Ilocos electric co-op ordered: Refund P480 million to customers

By Angelica Yang

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordering the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) to refund P480 million of over-recoveries from electric billings to its customers. 
    ERC earlier told INEC to return to the customers the amount which covers over-collections between 2004 to 2010, based on  the regulator's computations. 
    The electric cooperative sought to appeal the decision, with the matter reaching the Court of Appeals and High Court.
    “The Supreme Court’s Decision is not only a victory for ERC, but more importantly a victory for the consumers. This shows that our regulatory policies have the consumers’ welfare in mind - that is to protect their interests by ensuring that what was charged and collected from them are but reasonable and accurate rates,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera said in an emailed statement shared with reporters on Sunday.
    INEC earlier asked for ERC's approval to refund a total over-recovery of some P8 million covering the years 2004 to 2010. But     ERC found out the value was much higher at P480 million. 
    ERC said its decision was "assailed", and that INEC elevated the matter to the higher courts.
    "The SC... argued, among others, that findings of administrative or regulatory agencies on matters within their technical area of expertise are generally accorded not only respect but finality as such findings are supported by substantial evidence," ERC said, citing the High Court's 21-page decision released on Feb. 3.
    The SC also said the Court of Appeals made the right decision to defer to the ERC's computations in over-recoveries. 
    ERC is a quasi-judicial regulatory body which seeks to create a democratic and transparent environment that balances the interests of energy investors and consumers. 

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Far Benguet sitio energized despite dwindling funds

By March Fianza

KAPANGAN, Benguet – Rural electrification in Sitio Toplac, Barangay Pudong, this town recently proceeded this month with the energization of a public primary school and at least 32 residential houses by a team of linemen-electricians of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco).
    The project which falls under the sitio energization program (SEP) of the government connects remote areas to the main electric grid.
    The electric distribution utilities were mandated by law the primary responsibility of energizing rural communities despite a shortage of funds and a slim chance of regaining expenses.
    The SEP consists of two components such as line and house wiring. In the case of Sitio Toplac, electrical wires plus two bulb receptacles, and at least one wall outlet were fitted on each of the 32 houses and the primary school.
    Toplac Barrio School caters to schoolchildren belonging to more than 30 households in one of the remotest sitios above the Amburayan River in this town. The distant sitio of vegetable farmers could be reached after a three-hour hike, said Punong Barangay Aprie Cab-ad during the switch-on ceremony last February 18.
    Beneco GM Engr. Melchor S. Licoben led the switch-on activity along with Board of Directors Robert Valentin, Mike Maspil, Josephine Tuling, former Benguet State University vice president Silver Aben and member-consumer-owners from Baguio City who were present.
    The Beneco team of Chris Gonzales and Engr. Ramil Rifani, the Network Service Department (NSD) manager clarified that around 52 electric posts were already installed since 2020 but work was delayed due to the entry of the COVID-19 pandemic in March that year.
    Beneco linemen had attached wires on the 52 steel posts that were previously erected on mountainous terrain prior to installing the electrical fittings for the houses, the Beneco team said. Nine sitios in barangays Pudong and Sagubo benefited from the SEP.
    Replying to a question, the BODs explained that Beneco’s electrification fund was reduced because P58 M of the money was illicitly withdrawn by individuals trying to take over the management of the utility.
    Dir. Maspil said the takeover attempt could be a prelude to privatization which is disadvantageous to the real owners of the utility, none other than the paying member-consumers of Beneco.
    On behalf of the Beneco team, GM Licoben thanked the resident-farmers of Pudong and Sagubo for their patience in waiting for their houses to be energized, recognizing them further as new owners of Beneco.
    School teacher Jasper Santiago and Councilor Marcelo Tayaban acknowledged the difficulty and cost in providing electricity for houses in far-flung communities, and thanked the Beneco workers and officials for their efforts.
    Beneco which was recently registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has more than 600 sitios in its franchise area left to be energized.
    These are the sitios in Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, Bokod, Kabayan, Tublay, Atok, Kibungan, Bakun, Buguias and Mankayan. Baguio which is inside the franchise area has been totally energized.
    The electric distribution utility needs at least half a billion pesos to fully energize Benguet before moving to the next program which is internet connectivity, said GM Licoben.
    This situation urged him and other Beneco officials to lobby for additional rural electrification funds with Philippine Rural Electrification Administration (Philreca). 

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Baguio folks hit PMA’s ‘no decal no entry’ rule

