Mabuhay Issue No. 903

PPI Community Press Awards •Best Edited

Weekly 2003 and 2007

•Best in Photojournalism

1998 and 2005

Mabuhay LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

ISSN–1655-3853 • ENERO 16 - 22, 2009 • VOL. 30, NO. 03 • 8 PAHINA • P10.00

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2 di pangkaraniwang uri ng ibon namataan sa Candaba  Basahin ang ulat sa pahina 5

‘And then they came for me’ MADUGO at marahas ang simula ng taong 2009 para sa mga mamamahayag. Si Lasantha Wickrematunge, ang punong patnugot ng pahayagang The Sunday Leader sa Sri Lanka, ay pinagbabaril sa kanyang kotse noong Enero 8. Ang pamamaslang kay Wickrematunge na itinuturing na pangunahing press freedom campaigner sa kanyang bansa ay nakapukaw sa pansin at damdamin ng buong mundo dahil sa paglabas ng sinulat niyang obituaryo para sa kanyang sarili na may pamagat na “And then they came for me.” Ito ay inilathala ng The Sunday Leader bilang editoryal dahil sa kahilingan ni Wickrematunge na ilalathala iyon kapag siya ay napaslang. Basahin sa wikang Ingles ang “editorial from the grave” sa pahina 4 at 5. KAKAIBANG IBON — Buong layang lumilipad ang black-faced spoonbill na ito sa papawirin ng may 32,000-ektaryang Candaba Swamp kung saan namamalagi ang iba pang uri ng ibon kapag panahon ng

taglamig sa ibayong dagat. Ang black-faced spoonbill at ang pied avocet (inset, ibaba) ay ang dalawang di pangkaraniwang uri ng waterbird na namataan kaugnay ng katatapos lamang na Asian waterbird cen-

Taunang Census: Bumaba ang bilang ng mga dayuhang ibon NI DINO BALABO CANDABA, Pampanga — Bumaba ang bilang ng mga ibon sa Candaba Swamp sa bayang ito batay sa resulta ng isinagawang census nitong Enero 17 kumpara noong nakaraang taon. Masaya namang ibinalita ng Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) na nakakita sila ng dalawang “rare species” o di pangkaraniwang uri ng ibon sa Candaba Swamp. (Basahin ang kaugnay na balita sa Pahina 5.)

Binigyang diin ng WBCP ang kahalagahan ng pangangalaga sa “habitat” o tirahan ng mga ibon na kinabibilangan ng mga waterbird at migratory bird upang mapanatiling ligtas ang bansa sa kinatatakutang sakit na bird flu na kumitil na sa buhay ng mahigit 100 katao sa ibayong dagat. Iginiit pa ng samahan na isa rin itong paraan upang maiwasan ang mga insi-

dente ng pagsalpok ng mga ibon sa eroplano, katulad ng nangyari sa Amerika kung saan ay bumagsak ang US Airways Flight 1549 sa Hudson River sa New York noong Enero 14. (Basahin ang kaugnay na balita sa pahinang ito.)

Ayon kay Michael Lu, pangulo ng WBCP, umabot lamang sa 12,613 ang nabilang nilang mga ibon sa Candaba Swamp kumpara sa 17,000 naitala noong nakaraang taon. Ang Candaba Swamp ay isa sa limang wetland sanctuary na pinamamalagian ng mga dayong ibon sa Gitnang Luzon. Ang apat pang wetland sa rehiyon ay matatagpuan sa Lungsod ng Balanga sa Bataan, Macabebe sa Pampanga, Paitan Lake at Pantabangan Dam sa Nueva Ecija. Sinabi ni Lu na isa sa mga dahilan ng pagbaba ng bilang ng mga ibon sa Candaba Swamp ay ang maagang pagtatanim ng

Carmela Espanola at Mike Lu ng Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP). — KUHA NI JUN OSANO, WBCP mga magsasaka ng palay sa mga kalapit na bukirin. “Medyo nabulabog ang mga ibon, pero hindi naman sila masyadong lalayo,” ani Lu. Iginiit niya na ang pagkasira ng tirahan ng mga ibon ay isa rin sa mga da-

hilan. Ipinaliwanag naman nina Environment Secretary Lito Atienza at Mayor Jerry Pelayo ng bayang ito na isa sa mga dahilan ng pagkasira ng tirahan ng mga ibon ay ang polusyon.  sundan sa pahina 8

sus. Ang press conference sa Candaba, Pampanga hinggil sa census ay dinaluhan ni Environment Secretary Lito Atienza (inset, itaas). — REY STA. ANA ng WILD BIRD CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES at P ETER ALAGOS ng C ENTRAL LUZON BUSINESS WEEK

WBCP:: Pangalagaan WBCP ang tirahan ng ibon CANDABA, Pampanga — May kaugnayan ba ang pagkasira ng tirahan o “habitat” ng mga ibon at ang pagsalpok nila sa mga eroplano katulad ng nangyari sa US Airways Flight 1549 na sumadsad Hudson River sa New York noong Enero 14? Mayroon. Kaya’t iginiit ni Michael Lu, pangulo ng Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), ang panawagan sa pangangalaga sa mga tirahan ng mga waterbird, ang grupo ng mga ibong kinabibilangan ng mga migratory o dayong ibon at mga ibong di umaalis sa bansa tulad ng mga pato. Sa pakikipanayam ng Mabuhay kay Lu nitong Enero 17, sinabi niya na lubhang mahalaga ang pagpapanatili ng mga tirahan ng mga ibon. Ito ay hindi lamang upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit na bird flu na kumitil na ng buhay ng maraming tao sa ibayong dagat, sa halip ay upang maiwasan din ang mga insidente ng mga tinatawag na bird strike o pagsalpok ng mga ibon sa makina ng mga lumilipad na eroplano na maaaring maging dahilan ng pagbagsak nito. Ayon kay Lu, ang wetland o latian na katulad ng Candaba Swamp ay natural na tirahan ng mga waterbird. “Parang sa NLEX ’yan. Wetlands serve as refueling stations of migratory birds, kaya kapag nasira ’yung habitat, they are forced to fly longer and sometimes kung saan-saan na sila napupunta just to feed,” aniya. Sinabi ng dating pangulo ng WBCP na mas makabubuting manatili ang mga ibon sa kanilang  sundan sa pahina 8

Mabuhay

2

ENERO 16 - 22, 2009

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

EDITORYAL

Paalala lang! HINDI lamang pagbilang sa mga ibon ang layunin ng isinagawang Asian Waterbird Census sa Candaba Swamp noong Sabado, Enero 17. Sa halip, isa iyong paalala sa patuloy na pag-iingat ng bawat isa laban sa kinatatakutang sakit na bird flu at pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Ayon sa mga opisyal, malaki ang kaugnayan ng pangangalaga ng kalikasan sa posibilidad ng pagkalat ng sakit na bird flu. Sinabi ni Michael Lu ng Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, makabubuting manatili ang mga ibon sa Candaba Swamp na nagsisilbing pansamantalang tahanan ng mga ito bawat taon, upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit. Binigyang diin niya na kapag nasira ang Candaba Swamp dahil sa polusyon, mamamatay ang mga organismo doon kabilang ang mga suso at isda na pagkain ng mga ibon. At kapag nawalan ng pagkain, magsisialis ang mga ibon upang humanap ng makakain sa ibang lugar, kaya’t tataas ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng bird flu. Inayunan naman ito ni Mayor Jerry Pelayo ng Candaba, Pampanga na nagsabing nilabanan nila ang pagpapatapon ng maruming tubig mula sa mga babuyan sa San Miguel, Bulacan ilang taon na ang nakakaraan upang mapigil ang polusyon sa swamp at manatili doon ang mga suso at isda na pagkain ng ibon. Iginiit pa ni Pelayo na sinadya nilang huwag palagyan ng kuryente ang nasabing lugar upang hindi maengganyo ang mga tao na manirahan doon, nang sa gayon ay hindi mabulabog ang mga ibon at magsialis.

Di lang kalikasan kundi tao mismo NGUNIT hindi lamang mga ibong gala ang dapat ingatan sa ating pangangalaga sa kalikasan, kundi pati ang mga mamamayan mismo. Ito ang malinaw na mensahe ng paghahayag ng Mabuhay sa operasyon ng Ming Hong Trading, ang planta na nagsusunog ng lumang gulong sa bayan ng Norzagaray, Bulacan na inireklamo ng mga residente doon. Batay sa huling balitang inilathala ng Mabuhay, tumigil na ang Ming Hong ngunit hindi pa alam ng pamahalaang lokal kung paano ito papapanagutin sa mga nilabag na batas noong nagdaang taon. Ang sabi ni Mayor Feliciano Legazpi ng Norzagaray, Bulacan ay dapat ang mga mamamayan ang magsampa ng kaso laban sa Ming Hong upang panagutan ang mga paglabag nito sa batas. Para sa pahayagang Mabuhay, ito ay isang kabalintunaan. Tayo ay nabubuhay sa ilalim ng pamahalaang inilalarawan bilang “representative democracy” na ang prinsipyo ay kinakatawan ang mamamayan ng mga opisyal na kanilang ibinoto. Kung pahayag ni Mayor Legazpi ang pagbabasehan, maitatanong natin sa ating mga sarili, bakit pa natin sila ibinoto at ano halaga ng pagiging kinatawan nila? Bukod dito, hindi ba’t ang mga halal na opisyal ay sumumpa na sila’y tutupad sa tungkulin kung saan ay kanilang ipatutupad ang batas at bibigyang proteksyon ang mamamayang kanilang nasasakupan? Sa diwang ito, mas higit na nakakahugis ang mga katagang “dereliction of duty” na karaniwang nababanggit ng mga opisyal na bumabatikos sa kapwa opisyal. Paalala lang kaibigan! Kung ang mga taong binigyan natin ng kapangyarihan na kumatawan sa atin ay ayaw kumilos dahil hindi alam ang gagawin o dahil sa natatakot, mas makabubuting tayo na mismo ang kumilos at isangtabi natin sila sa susunod na halalan.

