WAGE EARNERS TO SOON FEEL IMPACT OF TAX-EXEMPT BONUS CEILING OF P82, 000

WAGE EARNERS TO SOON FEEL IMPACT OF TAX-EXEMPT BONUS CEILING OF P82, 000

Low to middle income employees who will get to take home the full amount of their “13th month pay and bonuses” now that Bureau of Internal Revenue issued the implementing guidelines of the law raising the tax exempt ceiling to P82, 000.

The BIR issued Revenue Regulations 03-2015 last March 9, 2015.

Since the law is now in effect “Teachers, call center agents, and other wage earners will enjoy bigger bonuses as early as June this year when some companies release one half of the 13th month pay,” said Rep. Sharon S. Garin, Vice-chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and one of the key proponents of the measure.

 President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, in February, signed Republic Act 10653 that revised Section 32 (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 raising the tax cap for the 13th month pay and other benefits from P30, 000 to P82, 000.

The bill was enacted despite strong resistance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares who said that government will lose up to P30 billion in revenues and only six (6) percent of employees or 1.5 million workers will benefit as a result of the higher tax exemption for 13th month pay and bonuses

Henares, however, admitted in one of the senate hearings that P30, 000 in 1994 would be worth around P82, 000 today; hence, the basis of the measure raising the tax exemption cap.

Rep. Garin, a taxation lawyer and a certified public accountant, thinks that the tax drain from the tax exemption will be compensated by increases in corporate income tax, VAT and indirect taxes because consumers will spend more./MP

SMARTMATIC HEARING

SMARTMATIC HEARING

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left), chair of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, listens to Cavite Representative (4th District) Elpidio Barzaga as the latter asks Comelec Acting Chairman Christian Lim if the P268.8 million precinct count optical scan (PCOS) diagnostics contract with Smartmatic was signed days before Sixto Brillantes’ retirement, during the hearing on the Comelec’s preparations for the 2016 national and local elections. Pimentel is urging the Congress to study Comelec’s plan to use Internet voting for overseas Filipinos. (Joseph Vidal photo)/MP

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

In true Kapuso fashion, GMA Network has waived its exclusive TV airing rights for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight happening on May 2 in Las Vegas, May 3 in the Philippines. 

“GMA Network recognizes the magnitude of this fight and we want every Filipino to be part of this momentous event and unifying experience,” announced GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon in a message delivered by the Company’s EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong during a press conference.

Meanwhile, DZBB, Barangay LS and all RGMA stations nationwide, will carry the exclusive rights on radio. 

As in previous years, GMA offers its sincerest support for its Kapuso, Manny Pacquiao, who is about to embark on what is touted to be the biggest highlight of his illustrious boxing career. 

“Sa pagsampa mo Manny, sa ring laban kay Mayweather sa darating na Mayo, kaisa mo ang GMA Network at ang sambayanang Pilipino sa isip, sa damdamin, at sa pangarap na makamit natin ang tagumpay,” expressed Gozon.

The Kapuso head honcho added that GMA will be “one with the entire nation in praying for the victory of Manny,” praising his unprecedented achievements in the boxing arena that “attest to the capability of the Filipino to excel in the global stage.”

The Pambansang Kamao has an ongoing show with GMA, MP Featuring Sport Science, and has starred in numerous programs on the Kapuso Network. His earlier fights were also broadcast on free TV exclusively by GMA. 

For his part, Mike Enriquez, GMA consultant for Radio Operations, said, “We are proud to once again be a partner of Solar [Sports] in bringing the latest Pacquiao adventure, this time against Floyd Mayweather Jr., live and real time from Las Vegas.”

The fight dubbed “Battle for Greatness” will air on May 3 via delayed telecast on GMA7, while DZBB will bring the blow-by-blow action on the same day. /MP

GMA Network CEO Felipe Gozon Wins Global Leadership Award

GMA Network CEO Felipe Gozon 

Wins Global Leadership Award

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon bagged the prestigious Global Leadership Award for Excellence in Media Sector, reaching another milestone in his distinguished career as a broadcast executive. The awards’ ceremonies were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 5.

Gozon made history by being the first Filipino recipient of this international award, which recognized his excellent management of the Kapuso Network and the Company’s contributions to the local broadcast industry. 

“This award is significant to me not only because I did not apply for it, but more importantly, I am told that I am the first Filipino to be given this award,” Gozon said. 

Considered as the man who turned GMA Network around to become the leading local broadcast company today, Gozon believes that the Network is headed towards a greater future. 

“My vision for GMA Network is for its programs to enrich the lives of all Filipinos everywhere in the world and for the Network to become the number one TV station in Asia,” he said.

The Global Leadership Awards cited Gozon for his “keen involvement in spearheading the corporate business and community development, and for the continued effort and contributions done towards steering [GMA] to greater heights.” 

Moreover, Gozon was honored for “the leadership values that he had consistently imparted to move forward and transform according to times and needs.” 

Described as the “[ASEAN] Region’s most impactful event,” the Global Leadership Awards is organized by The Leaders International together with the American Leadership Development Association (ALDA). It aims “to convene and showcase the highest levels of Global Leaders representing the diplomatic, business, government, philanthropic, media, celebrity, and social sectors.” /MP

ASU CONFERS DOCTOR OF HUMANITIES (HONORIS CAUSA) TO ATTY ALLEN S. QUIMPO

ASU CONFERS DOCTOR OF HUMANITIES (HONORIS CAUSA) TO ATTY ALLEN S. QUIMPO

The Aklan State University is going to bestow the Doctor of Humanities (HonorisCausa) to ALLEN S. QUIMPO, on the occasion of her 14th Commencement Exercises on March 31, 2015, at the ASU Ampi Theatre,  Banga, Aklan.

