Dyaryo Magdalo Vol 13

Eid’l Ftr gift to Baclaran Muslims from the ‘running priest’

By TOTO CAUSING

Uphold religion vs law! - Fr. Reyes A MOSQUE is divine, a court is human. This must be the rule that should have been observed by a Regional Trial Court of Parañaque City as to the issue of whether to carry out an order to evict and demolish a sacred place of the Muslims located at a reclamation area near the Catholic Redemptorist Church in Baclaran. The court should have observed that doctrines of any religion shall forever be allowed and cannot be the subject of any law.

Religious objectors

doctrine Where the law of a religion runs in conflict with the law passed by the Congress, the religion’s doctrine reigns. This is the principle of religious objectors doctrine applied by the Supreme Court in many cases. The doctrine draws strength from the pronouncement of the 1987 Constitution in Section 5, Article 3 of this Basic Law. As statutes are only laws made by men, they cannot be higher than the law of God

from where all the rules of goodness cometh from. In the most recent case, a union of two married individuals were ruled by the Highest Court as valid even though it constitutes adultery or concubinage because it was shown by their religion that it had the blessing of their highest ministry after the two pledged to God they would marry each other as soon as the impediment disappears. In earlier cases, the Supreme Court upheld the right of the children of Jehovah’s To page 3

Vol. I

September 21-27, 2009

No. 15

LANDBANK P1.8-B SCAM? By REPORTORIAL TEAM

“Property Development Contract (PDC).”

IS Landbank Plaza, the 35story building at the back of Diamond Hotel on M.H. Del Pilar St., Manila, a story of impropriety involving 1.8 billion pesos? Was the public bidding law violated when it was built? Is it a case of cooking the government on its own lard or oil? These are among the questions that cropped up after the discovery by Dyaryo Magdalo of the landswap deal called

Contract to build Landbank Plaza The said contract, signed in 1995 by then bank president and chief executive officer Jesli A. Lapus, now education secretary, and Andrew L. Tan, the country’s No. 4 richest man, may have violated the public bidding law. A bank’s top honcho, Gilda E. Pico, also signed in the PDC as a witness. Lapus, who then became a congressman for three terms, represented Landbank. Tan, who has kept his hold at No. 4 in the list of Forbes Magazine’s 40 richest Filipinos, represented Megaworld in the said contract.

Tan is estimated by Forbes as having a net worth of $850 million, behind Henry Sy whose net worth is $3.8 billion, Lucio Tan whose net worth is $1.7 billion and Jaime Zobel de Ayala whose net worth is $1.2 billion. Tan is said to have accumulated his wealth from zero as a son of a factory worker, earning big in real estate business and now—liquor. His Emperador Brandy was reported to be the world’s No. 1 seller. It was reported that his sales from Emperador helped kept his holding companies—Megaworld and Empire East Holdings Inc. that developed the dazzling Eastwood Estate in Libis, Quezon City—afloat in the face of the global crisis. Nevertheless, the said con-

tract called for the construction of a 35-story building that should be at least 12 meters higher than the Diamond Hotel located in front. The transaction was officially named in the contract as a land-swap deal, involving the bank’s property measuring 12,739.30 square meters. As such, the deal calls for Landbank to give 8,739.3 square meters to Megaworld as payment for the construction of the building in the portion measuring 4,000 square meters. However, it turned out that the land payment was not the full payment for all the floors of the building. The said part of

Forbes Magazine’s fourth richest Filipino, Andrew Tan.

the land given to Megaworld was valued at P367,050,600.00. To complete the building, Landbank had to pay more than P1 billion in addition to the land. The contract divided the building construction in phases. The first phase shall be for the number of rooms equivalent in amount to P367,050,600 or a total of 18,087 square meters of floor area priced at P20,293.61 per square meters. The second stage calls for Megaworld to build more rooms totaling to a floor area of 29,988 square meters. But these shall be owned by the developer unless Landbank shall buy them, which is likely because it shall be located in the same building. So that the total payments made by Landbank reached to

roughly P1.8 billion. The other portion of the property, formerly known as Pistang Pilipino Complex, is where now stands Hyatt Hotel that also houses casinos.

No public bidding Nowhere in the said contract can be found any statement that the said land-swap deal passed through public bidding. What is written there is: “Whereas, the (Landbank) has invited several reputable and competent property developers to submit proposals on the development of the property.” The same contract did not state whether other property developers were indeed actually invited. To page 2

NOYNOY IS FACEBOOK KING Aquino-Roxas tandem nets 60.8% survey approval

By TOTO CAUSING

THE trend has been confirmed that majority of Filipinos regard honesty as the only issue that matters for the 2010 presidential election. This, as various pieces of evidence show the voters’ indifference to the issue of experience, intelligence or platforms of government. At the same time, the inclusion of Senator Mar Roxas to Senator Noynoy Aquino’s team as vice-presidential teammate has appeared to be beefing up further the initial extraordinary strength of Cory’s son in the first Social Weather Station (SWS) survey.

In that first SWS poll, Noynoy scored 50% of the votes of the people in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Pangasinan. The total voters here compose 40% of the total votes in the country. While Senator Noynoy was presenting Senator Mar as his running-mate for the 2010 presidential race, the running poll on Facebook where more than 23,000 have already voted showed the son of Ninoy Aquino is the King of Facebook, the Most Popular social network To page 2

Cristine conquers Korea Page 6

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Captain saved 7 kids abandoned by mothers on sinking SuperFerry 9 By TOTO CAUSING (This story was narrated by the Captain of SuperFerry 9 after giving testimonies to the Board of Marine Inquiry.) ALMOST half of the body of the star-cross SuperFerry 9 ship was submerged. The captain, Joel Yap, had already secured the safety of all passengers he had found and

head-counted on the boat following the tedious, cautious and precarious abandonment procedures he had implemented. He only had a few problems left: about 15 passengers, seven kids aged from two years old to four years old and eight women. Mixed with it, however, is another problem: He could not find the mothers or fathers of

the young angelic passengers. But his biggest challenge was: these young and old passengers refused to leave the precariously sinking boat. This increased his agony and pain. He cannot stomach seeing innocent tots, remembering his own children who looked like them at that tense moment. Recounting to Dyaryo Magdalo, Captain Yap under-

stood this to be a natural effect of shock that naturally overcame some passengers. In the nick of time, the captain decided he had to bodily carry each of them to the life craft. One by one, he had them transported bodily from the disappearing boat to the life craft, swimming back and forth. He secured first all the seven

amined, it appears there that Megaworld will shoulder all the expenses required in constructing the building. But it turned out later that Tan’s companies took out money in loans from Landbank while the said building was being constructed. Records in possession of Dyaryo Magdalo show that on July 30, 1998, Empire East Holdings Inc. firm had an outstanding loan to Landbank in the amount of One Billion Pesos. The same also showed that on the same date Megaworld owed Landbank One Billion Four Hundred Twenty Two Million and Two Hundred Fifty Pesos. If it is so, a question arose in the mind of Dyaryo

