Issue#12

Cement ‘I live mixing on plant generic pollutes drugs’ Carmona? Page 7

Page 2

MAXXISM fights cancer for father Page 6

Chavit’s estranged lover cries:

‘Give me liberty!’ IN her revelation to Philippine Entertainment Portal, it can be gleaned that Rachel “Che” Tiongson is crying for liberty from Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson. She revealed she lived like a life in a cage. As if the design from the start, when her heart was taken by the Deputy Chief of vNational Security while she was yet a pretty 19-year-old student of the College of the

Holy Spirit beside Malacañang, was to make her as such: always dependent on him for everything. She revealed she was deprived to complete her college so that she cannot stand on her feet. In their later part of relationship, she also revealed she was made just like a sex toy: that she would only be used when needed and left after satisfaction.

She told PEP: “No work. Hindi na ako nag-aral. Hindi naman ako tinuruang mag-negosyo, ganun. Parang ginawa lang akong housewife kasi gusto niyang maging dependent na ako sa kanya. Habang nagsasama kami, yun ang gusto niya talaga. Kapag nagbigay siya sa akin, very minimal. Talagang very minimal, kasi nga ayaw niya talaga na

Vol. I

No. 13

parang magkaipon ako.”

Chavit gave nothing to Che In all the years of their relationship she got nothing from Chavit. She told PEP:

September 7-13, 2009 “Sa seventeen years naming nagsama, hindi talaga ako kumukuha sa kanya. Ganyan ang pagkatao ko. Kahit kailangangkailangan ko na, hindi talaga ako ganun. Hihingin ko na lang kesa kunin ko.

“Pero, I think, pagbigay, e, bigay na yun, e. Kung anumang gawin ko dun, akin na yun. Wala siyang binigay sa aking property na nakapangalan sa akin. Lahat—walang negosyo, To page 2

ABOLISH MARINA! IF there is one thing that is sure in today’s shipping industry in the Philippines, it is that we are not sure if we reach our port of destination alive. And if there is another that is sure here, it is that corruption has already lorded over at the Marina (Maritime Industry Authority), the government agency that has the sole authority to give license for any passenger ship and certify that it is seaworthy. There is no doubt that Superferry is so far the best passenger ship provider to the ordinary masses. Yet it is also plagued by disasters and we still are not sure of our life in the hands of their captains. It is too recent, only in June 2008, that we had a major passenger ship accident when M/V Princess of the Stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines, turned upside down at the height of a typhoon, kill-

ing 57 of the 850 on board. Last September 6, a major vessel—Superferry 9 of Aboitiz—listed to the right as it was traversing the waters off Zamboanga Peninsula, near the town of Siocon, hours after it started its voyage from General Santos City to Iloilo City. As of this writing, it was reported that only nine were confirmed dead and 32 were still missing. It was said that 926 were rescued alive just before the ship sunk five hours after the captain of the ship, Joel Yap, issued a distress call. A woman passenger was later found floating alive near Siocon. As rescue efforts were being made, another ship sank; a cargo ship, M/V Hera, that went to the sea of nowhere after incurring engine trouble. All the 19 crewmen, two of them Koreans and the rest are Filipinos,

By TOTO CAUSING

The ill-fated SuperFerry 9 that sank off Siocon Bay in Zamboanga. Nine persons perished, 927 rescued and 32 were unaccounted for. were saved while drifting aboard a life craft.

Poor people no option but risk lives at sea What made the Superferry 9 disaster unbelievable is that

it happened when the sea was calm. This close gap in between sea disasters demonstrated the incompetence of Marina to make the sea voyages safe for all Filipinos, considering that it is the backbone of the

Philippine economy. For poor people, the only way to travel to and fro, one island to another, is by a boat. They cannot afford plane tickets. The goods are transported from production places to the

markets by means of shipping. The poor people are left with no options. They have to ride the boat and risk their lives if they want to go to Manila from Mindanao or Visayas, or back. To page 7

Don’t get what is not yours – Sagun to Maliksi THE mayor of Trece Martires City blasted Cavite Governor Ayong Maliksi, telling the latter “don’t get what is not yours” before reporters during the No Holds Barred forum hosted by National Press Club. Mayor Melencio “Jun” de Sagun dared odds and showed no fear of Maliksi as he disclosed that the governor has been arrogantly not honoring Trece Martires as the one that has territorial jurisdiction over the land property being developed by the province as a housing project called

“Maliksing Pabahay.” The mayor personally implemented recently the closure of the “Maliksing Pabahay” even against the will of Governor Maliksi, padlocking the same and arresting two engineers for constructing without obtaining building permits and licenses from the city. Despite these assertions of territorial rights, Sagun said that Maliksi has remained adamant in not applying for building permits and licenses before the city. “Bilang alkalde ng lungsod na ito, karapatang kong ipaglaban ang

karapatan ng mga Treceño na tunay na nagmamay-ari ng teritoryong ito. Hindi ko papayagan na agawin ito ng iba. Ipaglalaban ko ito hanggang sa huling patak ng aking dugo,” Sagun openly declared. The property in dispute is located in Bgy. Hugo Perez and Sagun insisted this is within the territory of Trece Martires City (TMC). Sagun presented documents, particularly a certification from Heavenly Garden Development Corp. (HGDC) and the Declaration of Real Property. The certificate of title to

the disputed property— which is TCT No. T-29741 in the name of Heavenly Garden Development Corp. and a transfer from (T58557) T-4308 in the name of Rosario Soria Vda. de Mojica and Aruelio Mojica Escoval—is registered in the Register of Deeds of Trece Martires City. It was turned over by the Provincial Register of Deeds to the Trece Register of Deeds on Sept. 15, 1994 and assigned a new number, which is T-4308. On Nov. 8, 1994 the parcel of land embraced in TCT No. (T-58557) T-4308 was

sold to HGDC, which was then issued TCT No. T29741 and it was the Register of Deeds of Trece Martires that issued the new title. The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council, thru Secretary of the DAR Ernesto Garilao, issued Conversion order No. 9636-02 on May 14, 1996 approving the conversion of the said land from agricultural to a memorial park use. In the opening sentence of the Order, the Secretary unequivocally described the parcel of land being

considered for conversion as located in Bgy. Hugo Perez, TMC, Cavite. Sagun also presented a certification issued by Teresita Diokno, city assessor, stating that the records on file show Lot no. 3305N located at Bgy. Hugo Perez is in TMC under Tax Declaration no. 771-R. The certificate also showed that the parcel of land was registered in the name of HGDC and it was declared for taxation purposes under RA 981 and RA 1912 as amended, the said property belongs to TMC.

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September 7-13, 2009

CEMENT POLLUTES CARMONA? By REPORTORIAL TEAM

The batching plant (above), being operated by A.A. Aggregates is the subject of numerous complaints by residents inside Carmona Estates. Air pollution brought about by this plant caused them to suffer different kinds of ailments and sleepless nights.

FOR three years now, some residents complained to Dyaryo Magdalo that more than 2,000 of them inside Carmona Estate, a housing development project of Property Company of Friends Inc. (Profriends) in Barangay Lantic, Carmona, Cavite, face grave health risk from pollution of their air, water and the unbearable noise. Suffocating air dusts Those who complained claimed they feel their air has been suffocated by the dust coming from a cement batching plant operated by A.A. Aggregates, known to them as owned by Cavite Provincial Board Member Alex L. Advincula. Advincula is the chairman of the committees on

From page 1 •

public works and highways and land use zoning, urban and rural development, Cavite provincial government website shows. If the board member owns the aggregates company, he is placed in a position of conflicting interests. Moreover, these residents said they believe that Advincula is very close to Profriends personalities. The complaining residents claimed a number of residents complained their families are nursing upper respiratory illnesses, allergies and other ailments derived from air pollutants spewed by the batching plant.

