Miriam elected judge of Int’l Criminal Court

MANILA – Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday was elected judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the independent body that prosecutes individuals for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The senator’s media officer Tom Tolibas confirmed that Santiago won in the first round of voting with 79 votes.

She garnered more votes than Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Carmona who got 72 votes, according to the Twitter account of the American Non-Governmental Organizations Coalition for the International Criminal Court.

“It’s a big deal since she got enough votes in the first round of voting, meaning she doesn’t need to go through the second round,” Tolibas said.

In August, the Senate approved a resolution concurring with the ratification of the Rome Statute, which provides for the establishment of the ICC, which is based in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Santiago said 117 other state parties are signatories to the treaty.

Under the treaty, the ICC can step in only when countries are unwilling or unable to dispense justice when it comes to the “most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression,” according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Santiago said there are 18 judges on the ICC, six of whom are scheduled to be replaced this year.

Won’t resign yet

The ICC’s gain may be the Senate’s loss as Santiago had said in October that she has to resign from the Senate and move to Europe.

“I’ll have to resign [as senator]. Isn’t that good news for my enemies? I would have to live in The Hague. I will look like a European and speak like a European and I will be as snooty as a European when I come back,” she said.

Santiago’s term as a senator ends in 2016.

But in an interview with radio dzBB on Tuesday, Santiago said she may still stay for at least one more year before she is called to The Hague to assume her post.

“Wala namang conflict of interest. As long as I’m not called by the ICC in The Hague, I shall remain in my present job,” she said.

Santiago, who won a nine-year term as judge in the ICC, said her oath-taking won’t take place until March 2012.

Asked if this means that she can still take part in the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Renato Corona as a senator-judge, she said, “That’s right.”

“May masamang balita ako sa aking kalaban. Hindi ako agad aalis ng Pilipinas. Sa March pa ang oath-taking. Kahit oath-taking hindi pa kami maka-report sa korte sa Netherlands,” she said.

“Maaring isang taon pa ako rito,” she added.

Santiago said that once she leaves the Senate, her Senate post will remain vacant until the next polls.

‘Qualified’ to become ICC judge

Earlier, an independent civil society panel found Santiago “qualified” to be an ICC judge.

A former trial court judge and an expert in international law, Santiago was among 19 candidates seeking six vacant seats on the ICC, the DFA earlier said.

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) that listed Santiago as one of several candidates qualified for the job, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The CICC established the Independent Panel on International Criminal Court Judicial Elections in December 2010, to urge state parties to nominate the most qualified candidates for ICC judge.

CICC includes 2,500 civil society organizations in 150 countries working in partnership to strengthen international cooperation with the ICC.

Based on geographic representation, one of the six is reserved for Asia.

The DFA said “one other country from Asia is competing for that seat,” but was not among those that the independent panel found as qualified.

In 2008, Santiago lost her bid for a seat at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She was the only female candidate.

But Santiago had already said that she had better chances at the ICC because there was only one level of voting unlike in the ICJ.

Voting in the ICJ is first conducted on the General Assembly level and then on the Security Council level. (GMA News)

Judge likens PH situation to Adolf Hitler’s Germany

MANILA – Manila Regional Trial Court Judges Association President Antonio Eugenio said on Tuesday that popularity should not be used as basis to trample upon the judiciary.

Eugenio expressed the judges’ support for embattled Chief Justice Renato Corona, who now faces trial at the Senate after being impeached by the House of Representatives.

“They act by sheer numbers. They act on the basis of popularity. They measure that popularity is always right. But remember history: when Hitler assumed power in Germany, he was the most popular figure and trampled upon the rights of everyone because he was popular. We all know what happened to Adolf Hitler,” Eugenio said.

He said the recent developments in the country are pushing the judges to act, albeit with a small number.

“It is said that where Manila goes, the rest of the nation goes. Today, I say, where the Manila judges go, the rest of the Philippine judges go,” he said.

He urged the judges to “remain vigilant and safeguard the very institution we love, honor and respect.”

Eugenio made the statement amid warnings from Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez that the nation is on the brink of a constitutional crisis.

