National Anthem

Bayang Magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan.
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.

Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting.
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, 
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y ʻdi magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Aming ligaya na ʻpag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo.

*The Philippine National Anthem was composed by Julian Felipe, a Filipino music teacher and composer of Cavite. It was first played by the band of San Francisco de Malabon during the unfurling of the Filipino flag at Kawit during the Independence Day ceremony.

For more than a year, the anthem remained without words. Towards the end of August of 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem titled Filipinas. This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem, and today, the anthem is sung in Filipino, its official lyrics translated by Felipe de Leon, from the original Spanish lyrics in the early 1900s.

The Anthem is regularly played during the beginning and end of broadcast day on radio and television stations, also it followed by the SM Daily Prayer on first screening and last full show inside the SM Cinemas.

Editorial: Carving congressional districts

POLITICIANS rarely see interests beyond their own turfs. That point is truer for politicians leading local government units, even members of the House of Representatives. It’s cause is not only man’s inherent selfishness but also the kind of political setup we have. Politicians do not want to be alienated from the people who vote them into office.

Consider how congressional districts are being carved in Cebu, specifically now in the sixth congressional district of the province. The district once straddled an unbroken area from Consolacion town down to Mandaue City and Mactan island where Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova town are—until the House representative there transformed Lapu-Lapu into a lone congressional district.

That created an awkward situation for Cordova town, which remains part of the sixth congressional district without its Mactan co-inhabitant. Now comes House Bill 8511 that also seeks to convert Mandaue City into a lone congressional district. It has been approved on second reading but needs a Senate version for it to sail through Congress. Still a long way to go, but it could still come into fruition.

The move may benefit Mandauehanons, but it would further make awkward the already awkward setup in the sixth district because this would mean only Consolacion town in the mainland and Cordova town in Mactan island would compose the district. Surely, there could have been better ways of carving congressional districts than what is being done in the said district.

House Bill 8511 should make more compelling an idea floated years ago for Cordova town to become a Cebu City barangay, more so with the construction of the third Mactan bridge, or the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. It would also open up the possibility of Consolacion being absorbed by the fifth congressional district.

Perhaps lawmakers and officials of affected local government units should take a deeper look at the manner the sixth district is being divided before proceeding full speed ahead with HB 8511. They better be creative on this matter.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1776519

‘Mandaue district’ a long time coming

IN OCTOBER 2009, Lapu-Lapu City was torn away from Cebu’s sixth district when the city was converted into a lone congressional district. Soon, Mandaue City would also be stripped from the sixth, if a bill creating a similar lone district for it would be approved. House Bill 8511 passed second reading in the House last Tuesday (Nov. 27).

Most of the talk by proponents of a district conversion dwell on the benefits that they claim will pour into the new district. Explanatory note of the bill and the congressman’s pitch to their political leaders are full with the promise of good things to come. Few bother to know what will happen to the district that’s left behind, specifically the remaining LGUs.

Lapu-Lapu was a crown jewel of the sixth. So is the other city, Mandaue, that wants to break away too. With population of more than a third of a million each (Lapu-Lapu, 350,467 in 2010; Mandaue, 362,654 in 2015), and the revenue that each earns, what would have Consolacion and Cordova to show?

What rules apply

The public is told about the requirements on population and income in creating a new district. But not the requirements for the district that would be left once Mandaue would follow Lapu-Lapu’s lead?

Do the rules on income and population still apply? Or are they required only during legislative creation, not afterwards when the new district substantially diminishes the old district’s numbers?

12 kms., a bridge apart

Cebu’s sixth district is particularly interesting because with the exit of Lapu-Lapu and, sooner or later Mandaue, the two towns left, Consolacion and Cordova, are separated by about 12 kilometers. Being contiguous is supposedly a rule of thumb for the LGUs in the district. That won’t be any more with the two towns of the sixth being kilometers and a bridge apart.

One can appreciate then district congressman Luigi Quisumbing’s reluctance about the proposal. In March 2011, he said it was not economically and legally feasible. Besides, he said he had to consult One Cebu party leaders many of whom opposed the bill. Luigi was for the lone district, he said, but that was not yet its time. By December 2015, however, Luigi said he would’ve filed the bill but the 2016 election was coming and it would be up to Jonas Cortes, who was set to switch places with him, to take the law home.

Too late for Jonas

Congressman Jonas filed House Bill 4117 last Oct. 18, 2016, followed by Rep. Bebot Abellanosa who filed HB 4523 last Nov. 24, 2016. Both bills were consolidated last Oct. 17 into HB 8511 by the House committee and approved on second reading last week.

Jonas might no longer claim credit for the law, as chances are dim it would pass the House and then the Senate before the 2019 elections. Just as they were then dim when, at about the same time in 2015, Luigi, then the congressman, begged off, saying it was then for his successor Cortes to make the law’s passage happen.

Explanation necessary

Some explaining has to be done to the voters of Mandaue on the reason for the delay. And to the voters of Consolacion and Cordova as well, on what the heck would happen to their towns.

They would still have the district and, to be sure, its congressman or congresswoman. And, for good or ill, maybe not much.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1776516

Mandaue District bill hurdles second reading

THE House of Representatives approved on second reading on Tuesday, November 27, the bill that seeks to separate the city of Mandaue from the sixth legislative district of Cebu.

Cebu 6th District Representative Jonas Cortes said House Bill No. 8511 or “An Act Separating the City of Mandaue from the Sixth Legislative District of the Province of Cebu to Constitute the Lone Legislative District of Mandaue,” will “accord the city and its constituents the right to enjoy the privileges appurtenant to a legally declared Congressional District and will ultimately redound to the benefit of the people not only of Mandaue City but also of the 6th District by way of better welfare and benefits.”

Cortes, a former mayor and native of Mandaue City, sponsored the bill.

He said the people of Mandaue have been “ardently” requesting for the passage of the bill in order to raise the status of Mandaue to its “well deserved position.”

At present, Mandaue is grouped under the sixth legislative district of Cebu along with the municipalities of Cordova and Consolacion.

According to Cortes, the City of Mandaue, which has a population of more than 365,144 individuals is “a thriving first class city” and is known as the “Industrial Heartland of Cebu.”

“About 40 percent of Cebu’s export companies are found in Mandaue and being an industrial city it is home to some of the countries biggest companies. Mandaue City also accounts for 75 percent of the country’s total exports in the furniture sector in the past two decades, making the city the furniture capital of the country,” added Cortes.

House Bill 8511 aims to ensure equitable representation for the residents of Mandaue in the legislature.

Under the bill, the incumbent representative of the present sixth district of Cebu shall continue to represent the said district until the new representative of Mandaue is elected.

The bill likewise mandates the Commission on Elections to issue the necessary rules and regulations in relation to the implementation of the bill within 30 days after its effectivity.

House Bill No. 8511 substituted House Bill No. 4117 introduced by Cortes and House Bill No. 4523 introduced by Cebu 2nd District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa. Both seek to separate Mandaue from the sixth district of Cebu.

Cortes filed House Bill No. 4117 in October 2016 while Abellanosa filed his version of the bill in November 2016.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1776176

TV5 franchise renewal hurdles House second reading

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

The House of Representatives approved on second reading the legislative franchise application of television network TV5 of businessman Manny Pangilinan.

Through a viva voce voting, majority of the lawmakers approved the TV5’s franchise renewal for another 25 years under House Bill 8630.

TV5 Network Inc. is under the Mediaquest Holdings Inc. which owned and subsidized by the Beneficial Trust Fund of the PLDT. The said company is part of Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

The network’s existing franchise under Republic Act No. 7831 will expire on December 8, 2019.

TV5’s legislative franchise is sponsored by Markina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, and House committee on legislative franchises chair Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez (Palawan).

Meanwhile, the legislative franchise of television network giant ABS-CBN is pending before Alvarez’s panel, amidst consistent threat from President Rodrigo Duterte that he will oppose its passage in Congress.

http://politics.com.ph/tv5-franchise-renewal-hurdles-house-second-reading/

Sponsors of INQUIRER Lifestyle Series Fitness Fashion with Samsung

The show was supported by L’Oreal Philippines, Swatch and Technomarine.

Official mall partners are SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, Araneta Center, Star Malls and Trinoma Mall.

Our official media partners are ABS-CBN, People’s Television Network (PTV-4), ABC TV5, GMA-7, RPN-9, Q Channel 11, IBC-13, Studio 23, NET 25, ANC: ABS-CBN News Channel, ETC: Entertainment Central, GNN: Global News Network, Lifestyle Network, Living Asia Channel, Asian Journal, Panay News, DZBB Radyo Bisig-Bayan 594, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZRH, Campus Radio 97.1 WLS-FM, RJ 100.3 FM, 90.7 Love Radio, 939 KCFM, 96.3 WRocK, 101.1 YES! FM, MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life and Focus Media Audiovisuals.

Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave her greetings and message to the crowd. In attendance, also were watching the show are some members of the cabinet; former presidents Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos and Corazon Aquino; CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Prospero Nograles; and friends of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector.

Pamintuan vows to push Angeles lone district if he wins

CLARK FREEPORT -- Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has vowed to pursue the creation of a lone legislative district for the city if he wins in 2019 midterm polls.

Pamintuan, who is running for congressman under the Abe Kapampangan Party-list, revealed this during a discussion with members of the Capampangan in Media, Inc. (CAMI) at the Bale-Balita here.

He said his party-list will not represent any particular sector but will be the answer to the disproportionate representation of the first district in the House of Representatives.

"While other districts in the country with less population than our district have two or more congressmen, we only have one," he said, citing Marikina City, which has two representatives according to him.

Pamintuan blamed a previous congressman for this failure. He did not name the congressman.

He said that if he wins and Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, who is set to regain the congressional seat he lost to Congressman Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin, Jr. in 2016, also wins, they can work together for the creation of the city lone district.

Meanwhile, Pamintuan said his endorsement of Vice-Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno as his mayoralty bet versus erstwhile chief of staff and former president of Clark International Airport Corporation Alexander Cauiguran was a personal choice.

He did not elaborate but he hinted at some minor irritants although he still considers Cauguiran as a friend.

Pamintuan was effusive about Nepomuceno's support for his various programs, including the plan to borrow P1.2-billion from the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance the construction of a sports center and other city facilities.

"We're working now for the future of Angelenos," he said.

Pamintuan said the passage of the ordinance for the loan followed the legal and legislative process and was already approved by concerned government agencies, including the Central Bank of the Philippines.

"We're now supposed to be in the bidding stage which the other side wants to stop," he said.

Asked about his previous inclusion the drug list, Pamintuan reiterated that his name was already removed from the list by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting of the National Security Council.

He said the President addressed the directive to Secretary Eduardo Ano of the Department of Interior and the Local Government and Director General Aaron Aquino of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

While Cauguiran is running under the Kambilan Party of Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda, Pamintuan disclosed that he is also supported by the governor. (NCS)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1775771

A PBA cager’s thoughts on Vice Ganda’s ‘friendship’ with Calvin Abueva

There’s a thin line between basketball and show biz. Former PBA cagers have turned into actors. Many pro players end up marrying show biz personalities.

Of late, the special friendship of Vice Ganda and PBA cager Calvin Abueva has been the talk of the town.

I asked one of my fave Gilas and PBA players, Troy Rosario, his thoughts on this, among other things.

Here’s my chat with Troy:

If a gay celebrity wants to become your close/special friend just like how Vice Ganda is to Calvin Abueva, would you be game? I’m not aware of the status of Vice and Calvin right now. But I see nothing wrong with being a close friend of a gay celebrity. They are also human and are fun to have around. I don’t care what people will say. Alam ko sa sarili ko kung ano ang totoo.

Why do basketball gurus say that it’s the strongest Gilas lineup ever? Because it’s a taller team compared to the previous lineup. So we can probably match up with taller teams like Iran.

What lesson did you learn from the FIBA “basketbrawl”? It taught me how to manage anger or simply, to “think before you hit.”

How do you handle victory and defeat? I savor victory while staying humble. In defeat, I embrace the experience and its lessons. I tell myself that it was just a setback, and I will bounce back.

What’s the best and toughest part of being a Gilas player? The best part is when I hear the Lupang Hinirang being played before every game. It always gives me goosebumps.

The toughest part is being away from my wife and two baby girls whenever we have training and games abroad.

Would you be willing to join show biz? If given a chance, why not?

What’s the funniest experience you’ve had with your Gilas teammates off the court? In our bus rides after a game, our utility guy, Bong, cracks jokes nonstop. The whole team laughs like crazy. It makes us forget how tired we are.

Who’s the hardest PBA player to guard? Junemar Fajardo. He’s an unstoppable giant.

Congratulations

Whammy Alcazaren’s family drama “Never Tear Us Apart” and Carl Papa’s musical animation “Paglisan” won the most number of awards in the Cinema One Originals 2018 film festival.

“Mamu; and A Mother Too” also won big, with lead actress Iyah Mina hailed as best actress—the first transgender woman recognized for acting in the fest.

Arron Villaflor bagged his best supporting actor win while Alwyn Uytingco was named best actor.

Bravo, C1 Originals for pushing the boundaries. In this biz, full of copies, here’s to the originals.

From the grapevine

If plans materialize, two big action stars will star in a movie. With their combined charisma and acting prowess, their film will surely make a killing at the tills.

It’s high time for a resuscitation of action movies.

Personal

Happy birthday to dearest Lola Virgie Generao and Baby Akhi Fernandez (Nov. 21). Daghang salamat to my avid reader, Rito Baluran Jr.

Senate panel OKs bill designating PUP as National Polytechnic University

The Senate education, arts, and culture committee has approved a bill seeking to officially designate the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the country’s largest state university by student population, as the National Polytechnic University.

In approving Senate Bill 2037, Senator Francis Escudero, who chairs the panel, asked PUP to provide data "on the road map on declaring national universities by way of utilizing the best practices adopted by other countries."

Escudero was asking about the difference between a National University status, which has been given to the University of the Philippines and Mindanao State University, and National Polytechnic University status being asked by PUP.

During the hearing Wednesday, PUP President Emmanuel de Guzman said being designated as the National Polytechnic University would allow PUP to have institutional and fiscal autonomy, similar to what UP enjoys.

"It will allow us to create our own academic program in consultation with CHED (Commission on Higher Education)," De Guzman told the committee. "This will give us more freedom to improve our program. We have done some much and we can do more with the National Polytechnic status."

Under Senate Bill 2037, PUP shall exclusively determine its teaching research and extension thrusts, plans, policies, programs and standards. On the basis of such determination, the university shall recommend its annual budget to the President and Congress.

It also seeks to strengthen the PUP as an institution and solidify its position as one of the country's premier state universities.

"It is high time that we strengthen the PUP and officially designate it as the 'National Polytechnic University,’ which will cater to educating and developing the country’s future industry leaders," said Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, the bill's author.

Angara said the government should equip PUP to enable it to better fulfill its mandate of providing technical and professional instruction, training students in the applied arts and sciences.

"In doing so, the PUP will be able to propagate more widely the ideals for which its core values are based—social justice, peace, freedom, academic excellence, ethical and moral standards, cultural identity, and respect for diversity, civil society engagement, and passion for learning," he said.

"The PUP has stood out, being among the first in the country to emphasize hands-on, skills-based education that respond to market demands and societal needs,” he added.

Aside from pioneering two-year associate's degrees that bring students faster and closer to gainful employment, the PUP piloted ladderized technical courses, which the national government is currently working to ramp up across the country with the recent passage of the Philippine Qualifications Framework, the senator said.

He added that PUP has performed consistently well, producing topnotchers in the various licensure exams such as in engineering, architecture, and information technology.

"On top of this, the results of annual surveys conducted by Jobstreet.com show that employers in the Philippines consider graduates of PUP as their top choice for employment—underscoring that a PUP education is competitive and relevant to society’s needs,” he further said.

Founded in 1904, the PUP has more than 20 campuses serving more than 70,000 students, making it the largest state university in the Philippines in terms of student population. Its main campus is located in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Prior to the enactment of law providing free higher education in public colleges and universities, the PUP is considered the state university that offers low tuition but still provides high quality education, said Angara.

With the committee approval, Escudero has to sponsor the bill to the plenary for deliberation.

Once senators are done with interpellations and amendments, they will vote for its approval for second reading and wait for three days for the third and final reading approval. A similar process will be done in the House of Representatives.

The bicameral conference committee will then be convened to reconcile the disagreeing provisions before it will be returned to the plenary for ratification.

Once ratified, the bill will be sent to the President for either his approval.  —KBK, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/675825/senate-panel-oks-bill-designating-pup-as-national-polytechnic-university/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=news&fbclid=IwAR0nZDYteXvlKOOrigTj_88GDgSBRhNyFlFurC_icZm5WwhgGE4MUJrWOb0

Ayala to expand Cloverleaf mall

By Arra B. Francia, Reporter

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) is expanding the mall inside its mixed use estate Cloverleaf in Balintawak, Quezon City, as it looks to cater to the needs of commuters traversing the area.

The listed property developer said it targets to open phase 2 of Ayala Malls Cloverleaf by 2022, offering a gross leasable area (GLA) of around 40,000 square meters (sq.m.).

“Because of the success of phase 1, we will have Ayala Malls phase 2, but unlike the first one this is more targeted to the commuter sector of Quezon City or Balintawak in particular because of its connection to the LRT station,” AyalaLand Estates, Inc. Project Development Senior Associate Paula Eimreh Joy Cagampan said in a press briefing in Makati on Tuesday.