Mabuhay LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

Jose L. Pavia Publisher/Editor Perfecto V. Raymundo Associate Editor

EDITORIAL Alfredo M. Roxas, Jose Romulo Q. Pavia, Jose Gerardo Q. Pavia, Joey N. Pavia , Jose Visitacion Q. Pavia, Carminia L. Pavia, Perfecto Raymundo Jr., Dino Balabo

PRODUCTION

Anthony L. Pavia Managing Editor

Jose Antonio Q. Pavia, Jose Ricardo Q. Pavia, Mark F. Mata, Maricel P. Dayag

e-mail [email protected]

Eden Uy, Allan Peñaredondo, Joseph Ryan S. Pavia

PPI-KAF Community Press Awards

BUSINESS / ADMINISTRATION

Best Edited Weekly 2003 + 2008 Best in Photojournalism 1998 + 2005

PHOTOGRAPHY / ART

Loreto Q. Pavia, Marilyn L. Ramirez, Peñaflor Crystal, J. Victorina P. Vergara, Cecile S. Pavia, Luis Francisco, Domingo Ungria, Harold T. Raymundo, Jennifer T. Raymundo, Rhoderick T. Raymundo

CIRCULATION Robert T. Raymundo, Armando M. Arellano, Jess Camaro, Fred Lopez The Mabuhay is published weekly by the MABUHAY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES — DTI Permit No. 00075266, March 6, 2006 to March 6, 2011, Malolos, Bulacan.

The Mabuhay is entered as Second Class Mail Matter at the San Fernando, Pampanga Post Office A proud member of PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE on April 30, 1987 under Permit No. 490; and as Third Class Mail Matter at the Manila Central Post Office under permit No. 1281-99-NCR dated Nov. 15, 1999. ISSN 1655-3853 Principal Office: 626 San Pascual, Obando, Bulacan  294-8122

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Kastigo

BIENVENIDO A. RAMOS

Maling konsepto ng ekonomiya KUNG totoo ang pagyayabang ng Administrasyong Arroyo, lalo na ng kanyang mga financial manager, na sa kabila ng pandaigdigang krisis sa pananalapi, ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas ay nananatiling matatag ay bakit patuloy pang isinusulong ng nakararaming mersenaryong tonggresman ang Cha-cha — pagpapalit o pagbabago sa konstitusyon — upang umano’y magpasok ng mga ‘repormang pang-ekonomiya’ sa kasalukuyang Saligambatas? Sa aminin o hindi ni Pangulong Macapagal-Arroyo at ng kanyang mga financial manager, ang mga patakaran ng administrasyon, lalo na ang kaugnay ng ekonomiya, ay anti-poor, at kontra sa interes ng mga Pilipino. Sa ibang salita, ang ano mang pagsulong ng ekonomiya ay mga negosyante, pulitiko — mga mayayaman lang ang nakikinabang. At ang mga puhunang dayuhan at mga dayuhang institusyon sa

pananalapi — tulad ng World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund — na kinababaunan na sa utang ng Pilipinas. Ekonomiya ng kabalighuan ANG totoo, ang sakripisyo ng nakararaming masa ng mahihirap na Pilipino ang pundasyon ng katatagan ng ekonomiyang ipinagyayabang ng Administrasyong Arroyo: ang E-VAT at ang may $17-bilyong remittance ng mga OFW. Ang E-VAT ang dagdag na buwis na sanhi ng patuloy na paghihirap ng mga Pilipino, samantalang ang may $17-bilyong remittance ng mga OFW ay kitang tinutumbasan ng mga OFW ng dugo, pawis, buhay, dangal at kapurihan ng mga domestic helper, caregiver at kababaihang nagagahasa, pinagmamalupitan ng mga among dayuhan. Ang nakakalunos ay ang kababaihang nalinlang ng mga re-

Promdi

cruiter at sapilitang pinagbebenta ng aliw at ginagawang sex slave. Maling konsepto ng patakaran ANG bulag na paniwalang ang pagbibigay-luwag sa mga dayuhan na makapag-angkin ng kapantay o higit pang karapatan kaysa mga Pilipino sa kalakal, industriya at paglinang ng mga likas na yaman ang dahilang umano’y nilalayon ng pagpipilit na isulong ang Cha-cha. Halimbawang totoo ngang ito ang layunin ng mga pilit na nagsusulong ng Cha-cha, hindi pa rin sapat ang mga ito upang maganyak na dito mamuhunan ang mga foreign investor. Bakit? Ang inirereklamo ng mga dayuhang kapitalista, na hindi nila itinatago, ay ang sobrang red tape sa gobyerno, sobrang katakawan sa tongpats, kickback, komisyon, at pagpapataas ng presyo ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno na nakikipagkasundo o  sundan sa pahina 6

DINO BALABO

Philippines’ most wanted PARANG telenovela ang buhay ng mga Pinoy. Walang patid ang iskandalo sa gobyerno kaya’t marami ang nawawalan ng gana at respeto sa mga institusyon at mga taong kumakatawan sa mga ito. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga iskandalo, may mga taong namumukod tangi ang karakter tulad ni Marines Major Ferdinand Marcelino ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) na nagbulgar sa tangkaang panunuhol sa kaso ng Alabang Boys o mga kabataang nasangkot sa ilegal na droga. *** Para sa kaalaman ng marami, si Marcelino ay nagmula sa Barangay Sta. Elena sa bayan ng Hagonoy. Siya ay pang-11 sa 13 magkakapatid. Nagtapos si Major Marcelino bilang valedictorian sa Sta. Elena Elementary School; napabilang sa Top 10 ng class 1988 ng St. Anne’s Catholic High School (SACHS); at Class 1994 sa Philippine Military Academy (PMA) sa Baguio City.

*** Dahil sa katapangan at paninindigan, ipinagmamalaki si Major Marcelino ng kanyang pamilya, mga guro sa SACHS, kaibigan at mga kababayan. “Kailangan ng bansa ang mga taong katulad niya,” ani ng mga guro ni Major Marcelino sa SACHS. “Karangalan siya ng SACHS at ng bayan ng Hagonoy.” *** Totoo ang sinabi ng mga tagaHagonoy. Kailangan ng bansa ang mga taong may paninindigan tulad ni Marcelino, kaya’t maituturing siyang kabilang sa “Philippines’ Most Wanted”. Ito ay dahil na rin sa pananaw ng marami na ang karaniwan sa mga opisyal o taong kumakatawan sa gobyerno ngayon ay sangkot sa korapsyon. *** Ngunit hindi lamang Pilipinas ang nangangailangan ng mga taong matatapat at may paninindigan kundi buong mundo. Dahil dito, nais ng Promdi na ibahagi sa inyo ang sinulat ni J. Allan Petersen, na nakuha sa

Kakampi mo ang Batas

internet, na may titulong, “What the world needs”. Ayon kay Petersen, “the world needs men who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it “because everybody does it”; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is not unpopular, who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says “yes!” ***  sundan sa pahina 6

ATTY. BATAS MAURICIO

Mga kontrata sa paggawa TANONG: Good evening, Sir. Naka-receive po ako ng letter ngayon na nagde-demand magbayad ng mahigit P85,000 in 10 days or they will take all legal action necessary. Napakalaking halaga po nito para sa aking pamilya. Sana matulungan ninyo po ako kung ano ang dapat gawin. Nagsimula po ako sa kumpanyang ito noong May 2007 at nag AWOL noong August 2007. Base sa kontratang pinirmahan ko, meron akong binding contract na two years kapalit ng trainings na ibibigay nila and may fee na kailangan bayaran kung aalis ako sa kumpanya ng mas maaga. Tinanggap ko ang offer na ito na umaasang mabibigyan ng tamang trainings. Subalit sa halos three months ko, wala akong nareceive na maayos na training bukod sa pagbabasa online. Inassign akong magtrabaho sa isang project na walang formal training. Dahil sa hindi ako nasisiyahan sa takbo ng career ko sa kumpanya, naisipan kong umalis. At dahil wala ako pambayad sa

kontrata, nagdecide akong magAWOL. Nung February 2008, nagpadala ng e-mail ang kumpanya na pinagbabayad ako ng magihit P85,000 at may taong binigay sila kung sakali gusto ko manghingi ng detalye ng computation. Dahil sa napakalaki ng halagang hinihingi nila, nagpadala ako ng request for details sa taong ito noong February 19, 2008 and inulit ko ang request ng February 23, 2008. Subalit, hanggang sa ngayon wala ako nareceive na sagot. Dahil dito, inisip ko na hindi na sila maghahabol tutal wala naman akong na-receive na trainings. Subalit ngayon, nakareceive ako ng sulat na nagdedemand na mag bayad in 10 days from receipt of letter or “In the event that you fail to comply with this demand, we will be forced to take all legal action necessary and available to protect our interest including filing appropriate legal action against you.” Nakalagay sa naka-attach na computation, meron collectible sa akin na negative 10 days VL na

halagang P10,849 at Overtime pay na halagang P96,870. Sa pagkakatanda ko, dahil sa wala pa akong 3 mos at hindi regular, wala pa akong VL at lalo nang hindi nagbabayad ng OT pay ang kumpanya. Nagpadala ako ulit ng e-mail sa kanila para sabihin na walang sumasagot sa e-mail requests ko nung February. Humihingi ako ng explanation kung paano nacompute yung ganun collectible considering na wala naman ako nareceive na pay related sa VL and lalo na sa OT. Tanong ko po. Dapat ko po bang bayaran ang hinihingi nila? Ano po ang dapat kong gawin? Sa totoo po, masyadong malaki talaga ito para sa pamilya ko. Hindi naman po maginhawa buhay namin. Kung kelangan ko po talaga magbayad dahil sa kontrata, meron po bang pwede gawin para mabawasan ang hinihingi nila? Sana po ay matulungan ninyo ako at aking pamilya. Maraming salamat in advance. Sincerely, Cathy. — [email protected]  sundan sa pahina 6

Mabuhay

ENERO 16 - 22, 2009

3

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

Depthnews

JUAN L. MERCADO

Regarding Henry

Weekend breather (From Thailand, a friend e-mailed: “You’ve brightened many weekends for me by sharing jokes. Let me reciprocate.” Here is what this friend sent. Enjoy! – JLM)

FIVE surgeons were discussing the types of people they preferred to operate on. “I like to see accountants on my operating table,” the first said. “Why? Because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.” “Yeah, but you should try electricians!,” says the second doctor. “Everything inside them is color coded.” That’s fine. But I still think librarians are the best,” chimes in the third. “Everything inside them is in alphabetical order. “You know, I like construction workers best,” says the fourth surgeon. Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over.” But its was fifth surgeon who shut them all up. “You’re all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on,” he said. There’s no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains and no spine, and the head and the arse are interchangeable.”

When people swap travel tales, they invariably include startling jokes that crackle over the airplane’s public address system. Here are some, e-mailed by our well-travelled friend from Thailand . “Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry,” the pilot said in his welcome spiel. “Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!” Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seating. You plunk down where you want. And on this flight, passengers apparently had a hard time choosing. “People, people! We’re not picking out furniture here,” the flight attendant announced. “Just find a seat and get in it!” And when everybody was finally seated, the pre-flight instructions came: “To fasten your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt. And if you don’t know how to operate one, you probably shouldn’t be out in public unsupervised.”