Like a sex toy She also revealed that she has been treated like a sex toy. She would be used when Chavit would be driven by libido and left behind after getting satisfaction. This, Che told PEP, tortured her. “Ang isa pang torture ko diyan, yung pag-aari niya ako, na pupunta siya dun [Corinthian house-apartment] any time gusto niya. Para galawin lang ako. At yun lang talaga ang purpose niya. Pupunta siya dun, ayun, ‘tapos alis na siya. “Pag nag-no ako, ganito yun, may panakot na, ‘Hindi mo na makita yung mga bata!’ Parati ko silang tsini-check. ‘O sige, papun-

Polluting the rivers, water source

Deafening loud operation These residents also

‘Give me liberty!’

walang properties. Gusto nga niyang maging dependent ako. “Yung car ko, sa akin nakapangalan, kaso nung pinaalis niya ako, nung nangyari ito, damit ko lang talaga bitbit ko. Naiwan ko yung car ko, siyempre. Wala na yung car. Wala na lahat yung gamit. Kaya hindi ako dun [Corinthian houseapartment] ngayon natutulog, kasi walang bed, walang laman, wala lahat. Tinanggal nung Sunday.”

claimed the same batching plant causes them untold miseries for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They alleged the sound coming from rocks colliding inside the batching plant causes noise that are irritating. These residents also claimed they have been complaining they could hardly sleep especially at night because the 24-hour excessive loud operation of A.A. Aggregates wildly disturbs them. “The sound of the grinding of raw materials is deafening and terribly disgusting,” they said.

tahin mo yung mga bata rito.’ Sinusundo ko sa school, sabay-sabay kong hinahatid. Yung mga ganun na lang, na kahit every day nakakausap ko sila, nakikita ko sila.”

He had sex with her a day before mauling Che also revealed that she was used by Chavit a day before she was beaten to a pulp with punches and lashed out with a whip (latigo) used by him on his pet tiger. To this, Che revealed: “Grabe siya. Ginalaw pa niya ako nung Friday, na parang wala siyang balak gawin. Na meron pala siyang plano na sundan ako, at gagawin iyon [to beat her].” During that worst encounter of her life, she was beaten up for 40 minutes while her boyfriend, Richard Catral, was tied up by Chavit’s men and beaten up for two hours. It was also suspected that the boyfriend’s male organ was hammered.

Not happy with Chavit She also said she has been not happy with Chavit. She never felt she was a wife to him. Instead of building up their bond, Che said Chavit

Additionally, the complainants said the said made her love for her diminish by each day. This was manifested by her long desire to escape, literally, but she could not do because she would end up with no one who could help her. So she said: “Parati ko ngang sinasabi, akala ng iba, ang sarap-sarap ng buhay ko. Totoo, dahil totoo naman, naexperience ko rin yung mga ‘yang luxurious life, na nagbiya-biyahe ka, ano, ganun. But ang kapalit nito… does that make you happy? At the end of the day, are you happy? “Yung relationship namin, parang bangko, na dapat deposit nang deposit. Ang nangyari sa amin, withdraw nang withdraw, hanggang sa nagiging negative. Kasi yun na nga yung nawalan ka ng respect, ng trust.”

Chavit accuses her of cheating on him The former Ilocos Sur governor defended his action of beating up Tiongson by saying he caught her up with her boyfriend inside the apartment he rented for her. He said Tiongson has no reason to have a boyfriend because they had never separated. The former governor also said that he has evidence to support that he is right in do-

batching plant drain their waste to the nearby river, causing fear among the residents that their water coming from the water table below may have been tainted. Residents here get their potable water from deep wells, which, in turn, suck water from the water table beneath. Usually, water tables include the waters in the river as part thereof. Expansion of subdivision projects continue Despite the problems that are basic to humanity, Profriends move full speed in expanding its projects. Profriends, whose w e b s i t e www.profriends.com shows its main office to be at 55 Tinio St., Addition Hills,

ing what he did. Chavit also said that this was not the first time that he caught Che. He also revealed that she caught with another man, actor Cogie Domingo. To this, Che answered no cheating happened because they were no longer lovers. Although she admitted it was Chavit who was renting the said apartment for her, she reasoned it was their deal when they separated for her to be given an apartment so that she can attend to their children. Chavit has a strong ally in his eldest daughter with Che. This daughter issued a public statement that she has never seen her father torture her mother.

Only God can punish Che Che made a stand that although she admitted to have cheated on Chavit he has no right to kill her or beat her with gusto. She said: “Porke’t may ginawa ka, gagawin ko ‘to sa ‘yo— that’s the price, that’s the consequence? Parang ako, hindi ako ano doon, hindi ako agreeable. Kasi sa akin naman, yun na nga yun, meron tayong tinatawag na ano, ang dapat magparusa sa atin ay ang Diyos at ang korte natin.”

Cannot escape from Chavit

Mandaluyong City, has launched new housing projects such are Cedar, Kinnari Village Phases 1–9 and Amandala. These new villages are only a few meters away from the batching plant. Obligation to plant trees not complied with Profriends, the residents said, have not planted trees within its subdivisions, which, they said, is a part of the terms and conditions when it was issued permits by the Municipality of Carmona. “Right now,” the concerned residents lamented, “that aside from pollution, excessive heat bothers them because there is ecological imbalance in the area due to the absence of trees.” Cement plant is supplier of Profriends Che also revealed that she tried several times to escape from her relationship with him but she failed each time she tried. The failures were due to the fact she had nothing to live on. She has had no money. She has had nobody to help her. She has had nothing to run to. She revealed:

These residents also said that A. A. Aggregates supplies cement products to the construction of houses at the Carmona Estate. No inspection by authorities It is a requirement by the law that authorities such as the National Housing Authority (NHA), Housing Land Use and Regulatory Board (HLURB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are required to conduct visits to monitor the construction of development projects for subdivisions. Despite this lack of compliance to their obligations under the law, the complaining residents wondered why there has been no action from the municipality and the barangay of Lantic about the projects of involving A. A. Aggregates and Profriends. “Meron nang maraming incident na umalis ako kasi ayoko na talaga. ‘Tapos babalik na naman ako kasi nga wala akong ano, e, wala akong alam mapuntahan. Wala akong mapuntahan. ‘Tapos, wala pa sa akin ang mga anak ko. Parang ang ano ko nun talaga, parang wala akong choice. I have to go back..”

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MAGDIWANG PUBLICATIONS Publisher: Atty. RONALDO E. RENTA Editorial: TOTO CAUSING Editor-In-Chief RONALD B. HERICO Associate Editor Disclaimer: All news articles and opinions expressed by the writers are entirely their own and do not reflect the opinion of the publisher, the management or the editor of this publication. All Rights Reserved: No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced nor translated in any language or form for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the publisher and its writers or columnists.

