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Leyte-Samar

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VOL. XXV NO. 012

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 02, 2013

P10.00 IN TACLOBAN

INSIDE
NEWS
PMO sets stage for privatization of Leyte Park Hotel Resort
news page 2

Speaker: Quorum threatens priority bills

news page 3

Govt allocates P631M to finance infras for tourist attractions in EV

BY JOEY A. GABIETA Staffwriter

Goodbye Happy Holidays

opinion page 4

TA C L O B A N CITY- The national government is set to bankroll in the amount of over P600 million which will aim to improve infrastructures leading to the regions various tourists attractions.

Thank you, 2012; welcome 2013

opinion page 5

RH bill now a law, Palace conrms

news page 8

Gov. Ma. Mimietta Bagulaya delivers her inspirational message before participants and members of the Leyte Samar Heritage Society, Inc. during the recently concluded Kita ha Sinirangan Bisaya, rst round table conference on culture and identity in Eastern Visayas. The conference was jointly sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), province of Leyte and UP Visayas Tacloban College in cooperation with the Leyte Samar Heritage Society, Inc. and UP Division of Humanities.

IN SOUTHERN LEYTE

Subang Daku Bridge, road project in Sogod to Panaon Is. now open
Sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the a ernoon. High 87F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.

weather

TACLOBAN CITY The P88 million Subang Daku Bridge and road project designed to reduce travel time from Sogod, Southern Leyte to Panaon Island and Pacific areas, has been opened to motorists, three years after its groundbreaking. Carlos Veloso, chief of the Department of

Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte district engineering office, said that the bridge was inaugurated December 14, 2012. This is a high impact infrastructure. The travel time to Panaon Island and Pacific area will

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With an improved and better infrastructures, increase of tourists arrivals is but expected. Karina Rosa Tiopes, regional director of the Department of Tourism(DoT), said that the completion or rehabilitation of these infrastructures leading to tourists destinations are expected to be finished in 2016. Ti o p e s s a i d t h a t t h e national government has allocated about P631 million to fund these infrastructures like circumferential roads. Among the tourists destinations in the region that would benefit from this financing program includes construction of road leading to Leyte Gulf and Course Club in Macabug-Mabini Road in Ormoc City worth P30 million; rehabilitation of a circumferential road in Limasawa (P36
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Members: DALMACIO C. GRAFIL, Publisher/Owner-LSDE; ALVIN Gz. ARPON, Columnist-LSDE; RINDO LAGONOY, DYDW; RAMON G. CUYCO, LSDE; VEN S. LABRO, Editor -LSDE/PDI; GAY B. GASPAY, PIA; JOEY GABIETA, Staffwriter-LSDE/PDI; PACIFICO SILVESTRECE, Sunto the Guest of the EXPRESS IT AT THE PARK at the day Punch; EILEEN NAZARENO-BALLESTEROS, Columnist-LSDE; LUZVIMINDA SANTIAGO, PIO-Philhealth; GINA GEREZ, PGO; REYAN Nook of Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City every ARINTO, LSDE; LITO A. BAGUNAS, LSDE; VINO CUAYZON, PIA; WILSON CHAN, LPH; RONALD VIAS, DYVL; AHLETTE REYES, LSDE; Saturday 7:30-9:00 AM NILDA GO, KBP; FRED PADERNOS, LSDE; ATTY. IMELDA NARTEA, Leyte Province; SARWELL MEANO-Correspondent-LSDE; LEMUEL For Special Edition by appointment PAGLIAWAN - LSDE; ROLLIE MONTILLA - Eastern Times; MARK MORALLOS-DYDW Tel. No. 321-4833 Telefax 053-321-5591

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Leyte Samar Daily Express

NEWS
finalizing the auction terms for the Leyte Park Hotel for possible bidding by December. The hotel has been listed in the PMOs website as assets for sale. The finance department targets the resort hotel as its next privatization project after it successfully sold 73 hectares of the 103-hectare Food Terminal, Inc. complex in Taguig to Ayala Land, Inc. for P24.331 billion last August. The complex located along Magsaysay Boulevard was actually built in 1979 on the former military Camp Bampos. It was the frequent venue of parties hosted by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO)/

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

PMO sets stage for privatization of Leyte Park Hotel Resort

TA C L O B A N C I T Y The Privatization and Management Office (PMO) is setting a stage for the privatization of the Leyte Park Hotel early this year in a bid to redevelop the property as a tourist attraction. In a statement, PMO, an attached agency of the Department of Finance (DOF), said that finalization of terms of reference is on progress, paving the way for the auction of the Marcos-era hotel. The said privatization aims to rehabilitate the Leyte Park Hotel in order to promote regional tourism that may not only generate revenues for the city of Tacloban but, more important, lead to economic growth through an increase in the business or economic activity in the area, the finance department said. The government originally plans to bid out the 6.1 hectares resort complex within December 2012, but the privatization body has yet to approve some details of the auction agreement. C u r r e n t l y, t h e resort hotel is managed by Unimasters Conglomeration, Inc. owned by Wilson Chan, through a long term lease agreement signed in September 1994. The Leyte Park Hotel facilities were leased out to the company for P300, 000 per month. In addition to the monthly lease payments, the lessee is committed to invest at least P50 million for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and repair of the hotel over a period of six years. In November 2012, the PMO announced that it was