City council wants changes 

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – Residents here assailed the ‘no decal, no entry’ policy imposed by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) within its military reservations in the city such as barangays Camp Allen, Upper Market Subdivision, and St. Joseph Village.
    Following this, the city council will push guidelines for a more lenient and flexible implementation of the areas as these are also inhabited by civilians. 
    The city council’s committee on laws, human rights, and justice chaired by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda was tasked to craft the said guidelines which will address all concerns brought up during the council’s dialogue with the barangay officials of Camp Allen and representatives of PMA last Monday.
    The draft of the guidelines will be subject to the approval of all concerned parties.
    The ‘no decal, no entry’ policy is one of the security measures put into place to protect the military camps all over the country.
    The decals are issued only to active or retired members of the military and their authorized dependents, Armed Forces of the Philippines Civilian Human Resource Staff, Department of National Defense employees, and business tenants.
Concerned residents have been complaining to the city officials about the enforcement of the ‘no decal, no entry’ policy by PMA which impedes the smooth flow of vehicular traffic in their places.
    Tabanda questioned the imposition of the policy on residents in nearby areas who traverse the military reservation.
    She said there are titled properties that are not part of the military reservation, so residents therein must not be compelled to abide by the policy.
    “That road is the only passageway. Why are you restricting the movement and entry of private property owners who will only pass through the road?,” Tabanda told Lt./Col.  Maria Elena Esteban who represented PMA.
     Esteban informed the council members that the policy will not apply to the senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and vehicles of public utilities, and will not be applied in cases of emergencies as agreed upon during a dialogue between the City Mayor’s Office and the concerned parties. 
    Recounting her personal experience when she entered Camp Allen to attend a barangay activity, Tabanda said the exemptions are not being followed.
    Despite being informed that she was a senior citizen, personnel at the gate instructed her to get off her vehicle and walk all the way to the barangay hall.
    “If this could happen to me who is a city official, let alone to an ordinary resident,” she said,
    Agusto Abad, a kagawad at Camp Allen, narrated instances where the enforcement of the policy was “oppressive and unjust.”
    He showed a record book where all complaints of residents regarding this matter are recorded. 
    Abad also complained about the hostile conduct of uniformed personnel at the gate when dealing with residents.
    He accused them of being “disrespectful” and treating civilians as if they were in “combat.”
    Esteban said complaints of residents reaching offices of PMA are being acted upon.
    She told the council they will brief again personnel manning gates of all the military camps in the city.
    Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales told Esteban Camp Allen is not only a military reservation but also a barangay with residents who are ordinary citizens.
    “While I understand the intent of such policies, bear in mind that you are dealing with civilians. Why do they receive such treatments?” Orcales said.
    Previously, the council passed a resolution calling for the creation of a grievance committee for the purpose of resolving disputes that may arise between the barangay constituents and PMA concerning the former’s property rights and interests.     Until now, the grievance committee has yet to be created.
    Tabanda said the council may take the initiative in conducting dialogues for the resolution of various issues between PMA and affected residents along with the crafting of the proposed guidelines. 

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3 NPA rebels killed; 3 surrender in Isabela

By Villamor Visaya, Jr.

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela -- Three alleged New People’s Army rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in the mountains of Rang-ayan village here on Feb. 20.
    In Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, Army Major Noriel Tayaban, 5th Infantry Division public affairs chief and spokesperson, on Monday identified the two fatalities as NPA squad leader Ka Bobby and team leader-medical officer Ka Princess (a man).
    The third fatality remains unidentified.
    Their bodies were brought to the Ramos Funeral Parlor in this city.
    The clash occurred after a platoon of Army soldiers belonging to the 95th Infantry Battalion (95IB) went to the site upon receiving information from villagers that about 50 communist rebels belonging to the NPA Isabela Central Front led by a certain Ka Brad and the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) led by a certain Ka Bang were in the area.
    "The rebels were reportedly asking for food and apparently retaliating with the declaration of CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) as persona non grata in Ilagan," Tayaban told the PNA.
    After a 15-minute firefight, the rebels withdrew, leaving behind their killed comrades.
    Soldiers seized from them an M-16 Armalite rifle and three .45-caliber handguns.
    An hour prior to the encounter, three communist rebels surrendered to 95IB soldiers in the same village.
    Military officials identified them as Ka Alvin, rebel team leader in San Mariano town; Ka Leslie, who is from the Visayas, supply officer; and a 16-year-old minor, Ka Jimboy from Divilacan, Isabela. -- PNA

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POLICE ROUNDUP

NPA rebel arrested for Kalinga slay

By Leander C. Domingo

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- A communist rebel was arrested during an operation at Sitio Pococ, Barangay Apatan in this town, reports released by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said.
    Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Nolcom commander, said operatives from the Philippine National Police in Kalinga and soldiers from the 50th Infantry Battalion served the warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder to a certain Martin "Betay" Gamay on Monday, February 21.
    "The cooperation of the peace-loving locals in the area helped our security forces reach and successfully apprehend Gamay," Torres said.
    In a report, Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco, commander of the Joint Task Group Peace and Justice, said the apprehended personality had been on the government's watchlist at No. 12 in their periodic status report.
    The report said the communist group member belongs to Unit Squad Dos, Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Baggas of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee, and is now under the custody of Pinukpuk Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and documentation.
    Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, Joint Task Force Tala commander, attributed success of the joint law enforcement operations to their "harmonious working relationship with the PNP backed by the support of the public which is vital to their information-gathering.
 
 
Woman wanted for illegal recruitment falls in Ecija

CUYAPO, Nueva Ecija — Police on Feb. 21 arrested a woman who was tagged as one of the most wanted persons in this town.
    Lt. Col. Erwin Ferry, the town’s chief of police, identified the suspect as Maribel Ducay, 45, a vendor from Barangay Nagmisahan.
    Ferry said Ducay, who is the top 8 most wanted person here, had been charged with illegal recruitment or violation of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act 10022).
    The suspect was arrested in an operation conducted by joint operatives from the local police’s intelligence and warrant sections.
    Police said the court has set a bail of P120,000 for Ducay’s temporary liberty.
    Ducay is now at the custodial facility of the municipal. police.
 

123 Ilocos candidates surrender firearms

By Eva Visperas 

DAGUPAN  CITY —  Up to 123 candidates in Ilocos region have surrendered 149 guns since the start of the election period on Jan. 8.
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, regional police director, said a total of 471 firearms were turned over to various police stations for safekeeping.
    “This is part of our massive campaign against loose firearms especially in preparation for the national and local elections. We are closely working with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) and our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) counterparts to sustain what we have started well,” Peralta said.

