LENTEN MESSAGE OF SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON

I join the rest of the nation in solemn observance of the Holy Week.

Lent is a time of deep reflection as well as renewal. We must all remember what Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Lent is also an occasion to think more profoundly about the obligations we have to ourselves, and the obligations we have to one another as human beings.

Christ demonstrated God's unconditional love for us. He taught us the importance of helping others. We must therefore refocus our goals and values, so that they are truly consistent with the teachings of Christ.  

Let us celebrate Christ’s gift of love this Lenten season, and give thanks for His many blessings for our people and our country. 

DILG holds flooding, landslide consultation meeting in Zambales

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT-Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently hosted a consultation meeting for local government units in Zambales that were affected by the severe flooding and landslide caused by the typhoon Odette-induced southwest monsoon last year.

 

“The activity seeks to address the risk of the re-occurrence of this tragedy that claimed 33 lives.  It was also meant to seek assistance from concerned national government agencies on further studying the proposed dredging of the rivers of the province,” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said.

 

Attendees agreed to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) that would be headed by the Provincial Engineer. 

 

“The TWG was given two months to complete the ground works, from the inspection and planning aspect up to working on the palliative measures,” Dijan added. (Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan)

Vergara’s wife running for Ecija gov?

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara - whose tandem with his former ally, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali  - unseated the almost half-century reign of the Josons in 2007 and whose victory over Umali’s younger brother Anthony in their own mayoral duel in 2013 dealt the Umalis their first election loss in over a decade – has raised the possibility that his businesswoman-wife might run for governor in the 2016 elections.

          

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the closing ceremony and the symbolic awarding of firearms to 118 news soldiers who finished a three-month training course at the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation covered court here Friday where he was guest of honor and speaker, Vergara said his wife Rosanna will run if there is a popular clamor for her to do so and if this is the consensus of local leaders in the political opposition in the province.

          “If they choose Ria (Rosanna’s nickname) to be the standard-bearer for governor, then I cannot do anything about it,” he said.

          Vergara issued the statement after his wife’s name was floated as a prospective candidate for governor even as Umali is on his third and last term as governor. Rosanna, president of the First Cabanatuan Ventures Corp., is reportedly a dual citizen and a known cancer survivor. 

Several months ago, Umali declared his wife, outgoing three-term third district Rep. Czarina, is running to succeed him in the Capitol. The congresswoman has been making the rounds of the province to feel the pulse of Novo Ecijanos on her Capitol bid.

The lady lawmaker is chasing history as the province has yet to have a lady governor.

So far, three women run for the governorship but all lost by landslides : Virginia Custodio-Perez, former two-term fourth district congresswoman Julita Lorenzo-Villareal and former four-time first district Rep. Josie Manuel-Joson.

Custodio-Perez, wife of late Cabanatuan mayor Honorato Perez Sr. lost to Eduardo Nonato Joson in a battle of substitute candidates in 1995, Villareal to four-time governor Tomas Joson III in 2004 and Joson’s sister-in-law Manuel-Joson to Umali in 2013.

Political analysts have been giving Czarina a more than fair chance of winning because it will mark the first time that a lady gubernatorial aspirant has the backing of a sitting governor.

Should Rosanna decide to run for governor, it will mark the first time in history that two women will face off for the Capitol post.

The Vergaras and the Umalis used to be staunch allies but their partnership soured when the mayor started pushing for the conversion of the city  into a highly urbanized city, which the governor has opposed. This resulted in a bitter parting of ways with Vergara reuniting with the Josons.        

          Vergara said at present, there are ongoing talks within the ranks of the opposition and the consensus is to put up a common candidate. He said his wife is not yet officially in the mix as those leading in the list of gubernatorial candidates are outgoing second district Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago and former three-term fourth district Rodolfo Antonino, father of incumbent Rep. Magnolia.

          Vergara, who has criticized the Umalis for establishing a political dynasty of their own which he said, was the reason why he opposed the Josons, said his stand against dynasties remain the same.

          “My stand against political dynasties won’t change. But if the opportunity is there and if Ria is convinced to run, it’s the right of everybody,” he said.