Construction on the Cloverleaf mall is set to start in January.

“This is envisioned to become the Market! Market! of the north,” Ms. Cagampan said, referring to the company’s mall in Taguig located near a transport terminal.

Ayala Malls Cloverleaf phase 1 currently caters to the mid-income market. Opened in October 2017, the mall covers about 38,000 sq.m. in GLA spread out across four levels. It features six cinemas and various retail shops targeted toward millennials.

“As of October, almost occupied na ‘yung spaces natin in that area,” Ms. Cagampan said.

Also set to rise in Cloverleaf is a residential tower by ALI’s upscale market brand, Alveo. The project will have three residential towers, with the first to be launched by the third quarter of 2019.

Cloverleaf is ALI’s 11-hectare master planned development in Quezon City. The estate is accessible through EDSA and A. Bonifacio, which the company noted makes for a highly strategic space for retail business and for a place of residence.

The company has allocated to spend P15 billion to develop phase 1 of Cloverleaf, out of the total P23-billion budget for the estate. Since its launch in 2015, the company has already completed about 42% of the developable area.

Cloverleaf is one of 26 estates across the country under ALI’s portfolio. Its most recent one is called Habini Bay, a 526-hectare property located in the municipalities of Alubijid and Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. It will house an industrial park to be managed by Laguna Technopark, Inc.

Habini Bay will be ALI’s fourth estate in Mindanao, following Abreeza in Davao, Alegria Hills in Cagayan de Oro, and Azuela Cove in Davao.

Earnings of ALI climbed 15% to P7.2 billion in the third quarter of 2018, after revenues improved by 14% to P39.3 billion. On a nine-month basis, the company’s net income went up by 17% to P20.78 billion, while revenues stood at P119.7 billion, 21% higher year-on-year.

Shares in ALI ended flat at P40 each at the stock exchange on Thursday.

https://www.bworldonline.com/ayala-to-expand-cloverleaf-mall/

Misreading the news media

Denmark’s Ambassador to the Philippines said he “reads” the media, but has apparently been misreading them. He said “some media” are “systematically negative” in their reporting on the government, but his subsequent statements sounded as if he was describing most, or even all of them.

If anything can be said about the news media today, it is that they are too often deliberately positive when it comes to reporting on the present regime. But in his message to the “Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on Crafting the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists” last Nov. 7, Ambassador Jan Top Christensen said the Philippine media have not acknowledged such “progressive developments” as President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order mandating public access to information held by government agencies under the Office of the President; the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act; the campaign against illegal drugs; and the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Safety (PTFOMS).

Christensen blamed this alleged negativism on “lack of ethical standards [and] lack of professionalism,” and assured his audience of journalists, communication academics, UNESCO officials, and members of media advocacy and publishers’ groups that his opinion is based on his “read [ing] many different media everyday.”

Apparently the ambassador is unfamiliar with the many threats to journalists, about which the speakers after him were, in contrast, so eminently aware. And neither, it seems, has he been reading a widely circulated Manila broadsheet whose editorial policy has always been supportive of whatever regime is in power, including, and most specially, the present one. One of this newspaper’s more recent offenses against the truth was its urging its readers to remember how Ferdinand Marcos “saved and transformed our country” by declaring martial law on Sept. 21, 1972.

Neither, it seems, has Christensen been reading another that’s in the running for the Most Badly Edited Newspaper of the Decade Award, which, in furtherance of its mindless support for the same regime, uses its news columns as opinion vehicles and is every day in violation of such basic journalism canons as truth-telling, fairness, and even correct grammar.

There is a third rag in contention for the same category, primarily because of its so-called columnists, one of whom is the unashamed and long-time mouthpiece of Duterte ally Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in whose behalf he knowingly spreads false information, and invites State repression of regime critics.

It is these “positive” newspapers that most qualify for criticism for being ethically and professionally challenged. It is completely wrong to describe those other media organizations that are not in the same shoddy league as “systematically negative,” by which term Ambassador Christensen probably meant those he perceives to be critical of the Duterte regime.

Despite their supposedly critical stance, these newspapers, TV networks, and online news sites nevertheless religiously report Mr. Duterte’s tirades, his threats to block their franchise renewal applications, and even the regime’s attempts to suppress them through various “legal” and underhanded means. Neither do they ever fail to quote whatever nonsense past and present presidential spokespersons say, as well the daily absurdities and evasions of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Some even cover the early campaign sorties of the regime’s candidates for the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Every one of them also reported the “progressive” developments Christensen mentioned, among them Mr. Duterte’s freedom of information (FOI) EO, with, in fact, a great deal of enthusiasm — until they discovered that it has not made getting information even from Malacañang itself any easier, and that despite the EO, an FOI law is still needed for the sake of government transparency and the regime’s own claims that it is against corruption.

These media organizations did the same thing in the case of TRAIN. They dutifully quoted the assurances of government economic managers that it will not boost the inflation rate and that it would help bring the country out of its present Third World status. If they can be faulted for anything, it is for the rarity of the follow-up reports and analyses the media audiences need to understand why, in the wake of TRAIN, the prices of such necessities as food have gone sky-high together with the unemployment rate.

The creation of PTFOMS was similarly widely reported, among other reasons because of the continuing killing of journalists (158 since 1986, 14 of which occurred during the past two years of the Duterte regime). So were its activities chronicled by much of the media, among them its executive director’s demanding that a community newspaper take down a report that wasn’t to his liking, and its proposal for government licensing of journalists. It again proposed licensing during the Nov. 7 consultation — by which time, however, Ambassador Christensen had left, and could no longer appreciate how “progressive” the creation of PTFOMS has been.

As for the anti-drug campaign, every PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Malacañang spokesperson and Duterte act, statement, plan and justification for it has been so amply reported that its immense cost in lives (estimated by human rights groups at 24,000 and rising) is increasingly being regarded by media readers and viewers as necessary and even normal.

There is of course also the smuggling through of billions of pesos worth of drugs for which no one has been held responsible, and which all the media except the three “positive” newspapers headlined, simply because it met all the criteria of newsworthiness. Does Christensen think it shouldn’t have been that well reported?

If he does, he should be assured by the fact that thanks to the present regime, even some of the more responsible media organizations, in their attempt to not be seen as solely “negative,” have practically abdicated the journalistic duty of providing their audiences the context and meaning of the news in these dangerous times.

Most of them — there are exceptions — have succumbed to merely quoting what this or that source said without interpretation and discernment. It is in this sense that Christensen’s criticism may apply. In their fear that they will be seen as biased and partisan — and harassed even further by the regime and its online trolls — many of these media organizations are failing to meet the primary ethical responsibility of truth-telling as well as the imperative of adhering to the professional standard of providing their audiences reports that are of significance to their lives. What some of them are doing is not journalism, but what the journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger calls stenography.

What was so deeply ironic about Christensen’s message was that the Nov. 7 consultation organized by the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) was supported by the European Union and Denmark’s own Foreign Ministry in recognition of the dangers journalists in the Philippines are facing today, which include not only being insulted, cursed and barred from coverage, but also threatened, harassed, and even murdered.

But a further and even worse irony is that by echoing Mr. Duterte’s and his fellow bullyboys’ tirades against the media, Ambassador Christensen was helping validate the regime’s attacks on the press and media as indispensable sources of the information citizens need in this alleged democracy. That as an ambassador he has to be in the good graces of a regime widely known for its antipathy to the slightest criticism doesn’t excuse his buying into the fairy tale horrors it has been passing off as truth to intimidate and silence those sectors of the Philippine press who take the responsibilities of their craft seriously.

An apology will not be enough, but would be a good start.

Luis V. Teodoro is on Facebook and Twitter (@luisteodoro). The views expressed in Vantage Point are his own and do not represent the views of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.

www.luisteodoro.com

Published in Business World
Nov. 22, 2018

http://bulatlat.com/main/2018/11/22/misreading-the-news-media/

PAGKAINGAY-INGAY

Masasabi kong enjoy ang panahon ng aking kabataan. Makulay dahil naging busy sa pag-aaral at pagiging choir member ng simbahan. Mas nahilig sa musika. Nagka-bonus pa na matuto sa ilang instrumento gaya ng banduria na super lalabs ko at tsaka yung lyre. Ewan! Kahit nakakapagod e ang charap-charap sumama sa prusisyon dahil isa ka sa nagko-contribute ng noise sa community para ipaalam na, “Uy! Eyow!!! Naririto na’ng Poon! Tunghay na po!!!”

Tapos, pagdating ng linggo e makikiingay na naman dahil ano’t ano man ang boses mo’y magpapasunod ka sa marami na, “Uy! Kantahan na natin si Lord! Kanta na po!!!”