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Govt allocates...
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million);opening of an access road to BoronganLlorente closed canopy forested area (P50 million);construction/ rehabilitation of circumferential road in Capul Island,Northern Samar (P20 million); and the construction of road leading to the Rock Formation in Biri, Northern Samar (P20 million). Tiopes said that with a better infrastructures making our tourists destinations accessible, the tourism industry o f E a s t e r n Vi s a y a s is expected to pick up further. As it is, the tourism industry of the region is slowly gaining a steady foothold considering of a good tourists arrivals,

the DoT regional director said. Based on their monitoring, Eastern Visayas was visited by 270,611 tourists, both local and foreign. The figure was based on an October, 2012 report. But the figure was based on the submitted report of 80 establishments only. And the region has over 400 establishments (catering to tourists), Tiopes said. Thus, she said, the actual figure on tourists arrivals could be higher. Nevertheless, the figure is already close to the projected tourists arrivals for 2012. Tiopes said that for 2012, they have projected of 393,072 tourists arrivals. Noticeably, Tacloban City posted the highest number of tourists arrivals,

even beating its projected arrivals of tourists for the year. DoT records revealed that for the January to September period, 160,292 tourists visited the regions capital city. The actual number of tourists arrivals for Tacloban is higher compared to the projected 123,291 tourists arrivals for the entire 2012. But Tiopes said that considering Tacloban as the jump off point of tourists arrivals for the region, its increase on the number of tourists arrivals is but expected. To u r i s t s s t a y i n Tacloban at the maximum, for two days. They also travel to other parts of the region for some visit, the DoT regional director said. According to Tiopes, there are factors to

consider why there appear to be an interest among tourists for Tacloban and the rest of the region. For one, she said, local government units now appear to appreciate their local tourist assets by improving them and even going to the extent of coordinating or partnering with the private sector. The business sector, in turn, should also be credited by coming in new hotels and restaurants that serve as a magnet for tourists to visit Eastern Visayas, Tiopes said. The various fare promotions of airline companies is another factor to consider why there is now an increased of tourists arrivals in the region, she added. Our tourism industry is now picking up, Tiopes said.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

NEWS

Leyte Samar Daily Express

Speaker: Quorum threatens priority

SPEAKER Feliciano Belmonte Jr. appealed to his colleagues in the House of Representatives to attend the remaining nine session days when it reconvenes in January next year. We appeal to their sense of patriotism, Belmonte told reporters in an ambush interview. The House leader admitted that constituting a quorum will be a problem when Congress resumes session on January 21 with most of the congressmen campaigning for re-election and four others running for the Senate. Session is again adjourned on February 9 until June 2 to make way for the campaign period for the 2013 midterm polls. Based on past experience, that (no quorum) is a possibility but Im hopeful that at the appropriate times necessary, at the nine session days remaining that we will be able to transact business, Belmonte said. Belmonte mentioned the antitrust measure and the freedom of information (FOI) bill as the Houses priority bills. The FOI bill is in the period of sponsorship while the antitrust measure is pending for second reading vote. Were trying to see what can still be passed within the nine days frame, Belmonte said. Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Taada III, the main proponent of the FOI bill, hopes his proposal will be approved next year. Before it adjourned session, the Senate had already approved its own version of the FOI measure. Both the House and the Senate would need to reconcile the conflicting provisions of their FOI bills before it is sent to President Benigno Aquino for his signature. Meanwhile, Belmonte mentioned the kasambahay bill, sin tax bill, and the controversial reproductive health (RH) measure as the achievements of the chamber for the year 2012. I myself am happy that we had confronted big challenges and successfully overcome them and gotten them approved or out of the wayand all of these were done without blood on the floor meaning to say our relationships are intact, he said. He also said that the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona was a highlight of the 15th Congress. Corona was impeached by the House for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution on December 2011 and was convicted by the Senate in May 2012. (SUNNEX)

GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE . House Assistant Minority Leader and Leyte (1st dist) Rep. Ferdinand Martin FM Romualdez (right) assisted by Operations Chief of Children International Philippines Inc. Rebecca Fuellos (left) turn over 2,485 text books to school principal Emmanuel Naval (center) intended for 1st year to 4th year students of Sagkahan National High School in Tacloban City.Rep. Romualdez aims to provide one book for one student in all public school (elementary/high school) of the rst district of Leyte. (PHOTO BY VER S. NOVENO)