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September 7-13, 2009

Arroyo failed to explain how wealth jumped from P5M in 2002 to P99M in 2008

Why Mikey, why? Why is it that President’s son Congressman Mikey Arroyo accumulated wealth of P99 million in 2008 when he only had P5 million in 2002? The eldest son granted an interview with GMA 7’s Unang Hirit, with Winnie Monsod and Arnold Clavio hosting, Mikey said his wealth came from gifts given during his wedding to his second cousin Angela Arroyo Montenegro-Arroyo and from the excess of campaign fund contributions to his election campaigns. If indeed the wealth came from wedding gifts, why is it that the well-wishers during his wedding would give money instead of gifts in kind? And if there would be some who would give money, why is it that they would give gifts in millions of pesos? And if there was indeed a huge gift in money, why is it that Mikey did not present evidence of the gift, a check for it, or any other form of instruments, considering it is impossible for a gift of money would be placed in bags to be placed atop the table for wedding gifts? And if it is indeed true he received big cash gifts, why is it that he did not declare those for the government to collect donation taxes? Now, if indeed it were true that the wealth came from campaign funds, why is it that he did not show documents proving he declared them before the Commission on Elections.

And if indeed there were excess from contributed campaign funds, why is it that there is no document presented to prove that he paid income taxes for it? And if assuming his P5 million grew due to interests and investments, then why it had to earn at least P94 million in six years? Of course those given to him are not Mikey Mouse monies. So why Mikey, why?

Protesters in US also asked: Why? “Shame on you, you got caught!” Thus went the chant of Filipino-American activists when they staged a protest outside the $1.3-million house of Congressman Mikey Arroyo. This house, worth P63.7million in Philippine currency, is located at 1655 Beach Park Blvd., Foster City, San Mateo County, State of California, USA. The house faces San Francisco beach and overlooks the breathtaking longspanned San Mateo Bridge, maybe as long as the Golden Gate of New York. Only the eight-lane Beach Park Boulevard separates the house of Mikey and the beach of San Francisco Bay. The protesters believed that the said house was bought using ill-gotten money. Terry Valen, chair of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns, contended: “Of course there should be a clear investigation of

how he got his wealth, where he is investing it… “It’s clear that this is not coming from his salary as a Philippine congressman.” He added that they were not surprised that another Arroyo property in the Bay Area has been revealed. For her part, Racquel Redondiez, chair of Gabriela USA, commented: “In the past, we’ve heard of allegations of the Arroyos trying to hide other million-dollar homes in San Francisco. We know that this is a pattern of the Arroyos, hiding their illgotten wealth.” Overall, the issue is summed up with three letters: WHY?

rate Beach Way Park LLC did not convince. To the contrary, Vera Files reported the house is in the name of his wife. To the protesters in California, this claim of Mikey is disturbing, San Mateo county records showed his wife is listed as the sole owner. Redondiez said: “It just further exposes the pattern of cover-up. If you’re not hiding anything, why would you have to cover it up and deny?” The bottom line is still summed up in three letters: WHY?

Covered by Mikey’s corporation?

Protester Jack de Jesus of Bayan USA raised that lavishness in time of crises bedevils the Filipino people. De Jesus said: “ We ’ r e just here to express our outrage that Congressman Arroyo has all the money to spend on a million-dollar home in Foster City while our people in the Philippines only live on less than a dollar a day.”

In an interview with Winnie Monsod and Arnold Clavio of GMA 7, Mikey claimed the house is owned by Beach Way Park LLC (which means, limited liability corporation). Indeed, there was a declaration of shares in Beach Way Park LLC as written in Mikey’s SSALN for 2007 and 2008. However, he did not declare how much his shares were in that limited liability company, which can be incorporated in the US even with one person as a stockholder-incorporator.

Why Angela’s name appears as owner? This explanation of Mikey that the Foster City house was used to incorpo-

SCHOOLING BY THE SEA?

A boy is busy collecting pieces of wood washed ashore by the sea. He is among the many Filipino children being deprived of education that is the duty of the government. A harsh reality overlooked or being taken for granted? Photo: NICK GALINO

Why buy that when Pinoys are suffering?

Why it can never be money laundering? Money laundering is a process where dirty money is used in transactions to make it appear they are clean. So that another question hangs: Why the Foster City house cannot be considered an act of money laundering? The California protesters called on the Philippine and U.S. governments to investigate whether the source of Arroyo’s wealth for this Foster City house is ill and that this is another case of money laundering. Velen said that the funds used to buy the house could be taxpayers’ money. “If they (the Arroyos) get paid for the house, then the money goes back into their accounts and they can do whatever they want with it. Who knows what they’re going to do next? But this could be the money of taxpayers not just in the Philippines, but also for us here in the U.S,” Valen stressed.

Why nobody resides in the house? Mikey told the same Unang Hirit interview that nobody lives in that Foster City house. So why did he buy it in the first place when it was not needed? Is it because he just wanted to divert the funds to avoid from being examined or known? Or is it because he

The Fil-Am activists stage a protest in front of the $1.3million house of Congressman Mikey Arroyo on Beach Park Blvd., San Mateo County, California. They clamor for an investigation as to how and where did Mikey got his wealth. wanted to have one readied in case he would be compelled to flee the Philippines if ever the people’s wrath comes? The protesters stage protest and put up warning signs on the sidewalk to deter potential buyers. It was also reported that a Filipino neighbor who refused to be identified said the Arroyos are never seen there. Another neighbor, Allen Leader, said he wants the Arroyo family to come clean about the home to the Filipino people so the protests will end in Foster City. Obviously, the neighbors are worried about the daily protest that would ensue.

Internet bloggers react Internet readers gave mixed reaction to this story posted by ABS-CBN on the net. One blogger named jim_lion, said: “Thanks to the Foster City protesters for helping us, local based Filipinos,

with our fight against CORRUPTION. You make us feel that the world is looking at us. I hope you don’t stop until the truth is exposed.” Another blogger named Tugs, said: “Mikey kaya ba yan ng sweldo? Mikey kaya ba yan ng sweldo ng isang congressman na bumili ng property worth $1.3 million? “Paano mo na-acquire yan? Paki-share naman sa mga kababayan mo ang yong talent sa pagna—— ——. “D mo ba napansin na mga Pinoy nakatira sa squatters habang kayo mga Arroyo bumibili ng ganyan property?... “Noon d pa presidente si GLORIA, ikaw mismo walang ganyan kalaking pera. Ng naging tongressman ka,WOW! biglang yaman “AH. BUTI MAY MUKHA PA KAYONG HUMARAP SA TAO, HABANG NAGHIHIRAP ANG TAONG BAYAN KAYO NAMAN LUMULUBO ANG YAMAN…” Ronald Herico

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September 7-13, 2009

NOY TO MAR: ‘Itabi mo, lalaban tayo!’