Marquez told RTC judges on Tuesday: “To be sure, the perpetrators of this dastardly assault hope to intimidate and inspire fear amongst us with the loud clamoring of their ill-advised leadership. If they can toy with the public’s mind, to put the Chief Justice at the precipice of disaster, how much easier can it be to pressure any other member of the judiciary or anyone of us?” (abs-cbnNEWS.com)

1 dead, another hurt in shooting inside PUJ

UGLY STARES and airy demeanor ended in a bloody shooting incident inside a passenger jeepney Monday evening at Lapuz, LaPaz, Iloilo City.

Rogelio Sabagala, 32, a native of Cebu province and mechanic of the National Power Corp. (NPC), died of a gunshot wound inflicted by suspect John Irwin Palomero of Lutero Street, Janiuay, Iloilo.

Sabagala and companion Reynaldo Baja, 23, of Puerto Galera, Mindoro were alighting from a passenger jeepney at Brgy. Bo. Obrero, Lapuz when Palomero shot them with a caliber .45 pistol.

While Sabagala was hit in his right leg, the bullet shot upward his body and damaged his vital organs resulting in his death. Baja was slightly wounded and was released from the hospital after treatment.

Concerned passengers and citizens ganged up on Palomero and placed him under citizens’ arrest.

SPO3 Jessie Cabial, LaPaz police investigator, said Palomero did not like the way the victims stared at him.

Palomero is now detained at the LaPaz police station.

Soldier, 2 Cafgus die in NPA encounter in Antique

A SOLDIER and two paramilitary personnel were killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in San Remigio, Antique.

Killed were 12^th Cadre Battalion team leader Corporal Absalon Labitan and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) personnel Julie Huayang and Vevencio Mutha.

According to Captain Reylan Java, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), the three were conducting security patrol at Sitio Igbaklag of Aningalan village Friday afternoon when they encountered approximately 25 communist rebels.

A 15-minute gunfight ensued with the NPA’s Southern Front of Kilusang Rehiyon–Panay.

The Army said the NPA rebels may have suffered casualties also. “There were bloodstains along the rebels’ escape route. We also received reliable reports from residents claiming they saw bloodied individuals being carried by armed men,” Java said.

Colonel Jonas Sumagaysay, 3ID acting commander, commended the fallen government troops.

“They will always be remembered as true heroes and advocates of peace,” Sumagaysay said.

“The death of our brave soldiers will only strengthen our resolve to bring peace in our communities. We remain steadfast and continue to offer peace to the NPA rebels until they realize the futility of the armed struggle,” Sumagaysay added.

Meanwhile, San Remigio Mayor Glenn Cabigunda is urging for a dialogue between rebels and the government to address social issues in the town.

“They should stop this if they really love the people of San Remigio,” Cabigunda said.

Cabigunda’s father and brother, both former mayors of San Remigio, were killed by NPA rebels in 1986 and 1987, respectively.

Website offers girls for nude massage in Iloilo (‘Starlet-quality,’ vows unknown ‘broker’)

NOTICE to Iloilo City law enforcement officers and government officials concerned.  And to parents, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends as well.

Be forewarned that a supposed male “broker” cum agent is offering escort and massage services for its Iloilo City clientele.  With “girls” as highlight of the offer. And it is not your every day “regular massage” albeit with the same promise of relief and relaxation.

This, as a post was made on a popular website with free community advertisements promising a “relaxing and beneficial” massage while in Iloilo City.

The relaxation and benefit being “a full body nude naturist massage in a naturist environment.”

“A naturist massage is practiced totally nude, the client and the masseur or, masseuse are both naked…This helps both the recipient of the massage and the masseur or masseuse to be on a more equal level, making the massage more relaxing and beneficial,” the full text of the advertisement read. It is also offered for both male and female clients.