Capitol funds enough: Gwen

CEBU CITY -- Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia assured there are enough funds for the Capitols payables, saying the amounts due were overestimated and the incoming revenues, not factored into the acting governors report. She lamented that Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale has placed the Province in a bad light, after Magpale announced in a press conference Thursday that there isnt enough in the general fund to pay the Capitols suppliers and contractors. She does not have any experience as chief executive, Garcia said of her former political ally. I doubt if she even understands a general fund and a trust fund. Magpale was designated acting governor last Dec. 19, after the Department of Interior and Local Government left a copy of a suspension order for six months on the governors office door. The Magpale camp reiterated Friday that the Capitols fiscal management has not been as sound as projected. Based on the findings of the transition internal control unit created by Magpale, the payables collected and verified are now approaching P400 million. The unit is composed of four lawyers and a certified public accountant. Projections Provincial Board (PB) Member Peter John Calderon, budget and finance committee chair, said all the revenues were already placed in the general fund, which now stands at P90 million based on the cash report submitted by Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre. Salubre, in the press conference called by Magpale last Thursday, said the general fund is no longer enough to pay for the estimated payables of the Capitol. Calderon earlier said the trust fund is used for specific purposes while the general fund is used for the Capitols payables. Garcia, however, said if they wanted to talk about the payables, they should have projected the revenues of the Province, as well. She said payables have to be verified and are not paid right away in bulk. She also reiterated there were projects charged to the general fund that should be charged to the trust fund. Governor Garcia also said that Magpale cannot claim that she was lying during the State of the Province Address last July, when she said that the Province is debt-free. She was referring to the fiscal year 2011 in that speech, Garcia said. The Province has a total cash in bank of P387,451,403.14. Of that, the general fund is P90,418,576.87; the Special Education Fund is P61,603,877.96; and the trust fund is P235,428,948.31. Wrong picture Garcia also said the payables reported by Acting Governor Magpale were overestimated. For one, she said the Capitol would have to pay P68 million for 24 air-conditioned tourist buses. Garcia said the amount is closer to P65 million, as each bus costs P2.7 million. She also pointed out that the honorarium for the barangay health workers, day care workers, tanods and barangay nutrition scholars should be around P40 million, not the P60 million earlier announced. She clarified that only the barangay health workers and day care workers will get the P2,400 honorarium, while the tanods and other barangay workers would get P1,800 each. Dakong sayop ang gipakita nga financial picture sa vice governor (The financial picture the vice governor presented is mistaken), Garcia said. She said the Provinces Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of P133 million will be collected next month. Documents for the sale of Ordinance 93-1 lots are now being processed, she added, and the revenues are expected to reach up to P1.3 billion. Yearend She said there are other revenues from the South Bus Terminal and the bulk water

Subang....
from page 1

be shortened by eight kilometers. This will also facilitate transport of products in many villages of this town, Veloso added. Combining all gains from fuel savings and better economic activities, Veloso said that the government will be able to see return of investments in three years. Some P48 million of the project cost was appropriated by the national government this MENIANO)

year to fully complete the project. From 2010 to 2011, about P40 million was released leading to 100% completion of the road and bridge substructures. A portion of the budget was used to work on the superstructure component of the bridge project. Prior to the completion of the project, motorists have to take the long, winding route along the western rim of the river to get to other towns of Southern Leyte. (SARWELL Q.

joint project of the Provincial Government and the Manila Water Consortium. About P20 million worth of school supplies were about to be charged to the Special Education Fund and checks have already been prepared for these. But Garcia said these checks were not released, as ordered by Magpale, since it was still Garcias signature that was on them. The checks were signed late in November and early in December, Garcia recalled. Besides, she added, Kung dako ang pundo sa katapusan sa tuig meaning wa mo maglihok (If there is a big amount of funds at the end of the year, that means the government has not done much). The local chief executives role, she added, is to translate funds to projects that will benefit constituents. Calderon, however, said having a negative amount at the end of the year is no longer sound. He said chief executives must see to it that expenses for this year must be taken only from earnings this year, and not sourced from next years revenues. Magpales camp maintains their stand that the Capitols expenditures for 2012 are bigger than its revenues. (SUNNEX)

Leyte Samar Daily Express

OPINION

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

Leyte Samar

DAILY EXPRESS
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Dalmacio C. Gral Publisher Ven S. Labro Editor-in-Chief Abelardo G. Orteza Managing Editor Alma M. Gral Business Manager
The Leyte Samar Daily Express is published daily with editorial and business ofces at G/F Knights of Columbus Bldg., 187 P. Zamora St. Tacloban City CONTACT Tel. Nos. 321-4833/ 523-7373 Fax. (053) 321-5591 WEBSITE leytesamardaily.net EMAIL ADDRESS EDITORIAL lsdaily2@yahoo.com ADVERTISING lsdaily_ads@yahoo.com All rights reserve. Except as permitted by law, no part of Leyte Samar Daily Express may be re-produced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without its prior written permission from the publisher. Commentaries from readers whose identities they prefer to remain anonymous can be accommodated as blind items. It will be our editorial prerogative, however, to verify the veracity of such commentaries before publication.