Cebu Calling

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

American Airlines, however, had an add-on for its instructions on emergency exits: “There may be 50 ways to leave your lover. But there are only four ways out of this airplane.” For sudden loss of cabin pressure, Garuda Airlines had this guideline “Oxygen masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming. Grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite.” Prior to take off came the weather report from the cockpit of this Thai International 747 flight. “Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds. But don’t worry., We’ll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you. And remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Thai International.” “Your seat cushions can be used for flotation,” Alitalia tells it’s passengers. “In the event of  continued on page 7

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

Good and evil reversed WE have to be more aware of this tricky phenomenon, and more adept as well in handling it well. This can be an abiding challenge for all of us. I mean, what is good can become evil, and what is evil can become good. What is right can become wrong, and vice-versa. This phenomenon, actually very common, is iconized in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. (cfr Lk 18,10-14) The Pharisee was the epitome of goodness and correctness. He fasted twice a week, gave tithes of all what he possessed. But his righteousness converted his prayer into a boast, and it simply showed he was separated from God. The publican considered himself the receptacle of all possible moral sewage. He could hardly lift up his eyes toward heaven. His prayer dripped with compunction, but it reconciled him with God. We have to understand that good and evil is a matter of whether one is with God or not. Good is good because one is with

God. Evil is evil because he is not with God. It’s as simple as that. Our problem is that instead of referring things — our thoughts, words and actions — to God, we refer them only to our own idea of what is good and evil. Not much wrong there really. After all, all things we do have to be referred to our own idea of good and evil. Except that it’s an idea that has been severed from its proper source and basis — God himself. In short, we make ourselves our own God, our ultimate source of what is good and bad, what is correct and wrong. That’s where the problems come in, where the bugs and viruses enter to corrupt our otherwise good idea. That is why, everyday and very often during the day, we need to check whether our idea of good and evil is still vitally linked with God. We have to be wary with our tendency to just flow in a certain routine and inertia of goodness that has already deadened our living connection with God. How many times have we observed people who are bright but

Forward to Basics

are proud and vain, wise but sarcastic, bursting with good intentions but painfully lacking in charity? They have become selfrighteous. There have been cases where we see objectively good qualities, like their high intelligence, superb eloquence, admirable work habits, etc., ceasing to be a blessing but have become a curse to them and to others. These qualities have become an occasion to dominate others, to so distort their proper use that they stop serving God and others but have become self-serving. They can even degenerate into sick obsessive-compulsive complexes (OC). I like to think that the current American economic catastrophe is a microcosm of this phenomenon. The Americans’ frontiersman spirit and entrepreneurial ways have been misused and have led them to where they are now, since America ’s body politic can only take so much. What can happen is that when wrongly grounded and directed,  continued on page 7

FR. FRANCIS B. ONGKINGCO

The 3 o’clock habit “MOM, would you like another glass of water?” Pablo asked his bedridden mother. “Yes, anak (son), … if you don’t mind,” she tried speaking, but her body’s pain only allowed her to whisper to her son now. Her words stabbed Pablo’s heart, as he felt that even at such a stage in her cancer she continued to shower him with affection and understanding. “Mom, you don’t have to say that, you know that I’m ready …,” he stammered as he felt a lump in his throat. He controlled himself so as not to cry. It would only make mom feel worse. “But you haven’t taken dinner yet, anak,” she whispered with a smile. It was just too much for Pablo. He could no longer control the tears that fell and bounced off the bed’s newly changed linens. “Mom, I’m okay,” he sobbed.

“It’s time to take your painkillers. I will take dinner afterwards.” “I’ll take the pills right away,” she replied, “so you can already eat.” Pablo was crying as he gently placed a pill on her parched tongue. He had to change the topic otherwise it will be another sleepless night of conversations between him and his mother. His hands shook as he helped her drink from a glass of water. “Mom,” he wiped his eyes, “do you know that I will be starting my doctorate next year?” “I told you so,” an evident smile formed on her lips after she managed to swallow the pill. “Remember …,” she began speaking with her eyes closed, as though she was talking in her sleep. “Mom, you don’t have to,” Pablo interrupted her. “No, no …,” she gently waved

her hand towards her, asking him to listen. “Okay, but remember …, you need to sleep. Doctor’s orders!” Pablo tried to be firm and affectionate at the same time. “Yes, yes…,” she tried to smile and cleared her throat a little. “Some water?” “No, thank you.” She slowly inhaled deeply. “I told you when you were in Grade 5, that I will never give up on you … do you remember?” “Kinnda,” Pablo replied. “What exactly did you mean by that. “Well, you started becoming rebellious at that age … [COUGHING] …” Pablo drew a glass of water to her lips. “I’m alright, anak … just my saliva.” She sipped a bit of water. “Thank you.” “Remember?” she opened her  continued on page 7

What we need is discipline RECENTLY, the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest featured a profile of Manny Pacquiao, the current World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion. Jim Plouffe, my editor-in-chief, asked him about his childhood (which he spent in poverty in General Santos City), how he reached the top (he turned professional when he was only 16!), and what he would do once he leaves the ring for good (will he become a politician?). Although training and boxing take so much of his time, he still finds time to be with his family, relax and study (he is a regular student at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University). When he was asked how he manages his time, Manny replied, “The most important thing is discipline. To get your dream you need discipline.” It’s not enough to dream. Even if you dream big and work hard, but if you have no discipline in whatever you do, you are bound to fail. “No one achieves and sustains success without discipline,” wrote New York Times bestselling author John C. Maxwell. Manage your time well. Do things that will advance your career instead of doing those that will destroy it. If there are jobs to be done, do them according to what you have planned. Accept works which you can do and once in a while act on those assignments which are impossible (but you sure can do them!). But recognize the fact that you are not super human. Don’t accept anything unless you will have time to do them. Assess yourself before committing anything. In all you do, remember to observe discipline. “Nothing of importance is ever achieved without discipline,” Bertrand Russell

says. “I feel myself sometimes not wholly in sympathy with some modern educational theorists, because I think that they underestimate the part that discipline plays. But the discipline you have in your life should be one determined by your own desires and your own needs, not put upon you by society or authority.” “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, displina ang kailangan.” This was one of the most often quoted lines during the New Society initiated by then president Ferdinand E. Marcos. Literally, it means that to make our country move forward to greater heights, we need discipline. If only Filipinos at that time followed that mantra, the Philippines would have been along with Singapore now in terms of progress. During a leadership conference, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew shared how he built his country from nothing to where it is today. “A showcase of Asia without poverty, without the overcrowding, or space,” observed one author. To think barely a generation ago Singapore was far worse than many of its peers. When Lee Kuan Yew first started to lead Singapore, he asked his think tank to visit neighboring Asian countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and figure out what they don’t have. When his people returned, they gave him a unanimous observation: they lacked discipline. So to differentiate Singapore from its neighbors, he decided to build his country on discipline. In a speech delivered during a graduation at the Silliman University in Dumaguete, Menardo G. Jimenez, explained to the new  continued on page 7

Ka Iking Reports IKE SEÑERES

Modern farms THE convergence of technologies should not only happen in the information and communications technologies, it should also happen in agricultural and industrial technologies. For some reason, no one seems to be talking about automating or computerizing agricultural processes, but I think that it is a logical and practical idea to pursue. I have written about the subject of Process Logic Controllers (PLCs) before, but I think that it is time to again follow up on this topic. Simply put, a PLC is the brain of an automated system. In a manner of speaking, a PLC could be likened to the engine of a machine, being the one that runs the operation of machineries. This comparison is actually inexact, because a PLC actually has a higher function than an engine, given the fact that a PLC could run and automate the operation and the synchronization of mechanical engines. To some extent, a PLC could be likened to a personal computer (PC) except for the fact that a PLC has a higher and more robust processing power than a PC. Adding to the comparison, a PLC is more like a server than a terminal. In Israel, agricultural farms are networked in such a way that servers are able to deliver water and liquid fertilizers to specific farm sections, as the demand for

water is triggered by moisture sensors. To some extent, this programmable and addressable infrastructure could be likened to the programmable and addressable process of delivering video signals to cable television customers who are ordering pay per view shows. For some reasons, the purpose of irrigation systems in the Philippines seems to be limited only to rice, which is really very limited in purpose. When will our government planners ever reach the consciousness that irrigation or water is also needed by fruits, vegetables, poultry, livestock and even tree farms? In Thailand, they irrigate and water their coconut which is a rather alien concept here. Since the price of PVC pipes have gone down, why don’t we shift our irrigation design to pipelines so that we could irrigate more farms? In Israel, they pumped water 300 kilometers inland. Why can’t we do it here? *** E-mail [email protected] or text me at +639293605140. Watch my TV show “KA IKING LIVE” every Friday from 930 to 1030 PM in Destiny Cable Channel 3. Tune in to “KAPITBAYAN” in DWIZ 882 KHZ 5 to 6 PM Mon to Fri. Join the InterCharity Network. Form your local chapter.

4

Mabuhay

ENERO 16 - 22, 2009

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

And then they came for me

(Editors note: Following is the editorial published by The Sunday Leader of Sri Lanka after the murder of its editor-in-chief Lasantha Wickrematunge. He wrote his own obituary for publication on the event of his assassination). NO OTHER profession calls on its practitioners to lay down their lives for their art save the armed forces and, in Sri Lanka, journalism. In the course of the past few years, the independent media have increasingly come under attack. Electronic and print-media institutions have been burnt, bombed, sealed and coerced. Countless journalists have been harassed, threatened and killed. It has been my honour to belong to all those categories and now especially the last. I have been in the business of journalism a good long time. Indeed, 2009 will be The Sunday Leader’s 15th year. Many things have changed in Sri Lanka during that time, and it does not need me to tell you that the greater part of that change has been for the worse. We find ourselves in the midst of a civil war ruthlessly prosecuted by protagonists whose bloodlust knows no bounds. Terror, whether perpetrated by terrorists or the state, has become the order of the day. Indeed, murder has become the primary tool whereby the state seeks to control the organs of liberty. Today it is the journalists, tomorrow it will be the judges. For neither group have the risks ever been higher or the stakes lower. Why then do we do it? I often wonder that. After all, I too am a husband, and the father of three wonderful children. I too have responsibilities and obligations that transcend my profession, be it the law or journalism. Is it worth the risk? Many people tell me it is not. Friends tell me to revert to the bar, and goodness knows it offers a better and safer livelihood. Others, including political leaders on both sides, have at various times sought to induce me to take to politics, going so far as to offer me ministries of my choice. Diplomats, recognizing the risk journalists face in Sri