Woman nabbed for extortion, coercion in Pangasinan

By Mar T. Supnad

BASISTA, Pangasinan – A woman seduced a man to show both their private parts in a video chat but ended up with the man being blackmailed, police reported Wednesday.
    Police of Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 1, personnel of RACU 4A and Basista Police Station arrested the woman here for extortion and grave coercion.
    Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, PRO 1 regional sirector, said Wednesday Mena Marvie Trinidad, 29, was nabbed through an entrapment operation in Barangay Cabeldatan, Basista, Pangasinan.
    Victim, Salcedo V, Castro, Jr. reported and complained against the suspect to RACU 4A on Feb. 22 which the latter turned over to RACU 1. 
    According to complainant, he met the suspect on facebook under the name James Jimson. 
    They exchanged messages and in one occasion had a video chat where they showed each other their private parts. 
Unknown to the victim, the suspect was recording their conversation and nude video recording.
    Trinidad then asked for P3,000 from him threatening him to expose his nude photos and videos in the internet if he won’t give the money.
    Confiscated from possession of the suspect were a Vivo Cellphone, P3,000 cash, Smart Padala receipt and one Philhealth ID bearing her personal details and signature. 
    The suspect is now in police custody while charges for violation of Republic Act 10175 known as the Anti-cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is being filed against her

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‘Alert level 1 key to recovery of tourism, small businesses’

EDITORIAL

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said placing the country under the least restrictive alert level 1 by March is key to more tourism activities that would translate to small businesses’ recovery.
    Concepcion said in a televised interview on Feb. 15, that lowering the current alert level to 1 will allow more tourism mobility in the country and will likewise help the sector regain its losses from the two-year pandemic.
    “Yung domestic tourism natin sisigla uli at makakatulong ito sa maliliit na negosyante dito sa tourism sector–mga may ari ng souvenir shop, mga tour guide, mga maliit na hotel (Our domestic tourism will be alive and this will also help small businesses in this tourism such as souvenir shops, tour guides, and small hotels),” he said.
    “Importante rin yan para sa ibang grupo na talagang (It is also important for other groups that) for the last two years, they suffered a lot. At least they can come back and do better in their tourism sector. I’m hoping that we proceed in this direction na (where) we bring down the alert level,” he added.
    The Go Negosyo founder on Feb. 8 urged the government to place the country under alert level 1 by March in order to “deescalate from crisis mode to recovery mode.”
    He stressed that shifting to the least restrictive alert system will give the country an opportunity to see how well it will manage by relying only on maintaining prescribed public health safety protocols.
    He, however, pointed out that places with high infection level and low vaccination level will have “to be corrected before we bring it down to alert level 1.”
    “Kasi kung hindi bakunado ang isang lugar and way below 50 percent, medyo delikado. So kailangan sikapin nila na at least minimum 70 percent fully vaccinated yung lugar and then pwede nang ibaba sa alert level 1 (Because if an area’s vaccination rate is way below 50 percent, it’s a little dangerous. So it must achieve 70 percent fully vaccination first before it is deescalated to alert level 1),” Concepcion said.
    Shifting to alert level 1 by March, he further said, will be timely as summer period starts.
    People, who have not gone out for a vacation in the past two years, would probably want to take their vacation, pay for airfare, for hotel, and restaurant which will be a great help to small tourism businesses, he said.
 

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Volunteer lawyers for farmers/Campaign rules/ Drivers’ licenses

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Farmers of the province who need legal services for problems hounding them need not look far. “Illegal importation is just a tip of the iceberg with problems hounding our farmers, the very reason why we founded, Farmers for Lawyers, basically to help our farmers in particular and the agricultural sector in general,” lawyer Richard Kilaan, LFF lead convenor said.
    LFF, he added, is a group of lawyers and volunteers for farmers' rights and legal initiatives.
    “It is a group in defending the rights of farmers, with the advocacy to inform, educate and empower the farmers in today's society,” he said.
    LFF will assist the farmers in litigation processes, will regularly conduct legal awareness training, and will actively participate in policy intervention and campaigns for our farmers to benefit and have equal access to justice
    “In Benguet, there are a lot of farmers who can't afford legal services, LFF is here to make changes,” Kilaan said. “Benguet farmers need help, we are here to help.”
    Kilaan called on other lawyers to help farmers. “We would like to encourage other lawyers to join hands with the Lawyers for Farmers in these endeavors, let us defend out farmers from oppression and unfair competition,” he added.
     For those interested to avail of services, Kilaan said they could contact him at Richardkilaan2022@gmail.com or drop by Taraki Bldg, km 5, La Trinidad where they will be opening an office. 
    ***
The Commission on Elections has expressed openness in reviewing their guidelines on in-person campaigning.
    “We are aware of these complaint of some candidates. Maybe we will review our rules,” Acting Comelec Chairman Socorro Inting said in a press briefing Feb. 16.
    “There is a possibility that we will be downgraded to Alert Level 1. So, maybe we will review our rules soon for the campaign to be consistent with the alert level,” she added
    Election campaign activities that involve physical or personal interaction, such as in-person campaigns, rallies, caucuses, meetings and conventions, motorcades and caravans, and mitings de avance are covered by resolution 10732.
    All persons participating in such activities in any capacity are required to wear full-coverage face shields, together with face masks, whether ear loop masks, indigenous reusable masks, do-it-yourself masks, or other facial protective equipment.
    Additionally, the minimum public health standards must be observed at all times.
    Meanwhile, the Comelec believes the conduct of the May 9 polls will remain credible despite the issues that cropped up recently.
    “I think these issues, which cropped up during the past days, is just to some of the people and not the commission as a whole. The Comelec is composed of so many people from the (highest) to the lowest employee,” Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino said in a press statement.
    “So, I think, that rough patch, that minor issue will not affect the credibility of the commission as a whole,” she added.
Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier questioned the delay in the release of the decision of the Comelec First Division on the disqualification cases of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
    The First Division on Feb. 10 dismissed the petitions for lack of merit.
    ***
    The Land Transportation Office (LTO) can impose additional requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses, an official of the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) clarified last week.
    Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar made the clarification amid reports that the DOJ favors the removal of the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) requirement for those renewing their driver’s license for 10 years.
    The DOJ, according to reports, backed the stand of some lawmakers to remove the CDE, based on the comments the department submitted to the House of Representatives.
    “This is incorrect. Our comment submitted to Congress states that it is within the power of the LTO to impose restrictions on the renewal of driver’s licenses for 10 years, which includes the CDE requirement,” Villar said.
    “The issuance of a certification of completion of the CDE is a function necessary, proper or incidental to the power of the LTO to issue driver’s licenses,” she added.
    Villar said such function is under the LTO and not of driving schools or institutions accredited by the transport agency.
On Monday, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro said the DOJ supported his position to scrap the CDE requirement for the renewal of driver’s licenses.
 