EDITORIAL

In this Year of Faith

t is the beginning of a brand new year, a moment that strikes the ego of many individuals for which they necessitated some renewal manifested through their proclivity towards having the New Years Resolution. The dawning of each New Year is awaited like a person who was just discharged from an infirmary after long days of confinement and tough battle with the harbinger of death. The unfolding of the new year stirs much excitement like a babe who just took his first breath away from his mothers womb. Weeks after the euphoria fades out, one gets back to his old self and his usual grind. The New Years Resolution hangs in balance like any promise that awaits fulfillment. Failing to accomplish such NYR is no worry because life is a cycle and sinners, like felons, deserve a second chance in life through what is called restorative justice. It is a different story, however, among those who are considered incor-

rigible or repeat offenders who may no more obtain mercy under the laws of man. Notwithstanding that, under Gods law, there is still a wide room for the hardened criminal who is deeply penitent and cries to be reconciled with man and his Creator. In the local Roman Catholic Church, specifically the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Palo, mercy and renewal await those who are wanting. The door of grace opens to those who are truly resolved to change their life for the better and feign not upon sheer instruction of those who have moral ascendancy over them. In this Year of Faith, so many chances are given to those who wish to really reform their lives and be at peace with everyone around them. This is the kind of reformation or renewal that does not
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Goodbye Happy Holidays

PPI

The fun, the gaiety, the spendLetters should be as brief as possible, ing, likewise receiving gifts, and sent with the writers name,signature the joy that accompanied the Christmas holidays in grateful address and phone numbers (if any) to: Letters to the Editor, Leyte Samar Daily celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, son of the living God has Express, They may be edited for length just passed meanwhile til next and clarity. year. Fond memories however hang on. The gifts we wholeheartedly offered to loved ones and to unknown carolers are Samar Weekly Express telling memories how our relaEastern Samar Bulletin tives, friends and acquaintances revealed untarnished appreciations and love as manifested by is a member of the their wishes for us of good luck, good health, God bless you refrain. Thats the spirit of Christmas. -oOoThe National Association of Its 2013 and we are back to

Observer
ALVIN GZ. ARPON our daily grind: to work for a living to live mortal life. Even those who have retired from public and private service, they still work to beef up a retirementpension that is not enough to support need yet no regrets by the way. -oOoFor 2013 the Philippines braces up for the Happy Days are Here Again, this time of the election season for we know why. Its happy Days for electorates to decide who they want their lead-

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ers to be. Its happydays for candidates who have enough resources to underwrite albeit unreasonably expensive political campaigns. It is an honorable thing to be elected. It is a distinct chance and honor for special individuals who desire to be given the opportunity to serve our people. Politicians, the good ones of course, leave lasting legacies for peoples benefits whose names are earnestly and eternally etched in the hearts of people and give lasting tribute for such deeds, even in their moments of aloneness and silence.

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

OPINION
of mutual distrust. Let lessons from the past - from good and bad experiences teach us to trust one another and give us the reason to move forward. In my organization, I am proud that I am a witness to groundbreaking and affirmative messages of integrity and performance. Take note, not simply conformance but the ultimate spirit of performance. I had the opportunity to be managed by a man whom I will label as the transformational leader not only because he says things the most professional way, but because he walked his talk. Envisioned in the organizations strategic plan is the commitment to transparency and integrity, and the process has started. Is this not a new engagement for the public sector? To save relationships, connections and liaisons let us carry on untried options, be open to communications and negotiations, and cut rugged edges for an immaculately clean engagement.

Leyte Samar Daily Express

The New Years New Engagement

Off target
Funny it may seem but the drive against firecrackers is way off the target. The campaign is not in accord with the much touted crime prevention that police authorities had been promoting. Wittingly or not, they had taken a reactive position near the end of the line which is in no way prevention. To be consistent, authorities must aim their efforts at where the root is and not at the scattered tips of the explosive tree that is the firecracker industry. The task of stopping what appears as a dangerous widespread mayhem is better done at source than at the end of the line. It would be simpler and less expensive for government to cut the problem in the bud than allow it to spread and create havoc in the communities, posing great danger to
ple suffer enough through the greed brought about by governments, people, societies and organizations. Each has their own goals and purposes, reasons that actually put heavier yokes on individuals and families. The number of families that actually own the wealth of the world is nil and they do not have any plan in increasing statistics. This is why there are cartels, secret societies and covert plans and strategies to taper the ratio of the rich to the poor; the powerful to the weak; the downtrodden to the lucky ones and so and so forth. For all that 2012 had been in contributing to peoples consciousness and realization that life is a precarious thing, we need to be appreciative. We need to be thankful for the gifts we all received this year the gifts of life, time, family, work, friends and another year to celebrate. For all the awards and honor that our City of Tacloban has been accorded, we can only be grateful and thankful. Thank you, 2012, we welcome with great hopes, 2013!

Of Cabbages & Kings...

dr. nila l. filamor Year 2012 was an event-full year, not only locally but globally. Natural calamities and man-made tragedies marked the closure of the year: the Sandy Hook massacre in USA and the series of typhoons that hit locally. All these have implications and threats for our ambitious political leaders to reckon with. With the local election, we are sure the new year will just be another year to wait and see. I believe that we are all accountable for all these events, and we have obligations to one another. Call it moral or social responsibility, whether at the individual or organizational level, we have the calling to take care of another. And our contacts, networks, dialogues and diplomatic ties should endure. If we fail in one way or another, confrontation is never the solution, perhaps some unexplored bilateral and multi-lateral solutions are ready for application. For this, we need faith-full communication, using the extended hand with genuine compassion. Or perhaps, our solutions has become irrelevant for the times and we have to re-imagine and keep on trying. I remember what Thomas Peters said, there must be liberation in chaos.. Let the clenched fist turn into open, cordial and trusting hands. The New Year should be started with trust, as the year just ended was a year

lives and properties undesirably at the onset of the year. We do not know if the strategy is done in purpose to give eve-

ryone a task to do and find some leeway for eking out a living. Running after vendors who are tagged as engaged
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The Sower
Wednesday before Epiphany Sts.to pageGreat and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors Basil the 6 1Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98; Jn 1:19-28