Lanka, have offered me safe passage and the right of residence in their countries. Whatever else I may have been stuck for, I have not been stuck for choice. But there is a calling that is yet above high office, fame, lucre and security. It is the call of conscience. The Sunday Leader has been a controversial newspaper because we say it like we see it: whether it be a spade, a thief or a murderer, we call it by that name. We do not hide behind euphemism. The investigative articles we print are supported by documentary evidence thanks to the public-spiritedness of citizens who at great risk to themselves pass on this material to us. We have exposed scandal after scandal, and never once in these 15 years has anyone proved us wrong or successfully prosecuted us. The free media serve as a mirror in which the public can see itself sans mascara and styling gel. From us you learn the state of your nation, and especially its management by the people you elected to give your children a better future. Sometimes the image you see in that mirror is not a pleasant one. But while you may grumble in the privacy of your armchair, the journalists who hold the mirror up to you do so publicly and at great risk to themselves. That is our calling, and we do not shirk it. Every newspaper has its angle, and we do not hide the fact that we have ours. Our commitment is to see Sri Lanka as a transparent, secular, liberal democracy. Think about those words, for they each has profound meaning. Transparent because government must be openly accountable to the people and never abuse their trust. Secular because in a multiethnic and multi-cultural society such as ours, secularism offers the only common ground by which we might all be united. Liberal because we recognise that all human beings are created different, and we need to accept others for what they are and not what we would like them to be. And democratic... well, if you need me to explain why that is important, you’d best stop buying this pa-

Slain Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge per. The Sunday Leader has never sought safety by unquestioningly articulating the majority view. Let’s face it, that is the way to sell newspapers. On the contrary, as our opinion pieces over the years amply demonstrate, we often voice ideas that many people find distasteful. For example, we have consistently espoused the view that while separatist terrorism must be eradicated, it is more important to address the root causes of terrorism, and urged government to view Sri Lanka’s ethnic strife in the context of history and not through the telescope of terrorism. We have also agitated against state terrorism in the so-called war against terror, and made no secret of our horror that Sri Lanka is the only country in the world routinely to bomb its own citizens. For these views we have been labelled traitors, and if this be treachery, we wear that label proudly. Many people suspect that The Sunday Leader has a political agenda: it does not. If we appear more critical of the government than of the opposition it is only because we believe that - pray excuse cricketing argot - there is no point in bowling to the fielding side. Remember that for the few years of our existence in which the UNP was in office, we

proved to be the biggest thorn in its flesh, exposing excess and corruption wherever it occurred. Indeed, the steady stream of embarrassing expos‚s we published may well have served to precipitate the downfall of that government. Neither should our distaste for the war be interpreted to mean that we support the Tigers. The LTTE are among the most ruthless and bloodthirsty organisations ever to have infested the planet. There is no gainsaying that it must be eradicated. But to do so by violating the rights of Tamil citizens, bombing and shooting them mercilessly, is not only wrong but shames the Sinhalese, whose claim to be custodians of the dhamma is forever called into question by this savagery, much of which is unknown to the public because of censorship. What is more, a military occupation of the country’s north and east will require the Tamil people of those regions to live eternally as second-class citizens, deprived of all self respect. Do not imagine that you can placate them by showering “development” and “reconstruction” on them in the post-war era. The wounds of war will scar them forever, and you will also have an even more bitter and hateful Diaspora to contend with. A problem amenable to a political solution will thus become a festering wound that will yield strife for all eternity. If I seem angry and frustrated, it is only because most of my countrymen - and all of the government - cannot see this writing so plainly on the wall. It is well known that I was on two occasions brutally assaulted, while on another my house was sprayed with machine-gun fire. Despite the government’s sanctimonious assurances, there was never a serious police inquiry into the perpetrators of these attacks, and the attackers were never apprehended. In all these cases, I have reason to believe the attacks were inspired by the government. When finally I am killed, it will be the government that kills me. The irony in this is that, unknown to most of the public, Mahinda and I have been friends

for more than a quarter century. Indeed, I suspect that I am one of the few people remaining who routinely addresses him by his first name and uses the familiar Sinhala address oya when talking to him. Although I do not attend the meetings he periodically holds for newspaper editors, hardly a month passes when we do not meet, privately or with a few close friends present, late at night at President’s House. There we swap yarns, discuss politics and joke about the good old days. A few remarks to him would therefore be in order here. Mahinda, when you finally fought your way to the SLFP presidential nomination in 2005, nowhere were you welcomed more warmly than in this column. Indeed, we broke with a decade of tradition by referring to you throughout by your first name. So well known were your commitments to human rights and liberal values that we ushered you in like a breath of fresh air. Then, through an act of folly, you got yourself involved in the Helping Hambantota scandal. It was after a lot of soul-searching that we broke the story, at the same time urging you to return the money. By the time you did so several weeks later, a great blow had been struck to your reputation. It is one you are still trying to live down. You have told me yourself that you were not greedy for the presidency. You did not have to hanker after it: it fell into your lap. You have told me that your sons are your greatest joy, and that you love spending time with them, leaving your brothers to operate the machinery of state. Now, it is clear to all who will see that that machinery has operated so well that my sons and daughter do not themselves have a father. In the wake of my death I know you will make all the usual sanctimonious noises and call upon thepolice to hold a swift and thorough inquiry. But like all the inquiries you have ordered in the past, nothing will come of this one, too. For truth be told, we both know who will be behind my death, but dare not call his name. Not just my life, but yours  continued on page 5

Editor’s killing underscores perils of reporting in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, 52 was shot in the head and chest on his way to work by two men on motorcycles.

BY EMILY WAX WASHINGTON POST FOREIGN SERVICE NEW DELHI — Across South Asia, it has become known as the letter from the grave. Anticipating his own slaying, Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, 52, a fierce critic of his country’s government, wrote an editorial called “And Then They Came for Me,” a dramatic essay to be printed in the event of his assassination. On Jan. 8, the father of three was shot in the head and chest on his way to work by two men on motorcycles. The editorial, published the following Sunday, has highlighted how dangerous reporting in Sri Lanka has become. Critics cite a growing pattern of intimidation by the government, especially during a recent push to wipe out the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or Tamil Tigers, in a war that has persisted for more than two decades, one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. “Murder has become the primary tool whereby the state seeks to control the organs of liberty,” Wickrematunge wrote in the self-penned obituary published in the Sunday Leader, the newspaper that he and his brother founded 15 years ago. “Today it is the journalists, tomorrow it will be the judges. For neither group have the risks ever been higher or the stakes lower.” Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most dangerous places for reporters, human rights groups say. In the past two years, at least eight journalists have been killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Wickrematunge was killed two days after an attack on the country’s largest private television station, MBC Networks, by 15 masked gunmen with grenades. In late September, there was a

grenade attack on the family home of J.C. Weliamuna, a prominent human rights advocate and executive director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, an independent watchdog group. Journalism was a “call of conscience,” Wickrematunge wrote in his essay. “No other profession calls on its practitioners to lay down their lives for their art save the armed forces and, in Sri Lanka, journalism,” the essay began. “In the course of the past few years, the independent media have increasingly come under attack. Electronic and print-media institutions have been burnt, bombed, sealed and coerced. Countless journalists have been harassed, threatened and killed. It has been my honor to belong to all those categories and now especially the last.” “There’s now a climate of total impunity since there hasn’t been a single successful prosecution of any of these deaths or attacks,” said Jehan Perera, a close friend of Wickrematunge’s who works with the independent National Peace Council of Sri Lanka in Colombo, the capital. “We all wondered how long Lasantha Wickramatunga could survive. We thought that as long as he was still with us there was still some space for dissent and for democracy. With his assassination, that space closes completely.” Wickrematunge pushed for that space to be opened. In a country where the government has been accused of widespread corruption, he once obtained the creditcard details of a minister, proving that his bills were being illegally paid for by a foreign corporation hoping to invest on the lush island. Wickrematunge received numerous death threats throughout his career and was known for encouraging younger journalists to report on the war,  continued on page 5

Boch, kailangan ba natin ihingi ng permiso sa Washington Post para sa paglathala natin? Forwarded ito ni Ben Cal. -- Mark

ENERO 16 - 22, 2009

Mabuhay

5

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

And then they 2 di pangkaraniwang ibon came for me namataan sa Candaba  continued from page 4

too, depends on it. Sadly, for all the dreams you had for our country in your younger days, in just three years you have reduced it to rubble. In the name of patriotism you have trampled on human rights, nurtured unbridled corruption and squandered public money like no other President before you. Indeed, your conduct has been like a small child suddenly let loose in a toyshop. That analogy is perhaps inapt because no child could have caused so much blood to be spilled on this land as you have, or trampled on the rights of its citizens as you do. Although you are now so drunk with power that you cannot see it, you will come to regret your sons having so rich an inheritance of blood. It can only bring tragedy. As for me, it is with a clear conscience that I go to meet my Maker. I wish, when your time finally comes, you could do the same. I wish. I have not travelled this journey alone As for me, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I walked tall and bowed to no man. And I have not travelled this journey alone. Fellow journalists in other branches of the media walked with me: most of them are now dead, imprisoned without trial or exiled in far-off lands. Others walk in the shadow of death that your Presidency has cast on the freedoms for which you once fought so hard. You will never be allowed to forget that my death took place under your watch. As anguished as I know you will be, I also know that you will have no choice but to protect my killers: you will see to it that the guilty one is never convicted. You have no choice. I feel sorry for you, and Shiranthi will have a long time to spend on her knees when next she goes for Confession for it is not just her owns sins which she must confess, but those of her extended family that keeps you in office. As for the readers of The Sunday Leader, what can I say but Thank You for supporting our mission. We have espoused unpopular causes, stood up for those too feeble to stand up for themselves, locked horns with the high and mighty so swollen with power that they have forgotten their roots, exposed corruption and the waste of your hard-earned tax rupees, and made sure that whatever the propaganda of the day, you were allowed to hear a contrary view. For this I and my family - have now paid the price that I have long known I will one day have to pay. I am - and have always been - ready for that. I have done nothing to prevent this outcome: no security, no precautions. I want my murderer to know that I am not a coward like he is, hiding behind human shields while condemning thousands of innocents to death. What am I among so many? It has long been written that my life would be taken, and by whom. All that remains to be written is when. I did not fight this fight alone That The Sunday Leader will continue fighting the good fight, too, is written. For I did not fight this fight alone. Many more of us have to be - and will be killed before The Leader is laid to rest. I hope my assassination will be seen not as a defeat of freedom but an inspiration for those who survive to step up their efforts. Indeed, I hope that it will help galvanise forces that will usher in a new era of human liberty in our beloved motherland. I also hope it will open the eyes of your President to the fact that however many are slaughtered in the name of patriotism, the human spirit will endure and flourish. Not all the Rajapakses combined can kill that. People often ask me why I take such risks and tell me it is a matter of time before I am bumped off. Of course I know that: it is inevitable. But if we do not speak out now, there will be no one left to speak for those who cannot, whether they be ethnic minorities, the disadvantaged or the persecuted. An example that has inspired me throughout my career in journalism has been that of the German theologian, Martin Niem”ller. In his youth he was an anti-Semite and an admirer of Hitler. As Nazism took hold in Germany, however, he saw Nazism for what it was: it was not just the Jews Hitler sought to extirpate, it was just about anyone with an alternate point of view. Niem”ller spoke out, and for his trouble was incarcerated in the Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945, and very nearly executed. While incarcerated, Niem”ller wrote a poem that, from the first time I read it in my teenage years, stuck hauntingly in my mind: First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me. Do not take that commitment for granted If you remember nothing else, remember this: The Leader is there for you, be you Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, low-caste, homosexual, dissident or disabled. Its staff will fight on, unbowed and unafraid, with the courage to which you have become accustomed. Do not take that commitment for granted. Let there be no doubt that whatever sacrifices we journalists make, they are not made for our own glory or enrichment: they are made for you. Whether you deserve their sacrifice is another matter. As for me, God knows I tried.