          He said his position has been that he and the others did not unseat a political dynasty just to be replaced by another dynasty, apparently referring to the Josons and the Umalis. 

Cuevas denies eyeing Congress in 2016

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–Neophyte Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas on Friday denied reports she is eyeing Congress in 2016 which could put her in a possible collision course with her ally, outgoing Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali.

          Speaking to reporters at city hall here, Cuevas dismissed as baseless and absurd reports she will seek the third district congressional seat when she is just on her first term as mayor of this provincial capital.

          “Honestly, I have been preoccupied with solving and fixing the many problems left behind by the previous administration in Palayan. I think with the myriad problems I have to attend to, even one term, two terms or even a third term would not be enough to set the house in order,” said Cuevas who defeated former Light Rail Transit administrator Pacifico Fajardo – a former three-term congressman and three-term mayor – in the May 2013 elections.

          Cuevas stressed that her mission in running for mayor was to help alleviate poverty in the city by providing jobs and empowering the people, settle land and housing problems and make the city an emerging urban center in the future.     

          “It bears emphasizing that my main goal is to make Palayan City one of the most efficient local government units so aiming for another position would be veering away from that vision,” she said.

          She said that to be honest, she is not even sure if she would seek a second term. “That is, if my children would allow me to,” she said.

          Speculations over Cuevas’ supposed congressional bid have been spreading like wildfire in this city and in the third congressional district which also covers Cabanatuan City and the municipalities of Bongabon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Gabaldon and Sta. Rosa, the hometown of Umali and his wife, outgoing three-term Rep. Czarina.

          With Czarina eyeing the governorship in 2016, there are reports that the governor is either running for vice governor to be his running mate or return to reclaim his wife’s post, which he held in 2001 and 2004.

          Cuevas said the issue about her supposed congressional bid is clearly a black propaganda campaign that could be intended to drive a wedge between her and the governor and his camp. She said this would not detract her from doing her job as local chief executive in keeping with the overwhelming mandate given her by the electorate in last year’s polls.  

          Cuevas said that she was happy to announce that barely eight months into her term, the city government was able to save around P80 million in funds through fiscal prudence by undertaking road-concreting projects by administration instead of by contracts.

          She said barangay roads have been paved through the bayanihan program where people in the barangays provide the labor force, a participatory program of governance first popularized by the Umali administration.

          She said that by the end of this year, she is hopeful that the city government would be able to pay loans incurred in the past to Pag-Ibig.

          “So as one can see, there is a lot of work to do here in Palayan that even my successor, supposing I have served out three terms of nine years in all, will have to deal with,” she said. 

Legarda Reminds Yolanda-Affected LGUs to Build Back Better

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today reminded local government units (LGUs) affected by Typhoon Yolanda to “build back better, stronger and wiser.”

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, made the statement following the report that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has started to release the initial fund worth P1.79 billion for the rehabilitation of buildings owned and operated by LGUs in areas devastated by the typhoon.

“Build in safe areas and follow building codes. LGUs must understand and make use of the geohazard maps in order to rebuild resilient structures and communities,” she said.

“We must be cautious not to restore the risk and vulnerabilities that existed before. The structural integrity of buildings and other structures should not be compromised. For instance, coastal structures, including roads and bridges, should be built and designed considering a two-meter sea-level rise due to climate change,” she added.

Legarda said that while it may be hard to prevent floods especially in coastal communities, buildings can be built using materials and design that would reduce the impact of flooding, such that it would not affect structural integrity and the effort to dry out and clean the building afterwards will be minimized.

The Senator also reminded LGUs of the World Bank estimate that every dollar invested in disaster reduction measures saves at least seven dollars in losses from natural hazards.

“This would be challenging and may initially cost more, but it is more challenging and more costly to rehabilitate communities every time a typhoon arrives because we did not build our resilience. Natural hazards are inevitable but we can prevent them from turning into disasters if we are prepared,” Legarda concluded.

Soldiers involved in battles that led to Yamashita surrender receive recognition

CAPAS, Tarlac-Department of National Defense, through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), extoled Thursday soldiers who were involved in key allied victories in Northern Luzon during World War II that led to the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army Over-All Commander in the Pacific General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

2LT Mathew Sucdad, PVT Magno Lamsis, PFC Celino Cayad-An, 2LT Domingo Marquez, PVT David Losnong, and PVT Kiplot Sicang received honors during the 2014 Paggunita sa Capaswhich is a remembrance ceremony for the Filipino and American soldiers who were part of the 1942 Death March.

