To make teachers’ duties voluntary, not mandatory:

Solon seeks automation of polls

By Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE)
October 27, 2006

QUEZON CITY, Philippines   –  A party-list solon is supporting the full automation of election process to free fellow teachers from election duties.

Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay of the Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) Party-list in a recent statement said that using an automated system in the election process will allow teachers to render instead, voluntary, and not mandatory service during elections.

“I believe that once we adopt an automated system in the conduct of the next elections, it will not be hard for us to take our teachers out of their election duties in the future,” he said following the passage of Senate Bill 2231 or the Automated Election System Act of 2006. According to him, with the use of automated machines, “we will need fewer teachers to man the polls and therefore, we can make it voluntary and no longer mandatory.”

The lawmaker expressed his concern on how teachers will still play major roles to safeguard the entire election process. Unlike the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that has recently been given limited participation during elections to prevent them from being used in election irregularities, teachers are yet to be freed from their full involvement in the said activity.

“Since time immemorial, we have been lobbying against the exploitation of teachers during elections,” the lawmaker said. Proof of this is his co-authorship bills on making teachers render voluntary and not mandatory duties during elections such as House Bill 2864, “An Act to Help Improve the Quality of Education in the Country by Allowing Public School Teachers to concentrate on their Teaching Duties, Amending for the Purpose Section 13 of Republic Act No. 6646, Otherwise Known As 'The Election Reform Act of 1987' and House Bill 2898, An Act Disengaging Public School Teachers from Compulsory Election Duties Amending for the Purpose Section 13 of Republic Act No. 6646.”

Under HB 2864, instead of giving the membership of the Board of Election Inspectors solely to public teachers, citizens from civic, youth, professional, educational, business, labor, etc. shall be designated by COMELEC. This way, citizens, regardless of their professions, share equal burden of ensuring free, orderly elections, therefore, reducing the election duties of teachers.

“As molders of the young inquisitive mind, teachers are considered non-partisan and more than competent to render election duties,” Magsaysay said. “At the same time, youth and other civic oriented groups can do the job as well without imposing on anyone or dictating upon any group or sector something against its will.”

HB 2898, on the other hand, is an act disengaging public school teachers from compulsory election duties by amending sec. 13 of R.A. 6646, making it read as " public school teachers who are willing to perform election duties shall be given preference in the appointment of members of the board," meaning teachers have the option to render service.

The education sector representative cited many instances where the lives of teachers have been put in danger in doing their poll duties.

“Aside from the physical and mental fatigue our teachers have to endure during elections, they become subject of various forms of harassments from politicians and their supporters,” he said, adding that, “unlike the military who have their guns and bullets to protect them against the perils of looking after the ballots, educators, teachers, in particular, only have chalk and blackboards since their main purpose is to teach. How do you expect them to defend themselves from such threats?”

Magsaysay, however, admitted that under the Omnibus Election Code, it is still the legal mandate of public school teachers to render service during elections. That is why according to him the government should study the possibility of making this service voluntary and not mandatory.

With this, Magsaysay is further pushing for the immediate release of their allowance citing that “as teachers, their salaries are not enough to support their daily living, that is why most of them have no choice but to really serve during elections.” He further pointed out that with the eminent danger confronting our teachers, government should give them additional insurance coverage aside from the security personnel provided to them every time they serve in election.”

During previous elections it was reported that 18 teachers from Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School (then Tatalon Elementary School) were caught in the crossfire between political factions the elections of neighborhood district council. At the same time, Filomena Tatlonghari, a public school teacher in Mabini, Batangas died while using her body in protecting the ballot box that heavily armed men were trying to snatch from her during the 1995 elections.

“We really have to do something about this now, not tomorrow, not next week, and, definitely, not beyond next year,” Magsaysay added.

Military captures 3rd ranking amazon, one NPA member in Leyte

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 26, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte   – The ultimatum to crash out the communist terrorists in Leyte within six months to one year is unfolding into a reality as the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division under the command of Lieutenant Lope C. Dagoy scored anew and apprehended the third top ranking amazon of the South Leyte Front and another communist terrorist belonging to the North Leyte Front.

The two apprehended Communist Terrorists were identified as Nilda Montajes y Pilos alias Lorena Opo alias Lara/Lala/Mera/Pamela, forty two (42) years old, married and a third ranking woman-member of South Leyte Front (SLF) as head of education division (ED) operating in Southern Leyte area and Richan Pernis y Dejon alias Richan, twenty five (25) years old, single and a member of SK-3, North Leyte Front.