Atty. Quimpo is  currently the NVC President,, Chairman of the Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA), Board Member of the Protected Area Management Board, Executive Director of the Aklan Rivers Development Council, and just recently admitted as a Climate Reality Leader under the project of former US Vice President Al Gore.

Quimpo graduated his Bachelor of  Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines, and  his Master’s in Management, Public Management at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

He is credited as the main advocate of forest management adopting an innovative strategy of making the community feel as if it is the owner and taking responsibility for the forest sustainability and development.   The conceptual  model is the Kalibo Mangrove Forest which is  man  made, community managed, integrating both environmental as well as economic and livelihood programs.  This  project won the GalingPook Award (1998),  the UN FAO Award for Exemplary Forest Management in the whole of Asia and the Pacific (2005).

Having served as Kalibo Mayor (1990) and Congressman (1992-2001), Quimpo was co-founder of a local party, TIBYOG which emphasized service as the best work of life, through the strategy of united and responsible  leadership, counterparting of all stakehoders in project implementation,  transparency, accountability and democracy.

As an educator, Quimpo was elected Chairman of the powerful house committee on Basic Education and authored the reorganization  of the Department of Education (Basic Educ. Law 2001), with  focus on  decentralizing the operation of DepEd,  institutionalizing planning for efficient and effective management, and separated the functions of sports and culture to a specialized agency.  He also authored the creation of the Aklan State University. 

Working full time as President of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Quimpo is working for the accreditation of schools, improving quality and global competitiveness and retooling the structure to adjust to the challenges of global competitiveness and ASEAN Integration.

With his acceptance and training as a Climate Reality Leadership Corps under UN Nobel Laureate Al Gore, Quimpo believes in the saying “Think Globally, Act Locally”, committing to come up with at least 10 projects within one year that impacts on climate change. Quimpo believes the future of forest sustainability rest in the community based forest management (CBFM).  He is currently the President of the Aklan Federation of CBFMs, the President of the Regional Federation of CBFMs and the legal adviser of the National Federation of CBFMs.  Quimpo believes the Philippines, while she is the 3rd most vulnerable country in disaster risk has the best potential and opportunities by shifting into renewable energies considering that the Phlippines is in the map of solar, wind, hydro and natural gas resources. /MP

CHIZ SLAMS IMF PROPOSAL TO TAX TEXT

CHIZ SLAMS IMF PROPOSAL 

TO TAX TEXT

Senator Chiz Escudero opposed the proposal to raise tax on text messaging to boost government revenues by International Monetary Funds (IMF) Chief Christine Lagarde during her recent visit to the Philippines.

“It is not for any institutions or any foreign entities for that matter to dictate upon us what to and what not to tax. IMF and its chief has no business in even suggesting that we impose tax on text. The power to tax is inherent in Congress and any external intervention is already meddling with our sovereignty”, Escudero said.

Lagarde in a press conference in Malacanang, suggested that telecommunication services are mines for new source of taxation because of its wide base of 102 million subscriptions.

She said that passing the sin tax bill would be “great progress for the revenue collection of the country” and added that “if more is needed in the pure decision of the government of the Philippines, then telecommunication would satisfy those two criteria,” referring to text messaging and calls.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights said, Lagarde’s suggestion is skewed, if not so unfeeling, granting that it has a place in our economic affairs.

“I strongly oppose this foreign meddling and even the idea behind it. Ms. Lagarde is better off making suggestions to her fellow Europeans who can perhaps learn a thing or two from us.”

The senator said taxation should be based on the ability of taxpayers to pay. He said text messaging is so ingrained among the lower socio-economic strata with about 90 percent of mobile phone users have pre-paid lines. “Instead of providing relief for the Filipino public, this twisted idea of taxing text is an additional burden to the masses.

Escudero said he will block the proposal if and when it reaches the Senate. “If at all, why not set our sights on taxing luxury goods such as motor vehicles and jewelry instead of taxing text messages?” /MP

LET MAMASAPANO INCIDENT UNITE YOU

LET MAMASAPANO 

INCIDENT UNITE YOU

“You are not at war with each other, so shut up and stop fighting in public.”

This was the message of Senator Chiz Escudero to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the face of the debacle over the deaths of 44 members of the elite police force who were on a mission to get an international terrorist in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last week.

Instead of bickering in public, the leadership of the AFP and the PNP should take their cases to the Board of Inquiry (BOI) and other probe panels that will investigate the Mamasapano carnage, Escudero said.

“If they have so much to say, they can do so within the walls of the Board of Inquiry and before the probing panels. If they want to fight, go lock themselves in a room and do not drag the public into it,” Escudero reminded the AFP and the PNP.

The senator said the ongoing word war between the police and the military over responsibility and liability in the PNP Special Action Force operation “is not only unhealthy but unprofessional, as well. It goes to the path of using the incident to turn against each other when they are brothers in uniform.”

He added: “If they want respect, they better start by deserving it.”

According to Escudero, President Aquino should intervene as commander-in-chief to order both the AFP and the PNP to refrain from further issuing statements that would only stoke the fire.

“Our military and police forces should rally as one in support of law enforcement, justice and peace, and not be at war with each other,” Escudero said. 

CONGRESS IS LEGISLATING NOT DICTATING

Senator Chiz Escudero said Congress will not simply rubber stamp the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) without sifting through its facts to resolve contentious issues, as what the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) seems to fancy from the legislators.

“Let the MILF be reminded that we in Congress are not dictating, we are legislating,” Escudero said, in reference to a statement attributed to MILF’s Mohagher Iqbal cautioning Congress against imposing pre-conditions to clear the way for the approval of the BBL.

The senator underscored the need for a thorough review of the BBL draft since Congress has no participation in the crafting of the proposal put together by Philippine and MILF negotiators.

“Sila-sila lang ang nag-uusap nung ginagawa ang laman niyan. We were actually kept in the dark, and now they give us this take-it-or-leave-it stance. This is demanding; they are the ones demanding,” said Escudero, chair of Senate Committee on Finance.