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Putin should abide by Budapest memorandum

PERRYSCOPE

Perry Diaz

WHAT’S GOING ON in President Joe Biden’s mind on the Ukraine crisis?  First, he announced that the U.S. would not send soldiers to Ukraine to fight the Russians. Secondly, he just announced that the 160 National Guard troops deployed to the American Embassy in Kiev, are going to be withdrawn and sent home. Thirdly, he didn’t send the 8,500 American troops that he promised he’d send to Eastern Europe.  Instead he changed their status to “heightened alert,” meaning they’ll stand by somewhere in the U.S. ready to be airlifted to Eastern Europe if Russia attacks.  And, fourthly, he announced that the U.S. will “act swiftly and decisively” if the Russians invade Ukraine.  What was his message?  Why the mixed signals?
    The third time he talked to Putin at his request, Biden didn’t offer anything different from his two previous conversations with Putin.  Instead, Biden announced Russia would invade in a matter of days.  Instantly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy complained that Biden was creating “panic” among Ukrainians by saying that Russia will invade Ukraine in February.  Well, it’s now almost mid-February and the Russians haven’t invaded yet.   Biden characterized the impending invasion as using bombers and missiles, which would attack Kiev and other cities.  Evidently, Biden’s statement had created “panic” and “chaos” among Ukrainians but the people remained calm, going about their business as if nothing was happening.  And come to think about it, nothing has happened yet.
No need to panic
According to BBC News, Zelenskiy who spoke at a press conference in Kiev said, “We don’t need this panic.  There are even signals from the respected leaders of the states, they say that there will be war tomorrow. Any news of how much this panic is costing our state?”
    The question is: Why does Biden appear to be telling the world that chaos would soon reign in Ukraine?  The truth of the matter is that the Ukrainians have been calm considering that more than 100,000 Russian troops are amassed along Russia’s border with Ukraine.  They should panic, right?  Yet, they’re acting as if nothing is happening. 
     While, it’s true that there has been war between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian armed forces in the Donbas region in Eastern Ukraine since 2014, it hasn’t spilled over outside the Donbas region into the rest of the country.  And the Ukranians seem to be nonchalant about the whole situation.  They appear to be relaxed and calm, which shows that they do not care or worry about the Russians invading their country.
Swift and decisive
Which makes one wonder: Why did Biden insist that the invasion would be “swift and decisive”?  Earlier today, CNN news anchor Fredricka Whitfield asked a guest, a member of the congressional Armed Services Committee, how soon is “swift and decisive,” to which the congressman couldn’t answer.  But being cognizant that Biden promised that no U.S. troops would be sent to fight the Russians, the best the U.S., if any, would do is stay within the confines of NATO territory like in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.  In other words, no NATO forces would enter Ukrainian territory to fight the invading Russians.  Honestly, I’ve never seen any war conducted that way.  The Russians would enter Ukraine like they’re going to a picnic, not a country in panic.
    First of all, Putin had made threatening remarks about launching nuclear attacks against NATO countries.   But why would Putin use nuclear weapons against NATO? Putin may be crazy, but he is not stupid.  Only a stupid leader would use nuclear weapons.  He should know better that it would – nay, will – lead to a nuclear holocaust or MAD, that is, mutually assured destruction.  Putin will not survive to enjoy his $200 billion stashed away.  It will be blown to radioactive smithereens. 
    Biden should be resolute in his dealings with Putin.  He’s probably thinking what concessions he’d surrender in exchange for peace?  He could do another “Afghanistan withdrawal” of American forces from Europe.  Then he can announce to the whole world, “Friends, we have achieved peace for our time,” an eerie reminder of that fateful day on September 29, 1938, when British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Germany’s Adolf Hitler signed a peace treaty.  The following day, he spoke from the window of 10 Downing Street:  “My good friends.  This is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And now I recommend you to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.”
    But “Peace of our Time” lasted only six months.  On March 15, 1939, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, which triggered World War II.  The rest was history.
    Are we seeing a repeat of the invasion of Czechoslovakia, this time perpetrated on the people of Ukraine?  Is Biden going to sign a peace treaty with Vladimir Putin, to ensure that there will be “Peace of our Time” in Europe?
Budapest Memorandum
We need to remember what happened in December 1994, five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Ukraine was left with the world’s third-largest nuclear stockpile.  In a treaty known as the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to trade away its intercontinental ballistic missiles, warheads, and other nuclear infrastructure in exchange for guarantees that the three treaty signatories – the U.S., the U.K., and Russia -- would "respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine."
    The ICBM missiles with their nuclear warheads ended up in storage in Russia and supposed to remain secured.
 With the imminent danger of Russian invasion, one wonders what happened to the guarantee that the three signatories of the Budapest Memorandum had given to Ukraine?  Why don’t Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson invoke the terms of the Budapest Memorandum?
    But all Biden could do was to tell Putin during a phone call, urging Russia not to invade Ukraine and warned Putin of “real costs” of doing so.
    But the real problem was that Putin is demanding that NATO bars Ukraine from joining NATO.  NATO said it’s not negotiable.  Russia also demanded NATO withdraw its forces, hardware, and arms from countries that were not NATO members before 1997 – 14 countries – as part of security demands it is seeking from NATO.  Heck, that’s about half the membership of NATO!
    At the moment, the negotiations have reached an impasse. And it seems that the U.S. and its NATO allies would never agree to Putin’s unreasonable demands.  So, what’s next?
     Biden should – nay, must – demand that Putin make good to abide by the terms under the Budapest Memorandum.  Or, is he like Hitler who reneged on the peace treaty he signed, the “Peace of our Time,” with Neville Chamberlain?
    Is it déjà vu all over again?
(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)
 