Nilda Montajes y Pilos or Lorena Opo is known as the party wife of Paterno Opo alias Robert/Noble/Laloy, the commander of Front Operational Command who replaced Nestor Caliwan alias Usman/Lipas after he was killed during an encounter with the commando troopers sometime in January 2006.

The two were apprehended by the elements of the 19th IB and 43rd IB led by First Lieutenant Eddie Abolencia, on October 21, 2006 at about 12:00 o’clock noon at the vicinity of Barangay Calaguesi, Leyte, Leyte.

The two captured terrorist NPAs were taken to the battalion headquarters of 19IB for legal disposition action as appropriate charges are being filled against the two. Recovered from their possession were one (1) Fragmentation Grenade, a (Hand grenade), three (3) pcs. record books containing records of their extortion activities, several subversive documents, and one (1) unit motor cycle “Honda XRM” with plate number IR-1993.

The terrorist NPAs here in Leyte are falling one by one into the hands of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion. The Communist Terrorists in Leyte is experiencing a drastic reduction in number and in strength especially after the recent neutralization of Bibiano Rentillosa, the Secretary of Northern Leyte Front (NLF) in an encounter at Sitio Taghoy, Bgy Libertad, Kananga, Leyte on September 11, 2006 resulting to his death.

Lt. Col. Dagoy called on the terrorist NPAs to surrender or leave the place now before the full might of his unit catches them. This is to emphasize to the people of Leyte how passionate he is in his resolve to meet his own personal deadline in dismantling the North Leyte Front and achieve the point of irreversibility in the military’s campaign against the communist terrorists.

Another graft case filed against Samar governor, 5 others

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA
October 25, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar – Western Samar Governor Milagrosa T. Tan has requested the Ombudsman for an extension in the filing of counter-affidavit on the recent graft cases filed against her regarding the purchase of drugs and medicines.

In a motion dated October 16, 2006, the counsels of the governor requested for an extension of 20 days, from October 9 to 29, 2006, to file the counter-affidavit.

Administrative and criminal charges were filed by Aurelio Bardaje Jr. before the office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Governor Tan, for allegedly violating an SP ordinance and for purchasing medicines without any supporting documents.

It can be recalled that Bardaje, the complainant, was one of the co-respondent of Tan in a graft case earlier filed at the Ombudsman central office and is now pending at the Sandiganbayan.

Bardaje's complaint was received by the office of the Ombudsman on June 28, 2006. In his complaint, he alleged that the provincial government purchased drugs in three instances at a total amount of about P6 million which, he claimed, was in violation of Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance.

Bardaje was an appointed Administrative Officer V of the Samar Provincial Health Office (PHO) - Samar Provincial Hospital in December 2001, and was detailed to the Samar Provincial General Services as OIC until November 7, 2003, then detailed again to the Office of the Governor until November 22, 2004 but he was assigned back at the PHO.

“It is respectfully requested that an appropriate investigation be conducted by your office and, if the evidence warrant, to file the appropriate charge/s before the Sandiganbayan,” Bardaje said in his letter-complaint to Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierrez.

In his affidavit attached to the letter-complaint, Bardaje accused Tan and five other provincial officers -- Dr. Rudolf Mabulay of the Samar Provincial Hospital and Bids and Awards committee members Provincial Budget Officer Maximo Sison, Administrative Officer Rolando Montejo, Provincial Legal Officer Anastacio Yong, and OIC General Services Officer Ariel Yboa – of alleged wrongdoings.

Last September 11, after “finding enough basis to proceed with the preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication proceedings of these criminal and administrative cases,” Edgardo G. Canton, Director of the Evaluation and Investigation Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas based in Cebu City, has ordered the respondents to submit or file their counter-affidavits within 10 days from receipt of the order.

The cases against the respondents are docketed as OMB-V-C-06-0362-G for the criminal case and OMB-V-A-06-0405-G for the administrative case.

This writer tried to reach Tan and the other respondents for their comments but to no avail.

According to the sworn-affidavit of the complainant (Aurelio Bardaje Jr.), a copy of which was obtained by this writer, he alleged that on August 10, 22 and 23, 2005, the provincial government through Governor Tan purchased various drugs and medicines in the total amount of P6,044,032.00 without some proper necessary documents.

In the purchase, “There was no (attached) recommendation made by the Samar Therapeutic Committee which was a violation of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 542, series of 2003, and that the purchases were also made in violation of Section 7 Article II and Section 13 Article V, RA 9184 as there was no approved Annual Procurement Plan of the province.”

