By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

Photo by Marv Boac Terceño

BAGUIO CITY — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Baguio Benguet Chapter (NUJP-BB) said struggling journalists in the provinces have only few things to remember about the outgoing administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and those are the killings, corruption and patronage politics.

“These glaring transgressions are evident on the continuing killing of journalists ( Desiderio “ Jessie” Camangyan, Jovelito Agustin and Nestor Bedolido), the attempt to quash the murder case against the Ampatuans and the failure to ratify the Freedom of Information bill,” declared the NUJP in a statement read in a candlelighting ceremony spearheaded by Baguio media practitioners at the Baguio Cathedral grounds on June 23, the 7th month of the Ampatuan massacre.

In the rain, candles were lit while the names of the 140 journalists killed since the restoration of democracy were called in remembrance.

In November 23, 2009, the nation was shocked with the pictures of the mass grave with 57 bodies buries by a backhoe in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.

Of the 57, 34 are journalists who went with the convoy of relatives and friends of then aspiring candidate Esmael Mangundadatu to file his certificate of candidacy for the gubernatorial race at the local Commission on Elections in the province. The people were forcibly taken at a checkpoint and murdered in mass and their bodies were dumped in a vacant lot in the area.

The principal suspects in the gruesome crime are the members of the Ampatuan clan particularly Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr and Ampatuan Sr.

The NUJP said the government failed to promote the interests and welfare of the marginalized sectors of the country. The media organization added that the government coddled warlords and political kingpins who contributed mainly to the culture of impunity. “These warlords and kingpins are still in our midst. As we have stated before, these kinds of attacks against journalists are not new in the Cordillera region where political warlords and dynasties exist,and where private armies are utilized at a maximum to prove that they are in command,” stated the NUJP.

According to the NUJP, journalists are not killed not only because they remain unprotected and are open targets by the enemies of democracy but because they dare to expose the ills of the society.

The NUJP added that they are killed because they are able to mold minds and help shape public opinion and they are also killed because their works have become powerful tools to render outstanding criticsms to social issues which the government fails to address.

“The campaign against impunity should be strengthened in the provinces where many of the slain journalists worked. They sacrificed too much, let us not fail them. We shall be their allies in promoting and attaining justice,” the NUJP stated.

According to the list of NUJP, there are already 140 journalists killed from 1986 to date. 104 of these were killed during the nine years of Arroyo’s presidency.

The NUJP said it would be convenient to attribute the latest media killings to a killing frenzy by the enemies of freedom before the unlamented administration steps down.

The media organization then challenged the incoming administration of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino II to end the culture of impunity and prosecute those who are involved in the media killings. The NUJP said incoming president Aquino must walk the talk in his ideals of high-profile crusade against corruption and good governance.

The NUJP added that there will be no good governance without justice. “ And without accountability, the impunity will never end, nor will the killing. And lest it be overlooked, all these media murders are as much a matter of state accountability as the human rights violations committed during the long years of dictatorship or the nine years in power of Arroyo,” stated the NUJP.

The NUJP said the numbers of slain journalists are more than enough and they counted too many under the outgoing president Arroyo.

“Incoming Pres. Aquino…We want to stop counting,” ended the NUJP # nordis.net

By NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The relocation of 8,000 School of Business and Accountancy, Saint Louis University students in Bakakeng campus called for reinforcement of transportation and housing availability. For the students, this also demanded reinforcement in terms of financel aspect. The classes have started for two weeks now; still, students continue to encounter problems in the new campus.

One major problem SLU students face is the sudden increase in boarding house rents. The new rates are twice higher than the normal rent in the former campus.

For bed space rooms, a student pays P3000 – P4500 while a small room costs P6000. This burden is a big kick to all students. Thus, the National Union of Students of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet (NUSP-BB) appeals on the matter. “Boarding house owners should be considerate to students and not be too abusive of the housing demand,” said Finela Mejia, NUSP-BB chairperson.

Because of this, some students bear the hassle of travelling from afar while the others were left no choice but to put up additional budget for house rent.

Mejia also addressed the issue to the city government. “We call on the new city council members to intervene in this concern and regulate the rents. They should ensure the safety of students in Baguio since they constitute a big block who contribute to the city’s economy,” she said.

Aside from this, there are other inconveniences the students experience in the new campus. Such problems include expensive fare, lack of police visibility and streetlights in the area, sanitation measures of the canteen near the campus. Again, these problems should be addressed seriously.

“We are aware that the city government has created a committee in 2009 initiated by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda that intends to monitor and address students concerns including the mentioned problems. Thus, the activation of this committee can help in addressing this concern,” added Mejia.

While problems like these arise, the Commission on Higher Education compliments this idea of having community-based university. According to the Ched, such move is a great help in proliferating business in the community.

Hence, it proudly encourages other schools to do the same. If this suggestion is heeded by other schools, community-based schools will soon grow in number.However, the capacity of the school, city, and community itself should be equally considered.

“CHEd should actively do its task of monitoring if this kind of move is favorable to students and that their needs are properly attended to before considering such move,” Mejia completed. # nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITSOL
www.nordis.net

Photo courtesy of KMU

BAGUIO CITY — The labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) told the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) to stop blackmailing the workers of possible retrenchments and business closures because of the approval of the P22 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila.