JOHN THE BAPTISTS TESTIMONY TO HIMSELF

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, Who are you? he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, I am not the Messiah. So they asked him, What are you then? Are you Elijah? And he said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? He answered, No. So they said to him, Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself? He said: I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said. Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah of the Prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water, but there is one among you whom you did not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Thank you, 2012; welcome 2013

REMAIN IN CHRIST
A man went to make a five-day retreat. When he checked in on Sunday evening, the receptionist asked what he hoped to obtain from the coming retreat. I dont expect to discover profound theological truths, he said. I just want to find answers to a couple of simple questions: who is God and who am I? When leaving on Friday afternoon, the receptionist bade the man good-bye and inquired if he had found the answer to his two questions. Oh, yes, he replied, I now understand that Jesus is God and I am not. Indeed, Jesus is God and hence he is the Truth, and so St. John asks us, to remain in him (I Jn 2:27). By remaining in Christ, we remain in the Truth. Truth is not doctrine or dogma; truth is Jesus Christ. No doubt, many good things are to be found in books, but nothing them will make us free, because only the truth of Christ can make us free. There are many Christians anointed in baptism but who are not satisfied with Christ. Why? Because they have not tasted the freedom that Christ gives. They are like those bystanders to whom John the Baptist said of Christ, Among you stands one whom you do not know (Jn 2:26). We see many things in the world, wonderful things, man made things. People are able to fly in the air, control machines and electricity, but they cant control their bodily passions, and therefore they are not really free. They can rule nature, but they cant rule their own selves, and therefore they are not really free. Whereas those who remain in the truth of Christ become truly free, for they can control their passions and are masters of themselves. (His Word is Life by Vima Dasan, S.J., published by Paulines. Visit us at www.paulines.ph or at Paulines Media Center, Real St., Tacloban City , Tel # 321-3195) Sowers Seeds: Jesus: a singular Master, different from all others, he is such a master by nature. Therefore Your master is unique (Mt 23:8), is only one, in that he was first practicing that which he wanted to teach and then he was giving the grace. He gives the grace both to believe and follow his examples. Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family

Senses and Sensibilities

deeday a. cairo The year 2012 brought many fears and shattering occurrences and events all over the world and for most people, the year-end is a welcome respite. It is looking forward to greater opportunities. For most, the year-end ushers a new beginning, a new hope to look forward to. Many have been affected with the tell-tale end of the world stories that many families all over the world have braced themselves with all kinds of preparations. In affluent parts of the world many have spent thousands on bunkers, food, supplies, medicines, water and weapons of all sorts. Other people and families opted for spiritual preparations resulting to more people attending Masses and praying. But for governments and the scientific communities, preparations centered on disaster mitigations and emergency-preparedness due to climate change and other natural phenomenon. Many countries especially in the Middle East and Africa were embroiled in civil wars, conflicts and all sorts of hostilities. Women and children were almost always the easy victims while the men were sure casualties. Suddenly, people have found reasons to revolt against their leaders, neighbors and long-time enemies. Numerous incidents on hu-

man trafficking have also been noted that victimized innocent children while adults were forced into hard labor. The year was simply a heavy year. In countries without physical conflicts, people were battling with economic woes when most economies went to a downhill drive. Even the seemingly powerful and rich nations got reeling with recession and slump of economies, debt crisis and many other economic downturns. There was simply chaos as weaker economies started to boom and occupy space in the business world. With all the sad realities we had to contend with in 2012 and in past years, 2013 is seen as a good year to start life anew. It is a good year to learn lessons on life the need to embrace life-giving values rather than delving on the negative ones that espouse conflicts, wars, competition, off-putting vibes and death. The world we know now has made many peo-

Prayer for the Nation and for Those who Serve in Public Ofce
God, our Father, you guide everything in wisdom and love. Accept the prayers we offer for our nation; by the wisdom of our leaders and integrity of our citizens, may harmony and justice be secured and may there be lasting prosperity and peace. Almighty and eternal God, You know the longings of our hearts and You protect our rights. In your goodness, watch over those in authority, so that people everywhere may enjoy freedom, security and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Courtesy of Daughters of St. Paul)

Pray the Holy Rosary daily for world peace and conversion of sinners (The family that prays together stays together)

