SOMETHING is not right and the smell of it seems fishy and rancid. They say that this is the biggest pork barrel in election history. If proven, the current leadership of President Aquino is no different from the previous administrations.

The claws of corruption managed to penetrate the principle of “daang matuwid.” Both camps of presidentiables Duterte and Binay are accusing the administration of using the public to buy votes through the bottom-up budgeting program of the government. For the information of many, the bottom-up budgeting or BUB, is one of the major reform initiatives of the Aquino administration and accordingly, it has been labeled as such from several perspectives based on the information gathered from the government.

First, BUB is aimed to be more responsive to local needs. Secondly, BUB is viewed as part of democracy as it opens another venue for people’s participation in local planning and budgeting, and for generating demand for good governance at the local level. And lastly, BUB is perceived as part of local governance reform for it provides incentives for local governance.

The accusation came first from Mayor Duterte when he implicated the Liberal Party of bribing local executives through the government’s BUB program. He then claimed that Mar Roxas, who is the standard bearer of the Liberal Party, is corrupt even during his term as the Secretary of the DoTC. Duterte even pointed to Roxas’ connection to a certain billionaire for using the former’s jets and helicopters in his campaign trail.

Recently, UNA spokesman Mon Ilagan claimed that P25 billion was inserted in the 2016 budget for the BUB program and it is now at LP’s disposal to bribe the electorate to ensure the victory of their emissary. He called the program “Bribe Ur Barangay.” He even stressed that during the National Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas and Forum on the Bottom-Up Budgeting, Mar Roxas promised to give barangay officials access to as much as P100 billion in funds each year. The staggering amount is enticing for anyone who wants to do good in his barangay. He is forced to think twice and would probably go for the gold and vote for Mar Roxas to secure access to the P100-billion funds.

They said that “Bribe Ur Barangay” is considered legalized vote-buying conducted by the administration.  It is meant to influence the people’s voting preference. Indeed, the Liberal Party is desperate to obtain the highest position in the land. As if something needs to be hidden or protected come the next administration. •

“…BUT the human tongue is a beast that few can master. It strains constantly to break out of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it will tun wild and cause you grief.”

A very compelling quote by American author and speaker Robert Greene that pretty much summarizes my take on the current squabble involving People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and the members of the LGBT community as represented by popular showbiz personalities namely Aiza Seguerra, Vice Ganda and Boy Abunda.

A serious cut for Manny indeed, especially taking into consideration his present political aspirations of running for a senatorial seat. During an interview with TV5, Manny Pacquiao made a comparison of couples in same-sex marriages and animals saying, “Common sense lang. Makakita ka ba ng any animals na lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae? Mas mabuti pa ‘yung hayop. Marunong kumikilala, kung lalaki o lalaki, babae babae. Ngayon kung lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae, mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao.”

We cannot blame Manny for his own beliefs and opinions on the sanctity of marriage. After all, we are all entitled to our own judgment and convictions. As it is written in Genesis 1:27-28: “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

In fact, Manny has been said to be consistent on his opinion with regard to the issue on same sex marriages and the LGBT community. In an interview in 2012, writer Granville Ampong was said to have quoted Pacquiao using a verse in Leviticus: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”

Many devout Catholics would probably go along Manny’s stand against homosexuality, even after the US Supreme Court ruling with a 5-to-4 vote in favour of the ratification of same sex marriage in the entire United States last year, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines or CBCP said in an official statement that “the government should not destroy the moral and cultural fabric of the nation, otherwise, it will destroy the very foundation from where its nation is built.”

This has become the dilemma of Manny Pacquiao, and might have forced him to issue a public apology after his statements have been badly criticized by netizens and most especially the members of the LGBT community. But this is even more of a dilemma for the Filipino nation—seeing that politicians do not even have the guts and balls to stand up for what they really believe in. At the end of the day, the votes become a matter at hand shoving aside their morals and principles in life. This early, we are given the opportunity to discern if these people seeking public positions deserve to be our leaders not only based on their own merits and qualifications, but also their will power to fight for their own convictions without the fear of public scrutiny and criticism.•

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Senatorial candidate Martin Romualdez, who has Kapampangan roots, is batting for the empowerment of local government units in compliance with the constitutional mandates of local autonomy, decentralization, devolution of agencies of government and equitable share in the national resources.

