CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
While I am scribbling this column I am on a couch facing 7 Christmas Trees with 6 standing as guards and one huge tree at the center.
The trees were made of mostly red metallic balls painted in red and white. the balls are striped and the huge star on top is lighted like Neon sign.
The most conspicuous sight is the moving feet of the elf with half of the body shoved into the tree while the cute legs move in a rhythmic staccato.
The hotel was bursting with glitters and reds and lights. The sound of Christmas jazz fills the air.
The coolness of the air-conditioned air is simply a respite from the heat outside.
This is Christmas of the modern times. When we look back the real Christmas was nothing compared to the real nativity.
It was a simple and even harrowing event of struggle of trying to find room and board for the possible delivery of a baby.
The couple of Joseph and Mary were not even dressed to the nines.
They were more of strangers trying to survive.
The accommodations were shabby and the co occupants on the barn were livestock like cows and horses with dung and other smell on the air.
The weather outside as Frank would say was frightful and yet the fire was absent and thus, its not delightful.
Cold, damp, cow dung, on top of the ignominious and shabby treatment, its years away from where I am. The beverage list of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are on sight and suddenly I remember, Jesus was born on a manger.
And that the real Christmas thousand of years back was no not like this.
And yes, I left the lobby and went back to the ball room.
The Real Christmas of which a Savior and Messiah was born, was simple, frugal and shockingly simple.
And as I was leaving i regret taking the first step away from the couch, but I remember Jesus, His was a study of contrast and yet, its His birthday we are pre-celebrating.
Thus, its a sad feeling that ALL these are never, never like His Christmas…
QUAKE DRILL. The Philippine National Police regional headquarters under the leadership of B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, conducted an earthquake on Thursday, Nov. 14. (PRO-8)
QUAKE DRILL. The Philippine National Police regional headquarters under the leadership of B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, conducted an earthquake on Thursday, Nov. 14. (PRO-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region participated in the 4th quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill (NSED) on Thursday, November 14, to enhance disaster preparedness.
During the drill, an alarm signaled the start, and personnel performed the “duck, cover, and hold” maneuver before evacuating to a designated triage area for headcounts and assessments.
The exercise included evaluations to identify effective practices and address challenges, aiming to improve emergency response.
Police B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, emphasized that continuous training enhances readiness and the ability to protect both personnel and communities during natural disasters. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
ISABEL,Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds an evacuation center at Marvel Integrated National Comprehensive School in Isabel, Leyte. With a contract cost of P 6,860,698.65, the project involved the construction of a multi-purpose building (covered court).
For Mr. Joveniano B. Atupan, a teacher and the school’s Physical Facilities Coordinator, the facility represents more than just a new structure. “This evacuation center sa school, dako kaayo ni siya ug tabang,” he shared, explaining how the teachers, students, and parents were overjoyed when they first heard the news. “We really need this facility kay muhatag siya ug comfort and place of refuge in times of emergency.”
Mr. Atupan noted that it would not only serve as a safe space but also as a versatile venue. “Makatabang siya not just sa students but all surrounding groups of people and organizations here in Isabel, and even Merida and Palompon,” he said.“We can use it for multi-purpose activities for sports, culture and arts, academic contests, festivals, and advocacy seminars.”
Previously, the school and community would have to look elsewhere to hold larger events and gatherings, often travelling to nearby towns. With its completion, they now have a venue of their own that can accommodate a wide range of activities and bring people together. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – Emmanuel Balmoria Veloso’s congressional bid for Leyte’s 3rd district faces a major challenge after a disqualification case was filed against him with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In a 24-page petition, Emmanuel Mariblanca Veloso contested the legality of Balmoria Veloso’s candidacy, citing discrepancies in his certificate of candidacy (CoC) filed on October 3.
Mariblanca Veloso pointed out that while the CoC listed Balmoria Veloso’s birthdate as September 21, 1955, two attached affidavits of renunciation of foreign citizenship indicated his birthdate as September 21, 1957.
“This is not a mere clerical error since the two affidavits clearly state September 21, 1957, as the date of birth,” the petitioner argued on his petition he filed at the Comelec central office on Oct.24.
The petition also highlighted that Balmoria Veloso, a U.S. citizen, had a renunciation of foreign citizenship document signed by Quezon City Jail Superintendent Warren Geronimo on October 1, 2024.
The petitioner argued that Geronimo is not authorized to sign such documents under Bureau of Jail Management and Penology rules, rendering it a private document without legal effect.
Additionally, the petition raised concerns about the notarization of Balmoria Veloso’s CoC, claiming it was sworn before a jail warden, contrary to Comelec’s requirement that CoCs be sworn before a notary public or an authorized official.
Mariblanca Veloso argued that the CoC’s irregularities necessitate its cancellation.