Leyte Samar Daily Express

from page 4

NEWS/NOTICES
much undermanned if we take their number in proportion to the population they serve. This is why they cannot deliver their mandated tasks and functions. The situation is aggravated by the misguided policy that places police officers in the anti-insurgency frontline. Such task is deducts significantly precious work hours that are supposed to be used in the delivery of their primary service. But the task appears exciting and rewarding to set aside. We are confronted once more with typical government action that does not aim to respond to the root cause of problems. Else, why would agencies undertake activities against firecrackers but allow its manufacture anyway? Doesnt anyone of the policymakers in government recognize the root of the problem and identify possible solutions aimed at such root cause? It is very much simpler and easier to contain the problem by attacking the root cause. Banning firecrackers must not be done at the vendors table but at source where the items are manufactured if authorities are serious in containing the problem. It surely will require less expense from the meager public coffers to contain the problem at the very source. Under the present strategy that government agencies take in its drive against firecrackers, we see campaign advertisements and public advisories exhorting the public from using firecrackers. Such approach may well have some effect but is just too expensive. The colorful posters we see in various places all over the country and the advertisements in print, radio and television media outlets are surely costly for government. Add to it the utilization of government personnel to enforce laws prohibiting firecrackers and we surely can realize how expensive the strategy is. It is therefore unbecoming for government to congratulate itself for what it considers a job well done in terms of the reduced number of firecracker victims at the turn of this year. Reports being aired over media declare this new year as safe all for the expedient reason that the casualties and injured firecracker victims dived by almost half from last years level. But we know that the goal is as has always been, a zero casualty and injuries from firecracker causes. The drop in number is still too far from ideal, a target that is attainable if government will consider taking a proactive stance. Stopping the problem at source is yet the untested method that would surely be effective. Victims of firecrackers will hit zero mark if it would be stopped at the manufacturing level and not on the streets in the hands of vendors and merrymakers. Comments to alellema@hotmail.com

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

In this...

Off target...
from page 5

RH bill...

from page 8

need to be suspended in the balance like the NYR in idle anticipation of its realization. November 28 last year to same date this year is declared the Jubilee Year in celebration of the 75th anniversary of establishment of Palo ( Leyte ) as a Diocese. Here is where the grace comes, one which no NYR could ever overcome. Rev. Fr. Amadeo Corpuz Alvero, the director of Social Communications in the Archdiocese of Palo and a parochial vicar in Sto. Nino Parish of Tacloban City, reiterates the indulgence that a faithful could gain when he visits the Palo Cathedral. For clarity, indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. He expounded in a text message that the indulgence is granted to those who are properly disposed to it, such as, one must have availed the sacrament of confession, take Holy Communion and pray for the intention of the Pope (that is, praying the Lords Prayer, Hail Mary and Glory be for the intention of the Pope). How does one avail of it? Fr. Alvero stated, The Archdiocese of Palo is indeed blessed by God this year. We are in the Year of Gods Favor and Grace. On this Jubilee Year Pope Benedict XVI has granted the faithful an indulgence for those who visit the Pilgrim Site (the Palo Cathedral) during this year of grace, especially passing through the Jubilee Door of the Cathedral of Palo. This may sound simple, but it entails intense resolution as well. If achieved, it will defi-

in the illegal sale of fire-

crackers tends to divert police attention on the more important task of ensuring public order. Already, the police are very
nitely spell a big difference in ones life, especially in the spiritual aspect. Corollary to the celebration of the Jubilee Year, each month is an occasion to behold and to be one with other faithful in rejoicing. It could also be the avenue for one to respond to Gods call to sanctity. From January to November this year certain sector of the society convenes to celebrate the Jubilee. In chronological order from this month, the following gets their chance, namely, the faith communities; senior citizens; workers and overseas Filipino workers; youth and children; mass media; businessmen and professionals; educators and students; clergy, religious and seminarians; lay liturgical ministry; and basic ecclesial community (BEC) faith communities. November is the closing of the Jubilee where the presence of Luis Antonio Chito Cardinal Tagle is expected. In this Year of Faith, the Catholic faithful are evenly blessed. It is only a matter of utilizing the opportunity to receive the grace that comes with a contrite heart. Stressign the statement of Fr. Alvero, the Jubilee Year from November last year to November this year is the Year of Grace and Gods favor for the Archdiocese of Palo. So seize this rare occasion of having a really gracefilled New Year.

came two days after microblogging site, Twitter, was abuzz with reaction over the supposed signing of the RH bill into law. On Friday night, a close ally of President Aquino confirmed that the RH bill had been signed last December 21, just two days after the bicameral conference committee report was ratified in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In a text message to reporters, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said: PNoy (Aquino) signed into law without fanfare the RH Republic Act last Friday December 21. RH is now Republic Act 10354. One of the main authors, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, said it was Aquino himself who requested for a nonceremonious signing of the RH Law. We agreed with his call for early reconciliation for the sake of the nation and the Christmas spirit. Ceremonies are not that important. What is important is our governments political will to implement pro-poor and pro-people measures, Garin said in a text message. Albay Representative

Edcel Lagman, also one of the authors, said the RA 10354 was signed in the privacy of Aquinos study room in order not to exacerbate the conflict with Catholic Church leaders. Women worldwide who have been anticipating the enactment of an RH law in the Philippines rejoice with the vast majority of Filipinos in celebrating the elevation of the bill into a statute, Lagman said. Valte, meanwhile, allayed fears that the new law would compel families to use artificial contraceptives and it would require families to set a particular number of children. She said the government will post the copies of the law on the Internet so that the public can look at its provisions. Also she clarified that the fund for natural family planning centers will be separate from the allocation intended for artificial family planning methods given to health centers. The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, has already been published online in the Official Gazette, after having been signed by Aquino on December 21, 2012. The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation. (Sunnex)

NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Pablo Poliquit extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcels of land described as: 1) Parcel 1, Lot No. 6006, C13, Cad 655 situated in Brgy. Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, containing an area of 1,188 square meters, more or less, covered by Katibayan Ng Original Na Titulo Bldg. P-43306; 2) Parcel 2, Lot No. 5692, C13, Cad 655, situated in Brgy. Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, containing an area of 1,187 square meters, more or less, covered by Katibayan Ng Original Na Titulo Bldg. P-43305; 3) Parcel 3, Lot No. 5694, C13, Cad 655, situated in Brgy. Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, containing an area of 1,123 square meters, more or less, covered by Katibayan Ng Original Na Titulo Bldg. P-43304; 4) Parcel 4, Lot No. 5696, C13, Cad. 655, situated in Brgy. Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte, containing an area of 1,187 square meters, more or less. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of Rosamay S. Poliquit as vendee for the above-described 4 parcels of land; per Doc. No. 485, Page No. 97, Book No. XXIV, Series of 2010 of Notary Public Edsel Deris. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013 NOTICE is hereby given that heir of the late Felina Comora-Caindoy heir of late Modesta Aguillon executed an affidavit of Self-Adjudication over a parcel of land, Lot No. 6733, situated at Brgy. San Jose, Dulag, Leyte, containing an area of 247 square meters, more or less, covered by Tax Dec. No. 9613040 00690; per Doc. No. 52, Page No. 11, Book No. XXVIII, Series of 2011 of NotaryPublic Atty. Ryan M. Oledan. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012, January 2 & 9, 2013 NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Sps. Lorenzo Dungzal Lagunzad and Maria Agullo Lagunzad extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land situated at Brgy. San Rafael, Dulag, Leyte containing an area of 15,640 square meters, more or less. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of Edgar Tangpuz Agullo married to Jovelita Acejo Agullo as vendee for the above-described property; per Doc. No. 204, Page No. 41, Book No. XXX, Series of 2012 of Notary Public Ryan M. Oledan. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012, January 2 & 9, 2013

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Rosendo Viscara extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land, Lot No. 891, Cad. 566-D, Hilongos Cadastre, covered by Tax Dec. No. 1402500168 R13, containing an area of 1,482.47 square meters, market value of P5,310.00 and assessed value of P2,120.00. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of Generosa A. Abuyan, Jr. married to Ferdinand L. Abuyan as vendees for the above-described properties; per Doc. No. 242, Page No. 50, Book No. XXXVIII, Series of 2012 of Notary Public Atty. Beunaventura C. Vilbar. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Jaime R. Noveda executed an affidavit of Deed of Adjudication over a parcel of agricultural land with Tax Dec. No. 08-30 0018-00252 located in Brgy. Canhidoc, Palo, Leyte, with Cad. Lot No. 4900, with an area of .8503 more or less assessed value of P10,330.00. That heirs hereby waive their rights, interests and participation in the above-described property in favor of their sister Remedios N. Baqueros; per Doc. No. 38, Page No. 8, Book No. 4, Series of 2012 of Notary Public Atty. Eva Bernadette V. Basalleje. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013 NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Constancia Magpili extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land located at Cabuynan, Tanauan, Leyte, Lot No. 3019-B, containing an area of .5523.40 hectares, more or less, under Tax Dec. No. 3802-00383-R13. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of Nora-Mendiola-Roberts as vendee for a portion of .4142.55 hectares, more or less from the above-described property; per Doc. No. 126, Page No. 27, Book No. 6, Series of 2012 of Notary Public Atty. Hasmin Cristy S. Avila-Bibar. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013

DEED OF ADJUDICATION WITH WAIVER OF SHARES

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Emilio B. Japzon extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a two-storey commercial/residential building with floor area of 69 square meters, situated at Brgy. Poblacion, Catbalogan City, covered and embraced by Tax Dec. No. 01-0004-00055, PIN No. 229-01-004-022-1001 with an assessed value of P158,270.00 covered by T.C.T No. T-14175. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of ALVIN CESAR L. LAOHOO married to Teresita OmegaLaohoo as vendees for the above-described property; per Doc. No. 268, Page No. 55, Book No. 163, Series of 2012 of Notary Public Atty. Medino Acuba. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013 NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Lorenzo Olea, extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land, covered by OCT Nos. P-47520, Lot No. 16182, Case 53, Cad. 505, situated in Brgy. Mohon, Tanauan, Leyte, containing an area of 4,505 square meters; and waived to Leah Reyes-Salvador an area of 3,059 square meters and Jennifer P. Monteza equivalent to 1,446 square meters; per Doc. No. 152, Page No. 31, Book No. VIII, Series of 2009 of Notary Public Atty. Edwin B. Tabaranza. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013 NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Guillermo P. Jordan extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land located at Kawayan, Kananga, Leyte covered by O.C.T. No. A-057545, with Tax Dec. No. A-2500, containing an area of 5,387 square meters. A Deed of Sale was executed in favor of Filomena Aragon Pastor as vendee for the above-described property; per Doc. No. 446, Page No. 91, Book No. III, Series of 2012 of Atty. Sharon N. Baragen. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that heirs of the late Teotima L. Tabon extrajudicially settled, partitioned and adjudicated over a parcel of land, Lot No. 1426, Case 1, Pls-1067-D, situated of Mayabay, Municipality of Daram, Samar, containing an area of 45.203 square meters, more or less. That heirs hereby waive all their shares, rights, interest and participation in favor of Felipe T. Balolong; per Doc. No. 03, Page 01, Book No. XII, Series of 2012 of NotaryPublic Atty. Pedro M. Labin. LSDE: Dec. 26, 2012 & January 2, 9, 2013

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

NEWS

Leyte Samar Daily Express

About 2,000 patients across 12 European countries filled in an illness diary.