In his remarks as guest speaker during the 21st founding anniversary of the province of Kalinga on Wednesday (February 17), Romualdez said LGUs face many challenges in the performance of their mandate, especially in the efficient delivery of basic services such as jobs, livelihood, education and healthcare.

The Leyte lawmaker said that with more income for LGUs from taxes, they can improve both their infrastructure and the quality of basic services to their constituents.

“We all know that we can do more. We can do better. We can vastly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of our constituents,” he emphasized. At the same time, Romualdez lauded the progress made by the province of Kalinga in socio-economic development “despite the national government’s lack of malasakit in the delivery of basic services.”

The three-term congressman said that if elected to the Senate, his legislative agenda would focus on livelihood, education and health. “More jobs, more scholarships in private educational institutions, more accessible healthcare by providing health clinics in all barangays, and a more expanded coverage of the CCT (conditional cash transfer).” The lawmaker said the next administration should spread progress outside Manila and “capitalize on our greatest asset: our excellent and quality workforce, especially in healthcare and information technology.”

The government, he said, should create more jobs that pay a living wage and in so doing, improve the quality of life of all Filipinos. Romualdez assured his audience that he would be the voice of the common people in the Senate if given the mandate by the electorate in the May polls. •Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario

MABALACAT CITY – The city government here announced the line-up of activities for the grandest fête in Central Luzon, the Caragan Festival, slated on February 22-26.

Dionisio “June” Magbalot Jr., festival chairman, said that Caragan Festival will be a week-long celebration and presentation of the rich cultural heritage of Mabalacat City.

Held every third week of February, the festivity was named after the Aeta chieftain here called “Caragan,” who is considered to be one of the first settlers of Mabalacat. He was married to a Mabalaqueña named Laureana Tolentino.
An ongoing mural painting competition was participated by students from government and private and schools in the city. Another activity is a Caragan-themed photo competition and exhibit on February 22.

Scheduled on February 22 is the unveiling of the life-size metal works and pumice stone-made Caragan statue handicraft made by the Sining Mabalacat Artist Club. Likewise, various talents will be showcased on Mabalacat’s Got Talent.

Other activities include musical performances by the ArtiSta Rita and Mabalacat Rock Youth Society (MabRock) on February 23.

Another highlight of the festivity is the coronation night for Haring Caragan on February 25 at Xevera Complex in Barangay Tabun.

 The festival will also feature Caragan Free Dance Interpretation with the awarding of winners set on February 26, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. also at the Xevera Complex. •Charlene A. Cayabyab

MABALACAT CITY – Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales has allotted P250,000 for the painting and re-painting crossing lanes in different barangays along MacArthur Highway here.

Morales has tasked the city’s Public Safety and Order (PSO) Unit to handle the project.
“Kami ang naglalagay ng mga pedestrian lanes para tugunan ang seguridad ng ating mga  pedestrians or upon the request ng punong barangay. Kung minsan re-painting na lang ang ginagawa namin dahil yung iba ay lumabo na sa katagalan ng panahon,” PSO unit head Engineer Roy Concepcion said.

PSO, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways Engineering team headed by Engineer Jun Mateo, is set to accomplish the painting of 14 lanes plotted on their program work for 2016.

“Paumanhin po sa mga naaabala ng aming proyekto. Hindi po kasi pwede na sa gabi natin ito gawin dahil hindi po ito matutuyo ng husto. Ang paggamit po ng thermal paint na gaya ng ginagawa sa Metro Manila ay napakamahal. Hindi po ito inclusive sa requested budget ng PSO,” Concepcion said.

Target locations are Barangay San Francisco, Dolores, Mabiga-Mawaque intersection, Atlu-Bola, in front of Dau Elementary School, Xevera Tabun in front of Mabalacat National High School, Dau, Camachiles and along the perimeter of the public market.