“They were part of the American and Filipino Armed Forces units that successfully liberated the Cordillera after winning in the battles at Bessang Pass, Lepanto Mine and Kiangan. The victory in the battle of Bessang Pass or more popularly known to veterans as the battle at the clouds came after six months of relentless military operations,” PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina shared.

Other awardees were SGT Rufo Yumul, PVT Valentin Taruc, PVT Jose Garay, PVT Limbao Rasuman, PFC Alfonso Betiong and soon to be centenarians CPL Camilo Surel and PVT Jose Tamina.

Posthumous recognitions were likewise given to 2LT Anacleto Badoy, FSGT Marcial Ramos and PFC Ciriaco Villena.

According to historical accounts, around 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forcibly told to march by the Japanese troops for five to six days with no food and a single sip of water.

An estimated 10,000 of these soldiers failed to reach their prison camp in Capas alive.

The camp was turned over by the Clark Air Base Military Reservation to the Philippine Government on April 9, 1982.

Former President Corazon Aquino proclaimed it as Capas National Shrine on December 7, 1991.

The shrine encompasses 54 hectares of parkland where the Bataan Death March ended.

35 hectares of land have been planted with rows of trees to represent each of the deceased at the camp and to promote environmental consciousness.

On April 9, 2003, a new memorial wall and obelisk was unveiled.

The 70-meter obelisk towers above the grounds of the former internment camp.

It is surrounded by a black marble wall engraved with the names of the Filipinos and Americans known to have died at the location.

On the three large wall segments that almost encircle the obelisk, there are statistics about the total numbers of prisoners and deaths together with poems for peace.

Paggunita sa Capas serves as one of the highlights of the annual commemoration of Philippine Veterans Week.

This year’s observance is guided by the theme “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.” (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

7th ID Chief Change of Command held at Fort Magsaysay

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay)  Division conducted a Change of Command Ceremony and was presided by Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA). The succession of Command was between Brig Gen Vic C Castro, Outgoing Commander 7ID, and Brgi Gen Glorioso V Miranda, the Incoming Commander 7ID held at the 7^th Infantry Division Grandstand last April 2, 204 (9:a.m.)

BGen Glorioso V Miranda (AFP) assumed the position as the 24^th Commander of the 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army on 02 April 2014. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “MATIKAS” Class of 1983.

His professional military training includes: Scout Ranger Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 October 1983; Basic Airborne Course at Scout Ranger Training Center, First Scout Ranger Regiment on 01 February 1985; Intel Officer Basic Course at SITS, ISAFP on July 1986; Commando Course at CDO Training Center in UK on 01 September 1986; Infantry Officer Advance Course at Singapore on 07 November 1992; Command and General Staff Course at Command General Staff College on 24 June 2003; Joint & Combined Staff Officers Course at Joint Command and Staff College on 24 October 2003 and Master in National Security Admin at DND, AFP, NDCP on 31 August 2007.

He also finished Master in Business Administration at Isabela College on 15 April 1992 and Project Management Executive Course at AIM, Makati City on 26 January 1996.

As a brilliant and tough officer, he moved on with his career carrying excellent standard of performance, fine leadership and keen vision that resulted in remarkable accomplishment in both of his garrison and field tours of duty.

Prior to his assumption of post as 7ID Commander, his significant assignments and positions were: Battalion Commander of the 25IB, 6ID, PA from 15 February 2000 to 15 December 2002; Real Estate Officer, Central Command, AFP from 20 March  2006 to 01 October 2007; Vice Chairman Doctrine Command, Training Doctrine from 01 September 2008 to 08 May 2009; Director, Doctrine Center, TRADOC, PA from 01 September 2008 to 13 May 2009; Commandant, CSS, TRADOC, PA from 08 May 2009 to 13 May 2009; Commander, Joint Tasked Force GenSan, 10ID, PA from  04 January 2010 to 01 April 2011; Commander, 1002^nd Brigade, 10ID, PA from 01 April 2011 to 16 October 2012; Assistant Commandant / Dean of Academics, AFPCGSC from 16 October 2013 to 13 February 2013 and Commander, GHQ & HSC, AFP from 18 February to 02 April 2014.