NI DINO BALABO

CANDABA, Pampanga — Dalawang di pangkaraniwang uri ng waterbird ang namataan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa Candaba Swamp sa katatapos na census ng mga ibon na isinagawa ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at Wild Birds Club of the Philippines (WBCP). Ito ang “black-faced spoonbill”at ang “pied avocet” na nakita nitong Enero 17 sa unang pagkakataon sa Candaba Swamp. Ayon kay Michael Lu, pangulo ng WBCP, ang black faced spoonbill ay huling opisyal na namataan sa Manila Bay noong taong 1914, samantalang ang pied avocet naman ay huling namataan sa lalawigan ng Cavite noong 2006. Gayunpaman, sinabi ni Lu na may mga ulat ang ilang kasapi ng WBCP na may namataan ding mga black-faced spoonbill sa Batanes at Palawan sa mga nagdaang taon. Ayon naman kay Carmela Española, isang biologist mula sa University of the Philippines, ang dalawang ibon ay nagmula sa Tsina at karaniwang naglalagi sa panahon ng taglamig sa Taiwan. Posible talagang malamig sa Taiwan kaya’t lumipat ang mga ito sa Pilipinas, ani Española. Ang iba pang mga ibon na nakita sa isinagawang Asian waterbird census ay mga egret, eastern marsh, Philippine mallard, oriental hobby at common kingfisher.

LALO pang hinigpitan ang pagbabawal sa pagpapastol ng itik ngayon sa mga bukiring malapit sa Candaba Swamp sa pagitan ng Bulacan at Pampanga dahil sa resulta ng pag-aaral ng Food ang Agriculture Organization (FAO) na nagpapakita ng batayan na dahil sa pagpapastol ng itik sa mga bukid na pinamamalagian ng mga dayong ibon ay malaki ang posibilidad na mahawa sa bird flu. Tulad ng nakagawian sa Thailand at Vietnam, ang mga itik sa Gitnang Luzon ay karaniwang pinapastol sa bukiring ginapasan upang manginain ng mga nalaglag na butil ng palay tulad ng larawang ito na nakunan sa bayan ng Balagtas. — Boy Cruz Naitala sa katatapos na census na isinagawa sa Candaba Swamp ang 12,613 waterbird na mas mababa sa naitalang bilang na 17,000 waterbird sa census noong nakaraang taon . Ipinaliwanag ni Española na mga waterbird ang kanilang ginagamit bilang

pantukoy sa mga ibong binilang dahil magkakasama sa grupong ito ang mga migratory o dayong ibon at mga ibong nananatili o hindi umaalis sa bansa katulad ng mga Philippine mallard o mga pato na kalahi ng mga paitluging itik. Ayon pa kay Española,

ang layunin ng naturang census ay para matukoy kung tumataas o bumababa ang bilang ng mga waterbird na namamalagi sa Candaba Swamp at mga katulad na wetland o latian sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa kung panahon ng tag-lamig sa ibayong dagat.

Editor’s killing underscores perils of reporting in Sri Lanka  continued from page 4

which has killed 70,000 people and forced as many as half a million from their homes. He also worked as a freelance reporter for Time magazine and hosted a national talk show on MBC. Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has blamed Sri Lanka’s government for the veteran editor’s death and said officials had “incited hatred against him.” The Bush administration has condemned the death, as have many media and human rights groups. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has strongly denied any government involvement and said the killers, still at large, will be brought to justice. He condemned the death and ordered an investigation, calling Wickrematunge “a close friend” and “courageous journalist.” The two men had been close for nearly 25 years. “This heinous crime points to the grave dangers faced by . . . our country and the existence of forces that will go to the furthest extremes in using terror and criminality to damage our social fabric and bring disrepute to the country,” Rajapaksa said. Wickrematunge had recently become a critic of Rajapaksa’s government, which he deemed cagey, corrupt and abusive of civil rights. “Sadly, for all the

dreams you had for our country in your younger days, in just three years you have reduced it to rubble,” he wrote. “In the name of patriotism you have trampled on human rights, nurtured unbridled corruption and squandered public money like no other president before you.” “Although you are now so drunk with power that you cannot see it, you will come to regret your sons having so rich an inheritance of blood. It can only bring tragedy,” the editorial continued. “As for me, it is with a clear conscience that I go to meet my Maker. I wish, when your time finally comes, you could do the same. I wish.” Wickrematunge exposed the government’s agreement to buy MiG fighter jets from Russia. He also encouraged objective coverage of the war, even as the government seemed intent on forcing journalists to pick sides, leaving little room for neutrality by branding any reporter critical of the government and its military a rebel sympathizer. After a 2002 cease-fire was broken, hopes were shattered that peace could help this nation of 20 million people — renowned for its surfing beaches, palm trees and highland tea plantations — lift its villages out of poverty. Instead, the war has turned the country into a maze of

military checkpoints, where government troops search travelers and their luggage. The war has divided and weakened society, reigniting long-standing ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese, who are predominantly Buddhist, and the minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus and Christians. The Tamil Tigers, or LTTE, say they are fighting for a separate Tamil homeland. But they have been accused of widespread human rights violations and of forcible recruitment. There has been renewed momentum on both sides to win the war. More than 32,000 young Sinhalese men have joined the Sri Lankan army, which has been attacking rebel strongholds to crush the uprising by next year. Aid groups in the region say hundreds of Tamil Tigers and civilians have died over the past few months. But the assertions cannot be independently verified because the government does not permit journalists near the front lines. The Tamil Tigers, considered a terrorist organization by the United States, has responded with a campaign of suicide bombings against civilians in urban areas; one such bombing killed a top government official and a former Olympian. At the same time, the government

has been accused of violations of the civil rights of Tamils, including allegedly carrying out false arrests, abductions and disappearances. Wickrematunge, who is Sinhalese, was known for his fearless criticism of both players in the conflict: the Tamil rebels and the mostly Sinhalese government. “The LTTE are among the most ruthless and bloodthirsty organizations ever to have infested the planet,” he wrote. “There is no gainsaying that it must be eradicated. But to do so by violating the rights of Tamil citizens, bombing and shooting them mercilessly, is not only wrong but shames the Sinhalese.” Writing a guest column in his newspaper, his wife, Sonali Samarasinghe, said she had been particularly afraid the morning he was killed. The couple noticed they were being followed, she wrote, and he insisted that she take a separate car to the office. “Ten minutes after we parted I got the call I had always dreaded. My fingers hurriedly slid over my phone digits as I hastened to call him, more in hope than anything else. In my haste I pressed a wrong button. On the screen appeared a message I had received from Lasantha just hours before: ‘Wifey,’ it said, ‘I love you.’”

Mabuhay

6

Tagumpay ang paripa para sa Ermita

Buhay Pinoy MANDY CENTENO

Project JonJon Cart & Loan JOin na sa Negosyo ... JOin Na sa Kabuhayan Ito’y nauukol sa Youth Initiated Program Bilang negosyante’t paghahanapbuhay Pagkakalooban, utang na puhunan. Mga kabataang, hangad magnegosyo Sa Kabuhayan Center, titipunin dito At sasailalim, pagsasanay ito Gagabayan sila sa negosyong gusto. Matapos magsanay, pagkakalooban Ng ‘Kabuhayan Loan, pesos twenty thousand’ Ito’y “non-interest” na pagpapautang Magsisilbing “‘savings, mobilization fund”. Ang “Kabuhayan Cart” ibibgay ito Piling indibidwal, pagtitinda’y gusto Gawa ng “K Centers”, ang mga produkto At mga kumpanyang kabalikat dito.

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yan na titingin sa huling pagkakataon sa kanilang minamahal na pumanaw. “Magkakaroon ng angkop na altar dito na mapagmimisahan sa panahon na kailangan. Ang paligid nito ay sisinupin at lalagyan ng kaukulang harang o pinakabakod upang ang mga hayop tulad ng kambing ay hindi makapasok” wika pa ni P. Pros. Sina P. Fer at Tagapangulo ng Lupon sa Paghubog Rolan Marcelo ang nangasiwa sa paripa. Sa pagitan ng pagbola ay may mga natatanging bilang na ipinamalas. May mga batang nagsisayaw, umawit, tumugtog ng violin at pag-awit ng Sta. Isabel Choir sa pagkumpas ni Gng. Susan B. Dela Cruz. Ang nagsipagwagi sa pampalubagloob na gantimpalang 10 cellphone ay sina Annie Santos, ticket No. 4353, solicitor – Barangay Balite; Christian Espiritu, No. 11104, solicitor – P. Pros; Irene Corbito, No. 5691, solicitor – Sis. Godang Bulaong; Yolanda Morales, No. 9326, solicitor – Barangay Santor; Armando Del Rosario, No. 7206, solicitor – Barangay Santor; Jun Balila, ○

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Kakampi mo ang Batas

Ang FEED School naman ay itatalaga Future Entrepreurs Educ. & Dev’t. talaga Mga benepisyaryo, mag-aaral sila Kapag nakatapos, may katibayan pa.

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LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS — Naging matagumpay ang ginanap na paripa ng Parokya ng Sta. Isabel sa lungsod na ito noong ika-28 ng Disyembre, 2008. Ang programa ay ginanap sa Kumbento sa ganap na ika-1:00 ng hapon. Si P. Fernando B. Cenon, Parochial Vicar, ang namuno sa panimulang panalangin. Ito ay sinundan ng awiting pangkalahatan na “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”. Sa pambungad na pananalita ng Kura Paroko P. Proceso E. Espiritu, tauspuso niyang pinasalamatan ang lahat ng dumalo sa pagtitipon na ito at higit sa lahat , ang mga tumangkilik sa paripang nabanggit. Ipinaliwanag niya na ang malilikom sa pagkakataong ito ay iuukol sa pagpapagawa ng “Ermita”, o munting kapilya sa Kampo Santo ng parokya. Ang bubong sa pook na ito ay butasbutas na, samantalang ang mga poste at ibang tabla ay inaanay na. Lubhang mahalaga na maipagawa ito sa lalong madaling panahon upang sa darating na tag-ulan ay hindi mangabasa ang sinumang makikipaglibing at namata○

Sila ay ang Wellmade, CDO Foodsphere Ang tanyag na Nestle, Coca-Cola Bottlers Ilalako nila sa mataong lugar Pinakamalapit itong pamilihan.