Magdalo on whether the country’s No. 4 richest man fried Landbank on its own money. In addition, Megaworld’s project in another portion of the property shows success. The Hyatt hotel standing therefore has become a top hub of casino tourists. Tan’s other holding company, Alliance Global Group, reported a jump in first-quarter earnings. This is credited in part to strong food, beverage businesses (he owns the nation’s McDonald’s franchise) and improving real estate sales. Also, Resort World Manila, Tan’s $1.35 billion casino joint venture with Malaysia’s Star Cruises, opened last month.

island, the big boost for Noynoy is very much expected. The same support is also expected to come for Noynoy from Mindanao, considering that all Christians there speak either Ilonggo or Cebuano. All the reasons given for choosing Noynoy is their strong belief that Cory’s son will never be a corrupt president, contented that he cannot stomach destroying the extraordinary legacy left by his mother and father. All those who posted their comments on the threads appear to be very sure that they would not change their mind for Noynoy come 2010, proving the pundits from other parties wrong. They also expressed their criteria is only as to who is the

one they look up to as the least corrupt. Those who preferred Villar bank on his ability to bring economic fortune to the country. Those who preferred Escudero believed in his being cute and ability. Obviously, the survey respondents expressed anger to the series of corruption that rocked the Arroyo administration from the start of her election up to the very end. They pointed out the detestable and unconscionable level that corruption has become in the country. Prominent among them are the NBN-ZTE scandal, the fertilizer fund scam, the Hello Garci election fraud, the involvement of Arroyo son and To page 3

Andrew Tan with Pres. Arroyo

Landbank P1.8-B scam? From page 1 It merely said that Landbank found Megaworld to be having the financial resources and the required expertise and capability as a master developer, redeveloper of prime urban properties for commercial, residential or mixed-use purpose and having submitted the most advantageous or superior proposal. If this is so, it may have violated Republic Act 7907, which states: “3. Disposal of Real Estate and Other Properties in the Collection of Debt. Real estate and other properties acquired by the Bank in the collection of debts or investment by way of

foreclosure or other means shall be sold or disposed of in accordance with law, within five (5) years after date of acquisition. The sale or disposal shall be effected through public bidding, in accordance with the law.” If that is so, then Lapus and other officials of Landbank who may have directly participated in the consummation of the said contract may be held liable under Section 3 of Republic Act 3019, or the Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Was Landbank fried on its own oil? If the contract is to be ex-

Noynoy is Facebook king From page 1 in the Internet. There were eight polling questions that were posted and in all of these Noynoy has been chosen by more than half of those who voted in these polls. This very strong showing even in the Facebook has given a big lift to the cause of Noynoy and Mar to bring the cause for change. In the said Facebook survey where more than 23,000 have already voted, it showed 56% of them wanted Noynoy to be the next president. Running a far second to him was Senator Chiz Escudero at 19.3%. Billionaire Senator Manuel Villar was in third at 18.6%. In the is particular survey,

where administration candidate Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro II is not included, has this question: “Kung ngayon ang halalan sino ang boboto mo sa pagka-pangulo?” In a separate Facebook survey considering the running mates, Noynoy and Mar together scored 60.8% in 3,557 voters who voted in the said poll which has the question: “Sino ang gusto ninyong maging Presidente at BisePresidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010?” This means that with Mar in his team, Noynoy is expected to get bigger support. And the fact that Mar is from Visayas, particularly in Panay

children. After which, he took the adults one by one until the 15th and the last passenger. But as he swam towing with his hand the last woman aged in early 20s, she panicked and in frenzy pulled him down, causing the captain to submerge. Captain Yap recalled he cannot go up the surface of the water because the said woman was pushed him down and down further due to panic struggles. The captain, braver than ever and willing to die if he must, tried to paddle his other hand back to the surface of the water to catch air. However, he felt he could not. The last passenger that he was saving seemed so powerful in pushing him down. This time, he said he could not hold himself under water and he needed to breath but he cannot. He surrendered to fate, thinking he had no more hope of coming up. The thought of God quickly came. Through his mind, he said what he believed was his last prayer: “Diyos ko, ikaw na bahala sa akin at sa aking pamilya…” In the tick of a second, he gave his last strength. Miraculously, he felt he was now coming up, up and up until his head surfaced and gasped for air. “Salamat, Diyos ko!” he screamed. Only to find out that the woman he was holding by his hand was no longer breathing. That again pricked the heart of Captain Yap. He told his mind that if he could choose his death in exchange for the life of the woman he would graciously accept it. “Namatay siya sa akong butkon,” he recalled with tears. (She died in my arms.) Captain Yap told Dyaryo Magdalo that the said woman, although an adult, appeared to him as one having unsound mind. “Parang abno sya.”

Another bout with death Tears fell from the captain’s eyes as he looked at his ship. She is now sinking fast out of his sight after nurturing his relationship with her for many years, in a love that could equal his affection to his wife, Claudette Mosquito Yap, a newly-resigned bank manager who graduated from the School of Business of Mindanao State University as a full scholar. While on the life craft, he suddenly rose and jumped out to swim back as the ship was being slowly swallowed by the raging waters off Siocon, Zamboanga. He wanted to see if there was still a passenger who may have been left behind. He said he would go around the sinking ship that had just been his life for almost a decade and a half. All his crewmen were shocked. They know it was too dangerous. The ship was about to be gone. They know what would take place before the vessel would completely go out of sight. The complete sinking would create a vacuum of water. The vacuum then would trigger the rush of sea water to the center of the void and the onrushing water would twirl fast like a giant fruit shaking machine until the ship would reach the rock bottom. They know that the whirl that would be created would be so powerful that even another ship that would come near would be sucked into the pocket without mercy. The chief mate, the second in command, quickly got back to senses. He jumped off the life craft and swam with all his might to catch up with his captain and pull him back to save him from the death twirl. Only then that everybody was awakened and they helped to lift the captain back to the raft. Captain Yap was not willTo page 3

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Captain saved 7 ... From page 2