His remarkable accomplishments and achievements coupled with his strong desire for excellent service has become more evident by the awards, commendations and decorations he received. Among which are the following: four (4) Distinguished Service Stars; one (1) Distinguished Conduct Star; four (4) Gold Cross Medal,   one (1) Long Service Medals; one (1) Bronze Cross Medal; numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals; Campaign Medals and ribbons, and various other citations, badges and awards from both military organizations and civilian institutions.

Miranda was born on 08 October 1961 in San Fernando, La Union. He is married to Carolina M Miranda and blessed with four (4) children namely; Charmaine Anne, Christine Andrea, Glen Carlo and Guian Christopher.

                

“We may be bounded with different faith, we may be bounded with different professions, we may be bounded with different lifestyles, and so there is lot of differences between other agencies and individual differences. I believe there is what we call common denomination: Stability and Peace.” Brig Gen Miranda said in his assumption speech.

            “I would like to thank Brig Gen Castro, the outgoing Commander 7ID for his dedication and commitment in his service especially in 7ID. Today I hand over the key to this home to a seasoned warrior and strategist in the person of Brig Gen Glorioso V Miranda the incoming Commander 7ID. I know that his vast experiences to command, leadership and management in various key positions in AFP units in the past will serve him well as he start his mind full task as Commander of 7ID.” Lt Gen. Iriberri, CGPA said in his message.

Japan reiterates support for lasting peace in Mindanao

PILAR, Bataan-Learning valuable lessons from history, Japan has shifted gear from being a Philippine adversary to an ally in pursuing peace and prosperity, particularly in Mindanao.

 

In his speech during the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites today, Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe said that the two nations are now strategic partners sharing common values.

 

"We are proud of and are committed to continue our contribution in peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao. Japan will continue to contribute proactively to the peace, stability and prosperity, not only for this region, but also for the international community," Urabe said.

 

The ambassador also reiterated President Aquino's remark during the signing ceremony of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro which says "Japan plays a consenting role on the progress of the Mindanao peace process,"

 

Among the initiatives of the Japanese government in Mindanao include community development by constructing schools, clinics, wells and training facilities, while at the same time promoting human resources development. 

 

In addition, it is also working for economic development geared towards sustainable development through cooperation focused on agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and large-scale infrastructure development among others.

 

Aside from this, it should be noted that exchange of visits and contacts between the two nations continue on a regular basis.

 

"Our soldiers were working shoulder to shoulder in the UN peacekeeping operations at the Golan Heights prior to the Syrian crisis," concluded Urabe.

 

History recounts that on April 9, 1942, approximately 78, 000 Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

 

These prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in what would infamously be known as the "Bataan Death March".

 

The Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on top of Mt. Samat in 1966 in memory of those soldiers.

 

The shrine's most distinct feature is 92-meter Memorial Cross which is made up of marble, steel, and concrete. (Marie Joy L. Simpao)

NLRC sheriff reinstates ousted Ecija university prexy in tense return

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The National Labor Relations Commission yesterday officially reinstated a university president who was  unceremoniously ousted from his post two years ago in a tension-filled return marked by a confrontation between the lady sheriff and school officials.

          Prof. Manuel Palomo Sr. was accompanied by NLRC Region 3 Sheriff Aida Gervacio who served at 10 am the writ of execution of the 28-page March 11 decision issued by regional labor arbiter Mariano Bactin which ruled that Palomo Sr.’s dismissal as Wesleyan University president was illegal and unjustified. With him was his son and namesake Manuel who was also ordered reinstated as chief administrative officer by the NLRB.

          Palomo was ousted last March 11,2012 in a resolution of the WUP’s board of trustees (BOT). It was affirmed on the same day by the United Methodist Church’s College of Bishops (COB) which selects the university  president as well as the members of the BOT.