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ENERO 16 - 22, 2009

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

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Upang higit na magkaroon ng kahulugan ang mga sinabi ni Petersen, isa-isa nating baligtarin at tagalugin ang kanyang mensahe. Sa halip na sabihin nating “kailangan natin,” ang gamitin nating salita ay “iwaksi, ibasura, o kaya’y huwag iboto.” *** Hindi kailangan ng mundo ang mga taong nababayaran o tumatanggap ng suhol, kaya’t ibasura natin sila. Huwag nating iboto ang mga taong ang inuuna ay negosyo, hindi serbisyo sa tao; na laging nag-aatubiling magdesisyon dahil ang laging iniisip ay pamumulitika. Ibasura natin ang mga taong walang political will. *** Ibasura natin ang mga taong walang sariling opinyon at paninindigan, na kailangan pa ang dikta ng kanilang pamilya bago magdesisyon para sa kapakanan ng taong bayan. Huwag nating iboto ang mga taong walang puso o bokasyon sa paglilingkod, na kaya lamang pumasok sa pulitika ay inutusan ng kapamilya. *** Iwaksi natin ang mga taong walang kusang palo, laging naghihintay ng utos kaya’t nasasayang ang mga pagkakataon sa pag-unlad. Ibasura natin ang mga taong parang hunyango na kapag nasama sa maraming tao ay nawawala ang sariling pagkakakilanlan, na natutulad sa hipon na walang gulugod at laging nagpapatangay sa agos. *** Huwag iboto ang mga taong hindi mapagkakatiwalaan sa halagang P5, o kaya’y P500,000 o kaya’y sa P2 bilyon. Iwaksi natin ang mga taong nakikipagkutsaba sa mga maling gawain; na ang ambisyon ay nakapaloob lamang sa kanilang pansariling interes. *** Ibasura natin ang mga taong gumagaya sa gawang masama, at idinadahilan pa na maging ang ibang tao ay gumagawa din ng ganoon. Iwaksi natin ang mga taong kaibigan lamang kapag maganda ang sitwasyon, ngunit iiwanan ka kapag maiipit ang kanilang interes. *** Iwaksi natin ang mga taong naniniwala sa panggugulang sa kapwa upang sila ay magtagumpay. Huwag nating iboto ang mga taong takot manindigan sa katotohanan dahil wala siyang kasama, at hindi makapagpahayag ng pagtutol sa mga kamaliang nakikita sa kanyang paligid. *** Sa madaling salita, mga kaibigan, mag-isip at magsuri tayo. Huwag tayong magpahikayat sa matatamis na pangako at malalambing na pananalita.

SAGOT: Cathy, maraming salamat sa e-mail na ito. Sa ilalim ng Civil Code of the Philippines, ang kontrata o kasunduan sa magkabilang panig ay batas sa kanilang pagitan na dapat nilang sundin. Kung hindi susunod ang sinuman sa kanila sa kasunduan, maaaring magsampa ng kaso ang agrabiyadong tao, upang pilitin ang pagtupad sa kasunduan, o di kaya ay hilingin sa hukuman ang pagpapabalewala nito dahil hindi na tumutupad sa mga nakasaad dito ang kabilang panig. Anuman ang kahilingang gagawin ng agrabiyadong partido sa kasunduan, maaari siyang humingi ng danyos perhuwisiyos at bayad sa abogado. Sa kasong ito, maliwanag na naagrabiyado ang kompanya sapagkat mayroon itong pinanghahawakang kasunduan na ang manggagawa, matapos ang pagsasanay, ay hindi aalis sa trabaho ng dalawang taon. Dahil ang manggagawa ay umalis ng wala sa panahon, nalabag niya ang kasunduan at dahil diyan, siya ay maaaring pagbayarin ng danyos perhuwisiyos, pati na ang mga gastusin sa abogado. Ganundin, maaaring ipasoli sa kanya ang halaga ng pagsasanay na pinasok niya, batay sa naunang kasunduan sa kompanya. Sa isyu ng mga sinasabing overtime at VL pays, na hindi naman talaga ibinayad, kailangang maging maliwanag na ito nga ang hinahabol at pinababayaran. Magagawang liwanagin ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng isang pormal na sulat mula sa manggagawa o mula sa kanyang abogado. Citizenship – kailan ikinasal ang magulang ng isang tao TANONG: Hello po ... Hoping you the best in everyday life ... Ask ko po since my parents are Chinese citizens. Pero ang nanay ko po ay Filipina. Kaya lang po ng ikasal sila ng father kong Chinese, naging Chinese na rin siya. Am I right? So kung ganon po ang scenario Chinese citizen din po ako. Kasi nang kunin ko ang birth certificate ko Chinese ang nakalagay. Kahit po ba mag-asawa ako ng Filipino still Chinese citizen pa rin ako? Halimbawa po ba na kumuha ako ng passport tapos ang malalagay na citizenship ko e Chinese. Kung lumabas ba ako ng Pilipinas, makakabalik ba uli ako dito kapag Chinese ang nakalagay? I’m confused po kasi? More power po uli sa inyo and thank you so much ... — [email protected] ○

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Kastigo

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nag-aalok ng proyekto sa mga dayuhang investor. Idagdag pa rito ang naghaharing anarkiya — papalubhang kriminalidad, kidnapping, bank robbery, insureksiyon ng MILF, NPA, at mga lost command ng mga ito. Ito ang dalawang problemang dapat munang lutasin ng Administrasyong Arroyo (o ng iba pang admi-

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No. 4243, solicitor – Barangay Balite; Ester Robles, No. 1407, solicitor – Barangay Mabolo; Marciana Magpayo, No. 757, solicitor – Barangay Dakila; Agatona Santiago, No. 5747, solicitor – Sis. Godang at Florencio Bernabe, No. 7051, solicitor – Apostolado ng Panalangin. Ang nagkamit ng ikatlong gantimpla na “desktop computer w/ printer” ay si Olympia Junio, No. 356, solicitor – Barangay Dakila. Si Blandes Vergara, No. 10574 ang nagkamit ng ikalawang premyo na “laptop w/ printer” at ang solicitor ay ang Legion of Mary. Ang pangunahing gantimpala na “Mio motor” ay nakuha ni Aldrin Baradas na may bilang ng ticket na 8321 at ang solicitor ay ang Barangay Look 2nd. Mahigit 50 ang nagsiuwi na may bitbit pang bag ng mga grocery na ipinamigay sa huling bahagi ng paripa sa pagsisikap ng Legion of Mary at iba pang samahang pangsimbahan. — Mandy Centeno

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SAGOT: Maraming salamat po sa e-mail na ito. Ang sagot sa mga tanong dito ay nakasalalay sa kung kailan nag-asawa ang tatay na Chinese at ang nanay na Pilipino. Ayon kasi sa mga umiiral na batas, kasama na ang naunang 1935 Constitution at 1973 Constitution, kung ang isang banyagang lalaki ay ikakasal sa isang Pilipina noong mga panahong umiiral ang 1935 Constitution (mula 1935 hanggang 1973) at ang 1973 Constitution (1973 hanggang 1987), ang citizenship ng tatay ang susundin ng nanay, at maging ng kanilang magiging anak. Kaya lamang, sa ilalim ng mga batas na ito, kailangang maging maliwanag na legal ang pagkakasal ng banyagang lalaki at ng asawang Pilipina. Kung hindi sila kasal ng legal, at basta na lamang sila nagsama, walang bisa ang mga Saligang Batas na binanggit natin. Dahil diyan, aanyayahan namin kayo sa aming tanggapan upang mapagusapan ang isyung ito. Mga lending company kailangang magrehistro TANONG: Ako po si Josef Bryan Plazam, 20 years old, na gustong magsimula ng isang money lending business sa aming lugar. Ano po ba ang mga legal na paraan sa pag-papautang na kailangan ko po na malaman? Lubos na gumagalang ... — [email protected] SAGOT: Josef Bryan Plaza, maraming salamat sa e-mail na ito. Batay sa mga alituntuning ipinaiiral ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, ang isang lending company ay dapat pagmamay-ari ng isang natural born Filipino, o ng kompanyang kontrolado ng mga Pilipino. Kailangan ding rehistrado ang tao o ang kompanyang nagnanasang maging lending company sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, kagaya ng Bureau of Domestic Trade ng Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, at maging sa Bureau of Internal Revenue at, siyempre, sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Ganundin, kailangang mabigyan ang mga ito ng mga kaukulang business permit at license ng mga pamahalaang lokal kung saan sila nagnanais na magnegosyo. Mga magsasakang di nagbibigay ng bahagi ng ani sa may-ari ng lupa TANONG: Happy New Year! Ako po ay may gustong isangguni at linawin tungkol sa nagsasaka sa lupain ng aking tiyahin na namayapa na. Bago ○

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siya yumao, may nagprisintang dating naglilingkod sa pagka-pulis. Ang problema po ay tuwing anihan, hindi siya nagbibigay ng tamang bahagi sa ani. Maaari po ba siya mapaalis sa pagiging magsasaka? Umaasa po ako sa inyong tulong at katugunan. Maraming salamat po at pagpalain kayo ng Maykapal. — [email protected] SAGOT: Maraming salamat po sa e-mail na ito. Sa ilalim ng mga umiiral na batas sa agraryo, ang isang magsasakang hindi nakakatupad sa kanyang mga tungkulin ay maaaring paalisin sa pagsasaka. Ang isa sa mga tungkulin na ito ay ang pagbabayad ng regular ng mga buwis sa lupa na nanggagaling sa mga ani. Kung may ani, kailangang bigyan ang may-ari ng lupa, o ang kanyang mga tagapagmana, ng bahagi ng ani. Kung hindi nagbibigay ang magsasaka ng bahagi ng ani na para sa may-ari, maaari itong sipain mula sa lupa, pero sa pamamagitan lamang ng kautusan ng kaukulang hukuman sa agraryo (na ngayon ay tinatawag na Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board). Dahil diyan, ang sinumang nagnanais magpaalis ng magsasaka dahil hindi na ito nakakaganap sa kanyang tungkulin ay kailangang magsampa muna ng kaso ng pagpapaalis. *** BATAS NG DIYOS: “… Ngunit muling lumalakas ang mga nagtitiwala at umaasa sa Panginoon. Lilipad silang parang may mga pakpak ng agila, tatakbo sila ngunit di sila mapapagod, lalakad sila ngunit di sila mahahapo …” (Isaias