Asked about his recollection of the turn of events from the time immediately before the listing or the tiling of the boat, Captain Yap described it as something that is still mysterious to him until now. He said that an hour and a half after passing through the opening between the tip of Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan island, their ship suddenly tilted to their right, or starboard in marine parlance. He felt a strong wind was battering the portside (left side) of the boat. Coming from the north, he said the speed of the wind measured more than 10 knots on their anemometer. He said the boat that time had already listed to 25 degrees to the right. “Grabe na yung ganong tagilid.” This was about 2:00 in the morning of September 6, 2009. He ordered the engine crew to stop the ship from running. At the same time, Captain Yap recalled he ordered his crew to put balancing water to the left part of the ship in their bid to turn it back to the upright position, or 90 degrees measured from the surface of the sea. He ordered all other crewmen to check every container van to see if the lashes snapped out of place. My crewmen reported to me all vans were in place. After about 30 minutes, the captain recalled that the ship turned back to an upright position. Then, he recalled, they proceeded on their route plan. An hour and a half later, he saw their level meter that their ship was listing back again by 5 degrees to the right. Slowly, the

tilting got bigger and bigger until they reached again to 25% degrees. This prompted him to stop the engine to halt the ship for the second time. The Captain said he again ordered his crewmen to put some balancing water to counter the tilting. However, in a few second all the lights of the boat went out. He learned that the air suction of the generator was submerged to the water, the reason why their electric generator engine came to halt. For 30 minutes, he said, nothing happened and the boat was never coming back. This mystified the captain so much, and the mystery remained even until he was interviewed by Dyaryo Magdalo. “Okay man ang mga container vans. Okay pud ang balancing water namo. Di nako masabtan ug unsay hinungdan. Ang akong nahibaw-an, padayon lang ang kusog nga hangin ug bak-bak sa among portside, “ he recalled. (All the container vans were okay. The balancing water was okay. I could not understand. What I knew was the wind was keeping on battering us on our portside.) At that time, 4:10 in the morning, Captain Yap ordered the abandonment of ship. He then issued distress calls so that all ships nearby would respond. He then called his wife to tell her: “Ga, nag-abandon ship ko, bahala ka na sa mga bata ha…” This dreaded call had been expected by Claudette for the many years that she has lived with the seaman. She told Dyaryo Magdalo that for all the duration of the call she was speechless. “Shock ako, hindi ako makasalita o makasagot sa asawa ko.” She recalled that until her husband hanged the phone, she was still numbed and dumbfounded. That was it until she learned that her husband was in safe hands.

ment under then Mayor Joey Marquez. Their stay in the area was an act of gratitude in return for the service. However, a change in the

administration have change it all. The present local administration wants to turn the place into a 2.8-hectare public terminal hub.

ing to go back as he cannot conscience anyone is left. Nevertheless, his crewmen succeeded in pulling him back. This drama was obtained by Dyaryo Magdalo from some of the crewmen and other persons speaking on condition of anonymity.

Tilting was a mystery

THE MAGNET OF ART -- Ivan Giovani Paguia, a charcoal portrait painter, works on a charcoal portrait, unaware that his masterpiece awed passersby like a magnet. This was chanced upon by a Dyaryo Magdalo lensman in the fourth floor (4th) of Victory Mall in Caloocan City. According to Ivan, he charges P1,500 for an 11x14 frame and P2,000 for a 15x20 frame. He said his earnings every day are enough to support his family. Photo by NICK GALINO

Noynoy is Facebook king From page 2 husband in jueteng, the P1-million dinner in New York, and others. In another Facebook survey where 5,006 had voted and where the question is, “Will you vote for Noynoy for President next year?”, Noynoy also appeared to have strong confidence, getting 57.2%. Those who voted “no” to him are 34.1%. Those who are not sure whether to vote for him or not are 5.8% and those who don’t care are 2.9%. In another Facebook poll, where 3,238 had voted, the question is: “Serious poll: Who will you vote as the next president of RP in 2010?” To this poll, 53.4% voted for Noynoy. Running in far second was Villar at 28.4%, third Teodoro at 9.1%, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay 4.5%, MMDA Chair Bayani

Fernando 4.5%. In this poll, the names of Escudero and Estrada were not included. Another Facebook poll, where Teodoro and Escudero were included, 2,261 voted. Here, 42.2% voted for Noynoy, 32.8% for Villar, 20.3% for Escudero, and 4.7% for Teodoro. Another Facebook poll where 1,549 voted, Noynoy broke away at 53.7%, followed by far second Villar at 24.4%, Escudero at 12.2% and Teodoro at 9.8%. There were other Facebook poll, where 887 had voted and Noynoy got 44.3%, Escudero followed at 6.6%, Teodoro at 5.7%.

‘Lalaban tayo’ – Roxas Toward the end of his speech accepting the nomination of the Liberal Party to be

Uphold religion vs law! From page 1 Witnesses not to sing a national anthem and not to salute the flag because it is their doctrine that they can only sing in honor of God and salute no other but God. Also, the Supreme Court ruled as exempt from a labor law making it compulsory to all employees to be a member of the union, after a group of Iglesia Ni Cristo laborers complained against compulsion to follow the closedshop rule. The Highest Court gave premium to the doctrine of INC that they cannot join any organization other than God’s group. The exercise of the freedom of religion is made by the Constitution as one of the highest form of liberty, along with the liberty of expression, of speech and of the press. The said provision says: “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of re-

ligious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”

Spirit vs letter For more than a year of struggle, Muslims in Baclaran have been fighting for their church against a court order evicting the mosque upon the complaint of the Parañaque City government before the court. They managed to contain the threat after filing an appeal to the Court of Appeals. However, last Monday, while the Muslim world celebrate the festival of Eid’l Ftr, the end of fasting for the Hijrah calendar month of Ramadhan, its devotees in Baclaran were bracing against the threat of carrying out an eviction order from the court. But before the demolition men could come, Cubao Par-

the vice presidential bet of Noynoy, Capiz Senator Mar Roxas passionately stressed: “Lalaban tayo!” This was received with massive applause and standing ovation by the crowd at the fully-packed room at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, in the same room where Noynoy’s mother took her oath as president. “Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang hamon na isulong ang tunay na reporma sa ating bansa. Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang responsibilidad na maging kabalikat ni Noynoy sa kanyang laban para sa pagbabago,” Roxas told the crowd that included LP stalwarts and members and supporters, almost all of them were wearing yellow shirts, the color of the cause of Ninoy and Cory. “Mga kababayan, taospuso ko pong tinatanggap ang maging katambal ni Noynoy