“Ang PSO Mabalacat City ay brainchild po ng ating mahal na punong lungsod [Morales] na may layuning pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan at kaayusan ng ating lungsod,” Concepcion added.

The PSO Unit Office is located at the ground floor, Old Municipal Building at Barangay Poblacion, Mabalacat City.• Charlene A. Cayabyab

STA. RITA, PAMPANGA – A total of 2,734 Kapampangans from this town expressed their gratitude to Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda and to the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for renewing their PhilHealth memberships under the Alaga Ka Program yesterday.

It was learned that the said town is the first stop in a series of Member Data Records (MDRs) distribution scheduled for the start of 2016 throughout the province.

According to Remedios Pascual, a resident of Barangay San Jose, the renewal of their PhilHealth premium is like receiving a priceless gift, ensuring the health of their whole family, especially since she is about to give birth to their second child.

“This gives me and my husband peace of mind. Even though we are currently facing financial difficulties, this ensures we can get quality health services the moment we need it,” he added.

Governor Pineda also urged the PhilHealth beneficiaries in this town to maximize the use of their health insurance at the local government health facilities such as barangay health centers and rural health units or the 11 government hospitals throughout the province.

“Aside from the free examination and check-up ensured by your PhilHealth membership, you are also entitled to free take home medicines,” the Governor stressed.

The PhilHealth beneficiaries were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its program, National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) while the annual premiums were paid for by the Department of Health (DoH) under its Universal Health Care Program.

Based on the PhilHealth official list, Kapampangan recipients under the Alaga Ka program sum up to 136,296 for 2016.
“The national government, through the leadership of President Aquino, renewed the health insurance of more than 130,000 Kapampangans ensuring their access to needed health services. For that, we are truly grateful,” Pineda said.•By Angelique DC.
Tuazon-Eliseo

STA. RITA, PAMPANGA – A total of 2,734 Kapampangans from this town expressed their gratitude to Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda and to the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for renewing their PhilHealth memberships under the Alaga Ka Program yesterday.

It was learned that the said town is the first stop in a series of Member Data Records (MDRs) distribution scheduled for the start of 2016 throughout the province.

According to Remedios Pascual, a resident of Barangay San Jose, the renewal of their PhilHealth premium is like receiving a priceless gift, ensuring the health of their whole family, especially since she is about to give birth to their second child.

“This gives me and my husband peace of mind. Even though we are currently facing financial difficulties, this ensures we can get quality health services the moment we need it,” he added.

Governor Pineda also urged the PhilHealth beneficiaries in this town to maximize the use of their health insurance at the local government health facilities such as barangay health centers and rural health units or the 11 government hospitals throughout the province.

“Aside from the free examination and check-up ensured by your PhilHealth membership, you are also entitled to free take home medicines,” the Governor stressed.

The PhilHealth beneficiaries were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its program, National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) while the annual premiums were paid for by the Department of Health (DoH) under its Universal Health Care Program.

Based on the PhilHealth official list, Kapampangan recipients under the Alaga Ka program sum up to 136,296 for 2016.
“The national government, through the leadership of President Aquino, renewed the health insurance of more than 130,000 Kapampangans ensuring their access to needed health services. For that, we are truly grateful,” Pineda said.•By Angelique DC.
Tuazon-Eliseo

STA. RITA, PAMPANGA – A total of 2,734 Kapampangans from this town expressed their gratitude to Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda and to the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for renewing their PhilHealth memberships under the Alaga Ka Program yesterday.

It was learned that the said town is the first stop in a series of Member Data Records (MDRs) distribution scheduled for the start of 2016 throughout the province.

According to Remedios Pascual, a resident of Barangay San Jose, the renewal of their PhilHealth premium is like receiving a priceless gift, ensuring the health of their whole family, especially since she is about to give birth to their second child.

“This gives me and my husband peace of mind. Even though we are currently facing financial difficulties, this ensures we can get quality health services the moment we need it,” he added.

Governor Pineda also urged the PhilHealth beneficiaries in this town to maximize the use of their health insurance at the local government health facilities such as barangay health centers and rural health units or the 11 government hospitals throughout the province.

“Aside from the free examination and check-up ensured by your PhilHealth membership, you are also entitled to free take home medicines,” the Governor stressed.