Gosh!

Ganun—pala—ako—kaingay!!! … noon. Hilig ko na ngang makipagkuwentuhan sa mga kaibigan e hilig ko pang sumawsaw sa mga gawaing maiingay para mag-anyaya ng mga tao to get closer kay Lord.

Kaso, before ako grumaduate ng grade 6 e nagkaro’n ng malaking pagbabago dahil pinahinto na kami ni father sa choir. Kasi wala na raw kaming pahinga. Halos di na yata kami magpang-abot sa bahay. Medyo ouch yun pero super concern lang siya sa health namin. Tutal may ibang paraan pa raw to serve God kaya—sige na!

Pero inaamin, na yun na ang naging simula ng pananamlay ko sa simbahan… at marahil kay Lord.

Pero labas dun si father, ha! Ang desisyon niya ay nagmistulang hamon para mapagtanto kung hanggang dun na nga lang ba ang makakaya ko para sa Kanya. Sa pagka-choir o paglilingkod sa simbahan lang ba masusukat ang effort para masabing, “O God, close na tayo, ha!”

Gosh!

Focus, focus, focus—sa school. Wala na. Dun na lang umikot ang mundo ko.

Kaya siguro sobrang natorete bigla nang makarinig ng tila pamilyar na mga ingay.

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

Golly!

Ano na naman yun?

Di pa Sunday, ah!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

Golly talaga!

But tsorii, kedali naman ‘atang dumedma!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

My gosh!
Ang iingay niyo!!!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

Hay naku!

Nakaka—?!#?!#?!#

Hayayay!

Hallelujah!

‘Kala mo biglang niliyaban ang kaluluwa sa sobrang irita!

My yayay!
I can’t imagine kung ano’ng reaksiyon ni Lord sa nakikita Niyang reaksiyon ko sa mga sandaling yun. I truly understand kung sob—rang napapailing ko Siya.

Hay…

Ang ingay na yun ay nasundan pa noong sumunod na linggo—tapos nung sumunod ulit na linggo—tapos naging automatic every Friday, e may magaganap na raw na gawain sa lumang building na super lapit sa bahay namin. Dati yung building e pang negosyo nung may-ari nito. Until napahinto ang negosyo at natengga si building. Tapos all of a sudden e nabuhayang muli dahil umano sa gawain na yun. At—ang pinaka-kalorkey pa dun e nung—pati na si mother ko e naki-join sa maiingay na yun!

Aguy!!!

“Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!”

Pumapalakpak pa sila?!

“Death has lost its victory and the grave has been denied.”

My gosh!

Isasama ko ba si mama sa mga kinaaasaran ko na?! Naku!!!

“Jesus lives forever, He’s alive! He’s alive!!!”

Pigil. Pigil. Pigil.

Andun si madir, andun si madir—ba’t kasi andun si madir?!

Iwwiwiwww!!!

“Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!!!”

Boom!

Umabot din dun—na yung pinakaayaw mo, yung pinakakinainiririta mo e—siyang ipapa-sa yo…

Aguy! Na katotohanan.

Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko kundi lunukin ang sarili nang masundan din ng masundan ang pag-aattend ni madir. At ang sobrang grabe sa lahat e yung mahikayat pa kaming mag-audition kung papasang choir member ng gawain na yun.

Hay…

“Ikaw ang kublihan ko, na hindi magbabago…”

Nasa hagdan pa lang paakyat kasama ni ate e naririnig na namin ‘to. At hindi namin alam ang kantang ‘to.

“Sa mga pagluha ko, naro’n balikat Mo.”

At kailangan pa talagang naka-mayk?!

Gosh!

“Ikaw ang kublihan ko kung may alon at bagyo. Kung sa’n ka naro’n Hesus, payapa ang unos.”

Buti may iba pang mag-o-audition. Sila muna habang pinag-aaralan namin ni ate ang kanta.

“Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya. Kublihan ko’y ikaw.”

Bonggang—o, gosh!

Ah-ahm-ayayay… ah-koh-nah-poh… yung sasalang?!

Shocks!

Panginig ng buto, ah!

Seryoso!

“Ikaw ang kublihan ko…”

Ninenerbiyos…

Nangangatog…

Para pa ngang nangingiyak…

“Na hindi magbabago…”

Nakaka-relate…

May naaalala…

“Sa mga pagluha ko, naro’n balikat mo.”

Di ba nung una, ayaw ko—ayaw ko talaga.

Simula’t sapul ngang marinig kong gawai’y nainis talaga ko—sobra.

“Ikaw ang kublihan ko kung may alon at bagyo. Kung sa’n ka naro’n Hesus, payapa ang unos.”

Shocks! Parang sayang na kung di ko ‘to mapapasa… kaso lito pa talaga sa tono niya…

“Wala sa ganda ng boses ang basehan. Kundi nasa pakiramdam—kung tagos sa puso ang pagkanta,” wika ni Sister Tess, pinuno ng gawain.

Ayun!

Dahil tila naramdaman niya rin ako kaya—ayuyun!

Nakapasa ang bruha!

Kalorkey!

Yeyey!!!

Su—lit ang kabang bonggang-bongga!!!

Wooh!!!!!!!!!!

Hal-le-lu-jah…

Ang ingay—na sobrang ikinairita ko—e siya pa lang ingay na tumatawag sa akin papalapit—kay Yahweh El Shaddai.

Galing!

“Mga Makabayang Awitin” (Philippine Patriotic Songs)

Ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas
(Philippine National Anthem)

Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay

Lupang hinirang
Duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig
Di ka pasisiil

Sa dagat at bundok
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw;
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma’y ‘di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa’yo.

Bayan Ko
(My Country)

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto’t bulaklak
Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda’t dilag

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa

Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag
Ang di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha ko’t dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

Pilipinas Kong Mahal (My Beloved Philippines)

Ang bayan ko’y tanging ikaw
Pilipinas kong mahal
Ang puso ko at buhay man
Sa iyo’y ibibigay
Tungkulin ko’y gagampanan
Na laging kang paglingkuran
Ang laya mo’y babantayan
Pilipinas kong hirang

Ako ay Pilipino (I am a Filipino)

Ako ay Pilipino
Ang dugo’y maharlika
Likas sa aking puso
Adhikaing kay ganda
Sa Pilipinas na aking bayan
Lantay na Perlas ng Silanganan
Wari’y natipon ang kayamanan
ng Maykapal
Bigay sa ‘king talino
Sa mabuti lang laan
Sa aki’y katutubo
Ang maging mapagmahal

Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino
Isang bansa, ‘sang diwa
ang minimithi ko
Sa bayan ko’t bandila
Laan buhay ko’t diwa
Ako ay Pilipino
Pilipinong totoo
Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino
Taas noo kahit kanino
Ang Pilipino ay ako.

Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino
Taas noo kahit kanino
Ang Pilipino ay ako.

Panatang Makabayan

Original version

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan
Upang maging malakas,
Maligaya at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti ay diringgin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng
Isang mamamayang makabayan
At masunurin sa batas.
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang
Walang pag-iimbot at ng buong katapatan
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

Current version

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan,
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking magulang,
susundin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan:
naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap
sa bansang Pilipinas.

Towards the 1970’s (when President Ferdinand E. Marcos declares martial law on September 23, 1972) to the current century and the millennium, these songs are “Tayo’y mga Pinoy” composed by Heber Bartolome and sung by Judas for the 1978 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival and “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” by Florante de Leon. After the 1986 EDSA People-Power Revolution, the songs are “Magkaisa” composed by Tito Sotto, Ernie dela Pena and Homer Flores and sung by Virna Lisa, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” composed by Jim Paredes and sung by APO Hiking Society, Celeste Legaspi, Coritha & Eric, Edru Abraham, Gretchen Barretto, Ivy Violan, Inang Laya, Joseph Olfindo, Kuh Ledesma, Leah Navarro, Lester Demetillo, Noel Trinidad and Subas Herrero, “Mga Kababayan Ko” composed and sung by the late Francis Magalona from the album “Yo!” in 1990.

KAY GANDA NG ATING MUSIKA — This song inspires us to love our very own music. I always say that when it’s a well-written OPM, it becomes a bigger hit compared to a foreign song…“Kay ganda ng ating musika, ito ay atin, sariling atin…”

ang Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika ni Ryan Cayabyab ay naging awit ng mga uri ng Orihinal na Pilipinong Musika

“Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”
Music and Lyrics: Ryan Cayabyab
Interpreter: Hajji Alejandro

Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Naging makulay ang aking munting daigdig
Tila ilog pala ang paghimig
Kung malalim, damdami’y pag-ibig
Kung umapaw, ang kaluluwa’t tinig
Ay sadyang nanginginig

Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Bawat sandali’y aking pilit mabatid
Ang himig na maituturing atin
Mapupuri pagka’t bukod-tangi
Di marami ang di-magsasabing
Heto na’t inyong dinggin

KORO:
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.