TRAILBLAZER By RONALDO E. RENTA

IT’S undeniable! Senator Mar Roxas’ single act of magnanimity creates new political landscape. This move scores big points for Mar’s political stack not only in 2016 but even when he decides to run for presidency this May Election. As Sen. Mar Roxas would like to put it in one of his Informecials: “Anak, Itabi mo Ako naman.” This time its Noynoy’s turn to tell to Mar, “Mar, Itabi mo Ako naman at lalaban tayo!” Well, Gov. Among Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and

Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela are true to their movement’s battle cry: “Kaya Natin!” That’s why it’s no wonder to many when they followed suit. “Kaya Natin— sumunod kay Mar!” The two prime movers of Kaya Natin Movement had declared to withdraw their plans to run for presidency in favor of full support to Sen. Noynoy Aquino. Their message is clear: Kaya Natin MagSakripisyo.” Like a true killjoy, Former President Erap Estrada just brushes aside

Jerry’s Blogs By JERRY S. YAP

PGMA and her entourage were not the only voracious eaters as they did in Washington, District of Columbus when they paid Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos in bills to Bobby Van’s Steakhouse a day after she met with US President Barack Obama. Then they ate another expensive dinner, for One Million Pesos, at Le Cirque French restaurant in New York. Here in Manila, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials paid P1.2 MILYON for their lunch when they inaugurated their new building on Solano St. inside Intramuros. In a description given by a grapevine present during the celebration, he said that roasted calf (litsong baka) literally overflowed on the tables, as well as roasted pig and chicken and different kinds of menus. The source said: “Parang hindi opisina ng gobyerno kundi pistahan ang pinuntahan nina Senatoriable Finance Sec. MARGARITO ‘Gary’ TEVES at BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV na tuwang-tuwa namang nangingingain sa okasyong iyon.” “Mantakin n’yo namang nakuha pang MAGPAKASAYA at MAGPAKABUNDAT ng mga BIR officials gayong P30 BILYON ang SHORTFALL nila sa kanilang KOLEKSIYON.” Is this the application of the Lateral Attrition Law in the reverse? We learned that we should not wonder why the shortfall in the targeted revenue should go this far down. They said that Esquivias failed to prevent Revenue National Investigation Division Chief Bobby Baquiran from forcibly taking or grabbing big tax dockets from Revenue District Officers (RDOs). The said this is “hijacking of tax cases.” I pity the Filipino taxpayers, Secretary GARY TEVES. Now I know why nothing comes back to the people: it is because of the luxurious and lavish spending habits of BIR officials even for ordinary affairs such as the inauguration. One BIR employee told us that with the acts of Teves in eating those lechon vaca and other foods, he acquiesced to the acts of his officials at the BIR. In America, Sec. Gary Teves, at least 50 percent comes back to the people from the taxes paid by the citizens there. That is the reason why they do not get mad at their government. In the Philippines, BIR officials are good at cheating off from big taxes. They let loose out those big taxes by

From page 5 •

Police Post

Resibo sa Tutuban blangko! Here is another text message, about the shenanigan occurring at

Tutuban shopping mall in Divisoria. Here it goes: “Joey, bakit ganun sa Tutuban, bumili ako ng celfone tapos yung resibo blangko. Tinanong ko,

people’s call for him not to run instead of being a unifying force in the opposition. He declared in not so few occasions he would only run if the opposition would not be united. This is a moronic position. How could the opposition be united when in reality there is no true opposition? There is nothing to unite! Next year National Election would be a battle royal between and among oppositionists. Another thing, the rate things are going is he is sowing seed of disunity and intrigues among presidentiables. For sure, as Arthro commercial portrayed it: “Erap, Tatakbo ka ba?” He retorts: “Bakit Hindi? From his own mouth there’s 99.9 % that he would run. Run, run, run! Takbo habang may lupa, Erap.

Another presidentiable who may have lost touch with political reality is Bro. Ed Villanueva. His own “Bangon Pilipinas Movement” may turn to be a “Bangungot Pilipinas Movement.” The last thing we need in this country is a religious leader to be a president. It will wreak more havoc than the present kleptocratic form of government. He will give this country a great favor if he starts to rally his followers to push and help Noynoy’s bid to become a president. Noynoy is a moral choice. He is an ethical imperative. What do we do with Manny Villar? Where do we put him in this new political equation? No, not in C5, as he would like to talk in a small group discussion and in multi-million advertise-

ment in broadcast and in print media: “Akala mo Koño, yun Pala Taga Tondo”; and “Akala Trapo yun Pala Ka-Tropa mo.” It is a good thing that this never comes out for him: “Akala mo Mananalo ka yun pala Talo ka, Akala mo Totoo sarbey yun pala paid lang sarbey Mo.” What about VP Noli De Castro? MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando? DND Sec. Gilbert Teodoro? They believe the endorsement of GMA would not be a kiss of death a spell of victory for anyone of them. They believe party machinery and advantage of using huge government funds would catapult one’s candidate to Malacañang. Never! It would not happen. GMA game plan is to guarantee that the next president would be kind and le-

nient to her and her family in order to live a life quietly after leaving the Palace. What to do with GMA and her family should be a critical campaign issue. People should know what the next president would do with GMA’s wrong doings. Guilty should no go without punishment. I may not like the way Sen. Noynoy Aquino III looks. He even looks like Joshua. Also, it doesn’t bother me at all if he would always consult his sisters and go to church or retreat every time he would face or make a big decision. It’s but comforting and reassuring for me to have a president who will not lie, cheat and steal. Her moral records are clear and her forebears shall be his guide.

Sue BIR execs for P1.2-million lunch! doctoring the taxable amounts and that they would receive half of the savings that may be realized after cheating down on taxes. This is the reason nothing comes to the populace while the stomachs of these officials are bulging out and their pockets are overflowing with cash. Kayo palang nasa administrasyon ngayon ay SANAY na SANAY sa MALULUHONG TSIBUGAN? Tsk tsk tsk …

Wise decision, Senator Mar Roxas! (Sen. NOYNOY, MAG-ESEP ESEP KA MUNA?) SOLOMONIC decision. That is the fittest description I could give to what Sen. MAR ROXAS did in quitting from his bid to contest the presidency. A few days ago, the “love of my life of Ate Koring” known for being Sen. MAR “PADYAK” endorsed Senator NOYNOY AQUINO to be the official candidate of Liberal Party to the presidency. By the way. It is indeed correct for Senator Mar to slide down because his survey ratings failed to grow. It failed to capture the imagination of the voters. Even then, the unico hijo of Cory Aquino did not accept the offer, saying however he will make a final decision on the 40th day of Tita Cory. So that is what we should wait. Will Noynoy jump into the ravine or accept the offer of Senator Mar given in a silver platter? Or will he just let Mar “Padyak” Roxas resume the bid to run for president because the latter had already spent hundreds of millions of pesos for political advertisements. Or Noynoy will listen to those who are power hungry that they have been egging him to run? We all wait for that on September 9, 2009. Granting Sen. Noynoy accepts the offer of Senator Mar, ‘will it not diminish the excitement of Ate Koring on her wedding day with her “love of my life.” This is so because after the wedding, if Sen. MAR luckily wins the presidency, Ate Koring will become Instant First Lady. Really, it would be a special dream of Ate Koring that would be put to naught if Noynoy accepts the challenge. Will Ate Koring accept a consolation saying: “Better luck next time”? We will not wonder why Ate Koring took it too hot to make a pot shot at Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

lahat daw talaga ganun! Sino kaya dapat magdisiplina sa mga ganung establishment? E, sa araw araw ang daming bumibili ng celfone, tapos pag me deperensiya “No Refund”, change unit

lang, recondition pa. Sana matawagan natin ng pansin kung sinumang department ito. Ang lalaki ng buwis na nawawala sa kaban ng bayan, buti sana kung ikaw ang namumuno, magtitiwala

Kiko should not make any comment because she has known him since yesterday up to this day. Hik hik hik … Senator KIKO, do you wish to be known by the Filipino public according to the stories of Ate Koring? I am pleading to the other opportunist, I mean, oppositionists, not to use Noynoy. It must have been that the son of ex-President Cory must have gotten bored of the presidency during the term of his mother. As such, I am pleading: please do not use NOYNOY. Please lang po. To Noynoy, my advice is: if you see you can, then go ahead! Just a reminder: Mag-ESEP ESEP mabuti at magingat ka sa mga taong nakapaligid ngayon sa ‘yo...baka sa halip na tulungan ka ay malubog kang bigla?!