Escudero scored government negotiators for not doing their job and has put them to task to relay to the MILF the work Congress needs to do in as far as the negotiated draft agreement is concerned. He said they should also be forthright about the limitations of their negotiating jusrisdiction.

“Nung may sulat na lumabas na ang pagkakaintindi ng MILF nung nakikipag-usap sila sa GRP panel, ang kausap nila ay buong executive, legislative at judiciary. Ito ba ang ipinaunawa sa kanila ng ating mga negotiators? Ni walang pumalag sa ating panel at sinabing hindi ganyan yan. Ngayon nakuha na lahat ng MILF ang gusto nila tungkol sa BBL kaya hindi na naming pwedeng baguhin?” Escudero pointed out.

Escudero was referring to a December 29, 2014 letter from MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to the House of Representatives, as cited by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano in the Senate Mamasapano hearing last February.

In a letter dated Dec. 29, 2014, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told the House of Representatives that when they negotiated the peace agreement they had “the understanding it was negotiating with the totality of the Philippine government or the ‘whole of government’ especially since the Commander-in-Chief powers of the President allow him to bind the whole government including its different branches.”

“It’s now up for Congress to clean up the mess our government negotiators have created. Now let OPPAP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) and the GRP panel work and impress upon their counterparts that Congress reviewing the draft BBL and amending provisions is fairly part of our democratic process,” Escudero said. /MP

ROMULO, THE LAST MAN OUT OF BATAAN

ROMULO, THE LAST MAN 

OUT OF BATAAN

On April 9, 2015, the Philippines will commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the fall of Bataan.

The battle of Bataan was the most intense phase of the Imperial Japan invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The Commander-in-chief of all Filipino-American forces in the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur, consolidated his units all over Luzon to the Bataan Peninsula to fight the Japanese invaders. Despite an almost complete lack of supplies and material, Filipino-American forces managed to fight the Japanese army for three months and two days standstill. On April 9, 1942 Bataan fall into the hands of the Japanese. The surrender after the fall of Bataan was the largest in American and Filipino military history. Soon afterwards, Filipino and American prisoners’ of war were forced into the Bataan Death March.

The late General Carlos P. Romulo risked his life in the Battle of Bataan, which highlighted human endurance and heroism. He was the last man out of Bataan. Before he escaped, he spent four months in the fox holes of Bataan and the tunnel of Corregidor. In a book “Battle Stations”, saw the battle of the Philippines, first with General McArthur and then with Lieutenant General Wainwright, April 1942. He was sent away because the Japanese set a price on his head. His escape was due solely to ingenuity of an air crew who patched up a makeshift Navy Amphibian and flew him through Japanese bullets to safety. Romulo’s adventure in the plane begun with his frantic dash from Corregidor to Bataan airfield where he found orders from Corregidor sending him on the Cabcaben airfield.

In his history book “The Flight of the Old Duck”, Col. Carlos P. Romulo narrated his great escape from Bataan to safety. He was ordered to go to Cabcaben airfield and asked for Lieutenant Barnick to facilitate his escape. If he was still alive he would arrange a plane for Romulo’s escape. Enemy planes were droning overhead and shells and bombs were crashing down on the Cabcaben airfield when they arrived. They jounced over the field, skirting shell holes unit they saw a light gleaming in a thicket. And he saw Lt. Ronald J. Barnick, North Dakota farm boy with resourceful mind and engaging grin. For two days and nights, Lt. Barnick and his crew had been working steadily in shifts hoping, out of the salvage remains of the old Duck, J2f4 plane to make it fly so that it will be used for Col. Romulo’s safety.

They worked on the plane until night of April 8, close to midnight when he saw them in the bamboo grove. The plane can only carry four passengers but they were six on board when the plane was done.

They waited for the moon before take-off because Japanese bombs are still falling.

Barnick started the motor. The old Duck began vibrating in a way that rattled their teeth. There was a chorus of denials that anybody was doing any shaking.

The plane creaked and jerked down the bomb-pitted field. It managed to lumber into a waddle that carried a little speed. Then it was off the ground – it was over the water – it hung a few inched above Manila Bay.

Then Japanese search lights hit them. The white lines wheeled over the dark sky and finally pinned them in a cross of binding light. Japanese guns began roaring down below. A couple of bullets ripped through the sides of the plane. One of the crew members look at the window and began yelling “Our own guns are shelling us”. They recognized the shells they had using on Bataan because each third shell was followed by a tracer carrying a light. Their own soldiers down there in peninsula did not recognize their plane.

Their plane was hit, the reason they could not get any altitude. The J2f4 plane crawled along about 70 feet above the water. They throw out all extra weight even their pistol and parachutes.

The loss of their baggage seemed to give the Old Duck a new lease of life. It soared upward – 50 feet. It crawled over the bay, over the dark – blob that was Corregidor, beyond the reach of guns and the long white fingers of the search light.

The minutes and the hours passed, and they were still flying. They were all awake and trying to peer down through the clouds to see what lay below. Below lay harbor – Cebu. There were long white ribbons of search lights groped up through the clouds, searching out their wretched little plane. It came from the decks of enemy cruisers and destroyers. Their enemies were there ahead of them. Lt. Barnick called his attention that their plane was about out of gas. Col. Romulo reached into his dispatched case that he refused to throw overboard and dragged out a map that few people had ever seen except General Wainright and  General MacArthur. It was a map of the secret airfields of the Philippines.

A little later, they were circling over a secret landing field on an island that must not be named.

Lights flashed on two hundred feet below. Wearily, the Old Duck lurched down to the ground. Its tank was almost dry.

An hour later they came down in at dawn on another airfield in Iloilo. It seemed there was no thought of war in Iloilo. Peanuts were on their way to rice fields. Carabao carts and carromatas dwindled over the quiet roads. Flowers were everywhere. It was April – springtime in Iloilo.

