

July 12: Napoles is named the alleged mastermind of the P10B pork barrel scam 

On July 12, the alleged P10 billion pork barrel scam made the headlines. Whistleblowers Benhur Luy and Merlina Suñas exposed the alleged illegal operations of JLN group of companies of Janet Lim-Napoles, which involved setting up fake NGOs and foundations to funnel funds from the so-called fertlizer funds, the Malampaya funds, and the pork barrel of lawmakers during the Arroyo administration which are involved in ghost projects.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) launched a probe. Linked to the scam are five senators and 23 congressmen who are said to have connived with Napoles to pocket their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), otherwise known as their pork barrel. The lawmakers vehemently denied the allegations.

July 15: Napoles faced the media for the first time
Napoles faced media for the first time on July 15. Facing ABS-CBN News, Napoles said, Luy was a personal assistant and was treated like a family member. But she claimed Luy betrayed them over money. Napoles said, her company did not have any transactions with the government. She challenged her accusers to prove their allegations against her. Napoles also apologized to lawmakers who have been implicated in the alleged scam.

July 19: DOJ insisted on keeping custody of whistleblower Benhur Luy

The Justice Department insisted on keeping custody of Benhur Luy under the witness protection program. This, despite the arrest warrant issued for him on charges of qualified theft filed by Napoles. DOJ Sec. Leila De Lima also directed the DOJ’s to investigate what she calls the hasty issuance of the arrest warrant.

July 29: Lavish lifestyle of Napoles’ daughter exposed on social media

Meantime, pictures of Napoles’ daughter, Jeanne, spread on social media flaunting her family’s wealth. On her Instagram account, Jeanne showed off luxury cars, expensive jewelry and her shopping sprees. Janet Napoles did not deny their lavish lifestyle. 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue launched its own investigation on the properties of Napoles and went on to check if the correct taxes have been paid.

August 5: Napoles’ properties in U.S. tracked down
Napoles’ properties in the United States were also tracked down, including a unit at The Ritz Carlton Residences in Los Angeles and an Inn near Disneyland in Anaheim.

Neighbors, who declined to speak on camera said while Janet has come to visit, the younger Napoles was seen in her Porsche often. Jeane is described as tall and friendly, greeting fellow Filipino tenants as she attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise, which carried a $30,000 or an estimated P1.3 million annual tuition.

August 10: Napoles, Lim are placed on lookout bulletin

Janet Napoles and her brother, Reynald Lim, are placed on the Bureau of Immigration’s ‘lookout bulletin’. The Bureau also said, it does not want a repeat of controversial figures and suspects slipping out of the country. Just like what happened to Ramona Bautista, sister of slain actor Ram Revilla, and former governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Mario Reyes, who are suspects in the Gerry Ortega killing.

But Napoles’ lawyer Lorna Kapunan said, her client has no plans of leaving the country and hiding from the investigations.
August 14: Arrest warrant issued for Napoles, Lim

The Makati Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant for Napoles and Lim on the serious illegal detention charge filed by whistleblower Benhur Luy.

De Lima was criticized for informing media about the arrest warrant even before the NBI had Napoles in its custody. De Lima confirmed to reporters at the House of Representatives that the Makati Court already issued the arrest order.

August 16: COA discussed special audit report, COA issued freeze order on Napoles’ bank accounts, DFA canceled passports of Napoles, Lim

The camp of Napoles went to the Court of Appeals to try to stop her arrest. 

On the same day, the Commission on Audit discussed the results of its special audit which looked into how lawmakers’ funds were spent from 2007 to 2009.

According to the report, more than P6 billion from 12 senators and 180 congressmen went to 82 NGOs despite the absence of an appropriation or ordinance authorizing it. Of the amount, more than P2 billion reportedly went to 10 NGOs linked to Napoles.

The Court of Appeals then issued a freeze order on Napoles’ bank accounts as well as those of her immediate family, relatives, and staff at the JLN group of companies, and the NGOs linked to her in response to a petition by the Anti-Money Laundering Council or AMLAC.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also cancelled the passports of Napoles and her brother.

August 23: Pres. Aquino announced plans to abolish pork barrel

President Aquino announced plans to abolish the pork barrel to be replaced by a new system. The President said, lawmakers may still propose projects, but the funding for these should be part of the national budget. 

He outlined seven measures that could be implemented as early as next year to help prevent the misuse of public funds. Leaders of congress are solidly behind the president.

But House Speaker Sonny Belmonte admitted, not all lawmakers will be in favor of abolishing their pork barrel.

August 26: Thousands joined pork barrel protests nationwide. Thousands marched in Luneta calling for the true abolition of the pork barrel. 

This is a response to a call in social media when the controversy over the alleged P10 billion pork barrel scam broke out. People from all walks of life took part in the march that started out at around seven in the morning.
An unexpected guest also showed up -- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle who usually doesn’t meddle in political issues.

August 27: Inter-agency body to probe pork barrel misuse
Malacañang announced the reactivation of a special group to investigate the alleged misuse of lawmakers’ funds. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said no one will be spared, not even allies of President Aquino.

The Office of the Ombudsman, the Finance and Justice departments, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Commission on Audit, the Civil Service Commission, and the Office of the President have joined forces to probe the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund as revealed in COA’s special audit report.

August 28: Aquino announces P10 million bounty for Napoles
President Aquino announced a 10 million peso bounty for information leading to the arrest of Janet Lim- Napoles.

According to her lawyer, Napoles sent out feelers that she wanted to surrender to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. But they did not receive a response from Tagle, as he declined to comment on the matter.
August 28: Napoles surrendered

At past nine in the evening, Napoles voluntarily surrendered to the President at around 9:37 in the evening. She was turned over to the custody of the DILG and PNP for processing and booking. 

How It happened?

Roxas said authorities fetched Napoles and her husband at an undisclosed but “secured” location before they were brought to Malacanang to talk to the president.

“Roxas said Aquino then vowed to secure Napoles, amid claims that there are threats to her life. Napoles was able to reach the President through presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, he added.

Reynaldo Lim, Napoles’ brother, who is also wanted for serious illegal detention charges will soon surrender as well, ABS-CBN newscast Bandila quoted Kapunan as saying.

Businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles was ordered arrested by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 last August 14. Napoles has since been unseen and reports that she left the country, or have had plastic surgery floated. 

On Wednesday, authorities were checking reports of missing yachts which could have been supposedly used by Napoles to escape.  /MP