40:31)

*** PAALALA: Maaari po kayong tumawag sa aming mga landline, (02) 99468-05, (02) 433-75-49 at (02) 433-7553, o di kaya ay sa aming mga cellphone, 0917-984-24-68 at 0919-60964-89. O sumulat sa aming address: 18 D Mahiyain cor Mapagkawanggawa, Teachers Village, Diliman, Quezon City. O mag-email sa website na ito: www.batasnews.com, o sa [email protected]. *** PARTY LIST: Maaari na po kayong maging kasapi ng BATAS Party List, o ang Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan. Ipadala po ang inyong mga pangalan at kumpletong address sa parehong mga address at telepono sa itaas. ○

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nistrasyon) upang maakit ang mga dayuhang mamumuhunan: ang grabeng katiwalian sa gobyerno at ang pambansang kaayusan at katahimikan. Kailan man ay hindi maaakit ang sino mang foreign investor na magnegosyo sa isang bansang hati-hati ang mamamayan, laganap ang kriminalidad at nakakarami ang tiwaling

opisyal na umuugit sa isang bulok na gobyerno. Sa maling konsepto ng ekonomiyang ipinagyayabang ng Administrasyong Arroyo, ang malamang na maganyak na magsiparito ay mga sindikato ng krimen, terorista, espiya, pedophile, smuggler at mga eksperto sa drug at human trafficking!

Bayan muna ang isipin bago ang sarili!

Mabuhay

ENERO 16 - 22, 2009 ○

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Cebu Calling

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 from page 3

what made one rise, could also make him fall. Like a person who over-eats, it will have diarrhea. Like one who overworks, it will succumb to fatigue. The organism will find a way to signal its sickness and correct it. Even the supposedly good and holy people, like priests, nuns, bishops, etc., can misuse their status, covering their malice with a façade of sanctity and goodness. These are the most dangerous scoundrels, since the anti-Christ can look and act like Christ! For all that, we should not be completely pessimistic. There’s always a way to recover, and convert what is wrong and bad into something good, a source of genuine greatness. Let’s always remember Christ’s words: “There shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner who does penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need no penance.” (Lk 15,5)

All that is needed is to say sorry to our Lord from the bottom of our heart. And what was bad can mutate into something good again. Let’s always learn the lessons that the lives of St. Paul and St. Augustine give us. So, while we should be serious in our efforts to be consistently good and holy, let’s also learn to relax. There’s always hope. In the end, God not only has the first word. He also has the last. Evil always longs for the good from which it fled. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) ANGELES CITY ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS I, ROMEO M. RIVERA, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, married and a resident of 208 Muzon St., Balibago Angeles City after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state: That I am a holder/possessor of a stock certificate (1) class “D” share in Fontana Resort and Country Club, Money, pieces of Jewelry and other documents; That on December 23, 2007, at around midnight within the premises of our house in Balibago, Angeles City my said stock certificate (1) class “D” share in Fontana Resort and Country Club, Money, pieces of Jewelry and other documents was stole and by unidentified individual, within the vicinity of our house in Angeles City, Pampanga and despite diligent effort exerted in the search thereof the same could no longer be found/located. That for legal intents and purpose I considered it as stolen. That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth and fact of my foregoing statement and more particularly to show to the proper authority that my said stock certificate (1) class “D” share in Fontana Resort and Country Club, Money, pieces of Jewelry’s and other documents was stolen. It is likewise being executed for such other purpose/s that it may serve under the premises. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 9th day of January, 2009 in Angeles City. ROMEO M. RIVERA Affiant SUBCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me in the City of Angeles, this 9th day of January, 2009, personally known to me, who is the same person who personally signed before me the foregoing affidavit and acknowledged that she executed the same. Doc. No. 37; Page No. 71; Book No. XXX; Series of 2009.

7

LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

JERRY PERICO Notary Public Until December 2009 Commission No. 2007-161 IBP OR NO. 763928/1-5-09/PAMP PTR NO. 0200987/ 1-5-09/ A.C. Attorney’s Roll No. 40627 1097 Apt. 9, Sugay Bldg., Mc-Arthur Hiway Balibago, Angeles City

Mabuhay: January 9, 16 & 23 2008

Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of the Deceased Sotero Antonio Y Matias With Assignment, Waiver, Renunciation and Quitclaim

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the deceased Sotero Antonio Y Matias who died intestate on May 6, 2001 at #55 Aquarius Street, Phase 3-B, Sto. Niño, City of Meycauayan left two (2) parcels of registered land covered and embraced by 1.) Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-250954 (M) Registry of Deeds of Bulacan, Meycauayan Branch 2.) Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-225994 (M) Registry of Deeds of Bulacan, Meycauayan Branch was extrajudicially settled among legitimate heirs with assignment, waiver, renunciation and quitclaim as per Doc. No. 355; Page No. 72; Book No. 01; Series of 2008 of the Notary Public of Atty. Joel Amos P. Alejandro. Mabuhay: January 9, 16 & 23 2008

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the deceased Lina Morales-Pabalan who died intestate in Angeles City on February 19, 1977 and Alberto Pabalan who died intestate also in Angeles City on August 24, 1984, left a real property covered by TCT No. 20984-R containing an area of TWENTY THOUSAND (20,000) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Whereas, the above-described property had already been subdivided and the only remaining portion of the same contains only five hundred (500) square meters and is now identified as Survey No. Lot 6-A-1, which is more particularly described as follows; to wit: Survey No. Lot 6-A-1; Property Location: Rosanna St., Mt. View, Balibago, Angeles City; Street/Extent: Subic Subdivision; Boundaries: North–450,451; East–458; South–Rosanna St., West– 431 was extra-judicially settled among their Heirs as per Doc. No. 1745; Page No. 40; Book No.LX; Series of 2008 of the Notary Public of Atty. Willie B. Rivera. Mabuhay: January 16, 23 & 30, 2009

Huwag magkalat sa lansangan, bayan mo’y hindi basurahan!

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Regarding Henry graduates what discipline is really all about: “This meant that if Singapore promised something to its people, to its foreign investors, and to other countries, it will be fulfilled. A disciplined country and a disciplined people — that’s what he built Singapore on.” Do you think Filipinos are a disciplined people? Allow me give you my own experience. It happened in 2000 when I went to the United States for the first time. While at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I was surprised to see passengers (mostly foreigners) forming a queue while boarding. It was a different story when I returned home. We were at the Detroit airport and there were so many passengers, mostly Filipinos and balikbayans. When it was time for boarding, all passengers rushed towards the two attendants collecting the tickets. “Sir, we are boarding only those from ○

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Depthnews

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an emergency water landing, please use it and paddle to shore. You can take them home afterwards — with our compliments.” This Continental Airlines flight, however, had very “senior” flight attendants. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached cruising altitude,” the pilot said. “We’ll be turning down cabin lights. This is for your comfort. It should also enhance the appearance of your flight attendants.” “Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing,” Malaysia Airlines says. “And if you can light ’em, you can smoke ’em.” After a very rough landing, the first officer stood at the door to smile at exiting passengers and say: “Thanks for flying Saudi Airlines.” The last passenger was an old lady with a cane. “Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?” she asked. “Why, no, Ma’am,” the pilot replied. “What is

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51 to 65,” the attendant explained. “And yours is 24C.” The male passenger replied, “But I came here first. So, allow me to board first then!” There were others who joined the bandwagon. It was a total chaos. We were still in the United States but I was reminded of the scene that happened to me while boarding from Davao to Manila. Passengers were rude, unmanageable, drastic and without discipline. I don’t want to be nasty here, but can we act in a civilized manner when we are not in our own country? If we can’t be a well-disciplined country, can each of us acquire selfdiscipline? Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking on the outskirts of Berlin when he encountered a very old man proceeding in the opposite direction. “Who are you?” asked Frederick. “I am the king,” the old man replied. Frederick laughed when he ○

eyes and gazed lovingly at her son. Pablo could only remember too well. His mother wanted him to receive the best education. She invested time, money and effort to tutor him and train him. But instead of taking advantage of all these, he rebelled and took the opposite road towards bad companions and their vices. He started smoking, drinking and stealing. He flunked his subjects and was suspended after being caught cheating in some major exams. Later years involved drugs and gang wars. He had completely closed the loving chapter his mother started in order to begin an entirely opposite and chaotic one of his own. Pablo, however, recalled that his mother did not react angrily towards his bad behavior. Instead, she continued to patiently remind him of her dreams about him, his future and a successful life. But he brushed these aside and continued his wayward life. One day, while Pablo was wait○

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heard the answer. “If you are a king, over what kingdom do you reign?” Proudly, the old man replied, “Over myself.” This illustration reminds me of the classic Jack Paar line, “Looking back, my life seems to be one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle.” In order words, if you lack discipline, you may be your worst problem! I have known a lot of people who have great talents but never go far. The reason: they lack self-discipline. Author H. Jackson Brown Jr. once pointed out, “Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.” Four-time Oscar winner Katharine Hepburn said it bluntly, “Without discipline, there’s no life at all.” — For comments, write me at [email protected]

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 from page 3

ing for a friend, his mother said, “Pablo, can you come to the room for a second? I have something to tell you.” Thinking it was just one of her usual dream chats, he tried to give an excuse that he was doing something. But in the end, he was still drawn to her room. “Anak, please take a seat,” she led him to a nearby stool. “I have been wanting to tell you, and I want you to be strong …” It was the first time his mother ever spoke to him in this way. “I have cancer, and the doctors say I don’t have much time to live.” This, however, only made Pablo rebel even more. But his mother, to his surprise, remained calm and steadfast in her conviction that he would change for the better. *** “Yes, mom, I remember,” he replied as he adjusted her pillow. “And would you like to know how it happened?” she managed to give him a mischievous childish wink. “Yes, ,” he said, “but promise me ○

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 from page 3

Forward to Basics

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that you’ll sleep after your bedtime story.” “Of course, but let’s see who manages to sleep after this,” she giggled softly. “So how did you do it?” “I didn’t … God did.” “Oh, right. I almost forgot,” he sighed. “He did it through me … I resolved … ever since you were caught cheating … I would get up every 3 a.m. and on my knees I begged our Lord for your conversion.” “Every …,” Pablo couldn’t believe what she said. “Yes,” she caressed his cheek. “Everyday, anak ...,” she started to sob. “Why are you crying,” Pablo asked. “Because God is so good!” she whispered and slowly dozed off. *** That night his mother slept soundly in God’s arms, while the son was sleepless, pondering, praying about God’s goodness and a mother’s unconditional love. ○