 

Posted as “Post A2360,” the advertisement is titled “Iloilo City Young Escort with Lingam Massage Services (Iloilo City).” Further check showed that it was first posted 10am of November 14, 2011 and updated in the afternoon of November 24th.  The webhosting being free, it carries only until morning of December 14th as deadline of free post. As of press time yesterday, 714 “visitors” have been recorded.  No specifics are readily known though as to how many have thus far actually responded to the advertisement.  A separate “order form” is provided at the end of the post and secured by the user of said site. A certain “Niel” is the contact person with mobile phone number (SMART account withheld at the moment) given alongside a Cebu-based landline. Choices are up for any takers albeit with a price. For instance, “Starlet Girls” are priced P12,000 (about US $300) per service while “Secondary Girls” are P8,000 (US $200) and “Ordinary Girls” P3,500 (US $83). Added offer is sex-pill Viagra priced at P500 each.  As to how and why a Viagra can boost the massage is not explained. Lingam Massage is known as an “exotic massage” justified by a Cebu-based spa operator as the same with other kinds of massage. Authentic Lingam Massage employs techniques that primarily involve stroking the male sexual organ. Lingam is a Sanskrit word for the male sex organ. It has since divided the spa industry in Cebu as objections and criticisms were hurled by “regular” spa owners against it. A widely-accepted form of wellness massage all over the world particularly in Muslim Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand, United States and London, it is not the same for Iloilo City.  However to date, no clear distinction is made nor any local Ordinances actually prohibit such. The concern then in Cebu was that spas claiming to offer authentic Lingam Massage are not clear on the qualifications of their therapists.  Yet a staunch supporter of it has issued a challenge to critics saying “get to know the massage first before condemning it.” The clear problem though with offers such as the one supposedly available in Iloilo City is the use of “girls” as massage therapists.  Or at least as passed off by “Niel” the broker.

Boracay Draws Tourists Year-Round

BORACAY Island in Aklan continues to draw in higher number of tourists every year, prompting the provincial government to declare that there is no “low season” in the island resort.

A report from the Aklan provincial government showed that a total of 628,243 foreign and domestic tourists arrived in the island from January to August, this year. This is 12% higher compared to the same period last year at 561,405 tourists.

Governor Carlito Marquez said the visitors generated some P13.2 billion worth of tourism receipts which include expenses on food, beverages, leisure activities and souvenirs.

This month, a total of 64,070 tourists enjoyed Boracay, also higher compared to 58, 202 tourists in August 2010.

Marquez said there are no more “low” or “off peak” seasons in island-resort, especially during the rainy season.

“Even if it is raining, visitors still flock to the island,” Marquez said.

The Aklan provincial government is eyeing to reach the 1 million tourist arrival mark in Boracay next year.

Last year, an estimated 780,000 visitors arrived in the island from January to December 2010, generating some P14.333 billion in tourism receipts.

Visitor arrivals in 2010 registered a 20.03% growth compared to the previous year’s 650,000 which generated a total of P12 billion in overall receipts.

Last month, an influential American travel magazine ranked Boracay as the fourth best island in the world.

Boracay received a score of 89.93 in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2011, which was the cover story of the magazine’s August issue. This is the first time that Boracay was recognized by the magazine.

A survey conducted by Travel + Leisure evaluated the islands according to their natural attractions, activities, sights, restaurants and food, people, and value for money. The survey was conducted among the magazine’s readers from December 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

Also, Boracay has been voted by users of travel website TripAdvisor as one of the world’s top beach destinations this year.

Army Allays Fears of Indigenous Groups

THE Army’s 3^rd Infantry Division (3ID) is assuring indigenous groups that its presence in Central Panay is to maintain peace and not violate human rights.

“We have put a premium in respecting human rights,” said Captain Reylan Java, 3ID spokesman, after an indigenous group reiterated the call for the Army to withdraw its presence in Iloilo and Capiz towns that are found in the mountain ranges of Central Panay.

On Monday, Barangay Captain Roy Giganto of Lahog village in Tapaz, Capiz said the indigenous communities in both provinces are again gripped by fear.

Giganto said the series of encounters between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA), with the latest attack last Sunday, has increased their risks in becoming collateral damage.

The Sunday ambush killed Private First Class Marlon Gahum while wounding 1st Lieutenant Joselito Dalida, 2nd Lieutenant Lisbon Ceasar Brawner, Corporal Renante Vicente, and Private First Class Arman Gemoranon.