There was a little restaurant near the airport where they stumbled into it and had breakfast. Then after they finished breakfast, they found themselves standing on the airfield listening to a radio. It came from the Voice of Freedom, from the tunnel on Corregidor. He knew that the voice was Third Lieutenant Norman Reyes, one of his assistants speaking “Bataan has fallen but the spirit that makes it stands – a beacon to all the liberty-loving people of the world – cannot fall . . . .

According to Conrado O. Benitez, Colonel Carlos P. Romulo survived the Second World War. General Douglas MacArthur promoted him to Brigadier General after successfully returning to the Philippines. For his heroism during the war, he received six military decorations. One of them is the Philippine congressional Medal of Honour. He was with General MacArthur and President Sergio Osmeña when the American liberation forces landed at Palo, Leyte on October 20. 1944.

After the war, he worked for the Philippine government for more than 50 years. Among the positions he held are Philippine Ambassador or Chief of Mission to the United Nations, President of the University of the Philippines, Secretary of Education, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He showed his best as a diplomat and was internationally admired.

This great man had made us, Filipinos, proud of our heritage. /MP

THE GOOD LIFE

INTENSE WITH COMPASSION

by Megs S. Lunn

Compassion is the desire that moves individual to love the unlovable, help the helpless and conform to kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. They say, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion and if you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  Dalai Lama once said, “However, one must be compassionate to oneself before external compassion.”

A compassionate person tends to be intense sometimes. Being compassionate doesn’t mean you are not entitled to be angry or to experience and express emotional energy. Our life has so much to offer, and when a person is too intense to do something different, that person becomes so emotional, at times so excited when people do not do the way that person wishes them to do it. “Being compassionate doesn’t mean one doesn’t get emotional and angry, since being intense doesn’t mean being angry.”

When one is angry,  count from 1 to 10  always, the best move. Then when you do, notice the things and emotions that are ‘unmet’ - they say 10 seconds are not enough, we may need more than 10 seconds, like an hour, a day or two. But it helps to say less things that later we regret. 

A person has to examine himself with the belief and needs, his thoughts and feelings  before he could be reactive. Once he learns the cause, the need, the feelings and get connected to it, then he will be pro-active, less judgmental and less blaming.

Being compassion with too much intensity is actually both a challenge and opportunity. It is a challenge to be compassionate while a person is angry or in a blaming mood. It becomes an opportunity when that blaming mood will create connection in his unmet feelings and need. On the other hand, it is also a challenge when one is intensely compassionate. While others are not, a person doesn’t actually have a hold on other’s feelings. It will be an opportunity to keep going and just doing well. Later it may help develop one into a person whose compassionate heart is really the true meaning of intense compassion to make a difference. Never mind others who are not doing the same because ‘patience is a virtue.’ God was patient with. We have all the opportunity to be patient, too, and this is where intense compassion is tested in us. Until when and to what extent are we able to be compassionate with others while others are not? Besides, humanity can’t survive without love and compassion. 

As God ordered, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10 /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ro Ambisyosong Leon

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Leon ro guinakilaea nga hari it kagueangan. Naila guid imaw kon dayawon eabi guid ko mga babayeng Leon ag iba pang mga hayop. Nagdugang pa ro anang pagka bugaeon bangod guina pasundan – sundan eang imaw it mga hayop. Isaea eon rong bukaw nga guina kabig nga pinaka-maaeam sa tanan. Guina sugo nana ro Leon nga mag asawa eon agod may reyna man rong kagueangan. Naghandum imaw nga makapangasawa it eabaw sa asawa it iba pang mga hayop. Nagdisider imaw nga asawahon nana rong babaye nga nagaestar sa liwan it kagueangan. Kon mapahinuhod nana rong daeaga hay pagadayawon guid imaw it tanan nga hayop.

Ko isaeang agahon ngaron, nag adto imaw sa baeay it daeaga, may daea imaw nga mga bueak halin pa sa kagueangan. Guin baton imaw ogaling idto eamang imaw sa bintana guin gawa it daeaga ag ama. Maskin nagakurog sa kahadlok ro ama, matawhay nana nga guin hambae ro Leon.

“Haring Leon, bulahan ro akong unga nga mapangasawa kong hari it kagueangan, ogaling may pagka kilibuton ro akon nga unga ag nahadlok imaw sa mataeawis nga ngipon ag kamaeos. Ha-um imaw nga magpakasae kimo kon boe-on mo ro imong ngipon ag utdon rong imong kamaeos.”

Nagpasugot ro Leon. Insigida nag-adto sa dentista agod ipagabot tanan ro anang mga ngipon ag kamaeos. Nagbalik imaw sa baeay it daeaga ogaling ha-um eon rong wasay ko tatay. Insigida guin patay nana rong Leon. Owa nadayon rong ambisyon it Leon nga mapangasawa rong daeaga. /MP

Editorial

Stray Dogs  - Potential Threat to Motorists

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The recent Weekly Kapihan discussed the topic, “Summer Diseases and Animal Bites” at NVC Carmen Hotel. Guests are Dr. Cornelio V. Cuachon Jr. - Provincial Health Officer I (PHO)  and Dr.  Rumulo Lorenzo, Office of the Provincial Veterenarian, Aklan.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor fun and relaxation for people taking their vacation from mundane tasks. However, we need to watch out for summer diseases that often kill victims, warned Dr. Cuachon. He listed important diseases all beginning with letter “S” for easy recall: a) Sunburn, b) Sipon, c) Sore eyes, d) Stomach ailment, e) Skin diseases, and f) Sakmal aso.