Aquino,” Roxas continued. “But this fight is not just about Noynoy and me. Tungkol ito sa matuwid laban sa baluktot. Tungkol ito sa tapat laban sa tiwali. Tungkol ito sa tama laban sa mali,” he further said. Roxas recognized that the fight ahead will be tooth and nail, fair and unfair, legal and illegal against them. “Kailangan nating isulong ang bandila ni Noy at ng reporma. Mahirap ang laban na ito, pero nasa kamay natin ang ating kapalaran,” he said. “Buong-loob kong isinusulong si Noynoy Aquino. I am honored to join him in this field of battle,” said Roxas, who was wearing a yellow polo shirt. “To all of us here in this hall and all across this great nation, who are fighting alongside him, make no mistake about it: We will not back down from To page 7

ish priest Father Robert Reyes ran to the rescue to block the planned eviction. Father Reyes has earned a reputation as a crusader who expresses his cause through running. And in so doing, Fr. Reyes issued calls to court authorities: “Let it stay together with our churches so that it may be seen as a symbol of Muslim and Christian understanding in our country.” Father Reyes got a quick moral support from Lingayen Bishop Oscar Cruz, who, for his part, has been known to be a crusader against jueteng and other forms of gambling. In justifying his call, Reyes said that the divine law is greater than the human law. “We must remember that there are things beyond and greater than law. Christ even said, ‘Do not follow the letter of the law without understanding its spirit. Therefore, whatever projects the government has for this land where the mosque is built, spare it from demolition. In this way, the government can prove its sincerity in promoting peace and equality in our country,”

he said. The Baclaran Muslims also got helped from various Christian groups who composed themselves as “Task Force Anti-Eviction group.” This group formed by various people’s organizations and NGOs like Urban Poor Associates, Community Organizers Multiversity and Community Organization of the Philippine Enterprise, joined Father Reyes to give full moral and physical support to the beleaguered Muslims. This move by the priest and Christian groups emboldened the hearts of the Muslims there, whose leader, Abdelmanan Tanantado, said in return: “Their respect toward our culture, rights, and religious beliefs strengthened our hope that we will be able to come up with an amicable solution to this problem.” Tanantado is an official of the Samahan ng Nagka– kaisang Nademolis sa Roxas Boulevard. There were about 300 Muslims who helped reclaim the land in 1992 as permitted by the Parañaque City govern-

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TRAILBLAZER By RONALDO E. RENTA

FOUR nursery students were asked by their teacher what they want to be when they grow up. The first stood up and declared with confidence, “I want to be a doctor so I could heal the poor.” Another tot declared, “I want to be a lawyer so I could defend the poor.” Not to be outsmarted, another said, “I want to be an architect so I could build houses for the poor.” The teacher inquired from another pupil, “How about you Juan? What you want to be when you grow up?” After deep-thinking, the last kid answered, “I want to be poor…so I could get be healed by a doctor, defended by a lawyer and built with a

house by an architect.” It’s not yet official election season but things are going in full political milieu. Declarations from “presidentiables” to run next year dominate the airwaves, the internet highway and the papers. They all unveil programs for the Poor. If the statements of these politicians would have to be believed in, it turns out that to be poor is a privilege. All politicians offer programs or plans on what to do with the poor or how they’re going to alleviate the plight of those who have not. They also promise a better future for those who have less in life. Ironically, when their terms end the poor remained poor and the poli-

The Privilege of the Poor ticians became richer than the first time they ran. Look into their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALNs) and you will be shocked by what you will discover. On the surface, it doesn’t make economic sense why many want to run in every election. Then you would be bugled by the huge expense each candidate makes. In a mayoral contest, a candidate would need at least three million pesos to wage a decent campaign in a third or fourth or fifth class municipality. The expenses go higher in first class municipalities or key cities. If you plan to run for mayor in a city in Metro Manila you need at least 20 million pesos to wage a credible campaign. That’s staggering yet there is no guarantee of

winning. To double the chance to win, shrewd politicians resort to special operations costing at least 20 million pesos. If a mayoral candidate wins, he will officially receive only a little over P40,000 a month. The higher the position you aspire the more money you need to spend. For a congressional race one needs P50 million. For a gubernatorial race, a serious candidate must have P75 million. For a Senate seat, about P100 million is needed. For the presidency, one billion pesos is not enough to complete the run alone in all places of the country. We are not yet talking about the P1,000 for each watcher, and there are three watchers needed for each precinct and there are 300,000 precincts for a total of P900 million.

WHEW! So, one must either be nuts or @#*~#* rich if he runs for president. As each day passes, it becomes clearer we may have four-cornered presidential fight. Senator Manny Villar, who is listed by Forbes Magazine as No. 9 richest Filipino, will definitely run under Nationalista Party. Senator Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III can rely on Liberal Party as the standard bearer (Drilon Wing). Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, a bar topnotcher lawyer, has no choice but to rely on the money GMA can give him. Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) shall field “Chiz-Loren Tandem” or “Loren-Chiz Tandem.” How about Erap? He

said he is for the unity of the opposition (but the problem is he wants the opposition to be united for him). Would he eventually withdraw from the quintessential personal vindication campaign? What is the plan of VP Noli De Castro? A very typical of the VP to procrastinate his decision until it is clear what would benefit him the most. So we have at least four or five serious candidates for next year’s presidential race for the hearts of the poor. And when the smoke of war is cleared and all the billions expended, can we see any good coming to the poor? One thing is sure in every election: the poor enjoy the privilege to be the talk of town and without more.

Jerry’s Blogs CURSE FROM LONGOS TO TALABA (ATTN: MAYOR STRIKE REVILLA) By JERRY S. YAP

INSTEAD of fixing up the potholed road from LONGOS to TALABA in Bacoor, Cavite, it appears more that the authorities are wont to abandon the potholes unattended, to leave an unconscionable curse. It has been many times that the residents call on Mayor Strike Revilla and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fix the holes on the road. But it seems the calls have landed on deaf ears. In the recent series of rains, almost nothing has been left of the road. The potholes increased in sizes and numbers. This sorry state has caused road collisions because of the natural reaction of drivers to avoid the holes. Mayor STRIKE REVILLA, the residents are begging to you. Maybe you can pitch in to remedy the situation and talk to whoever is the contractor. What I know is that road is still within the territory of Bacoor. This means that you, Mayor Revilla, are the one who is primarily liable for that. The residents are begging. The road is too short yet Bacoor municipality cannot have it concreted? Cavite 1st District Congressman Abaya, have you not included that road in your PORK BARREL? PAGCOR PRES. & COO BUTCH FRANCISCO NO. 1? HELLOOOO! PAGCOR President and COO Butchokoy ‘este’ Butch Francisco wants me to believe that he is No. 1 in the SURVEY (kuno) for the congressional race in Pasay City. According to his “sucker” boys or his political whistlers, they are very sure that Butch Francisco will win in the congressional race in Pasay by a landslide! Susmarya naman… For me to believe, it is for BUTCH FRANCISCO to be No. 1 – from the last. Hik hik hik … I even do not know what kind of and which survey where Butch Francisco showed he was No. 1? Maybe, it is only a survey done by persons who fool around to earn money from him? But if it were a SURVEY conducted on those who received money or graces from Butch Francisco, to that I may believe. Or it would be the other way around?