KMU said it is the tactic of the ECOP to dissuade the workers from calling for substantial wages. KMU national chairperson Elmer Labog said ECOP should shut-up and stop its layoff blackmail against workers who only wanted to survive amidst the rising cost of living. He said their argument of potential job cuts due to the petty P22 wage increase is an added insult to the Filipino workers who are long deprived of decent wages.

Earlier in June this year, the regional wage board of the National Capital Region (NCR) approved a P22 minimum wage increase putting the workers’ salary to P404 per day. The said increase will be implemented on July 1. The rest of the regions including Cordillera did not receive any wage increase.

Labog said that even without any wage increase, mass retrenchments and layoffs have been implemented through the years. He declared that ECOP is creating a double nightmare. He said that it is pushing the workers into joblessness even as they receive crumbs all in the name of further reducing labor costs to maximize profits.

According to KMU the reported net earnings of major domestic companies actually increased to P358 billion in 2009 as stated in the latest Philippine Stock Exchange report. KMU said it clearly debunks the myth of companies which are said still suffering from the economic crisis.

According to Labog, ECOP is overreacting as usual to a tiny wage hike which does not affect its members’ big profits to the extent of blackmailing the workers of massive retrenchments and business closures that will cause joblessness.
The labor leader warned ECOP against turning its blackmail into a nightmare by implementing mass job displacements upon the expected day of the implementation of the P22 increase. Labog also said they are warning other business groups against imitating ECOP’s antics.

KMU said it is ready to hold massive protest actions should the business groups push through with their blackmail. The labor group said they will definitely taste the wrath of angry workers.

KMU also said that they will continue to pressure the new administration of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to act on the P125 nation-wide wage hike immediately. #nordis.net

By LEILANIE ADRIANO
www.nordis.net

BURGOS, Ilocos Norte – Incoming mayor Matilde “Maja” Sales of Pagudpud town survived an ambush at about 4 pm on Monday along a national road in Brgy. Nagsurot, this town. Two of her close-in bodyguards, however were shot dead while one was injured.

 Sales’ service vehicle was traversing a sharp curved terrain in Bangui, Ilocos Norte heading to Laoag City when their vehicle was strafed with armalite rifle.

 The victims who took cover of the target with bullet proof vest, identified as Mario Mongje, a native of Bicol was declared dead on the spot while Pertofer Caletena, who was shot below his waist died after he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

His driver-bodyguard, Manolito Rangasan, hit by a sharpnel managed to drive to the nearest police station here.
An assistant station manager of Bombo Radio Laoag Lita Baptista who rode with Sales was also unharmed.

The mayor-elect was confined at the Gov. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial hospital in Laoag City after her blood pressure went high after the ambush incident.

 As of press time, the Philippine National Police is strengthening their investigation for the identification of the possible motive and mastermind of the incident.

 But Sales’ husband Reynolan believes the crime was politically motivated.

The Pagudpud mayoralty election was a three-cornered fight of women where Sales won over the incumbent mayor’s wife and sister-in-law, Emilen “Kleng” Garvida-Sales and a town councilor Imee Benemerito-Llanes.

 Prior to the ambush, Sales has reported death threats to the PNP as she was threatened she will not assume as mayor of Pagudpud before June 30.

 Officials and local residents of Ilocos province are alarmed at the recent killing incidents believed to be perpetuated by guns-for-hire.# nordis.net

WITH REPORTS FROM PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
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TUGUEGARAO CITY A human rights lawyer and former Liberal Party campaign manager in Nueva Vizcaya was shot dead by two unidentified gun-wielding men in front of the Municipal Trial Court in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya on Tuesday (June 22) at about 9 a.m., police said.
Senior Superintendent Pedro Danguilan, Nueva Vizcaya police director, said that lawyer Ernesto Salunat died due to a fatal Cal .45 bullet wound in the neck.
Probers said Salunat, who has been an outspoken human rights advocate in Cagayan Valley and Liberal Party campaign manager, died at about 10:05 a.m., more than an hour after he was shot by two motorcycle-riding men while he was alighting from his white BMW car in front of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.
Salunat was about to attend a court hearing where he has been a counsel of several litigants in some cases lodged there.
Danguilan said they have been clueless on the identities of the suspected killers and what would have been the motive of the killing.
“We are exhausting all leads to solve this killing. So far, we are taking data on who would have been his client or clients at the said court prior to the killing. They may give leads and help shed light in the killing,” he said. # nordis.net

By WL MARQUEZ & JSTABANGCURA WITH REPORTS
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET — Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 for the development and promotion of Philippine Organic Agriculture is now in place. Benguet State University (BSU) was challenged to promote organic agriculture in the region.

The new law is a state policy to promote, propagate and further develop the practice of organic farming that is expected to increase farm productivity; reduce environmental degradation and prevent the depletion of natural resources. It seeks to further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public; and help cut expenses on imported farm inputs.

RA 10068 was launched during the 3rd Organic Festival at Quezon City on May 28-30, 2010. As the principal author of RA 10068, Sen. Miguel Zubiri was guest of honor during the launching.