Sunburn is intense heat burning outer layers of the skin turning into reddish brown. Sun’s rays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM can be lethal to unprotected bodies. Hence, have protective cover, wear long sleeves/long pants instead of skimpy outfit when doing things in open. Sipon is running nose accompanied by sneezing. Sore eyes results when dust or dirt penetrates and infects the tissues. Here, eyeballs appear reddish and patient suffers blurred vision especially with direct sunlight. 

Stomach ailments can be the result of eating foods that are stale invasioned by intestinal parasites. Skin diseases are often the result of allergies and acute deficiency of vitamins. Sakmal ng aso, animal bite usually by a dog, potential carrier of rabies virus. Other animal species are cats, squirrels, skunks, beavers and rats.

Dr. Lorenzo disclosed that RA 9482 or Responsible Pet Ownership Act enjoins all concerned individuals to submit their pets to regular check-up and anti-rabies vaccination. One needs only to go to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian with his pet where their services are free. Present LGU Ordinance on cases of animal bites where dog is not vaccinated could be slapped a hefty fine of P25,000. Vets on the case usually observe the dog for 5-10 days while the victim gets immediate anti rabies injection. Second dose is on the 7th day and finally on the 28th day. Louis Pasteur, Father of Microbiology in 1885 saved the life of a boy bitten by a dog by injecting him with weakened rabies virus.

It is warmly appreciated that Gov. Florencio Miraflores has released the P500,000 fund for the Animal Bite Center at DRSTMH. Before this, victims and their families have to pay considerable sum just to ensure the timely and proper medical treatment. The tertiary hospital has 2,500 anti rabies vaccines available for free.

“Our program calls for 70 percent of all dogs vaccinated within Aklan. Thus, the March 24 opening salvo on education information, treatment, and prevention of diseases at the Provincial Capital”. Dr. Lorenzo underscored that animal pets are part of the family and need to be loved and protected so their services could be optimized.

The province of Aklan has 3,600 reported cases of dog bites out of 47,789 dog population in 2014. However, only 26.36 per cent of our dogs are vaccinated. It is known that 14 year old Debbie Villaflor of Estancia, Kalibo was one of the victims who died last year.

It should be fair and just, dogs which figure in motorcycle or bicycle crashes in the national or provincial highway that lead to serious physical injuries or death of the motorist and his back rider must be accounted for by the animal owner. Penalty must be P25,000 or the same case as when the victim is bitten. This should serve as stern warning to irresponsible, worthless owners.

Almost all towns and cities have existing Ordinances against stray dogs and cats, organizing Animal Catching Crew and building Impounding Center. In Kalibo, the law is technically inoperative since its facility at Kalibo Slaugtherhouse compound has not been rehabilitated since Typhoon Frank struck it down.

Fortunately, a private facility called Aklan Rehabilitation and Rescue Center (ARRC) was opened at Paraiso Road, Linabuan Sur. It can accommodate 100 dogs at a time. A Swiss, married to a Filipina manages the physical rehabilitation and medical needs of unwanted dogs or those given up for adoption. Since their budget is very limited, neighboring towns may place their animals at ARCC but required to shoulder the food component. 

The Philippines has 20 million youngsters infested with intestinal parasites such as roundworms, pinworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Signs are abdominal pain and weight loss. Its effects are lack of physical activity, poor mental health and stunted growth. Dr. Cuachon said they have a pre –school deworming program for kids 1-6 years old held every October of each year. Personal hygiene like hand washing before meals, daily bath and acces to sanitary toilet are must. The 2013 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey by Philippines Statistics Authority shows that 83 percent of families in Region VI have access to safe drinking water, 83 percent have sanitary toilets and 89 per cent with electricity. With these data, high incidence of intestinal parasite despite available household facilities could be traced to inadequate info drive by PHO and DepEd.

Yes, summer must be enjoyed by old and young alike. Whether going on outing or staying indoors, one must be pro-active like drinking lots of water, eating fruits, wearing loose and light clothing, wide brim hat, get into a car and go straight to the beach. It is great to behold our alluring beaches, crystal clear blue water and wind whispering in our ears. 

However,  drive carefully for dogs may block your way. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Rice Fields Are Still Burning

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Until this day, some 10 years after the Aklan Provincial Ordinance prohibiting the burning of rice straw was approved, the rice fields all over Aklan  are still burning. Nobody pays attention to follow the said ordinance.

Even the barangay captains burn their rice straw immediately after harvest. Just go out to the rice fields and see the steaming piles of ashes. Our farmers had not known that burning farm waste will make the soil barren, useful insects are killed, organic matter is destroyed and plant nutrients evaporate.

In simple terms, our agricultural extension officials failed in their responsibilities to convince our farmers to follow recommended farm technologies to increase productivity and income.

How can a farm family follow recommended technologies when the local government units pay token attention only to farming? The dissemination of recommended practices to raise productivity is the function of the LGU, but agriculture is the least of their priority.

Proposed Aklan PPP Code

In a public hearing on the proposed “Ordinance Enacting the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province of Aklan”, all those present wholeheartedly supported the proposal. There are however, weak points pointed out which need to be deleted, strengthened, or improved.  

One modality for instance “Joint Venture” is recommended for deletion to prevent LGU Aklan from contributing money to any Joint Venture but to enable Aklan to devote its resources to its provincial projects.

Another proposal is to create a regular committee to review proposals submitted, conduct evaluation and analyses, and give recommendations. The approval of the PPP will be the function of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor.

A Rural Sociologist is recommended to be a member of the Committee which function is to conduct research studies on the behavior of the Aklanons towards a certain project and stimulus.

The NVC Institute of Public Policy Studies supports the approval of the PPP. It recommends however, that “the Province should not as a matter of policy extend direct Provincial guarantee, subsidy”.

Mr. Ernesto T. Solidum commented that “Enacting the PPP Code of the Province of Aklan could be one of the most comprehensive and compelling statutes. It is forceful and consistent to be performance-driven. The following are his comments:

a) Under Section 11-b, it states the list of projects to be implemented by the Province under any of the BOT variants shall be submitted for confirmation to the Provincial Development Council… It is assumed that this is the appropriate Regulatory authority.