Illegal terminal beneath the footbridge, disturbance in Baclaran It is too difficult to go through the maze of traffic jam under the footbridge on Roxas Boulevard in Baclaran, just before passing by Redemptorist Church. This is because of ILLEGAL TERMINAL right beneath the said bridge. They said it could have been okay if all those that would be allowed to use the area as a terminal are those that ply the Pasay routes. The problem was compounded by the fact that all those public utility vehicles queuing there are bound for Sucat, Alabang and Cavite. The illegal terminal stays night and day. Paging, Parañaque Traffic Management and MMDA! MAGKANO BA ANG KOLEKSIYON DIYAN?!

Odorous piggery beside a subdivision in Imus, Cavite We give way to a text message of a Caviteño from +639262061—: “SIR ireklamo q po ‘yun Babuyan ng JARO PIGGERY d2 s Buhay na Tubig, Imus, Cavite. Tagal n kmi nagti2is s mabahong amoy, nagka2sakit n kmi d2. Naireklamo n ‘yan noon pa, sabi aalisin dw pero until now and2 pa. Sobra perwisyo n ng amoy, lalo n d2 s Subdivision nmin Shelter Town katabi lng Piggery ng Jaro. Marami Salamat po!”

pa kaming mga tagaMalabon. Hard hitting columnist, pakisuyo naman po.” 09092007492 I believe this is true. It is better friend that you go to the BIR and report that

to them: that they issue a blank receipt when you bought a cellular phone. The perpetrators there should be jailed. Long live for us who have been cheated by government officials!

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September 7-13, 2009

The ultimate justice

Privileged Spits By TOTO CAUSING

IT is common for Filipinos to hear or experience personally injustices in the hands of men of justice. When I say “men of justice,” I refer to persons who are judges, justices of the tribunals, the prosecutors who possess the knowledge of laws and skills to decide whether to hail an accused to the courts, the labor arbiters, the officers of commissions exercising the power to judge although technically called “quasijudicial” bodies, and the like. It is common for us to learn of innocent persons convicted or guilty persons acquitted. It is also common to see innocent persons being hailed to court or persons you know who are likely guilty, like Joc-joc Bolante, but absolved by the prosecutors or fiscals. It is common to hear labor arbiters deciding wrongly because of money. The same is true for commissions, including the National Labor

Relations Commission (NLRC). Under these circumstances that we are in, the poor who have less in life shall have less in law; in defiance of what then President Magsaysay said: “Those who have less in life should have more in law.” If we have cases, we are often placed in a situation of putting our fate, or our case’s outcome, in the hands of one person: the judge alone or the labor arbiter alone or the prosecutor alone. If the judge, or the labor arbiter, or the prosecutor was already bought by your opponent, you will never ever win despite the evidence to the contrary. I saw a lot of poor workers suffer in the hands of labor arbiters dismissing their complaints for illegal dismissal due to employer bribing his way out. I saw a lot of persons hailed to court by the power of one fiscal or prosecutor even though it is very clear

Police Posts By JOEY GALICIA VENANCIO I RECEIVED a text message from one inmate inside the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa. I think this has a grain of truth, and I decided to publish the same for Dyaryo Magdalo. Here it is: “Gud am, Mr. Venancio. Bakit po sa New Bilibid Prison Maximum Compound ay palagi nagpa–pasok ng bayarin na babae, pangkaraniwang dinadala sa Dorm 5D sa nagngangalan na JB Heraldo. Talamak po dun

ang pagdadala ng puta sa mga tsino dun. Pero ang dalaw ng regular na bilanggo sa maximum ay hinihigpitan, pero ang mga puta ay napakadaling makapasok, kasi po malaki ang kanilang kinikita. Ulitin ko po, JB Heraldo ang bugaw sa Dorm 5D. Sana po maimbestigahan ito. Pls don’t publish my number.” There it is. Whoever is the director of the Bureau of Corrections, you might have been given a slip and you may have not known about it.

The Last Mohican By TOTO FETALINO MY laughter was unstoppable when a friend said Mar Roxas’ ‘Padyak’ is gone. It vanished when it got a ‘Tadyak’ from Noynoy Aquino. I’m not really surprised by Mar’s decision to back out from the presidential race and give way to Noynoy Aquino. The recent survey results were not really so friendly with Mar despite all the resources and efforts that he has already poured in to his campaign. Whatever gimmick he had done had not helped his presidential bid. Mar knows he is not going to win the presidential race given the current

developments. The only way he can save his face this early is to give way to Noynoy. But does Mar really believe Noynoy can win? Does he care if Noynoy turns out to be a big loser? Your guess is as good as mine.

NOT SO SMART AFTER ALL I have been a loyal customer of Smart Communications Inc. Even though many of family members and friends use the other network, I still use Smart phone lines because I enjoy their services. This changed lately, how-

there is lack of evidence to make the case stand in court. This was done with a price— and the prize—from the complainant. I saw a lot of decisions of commissions overturned by the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. These being rampant, I cannot give a reason it was because of honest mistakes; it is more of dishonest minds that make me wonder beyond wild yonder. There is only one reason for this: Influence. That influence may be by money or political exertions or fear. Now, what do you think will happen 10 years from now if the present justice system continues knowing that the bar of morality has been lowered so much and the norm of corruption has been accepted perennial as a grass? I see no justice would be available in 20 years’ time. The truth is: the present state is so alarming. However, only a few remain resilient against the onslaught of im-

morality: they are those who still find joy in honesty on the pain of losing opportunity for money. As I have espoused in so many column articles I had, which is the idea of “Ravine Theory”, that only by putting a stonewall stopgap as a system can prevent our society from breaking down. Once more, I explain that my “Ravine Theory” is just like putting a man on the edge of a cliff and he will never ever jump to death even without putting policemen to watch him, unless he has become insane. Applying the theory to know what kind of justice system we should have, I am strongly advancing the idea of a “jury” to decide who should be tried for criminal wrongdoings in every province or city, and the idea of installing a separate “jury” for every court trial, civil or criminal. Why? Jury system in deciding who should be charged crimi-

nally and a separate jury system to decide the cases tried in courts constitute the “ultimate justice.” It is the ultimate justice because it is the only system that is impermeable against political, financial and tyrannical influences. It is the ultimate justice because ultimately that is the only system that can survive even in the worst of corruption and the worst of tyranny. To the contrary, one judge to decide a case alone or one fiscal to determine who should be brought to court for trial is very much prone to surrender to the force of money or fear. It is the ultimate justice because it is the only system that can provide justice and make the scales even between the richest defendant and the person who is last among the ranks of the poor. Yes, jury systems also have some imperfections. But more are the imperfections in the present system we have:

where only one fiscal decides who should be criminally charged in court and only one person decides whether he is guilty or not. Under the jury system, a group of persons chosen by raffle from the list of voters in a province or city is the one that will decide whether to bring to court an individual being subjected to a preliminary investigation. It cannot be influenced because its members are kept secret and the term of their office is specific for only six months, mostly; thereafter to be replaced by the same number of persons chosen by the same mode. As to the jury in trials, a group of randomly chosen persons, 12 in the US system, is the one authorized to hear the evidence presented in court and decide whether the accused is guilty or who wins a civil case. They are kept secret so To page 7

Sex sale inside Bilibid! What I know and I reasonably believe: it prohibited for anyone to allow entry into maximum security compound, much more during the evening. How much do you think have changed hands here? Investigate! Corruption at PGMA’s OYSTER Here is another text message sent to me and it is equally interesting and important to public interest. As such, I am publishing the same. “Joey, gusto ko lang po iparating kay PGMA, yung mga tauhan niya dito

sa OYSTER mga kurakot! Laluna si “Vivs”. Sahod namin dito sobrang baba, P231 isang araw! Sabi nila taasan, wala naman! Sobra pa istrikto!” — PGMA OYSTER worker It has been a long time that I received a complaint regarding PGMA Oyster. It is not an issue whether this is true or not. This should be investigated. At least, even if not true the investigation done will send a message to all of PGMA Oyster that the authority means serious business. I see that magic has been happening to the salaries of the workers therein!