He emphasized his full support in the implementation of the law.

In a discussion with the BSU team, he said that although he fully supports the Cordillera organic agriculture efforts, BSU should have the political will in implementing the law with its advocacy on organic agriculture. Moreover, the cooperation of the constituents and heads of the academe is needed as there has already been a lot of effort poured in this project.

RA 10068 resulted from the consolidation of Senate Bill 3264 and House of Representative Bill 7066. Senator Miguel Juan Zubiri, Senate majority floor leader is the principal author of the bill together with Senators Loren Legarda, Edgardo Angara, Manny Villar, Rodolfo Biazon and Jinggoy Estrada. It was approved by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo on April 6, 2010.

To lead the implementation of the law, the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) was created as the policy making body that shall provide the direction and general guidelines of the law.
The NOAB will be headed by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and composed of line agencies, NGOs, private practitioners and the academe.

The new law strengthens and empowers the DA’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) by establishing functional divisions and incremental staffing to serve as the national technical and administrative secretariat of the NOAB, with the member-agencies providing additional staff support.

The law provides for tax incentives limited to “purely organic” agriculture entities subject to BAFPS accreditation and periodic monitoring, and only to micro, small and medium enterprises.

The incentives include duty-free importation of agricultural equipment, machinery and implements as provided under RA 9281, which amends RA 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act. It also provides value-added tax exemption on transactions involving the sale or purchase of bio-organic products and preferential rates and special window for organic-input producers and users from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The BSU organic agriculture team whose members include Dr. Jose Balaoing, a contributor to the technical aspects of RA 10068, Prof. Jocelyn C. Perez, Prof. Jovita M. Sim, Mr. Jamesly Andres and the Organic Demo project staff; Mr. Rogel Marzan of LaTop and BSU FITS Center attended the launching to showcase organically grown products of BSU.
Among the organic products showcased were salad crops, semi-temperate crops, mushrooms and indigenous wines. Almost all the products BSU displayed were sold after the event. # nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance or BAYAN) said the impending appointment of the current chair of the Commission of Human Rights Leila de Lima is a positive development.

Bayan Secretary General Renato M Reyes Jr said de Lima has made important contributions in advancing human rights in the Philippines. Reyes said the CHR chair’s achievements are more than the combined performances of the three previous justice secretaries Raul Gonzales, Agnes Devanadera and Alberto Agra.

He said the said secretaries have in fact caused setbacks for the cause of human rights during their terms.
According to Bayan, the Department of Justice has been instrumental in persecuting critics of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The group said this is evident in the case of the 2006 rebellion charges against 50 persons including representatives of progressive partylists and activists and leaders. Because of this, labor leader and Anakpawis partylist representative Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran had to be hospitalized at the Heart Center and the three other representatives “confined” at the Batasang Pambansa.

The said rebellion charges were dismissed by the Supreme Court in a strongly worded-decision.

It must also be remembered that Secretary Agra issued a decision in dropping murder charges against the two principal suspects in the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan massacre in Maguindanao. The decision earned public outrage prompting it to be reversed.

Reyes said that with De Lima’s appointment, there will be an oppurtunity that the cases of many political prisoners who were persecuted under the Arroyo administration’s war against her critics and activists and progressive leaders will be reviewed.

Reyes cited the case of the Morong 43 who were illegally arrested and detained. The 43 health workers were arraigned by the DOJ despite many loopholes of their arrest.

“If de Lima brings the same grit and determination to defend human rights to the DOJ, then that would be a truly positive development, a far cry from the DOJ we have seen for the last nine years,” added Reyes. The group also demanded that the violators of human rights should be tried.

De Lima led the investigation of the abduction and torture of alleged military agents of Filipino-American activist Melissa Roxas, the Ampatuan massacre, the military’s listing and using orders of battle against militants and the illegal arrest of 43 health workers in Morong, Rizal.

Reyes said they hope that it is not just corruption that de Lima will take on, but also the many cases of human rights abuses that continue to cry out for justice.

Reyes said De Lima faces a big challenge with her new job but her track record in the CHR has gained her many supporters. # nordis.net

By PHILLIPINE PRESS INSTITUTE
www.nordis.net

MANILA — It will be a no-holds barred discussion on the first automated elections during the 14th National Press Forum of the Philippine Press Institute from June 23 to 25 at the Diamond Hotel Philippines.

The annual forum, whose theme this year is “Assessing the 2010 Automated Elections’ will tackle subjects such as post election assessment, how the media fared in covering the elections, the emerging political landscape, priority social issues, the economy: what lies ahead.

Other topics such as the freedom of information act, media killings with focus on the Maguindanao massacre, advertising and circulation will also be discussed in a separate industry forum.

The confirmed resource persons are: Melinda Quintos-de Jesus of the Center for Freedom and Responsibility, Ramon C. Casiple of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, Isagani M. Yambot of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Erwin Oliva of Yahoo!Philippines, Atty. Rudolph S.E. Jularbal of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, Manuel L. Quezon III of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the ABS-CBN News Channel, former senior government official Karina C. David, Prof. Solita C. Monsod of the University of the Philippines School of Economics, Atty. Prima B. Quinsayas of the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists, Atty. Nepomuceno A. Malaluan of the Access to Information Network, Edwin “Edsac” C. Sacramed of the Circulation Managers Association of the Philippines, and Frederick M. Alegre of the United Print Media Group.