 
 

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Skipping a thorny issue

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- With 97 hopefuls who filed their certificates of candidacy and to be president three months from now, the number was trimmed to only 10, nine for vice president, 64 for senator and 177 party-list groups.
    The final list of aspirants that made it to the ballot of the Commission on Elections are Ernie Abella, Leody De Guzman, Isko Moreno Domagoso, Norberto Gonzales, Ping Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Bongbong Marcos, Jose Montemayor Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Leni Robredo.
    If you noticed, all of these bets’ campaign posters and statements attempt to win over voters to their side. Some are truthful and quite convincing, while other approaches are entertaining and catch people’s attentions.
    And while there are posters that express mother statements about fighting graft and corruption; others promise housing, jobs and salary increases which have become overused and unfulfilled pledges in every election season.
    In a TV exposure, a candidate for a national post expressed about applying on a wider scale what he has done as city executive, forgetting that his sitting president failed to do just that in his fight against illegal drugs.
    But there is one important topic that most presidential and senatorial aspirants are avoiding – illegal gambling. It is one issue that has corrupted the police chain of command, the elected local and national officials, including those in the barangays.
    Remember the shooting incident at a joint police and military checkpoint along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Lumutan, Atimonan, Quezon Province where 13 were killed. Eleven of the suspects were killed on the spot, while two others died in a hospital.
    The gunfight occurred after suspicious men on board two sports utility vehicles refused to be subjected to inspection and opened fire at the joint police and military checkpoint. The 2013 gunfight is still fresh in the memory of investigators.
    Local folks in the area believe that the shooting incident was due to jueteng kickbacks and may have been a turf war over the illegal numbers game, while relatives of the slain suspects believe that the incident was a rubout.
    At least three policemen and a soldier from Mimaropa region (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) were also killed in the firefight.
    The legitimacy of the checkpoint operation raised further doubts after reports claimed that some P100 million allegedly carried by the slain men went missing.
    Slowly, reports about the incident were updated and that the encounter between security forces and an alleged jueteng operator in Quezon province was an ambush and not a shoot-out as earlier claimed by the police.
    Most regions in the country, especially the Bicol and Southern Tagalog areas, are crawling with gambling lords but most presidentiables and their followers, except for one or two, are not talking about it.
    Borrowing the words of one national bet, jueteng has become a normal market scene and police do not care to make arrests of those involved because that form of gambling has become the front for small town lottery.
    Jueteng merely masquerades as a legitimate STL three times a day for seven days a week, whose kubradors (bet collectors) are armed with PCSO IDs to avoid arrest.
    Law enforcers are duty-bound to enforce Republic Act 9287 which outlaws such illegal activities, including jueteng. A presidential bet who was once the police director general stressed that illegal gambling breeds corruption among law enforcers and public officials.
    By the way, in the Q&A portion during a visit of a DILG national official in Benguet sometime in 2011, the latter was asked how jueteng could be stopped. The audience were expecting him to say he will order his policemen to arrest operators but instead his answer was for bettors to stop placing bets.  
    The senate then spearheaded a congressional probe into the proliferation of jueteng where it was reported that regular collections from the illegal numbers game in Metro Manila, the Cordillera and regions 1 to 5 (Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol) alone reached P200 million daily.
    Illegal gambling and jueteng became rampant after Edsa One during the time of Tita Cory. It was never stopped during the administrations that followed. It has even become more widespread during the term of PNoy Aquino when jueteng operators used STL franchises issued by the PCSO as fronts for illegal gambling operations.
    The presidential hopefuls know that illegal gambling breeds corruption in all corners of the government they wish to lead. It can even kill as the recent disappearance of 30 cockfighting aficionados, but only one or two national candidates talked about stopping it.