Magmula no’ng ako’y natutong umawit
Nagkabuhay muli ang aking paligid
Ngayong batid ko na ang umibig
Sa sariling tugtugtin o himig
Sa isang makata’y maririnig
Mga titik, nagsasabing:
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.

Kay ganda ng ating musika!

“Anak”
Music and Lyrics: Freddie Aguilar
Interpreter: Freddie Aguilar

Noong isilang ka sa mundong ito
Laking tuwa ng magulang mo
At ang kamay nila ang iyong ilaw
At ang nanay at tatay mo’y
Di malaman ang gagawin
Minamasdan pati pagtulog mo
At sa gabi’y napupuyat ang iyong nanay
Sa pagtimpla ng gatas mo
At sa umaga nama’y kalong ka
Ng iyong amang tuwang-tuwa sa iyo

Ngayon nga ay malaki ka na
Ang nais mo’y maging malaya
Di man sila payag
Walang magagawa
Ikaw nga ay biglang nagbago
Naging matigas ang iyong ulo

At ang payo nila’y sinuway mo
Di mo man lang inisip na
Ang kanilang ginagawa’y para sa iyo
Pagkat ang nais mo’y
Masunod ang layaw mo
Di mo sila pinapansin

Nagdaan pa ang mga araw
At ang landas mo’y naligaw
Ikaw ay nalulong sa masamang bisyo
At ang una mong nilapitan
Ang iyong inang lumuluha
At ang tanong,”anak, ba’t ka nagkaganyan”
At ang iyong mga mata’y biglang lumuha ng di mo napapansin
Pagsisisi at sa isip mo’y
Nalaman mong ika’y nagkamali
Pagsisisi at sa isip mo’y
Nalaman mong ika’y nagkamali
Kahapon ay nilimot mo
Pati ang iyong masamang bisyo
Laki’ng pasalamat ng magulang mo

Ikaw nga ay tuloyang nag bago
Natagpuan ang sarili
Galaw ng isip mo matuwid na
Patuloy ang takbo ng araw
At ikaw ay natutong umibig
Hindi nag laon at ipinasya mo’ng
Lumagay kana sa tahimik

Pagka binata mo’y natapos na
Malapit kanang magging ama
Kaya lalong nag sikap ng husto
Dumating ang iyong hinihintay
Sinilang ang panganay mo
Parang langit ang iyong nadama

Ngayon anak alam mo na
Kung ano’ng pakiramdam ng magging isang ama
Ganyan din ang nadarama
Ng iyong ama’t ina ng ikaw ay makita
Ngayon iyong naramdaman
Ngayon iyong naranasan
Ngayon iyong maiintindihan
Tama pala ang iyong ina
Tama pala ang iyong ama
Ngayon hindi kana magtataka

Hindi pala biro’ng maging magulang o ngayon iyong dinaranas (3x)

Ipaglalaban Ko

Ikaw ang pag-asa
Nasa ‘yo ang ligaya
Sa piling mo, sinta
Iyon ang pagdurusa

Madilim na kahapon
‘Di ko na alintana
Dahil sa ‘yo, sinta
Buhay ko ay nagbago

Anuman ang mangyari, ‘di kita iiwan
Ipaglalaban ko ang pag-ibig mo
Ipaglalaban ko hanggang sa dulo ng mundo
Ang ating pag-ibig, giliw ko

“Sa ugoy ng duyan”

Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni nanay
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni inang mahal
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan
Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni nanay
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni inang mahal
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan

Refrain:
Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing
Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin
Sa piling ni nanay, langit ay buhay
Puso kong may dusa sabik sa ugoy ng duyan
Sana’y di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni nanay
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni inang mahal
Awit ng pag-ibig habang ako’y nasa duyan
Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing
Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin
Sa piling ni nanay, langit ay buhay
Puso kong may dusa sabik sa ugoy ng duyan
Nais kong matulog sa dating duyan ko, inay
Oh! inay

“Tayo’y Mga Pinoy”
Music and Lyrics: Heber Bartolome
Interpreter: Judas

Dito sa Silangan ako isinilang
Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw
Ako ay may sariling kulay: kayumanggi
Ngunit hindi ko maipakita tunay na sarili

Kung ating hahanapin ay matatagpuan
Tayo ay may kakanyahang dapat na hangaan
Subalit nasaan ang sikat ng araw
Ba’t tayo ang humahanga doon sa Kanluran

CHORUS 1
Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo
Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano
‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

Dito sa Silangan, tayo’y isinilang
Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw
Subalit nasaan ang sikat ng araw
Ba’t tayo ang humahanga doon sa Kanluran

Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo
Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano
‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

CHORUS 2
Mayro’ng isang aso, daig pa ang ulol
Siya’y ngumingiyaw, hindi tumatahol
Katulad ng iba, painglis-inglis pa
Na kung pakikinggan, mali-mali naman
‘Wag na lang
AD LIB
Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo
Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano
‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango
‘Wag na, oy oy
Oy, ika’y Pinoy
Oy, oy, ika’y Pinoy

Ako’y Isang Pinoy

Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa
Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa
Ako’y hindi sanay sa wikang mga banyaga
Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong sariling wika.

Chorus
Wikang pambansa ang gamit kong salita
Bayan kong sinilangan
Hangad kong lagi ang kalayaan.

Si Gat Jose Rizal nuo ay nagwika
Siya ay nagpangaral sa ating bansa

Ang hindi raw magmahal sa sariling wika
Ay higit pa ang amoy sa mabahong isda.


Magkaisa

Ngayon ganap ang hirap sa mundo
Unawa ang kailangan ng tao
Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa’y ilaan
Isa lang ang ugat na ating pinagmulan
Tayong lahat ay magkakalahi
Sa unos at agos ay huwag padadala

Chorus
Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Ay hirap at dusa
Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa

Ngayon may pag-asang natatanaw
May bagong araw, bagong umaga
Pagmamahal ng Diyos, isipin mo tuwina

Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kahit ito (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Ay hirap at dusa
Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)
At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)
Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)
Sa bagong pag-asa


“MAMBO MAGSAYSAY”

This campaign jingle, written and composed by Raul Maglapus and credited with sweeping Ramon Magsaysay to the Presidency in the 50s, resurfaced in the 80s, after Keithley played the jazzy tune during her broadcasts to boost morale. The lyrics were a subtle jab at the rampant corruption and flagrant human rights violations of the Marcos regime.

“Everywhere that you would look

Was a bandit or a crook

Peace and order was a joke

Til Magsaysay pumasok.

That is why, that is why

You will hear the people cry

Our democracy will die

Kung wala si Magsaysay.”

Magsaysay had run on a campaign to stamp out corruption and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, in a stark contrast to a fellow Ilocano who had done the opposite.

(Listen to the track on Soundcloud)

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
The 19th century hymn was also adopted by the members of the 1986 People Power Revolution. Intermittently played over Radio Veritas, and later Radyo Bandido, the solemn hymn served to encourage the soldiers by reminding them of the unity of the opposition.

The United Methodist Hymnal Number 575
Text: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
Music: Arthur S. Sullivan, 1842-1900
Tune: ST. GERTRUDE, Meter: 65.65 D with Refrain

1. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle see his banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.

2. At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
(Refrain)

3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
(Refrain)

4. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
(Refrain)

5. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.
(Refrain)

Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo

With the heartfelt lyrics of Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society, written just after the revolution, Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo became the collaborative effort of a group of Filipino recording artists released in April 1986.

‘Di na ‘ko papayag mawala ka muli.
‘Di na ‘ko papayag na muli mabawi,
Ating kalayaan kay tagal natin mithi.
‘Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.
Kelan man ‘di na paalipin.

Ref:

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.
Nagkasama ng mahirap at mayaman.
Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.
Naging Langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.
Tinig ng bawat tao’y bigyan ng pansin.
Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.
Ito’y lagi nating tatandaan.

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Coda:
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan.
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat!