Yvonne Chua and Luz Rimban of Vera Files helped draft the program on the elections forum. They will also serve as forum moderators.

Renowned boxer, also known as the people’s champ, Cong. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of the Province of Sarangani has been invited to grace the symbolic cutting of the ribbon for the opening of the exhibit on elections photos and stories by some community newspapers. A Mass will also be offered to the media-victims of the Maguindanao massacre which will turn 8th month on June 23.

The 2009 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards will highlight the three-day event. The Coca-Cola Export Corporation (TCCEC) – Philippines Division is the official partner of the awards program. Atty. Jose Midas Marquez, the Court Administrator and Spokesperson of the Supreme Court of the Philippines will keynote the awarding ceremony.

As in the previous years, the cash prizes for the winners will be provided by Malaya, Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, Journal Group, The Philippine Star, and Manila Standard Today.

The National Press Forum and Membership Meeting is the annual gathering of publishers and editors from the seventy news organizations that are members of the Philippine Press Institute. The PPI is also known as the association of Philippine newspapers.

This event is also being supported by The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, United Print Media Group, Cong. Manny Pacquiao, Department of Tourism, Chevron Phil., Inc., the Body Shop, SM Retail, Inc., PhilHealth, Security Bank & Trust Co., GlaxoSmithKline, GMA Network, Inc., Mang Inasal, Land Bank of the Philippines, PLDT, RCBC, Pag-ibig Fund, Social Security System, Maynilad, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Luisa Ridge Resort, Unilever Philippines, PHILEX Mining Corporation Zest Airways, Inc., GSIS, PAGCOR, Robinson’s Land Corporation, David’s Salon, Diamond Hotel, Sun Cellular Café Puro, The Sulo Riviera Hotel, The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd., Krispy Kreme, CitiBank and Angel Arts.# nordis.net

By NUJP-IFJ MEDIA SAFETY OFFICE
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MANILA — A reporter of the local weekly Kastigador and known critique of Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas was shot six times at past 7 p.m. on June 20 while buying cigarette at a variety store in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
 A lone gunman shot to death Nestor Bedolido, the third journalist to be killed in six days.

 Bedolido’s murder happened just five days after the killing of  Joselito Agustin of dzJC Aksyon Radyo in Laoag City and Desidario Camangyan of Mati City.

 The Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Chief Inspector Anthony Padua in its news report saying that the suspect walked into a waiting motorcycle driven by another unidentified man after shooting Bedolido. Padua said bystanders rushed Bedolido to the hospital but he died on arrival.

 As of this writing, the police were still trying to investigate the motive and the identity of the suspect behind the killing.

 The journalist was known to be critical of Cagas and supporter of Claude Bautista whom Cagas defeated in the last elections.# nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Senior citizens will now fully enjoy 20 percent discounts of goods and services and they will be exempted from the 12 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act or Republic Act 9994 is set for implementation.

The R.A 9994 is an an act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further amending R.A. 7432, as amended, otherwise known as “An act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes.” On June 19, the Senate approved the Senate Bill 3561, aiming to lift the burden of VAT among senior citizen consumers nationwide and enable senior citizens to fully avail of the 20 percent senior citizens discount that was originally envisioned for them under the RA 7342.

The said act was signed last February and according to the Center for Health and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region (CHD-CAR) Licensing Regulation and Enforcement Division Head Dr. Erwin Baclig, its Implementing Rules and Regulations was already signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR) and other concerned non-government-organizations.

On June 25, representatives of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA) and the Regional inter-agency committee on Senior Citizens together with owners of different businesses as well as hospitals in the Cordillera witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Baclig said the health department will monitor food and drug establishments for their compliance to the act.
Regional Director Norberto Vitug of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR-CAR) admitted that while there will be effects on taxes in the implementation of RA 9994, it will financially help the elderly. Vitug said that under the said act, the purchase of medicines like influenza and pneumonical vaccines and other medical supplies and the fare in public utility jeepneys, taxis and other shuttle services are included in the list of goods and services entitled to the 20 percent and VAT exemption.# nordis.net

By ANAKBAYAN-CORDILLERA
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BAGUIO CITY — As the school year begins, ANAKBAYAN chapters all over the city once again raise issues of red-baiting, slander and even human rights violations within campuses. This was in response to the continuing disregard of university administrators on the organization’s complaints against the presence of military elements and their smear campaign against militants inside campuses.