Atty. Jesus Santos ng COGEO sipsip! Here is another text message. This time it is against the lawyer of First Gentleman Arroyo. “Ok rin naman po mga taga-COGEO Organization. Sabi po ni Atty. Jesus Santos, ganda ng name niya, Jesus na, Santo pa!, wala raw gastos si Gloria at mga alipores sa NY. Mabuhay po kayo mga COGEO! Sipsip din ba kayo kay Gloria? Si Gloria po kapag lalabas ng bansa na magsasama ng mga alaga, naku nag-uunahan nang manligaw kay Gloria para makasama, kasi libre,

wala silang gastos! Totoo o hindi? E, maguunahan ba yan kung mangga–galing sa bulsa nila? E, para naman kayong tanga niyan mga ma’am, sir? E, ultimo nga mga mahihirap at dukha alam yan, kayo pa? Ipag–tanggol n’yo ang LOLA n’yo kung ang butas ng karayom ay mas maliit pa sa karayom baka lumusot pa! Pero kung malaki pa sa butas ng palakol, manahimik nalang kayo, ok?” 09094818459 What can you say about this, Mr. Boyet Antonio? To page 4

ANG TADYAK NI MAR ever, after I lost my Smart Bro internet connection. My daughter told me we might have unsettled accounts so I went to a Smart business office and paid whatever balance we had. The lady at the Quezon Avenue branch assured me that I’ll have my connection restored in the afternoon that day. However, it was already evening when I reached home and found out I still got no connection. This means I can’t write my stories and I cannot work. We all know what happens when we cannot work. So I called up the Smart Hotline. It was so difficult to reach. When I finally succeeded, the conversation between me and the call center agent was often cut off. Since I badly need the

connection, I did the very frustrating process many times over but to no avail. I opted to drop by at the Las Piñas Smart Business Office in Southmall where I aired my complaint. Luckily. I was accommodated by a soft-spoken supervisor named Roselle who somehow watered down my temper. At least, this lady was talking sense when she told me she was going to prioritize my concern. Sometimes, that simple gesture can make the big difference. She told me she will have the technical guys call me soon. When I got home, the technical guys from Smart indeed called me up and told me the problem was already with the network and I had to wait for some time

before Smart can fix its own problem. It was already almost a week since I lost my internet connection and Smart has not yet fixed the problem right at their backyard. Isn’t that being unsmart?

BLAME THE AMERICANS! Eight overseas Filipino workers (OFW) recently arrived in coffins at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). They were victims of the fatal helicopter crash in Afghanistan last July. Their repatriation was delayed because DNA testing has to be conducted first for their identification. After the crash, the victims were not identified immediately because their

bodies were badly burned. Nevertheless, they’re back home and their dead. The Philippines has an existing deployment ban to Afghanistan. Despite this, many Filipino workers willingly avail the services of illegal recruiters in a desperate move to gain employment in a war-torn country such as Afghanistan. Why do OFWs take the risk? Because Americans are offering salaries too hard to resist. The Americans in Khandahar Airfield, a NATO base, prefer Filipinos because they are cheaper yet hardworking and very efficient. What could be coins for the Americans are already big bucks for OFWs.

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September 7-13, 2009

By Omay E. Renta

MAXXISM

fights cancer for father

T

HE top-rated drama series aired every afternoon gave Maxene Magalona a trademark of being a good and premier actress. Nevertheless, it can never be denied. It is expected of her as a fullblooded actress. She is the granddaughter of the late actor Pancho Magalona

and Tita Duran. First seen in a kiddie show “Ang TV” of ABS-CBN Channel 2 and followed by 5 & Up, Maxene Sofia Maria Arroyo Magalona, eldest daughter of the late Francis Magalona and Pia Arroyo, has her first appearance in the sitcom Daddy Di Do Du with Vic Sotto. Her biggest break in television came when she was chosen to be one of the leading ladies in Richard Gutierrez’s “Kamandag” of GMA 7. Maxx as known to her friends is now joining the cast of SRO Cinemaserye “Ganti ng Puso.” She currently plays the role of Maurene Andrada in the Sine Novela’s “Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” the sine novela that has made her drama acting improving more. She was then quite not interested in a serious acting until she become a freshman college student in Ateneo studying a Social Science course. She is the key of her former Kapuso friend Angel Locsin’s showbiz success. Many showbiz critics said that without Maxene’s decision giving up for Angel Locsin the lead star role in Mulawin, the latter would be a nobody today. Maxene had a hand in Angel Locsin’s success. She was one of the Kapuso stars eyed by the management to

play the character of “Alwina” in the top-rated Kapuso primetime Mulawin with Richard Gutierrez. She was entering college when the meeting with the executives of GMA-7 resulted in choosing her as the lead star in the Mulawin fantaserye. She refused the offer and suggested Angel Locsin to be the Alwina. The role in the Mulawin fantaserye opened opportunities to Angel Locsin. Now, she is in the stage of bulding her career. After her father died of acute myelogenous leukemia on March 6, 2009, Maxene became more serious in her career as an actress. She inherited from her father the passion for the Philippines. With her mom, she continued the T-Shirt business of her late father together with her siblings.

As a matter of fact, the T-Shirt business is now used in promoting different advocacies for the interest of the Filipino people. The other Monday, Maxene and her mother Pia Arroyo Magalona appeared in Eat Bulaga’s Pinoy Henyo portion to feature their t-shirt brand with printed design: “Laban ni Maria laban sa Cervical Cancer.” She is promoting that cause to make the Filipino women aware on how to fight the said cancer. Maxene Magalona is encouraging every woman to be vacinated for their protection in the cervical cancer. Maxx also supports different anti-cancer drive, for as we all know, her father, the late “Master Rapper,” died of cancer.

BISON MANAGEMENT CORP. extends its heartfelt “best wishes to the Libyan People” in celebration of the GREAT SEPTEMBER FIRST REVOLUTION OF THE GREAT SOCIALIST PEOPLE’S LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA, on the 35th anniversary of revolution in Libya on September 1, 2009. Just like us, the Libyan people are talented hardworking individuals especially in defending the national dignity and sovereignty of their country to build up free and prosperous new society.