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Contractors warned; dev’t plan for prime sites bared

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong called out anew contractors undertaking projects in the city who neglect the upkeep of their project sites especially those along sidewalks.
    "Your negligence reflects on the image of the city. When people see dirt along streets, they do not only see a dirty sidewalk.     They also see a dirty, disorderly Baguio City," he said.
    The mayor chanced upon the unkempt sidewalk project site along Leonard Wood Road while on his way to inspect the Botanical Garden last Feb. 15.
    "Please remove these debris and keep your project sites clean. Let this be a blanket directive to all contractors doing projects in the city. Care for your city," he said.
    The mayor had from time to time issued a similar reminder to barangays with littered roadsides and alleys.
    “Please maintain cleanliness of our surroundings not only to make them pleasing to the eyes but foremost for the health and safety of our constituents,” he said. 
    ***
This, as City Planning and Development coordinator architect Donna Tabangin gave an update on the four-point development plan covering Wright Park, Gov. Pack Road, Session Road and Burnham Park.
    Said the plan has been presented to various government and private entities and had gained considerable interest.
    On the Wright Park, a total of P109 million has been raised from various sources to kick off the development works starting with the renovation of the planned stable and pony areas which is about to start.  The city is also ready for a public-private partnership in building a parking-cum-commercial structure in the area.  The project design is now in the works with the Dept. of Public Works and Highways and upon completion, will be bidded out.  She assured that great changes will happen at the park within the year.
    On Gov. Pack Road, a memorandum of agreement will be forged with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources for the development of prime lots under OCT 1 including Gov. Pack Road where the multi-modal transport terminal will be built under a viable development scheme.
    Another MOA is in the works with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines for the reclamation of the historical Baden Powell Inn and development of the area.
    The redevelopment of the sidewalk section at Session Road as part of the Green Walks initiative of the city will start this year but will cover only the right side of the street.  A P20 million fund has been sourced out for the initial phase of the project which will cover the construction of a shed, bike lane, landscaping and other infrastructure to realize the future Session Road as a complete street promoting safe mobility and leisure promenade for all.
     The Maharlika Livelihood Center structure will be turned over to the city government under a joint venture with the Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC).  The city is preparing the plan on the business venture and the conservation of the iconic building.
    The city market pedestrian road will be widened and improved to make it inclusive and encourage walking also in keeping with the city's Walkable Baguio thrust.
    The Burnham Park development plan is still under negotiations with the TIEZA. 

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Athletes warned against potential dangers of natural supplements

WELLNEWS

Victor Romulo Gallardo Dumaguing MD

Sophia-Antipolis January 2022: Nutritional supplements taken to boost athletic performance can pose risks to the heart, according to a European Society of Cardiology (ESC) statement published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a journal of the ESC.1 
    “Nutritional supplements are commonly viewed as risk-free substances that may improve performance,” states the paper.     “Some nutritional supplements, including various plant and ‘natural’ extracts, may pose a serious health risk and athletes may even risk contravening anti-doping rules.”
“    Athletes who use supplements often have no knowledge regarding their effects on sports performance and overall health,” continues the document. “It is reported that most athletes get nutritional advice from coaches, fellow athletes, family members and friends, suggesting that more wide reaching educational interventions, at an early age, are necessary.”
    Key points for athletes using nutritional supplements:
    A natural supplement is not necessarily a safe supplement.
    Use products by established manufacturers with known good quality standards.
    Athletes are personally responsible for any substances they consume.
    Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse in relation to a positive doping test.
    The position paper outlines the cardiovascular effects during sports of doping substances, prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, legal performance-enhancing supplements, and experimental drugs.
    Doping refers to the use of a substance or method which is potentially dangerous to athletes’ health or capable of enhancing their performance. To take one example, death among athletes doping with anabolic androgenic steroids is estimated to be 6–20 times higher than in clean athletes, and around 30% of these deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular causes.
    The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains a list of prohibited drugs, but nutritional substances are not included since many are unregulated and unlicensed. The use of legal supplements by athletes varies between 40% and 100% depending on the sport and level of competition. Intended to enhance performance and give a competitive edge, legal supplements include caffeine, creatine, energy drinks/gels/bars, beetroot juice, and proteins.
    “Caffeine is a prime example of a natural substance that is considered safe,” said first author Dr. Paolo Emilio Adami of World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field. “While caffeine improves performance, particularly aerobic capacity in endurance athletes, its abuse may lead to fast heart rate (tachycardia), heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), high blood pressure, and in some cases sudden cardiac death.”
    “The ‘more is better’ philosophy, when applied to caffeine use in sports, may result in side effects that outweigh the performance benefits,” states the paper.
    Many elite athletes consume a combination of supplements daily and the document states: “Unfortunately, it is common practice for athletes to ignore dosing recommendations and use multiple drugs simultaneously.” Sportspeople should be aware that supplement use exposes them to the risk of ingesting prohibited substances since they are regulated as food ingredients and not subject to the rigorous safety standards of pharmaceutical products.
    The document warns that athletes’ desire and consent to use experimental drugs that have not been proven safe in humans is potentially even riskier than using steroids or other prohibited drugs. The ongoing use of selective androgen receptor modulators or peptides “carry a substantial risk for long-term detrimental health consequences, which are usually understated by their promoters,” states the paper. It also highlights that gene doping to improve strength, reduce pain and repair tissues is “expected to occur behind the scenes with limited protective actions and consequently increased health risks” and “constitutes a great threat of major concern about the future of human performance manipulation”.
    Dr. Adami said: “In many cases sportspeople use a mix or cocktail of substances to improve their performance and the interaction between them can also be extremely dangerous. All doping substances are risky and their use as medications should only be allowed when prescribed by a physician to treat a medical condition, when no therapeutic alternatives are available, and following the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements.2 Based on the dose, the duration of use, and the interaction with other substances the health consequences can vary and in some cases be lethal. From a cardiovascular perspective they can cause sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias, atherosclerosis and heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure, and blood clots.”
    He continued: “Athletes should be aware that natural supplements and substances are not necessarily safe and should only be used if recommended by professional nutritionists. It is fundamental to use products from well-established manufacturers with known and internationally approved good quality standards.”
    Dr. Adami concluded: “Athletes are always personally responsible for any substances they consume. Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse in relation to a positive doping test. In those with established cardiovascular disease, a sports physician or sports cardiologist should always be consulted prior to using any performance aid or supplement.