No. 1 in giving money to the people of Pasay City? Hik hik hik … UNION BUSTING AT PAL DENOUNCED BY PALEA LEGIT MEMBERS The true and legitimate members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) are complaining about the ongoing UNION BUSTING among their ranks. Due to this, PALEA members want to ask Sen. JINGGOY ESTRADA to put on the table the issue about union-busting before the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources. The legitimate PALEA members claimed that the management of Lucio Tan will push through with the plan to SUB-CONTRACT several departments there. Last September 8, in a meeting between PAL and PALEA, it was admitted by the management that they will look for bidders who would handle the Catering Department, Airport Services, Cargo Services and Reservation. One afternoon, NOISE BARRAGE started among the employees of PAL Catering Department in their expression of disgust to the continuing efforts of the management to resort to OUTSOURCING and UNION BUSTING. According to them, PAL management is reasoning out that what it is doing is only a “precautionary measure” against the ongoing global recession that directly hit the airline industry. But what pains the members of PALEA is that it appears that their union president, Mr. Edgardo Oredina, who sits in the PAL Board of Directors, looks like not fighting for them and their rights and welfare. They said they feel their president is instead acting as the SPOKESMAN of the PAL management? Is it right, Mr. Oredina? You said that you deserve to be the president of PALEA but it looks clear you are not for the rank-andfile of PAL but for the MANAGEMENT? PAL itself said that one of the qualified bidders to get MANPOWER CONTRACTS in that departments of the flag carrier is MACROASIA Company, which is being run by one Mr. EMER BONOAN and which is said to be owned by PAL Chairman’s son-in-law at and

relatives? As this has happened, officials of PALEA have kept their silence on the issue or have chickened out. Instead of talking about the issue of outsourcing and union-busting, the officials of PALEA issued letters to ask for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation. “The move of the union seems different from what the issue is about. Many members feel that protection of jobs should come first than the renegotiation of the CBA without any proposals. Are they fooling around or have already sold the souls of all PAL employees from administrative to rank and file? With this inaction, members will resort to all legal action without the PALEA leaders. The resignation of officers and mass action are the clamor of all members. Today is the right time, do not be afraid! Protect the security of tenure.” Ngek! It is not CBA that is the immediate issue here but the PAL SPIN-OFF! Isn’t it? Is it not a clear DELIBERATE DISTORTION that you are doing, Mr. Oredina? ‘Wag mo namang IPAGPALAGAY na ENGOT ang mga taga-PALEA, ‘di ba Mr. FRED TAN? CAN SR. SUPT. ALFRED CORPUS STOP 1602 IN CAVITE? It is said that it is sure Sr. Supt. Alfred Corpus, the new chief of the provincial police of Cavite, will have his head aching to the hilt. Why not when illegal gambling there in Cavite— like STL, bookies, loteng, horse racing bookies, video karera and sakla—are rampant as ever? TAKE NOTE Colonel Corpus and REMEMBER the names and these places: SUSAN there in Naic, Indang, Noveleta and Tanza. AMY in Imus. Kapitan INGGO, ANNA and LIZA in Cavite City. GREG in Alfonso and Olok in Kawit. Colonel CORPUS, Sir, that is just a “tip of the iceberg.” CAN YOU STOP THEM? Or they may have already pushed the button on you, Colonel and you will forget about them? Ha, KERNEL?

5

Forbidden facts that breed war in Mindanao I TAKE this privilege of publishing my letter to an honorable professor at the Faculty of Environmental Design, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I give honor to him primarily because I take pride in him as a fellow graduate from Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City who has achieved a rare feat of becoming a professor in Saudi’s premier university. At the same time, I strayed to some untold and forbidden facts in the stillstrained relationship between Christians and Muslims in Mindanao. And after reflecting on those hard facts, I come to find a seed to be planted for the Tree of Peace to grow in the Land of Promise. Here’s my letter to Professor Edris Tamano. DEAR SIR TAMANO:

EDRIS

It seems to be unintended that all your original friends’ names start with Ed (Edgar Mausisa and Edgar Tigulo). Of course, although you chose who should be your friends I am certain that your first criterion was not that the person should have a name that has the first two letters as yours. Nevertheless, I owe almost all what I am from MSU, Marawi City that hosts it and, of course, the Maranaos there. Imagine if

Maranaos would not welcome us Christians then I could have not existed as what I am for my parents had no ability to send any of their kids to college. I came there as a state scholar but I chose to be an MSU full scholar. There, I had developed close affinity to my Maranao classmates, roommates and friends. One of them was Mr. Ayo Gunting, that dazzling guy who you could mistake for a happy-go-lucky student back then but the hidden truth is he was a scholar like me. Ayo was closer to my sister Lyndale, who was fond of joining beauty contests with Ayo as one of her supporters. Due to that friendly attitude, I was egged to run for the presidency of the College of Engineering with the majority of my campaigners consisting of Maranao college mates. We lacked steam and I lost to another Maranao friend: now Engr. Basher Didaagun. When I was there at the MSU campus, I did not take the opportunity of reading Koran. For how would I when I had—and have—not even read the Christian Bible? So that all that composed my being a Catholic for religion were words coming not from the Holy Book, not from our church for seldom I hear masses, but from the fact that I was christened a Catholic, raised with the thought in my mind considering me as a Catholic, the loose knowledge of my parents about the Bible,

Police Posts By JOEY GALICIA VENANCIO THIS is what happening now between the former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada and former PNP-Chief-nowSenator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. Ping disclosed all his knowledge about the rotten personality of Erap in a privileged speech in the Senate last week. He insisted that it was Erap who really gave blessings or go-signal for the jueteng operation when he was the President and Lacson

was the PNP Chief. That Erap was really involved in smuggling! The information mentioned by Ping in his privileged speech against Erap was also mentioned in the testimonies of ex-Gov Ilocos. Chavit Singson, who served as the jueteng “bagman” of the former president. Chavit again testified to the truth of the allegations when he was interviewed by the media recently, repeating that he brought to Erap P5 million in

Privileged Spits By TOTO CAUSING the discussions occurring sometimes amongst the rest in the community, and ordinary talks at the sala or over the dining table. Summing up the reason is: I grew up in a community were Catholics were—and are—dominant. Ironically, I heard more words about the Bible from Protestants. When I grew old enough I tried reading some of the Books in the Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis; but to be honest to God I easily got bored. This is the reason that when it comes to the topic about God, my sack cannot stand. I have also harbored that yearning to read an English Koran for me to be able to understand even some about Islam. But I am afraid I would also get bored. I learned about the word Ramadhan for the first time when I was in first year at MSU. But I have never learned what is it all about and why it should be observed by the Muslims. I got some learning about it only until I read that short but passionate writings of Sir Ash Tamano (I do not know how related you are to him). I was touched by my reading that I said to myself: “Aha, Islam

must have been a beautiful religion.” Quickly, it came to my mind: “If I could choose religion when I was born, I could have chosen Islam.” I reacted spontaneously, so I wrote that blog, and this is it. (In that blog, I wrote: I have learned a lot from the writings of Sir Ashary Tamano that the noble purpose of fasting in the month of Ramadhan is to embed into the minds of all Muslims that virtues and values of sacrifice. By making their stomachs empty, the rich Muslims would realize how hard it is to be poor. By making stomachs empty, any man remembers God to ask Him: “Oh God (Allah), give me my daily bread,” setting up a perfect tone and mood for more passionate engagements with the Holy One. And when Muslims become engaged with God in passionate moments, they then sink into the wild yonder of thinking about why do they sinned, ask themselves if Allah could still forgive them, think about how they could repent and how their repentance be accepted by Allah, what to do to people of other religion to be happy in the mold of Allah, and hope Allah still give His merficul blessings.