Mga Kababayan Ko

Mga kababayan ko
Dapat lang malaman nyo
Bilib ako sa kulay ko
Ako ay pilipino
Kung may itim o may puti
Mayron naman kayumangi
Isipin mo na kaya mong
Abutin ang yung minimithi

Dapat magsumikap para tayo’y di maghirap
Ang trabaho mo pagbutihin mo
Dahil pag gusto mo ay kaya mo
Kung kaya mo ay kaya nya
At kaya nating dalawa
Magaling ang atin
Yan ang laging iisipin
Pag-asenso mararating
Kung handa kang tiisin
Ang hirap at pagod sa problema
Wag kang malunod
Umaahon ka wag lumubog
Pagka’t ginhawa naman ang susunod
Iwasan mo ang ingit
Ang sa iba’y ibig mong makamit
Dapat nga ika’y matuwa sa napala ng iyong kapatid
Ibig kong ipabatid
Na lahat tayo’y kabig-bisig

Mga kababayan ko
Dapat lang malaman nyo
Bilib ako sa kulay ko
Ako ay pilipino
Kung may itim o may puti
Mayron naman kayumangi
Isipin mo na kaya mong
Abutin ang yung minimithi

Respetuhin natin ang ating ina
Ilaw siya ng tahanan
Bigyang galang ang ama
At ang payo n’ya susudan
At sa magkakapatid
Kailangan ay magmahalan
Dapat lang ay pag-usapan ang hindi nauunawaan
Wag takasan ang pagkukulang
Kasalan ay panagutan
Magmalinis ay iwasan
Nakakainis marumi naman
Ang magkaaway ipag bati
Gumitna ka at wag kumampi
Lahat tayoy magkakapatid
Anong mang mali ay ituwid
Magdasal sa Diyos Maykapal
Maging banal at wag hangal
Itong tula ay alay ko
Sa bayan ko at sa buong mundo

Mga kababayan ko
Dapat lang malaman nyo
Bilib ako sa kulay ko
Ako ay pilipino
Kung may itim o may puti
Mayron naman kayumangi
Isipin mo na kaya mong
Abutin ang yung minimithi

Sabihin Mo, Ikaw ay Pilipino

Sabi ng tatay ko, kapag mayroong nagta nong
Nasaan ang bayan mo? Isagot mo ay yung totoo
Sabi ng tatay ko, maraming nang-ibang bayan

Mas higit ang kayamanan, pag-ibig ay, wala naman

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta
Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

Sabi ng tatay ko, marami ang naghihirap
Ngunit hindi magtatagal, yayaman din tayo
Sabi ko sa tatay ko, di bale ng mahirap
Basta’t lahat ay pantay-pantay at nagkakaisa

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta
Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

Sabihin man ng lolo mo, ika’y kastila at kano
Pagmasdan mo ang kulay mo, kulay lupa walang kasing ganda

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta
Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino
Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

“Babalik ka rin”

I
Saan ka man naroroon ngayon, Saudi, Japan o Hongkong
Babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.
Ano mang layo ang narating, Singapore, Australia, Africa,
Europe o Amerika, babalik at babalik ka rin.

Refrain:
Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin
Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.

Ii
Sa piling ng iyong pinagmulan, sa iyong nakaraan
Babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin
Anumang layo ang narating, iyong maaalala
Ang dati mong kasama, babalik at babalik ka rin.

Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin
Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.

Iii
Sa paglipas ng panahon, sa iyong kahapon
Sa alaalang naghihintay sa ‘yo.

Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin
Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.

Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin
Kaytagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.

Ikea allots P7B for Philippine store

By Victor V. Saulon, Sub-editor

IKEA has allocated an initial investment of P7 billion to set up its first Philippine store, which at a leased area of 65,000 square meters is described by the Swedish furniture retailer as its largest in the world.

Christian Rojkjaer, managing director Ikea Southeast Asia, said the store would have around 9,000 well-designed, functional home furnishing products, and could be the brand’s first stop before expanding outside Metro Manila.

“Everything is open right now. But I could imagine there will be some more stores in Manila and then we’re going further out potentially with e-commerce first, but I think we’re going to focus on Manila for a while,” he said in an interview during the launch of Ikea’s pre-opening website Ikea.ph at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City ahead of the store opening in end-2020.

Asked about the potential other stores, he said: “We don’t know. We are looking into it.”

“The world is changing so fast — big stores, small stores, e-commerce. We are looking at the totality, but we will expand in the Philippines,” he said.

Mr. Rojkjaer said the company, which owns the Ikea stores in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, plans to hire around 500 Filipino workers and would create hundreds of spin-off jobs and business opportunities.

Those business opportunities include local partners to support operations in areas such as logistics, food supply, transport, waste management and security.

“Some of them we have found. But we are still looking for clearing all those contracts here. Lots of contracts. There will be lots and lots,” he said.

The Ikea store will be located between Mall of Asia Arena and SMX Convention Center in an area as big as the size of 150 basketball courts. Company officials said the local store will be almost double the size of a typical Ikea big blue-box.

The shop floor will be similar to other Ikea stores but the building will also house a call center and a supersized warehouse to accommodate e-commerce operations in the Philippines. The store opening will also allow shoppers to shop online and get their orders delivered.

Georg Platzer, Ikea Southeast Asia market development manager, told reporters he would be managing the company’s first store in the Philippines.

“In two years from now, I would love to have opened already. Let’s stick to end of 2020 because it’s quite a complex project. You’ll never know what’s going to happen like it’s a big construction site,” he said.

He said P7 billion is the investment for the retail side, which also covers fitting out, stocking, marketing, and staffing the first store for its opening.

“For us it’s always important that we get as close as possible to the places where many people live. We want to be accessible,” Mr. Platzer said, adding that the store should be about a 60-minute driving distance from its target market.

“Metro Manila is quite dense area already,” he said. “There are not so many open spaces like we found here [Mall of Asia] a perfect block, but we’re still positive that we’re gonna find some more and open more touch points in the future throughout Metro Manila, but also why not the whole Philippines.”

A typical IKEA store has more than 55 inspirational room settings. The self-serve warehouse has flat-packed products ready to be taken home. A supervised playroom for kids is available as well as a restaurant.

Sought for comment, Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries, said: “Ikea is probably the Swedish company that builds the most on the Swedish brand, on Swedishness. So whenever Ikea comes into a new country it means a lot for strengthening the image of Sweden in that country in a very positive way.”

Separately, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. said it was set to build another mixed-use building in the Mall of Asia complex that will be its first lifestyle city development in Pasay City. The project will house Ikea’s first store in the country, it added.

SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said in a statement that the addition of the mixed-use facility, and the entry of Ikea, “complements the integrated lifestyle we dreamt” for the Mall of Asia complex.

House committee OKs TV5 franchise renewal

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises approved yesterday the renewal of the franchise of TV5 for 25 years.

The television network’s franchise is expiring next year.

Reps. Romero Quimbo of Marikina and Xavier Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin authored the renewal bill, which the committee, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, endorsed after a brief discussion.

In House Bill 8379, Quimbo and Romualdo said since it started operations, TV5 has provided viewers an “array of programming consisting of accurate news, wholesome entertainment, inspiring sports programs, and other informative and relevant services.”

“Today, more than ever, the country needs access to news, entertainment, sports, and information that will result in a more progressive, well-informed and inspired citizenship. TV5 remains committed in its quest to continue providing such programming to our countrymen, as broadcasting services are critical in nation-building,” they said.

They said if Congress renews its franchise, TV5 “intends to take advantage of new technologies as well as equipment available to provide for superior informative, entertaining and educational programs to its nationwide viewers.”

During the brief discussion on the bill, committee members urged the country’s third television network “to effectively compete with the broadcasting duopoly composed of ABS-CBN and GMA-7.”

TV5 president Vincent Reyes told the committee that when TV5 took over the former Associated Broadcasting Company on August 9, 2008, it tried to compete on all fronts.

“But since 2016, we have been re-positioning ourselves largely as a news and sports platform, where we hope to be No. 1,” he said.

GMA-7 had its franchise renewed on April 20, 2017. The renewal bill for the franchise of ABS-CBN, filed during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, is still pending with the Alvarez committee.

Sources said the renewal bill would not move unless ABS-CBN threshes out its issues with President Duterte, who has repeatedly threatened to block its approval.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/11/21/1870276/house-committee-oks-tv5-franchise-renewal

Laguna’s 4th district congressional bet substitution sealed

SANTA CRUZ, Laguna-The congressional candidate for the 4th district of the province who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) last month for the 2019 midterm election has given up his candidacy on Monday.

This paved the way instead for Laguna lawyer Antonio Carolino, 52, the unopposed 2nd termer Mayor of Santa Maria town, to fill in the legislative district bid vacated by the withdrawal of the younger Felicisimo ‘Bingbong’ San Luis under the Nationalista Party (NP).

The incumbent Santa Maria mayor also gave up his second-term mayoralty bid to his wife, former mayor and lawyer Cindy Carolino, in a substitution move.

The Carolino couple filed their respective candidacies as substitutes with the incumbent mayor Antonio for the congressional seat and wife Cindy for Sta. Maria mayor on Monday at the provincial Commission on Election (Comelec) office here.

San Luis who has withdrawn from the congressional race, in a brief statement, reasoned out the move was to give way to the governance of a more experienced and qualified Carolino.

According to Comelec-Laguna provincial officer lawyer Patrick Enaje, such substitution is allowed by law for as long as there is a proper endorsement of the political party where the candidates belong.