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September 7-13, 2009

I live on generics By Jaime Pilapil AFFORDABLE medicines are now readily available with the proliferation of pharmacies selling generic drugs. Being a type 2 diabetic, my doctor asked me not to miss three types of medicines a day. I was spending before not less than 500 pesos for a week of supply of branded medicines. But with generics drugs, I now spend not more than P150 for 30 pieces each of “metformin” and “glibenclamide”, good for two weeks. I have my blood sugar monitored regularly. As of last Tuesday, my blood sugar was down to 110, well within the limit of 140. Being a diabetic, I am prone to heart diseases. That’s the reason why I take also 80 mg of aspirin daily. I try to exercise daily,

either swimming or basketball. Diabetes is a lifetime companion. There is no cure. Keep your blood sugar at normal level and you avoid harming your organs and lessen the risk of getting heart disease. Although I seldom get sick, I really don’t know if I am healthy either. My weight is around 140 lbs. Type 2 diabetes is presently the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic limb loss in the country today, making it the ninth leading cause of death. Medical records said one in 25 Filipinos has diabetes. A health official said presently, there are around 4 million Filipinos living with type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more serious as the patient is totally dependent on insulin injection. Medical

Abolish Marina From page 1 Having no option, the only thing they can do is to rely on the effectiveness of Marina in ensuring that all ships, passenger or otherwise, are seaworthy. By saying seaworthy, it must be that a ship is almost 100% sure that the vessel can sail through and survive even the storm.

Marina has never learned from past sea tragedies So many maritime investigations have been conducted because there have been countless times that tragic sea accident had occurred. Yet the chief regulator of the shipping industry has never learned. It is apparent that the causes of tragedy have been repeating many times over. In the case of Superferry 9, it appeared that it tilted before the tragedy. Eyewitness accounts showed that it was already tilting even before it left the Port of Makar in General Santos City. In the case of MV Princess of the Star, it did not only tilt. It went beyond tilting. It turned upside down in the waters of Romblon. In September 1998, M/V Princess of the Orient, sister ship of Princess of the Star, sunk off Batangas City. About 150 died. In the coverage of this author about it, witnesses said that Princess of the Orient also listed or tilted before it was swallowed by the waters near Fortune Island. In December of 2008, Ferry Maejan capsized off northern Philippines, leaving 30 dead. When it capsized, it

must have tilted first before it overturned, or turned upside down. In November of 2008, Don Dexter Kathleen, a small wooden-hulled ferry, also capsized in freak winds off the central island of Masbate, leaving 42 dead. Again, it means that it tilted first before turning over with its bottom up. Last May, the woodenhulled M/V Commander 6 cracked open and sank just south of Manila, leaving 12 dead. Sometime in February, 2004, fire broke out on Superferry 14 near Manila Bay, leaving 116 people dead. This might be an exemption from Marina’s sins because terrorists later claim they planted a bomb aboard the vessel. In April of 2000, M/L Anahanda was overloaded with passengers when it was supposed to operate only as a cargo vessel. It sank off Jolo. About 100 of the estimated 150 people on board died. In December, 1994, a Singaporean freighter hits M/ V Cebu City in Manila Bay, leaving about 140 dead. In October of 1988, M/V Doña Marilyn, also owned by Sulpicio Lines, sank off Leyte, leaving more than 250 dead. And then came the deadliest of them all. It is one tagged as the world’s biggest maritime tragedy, bigger than Titanic in terms of number of people involved. M/V Doña Paz, sister ship of Doña Marilyn and owned by Sulpicio Lines, collided with oil tanker M/T Vector in

experts said type 2 diabetes is often caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. In my case, it is genetic and poor eating and lazy habits. In short, you must have a healthy lifestyle as advised by doctors, including Health Secretary Francisco Duque, who jogs 14 kilometers every other day. Duque also said: “I have to lift weight to tone my muscles.” True enough, I saw his body is chiseled. Duque said Filipinos must eat low salty food and take more salad, vegetable, fish and fruit juices. Don’t smoke, he warned. Lung cancer is a top killer disease in the country, next only to CVD (cardio vascular diseases). Doctors said there is an alarming increase of female smokers, including among high school students. Lung cancer is now the number three cause of

death for women. He stressed that every Filipino must take nutritious food, a well-balanced diet. Colorful vegetable give various vitamins we need to fight bacteria and viruses. Duque even issued a directive to the National Center for Diseases and Control to monitor the meals being sold in fastfood restaurants if their recipes are high on bad cholesterol, which, if not controlled, will lead to strokes. He added that heart diseases are still the number one cause of deaths in the country, saying salt and high blood pressure are indeed two silent killers. The next time you go to the doctor, ask him if your heart is in bad shape. Health officials said although affordable medicines are now readily available, prevention is still the best option.

December, 1987. More than 4,000 persons were killed. So many other sea tragedies occurred and are not mentioned here.

than the bottom of the ship. And to ensure against tilting, there must be enough water pressure pushing on either side of the part of the ship’s body touching the water. The longer are the width and the length, or area, the bigger is the counter pressure to be exerted by the bottom water to counteract against whatever forces that would be caused by the waves. This is also the reason you can see other ships having metals looking like a blade welded onto the bottom of the ship, usually in the hull. So that we now have the idea why a ship must have dark colors in the bottom part. The line where the light color touches the dark color is the point that is ideal. If you can never see the dark color or it is hidden by water, it means that the ship is overloaded. If you can see that the dark color appears too high from the water level, it means that it is too light. However, there are reports gathered by this author that ship owners applying for licenses and registration fake the dark color. They make the dark color higher so that the overloading would not be detected. And to ensure against listing or tilting, the most common thing being done by vessels is what they call as “ballasting.” Ballast is actually water being poured onto the bottom of the ship to make it dip further down. In normal condition, it will take several hours to fill in water to the ballast container found at the bottom of the ship. In the case of Princess of the Star, it was analyzed by experts that the ship must have left Manila port with less ballast water because

The same questions remain But the same questions remain. Why ships tilted or listed? Why a ship has to collide with another ship? Why steel hulls had holes? Why wooden hulls break apart?

The causes of tilting and solutions As to the question of tilting, it is rooted from lack of balance. Lack of balance, in turn, can be attributed to the failure to account for factors that cause a ship to sway to the left or the right. One cause is the strong wave. How can this be countered? Hydraulic engineers know it is easy. If it is a small boat, they just put outriggers to ensure balance. The most that we can see in our case are bancas having bamboo poles extending outward on both sides with another bamboo poles fixed perpendicularly near the edges to serve as the counter-floater. But in boats that have no outriggers, they just design the ship so that the bigger weight of the vessel is to be found at the bottom to ensure that the center of gravity is lower than the water level. It is really dangerous to overload with passengers and cargo. This is because the center of gravity will go dangerously above the sea level. Just imagine a situation that the top of the ship is heavier

The ultimate justice From page 5 that the accused or the accusers cannot influence their decision. The US has put jury systems since its founding in Philadelphia 221 years ago. These are still the same systems that exist today in every state therein. For sure, the most difficult persons to unite are blacks and whites. But the US jury systems have no doubt contributed so much in the tearing down of the seemingly insurmountable wall between Black Americans and White Americans. That is the same reason that all races in that country have developed a culture of accepting people who do not look like them and do

not pray like them. The proof: they voted the first Black President in the person of Barack Hussein Obama. They wholeheartedly accepted the Black woman in Oprah Winfrey as the most celebrated television host. They embraced the Black singer in Michael Jackson to become the biggest singer of all time, beating the all-white Beatles and the white man in Elvis Presley. And if jury systems have succeeded to unite the blacks and the whites, can it succeed in uniting the varied races in the Philippines although there is no difference in the color of their skin? This is the ultimate justice.