The PhilHealth beneficiaries were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its program, National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) while the annual premiums were paid for by the Department of Health (DoH) under its Universal Health Care Program.

Based on the PhilHealth official list, Kapampangan recipients under the Alaga Ka program sum up to 136,296 for 2016.
“The national government, through the leadership of President Aquino, renewed the health insurance of more than 130,000 Kapampangans ensuring their access to needed health services. For that, we are truly grateful,” Pineda said.• Angelique DC. Tuazon-Eliseo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A total of seven Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) returnees from Central Luzon recently benefitted from Sa ‘Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” program of Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the program primarily aims to gain back Filipinos working abroad, particularly the OFW Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passers so they can still find employment and practice their profession upon their return to the country.

“We’ve joined forces with the Education Department with the goal of encouraging and enabling our OFWs, who are in the field of teaching, specifically LET passers, to enhance their skills and have the opportunity and option to pursue a teaching career in the country after their tour of duty abroad,” DoLE Regional Director Ana Dione said.
She added that the seven OFW-beneficiaries successfully passed the program’s screening process and were appointed by DepEd as Teacher I in various public schools in the region.

Aside from being employed, each beneficiary was given P10,000 aid in the form of teaching kits to aid the beneficiaries in their place of assignment.

The kits include a computer-tablet, voice-aide lapel, reference materials, and writing materials, which were sourced from the livelihood funds of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs.  

Speaking in behalf of her fellow recipients, 34-year old OFW Rubyrose Nieves of Bulacan expressed her gratitude for her new career opportunity.

“I encourage my fellow teachers who went abroad but wanted to return to their teaching profession here to apply in this program so that you will be reunited with your family,” Nieves said.

The program is open to OFW LET passers with teaching experience within the last five years; and those with teaching experience beyond five years and without teaching experience but need to undergo a refresher course.

Also, applicants must be OFWs who arrived in the country for not more than three years based on the current year.
For further inquiries, interested applicants may call (045) 455-1617 and look for Freya Palad or email ro3.nrco@gmail.com. (PR)•

ON Valentine’s Day, a colleague in the election campaign, Dado, and a brother-in-law, Rody, lie in state at two places, far from each one. In the evening mass for the latter, a Dominican priest from Sri Lanka – upon learning that the departed was already in the 90s – reminded those listening that reaching the senior age of 60 is like entering the departure area of life. He said that the Bible actually says that man’s life span should normally end within the 70s, but man insists on trying to control everything upon reaching the 60s, believing life at that age is just starting.  Dado was a gentleman-farmer who was just in his midlife when cancer struck swiftly to end his short-lived political job.

While health has become an issue for at least two presidential candidates, physical fitness seems to be not getting much attention in connection with the current national and local elections. Comelec rules do not include a clean bill of health as prerequisite for candidacy.  In Tondo where I stay in Manila, a councilor running for re-election is still recuperating from a stroke and spends much of his time on a wheelchair. He is by all indications not giving up.  So does a presidential candidate, who despite all the odds, has promised to provide the competition the much-awaited fireworks during the debates.

While the threat of dying stops ambitions of ordinary men, the way things are going in the current political season, death seems unable to scare political ambitions away just like lack of qualification, lack of money or even nil probability of winning.  A retired general friend of mine who is running for senator has a perfect bill of health and an unquestionable desire to serve his country, but unfortunately, that is all he has now.

The current El Niño is still emitting record heat and raising blood pressures on the campaign trail.  Physical fitness of candidates and their staff is an important factor to sustain campaign strategies especially at the national level.  The mental stress worsens in direct relation to a deteriorating physical condition.  The private jets and air conditioned vans provide comfort and speed, but it is the anxiety and excitement that can still overwhelm both mind and heart.

We may not vote for some candidates but let us offer our prayers for their safety and good health.  Many will win but a greater number will lose.  Some will remain undaunted and will plan to run again in the next elections.  I will miss Dado as a colleague and I will miss Rody as family but I doubt that I will miss the candidates after the elections.  But still, I will pray for all of them now.  And for the country, too.•

ANGELES CITY – Senator Lito Lapid, who is currently running for mayor in this city, was absent in Tuesday’s local peace covenant signing held at the Holy Rosary Parish Church in Barangay Sto. Rosario here.