          In ordering Palomo Sr. reinstated, the NLRC  also ordered the BOT and the COB to indemnify him P8.544 million in backwages; actual, moral and exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Palomo was represented in the labor suit by lawyer Valentino F.P. Alberto. 

          The serving of the writ was marred by tension when Gervacio confronted the security officers and university officials manning the gate when they barred the Palomo father-and-son and Gervacio from entering the university compound allegedly on instructions from the school’s officer-in-charge Pacifico |Aniag.

          Gervacio was likewise denied entry inside the gate by security officer Julio Minor, prompting her to remark : “Why don’t you allow us to go in? The Wesleyan is not treating its visitors well,” she said.       She warned that the security officers run the risk of being cited for contempt.

          The two Palomos stayed inside their vehicle while Gervacio was confronting the university officials. They left without alighting from their car.

          Gervacio was met outside the school’s premises by Ma. Niña Regala, Aniag’s secretary and general services officer Crisaldo Vicencio. Regala received the copy of the writ and signed it under the acacia tree amid the scorching heat in the presence of the media, security guards of the school and two lawmen who stood guard outside with a patrol car on standby. 

          A brief commotion ensued when other vehicles were also barred from entering the school premises. A mother asked the guard on duty if she could be permitted to go in as she was to have her child enrolled.

          Aniag was not around when the writ was served. He has not been returning calls nor answering text messages on his mobile phone.

          His executive assistant Reynaldo Samonte said he was on a four-day meeting in his hometown in Bulacan and will return on Friday.       Samonte said they won’t allow Palomo to go inside the school since they have secured an injunction preventing him from entering the school compound.

          Gervacio said with the serving of the writ, Palomo  Sr. is now considered officially reinstated even if he has not set foot inside the university even with the injunction which, she said, is not permanent. She said his reinstatement is effective March 11 when the decision was made.

          Palomo Sr. said that based on the implementation of the writ of execution by the sheriff, which has become final, he said he expects Aniag to step down as OIC to give way to him.

          “I now expect the OIC to show some chivalry and delicadeza to immediately vacate the position and give way to me as the legal president,” he said. “He should now pack his bags and go back to Bulacan to where he belongs.”

          He said the College of Bishops had assured him that they would respect the NLRC decision ordering his reinstatement.      

          He said the injunction being cited in preventing him from entering the school is not applicable in his case because he has already issued an affidavit of undertaking not to enter the school premises or any of its campuses without any order issued by the court or other agency or entity having jurisdiction on the case.

          Palomo clarified that he never intended to enter the school but the writ stated that his reinstatement required him to be physically present.

          He said he didn’t feel bad about not being able to gain entry inside the school. However, he lamented the shabby treatment Gervacio was subjected to in enforcing the writ. “Imagine an agent of the law being given that kind of treatment?” he asked.                   

          The NLRC said it “found substantial, convincing and competent evidence” that Palomo – who was elected to a five-year term in 2009 which will end this April 30 - was illegally and unjustifiably dismissed as university president after careful evaluation of the facts presented.

          After serving for over two years, Palomo filed a one-year leave of absence without pay on June 11,2011 amid graft allegations against his administration. He said he was doing it for the sake of peace within the university.

In issuing the ruling, the NLRC noted that it gives respect to the UMC which owns and runs the university, thinking that it should be the champion in upholding the basic rights of its members, officers and employees. “However, in the case of the complainant, we failed to see all his basic rights were duly protected and respected. We cannot close our eyes to reality, particularly if the basic rights of our citizens will be trampled, disregarded and denied by those persons and parties who are supposed to uphold them,” the decision said.

It added that the act of the BOT recommending to the COB the summary dismissal of Palomo which the latter approved in just a one-day period “is a clear case of deprivation of the complainant’s right to due process, the right and opportunity to know the charges against him and to have a hearing to explain his side, and confront his accusers.” (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Condoles the Passing of Don Emilio Yap

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda expressed her condolences to the family of Don Emilio Yap, who passed away last April 7.

“Don Emilio was a philanthropist. He cared about his people. I have many fond memories of him. He was a kind, supportive friend who sincerely cared and gave wise counsel. I am forever grateful to him for the break he gave me as a Bulletin columnist for many years. He will be missed,” said Legarda.