ANAKBAYAN SLU spokesperson Niño Joseph Oconer, a political science major in Saint Louis University, was the latest to file his complaint with the said school administration. Oconer’s claim stemmed from the negative propaganda he and others endured at a National Service Training Program (NSTP) lecture.
During a film showing of “Knowing the Enemy”, a certain First Lt. Adriano dela Cruz was reported to have declared that a student leader in SLU whose “surname ay nag-start sa O, C at nagtatapos sa R” was an example of “pronta” or communist fronts described in the film. The said film, although shown by the military in schools, has been deemed by the United Nations Rapporteur Phillip Alston as malicious and in violation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

Obviously referring to his person, Oconer filed the original complaint on March of this year with the university’s Student Affairs Office (SAO), NSTP office and with the university President. As of this date, no response has been given to Oconer or to any of the complaints given to schools by members of the organizations who remain unsafe from these attacks even inside their own campuses. The members of ANAKBAYAN denounce this indifference as the school administrations’ concession to the Arroyo regime’s Oplan Bantay Laya campaign.

Oconer declares that these attacks are “aimed solely to sow intrigue and division among youth and students and to demonize youth organizations and leaders [who are] critical of anomalies in government.” Along with his letter of grievance, Oconer demanded for a public apology from the Armed Forces of the Philippines so that both his and the organization’s name be cleared from allegations.

“The propagation of these defamatory campaigns and the slander of our organization and members only give proof to the Arroyo regime’s continuing indifference to human rights,” ANAKBAYAN Metro Baguio chairperson Paula Pamintuan adds. “We shall intensify our calls to administrations like that of SLU to provide a certain amount of protection for their students, especially student leaders who only strive to exercise their rights to free assembly and freedom of thought. Our schools should not be made instruments of state terror but become free venues for critical thought. We likewise appeal to the future Aquino government to veer away from its predecessor’s favoritism of the military and make education its priority.”

The organization plans to take these demands to the streets on a nationally coordinated action on July 16 with other students and youth groups.# nordis.net

By WILLIAM VILLACAMPA
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BAGUIOCITY — Baguio Pride Network (BPN), an alliance of Gays and Lesbians in Baguio launched a month long activity to educate, liberate, celebrate with great success.

The month long celebration started with an 80’s themed disco and will end with a Pride March in the morning of June 27, Sunday.

An enviroment promotion activity was scheduled yesterday with a tree planting in Busol watershed.

The success of the month long activities is the result of the hard work by the BPN in their effort to be recognized as productive citizens who are socially aware and responding to the call of the times, the event also at times serves as protest to elevate the awareness of the community againts homophobia

Aside from these activities, a gay organization was recently formed in La Trinidad, Benguet. The La Trinidad Gays Association was a product of the Libreng Gupit activity in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Organizing gays and lesbians for worthwhile causes is one of the programs of BPN.

BPN was spearheaded by LesBond ( a lesbian group) and Pro-Gay Baguio in June 2006. Yearly, the BPN has organized many events to bring forward the protection of gays and lesbians and the promotion of their rights as individuals.
Since then, many gays and lesbians organizations, as well as individuals joined the BPN in calling to end homophobia and to stop all forms and nuances of discrimination (gender, nationality or race) in our society.

The growing membership of BPN is proof that gays and lesbians in Baguio and in Benguet are now coming out from their closet to join the fight for equal rights and no discrimination in society.

Other participants include the Metropolitan Community Churches in Metro Baguio (MCC-MB), Ikatlong Lahi,Thunderbirds Association in Cordilleras and Suburbs Incorporated (TACSI), The Blazing Eagles Organization (TBEO) and La Trinidad Gays Association and other LGBT individuals.

The cry of gays and lesbians this year is: Stop all forms of exploitation in LGBT, End Homophobia and Celebrate the Pride.# nordis.net

By OFELIA EMPIAN
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BAGUIO CITY — Atty. Pablito Sanidad, head of the Free Legal Assistance Group expressed his dismay on the outgoing Arroyo administration.

In the Anti-corruption forum spearheaded by the Transparency International held last Tuesday at the Baguio Country Club, Atty Sanidad said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has exercised too much “executive privilege”. He further mentioned that “past presidents never do that” and that “they have respect for checks and balances” in the country.

“(This is) the most hated and most despised administration since Marcos,” Sanidad said.

He further cited the controversial Executive Order (E.O.) 464, as a form of abuse of authority, which requires “all heads of departments of the Executive Branch of the government” to “secure the consent of the President prior to appearing before either House of Congress”. Further, the EO covers ranking officials of the executive departments, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the National Security Council.

In the forum where Sanidad also served as speaker, he mentioned about the megabillion deals that remains unsolved during the President’s reign. Due to this, it leaves a bad impression on the Filipino people. “Ang nagiging perception ng tao, kung thousand thousand lang nanakawin mo, huwag na lang (The perception of the people is if you are only planning to steal thousands of pesos, then that is so petty),” he said.

He further criticized the “slow” process of convicting corruption offenders wherein it takes years before a person guilty of corruption can be convicted.

“Baka patay na ang nagmomonitor eh hindi pa convicted iyong tao (The person monitoring might long be dead before the person gets convicted),” he lamented.

He also mentioned that there is “no centralized unit to execute convictions” that are “affirmed by the Supreme Court” and that the monitoring of persons convicted are not properly handled.

In the meantime, Sanidad expressed his anticipation on the incoming Aquino administration and hopes they will stay true to their campaign promises against corruption.