According to William Aguilar, Deputy General Secretary of local party Partido Abe Kapampangan (ABE), Lapid’s absence was disrespectful to Angeleño voters and the organizers of the local election process.

He said it was indicative of his indifference to the policies that were expected of him as a mayoralty candidate for election.

“Binalewala niya ang mga proseso. Dahil ba artista siya ay tingin niya pwede na niya balewalain ang mga lehitimong proseso upang gawing tahimik at maayos ang halalan?,” said Aguilar.

“Tingin ba niya, he can ride his way out of everything?” he added.
As senator, Lapid was widely known as a top absentee in the Senate. He was represented by his chief legal officer, Atty. Filmer Abrajano, during the signing.

Organized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the local Commission on Elections (Comelec), the signing aims to promote unity and ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the electoral process among candidates.

Witnessing the peace covenant signing were Reverend Father Francis F. Dizon, Pastor of the Holy Rosary Parish, Hilana Roman, president of PPC-HRP, the PPCRV, Atty. Numer P. Lobo, City Director of the Comelec, City Prosecutor Oliver Garcia, PNP PRO-3, Regional Director Chief Supt. Rudy G. Lacadin; District Supervisor Leilani S. Cunanan of DepEd; ACPO OIC, Sr. Supt. Sidney Villaflor, Colonel Edgar Castro Torres of the Philippine Air Force and DILG City Director Martin Porres Moral.• Charlene A. Cayabyab

ORANI, BATAAN – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated P3.2 billion this year for the installation of lightings along highways.

This was revealed by DPWH 1st district engineer Magrara “Rocky” Dimalawang, who said that local government units (LGUs) can avail anytime of the fund from the DPWH, provided they (LGUS) are willing to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DPWH for maintenance and the electric bills of the street lights to be put up in their own areas.

Noting the benefits that the province will get from this program, Governor Abet S .Garcia had already signed a MoA for the maintenance of the highways and street lights to be put up in Bataan’s Roman Highway.

Informed of this development, Mayor Serrano has also signified his interest to avail of the fund for the town of Orani.•

THE non-appearance of some political personalities in peace covenant signing activities – which are actually supposed to be attended by everyone – seems to be catching.

After the conspicuous absence Carmelo “Jon-Jon” Lazatin in a covenant signing initiated by the provincial government of Pampanga last week, another no-show in the same activity held in Angeles City last Tuesday was mayoralty candidate, Sen. Lito Lapid.

A lot of personalities were disappointed over the absence of Lazatin, who is running against incumbent 1st District Rep. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao. Lapid’s absence had the same effect on the people, calling his non-appearance as “disrespectful” to Angeleño voters and organizers of the local election process.

Like Lazatin, would it have been difficult for the former action star to show up and smile for the cameras, which he is supposed to be used to in the first place?

He was represented by his chief legal officer, Atty. Filmer Abrajano, during the signing. But then again, his presence was needed, if only to abate the fears of other voters about his sincerity to serve the city.

Is he really, really ready?

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – In preparation for the second World Indigenous Games, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) conducted Aeta Tribal Games here recently to find out who among the Aeta tribesmen in Zambales are worthy to represent the country.

Five indigenous tribes competed in the archery and blow dart events, wearing their tribal attire and using traditional weapons during the competition held at the Pastolan Aeta Village in this Freeport.

These include the Pastolan tribe of Hermosa, Bataan; Mampweng, Libas, and Maliwakat tribes in Olongapo City; and another tribe from San Marcelino, Zambales.

Each event had variations that put the tribesmen into different situations​ ranging from shooting a target at a standstill to shooting a target while climbing a tree.

POC board member Col. Antonio Jeff Tamayo said that another reason for holding these tribal games was to remind everyone of native traditions.

“These games help us embrace our heritage to the very core,” Tamayo said.
During the matches, the young athletes who joined the competition showed excitement, hoping that they would be chosen as representative​s​ of the country.