The study found that the severity and duration of symptoms in patients treated with antibiotics were no different to those given a placebo. But experts caution that if pneumonia is suspected, antibiotics should still be used due to the diseases severity. Prof Paul Little from the University of Southampton, who led the research, said: Using the antibiotic amoxicillin to treat respiratory infections in patients not suspected of having pneumonia is not likely to help and could be harmful. Overuse of antibiotics, dominated by primary care prescribing, particularly when they are ineffective, can lead to the development of resistance and have side effects like diarrhoea, rash and vomiting. Our results show that people get better on their own. But given that a small number of patients will benefit from antibiotics the challenge remains to identify these individuals. Previous research into whether or not antibiotics are beneficial in the treatment of chest infections, where symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, high fever, coughing and fatigue, have produced conflicting results- particularly in older people where chest infections can lead to further complications. This study randomly divided patients into two groups - one received the antibiotic and the other was given a placebo, an inert treatment in the form of a sugar pill, three times a day for seven days. The study found little difference in the severity and duration of symptoms reported between groups. This was also true for older patients - those aged 60 years or over - who made up nearly a third of the study. And those taking antibiotics were reported to have more side effects including nausea, rash and diarrhoea than those given the placebo. Dr Nick Hopkinson, a member of the British Lung Foundation, thought the study was helpful back-up when patients ask them for antibiotics. He said: Some patients with mild chest infections will ask for a prescription - this study can help GPs suggest it may not be the best thing for them. Most mild chest infections will settle by themselves with no need for antibiotics - as they are mainly caused by viruses. Those with mild infections are told to come back if symptoms dont get better. This study is encouraging and supports what GPs are already doing. Overprescribing of antibiotics can lead to bacterial infection resistance. Dr Michael Moore, from the Royal College of General Practitioners, who also co-authored the study, said: It is important that GPs are clear when they should Drug resistance and should not prescribe antibiotics to patients to Chest infections are reduce the emergence one of the most common of bacterial resistance in problems patients go to the community. their GP about. This study backs the approach taken in the National Institute for

Antibiotics ineffective for coughs

Overprescribing of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines that patients who present with acute lower respiratory tract infection where pneumonia is not suspected can be reassured by their GP that they will recover without antibiotics and that the illness is likely to last about three weeks in total whether or not they have a prescription. The European study, which included Belgium, England, France and Germany, took place between November 2007 and April 2010. It looked at 2,061 patients who had a persistent cough lasting more than 28 days and where a chest infection, like bronchitis, was suspected. Those thought to have pneumonia were excluded from the study due to the severity of the disease if not treated promptly. Participants completed a daily diary for the duration of their illness and rated the the severity of their symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and blocked or runny nose. (from the wires)

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Leyte Samar Daily Express

NEWS

Wednesday, 02 January 2013

RH bill now a law, Palace confirms

MANILA (2nd Update, 4:04 p.m.) -- Malacanang confirmed Saturday that President Benigno Aquino III had signed into law Republic Act (RA) 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. In a statement, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President signed the new reproductive health law last December 21. Valte, in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, said that the Presidents action, the government and civil society organizations can now move forward for greater cooperation. The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our historya chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against this Act, whether in the legislative branch or in civil society, she said. At the same time, it opens the possibility of cooperation and reconciliation among different sectors in society: engagement and dialogue characterized not by animosity, but by our collective desire to better the welfare of the Filipino people, she added. This kind of engagement and dialogue is the hallmark of a true democracy, Valte said noting that this encourages people to debate through deeply-held beliefs and values that enrich and elevate public discourse. Whatever the disagreements, people must work together to find ways to improve the lives of Filipinos, she said. Asked by reporters how the administration intends to reach out to the Catholic Church after the approval of the bill, Valte said that both sides can cooperate on many other areas. While the Responsible Parenthood Bill may have been a very contentious issue between government and civil society and other sectors, there are so many areas that we can move forward on; we have many other areas of cooperation that are possible for us to

Slope Protection Works. The Inspectorate Team headed by OICAsst. Dist. Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio (yellow t-shirt) inspecting the newly-completed 2.5 Million Slope Protection along Villahermosa, San Jose-Tanval in Calbayog City

NEWS PHOTO

be partners in, particularly environment and other advocacies, she said. The Palace official also fended off accusations that the bill was signed by the President in secrecy. The President signed it on December 21 because he has engagements to attend to after Christmas and he wanted to make sure that he approves it before the year ends, Valte said. The President also signed other legislations aside from Republic Act 10354, which also been released to the media, she added. The Palace confirmation
to page 6

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