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at The Generics Pharmacy the water on Pier 12 is shallow. If they would put in more ballast water, it would take four hours to fill in the desired level and the ship cannot leave because its bottom would touch the ground beneath. And because it has less ballast water, the center of gravity of the ship went above the water level, making it risky and vulnerable to big waves. This explained why Princes of the Star overturned when hit by waves on its side. Another thing is that it was also found out that the waters in the Manila North Harbor have become shallow. So why Marina has not desilted it, considering that the said pier has been made shallow by more than half century of garbage and sediments?

Loud thud sound heard before departure In the case of Superferry 9, it was reported by survivors they heard a loud thud sound and then felt that the ship got tilted substantially. Despite that, the captain of the ship sailed on. If this is true, he will have to answer. This is reckless negligence. And his fault is attributable to the ship owner, Aboitiz. And why did it tilt to the right side (maritime term is “starboard”)? It is possible that there was less of ballast water that the ship owner would just rely on the cargoes to replace the weight needed. And if the belt straps holding the containers snapped out, the containers will cause the imbalance. Thus, it is likely that the loud “thud” sound must

have been the snapping out of the belts used to strap the cargoes in place. And because the ship tilted to the right, it was also possible that the cargoes that loosened out were heavy and must have slid to the right of the ship. So why did the captain order the ship to sail despite that? The answer is simple: He will be made to pay for the losses due to delays. So that he gambled to sail and rely on fate.

Marina not watching And when the ship was tilting yet it was able to sail out, it must have been that Marina’s eyes were not watching at the Port of Makar. With respect to the causing of holes, or breaking apart of, in the hull, this could have been prevented if the eyes of Marina are regularly inspecting the ships’ hulls. With respect to collision, this can also be avoided by ensuring that the crew of every ship is composed of men duly qualified and licensed. This author recalled that Philippine Coast Guard protested the transfer of ship regulation to Marina, on the contention that the agency had no professionals capable of ensuring seaworthiness of vessels at sea. Actually, it is not funny to think that sea disasters involving locally-licensed vessels in the Philippines are more plenty than international ships’. If other nations can do it, why Marina can’t? And because the tragedy repeats itself, Marina never learns from history of tragedies. Abolish Marina!

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September 7-13, 2009

GenSan boxer Sonsona: ‘youngest’ world champ

ANOTHER PACQUIAO IS BORN!

By RONALD HERICO

“THE boy from GenSan became a man and the man is now a world champion.” Thus screamed an article written by boxing writer Rob Cruz, proclaiming that a very young prizefighter from General Santos City dethroned veteran defending champion Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico. It was a bout best remembered by Marvin Sonosa’s left punch to the right temple that pushed back the defending champion before falling down on the canvass. This was during the fourth round. That left was like a hammer often seen in Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. It was also a bout that became the first time for Sonosa’s fight to last beyond five rounds. He knocked out all his previous 12 foes before the fifth. As if No. 13 seemed still unlucky for Sonosa, nicknamed “Marvelous.” The Puerto Rican was his 13th opponent since starting boxing at 18 years old. That victory recorded two more superlatives. Sonsona became the first Filipino to win a title in Canada. He also became the youngest ever to win a world title after almost two de-

cades. Another Filipino, Morris East still remained the youngest –ever world boxing champion, according to boxing expert writer Dennis Guillermo of The Examiner. Filipino expatriates and immigrants who became citizens there composed the majority of the crowd at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. Most of the audience, Filipinos included, rooted for Lopez prior the first bell. The crowd quickly roared boisterously, seeing what they could not believe. The boyish fighter with a pretty face wearing awkward ballerina socks immediately exchanged blows for blows, toes for toes. He did not show any sign of fear of the champion’s power. He also threw punches in as many rights and lefts. That wowed everybody. Many among the crowd changed bet after that blowby-blow first round. All the Filipinos solidly now rooted for him. They were never failed. Sonsona unleashed a pack of power to the head of the champion in the fourth round. It appeared for a few seconds that the hit was another ordinary stuff for

Lopez to receive. But as the defending champion was about to step back to the ropes, he quickly fell to the canvass, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Sonsona did not show any sign of fatigue all the way down. He faltered a bit in the sixth to the 9th round. Boxing announcers commented the defending champ used experience to the hilt. This other GenSan shocker never slowed down although manifesting he had difficulty how he could deal squarely with the one-two technique being thrown at him by the defending champion. This prompted the ring announcers to say: “the boy is getting his education.” True enough, the boy came back with a bang in the 10th, 11th and 12th to seal a unanimous decision to take the crown from the Puerto Rican. Lopez showed his chin was tough, particularly in the 8th and 9th, as he rocked the Marvelous with hard rights. Dyaryo Magdalo scored the first round to the champion but the next two rounds woke up the challenger and methodically threw his punches right on target and hitting Lopez with sharp

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“Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona and Jesus “Carita” Lopez in this bit of action in their WBO Super Flyweight bout at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. Sonsona jubilates (right) after wresting the crown via a unanimous decision. right jab and left hooks to the head and body making him feel the sting of it. Sonsona used his twoinch height advantage against his Puerto Rican foe in landing hooks and uppercuts, hurting Lopez in the closing seconds of the second round as youth prevailed the veteran. The bout should be supposed to separate the boys from the men. But Sonsona chose to be counted among the men. In the fourth round, the two fighters threw left and right combinations as they made full use of the ring to evade and deliver punches. In the 1:58 mark of the round, Sonsona threw a whopping left hook to the temple of Lopez. The Puerto Rican tried to step back but as he did he fell crashing with half of his body protruding outside the ropes. Shaken, wobbly and dazed, Lopez showed the true heart of a champion. He stood up before the count of ten, acknowledging the punch that erased his prefight hype and mockery of Sonsona. Lopez changed tactics. He clinched and danced around the ring, obvious to survive Sonsona’s onslaught and the round. And when the Marvelous was close to the killing, the defending champion did the common trick

of hugging his left arms around the back of the GenSan fighter. In the fifth and sixth rounds Lopez staged a fiery rally and hurt Sonsona on several occasions. The Filipino showed resiliency and the decisiveness to destroy Lopez. Lopez was warned for several low blows in the fight after the fourth before being deducted a point in the eighth, disturbing the momentum of the fight. In the final three rounds, Sonsona showed the class of a veteran and shifted to smart boxing as he danced around the ring while throwing guerilla punches in between. The scores went unanimous for him: 114-111, 115110 and 116-109. Sonsona and his cornermen, Jun Agrabio, Nonito Donaire Sr. (father of Nonito Jr.) and manager Rajan Yraola erupted in a marvelous celebration. Indeed, the boy showed ‘em all he is not only a man, he is a world champion. That fight firmed up the myth touted to the unbelievers that Sonsona is indeed

following the footsteps of the pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. He did not only show them that. He convinced them all with his left that hammered Lopez on the temple. Sonsona now stands a good chance to compete with the newly-crowned WBA interim superflyweight champ Nonito Donaire Jr. to get first to where Pacman is now: a seven-title holder and the World’s No. 1 PoundFor-Pound pug. He is much younger, but Sonsona showed he was a quick learner. He got good education from Lopez in the sixth to ninth round before knowing what to do to demolish the gritty champion. Two things are common of the three: They are all lefty and they all came from Dadiangas, the old name of General Santos City. But one thing more made him unique: It was Sonsona’s first international stage. Most importantly, being so young it is easy to say of Sonsona: “Another Pacquiao is born!”