“Hopefully, the new president will address the problem on corruption,” he said. # nordis.net

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Come June 30, President-elect Sen. Benigno Simeon Aquino III will take over as the new President of this country, replacing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who will end her nine year stint as President and assume her new role as a representative in the lower House of Congress.

This change in the leadership of the country comes at a time when the people want to have real and meaningful changes in their lives after suffering from the depredations visited upon them by the out-going President who will depart from Malacanang as one of the least popular leader that this country has ever had.

While the full and final accounting of her regime still remains to be done, GMA’s stewardship of the highest position of the land has been marked by wanton graft and corruption and rampant violations of human rights, even as the economy continued to deteriorate despite her claims to the contrary. Let’s not forget that hers was a lying presidency.

In the dying days of the outgoing administration, we continue to see how the culture of impunity cultivated and propagated by GMA and her cohorts continue to claim the lives of media people and activists. This is one bloody legacy that GMA cannot live down until her dying day.

But as we witness a change in the leadership of the country on Wednesday, can we lay all the blame on just one person – GMA in this case – for all the mess we are in? Or shall we not apportion some measure of responsibility to those closest to her, say for instance, those in her cabinet and other close allies?

In the same manner that the accomplishment of a heroic leader is not his or hers alone, outstanding his or her role maybe, similarly a measure of accountability must go to those who helped the leader perpetrate whatever he or she has visited upon the country.

This was the principle invoked during the Nuremberg trials when Nazi generals and other leaders of Hitler were made to account for the various crimes perpetrated during World War II. It was not the work of Adolf Hitler alone for he could not have done it all by himself. So, those found guilty were eventually hanged for their crimes.

GMA and her cohorts may not have committed crimes as heinous as those perpetrated during the last World War. But certainly criminal acts were visited upon the people whom they were supposed to serve during their terms in office. Unless a closure is done on these issues, the Aquino leadership would have fallen short of its promise to the Filipino people.

This will serve as a timely reminder, too, for the incoming administration of Sen. Benigno Aquino III. Some of those joining the cabinet are recycled subalterns of the outgoing administration. They are not completely innocent of the many crimes of the Arroyo administration against the people.

They have called for GMA’s resignation then, but there are still some accounting to be done during their previous stay in office. Unless this is done, the change in leadership is not complete.

And when the change is not complete, the thieving, lying and murderous ways of the past will continue to infect the highest office of the land. # nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

Truly it is an evil to be full of faults; but it is a still greater evil to be full of them and to be unwilling to recognize them, since that is to add the further fault of a voluntary illusion. — Blaise Pascal
http.com (how thick is the face in the palace.com)

The outgoing president who is presumed to be much hated by many of the citizens is still insisting that she has done lot of good things for the Filipinos. Her words: “Nine years ago, I came to the presidency at a time of great turmoil in our nation. I accepted the challenge of the office when it was thrust upon me… At that time, our country was reeling from political intrigue and a distressed economy…” So on and so forth. She even boasted that when she assumed the presidency even if she was not the choice of the people she had to raise taxes in order for the people to have better education, health services and job creation.

Yes, it is true as she said that the fisherman to the farmer, the taxi driver to the teacher that we are a nation of industrious, hardworking people.Yes, the people must work harder as life under her nine-year rule had been unindurable.

She says this is the face of change. Yes, it is right to consider it change, from worst to “worster” situation. Many Filipinos grew hungry and became poorer because of her economic policies. Institutions of the government crumbled because of her ambition to cling to power.

She still thinks that she is well-loved by her people when many have died because of her anti-people policies. Countless activists, leaders and those critical to her way of governing fell victims of her counter-insurgency campaigns. Many wives and husbands were killed and children orphaned and countless were left homeless as her fascist administration unleashed war against her own people.

And now the end is near for her presidency and many surely are glad. She will vacate her seat at last, which would have been more hallelujiah if she had done it earlier. She thinks she can just say that she will be moving into a “quieter public role”. Her grave crimes against the Filipino people especially the millions of workers who lost their jobs will not allow her to be so.

History will judge that she was the leader of the country that made millions of her own people suffer and regret that they ever knew her. Her “sa totoo lang” ads will not erase nor clean her blood-stained hands. The truth is that her misdeeds are far more than those of the previous three presidents of the Philippines.
The Filipino people will go after her, they will not allow her to go free. The workers will never agree that she will not be prosecuted of her crimes.

But we Filipinos should also be ready as she will still be in power in the House of Representatives in its 15th Congress this coming months. They will expect that she and her allies will again do antics in the congress to satisfy their hunger for power. They will again persist to forward more antiworker policies that will satisfy their greed.

But, the Filipinos as she said are hardworking people and will survive the tests of the times. The workers are used to facing seemingly unsolvable problems as they experienced them every day in their life. The workers, along with the entire nation, through the years fought for their rights and for democracy.

They ousted two warmongering rulers and made them pay for what they have done to the people. Surely they can make this outgoing president face trial and be prosecuted. Telling the nation that she has done well is really an insult to the Filipino people especially the workers she haunted.# nordis.net

By REV. LUNA DINGAYAN
www.nordis.net

LAST OF THREE PARTS

Moreover, the way of genuine and lasting peace is the way of life.   Jesus said, “I am the life”.  
Where there is life, there is genuine and lasting peace. 