Giganto said they are taking their petition to the local government units in both provinces and urged local officials to act on their call to oust the Army.

According to Giganto, they can become civilian casualties in any event that the army and NPA will clash again as troops have temporarily set-up camps in their barangay halls and multipurpose halls.

Java clarified that the soldiers are only staying temporarily and have used the barangay facilities after consultation with officials.

He also emphasized that the hierarchy of the 3ID has not received complaints or petition calling for their ouster in Central Panay.

San Beda FC knocks out Iloilo-Stallion FC

MAKATI – The heavy downpour did not quench the hotly contested semifinals match between two powerhouse teams in the PFF Smart Club Championships on the University of Makati pitch

After 90 minutes of high level football, Rizal-Smart San Beda Football Club (FC) defeated Smart Bro Iloilo-Stallion FC, 2-1.

A nifty through pass from Philip Younghusband enabled Vaughn Melandrez to first punch the back of the net for San Beda FC in the 16^th minute. Eliezer Fabroada gave San Beda its second goal in the 35^th minute.

The vaunted Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, played decoy and facilitated good passes in the whole first half.

In the second half, Stallion striker and former national team member Reuben Doctora Jr. kept Iloilo’s hopes alive after converting a stunning kick from the right side of the field in the 61^st minute, cutting San Beda’s lead by 1 goal.

The Ilonggo booters continued their rally but came short of scoring despite their impressive setup plays.

San Beda held on in the remaining 29 minutes of the regulation to clinch a spot in the finals.

“We dominated the second half, but we did not finish our attempts that could have equalized the game,” said Eduardo Robles, Jr. Stallion FC manager. “We won the game in positions but we lost on scores.”

Bervic Italia, Francis Gustilo and Korean reinforcing Lee Joo Young had good looks and strikes during the second half but their efforts were stymied by the good goal keeping of former national team keeper Ref Delany Cuaresma.

“It’s not an easy win for us. Our difference is we played out our hearts. If Stallion maintains its present line up, they will be a very strong team in the future,” said San beda coach and former national team coach Aris Caslib.

Korean exchange students Nam Yeol Woo, Lee Joo Young, Pi Yong Jae and Yoon Hyeong Jun served as back up players for Stallion FC.

CPU’s international football team coach, Dr. Eun Hyung Pee trained the Stallions in preparation for the tournament.

Rizal-San Beda will face the winner in the second semis match between NCR teams Pachanga FC and Teknika FC in the championship which will be played in a home and away format.

San Beda, however, will miss the services of the Younghusbands after the brothers both incurred red cards in the match against Iloilo.

FISCAL MESS IN TIGBAUAN (COA uncovers millions in fund misuse, misappropriation)

OVER P4.4 million in unliquidated cash advances. Wrong use of Special Education Fund (SEF). Millions in unimplemented programs. Over P7.4 million in lost earnings. Inadequate bond for town treasurer and an unsecured treasurer’s office.

Such summed up this year’s additional findings reported by Senior State Auditors on the 2010 operation of the Municipality of Tigbauan, Iloilo. This, as the latest Annual Audit Report (AAR) from the Commission on Audit (COA) uncovered as well town collections not remitted intact or in full for at least five years in a row.

As such, COA wants immediate action from town officials particularly Mayor James Excel Torres.

Exact amount wanting liquidation is P4,461,511.73 “thus exposing government funds to misappropriation and misuse,” COA said.

And wrong disbursements too from the SEF worth P223,027.39 “thus depriving the (town’s) students and teachers of the benefits derived there from.”

“In the post-audit of disbursements…it was noted that there were disbursements made by the Local School Board amounting…which were not in accordance with the rules and regulations on the utilization of Special Education Fund,” COA said.

With this, COA recommended for the immediate stop of SEF mis-use “not in accordance with the guidelines set for its utilization.” Provisions of the law, COA stressed, “should be strictly complied with.”