“Don Emilio was best known as head of the Manila Bulletin and as a very successful businessman. But many people and organizations also know him as a great philanthropist who shared his wealth with various advocacy groups through his generous donations.”

“His business undertakings alone provided employment to many Filipinos and supported many families. He had a big heart for supporting numerous organizations, humanitarian causes and development programs. He would immediately donate to victims of calamities and was quick to help Filipino citizens in need. He supported social welfare programs of the government and regarded quality education highly.”

“He was a businessman who knew that whatever he gained, he should also generously give back to the people who helped him and patronized his undertakings. He knew it was part of his responsibility to contribute to the social and economic development of the country. Don Emilio Yap was a great man with a generous heart,” said Legarda.

NOLCOM celebrates 27 years of public service, nation building

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City-Public service and nation building emerged as the soul of the 27th Founding Anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. said that this year’s theme “Dalawampu’t Pitong Taong Bayanihan, Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganahan” highlighted the transformation of armed forces’ campaign goals, gearing toward lasting peace, progress and prosperity.

 

Three inter-related tools of the unified command brought this milestone: focused military operations, intensified stakeholders’ engagement and peace and development activities.

 

“We firmly believe in the importance of strengthened and intensified stakeholders’ engagement as a solution to end struggles with New People’s Army remnants. We have gradually liberated and empowered our areas against vulnerability to internal threats and insurgencies,” Catapang emphasized.

 

NOLCOM became the first unified command to have all 22 provinces within its area of responsibility to be declared as insurgency free and ready for further development.

 

Meanwhile, Catapang assured that NOLCOM will remain steadfast in the performance of its duty and will continuously adhere to the Command’s mantra: Kawal disiplinado. Bawal Abusado. Dapat Asintado.

 

“We, the NOLCOM, will remain sterling in the performance of our sworn duties, not only by defending the nation, but as well as serving the Filipino people the best way we can through bringing peace, progress and prosperity. Let us all get hold of our shared peace dividend. In NOLCOM areas, no man shall be left behind,” Catapang ended. 

PNoy to lead 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan

PILAR, Bataan-President Benigno Aquino III will lead the 72^nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Dambana ng Kagitingan, Pilar, Bataan – his fourth as head of state.

 

Upon arrival, the Chief Executive will be accorded with full military honors by officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and shall then offer a wreath to the shrine.

 

This will be followed by messages from Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe and United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg and the President’s keynote address.

History recounts that on April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

These prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in what would infamously be known as the “Bataan Death March."

The Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on top of Mount Samat in 1966 in memory of those soldiers.

The shrine’s most distinct feature is a 92-meter Memorial Cross which is made up of marble, steel, and concrete.

At the base of the cross is a sculptural bas relief that depicts important historical events and battles in the Philippines.

 

This year’s commemoration is guided by the theme “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.”

Holy Rosary Parish invites Kapampangans, devotees to heritage churches Lenten pilgrimage

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga-The Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City invites Kapampangans and devotees to join its 2014 Lenten pilgrimage of seven heritage churches in Pampanga, which begins this Wednesday, April 9.

 

“The pilgrimage will visit St. Bartholomew Church in Magalang, St. Augustine de Lippo Church in Lubao, Sta. Rita de Cascia Church, St. James the Apostle Church in Betis in Guagua, Sta. Ana Church, San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, and St. Catherine in Arayat,” the parish said in a statement.

 

Church tours will be followed by a spiritual talk given by the parish priest and church leaders.

 

Each pilgrim will be charged P800 inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

For more information, please call (045) 888-6355 or 322-9990. 

DOLE CL partners with Bus Regional Tripartite Council in promoting Labor and Employment Education Service modules

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Luzon recently inked a resolution with the Regional Industrial Tripartite Council for the Bus Transport (RITC-BT) for the promotion of its Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES).

 

“This is part of our agency’s key strategies in continuously providing our clients and program partners with relevant, timely, and useful information in order to raise their awareness, enhance their understanding, and increase their acceptance of and support for our programs and services,” DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said.

 

Under the signed resolution, the RITC-BT will help DOLE in facilitating the promotion of the LEES learning videos by airing them on their televisions/video walls in their respective bus terminals and bus coaches.