Life, my friends, is a gift of God.   It is that which God breathed in us that transformed us into a living soul (Genesis 2:7).   Without life, we are mere dust from the ground.   Life, therefore, is that which empowers us, and sustains us to do the will and the purpose of God for humanity. To destroy life, my friends, or even deny life to others is to go against God’s will and purpose for life. 

Through his life and ministry, Jesus Christ our Lord showed us that life’s meaning and purpose is to share it especially to those who have less in life.    Jesus said, “Whoever tries to gain his own life will lose it; but whoever losses his life for my sake will gain it” (Matthew 10:39). 

My friends, peace remains elusive in our world today, because we have forgotten somehow life’s value and sanctity, life’s meaning and purpose.   For as long as people are denied of life’s fullness, there will be no genuine and lasting peace in our world. 

When our study group was in Bethlehem, we had a chance to interview an old Palestinian woman named Nadia Theodori.  She shared with us some insights into what ordinary people were experiencing under the Israeli military occupation of Bethlehem.  She was a volunteer worker at the YWCA in Jerusalem.  Many times she had to struggle her way through the checkpoints in order to reach Jerusalem.
 
Nadia told us why children would throw stones at the tanks and Israeli soldiers, for which some had been shot to death by Israeli soldiers, simply because children would like to play freely in the streets.  They could not just keep the children inside the house during the long curfew hours. 

Nadia remembered so well how their house in Jerusalem was forcibly taken away by Israelis in 1948 when the League of Nations allowed Jews all over the world to return to their homeland.  Nadia’s house is still there in Jerusalem, but already occupied by Israelis.  And this reminds me of Prophet Isaiah’s vision of “new heavens and new earth,” wherein the Israelites will build houses and live in them; it will not be used by others (cf. Isa. 65).   But Nadia was optimistic that things would become better in the near future.  Nadia believed that when people lost hope, they would lose everything. 

Nadia personally didn’t like the Palestinian suicide bombers, but she said people should understand that the suicide bombers were people who already lost hope.  When they would explode the bomb, they would not actually be losing anything, because they have already lost everything.  According to her, suicide bombing is a last resort of a desperate people.  When asked about her suggestion, Nadia said that people from outside should come over and see for themselves what was really happening in the occupied territories. 

Nadia added that what was really happening in the occupied territories was not a fight between Palestinians and Israelis, but rather a painful struggle between those who want peace and those who don’t want peace all. 
My friends, to be instruments of God’s peace, to pray for peace, the peace that the world can not give – is to uphold life, to share life, especially to those who have less in life.    

Finally, the way of genuine and lasting peace is the way of justice.   Jesus said, “There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).   Where there is justice, where there are many rooms for everyone, there is genuine and lasting peace.   There is peace in the Father’s house, because there are many rooms for everyone. 

My friends, if only our world today has room for everyone, perhaps there would be genuine and lasting peace.  
There is not enough room for everyone in our world today, because a few have too much, while many have too little or even nothing at all! 

A contemporary story was told about a Chinese couple by the name of Zhang Hong and his wife Liu Xiaoying from the Zhejiang province of China.   They were in their 60’s and were living in a rundown former temple, because they could not afford a house of their own. 

But despite their poverty, the couples were raising nine children, only two of whom were theirs by birth.  
The rest were either given to them by unknown parents or found abandoned near their home. 
One wonders: how could Zhang and Liu still found charity in their hearts when even finding food for them was a perennial problem?   How could they raise nine children the youngest of whom was barely one year old?  
But then, that’s the riddle of human nature.  

Suffice it to say that the couple seemed to find happiness in caring for these unwanted children. 
The couple earned a living by scavenging.    They walked the streets daily with a pushcart, sorting through the garbage and waste materials for discarded items that could be sold for recycling.  

In spite of all their hardships, the old couple never complained nor regretted their actions.   When people asked them why they were doing this, they had only one answer:  “How could we possibly have left the poor babies to die in the cold?”    

But the story did not end in sadness.   Life had become easier for the family due to a newspaper story that publicized the old couple’s unselfish sacrifices.   Many people from far and wide began to help them.   And thus, the care and devotion of one elderly couple not only enabled a number of unfortunate children to live happy, normal lives, and to have rooms in this world, but also pricked the human conscience of a seemingly inhuman society. 

Rabbi Jeremy in Jerusalem was one of the leaders of a group called Rabbis for Human Rights.  One of the things they do is to prevent the displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of their olive plantations by Israeli authorities, and turning them into housing projects for Israelis.
 
Rabbi Jeremy and his group use their own warm bodies, standing before the bulldozers, preventing them to destroy the plantations.

My friends, to be instrument of God’s peace – to pray for peace, the peace that the world can not give – is to do justice; to do justice to the end that there will be enough room for everyone.

Challenge of Peace
My friends, the challenge of realizing our dreams and visions of a world that is genuinely peaceful is far greater today than ever before, especially to us Christians, who claim and continue to proclaim that our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Let us always remember, however, that peace is not given on a silver platter.  It has always its price in the struggle.   Sometimes the cost of following the ways of peace is too much.  