 

And then the issue of nearly P6 million in unimplemented projects identified under the mandatory 20% Development Fund which is sourced from LGUs’ Internal Revenue Allotment share. COA in validating the report said constituents were deprived of the benefits.

To note, it is mandatory for each local government unit (LGU) to set aside 20% Development Fund for local development plans. While compliance was met on the budget allocation, unimplemented were over P7.4 million in projects.

“It shall be the responsibility of every Municipal Mayor to ensure that the 20% of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) is optimally utilized hence it is but proper that programs and projects contained in the development plan be fully implemented,” the COA said.

As for lost earnings, COA reported of unrealized income worth P7,440,000, no thanks to some 48 markets stalls left unused.

“The Municipality entered into a loan agreement of P20M from the Development Bank of the Philippines for the construction of public market perimeter stalls. The loan was released April 28, 2009. The project was completed sometime in the latter part of 2009 and is ready for occupancy on the early month of 2010. However, as of this writing, the stalls were not yet occupied/rented,” COA said.

Continued delay, the Commission stressed, becomes “a burden by paying for the loan amortization without deriving income from it.”

“The projected income had the market stalls were rented during the year could have been a big help in sustaining market operation as well as accomplishing the programs and projects that would alleviate the lives of its constituents,” COA said.

And while a bidding for the stalls have been set, COA auditors learned of the delays thus calling anew the attention of Mayor Torres.

“The act of the Local Chief Executive in postponing the bidding and revising the guidelines is an offshoot of the possible mockery of the bidding.”

Meantime, COA also wants official explanation on the inadequate bond mandated on every town treasurer.

“In the conduct of cash examination, it was noted that collections of the municipality ranges an average of P1.5 million per month or more but the bond of the OIC Municipal Treasurer was only P225,000 thereby exposing government funds to risk in case the accountable officer absconds, transfers or is relieved from service,” COA said.

Worse even is the town’s treasurer office itself found by COA as “not properly secured exposing government funds and property to risk of loss thru theft due to its accessibility to unauthorized personnel contrary to sound internal control.”

Turned out that inside the treasurer’s office is a restroom for public and common office use with local taxpayers and employees in nearby offices “free to go in and out because there are no restrictions impose on them.”

Gun ban to be Lifted this Week?

THE total gun ban in eight northern Iloilo towns might be lifted in the coming days, a ranking official of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) said.

A PNA news item quoted S/Supt. Manuel Felix, PRO-6 deputy regional director for operations, who said the lifting of the suspension of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) in the 5^th district may take effect within this week.

Felix, who also heads Task Force Kalinong in northern Iloilo, said the basis of the lifting of the gun ban will depend on the peace and order situation in the towns of Ajuy, Balasan, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, San Dionisio and Sara.

The towns of Barotac Viejo, San Rafael and Lemery were excluded from the gun ban.

“If it is true that the objectives of the PTCFOR suspension have been achieved, then lifting of the suspension is forthcoming,” the news item quoted Felix.

Citing intelligence reports, Felix said roaming armed groups have fled the towns where the gun ban is in effect.

The gun ban was implemented by the PNP upon the recommendations of PRO-6 director, C/Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr. over alleged rising lawlessness and proliferation of illegal firearms in the area. The ban took effect from July 2011 and is supposed to end in January 2012.

The Iloilo provincial government, municipal mayors, vice mayors and village chiefs have raised opposition to the suspension of PTCFOR in northern Iloilo due to lack of justifiable basis and prior public consultation.

Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said he is optimistic that the PNP will lift the gun ban due to pressures from various sectors in the province.

Defensor said he is expecting the response of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who has jurisdiction over the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Police Director General Raul Bacalzo to his request to lift the controversial order.

Bacalzo sent an evaluation team to Iloilo late last month to check the peace and order situation in the 5^th district and implementation of the gun ban.

The PNP, so far, has arrested one person from San Dionisio, Iloilo for carrying a homemade shotgun in the streets of Sara town.

The police also raided the homes of three village officials in Sara on suspicion of keeping unlicensed firearms but they failed to recover any gun.

The ban was criticized by the mayors’ league and provincial peace and order council as capricious and arbitrary.