From the logic of Sir Ash, the fasting month is also for realization of the value of giving and the wisdom behind zakat. From the account of Sir Ash, many Muslims go back to their old bad habits after the month of Ramadhan and they cease to be Muslims. This bad habit is universal as Christmas time, that most Christians become good only during this season and thereafter entertain greed, arrogance, selfishness and egoism.) I recall that I was repulsive to Muslims and Islam from the time I was an elementary pupil until I finished high school. I blame that to my ignorance about your people and religion, coupled with the bad domestic talks happening in Christian homes that started with an unfounded premise that Muslims can never be trusted (although I believe the same thing has also been happening in every Muslim home). Actually, the Christian parents even are ignorant about you, Maranaos, Maguindanaos and Tausugs and how you worship. Compounding that idea is the argument I heard often from many Catholics and Protestants saying that only Christians can be saved to Heaven and people of other religion, like Muslims, believe in pagans as god. Well, I do not know how to deal with this other than not minding it. So that my thought is now straying. What if our pubic elementary and high schools included a curriculum aimed at

educating the young Christians with the good things about Muslims, Islam and the Filipinos who embrace the religion? Will this alter the pictures of Muslim Filipinos in the domestic homes of the Christians? Would I have acted differently if I was already armed with the correct knowledge about Maranaos, Maguindanaos and Tausugs? Honestly, until I was admitted at the MSU College of Engineering, I never knew about the people called Maranaos. My incorrect impression was that Muslims refer to Maguindanaos only because it was only them whom I saw as a young boy in South Cotabato. So we can see here how ignorance breeds distrust. Adding poison to my mind then, as well as the Christians of my age, is the fact that I was already a discerning young boy to experience evacuation due to attacks from the “Blackshirts.” For having this sad experience from Maguindanao Muslims, I thought all along Muslims were “bad guys.” Rest assured, however, that those bad impressions to my innocence had already disappeared when I studied at MSU Marawi. If I were to analyze now how to plant new seeds of peace between Muslims and Christians in our places, there is no other way but education. And to educate, we must To page 7

What a beautiful life for Atong, Chavit! jueteng money per month. The issue of jueteng started the impeachment move against Erap. Chavit exploded it to the whole nation after he was nearly ambushed by Atong Ang, another close friend of Erap, also a gambling lord. Atong and Chavit fought over jueteng because the former wanted jueteng to stop completely to strengthen his “Bingo-2 Ball,” designed similar to jueteng. As a matter of fact, if Ping has his own full knowledge in corruption, perhaps Chavit and Atong have much more knowledge in the same department.

Anyway, all the corruption of Erap has already been known by the public—from its close friends among gambling lords, smugglers, his being a philanderer, gambler, drunkard, how he had hundred millions of savings in bank accounts, especially at the PCI Bank (now, BDO), up to piracy. Erap was convicted guilty of plunder. He should be jailed at the Bilibid. But he was immediately given absolute pardon by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. Now that he is free: again, he wants to run for president again. Well, it is in the hands of

the people if they want to have a president like Erap. Of course, the expose of Ping is true. It matched that of Chavit’s. *** I really admire this Chavit. He admitted he was involved in jueteng but still the Arroyo administration gave him a high position, made him the deputy national security adviser. Now, he is packed with security men. He is better than Gloria in terms of the number of backup! What would happen to Chavit if Gloria is not in Malacañang and Erap will luckily return to Malacañang? Will they still become

“bestfriend?” He he he... About Atong, he returned again to his favorite business: gambling. But his gambling now is legal, “Virtual 2” with a franchise at CEZA. What a beautiful life for Chavit and Atong by now! *** Who is this Tina U who is alleged to be on the top of smuggling in pier? It is said she used the name of President’s son Mikey. She was said to have been causing the release of almost 500 to 600 container vans every week without delay? No appehension! No investigation!

Gibo’s half-billion reason LONG before he was officially announced as the administration’s bet for the presidential race of 2010, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. scrapped the winning bid of about P500 million for the supply of ammunition to the military, contending that the winner submitted fraudulently papers. About a week before he was to be announced as the official bet of Lakas-Kampi coalition of Gloria Arroyo, Teodoro signed a deal for the supply of the same with a private contractor from South Korea. That is, even if the said

contract was touted at first to be a government-to-government deal. What is more, there is the existing court order stopping the Armed Forces from proceeding with the said procurement because of the petition filed the winning bidder, Talon Security Consulting and Trade Ltd. So that there are two questions of impropriety or propriety. The first is: why did Teodoro approved the same contract with a private contractor, Poongsan Corp., when the transaction being represented was government-to-government nego-

tiation? The second is: why did he hurried the signing when it was too close to his proclamation as the official candidate of the administration and that there was no emergency for the ordered items as reported to him by his generals on the field? Those that are included in the order are 40,720 rounds of 60-mm mortar for the price of P264,680,000; 33,410 of 81-mm mortars for P240,552,000. Is it because Teodoro wanted to have that contract consummated with him as still the approving officer? Is it because that the con-

tract is always embedded by hidden commissions? Is it because he wanted money to run his campaign that . Is it because the approval means commissions or kickbacks? Where shall you get funds? It is estimated that one need to have 10 billions pesos to stage a respectable campaign. Of course Teodoro will never get these monies from his own packet. Neither can he get financial support from his rich uncle Eduardo Danding for Danding has his own party, Nationalist

People’s Coalition (NPC). By deduction, there is nobody who can give him but this administration. Investigation Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. he would initiate an investigation into the said contract forged by the Department of National Defense (DND) with a private South Korean firm for the supply of ammunition for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Pimentel Jr. said he was shocked to find out that a private foreign firm was able to corner the contract

when it was supposed to be a government-to-government transaction. Pimentel stressed that the multimillion-peso deal the government entered into is illegal because Teodoro worked it out with private South Korean firm Poongsan Corp., which is not a Korean government entity. It was reported that the government lost P70 million after Teodoro awarded the supply contract to Poongsan. “Certainly, if this information that is coming out is true, this must be investigated by the Senate,” Pimentel said.