 

LEES consists of 16 animated one-minute videos highlighting various flagship programs of DOLE and its attached agencies including Tripartite Certificate of Compliance to Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health, Child Labor-Free Philippines (Batang Malaya), Single Entry Approach, Labor Market Council, Productivity Improvement Programs, Employees Compensation Program, Entrepreneurship Livelihood Programs, Skills Training and Development, Overseas Workers Welfare Programs, and Employment Promotion and Welfare, among others.

 

There are also seven animated videos that focuses on employment tips namely preparing for a job, starting on a business plan, knowing basic labor standards, preparing for overseas employment, practicing on a profession, undergoing skills training, and concerns on overseas employment. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3 with reports from Joris Salvador and Prince Harvey Gatus-Interns)

Jinggoy answers Ombudsman: No probable cause, evidence for plunder indictment

MANILA-The camp of Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed a 26-page motion for reconsideration yesterday before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

 

Jinggoy said that there is no proof that he received and amassed even a single centavo out of his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation. “There is nothing on record which established that Sen. Estrada received kickbacks of around ‘50% of the PDAF amount involved.’ Benhur Luy and other witnesses never claimed to have personally handled and/or witnessed the delivery of ‘around 50% of the PDAF amount involved’ to Sen. Estrada,” the document reads.

 

He stated that Benhur’s ledger does not establish that money was delivered to Sen. Estrada. In fact, he said, the purported ledger will not even support the alleged scheme or modus of giving 50% kickbacks to legislators.

 

Sen. Estrada also maintained that the evidence on record fails to establish probable cause to indict him for plunder and for violation of the Anti-Graft Law.

 

“Charges based on mere suspicion and speculation, on bare and unsubstantiated allegations and on hearsay evidence cannot become basis of probable cause,” the lawmaker pointed out,  adding: “None of the witnesses ever claimed to be privy or have personal knowledge about any participation, agreement or involvement which I may have in the so-called PDAF scam.”

 

Sen. Estrada noted that the testimonies of Benhur Luy, Gertrudes Luy, Marina Sula and Merlina Sunas are not based on personal knowledge. Their statements were based merely on what they heard from Mrs. Janet Napoles. They stated in their affidavits that they never delivered any amount of money to the Senator personally.

 

Testimonies of Ruby Tuason and Dennis Cunanan, on the other hand, are unsubstantiated and untrustworthy. Theirs were made in consideration of a promise of immunity from prosecution and were not even corroborated.

 

Sen. Estrada further lamented that he was not given reasonable opportunity to contest and controvert the affidavits and verified statements of several witnesses, including those of Tuason and Cunanan and several others, thereby tainting the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause.

 

“We were not provided copies of the affidavits of the additional witnesses, thus, we were not properly apprised of the evidence offered against us, which were eventually made the bases of the finding of probable cause for indictment,” Jinggoy said.

 

Sen. Estrada further said that the Ombudsman gravely erred in considering the alleged repeated and direct choice of the NGOs headed and controlled by Napoles as evidence of “manifest partiality,” as he emphasized that the said NGOs were all properly accredited by the respective implementing agencies.

 

“Given that the NGOs endorsed were accredited at the time of endorsement, it cannot be said that there was no rhyme or reason for such endorsement. Given the factual basis for such endorsement, evident bad faith cannot be imputed. Also the certification by the IAs (implementing agencies) that these NGOs were in fact accredited, a fact not disputed by complainants, further disproves evident bad faith on my part,” he said.

 

The complaint itself admits that “the grant of funds to NGOs for the implementation of a project is not illegal.” Hence, the endorsement of NGOs could not have been construed as anything other than aboveboard.

 

Sen. Estrada also asserted that the actual selection of the NGOs to implement the PDAF projects was the sole act and responsibility of the IAs. “If at all, the act of endorsement by the legislator concerned is merely recommendatory, with the decision to award or not to the discretion of the implementing agency.”

 

Lastly, Sen. Estrada maintained that he has no control or custody of his PDAF. “The subject funds were, in fact and in law, released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) directly to the implementing agencies, and from the implementing agencies to the local government units or non-government organizations,” he said.