​Twenty-one​ year-old Wilson of the Libas tribe said he was eager to try his accuracy in the archery event.
He noted that these traditions are diminishing as Aytas become more urbanized. The games, he added, are a great way for the youth to embrace their roots.

During the opening ceremony, Pastolan tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla welcomed the visiting tribes, saying the event also served as a reunion for the tribes in Zambales and Bataan.

“I hope that this will not be just a one-time event and that many more tribal games will be held here at the Pastolan Village in the near future.”• Dante M. Salvana

SUBIC FREEPORT – A fundraising event for the local non-profit organization Wildlife in Need (WIN) Foundation will be held here on February 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

“We work very hard to provide the best possible care and welfare for the rescued animals at our Center,” said Gail Laule, president of WIN, an organization that operates the WIN Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport for the care of sick and injured wildlife.

WIN is also a founding member of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, rescuing and rehabilitating sick and injured whales and dolphins. 

Laule said that the event, called “Unbridled at El Kabayo!”, will be held at El Kabayo Stables, a horse facility managed by WIN.  

“The fundraising event aims to raise funds for food, housing, and medical care of the animals at the Rescue Center. Last year we raised enough money to do some critical renovations of our macaque enclosures, so they have a more comfortable home,” Laule said.  

According to Laule, “All proceeds go directly to the care of the animals at the WIN Rescue Center”.   
She said that attendees can also join WIN’s “adopt an animal” program, where your donations go directly to the care of your special animal friend in need of your choosing.

Activities of Unbridled include a kick-off parade and horse exhibition, plus games, competitions, photos and rides.
 
Laule added that participants can even “show off their artistic side in a horse painting contest. They can also meet the rescued animals of WIN Rescue Center, including bats, birds, and snakes, and join the Aetas in some challenging survival activities. Plus we will also have a raffle, games for the kids in the play area, and art displays. It’s a fun way to spend the day. This is an affair for the entire family.”•

ANGELES CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has expressed its support to the Department of Health (DoH) for the release of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10643 or the “Graphic Health Warnings” (GHW) Law.

“While we respect that smoking remains a personal choice, we urge public servants to choose the path of living a healthier lifestyle, as well as respect others by not subjecting them to second-hand smoke,” CSC Commissioner Robert Martinez said.

The GHW Law requires cigarette manufacturers in the country to replace the packaging of cigarette packs with images of people with mouth cancer, lung cancer, emphysema, gangrene, impotence, and other diseases to warn them of the devastating effects of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. It also aims to remove misleading or deceptive descriptors like “low tar”, “ultra lights” or “mild”, conveying that one variant is safer.

The CSC believes that GHW’s implementation is a boost to its promotion of a tobacco-free civil service. In 2009, the CSC issued Memorandum Circular No. 17 or the “Smoking Prohibition Based on 100 percent Smoke-Free Environment,” which aims to protect the health of civil servants and to ensure that government offices are smoke-free.

The CSC and DOH also issued the Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01, or “Protection of the Bureaucracy Against Tobacco Industry Interference” which prohibits government officials and employees from doing unnecessary interaction with the tobacco industry, and if any dealing is necessary for the latter’s regulatory systems and control, it must be transparent and accountable.

Prohibited acts include providing preferential treatment such as receipt of incentives, and soliciting or accepting any donation or favor from the tobacco industry in connection with any operation or transaction of the agency. • Charlene A. Cayabyab

MANILA – A bettor from Manila has bagged the P119,100,028 jackpot in last Tuesday’s (Feb. 16) Super Lotto 6/49 Draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said.

PCSO General Manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said the winning ticket (self pick) with combination 03- 19- 33- 39- 29- 26 was bought from a lotto outlet in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Meanwhile, 35 bettors won the 2nd Prize worth P53,310, while 2,035 others bagged the 3rd Prize worth P730. •

SASMUAN, PAMPANGA – Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda has urged some 2,702 locals here to maximize the use of the benefits entitled to PhilHealth members under the National Household Targeting System -Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Governor made the statement during the distribution of Members’ Data Records (MDRs) under the “Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay” program of PhilHealth, held at the San Pedro Covered Court, with 2,702 beneficiaries.
Members under the NHTS-PR can avail of the “no balance billing policy” wherein they will not pay their hospitalization and no deposit is required.