We can be killed, harassed and imprisoned, like the foreign activists in Gaza, who were graciously and courageously delivering food to the blockaded people of Gaza, people who were desperately crying for food and freedom!  But Jesus Christ our Lord said, “Do not be worried and upset, do not be afraid” (John 14:27). 

And so, my friends, we press on toward the prize of peace in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who offered his very life for peace, and who is now calling us to build communities of peace in our own time and place, even as we continue to pray for world peace, especially for peace in Palestine-Israel, not only in this World Week for Peace, but until such time that genuine and lasting peace reign in Palestine-Israel.  

For we do believe, my friends, that Jesus Christ our Lord is indeed the way, the truth, and the life of a genuine and lasting peace. Amen.# nordis.net

By NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUJP)
www.nordis.net

Three journalists murdered in one week, two of them in as many days.

The murder of Nestor Bedolido of the weekly Kastigador in Digos City, Davao del Sur, on Saturday night brings to 140 the number of journalists and media workers killed since 1986, 103 of them under the Arroyo administration alone.
It would be convenient to attribute this week’s murders to a killing frenzy by the enemies of press freedom before this unlamented government steps down.

But it is more likely they really cannot care less which administration is in place.

Not with the apathy and official inaction administration after administration – the outgoing one admittedly more than any other – has shown towards attempts to silence one of the cornerstones of democracy, a free press.
That plus a governance by expediency – which the outgoing administration has, again, excelled at – that nurtures warlords and sundry crooks, allowing them to amass power and pervert public service into personal privilege, in exchange for political favors, like stolen votes.

Bedolido’s murder followed that of Ilocos Norte’s Jovelito Agustin of dzJC Aksyon Radyo in Laoag City, who was ambushed on his way home Wednesday and died while being treated at a hospital, and Davao Oriental’s Desiderio Camangyan of Mati-based Sunshine FM, killed with a single shot to the head as he sat onstage while emceeing a village singing contest in Manay town.

According to a report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bedolido, in his late 40s, was buying cigarettes on the corner of Rizal and Quezon Avenues when he was shot six times by a lone gunman who then “casually walked to a waiting motorcycle driven by another unidentified man.”

Padua was rushed by bystanders to the nearby Gonzales Hospital but died before he could receive treatment.
The Inquirer said Bedolido was known to be critical of a prominent politician in Davao del Sur and was suspected of authoring a series of exposés against the official.

It is clear that government’s failure or, and we suspect this is more accurate, refusal to hold accountable those responsible for the killings – especially the masterminds – makes it equally guilty, an accomplice to the bloodbath that has made a mockery of all our claims to being a democracy.

Ending the killings of journalists and resolving past cases will be a litmus test of how seriously Benigno Aquino III considers his promise of good governance. So will his resolve to hold accountable his predecessor not only for the corruption that marked her nine years in office, but also for the massive loss of lives for which, she too, should be made responsible for.

For there cannot be good governance without justice. And without accountability, the impunity will never end, nor will the killing. And lest it be overlooked, all these media murders are as much a matter of state accountability as the human rights violations committed during the long years of dictatorship or the nine years in power of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Thus, the business of ensuring justice for all victims weighs just as heavy on Aquino as head of state as it should on all those whose sworn duty it is to protect and ensure the life and welfare of all citizens but which, sadly, they still have to do so.# nordis.net

By BAYAN MUNA PARTYLIST
www.nordis.net

Days before Noynyoy Aquino takes his oath, the outgoing Arroyo administration seems hell bent on embarrassing the incoming President by building a permanent barricade at the foot of Mendiola bridge.

The so-called peace arch being erected on Mendiola bridge is perhaps the stupidest thing that the incoming administration will inherit from the Arroyo regime. It is obviously meant to embarrass the incoming President who is supposed to be an heir of the EDSA People Power revolt.

In fact, there is already a permanent barricade and military checkpoint before reaching the palace’s main gates. This “peace arch” serves no other purpose but to intimidate the public, especially those who have legitimate grievances against the Executive.

I am bringing this to the attention of my former colleague in the House, now President-elect Noynoy Aquino. He should personally visit Mendiola bridge and see the craziness happening there. He should not allow this monstrosity to taint his incoming administration. Calling this barricade a “peace arch” is like calling the Berlin Wall a “unity fence.” It’s just plain bad taste and an affront to his platform of transparency and public accountability in government.

The erection of such a huge and formidable barrier between the people and Malacanang sends the message that the next administration is afraid of the people and wants to hide behind a concrete-fortified iron gate. If I were Noynoy, I’d order the immediate destruction of the thing and order that the gates of Malacanang be opened to the people.# nordis.net

By KIMBERLIE OLMAYA NGABIT QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

The butterfly
Drunk all
Its sweetness
And paid for it
With its wings
Yet it perished in bliss

The flower
Wilted
Kissed by the dew
Its beauty restored
And cut its wings
Yet it lives in bitterness

Its death is bliss
Its life is bitter
Love is unfair
Or so they say
Yet to lead what life
It is a choice # nordis.net