6

Cristine Reyes conquers Korea

By OM AY E. RENT A

ABS-CBN artist Cristine Reyes is now on the peak of her success after Eva Fonda had won the special award for drama series in the 4th Edition of Seoul International Drama Awards held recently at Olympic Hall, Seoul, South Korea. She was also nominated in the Best Actress category but she did not win it. However, she was there to personally attend the ceremony together with Lingit Tan and other network artists and receiv the award. According to news, she was nominated along with other candidates such as Christiane Horbiger, The Visit by Ziegler Film, Germany; Lindsay Duncan in Margaret BBC Worldwide Limited, UK; Charlotte Frogner, Maria from Rubicon TV, Norway; Geunyoung Moon, The Painter of Wind SBS, Korea; and Shu Chen, Love in a Fallen City Zhejiang Huace, China. On the other hand, ABSCBN’s Eva Fonda starred by Cristine bagged the Special Prize award beating the other programs such as Token— IRIB Media Trade, Iran; Fathers and Sons—TV channel Russia, Russia; Britannia High—ITV Global Entertainment Ltd, UK; Fighting Spiders—MediaCorp TV (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore; and Forbidden Love—Calinos Entertainment, Turkey. She personally accepted the award. The Kapamilya Network soap opera’s success in the Seoul International Drama Awards 2009 was a first for the Philippines since the festival

started four years ago. Even though she did not win the best actress award, she appeared on stage to present two awards in the ceremony attended by international celebrities from different countries. While in Seoul, she was amazed how the Koreans treated her…. they even called her by her character name in “Eva Fonda” during her walk in the red carpet. Moreover, the Red Carpet experienced in Korea could be her entry pass to become a Hollywood star as the producer of CSI: Series kept a promise for her that she will be their guest star if she will visit the United States. Another achievement for Cristine Reyes was to be the No. 1 amongst the sexiest women in the FHM 2009 Philippine Edition. She is the September cover issue and the fourth time to appear in the men’s no. 1 magazine. One of those were with her best friend Katrina Halili. She also appeared in Maxim Philippines, another best seller magazine for men. Cristine was the first Filipina to do a sexy pictorial in Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway. And she volunteered to stand atop of the steel fence in the middle of SCTEx as she does it for the first time in her pictorial. Compared to her first exposure in FHM, Cristine really express both emotional and physical appearance in all of the sexy photos as showed in the 2009 September issue of FHM. Further, another blessing

for Cristine was when she was tapped to replace Heart Evangelista as the leading lady of Richard Gutierrez in the holloween movie “Patient X” produced by GMA Films and Viva Films and the forthcoming Manila Film Festival movie with Vic Sotto December this year. Known as one of the sexiest telenovela actress in Philippine Showbiz, Cristine is a product of reality-based artista search. She started her showbiz career when she was selected as part of the 14 finalists. Nonetheless, she was the first female avenger to be eliminated, but amongst the graduates, not to mention the final four, she successfully made a name in Philippine showbiz industry. S h e found her way into various television shows of t h e Kapuso N e t work, includi n g

S O P Gigsters in 2004 and Mulawin starred by Richard Gutierrez as she played as Estrella. Her first appearance were seen in one of the two episodes she made in TV series “Love to Love: Pretty Boy,” and “Love to Love: Miss Match,” her career has been boosted when it was followed by “Darna” where she played villain character known as Molecula, “Captain Barbell” with Richard Gutierrez, and “Super-Twins” played as Super S with her Starstruck batchmate Nadine Samonte. On February 2008, Cristine Reyes transferred to ABS-CBN making her as the newest Kapamilya. She was first seen as co-host in Wowowee. She played as the second lead star on the Philippine-Malaysian soap opera “Kahit Isang Saglit” opposite Jericho Rosales and recently was the Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Bud Brothers to-

gether with Jake Cuenca and Marielle Rodriguez. She was last seen in an all-female comedy gag show “Banana Split.” However, the show that made her really famous is her own primetime show “Eva Fonda”, the TV adaptation of the sex-drama movie of Alma Moreno. From 2004 up to 2008, Cristine has made ten movies: 2004 Beautiful Life and Pa-siyam; 2005 Say that You Love Me; 2006 Mourning Girls; 2006’s Apoy sa Dibdib ng Samar, Barang, and Pitong Dalagita; 2007 Green Paradise and cameo role in Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka Fairy Ko... The Beginning of a Legend; Reyes was pulled out from “Banana Split” after she got upset when her co-stars “ganged-up” on her, spoofed her bestfriend Katrina Halili’s scandal. Since she was not seen in the said Gag Show, rumors had circulated around that she will be returned to her former studio as planned to include her in the adaptation of Rosalinda, from the Mexican telenovela that hit Filipino drama fanatics, staring Thalia, aired on ABS-CBN in 1999 and being re-aired on GMA Kapuso Network. GMA Entertainment planned Cristine Reyes to portray the role of Fedra but it was cancelled and was given to her best friend Katrina Halili instead after Cristine renewed her contract with ABS CBN. Christine Pascual Klenk Enriquez, a.k.a Cristine was born on February 5, 1989 in Marikina is now looking forward to all projects that will be given to her by her network. She is now expecting more projects to come and promises to focus on her career for she knew that she was now a certified actress. In line for her projects with ABS CBN are the next episodes of Your Song Presents, a teleserye and an episode of Malaala Mo Kaya.

7

Roach unimpressed by Mayweather win

Floyd Mayweather Jr. came two pounds overweight on the agreed catchweight 144 lbs during the official weigh-in of the Number One/Numero Uno non-title fight between Mayweather and Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Inset is Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who was “unimpressed” by the unanimous points win by Mayweather.

By RONALD HERICO THERE is one guy who didn’t care about the bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and the comebacking and former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. That is, even as the latter masterfully beat the Mexican idol in 12 rounds of boxing over the week-

end at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao’s chief trainer Freddie Roach didn’t even bother to open his TV set to watch the 12 rounds on pay per view, insisting that he already knew what was going to happen even before the fight

started. “Mayweather beat the best lightweight in the world,” said the top trainer, referring to the lopsided victory posted by Mayweather over the relatively smaller and much slower Mexican. Mayweather was widely regarded as the

world’s best pound-forpound fighter when he stopped Briton Ricky Hatton in the 10th round of their 2007 encounter. But after the American’s retirement, the tag went to Pacquiao. The Filipino superstar has impressively beaten Oscar De la Hoya and Hatton in his last two bouts, the very same people whom Mayweather defeated before he lapsed into a 21-month lay-off. He, thus, yielded the honor to the Filipino ring superstar. Although Mayweather showed no sign of rust in destroying Marquez with a unanimous points victory and reminded the watching public of his superb defensive skills, many boxing fans were left with a sour taste in their mouths. A boxing analyst noted that Mayweather ignored the agreed upon catchweight of 144 lbs. He came to the weigh-in at 146 and God knows how much he weighed at fight night putting Marquez disadvantageously deep in size comparison. Had Team Mayweather paid more attention to his weight or much more, cared about it, and came on the weigh-in just right on target, his victory