Under the basic guidelines of PPP, the government invites private investors to put their money in infra and other socio-economic projects in order to address a pressing or critical public need. It rationalizes that PPP’s infrastructure reform policy by introducing competition in and for the market.

The subject of private investments in a public undertaking like a road infra is evidently the administrative realm of Provincial Board of Investments (BOI). Aklan has enacted the Provincial Investment Code several years ago, organized the BOI and its duties and function must be those cited in Section 4 – Rational for PPP’s. Specifically, BOI is the appropriate authority to determine reasonable rate of return, equity, subsidy/guarantees and assess status of competing bidders.

b) Under Section 5 – Definition of terms. The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) the Private Sector Proponent (PSP) transfers to the Province at the end of the fixed term which shall not exceed 50 years must be reduced to a minimum of 10 years. Otherwise if the PSP opts for 50 years lease, then it automatically turns into Build-Own-Operate (BOO) variant.

c) Section 9 – List of Priority Projects. The Province shall identify specific priority development projects that must be undertaken under any of the PPP modalities.

This is injcomplete and generally stated. Hence, add the following statements:

List of priority projects must necessarily include project description, location, estimated cost, target beneficiaries and preferred modality to be posted in the official website of Aklan for wider publicity/info and awareness of prospective bidders.

Please allow me to recommend priority projects to be funded under PPP to wit:

a.) Disaster Risk Reduction – construction of covered courts/gymnasium;

b.) Hydropower projects in Libacao, Madalag , and Ibajay.

c.) Road Opening/Improvement from Poblacion, Libacao to its furthest barangay Alfonso XII.

d.) Triple AAA Abattoir for Kalibo. /MP

ASU Banga Schedules Graduation

ASU Banga Schedules Graduation

Some 627 candidates for graduation from various degrees in Aklan State University (ASU), Banga Main Campus, will receive their diplomas from Dr.  Danilo E. Abayon, ASU president during the graduation ceremonies to be held on Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2015, at the ASU Amphi Theater, Banga, Aklan.

According to Miss Michelle M. Tan – ASU Board Secretary, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo will be conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) during the graduation program.

Atty. Quimpo is an educator and environmentalist. He is the president of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges in Kalibo, Aklan. He will also serve as the guest and commencement speaker during the graduation program. He will be introduced by Dr. Danilo E. Abayon – ASU President.

Honor Graduates

Of the 627 graduating students, 27 will graduate “Cum Laude”. Some 49 will graduate high school from ASU High School Laboratory. Rizzagin Ana Margarit Gadiano will graduate as Valedictorian and Nikko G. Igcasenza – Salutatorian.

Among the college graduates, four (4) will be conferred the degree Doctor of Education, two (2) Master of Science, five (5) Master of Arts in Educational Management, and four (4) Master of Public Administration. Some 20 will graduate BS in Nursing and 15 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.  /MP

CA Confirms 37 Military Officers

CA Confirms 37 Military Officers

CONFIRMED: Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) Chairman Franklin M. Drilon (center) with CA Vice Chairman and Western Samar 1st District Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento (2nd from right) are joined by a set of Philippine Army officers led by Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad (5th from right) in a photo taken after the CA plenary session on March 18, Wednesday. The Army officials were part of 37 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose appointments were confirmed by the commission during the day. (Cesar Tomambo photo) /MP

OPARR First Resettlement Project For Typhoon Victims

OPARR First Resettlement Project

For Typhoon Victims

The Office of Presidential Assistance for Recovery and Resettlement (OPARR) Aklan Coordinator Clarence V. Guinto officiated the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Altavas Resettlement Project at Brgy. Talon, Altavas, Aklan on March 17, 2015.

Guinto was accompanied by Wayne T. Malilay, Atty. Benny T. Salazar, and Ms. Melrose S. Lunn. Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. and Gov. Joeven T. Miraflores gave their respective messages in support to the project. Altavas Mayor Denny D. Refol thanked the Aklan OPARR team, Governor Miraflores and Cong. Haresco. Also present were Brgy. Officials of Talon, DepEd Altavas, Engr. Romeo Aneciete, Engr. Cesar Estimoso, Mr. Emmanuel T. Tolentino, Kalahi CIDSS and DSWD representatives.

Altavas Resettlement Project costs Php 141 million for the construction of 393 housing units for typhoon Yolanda victims. It is located on a 3 hectare titled property at Brgy. Talon, three kilometers from the National highway and about 200 meters away from Talon Elementary School.

Altavas is the first to have started among the 11 coastal municipalities with this resettlement project. The 10 other municipalities are in the process of Documentation. Aklan is allotted Php 5.8 billion for the construction of 15,948 housing units.

It is projected that the Resettlement Summit in April 2015 for Aklan and Antique will speed up the documentation, processing and construction of the housing unitt. /MP

P50B FUND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FEEDING AND MEDICAL CHECK UP PROGRAM

P50B FUND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 

FEEDING AND MEDICAL CHECK UP PROGRAM

More than 13 million students enrolled in public schools and day care centers will no longer experience hunger or malnutrition during school days with the passage of House Bill 5584 filed by AAMBIS-Owa Partylist Rep. Sharon Garin, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo, and Biliran Rep. Rogelio Espina.

House Bill 5584 or the proposed “Malusog na Estudyanteng Pilipino Act of 2015” aims to set aside 50 billion pesos to fund a free meal and regular check up program for students enrolled in all public schools including day care centers, kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines. 

Data from the United Nations World Food Programme indicate that six million Filipino children suffer from severe malnutrition. This is consistent with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) study in 2011 which found out that three (3) out of 10 Filipino children aged 6-10 years old are underweight.