The Governor also reminded the beneficiaries of the wide-range services provided by the Department of Health, PhilHealth and the local government unit through the health program.

Services under Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay program include counselling on breastfeeding; smoking cessation, regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle modification; screening services to detect breast and cervical cancers; and digital rectal exams.

In addition, diagnostic tests, surgical operations, heart bypass, acute gastroenteritis with no mild dehydration; minimal and low risk pneumonia, and urinary tract infection are also provided and made available.

“For those who are suffering from diabetes and high blood, there will also be distribution of metformin so all medicines are all for free,” the Governor said.

Also, the Governor confirmed that the construction of the Escolastica Romero District Hospital (ERDH) in Lubao will be completed by December of this year. With this, the Sasmueños can benefit from the newly constructed hospital furnished with high-quality equipment that will provide healthcare services.

The event ended with the distribution of financial assistance amounting to P675,500 that was personally handed by the Governor to each of the beneficiaries.

Sasmuan Mayor Nardo Velasco expressed his gratitude to Gov. Pineda and PhilHealth for the program allotted to thousands of Sasmueños.

Present during the event were Vice Mayor Renato Banting, senatorial aspirant Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) officer Lilibeth Baybayan, personnel from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office headed by Susan Luna and other local officials. • MA. REINA LEN G. LUNA

QUEZON CITY – Drug authorities from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently destroyed illegal drugs amounting to P2.67 billion.

PDEA chief Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. led the destruction of illegal drugs held at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (IWMI) in Treze Martirez City, Cavite.

“Majority of the burned shabu were seized from two storage facilities in San Fernando, Pampanga that happened on September 12, 2014,” Cacdac said.

Destroyed through thermal decomposition were a total of 1.6 metric tons of assorted pieces of drug evidence composed of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, liquid shabu, ketamine, marijuana, ephedrine, aziridine, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and expired medicines.

Thermal decomposition is the process by which various compounds are broken down into single units by the application of heat wherein reconstruction of the substances is impossible.

Based on the consolidated report of the PDEA Laboratory Service, the seized shabu, the country’s most abused illegal drug, weighing 465,834.10 grams, with an estimated street value of over P2.2 billion were destroyed at the site.

To recall, some 461 kilograms of shabu, 14.26 liters of liquid shabu, 236.77 kilograms of ephedrine and 656.7 kilograms of aziridine were discovered by authorities in a warehouse in Greenville Subdivision, Barangay San Jose and a townhouse located in the corner of Rome and Moscow Streets, Richtown Subdivision, Barangay Sindalan, both in San Fernando City, Pampanga that led to the arrest of four Chinese nationals.

Cacdac also noted that the destructed illegal drugs came highest in terms of total value and gross weight of dangerous drugs since 2010.

“We want the public to witness the destruction of dangerous drugs seized by drug enforcement officers in order to allay public apprehensions that these illicit substances are being reused, recycled or sold back in the streets,” he added.

The PDEA chief lauded the efforts of the different branches of Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in the cities of Antipolo, Quezon, Makati, Pasay, Manila, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Caloocan, Batangas and San Fernando, Pampanga, for the expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases that led to the prompt destruction of these illegal drugs and substances no longer needed as evidence in court. (PDEA)•

HINDI maikakailang mapapansin si Diether Ocampo sa unang Linggo ng pagpapalabas ng “Bakit Manipis ang Ulap” sa TV5.
Walang sinayang na eksena si Diether maging si Bernard Palanca, Lloyd Samartino at si Meg Imperial.
Matindi rin ang laplapan nina Meg at Diether.  

The surprise of the evening was Cesar Montano. Bagets na bagets ang itsura niya. Hindi siya agad nakilala bilang masugid na manliligaw ni Claudine bilang Marla. Later on ay napangasawa ni Marla si Cesar na ubod pala ng yaman.