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would have been clean and people would have easily dismissed the real size difference between a true lightweight and a legitimate welterweight and zeroed in more of the brilliant performance of Mayweather. The brash-talking Mayweather, who has continually bragged he is the best fighter of his generation, refused to be drawn into the Pacquiao discussion shortly after his triumphant return. Alex Ariza, Pacman’s conditioning coach, echoed the same sentiment noting that the fight was a mismatch. The Mayweather-Marquez bout was a product of “poor matchmaking,” he said. “There was no way Mayweather was light when he answered the

bell for Marquez. He was 158 (or even) 160 lbs,” stressing that even if Mayweather was three divisions heavier, “he couldn’t knock Marquez out,” he added. Meanwhile, Roach and Ariza arrived today at 5:55 a.m. on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles. From Manila, Roach and Ariza will be brought to Baguio City so they could be there in time for Pacquiao’s afternoon workout at the Cooyeesan Hotel. This city will be Pacquiao’s training ground for the next four weeks before hopping to a still undisclosed venue in preparation for his November 14 clash with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

From page 5 • Privileged Spits start at the school kids. This, because I subscribe to the idea of “starting ’em young.” The Christian schools for children must include subjects about the goodness of people who pray not like them. In the same manner, Muslim public schools must have subjects telling knowledge about the goodness among Christians. So that I could only imagine the result if we just tell stories limited only to the good sides. In closing this, I take the opportunity to personally express my thanks to you who came ahead of me to this Greatest Institution perched atop a

hill of Marawi. Were it not for the wonderful and inspiring feats you seniors registered, we the junior alumni could have come to pass as ordinary graduates of ordinary schools that try to exist in the name of existence only. We could have not been given a chance to show our worth if the resume we presented did not reflect the name: “Mindanao State University.” And the reason why there is good name in it is: You, Sir Ed and the rest of those ahead of me. Again, Happy Eid. Toto Causing

From page 3 • Noynoy this fight, not now, not ever,” he added.

Proud of Roxas In introducing Roxas, Noynoy expressed he takes great pride in Roxas as his vice president. “Sinasabi ko po si Mar Roxas ay talagang napakarami ng katangian, napakarami ng naipakitang pagsisilbi sa ating pong bansa kaya hindi kahiyahiyang imungkahi para sa pangalawang pinakamataas na position po,” he said. “Mga minamahal kong kababayan, isa pong katangitangi at malaking karangalan na ipresenta ko po sa inyong lahat

is ...

ang aking makakatambal bilang bise presidente si Sen. Mar Roxas,” Aquino said. Among those who were present in the announcement of the candidacy of Roxas as Noynoy’s runningmate were Aquino’s sister Viel, Roxas’s mother Judy Araneta, Senator Rodolfo Biazon and former Senate President Franklin Drilon. Also present in the momentous affair were Congressmen Erin Tanada and Risa Hontiveros, former congressmen Florencio “Butch” Abad and Nereus Acosta, former Cabinet members Teresita Deles and Avelino Cruz, Jim Paredes, and Cory Quirino.

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By RONALD HERICO

PACQUIAO VS MAYWEATHER SHAPES UP

Mayweather sneak in a quick and short left hook on Marquez, knocking the latter down to the canvass (see opposite photo) in the second round of their scheduled 12round fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

FLOYD Mayweather Jr. of the US made easy work on Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to boost his comeback bid for a shot at the Pound-for-Pound King title of the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao, who, for his part, is set to face Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14. The fight dubbed as “Number One/Numero Uno” was another classic mismatch as observed by many boxing experts. It was like watching the US Dream Team versus a squad from Myanmar. One has to bet not on which team will win but how many points the hwinner will have over the losing team. It was a boring camouflage of a come–backing king aching to regain the title that what once his and is now being held loftily by Pacquiao. Pacquiao is the only fighter capable of doing what 40 other boxers have failed to do. He has the speed and the power in both

fists that could zipped up his big mouth. Pacquiao-Mayweather is the fight fans want to see next year. It will now be Pacquiao’s turn to win over Cotto to make this fight happen. It will be for the battle of who really is the pound for pound king of this generation. Mayweather is a natural welterweight who has fought at junior middleweight. Beating a featherweight is not really a good gauge to set up his comeback trail. Marquez, coming from a 135-pound weight from his last fight with Juan Diaz, is a very small welterweight to be pitted against

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Mayweather. So overpowering Mayweather in all aspect during the boxing bout, he hardly sweat. He set up his own stage where he could show his ability to dance, bob, weave, dodge the opponent’s gloves and turn his rival’s frustration to an uncontrolled level. Marquez took a second round knockdown via a left hook to the chin, beat the count and survived the round. But that was all Marquez could do – survive the beating each round and survive the fight. He looked like a poultry chicken thrown inside the lion’s den. “He’s a great little man and he kept taking some un-

believable shots,” said Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) after finishing with nary a mark on his face after 12 rounds with former lightweight, junior lightweight and featherweight world champion. “When I dropped him he got back up. I dropped him with that shot that I don’t think he saw. He kept on fighting.” Mayweather, who hadn’t fought in 22 months, walked in with a decisive weight advantage and used it to maximum capacity as he rarely allowed Marquez to land more than one blow at time. He showed no signs of rust after his lengthy stint away and controlled the pace of the fight with his lightning hand and foot speed, rock-solid defense and a series of telling combinations. Marquez, who has fought most of his career at featherweight but is a reigning world champion at lightweight, suffered a bloody nose as Mayweather landed several hard shots late in the sixth. “It was a very hard fight he surprised me with the knockdown,” said Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs) who was bloodied and battered. “He hurt me that time but no other time.” Though Mayweather

must have felt the strength and speed advantage in his favor, he rarely allowed the smaller Mexican to mount any serious rallies other than the third round and eighth round. In the last three rounds it seemed that Mayweather had some opportunities to nail down the pesky Marquez if he mounted a serious offensive attack but it never came. “I think he brought his best out tonight. Don’t forget I came from a small class too so I know when you’re in front of a great

fighter,” said Mayweather who was gracious in victory. “There was one point in the fight when I pulled a counter punch and he actually tried to do the same thing.” It was no surprise that Mayweather won or that it was by wide scores. One judge scored it a shutout 120-107 and the other two judges scored it 118-109 all for Mayweather. Dyaryo Magdalo scored the fight 118-109 for Mayweather. But Pacquiao is another thing.

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