“The number of Filipino children going to school with an empty stomach is alarming. This obviously compromises the learning of children in classrooms. This proposed measure aims to arrest this issue,” Rep. Garin said.

Garin insisted that it is the primary responsibility of the state to ensure proper education and health care among its citizens especially the children.

If the bill would be enacted into law, the government will feed Filipino children in day care centers and public schools with nutritious and balanced meals for free during school days from Mondays to Fridays.

Aside from meals, the students will also be given regular medical check-ups, vaccination, and vitamins supplements under this measure.

National Nutrition Council (NCC) Executive Director Maria Bernadette Flores supports the measure. “This (bill) will encourage poor parents to keep their children in school. School feeding programs will definitely enhance enrollment to our public schools and reduce absenteeism among Filipino students.” 

If the bill becomes a law, the NCC will be the lead implementing agency of the program with the aid of the following agencies: Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) and FNRI.

DepEd will establish standard lunch program in the public school system while the DSWD will do the same for day care centers among different barangays nationwide.

The DOH and FNRI shall identify the fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods which are appropriate for the feeding programs in the specified locality while the DA shall take over in encouraging school gardening in all public schools.

Non-governmental Organizations and private companies that wish to help the government in the feeding project will be given incentives in the form of income tax exemptions or business permit fee discounts under the proposed measure.

Rep. Espina said that though the government takes a primary role in feeding and nourishing our public school children, the parents whom the children are with during after school hours and non-school days must also be tapped to help.

HB 5584 also provides for the orientation and training for the parents in order to provide practical and user-friendly nutrition information for them to complement the efforts of the government. 

The program shall follow a 5-year full implementation phase. In its first three years, the program shall be implemented in the public schools of the top 10 provinces where the poverty rates are the highest.

On the fourth year onwards after the enactment of the law, the program shall be implemented in all daycare centers and public schools nationwide. /MP

BOTCH MAMASAPANO MISSION NOT PNOY’S FAULT

BOTCH MAMASAPANO MISSION

NOT PNOY’S FAULT

Senator Chiz Escudero said President Benigno Aquino III has been forthright about the Mamasapano operation and could not be held liable for the bloody incident last January.

Citing a provision in the Constitution, Escudero told the weekly Kapihan sa Senado that the President did not violate any law and that calls for the Chief Executive’s resignation following the deadly clash between the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  (MILF) and other armed groups in Maguindanao were unfounded.

“The President, under the Constitution, is immune from suit and can only be held liable, if at all, for what he did or did not do in the Mamasapano operation in an impeachment proceeding,” said Escudero, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

“Para sa akin, ang pagkakamaling nagawa lamang ng Pangulo ay kung bakit binigyan pa ng lugar at puwang si General (Alan) Purisima na gumanap sa anumang kapasidad o papel kaugnay sa operasyong ito. But then again, we have the benefit of hindsight,” Escudero explained.

He said Purisima played a key role in botching the operation and for feeding wrong information to the Commander-In-Chief.

“Ang laki talaga ng ginawa niyang bagay doon. Hindi lamang sa impormasyong ipinasa sa Pangulo, hindi lamang sa maling pagkakaunawa ng mensaheng mula kay Gen. Guerrero, pero pati na rin yung pagbibigay ng abiso na huwag pagsabihan si General Leonardo Espina at Secretary Roxas,” the senator added.

In one of the Senate hearings, SAF Commander Director Getulio Napeňas Jr. admitted that Gen. Purisima told him not to tell Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP OIC General Espina of the special mission to arrest two wanted international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Escudero also scored Napeňas for listening to Purisima despite the latter’s suspension. “Maliwanag dapat sa kaisipan ni General Napeňas na suspendidong opisyal ito at hindi pwede magbigay ng kaukulang order.”

He said that if the former SAF commander was ambivalent and scared of Purisima, Napeňas should have been more scared of what his men were about to face in the field.

“Dapat mas natakot siya para sa kapakanan ng kanyang mga tauhang nalagay sa balag ng alanganin dahil sa kakulangan ng koordinasyon at dahil sa sinunod niya iyong simpleng payo lang naman pala ni Gen. Purisima sa kaniya,” Escudero said. /MP 

NGCP Obtains 84% Overall Mark In 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey

NGCP Obtains 84% Overall Mark 

In 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Henry Sy, Jr., President and CEO of the power grid operator NGCP, sets his message to NGCP employees to strive to do their best in delivering service to customers.

“We must be driven by passion to do what we do best. We must work hard. Our job as grid operator and transmission service provider is not easy, but it is a privilege to serve others,” said Mr. Sy, congratulating the NGCP employees who attended the cascade of the 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS).

The latest CSS results showed an 84 percent overall customer satisfaction rating which reflected almost 3 percent increase from the 2013 mark.

“I cannot thank you enough for your contributions. This is a team effort. I have always emphasized that NGCP’s success depends on the contribution of each and every one of its employees. It gives me pride to serve with you and be inspired by your dedication to this corporation,” Mr. Sy added.

The survey was administered by the University of the Philippines Statistical Research Foundation which measured how NGCP performed in delivering transmission service to its power customers. The overall customer satisfaction rating of 84.27 percent is significantly higher than last year by 2.99 points. Across grids, Luzon customers had the highest rating at 85.98 percent, followed by Visayas at 82.46 percent, and Mindanao at 82.33 percent. 

Respondents in that survey were segmented by customer groups per region and by districts. A survey category encompasses customer communication, communication on billing and reconciliation, customer relationship, provision of technical services, and other operational matters.

Nelson F. Cabangon, NGCP’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said the CSS result shows important factors which are critical in delivering services to our customers. “It is good to note that the overall ratings for all aspects of customer service for 2014 significantly increased from the 2013 levels. We are indeed persistent and consistent to ensure that we keep on improving,” Cabangon stressed.