Hindi produkto ng siyensya si Cesar. Sadyang maalaga siya sa katawan at itsura bilang artista, hindi katulad ng mga kasabayan niyang pabaya sa sarili. Hindi kataka-takang maging in-demand siya ulit, despite his many problems.•Noel Montes

IS ANYONE listening? Turkey, upon the direction of US Obama, has drawn first blood by its attacks on Syria. Saudi Arabia is expected to follow suit… Iran will help defend Assad of Syria, together with Russia and China. Has WWIII already started?

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Death is always a defeat and a liberation: a defeat for human pride; but for the friends of God, a liberation to eternal life. US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died on February 13. He was a man of extraordinary legal genius and fidelity to the Constitution. What irritated his critics most about Justice Scalia was the fact that he was invariably smarter than they were — and worse, he had a sense of humor about it. But his intellect and patriotism were the lesser part of the man. The larger part was his enduring Christian character. He fought a war; and he fought it so well His life as a husband, father, friend, scholar and judge was shaped profoundly by his Catholic faith. What made him “great” in the only way that finally matters was his moral integrity.

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One phrase to describe the four (only one of the presidential candidates is exempted from this phrasal description) most popular presidential candidates in our country is this: TINIMBA KA NGUNIT KULANG.

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This idiotic spokesperson does not understand politics. He wants his principal to become president without undergoing public scrutiny. Instead of refuting the accusations in those negative political ads, he complains. What the people need is a thorough rebuttal of all those accusations of kleptocracy, not a whimpering complaint.

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Is it wrong not to vote for a certain post in the coming elections? I don’t think so. Not voting at all for a certain post is still a lot better than forcing yourself to vote someone just for the shallow reason that you don’t want your vote to go to waste. It will be more of a total waste of a vote if you vote someone who is a waste in the many aspects of being a political leader. Not voting is a vote of conscience, and it should be included as one of your choices in this coming elections.

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Freelance artists and writers, contractual cultural workers of TV, film, music, and theater, those with no benefits, no social security, and generally no savings, have been made to pay monthly and quarterly taxes, on top of tax withheld on our cheques, and the VAT imposed on all products that we buy.

But people like Lucio Tan? Oh, matuwid-na-daan lets him get away with things. How can we not wage war on this?
And this is how elections are imagined to be won by matuwid-na-daan ladies and gentlemen, by asserting that mayors owe government for the funds that they’ve been given to care for citizens the past six years. (E di wow!)

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A post-hearts’ day quip: Love tends to grow deep in one’s heart for those who touch our souls and love unconditionally. It is even deeper when it latches itself into very core of our souls and stays there after so many lifetimes. I send this out to those I know I have traveled with in so many lifetimes with a grateful heart and a thankful soul. I am humbled and thankful for having spent this life with all of you and I hope and pray it would still be the same circle in the next life.•

QUEZON CITY – Social pension of indigent seniors will soon be delivered door-to-door nationwide.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be adopting this scheme of distribution to make it easier for the senior citizens (SC) to receive their pension.

“The DSWD is adopting this scheme to make it more convenient for our older persons who have difficulty in traveling. Likewise, by delivering their pensions right to their doorsteps, they can save on transportation expenses in going to payout venues,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

Soliman added that DSWD Field Offices (FOs) in Region III and the National Capital Region (NCR) have already started the implementation of the scheme in October 2015 in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), respectively, as conduits.

Under the door-to-door delivery scheme, DSWD provides the master list to the conduit, which in turn, delivers the pension to the respective addresses of the beneficiaries.

The door-to-door payout must be completed within 30 calendar days from the receipt of the check and master list by the conduit.

DSWD-FO NCR, covers 10 cities with a total of 23,820 target beneficiaries. As of December 23, 2015, some 17,758 seniors have received their pension via door-to-door delivery.

Meanwhile, DSWD-FO III is implementing the scheme in  67 municipalities with a total of 29,985 target beneficiaries. As of December 23, some 26,757 seniors have received their pension through the scheme.

Seniors find relief in the distribution scheme due to less hassle and less expense.

For 2016, DSWD targets to provide social pension to some 1,368,941 indigent older persons, 60 years old and above, nationwide. (DSWD)•