Earlier, Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez has charged Governor Tan, and six other capitol officials including the complainant Bardaje with graft before the Sandiganbayan for also purchasing medicines and other goods worth P16. 1 million without public bidding in 2001 and in 2002.

Maasin City cited for quality sustainable nutrition program

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 25, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte   –  Maasin City in Southern Leyte was among the 29 local government units cited by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for their success in providing quality nutrition to their constituents.

Maasin City was conferred the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) awards for showing outstanding performance in reducing malnutrition levels and in managing the local nutrition programs for three consecutive years.

When reached by PIA, Maasin City Mayor Damian Mercado expressed elation for the recognition which is a big boost to the new City and its populace. He said that the local government under his administration has always been supportive of the interagency nutrition programs recognizing the importance of good nutrition in the health of the City and its future leaders.

Mayor Mercado revealed that in order to stress the importance of nutrition programs, the city government increased the incentives of the nutrition volunteer workers and has always been supportive of the agriculture projects that will redound to the availability of nutritious food in every table in the City.

Having been awarded the CROWN this year, will make Maasin City qualified to the CROWN Maintenance Award next year and later on to the Nutrition Honor Award which is the highest award conferred by the NNC which is given to CROWN maintenance awardees that have maintained exemplary performance in nutrition program management and malnutrition reduction for three consecutive years.

Maasin City, aside from receiving the plaque from the President also received P100,000.00.

The National Nutrition Council awarding ceremony was held recently at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. An annual tradition of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), which is an attached agency of the Department of Health (DoH), the awarding ceremony recognizes LGUs and nutrition workers with exemplary performance in planning, implementation and management of local nutrition programs.

Aside from Maasin City, the 28 LGUs chosen nationwide were conferred the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) awards for showing outstanding performance in reducing malnutrition levels and in managing their respective local nutrition programs for three consecutive years were five provinces (Cagayan, Quezon, Marinduque, Zamboanga Sibugay and Compostela Valley), two other cities (Talisay and Mandaue ) and four municipalities (Sudipen, La Union; Boac, Marinduque; Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

The CROWN Maintenance Award was awarded to former CROWN awardees that have maintained exemplary performance in nutrition program management and malnutrition reduction in the immediate past one year or two years. Awardees in this category were: the provinces of Ifugao and Bulacan; the cities of Calamba, Dipolog, Ozamiz, Bislig and Panabo; and the municipalities of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya; Uson, Masbate; Libona, Bukidnon; Pulilan, Bulacan; and Inabanga, Bohol.

The lone NHA awardee for this year is Tuguegarao City, which received P250,000.00 aside from the trophies and plaques.

Guinsaugon scholars receive P.9 M second semester stipend

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 24, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte   –  The more than thirty Guinsaugon scholars of the Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation of Taiwan will receive their second semester funding on October 26, 2006 at San Juan, Southern Leyte.

This was learned from Engr. Ronnie Ponferrada, President of the Rotary Club of San Juanico which is the NGO partner of the Foundation and from Mr. Henry Yaokasin, the president of the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who is the official coordinator of the Foundation.

Mr. Yaokasin said that more than nine hundred thousand pesos (P900,000.00) will be distributed to the scholars who are all orphans of the mudslide tragedy in Barangay Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte in late February of this year.

The amount which will be distributed will pay for the second semester tuition fees, book allowance, board and lodging, subsistence and clothing allowance of the scholars who are mostly in the high school and college level.

The 31 scholars have pledged to make use of the money being given them in order to be able to finish their studies. The Drama Drum Foundation will be assisting them for a period of seven years. By that time, the scholars will hopefully be through with their studies and are already able to stand on their own.

The Dharma Drum Foundation through Mr. Tseng Chao-Sung took notice of the situation of the tragedy stricken students and decided to take them under the Foundation’s care by giving them financial assistance in order to be able to finish their studies, become good citizens and be of help to their disadvantaged brethren.

The Dharma Drum Foundation, true to its pledge, has come up with the needed donation which will enable the scholars to enroll last June. For as long as the scholars will do their part by studying well, the Dharma Drum Foundation will always be there to fulfill its commitment.

The turn-over will be witnessed by the officers and members of the Rotary Club of San Juanico, Mayor Virgilio Mortera of San Juan, Mayor Maria Lim of St. Bernard, Mr. Henry Yaokasin and PIA Director Olive Tiu.