He also said that this is the first case of substitution in the province starting from the municipal level and to the provincial level.

In his statement after the filing, Mayor Carolino said that being unopposed for the second term as mayor in his hometown is a sure win but the call to serve across the district covering 16 municipalities and occupying almost 50 percent of the province’s land area, prompted him to accept the candidacy.

“The 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd districts of the province are already experiencing developments while our district covering 16 municipalities occupying almost 50 percent of the land area of the province has been left behind,” Carolino said.

“The farmers in our town produce 80 percent of the coffee processed in Batangas province for lack of facilities in the district,” said Carolino, citing that the 4th district which includes Sta. Maria town is predominantly agricultural lands.

Laguna is composed of 24 municipalities and six cities comprising four districts and two lone districts.

The cities of San Pedro and Santa Rosa belong to the 1st District while the city of Cabuyao and the municipalities of Los Baños and Bay belong to the 2nd District.

The cities of Biñan and Calamba used to belong to the 1st and 2nd Districts respectively but have achieved their status as lone districts.

San Pablo City and six other municipalities of Alaminos, Calauan, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Rizal and Victoria comprise the 3rd District; while the 4th district covers the towns of Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Luisiana, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Santa Maria and Siniloan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054375

SEC Bacolod created through legislation

BACOLOD City – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration in Bacolod City is the SEC office in the country created by legislation.

According to Gerardo del Rosario, director of SEC Company Registration and Monitoring Department, the Bacolod SEC office is the only SEC local office in the country created by legislation and credits are given to then Rep. Evelio ‘Bing’ Leonardia.”

Del Rosario added that the SEC will officially open its permanent office in Bacolod City on Nov. 23, 2018.

On his part, Leonardia explained that, “This was conceptualized to serve our corporate and business sectors and create a climate conducive for business to grow. It is also aimed to improve the ease of doing business in Bacolod and Negros Island. And eventually it will provide inclusive growth.

Del Rosario was here recently and led the delegation, composed of Human Resource and Administrative Department Director Romuald Padilla, training officer Diana Elvina Cortes, and legal counsel Ma. Cristina Montelibano, that visited the Bacolod City Government Center recently to formally announce the SEC Bacolod opening.

Leonardia’s bill was passed into law in the 16th Congress as Republic Act No. 10785, otherwise known as “SEC Bacolod Office Law.”

“This means that no matter who will run the SEC, the Bacolod office is here to stay as a permanent office. This will not be subjected to administrative policy changes. Its existence will even be more stable than any other field office in the country,” Leonardia said.

He added that a SEC office in Bacolod will further boost the “business-friendly policies” of the administration, which has been consistently recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as among the top finalists in its “Most Business-Friendly” annual national contests.

The creation of a SEC office in Bacolod is one of the legislative moves of Leonardia to help boost the local growth and development. Among his measures were to seek the establishment of Bacolod local offices for the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Department of Tourism (DoT), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and others.

PNP complaint with ‘Ang Probinsyano’ is Duterte’s fight vs ABS-CBN?

Police Chief Oscar Albayalde’s tantrums over the blockbuster teleserye “Ang Probinsyano” is alarming coming on the heels of Pres. Duterte’s renewed attack on ABS-CBN, threatening non-renewal of its franchise which is due to expire on March 30, 2020.

Duterte’s threat not to renew ABS-CBN’s license has been a common refrain in many of his speeches whenever he complained about unfavorable media reports about him.

“I will file a complaint. Congress, no need to renew it,” he said in one speech.

Another time he said ABS-CBN owners sent feelers to talk with him but he refused.““I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. Pero if I had my way I will not give it back to you,” he said.

There has been a noticeable respite from his threat to ABS-CBN in recent months as the public was pre-occupied with the successful Malacañang-initiated ouster of Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno and failed attempt to send back to prison Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV by voiding the amnesty granted to him by Pres. Benigno Aquino III in 2011.

But it seems it was just the proverbial calm before the storm. Last month, a media activist shared with us his concern about an information he got that Duterte is so impatient with ABS-CBN and he does not want to wait until the 2020 expiration of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

The source said Duterte wants ABS-CBN out of the way before the May 2019 elections.

The same source also said friends in the judiciary tipped him that Duterte’s “bright boys” are thinking of usinga “quo warranto “ against ABS-CBN, the same tactic Solicitor General Jose Calida used to oust Sereno.

Quo warranto (Latin for “by what warrant or authority?”) is a legal procedure used to challenge an individual’s right to or authority over the position he or she holds.

The source said Malacañang is going to question how the Lopezes regained ABS-CBN in 1986 after the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos who ordered the government take-over of ABS-CBN when he declared Martial Law on Sept. 21, 1972.

We could not believe these talks and we wished that they were just rumors.

Alarm bells, however, rang last Nov. 8, when Duterte brought up his issue with ABS-CBN againin his speech during his visit to the newly re-opened Boracay. He said,“Hindi ko palusutin. iyong franchise niyo matatapos. But let me ask you questions first. Kasi ako talaga mag-object na ma-renew kayo. Alam mo bakit? Magnanakaw kayo, estapador.”

Our concern has been compounded by Albayalde’s complaint, joined by Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, of the negative portrayal of police in “Ang Probinsyano.”

Albayalde’s complaint reeks with arrogance and stupidity.The militant Gabriela Women's Party put it in the right perspective: The police are the ones tainting the PNP's image with their bloody anti-drug crackdown and sexual abuse of women and minors.

Albayalde complained that the PNP chief in the current season of “Ang Probinsyano” is portrayed as villain. “"Parang 'yung the chief PNP himself is a villain -- hindi naman po siguro kailanman nangyari sa amin. In reality, well, hindi puwedeng mangyari iyan."

Sen. Grace Poe, who has a personal attachment to the show because the series honors movie great Fernando Poe Jr, her father (her mother, Susan Roces also appears in the TV series) reminded Albayalde that the teleserye is a work of fiction. “The story emanates from the source material, with bits of twists. There are antagonists in the story, which did not only include the police, but many others,” she said.

She added: "Pwede nating sabihin na 'bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ay wag magalit.”

Albayalde said he is not calling for the cancellation of the hit series. Just a revision of the script.

That’s censorship. That violates the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

As Gabriela pointed out, Albayalde’s statement “is censorship as it amounts to creating prior restraint on the part of the producers in sustaining the storyline of the show. This will also set a very dangerous precedent, as the DILG will abuse legal actions to sanction shows and content that are inconsistent with its desired image of the PNP. “

The DILG said is it "seriously considering" filing charges against the producers of“Ang Probinsyano.”

DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malayasaidamong the charges they are looking into include the prohibition on the use of police uniforms, properties and even using the acronym of the organization (PNP),and possible violations of the Children's Television Act of 1997 "because the show may have violated the National Council for Children's Television standards for television programs that should be child-friendly."

"We will seriously consider filing legal action and imposing sanctions..." Malaya said.

We just hope this is not in compliance with Duterte’s crusade against ABS-CBN.

http://verafiles.org/articles/pnp-complaint-ang-probinsyano-dutertes-fight-vs-abs-cbn

Robinsons Galleria unveils a fresh new look

By Zsarlene B. Chua
Reporter

ROBINSONS Galleria, one of the first shopping malls that opened along EDSA in 1990, has gotten a much-needed makeover.

It took more than two years to complete the renovation of Robinsons Land Corp.’s flagship mall, which included widening the atrium, introducing more wood tones, removing the scenic elevator, and improving the lighting.

“The mall itself is an old one…so the renovations took time,” Myron Lawrence T. Yao, regional operations manager for the commercial centers division of RLC, told the media during a run through on Nov. 13.

Robinsons Galleria has a gross floor area of 215,000 square meters spread across five levels.

Mr. Yao said the renovation is 94% completed, and is expected to be finished by yearend. He said the mall only needs to re-paint its exteriors and finish the upgrade of the cinema, which will include a premium cinema with recliner seats for around 100 people.

To make the mall feel more modern, RLC used more wood in Robinsons Galleria’s interiors, particularly its ceilings, and installed more lights. Mr. Yao noted mall goers have often told them that the mall seems a little dark.

With the goal of making the space more open, Mr. Yao said they decided to remove the scenic elevator in the atrium. The new space is currently occupied by a 32-foot European fir tree Christmas tree which can be seen from all the mall’s floors.

Despite the extensive renovations, Mr. Yao said Robinsons Galleria maintained most of its tenants with the mall having 98% occupancy. He said the mall also increased the number of food retail partners, which now stands at 20% of the total tenants from 10% previously.

The mall’s food court, located at the lower ground floor, also increased the number of seats to 1,200 from 1,000.

Next year, Mr. Yao said Robinsons Galleria will also launch a new steel parking building near Saint Pedro Poveda College. The carpark structure will be able to accommodate 250 cars and 250 motorcycles and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2019.