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 from page 3

it?” The little old lady asked: “Did we land? Or were we shot down?” Overheard on a Cathay Pacific flight that just landed after a rough windy flight. “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Hong Kong. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what’s left of our airplane to the gate!” Next to airplane p.a. chatter, travel tales also include attention-getting sign boards. These ones were gathered by a travel buff: “If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you,” says an airport cafeteria. “Money isn’t everything. But it sure keeps the kids in touch,” a car bumper sticker proclaims. “Learn from your parents’ mistake,” says another sticker. “Use birth control.” “Ninety-nine percent of all lawyers give the rest a bad name,” claims graffiti scrawled outside a court-

house. “Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity,” says another. And the top-notcher on a basketball court: “It’s not whether you win or lose but how you place the blame.” And finally comes what my friend calls the “cleanest e-mail joke that I’ve come across in a long while.” The title is: “How to Tell the Sex of a Fly. A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Hunting flies,” he responded. “Oh. And have you killed any,” she asked. “”Sure. Three males and two females,” he replied. Intrigued, she asked: “But how can you tell them apart?” His reply: “Simple. Three were on a beer can and two were on the telephone.” — [email protected]

SHOWING ON JANUARY 15, 2009 ONWARDS

subject to change without prior notice

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Bumaba ang bilang ng dayuhang ibon  mula sa pahina 1

Ayon kay Secretary Atienza, kapag nasira ng polusyon ang tirahan ng mga ibon, nagkakamatay ang mga isda, suso at iba pang organismong nakakain doon ng mga ibon, kaya’t nagsisialis ang mga ito. Inayunan ito ni Mayor Pelayo, ngunit ipinagmalaki niya na napigil na nila ang polusyon sa Candaba Swamp dahil nilabanan nila ang mga babuyan sa San Miguel, Bulacan kung saan ang maruming tubig ay dating dumadaloy sa latian ng Candaba. “Naglagay na sila ng mga water treatment facility kaya napigil na ang polusyon at meron na uling mga suso at isdang nakakain ang mga ibon,” ani Pelayo. Sinabi rin ng alkalde na sinadya niyang huwag palagyan ng linya ng kuryente ang malaking bahagi ng Barangay Simang kung saan matatagpuan ang kanyang rest house na nagsisilbing viewing area sa kanyang palaisdaang ngayon ay sangtuwaryo na ng mga ibon. Ayon kay Pelayo, iyon ay isang hakbang upang huwag dumami ang mga bahay at maninirahan sa nasabing lugar na magiging

dahilan upang magambala ang mga ibong namamalagi doon. Ang mga dayong ibon na nagmumula sa malalamig na bansa sa hilagang Asya tulad ng Tsina, Japan at Korea ay karaniwang lumilipad patawid ng dagat papuntang Pilipinas kung buwan ng Oktubre at namamalagi sa bansa hanggang sa buwan ng Marso. Ito ay upang makaiwas sila sa lamig ng niyebe na hatid ng panahon ng tag-lamig sa mga nasabing bansa. Ayon sa mga dalubhasa, ang mga dayong ibong ay natural carrier ng sakit na bird flu kaya pinagbabawalan ang paghuli at pagkain sa mga ito. Ipinaliwanag naman ni Carmela Española, isang biologist mula sa University of the Philippines, na kasama sa isinagawang census na ang layunin nito ay upang matukoy kung nababawasan o nadadagdagan ang bilang ng mga dayong ibon. “Mas maganda yung alam natin ang bilang nila para malaman natin ang trend,” aniya at sinabing kung nababawasan ang bilang ay may posibilidad na sanhi iyon ng sakit na bird flu,

ngunit sinabi rin niya na posible ring nabulabog lamang. Bukod sa pagbibilang sa ibon nagsagawa rin ang mga kagawad ng DENR at mga kasapi ng WBCP ng pagtatanong sa mga residente kung may nakita silang mga patay na ibon sa paligid ng Candaba Swamp. Ayon sa WBCP, walang nakitang patay na ibon ang mga residente sa paligid ng latian sa mga nagdaang buwan, na nangangahulugan na walang insidente ng bird flu. Sa kasalukuyan, ang Pilipinas ay kabilang ng tatlong bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya na nananatiling ligtas mula sa bird flu. Ang Singapore at Brunei Darusalaam ay “bird flu free” rin. Kaugnay pa rin ng isinagawang bird census, sinabi ng WBCP na nakakita sila sa unang pagkakataon ng black face spoon bill at pied avocet, ang dalawang uri ng ibong mula sa Tsina na madalang makita sa Pilipinas. Nakita rin sa Candaba Swamp sa katatapos na census ang iba’t ibang uri ng ibong tulad ng egret (tagak), eastern marsh, Philippine mallard, oriental hobby at mga common kingfisher.

Mabuhay LINGGUHANG PILIPINO MULA PA NOONG 1980

VOL. XXX, NO. 03 • ENERO 16 - 22, 2009 • PAGE 8

Ika-29 na anibersaryo namin ngayong Enero

Ang kauna-unahang sipi ng Mabuhay na inilimbag noong ika-20 ng Enero 1980.

MALINIS NA — Ipinagmalaki ni Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Jerry Pelayo (kaliwa) na isa sa mga bunga ng kanilang paglaban sa mga maruming tubig na dumadaloy mula sa mga babuyan sa San Miguel, Bulacan patungo sa Candaba Swamp ay ang pananatili doon ng mga dayong ibon upang manginain. Sinabi niya na dahil sa kanilang kampanya laban sa

polusyon nagbalik na ang mga suso at isda sa latian na ngayon ay nakakain ng mga dayong ibon. Nakamasid naman si Environment Secretary Lito Atienza (kanan) na dumalo rin sa isinagawang press conference sa Candaba noong Enero 17 kaugnay ng taunang Asian Waterbird Census. — PETER ALAGOS NG CENTRAL L UZON B USINESS WEEK

WBCP: P Pangalagaan angalagaan ang tirahan ng ibon  mula sa pahina 1

tirahang latian at iyon ay magagawa kung mapapangalagaan ang mga ito. “Kung maraming nakakain ang mga waterbird sa mga wetland, they will stay there at hindi na sila pupunta sa malapit sa mga airport,” sabi ni Lu. Sa kasalukuyan ay may apat pang wetland sa Gitnang Luzon bukod sa Candaba Swamp, at tatlong aiport o paliparan ng eroplano. Ayon kay Rogelio Trinidad ng Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Management Zone sa Gitnang Luzon, ang wetlands sa rehiyon ay matatagpuan sa lungsod ng Balanga sa Bataan, Pantabangan Dam at Paitan Lake na parehong matatagpuan sa Nueva Ecija, at ang Macabebe wetlands sa baybayin ng Pampanga. Ang mga paliparan naman ng eroplano sa rehiyon ay matatagpuan sa Subic Bay Freeport sa Zambales, sa Plaridel, Bulacan, at ang

Diosdado Macapagal International Airport sa Clark Freeport Zone sa Pampanga. Matatandaan na noong Enero 15 ay bumagsak ang US Airways Flight 1549 sa Hudson River sa New York ilang minuto matapos lumipad mula sa di kalayuang La Guardia Airport. Batay sa ulat, walang namatay sa 115 kataong sakay ng eroplano. Sinabi rin sa ulat na ang dahilan ng pagbasak ng Flight 1549 ay bird strike o nahigop ng makina ng eroplano ang mga ibon. Batay naman sa ulat ng Philippine Star, ang bird strike ay hindi delikado kung sa katawan lamang ng eroplano sasalpok ang mga ibon, ngunit kung mahihigop ang mga ito ng makina ay maaaring magkaroon ng problema. Sinabi pa sa ulat na 15 ang naitalang insidente ng bird strike sa Manila International Airport sa nagdaang taon. — Dino Balabo

NGAYONG buwan ng Enero ang aming ika-29 na anibersaryo. Sa nakalipas na 29 na taon ay maraming pagsubok at hirap ang aming hinarap at dinaanan, at kami’y nagtamo rin ng mga tagumpay na ang pinakamatamis ay ang karanasang makapaglingkod sa aming abot kaya sa mambabasa at sa sambayanang aming sinumpaang pagsisilbihan. Salamat. Maraming salamat sa lahat. Unang-una na sa Panginoon; pangalawa, sa aming mambabasa at tagapagtaguyod. Parang kahapon lamang, ’ika nga. Subalit, kung tutuusin, mahaba’t tunay na naging makasaysayan ang 29 na taong nalagas sa tangkay ng panahon mula noong isinilang ang Mabuhay. Ang kauna-unahang sipi ng aming lingguhang pahayagan ay inilathala noong ika-20 ng Enero 1980. Buhat noon hanggang ngayon, tuloy-tuloy ang paglabas ng Mabuhay — sa awa ng Maykapal, sa pagsisikap ng patnugutan, palimbagan, mga tauhan sa pagkalap ng anunsiyo at pagpapakalat, at iba pang mga kasamahan na ang ilan ay sumakabilang buhay na, ilang piling kaibigan tulad ni Ka Doroy Valencia na sumagip sa amin sa oras ng kagipitan, mga mahal sa buhay at kapamilya, at siyempre sa pagtangkilik ng mga mambabasa. Muli, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat! At sa pagpapatuloy ng aming pagtahak sa larangan ng pamamahayag ngayong taong 2009, hayaan ninyong ulitin namin ang aming sinabi sa araw ng aming pagsilang noong 1980. “Ang simulain naming ito ay batay sa paniniwalang ang Mabuhay ay bahagi ng sambayanan. Kaya sa inyong tulong ... ang tagumpay ng Mabuhay ay tagumpay ng mamamayan at ng bayan. “Kasama sa adhikaing ito ang nasang magsasagawa ng maraming pagbabago sa pamamahayag ... (upang ito ay) maging makatarungan at kapaki-pakinabang sa mamamayan at bayan ... “Sa pamamagitan ng unang bilang ng Mabuhay, hayaan ninyong ilahad namin sa inyo ang aming puso at iabot namin ang aming kamay, kung kami nga’y magiging karapat-dapat.” Ang pagsapit ng bagong taon ay hudyat din ng pagsisimula ng panibagong taon sa aming pamamahayag. At sa tulong ng lahat ng tumatangkilik sa Mabuhay at sa kahalagahan ng malayang pamamahayag, umaasa kami na maidaraos namin ang isang pagdiriwang na angkop sa kaarawan ng isang lingguhang peryodiko na nakabuo ng 29 taong paglilingkod sa mambabasa, sambayanan at Maykapal. Maraming salamat muli. Mabuhay po kayo at nawa’y maging mapayapa at masagana ang taong 2009.