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The good news about suffering

THOUGHTS AND VIEWS

Fr. Roy Cimagala

THE fact that Christ immediately talked about his impending passion and death after being rightly identified by Peter as the “the Christ” (cfr. Mk 8,27-33) tells us that suffering and death, which are unavoidable in our life here on earth, are actually good news to all of us. If understood and experienced properly, they identify us with Christ and attain for us our own eternal salvation.
    This gospel episode, of course, tells us that if we truly follow Christ, then like him, we should not only expect suffering and death but also welcome them. That’s because in the first place we cannot avoid suffering and death in this life, no matter how much we try. But more importantly, if we have the same attitude Christ had toward his suffering and death, we know that our own would have a positive and redemptive value.
    This is what Christian suffering and death is all about. It is a consequence of all our sins but is now converted into a means of our salvation, that is, if we suffer and die with Christ.
    We need to understand well this basic truth of our faith so that we can avoid suffering unduly or suffering more than we ought. In other words, this truth of our faith enables us to suffer and die properly.
    We all need to be reminded that all our suffering has a positive and favorable aspect. It’s not all entirely bad and negative, though in itself it will always be bad. But if viewed and lived through our Christian faith, that is, with Christ, there is something in it that can give us a greater good.
    Our pains and suffering are always the result of sin, ours and those of the others. They are the necessary consequence of our separation, whether temporary or permanent, from God from whom all good things come. (cfr. Ps 16,2; James 1,17) We may not be the direct cause of our own suffering, but in this world, we cannot escape the effects of sin, and so we must be ready for them just the same.
    We have to remind ourselves that we are not meant to suffer. Our original as well as our ideal definitive state in heaven excludes suffering. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were in the state of original justice, where everything was in order and in harmony. No pain and suffering touched them, until they fell into sin.
    We have to remind everyone that when we suffer, we should see to it that we avoid suffering by our own lonesome. That would make our suffering, whatever may be its cause, whether it is self-inflicted or caused by others, a useless and purely negative event.
    Truth is our suffering can have tremendous meaning and positive effect on us if we go through it always with Christ. If we go by our Christian faith, we are sure that Christ is ever willing to suffer for us and with us, and to convert our suffering into the very means of our salvation, in fact.
    There is no human suffering that Christ is not willing to make also as his own. And he does it because he loves us, he wants to save us, he wants to bring us back to him. Let’s remember that his love is first of all gratuitous. He loves us first before we canlearn to love him in return. -- Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

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The language of love in the highlands

 Richard Kinnud

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- Someone asked me, “Is it true ‘I love you’ in the Ifugao language is also ‘Pulong mu’ or ‘Puhog mu’?” The inquisitor said he learned from his college ex-girfriend that “pinpinhod daa” are the words for “I love you” in the Ifugao Tuwali language but was curious when someone mentioned about a video from an Ifugao vlogger which claimed that in their place they do not say “I love you” but instead say “pulong mu” or “puhog mu.” 
    Are these synonyms?  If these were, he said, they would be added to his present vocabulary of how “I love you” is said in the Cordilleras.  In the Ibaloi language of Benguet, it is “ensemek taja” or “pipiyan taja.”  In Kalinga, they say “pipiyok sika.”  In the Benguet Kankanaey, it is “laylaydek sik-a”.  Languages in the Mt. Province has “laylaychek sik-a” and “laylaychuk he’a”.   In Abra , they say “ay-ayaton ka” which is close to “ay-ayatan taa” of those from Apayao and to “Ay-ayaten ka” in Iloko language which is a lingua franca in the Cordillera.
    I shared to him my observation that each of the phrases he mentioned has a similarity to at least one of the other phrases.  For instance, “pinpinhod” sounds similar with “pipiyok” then with “pipiyan.” But “pulong mu” or “puhog mu” is way far.  Still, I did not dismiss the idea that these phrases could indeed be “I love you.”
    Then we went on to chew over what everybody else knew about love.  As a universal experience, it is expressed in different ways – verbal and non-verbal.  It may not be said always but actions can say it all.  Favors and gifts, for instance, when specially given may translate to “I love you.”  Also spending quality time with someone could be love even without saying anything of it.
    We soon delved on the courtship practices in the Cordillera.  Some common things we reckoned was how love is connected to service and home.  The first indicator of service is to be able to reach the home of a beloved. 
    The lyrics of a folk song that I suppose has its version in the many languages of the Cordillera has the line that would say something like “if you really love me, come home with me but you must bear with the long and winding road going there.”
    Also, it seemed common in Cordilleran cultures that a man who is courting would be in a better position of having his “love accepted” if he is able to do some chores in the household of his lady.  This would include working in the rice fields, carrying logs from the forest and chopping of firewood, and even helping in simple chores such as fetching water and cooking.  These of course has taken a different dimension these days because young men and women are already schooled.  For example, the scenario of going to the farm can be palatable for a trained agriculturist but how can someone, say a lawyer be tasked by a prospective father-in-law to plow the rice farm.  Perhaps those in the social sciences could also do such but maybe it would be awkward for those in other fields.
    We also talked about the role of enablers, or those who speak in behalf of someone who may not be able to express what he truly feels.  I relayed the story of a friend who said that in earlier times in their village, when young men would sleep together in a house and the young women are also together in another, someone from the men’s camp who would talk about or show interest in marrying someone in the women’s camp would be helped.  The men may even bodily carry their fellow to the women’s camp and the women would heartfully welcome him to sleep with them and may even be witness to whatever happens in the night between him and the one he fancies.  Mostly, that would result to a good marriage, my friend related.
    In Ifugao, there’s also the concept of mangihapit (someone who speaks in behalf) who could also soon be the mangigawi (someone who serves as a messenger during an engagement or marriage proposal ritual called the momon.)   Of course, these constructs have also evolved these days.  The momon, for instance, is now viewed as the marriage itself instead of it being just a proposition yet which can be approved or disapproved by the woman’s clan.  If ever, the least it could result to is a trial until established to be a marriage by the parties involved and the community/communities to which they belong.
    But in this digital age, an enabler or someone to speak in one’s behalf may no longer be necessary.  Someone who is not good in speaking may use his (and also her) phone.  There have been the SMS/texts and now the Messenger that served bridge to relationships.
    Speaking of the digital age, my inquisitor soon found the video on Facebook and asked me more about it.  The vlogger is an i-Ayangan, (the i-Ayangans generally refer to those from the south-eastern parts of Ifugao) though the words she uttered are understood also by other linguistic groups.  I related to my inquisitor that such vlog seemed to have stroked all of Ifugao that it had spurred several other videos telling the world of how the Ifugaos tell their I-love-yous.  Some directly denied what the vlog claimed that “cha’mi” (we Ifugaos) do not say I love you.  Some boys claimed that they are sweet in their locality as they do pronounce “I love you, I miss you….”  Another video declared that they Ifugao men say the sweet words often even to the extent of making calls every now and then just to do so.  Others are bold in stating that they may not say the words more often but do so by bringing in the goods that their love needs even if not demanded.  Another video relates that the one who invites to partake with “watwat” or one who bring the “watwat” to the one he fancies is the way to say I love you in their place.
So what does pulong mu and puhog mu means, the inquisitor pressed.  I said, literally it says “Your ass!” and “Your bellybutton!”
    He replied with expletives.  “P***** I**! B*** S***! T****!”
    And so I replied, are you saying that because you don’t love me?  He countered with a smile.  As it is, expletives or swear words have different uses – expressing anger, resentment, or provocation and on the other hand, they could be ways of communicating friendliness and love especially when accompanied with smiles and laughter!
    Happy Love Month to all!