Results of the 2014 CSS were cascaded to the regions and districts in North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao last February. 

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network and is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation, led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. /MP

GMA Network Stays Ahead Of Rivals In February

GMA Network Stays Ahead 

Of Rivals In February

GMA Network held on to its unbeaten record in the important areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, where it continued to lead across all dayparts, in the month of February.

According to data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA outperformed rival networks from February 1 to 28 (with the dates of February 22 to 28 based on overnight data) by substantial margins.

In Urban Luzon, GMA recorded a total day household audience share of 36.9 percent, 6.9 points higher than ABS-CBN’s 30 percent and 28 points higher than TV5’s 8.9 percent.

The Kapuso Network also retained its dominance in Mega Manila with 38.7 percent average, surpassing ABS-CBN’s 26.7 percent by 12 points and TV5’s 9.2 percent by 29.5 points.

Urban Luzon and Mega Manila account for 77 and 59 percent, respectively, of all urban TV households in the country.

Meanwhile, GMA came ahead of its counterparts in NUTAM (National Urban TV Audience Measurement) in the daytime blocks. GMA’s morning audience share reached 32.8 percent, up 2.1 points from ABS-CBN’s 30.7 percent and up 22.9 points from TV5’s 9.9 percent. 

In the afternoon block, GMA beat competition with its 35.8 percent average, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 30 percent by 5.8 points as well as TV5’s 10.3 percent by 25.5 points. 

Internationally-recognized news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho took the number one spot in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, while leading the roster of Kapuso programs in NUTAM.

Compared to its closest competitor, more entries from GMA also made it to the list of top 30 regular programs across NUTAM, Urban Luzon and Mega Manila. Among those included in the list, besides KJMS, were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Ismol Family, Celebrity Bluff, The Half Sisters, Empress Ki, Pepito Manaloto, Eat Bulaga, More Than Words, and Once Upon A Kiss. /MP

Wonders Of The Universe

Wonders Of The Universe

by Chita C. Heap

This information was taken from the advertisement feature of The Times Newspaper in the United Kingdom during my recent visit. In this issue Professor Brian Cox reveals how the most fundamental scientific principles and laws explain not only the incredible story of the Universe, but the story of us all.

How Will Planet Earth End?

Inconceivable but true- One of the most bizarre truths to have emerged from science is that we know more about the eventual fate of our Earth, and indeed the entire Universe, countless trillions of years hence, than about what the weather will do next.

As far as our planet is concerned, for instance, we know that it is doomed. Happily, the end is not exactly nigh; astronomers and physicists have calculated that our star, the sun, will start to run out of its hydrogen fuel in four or five billion years. After that it will swell into a grotesque parody of its current form, engulfing the planets Mercury and Venus as they swell into a bloated giant more than 200 million miles across. The Earth will be a seething hell hole, oceans of water replaced by seas of liquid rock.

But life on Earth will be over long before that. In just a billion years or less, the Sun will have become significantly hotter, causing oceans to heat up and eventually boil away. The end of the story of life on Earth will start at the Equator and finish at the poles, the last hardy microbes perhaps surviving for hundreds of millions of years after the last plants and animals have died out.

But the Universe itself will carry on. Stars will continue to be born and die, perhaps for trillion years or more. In the meantime, dramatic events will overtake our galaxy, the Milky Way, at about the same time the Sun swells into a Red Giant.

Astronomers operating the Hubble Space Telescope calculated that the Milky Way will collide with its nearest galactic neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy, in about four billion years. Currently, the two giant galaxies are racing towards each other at 250,000 mph, a velocity that will quadruple as the galaxies fall into a gravitational embrace. Despite the enormity of the collision, it is quite possible that not a single star in either galaxy will hit another. This is because space is almost unimaginably empty.

But it is the largest scales and in the most distant future, of hundreds of billions of years hence, that things to get seriously weird. Cosmologists have known since the 1920’s that the Universe as whole is getting bigger. Local collisions aside (such as the Milky Way-Andromeda impact), most galaxies in the Universe are rushing apart, and have been doing so since the Big bang 13.7 billion years ago.

We can measure this expansion very precisely and give it the phenomenon and who posthumously gave his name to the space telescope. For every million light years one travels, farther-away objects are travelling a further 25 km a second or so faster away from you.

Time is perhaps the most mysterious property of our Universe. We still have no real idea of what time is and why it flows in the direction it does. Is it possible to travel backwards in time? In theory yes, but whether this will ever be practical no one knows, nor do they know what would happen if you caused one of the famous time-travel paradoxes, such as going back and shooting your parents before you were conceived (how then would you exist to do the shooting).

The more we learn about the Universe the weirder it seems. Many cosmologists, including the Astronomer Royal, Martin Rees, now believe that the magnificent assemblage of galaxies that we see is but a tiny mote on a much larger and grander entity called the Multiverse. The more we learn about the cosmos, the more we are forced to agree with the observation of the great scientist J.B. Haldane, who said that the Universe is “not only queerer than we CAN suppose.”

Did You Know?

A) That   ancient fossils suggest that life arose on Earth just a few hundred million years after its formation, 4.6 billion years ago. The fact that life was able to get a hold so quickly on what would then have been a hostile world suggests, say astrobiologists, that life should be everywhere.

B) Another possible Earth twin is Gilese 667Cc, a planet about 42 light years away that orbits a long-lived Red Dwarf star. This is a “super earth” about 3.9 times the mass of our world but a little larger. It receives about 90% of the sunlight that we do, meaning surface temperature should be similar to ours. It orbits its tiny sun so closely that a year only lasts seven Earth Days.

C) Based on observations from Earth based telescopes and space observatories, it is thought that around one in 50 of all the stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way, have earthlike planets orbiting them in the Habitable Zone. This would mean there are about two billion Earth twins in our galaxy alone and several tens of millions in the observable Universe. /MP