ROBINSONS MAGNOLIA EXPANSION

Meanwhile, Robinsons Magnolia is set to open a new wing by the second quarter of next year.

In an email to BusinessWorld, Arlene G. Magtibay, general manager of RLC’s commercial centers division, said the new wing will add “55,000 square meters in floor area to the existing mall.”

Robinsons Place Manila will also undergo renovation in 2019 “to refresh and reinvigorate the malling experience,” Ms. Magtibay added.

Next year will also see RLC opening Robinsons Galleria South in San Pedro Laguna, which, as Ms. Magtibay describes, will be their “premium mall in the south.”

But before 2018 ends, RLC is scheduled to open their 51st mall in Valencia City, Bukidnon on December 12. This will be the company’s seventh mall in Mindanao and will have a floor area of 47,000 square meters spread across three levels.

The new mall will have around 200 stores and restaurants, six cinemas and a green park with a pond.

Passage of universal health care bill seen before Christmas

MARILAO, Bulacan — Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, on Monday expressed optimism that the Universal Health Care (UHC) bill seeking to give all Filipinos access to health care coverage and services, will become a law before Christmas.

Ejercito, principal author of Senate Bill 1986, the "Universal Health Care Bill," said the bicameral conference committee would only need to reconcile the different provisions in two versions of the bill before bringing it to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing.

“If President Duterte will sign the measure, this will be a beautiful Christmas gift for all Filipinos,” said the senator, who served as guest of honor during the flag ceremony inside Marilao Municipal Hall on Monday morning.

Ejercito said the Senate passed the bill on third and final reading last week.

“All senators voted for the approval of the said measure. This came immediately after President Duterte's call for the passage of the proposed measure at the Senate,” he added.

Ejercito said the passage of the bill into law would also expand the PhilHealth coverage to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests and other diagnostic services.

The senator also shared another landmark measure which has been approved in the Senate -- the bill seeking to consolidate all housing agencies with the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

He said the department would be responsible for all housing and urban concerns, including planning, policy-making, regulations, program coordination, and performance monitoring.

Aside from the two bills, Ejercito is also hopeful for the construction of the mass railway transport system known as North and South rail project by January 2019.

“The traffic in Marilao and even in the City of Malolos and other parts of Bulacan will be reduced because of the proposed railway system and modernization of the transport sector,” he said.

“Through this railway system, towns will continue to flourish along the railway system. Traffic will be discarded or reduced. Development is no longer centered in Metro Manila. It will spread to the provinces traversed of the railway system from Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan to La Union and to PNR South from Laguna, Quezon to Bicol,” the senator added.

The young senator from San Juan City also distributed bag and learning materials to 2,000 students from 27 daycare schools in this town. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054279

Congress passes bill creating 3 new Palawan provinces

Senator Risa Hontiveros and other groups oppose splitting Palawan, saying it will benefit China. Bill to be transmitted to President Dutete for signing.

3 PROVINCES. A map showing the proposed composition of the 3 new provinces of Palawan.

Palawan, the island closest to the disputed West Philippine Sea, would soon be divided into 3 provinces, after the House and the Senate approved the proposal.

Voting 14-1, the Senate on Monday, November 18, approved House Bill 8055, sponsored by Senate committee on local government chairman Juan Edgardo Angara. Only Senator Risa Hontiveros opposed the bill. The House approved a counterpart measure in August.

The bill seeks to divide Palawan into 3 new provinces, namely Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, Palawan del Sur.

"If we speak of economic potential, Palawan is a powerhouse. Its local growth rate has been clocked at bristling 7 percent per annum for many years now. And this was achieved with a total ban on the exploitation of natural resources over a wide swath of its land," Angara said.

A plebiscite will be conducted in 2020 so Palawan residents could decide on the matter.

Under congressional rules, local bills such as HB 8055 must first be passed in the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the Senate. The measure was filed by Palawan representatives on March 15, 2018 and was approved on final reading just 5 months after, August 22. The Senate received the bill on August 30 and passed the same in less than 3 months.

The bill would now be transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature.

Composition

The divisions under the proposed measure are as follows:

Palawan del Sur will be the so-called "mother province"

• Aborlan
• Narra
• Quezon
• Rizal
• Espanola
• Brooke's Poin
• Bataraza
• Balacbac
• Kalayaan island group

Palawan del Norte

• Coron
• Culion
• Busuanga
• Linacapan
• Taytay
• El Nido

Palawan Oriental

• Roxas
• Araceli
• Dumaran
• Cuyo
• Agutaya
• Magsaysay
• Cayancillo
• San Vicente

The independent city of Puerto Princesa City would not be part of any of the 3 provinces.

A divided Palawan to benefit China?

Senator Hontiveros and other groups opposed the measure. A divided Palawan, they said, would only strengthen China’s position in the West Philippine Sea.

"Instead of having to face a single, strong provincial government which can mobilize the entire island in its own defense, China will now have the opportunity to infiltrate and influence smaller local government units," Hontiveros said.

"This is not your business as usual subdivision of political units but one with deep geopolitical repercussions especially since the Province of Palawan is right in the forefront of our West Philippine Sea territory," she added.

Hontiveros also lamented the lack of genuine consultation in the proposal, citing the letter of Bishop Eduardo Sarabia Juanich of Taytay, Palawan and the petition by the Save Palawan Movement.

"For something as important as what the bill seeks to accomplish, it is my opinion that our committee did not reach out to all affected sectors, particularly the non-government organizations, the religious and the private sector,” she said.

The passage of the measure came a day before Chinese President Xi Jingping's arrival in Manila for his state visit.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/217063-law-splitting-palawan-into-3-new-provinces-soon-to-be-enacted

Senate OKs bill dividing Palawan into three provinces

By Hannah Torregoza

The Senate has approved on third and final reading the measure dividing Palawan—the country’s largest province—into three new provinces.

House Bill No. 8055, which was sponsored by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chair of the Senate committee on local government was passed with 14 affirmative votes, one negative vote and zero abstention.

It was Sen. Risa Hontiveros who cast the negative vote on the bill, expressing her fears that a divided Palawan would strengthen China’s position in the West Philippine Sea.

The measure, Palawan will be divided into three provinces—namely, Palawan Del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan Del Sur.

Under the bill, the province of Palawan del Norte will be composed of the municipalities of Coron, Culion, Busuanga, Linacapan, Taytay and El Nido.

The province of Palawan Oriental, in turn, would be comprised of the municipalities of Roxas, Araceli, Dumaran, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, Cayancillo, and San Vicente.

On the other hand, the province of Palawan del Sur, which will be considered as the “mother province,” will be composed of the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, Espanola, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, Balacbac and Kalayaan.

Angara said the three proposed provinces would be created upon approval of the majority of the votes cast by voters in the affected areas in a plebiscite to be conducted in 2020.

According to Angara, due to the “vastness” of Palawan, an archipelago of 1,800 islands with a population of at least 1.1 million, the division of the existing province under the bill would comply with requirements for a province set forth by the Local Government Code.

He also said that the three proposed provinces will meet the land area requirement; Palawan del Norte and Palawan Oriental are expected to satisfy the population requirement imposed by law by 2020.

“If we speak of economic potential, Palawan is a powerhouse. Its local growth rate has been clocked at bristling seven percent per annum for many years now. And this was achieved with a total ban on the exploitation of natural resources over a wide swath of its land,” Angara noted.

However, Hontiveros expressed concern that if China has aggressively and arrogantly exerted its claim on the West Philippine Sea, it can now easily conquer the three provinces which are now reduced as small local government units.

“Instead of having to face a single, strong provincial government which can mobilize the entire island in its own defense, China will now have the opportunity to infiltrate and influence smaller local government units,” Hontiveros said.

“This is not your business as usual subdivision of political units but one with deep geopolitical repercussions especially since the Province of Palawan is right in the forefront of our West Philippine Sea territory,” she added.

She also lamented the lack of genuine consultation in the proposal, pointing out that the letter of Bishop Eduardo Sarabia Juanich of Taytay, Palawan and the petition by the Save Palawan Movement indicated that there were no genuine discussions made when the bill was being heard.

“For something as important as what the bill seeks to accomplish, it is my opinion that our committee did not reach out to all affected sectors, particularly the non-government organizations, the religious and the private sector. While the public hearing conducted in the Senate invited as resources persons, local government officials and employees of the province, it failed to take into account the position of the various NGOs, people’s organizations and the religious who are opposed to the subdivision of our last frontier,” Hontiveros said.

“It is my opinion that the bill has failed to take into account the various environmental and natural resources laws that have specific jurisdiction over Palawan,” she said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/11/19/senate-oks-bill-dividing-palawan-into-three-provinces/