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Team Lakay’s Pacatiw looks ahead to bout vs Andrade

Carlo Quinto

Bolstered by the confidence given to him by his world champion peers, Jeremy "The Juggernaut" Pacatiw is proving to everyone that he truly deserves his spot here at ONE Championship.

    But he knows that the journey necessitates him to constantly reaffirm his position in the promotion, thus the need to test himself against better and tougher foes.

    Pacatiw will do just that at ONE: FULL CIRCLE when he takes on Fabricio "Wonder Boy" Andrade on 25 February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

    The 25-year-old upstart is raring for his biggest test yet here at ONE as he battles the #4-ranked contender in the bantamweight division.

    "He is a complete athlete so I need to prepare myself in every aspect of the game," he stated. "There is no easy war. It’s all tough but in different ways. In the case of my opponent this time, his arsenal is not just loaded but he's very well loaded."

    Pacatiw knows how tough of a cookie Andrade is, with the Brazilian yet to taste a loss since joining ONE Championship in 2020.

    Andrade is on a five-fight win streak, with his last victory coming at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II back in December where he overwhelmed "The Underdog" Li Kai Wen with his lethal strikes to eventually pull off the first round technical knockout win.

    Yet as big of a threat Andrade is in Pacatiw's ascent, the Filipino fighter also presents a solid case to be considered as one of the weight class' next big things.

    Hyper-active in his promotional debut at ONE: BATTLEGROUND back in July, Pacatiw looked like he had a fresh set of springs in his step as he imposed his presence on his opponent Chen "The Ghost" Rui, unleashing a barrage of strikes while also securing two massive takedowns to display his well-rounded game for the unanimous decision conquest.

    "My win from my debut fight gave me that extra self-assurance and I’m feeling more confident than ever," he said, while admitting that he feels he still has a lot to show for his fans in ONE Championship.

    "I have more to offer that will surely thrill our audience and it is expected every time we step inside the Circle that we really need to show another version of ourselves, and that another version is the improved version. We want to show the world that we are constantly evolving."

    Also adding to Pacatiw's morale was the valuable advice that his fellow Team Lakay members gave him, with former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon and Stephen "The Sniper" Loman all doing their part in pushing him in preparation for this match.

    "Manong Kevin and Stephen emphasized the importance of giving your all in every fight, and that focusing on the game plan should not be minimized. I'm looking forward to doing just that when I face Andrade," he said.

    Curiously, it's one of the goals that Pacatiw has when he gets his hands raised at the end of this bout, to join Loman, who currently occupies the #3 spot, and Belingon, who's at #5, in the top five of the official bantamweight rankings.

    "A win could put me in the ONE Athlete Rankings and also a chance to get closer to a possible fight for the title. That's my dream here," he said.

    Odds may not be in his favor in the leadup to this match, Pacatiw is banking on his immense preparation as he shoots for the upset and slowly makes a name for himself like his fellow Igorot warriors here in ONE Championship.

    "In mixed martial arts, you cannot predict what will happen," he said. "All I know is I’m coming geared for this fight. I trained so hard for this match that I don’t doubt what I can do inside the ONE Circle."

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