“The Constitution, laws, jurisprudence, and Comelec regulations are clearly leaning on the respondent not being a Filipino citizen. The CoC, affidavit of renunciation dated October 1, 2024, and other related documents were all administered by an officer unauthorized to administer oaths for this purpose,” he stated.
The petitioner urged Comelec to disqualify Balmoria Veloso, asserting, “The respondent should not be allowed to run for the position of member of the House of Representatives for the 3rd district of Leyte.”
Balmoria Veloso is currently detained in Quezon City Jail, facing allegations of masterminding the May 8, 2019, killing of Levi Mabini, the municipal administrator of San Isidro, Leyte.
The CoC of Balmoria Veloso, who could not be reached for his comment, was filed by Rem Beryl Veloso.
The current district representative, Anna Victoria Veloso Tuazon, who is seeking for her second term.
CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) is currently undertaking the construction of a vital road in Brgy. Macagtas, Catarman, Northern Samar.
The project amounting to P19.78 million, involves the construction of a 360-meter-length concrete road, which includes embankment and slope protection structure reinforced box culvert and concrete median.
The newly constructed road will serve as an alternate route for Catarman Diversion Road II, which is struggling to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles in the area.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio expressed optimism about the project’s impact.
“When this road project is complete, motorists will have easy access from Barangay Molave to Barangay Narra where the Catarman Public Market is located. This development aims to ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient transport route for motorists.”
DPWH-NSFDEO anticipates Phase 2 of the project, the road will be expanded to four lanes to further enhance its capacity. Additionally, plans are underway to build a mini park along the road section, offering a recreational space for the community and adding aesthetic value to the area.
Once completed, the road will provide easier access and improve mobility between two Barangays, benefiting both locals and motorists.(PR)
SANTA CLAUS HAS COME TO TOWN. The Christmas spirit has arrived in Northern Samar with the opening of the Pasko Village at the provincial capitol compound on November 9. A major attraction is none other than Santa Claus himself, featured in his sleigh.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
SANTA CLAUS HAS COME TO TOWN. The Christmas spirit has arrived in Northern Samar with the opening of the Pasko Village at the provincial capitol compound on November 9. A major attraction is none other than Santa Claus himself, featured in his sleigh. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
In her 1st court appearance
TACLOBAN CITY-After more than four years in detention, Frenchie Mae Cumpio appeared in court for the first time on Monday, November 11, denying allegations that she and her co-accused possessed firearms and used a hideout.
Cumpio, 25, gave more than an hour of testimony before Judge Georgina Perez of Regional Trial Court-Branch 45 in Tacloban City, asserting her role as a practicing community journalist.
She is one of the “Tacloban 5,” charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Cumpio also faces a separate charge of terrorism financing, all of which are non-bailable offenses.
Cumpio and her co-accused—Mariel Domequil, who was also around; Marissa Cabaljao, Mira Legion, and Alexander Philip Abinguna—were arrested on February 7, 2020, by members of the CIDG, Philippine National Police, and 802nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Eligio Petilla of RTC-44 on February 3, 2020.
The group contends that the raid occurred at their headquarters, which authorities referred to as their “hideout.” Several firearms and ammunition were reportedly seized during the operation.
Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna remain detained at Tacloban City Jail, while Cabaljao and Legion were permitted to post bail for charges of illegal possession of firearms.
During her testimony, Cumpio, wearing a yellow T-shirt and vest, recounted how the raiding officers dragged them from their bedroom and made them lie on the kitchen floor.
“All we saw were boots,” she stated when asked by her lawyer if she could observe the actions of the raiding officers inside their room. The alleged contraband was reportedly found in the room shared by Cumpio and Domequil.
Cumpio refuted military claims, emphasizing that she is a legitimate media worker affiliated with Eastern Vista, which runs a radio program on a local station.
Through her lawyers, she presented her media ID and receipts for payment to the radio station airing their program “Lingganay.”
Len Olea, secretary-general of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), commended Cumpio’s testimony, stating, “She was able to debunk the allegations against her and her co-accused. We are confident that her testimony is crucial for the dismissal of the charges.”
“We hope the judge will see the truth and dispense justice in her favor,” Olea added, who was present during the hearing.
The incident took place during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte who was accused of red tagging various human rights groups in the country.
Multiple human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the dismissal of charges against Cumpio and her co-accused, describing them as fabricated and meant to silence human rights defenders.
Beh Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists, also urged the dismissal of charges, saying, “Journalists should not be persecuted for doing their job. They must not languish in jail for uncovering human rights abuses or reporting on climate-driven disasters. Ms. Cumpio’s prolonged imprisonment is emblematic of the criminalization of journalism in the Philippines, which has no place in a democratic society.”
The military has claimed that Cumpio and her group are linked to militant organizations alleged to be fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.
They identified Cumpio as secretary of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC-EVRPC), Domequil as a member of RWAC-EVRPC and finance officer of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas, Abinguna as a member of Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas, Legion as a member of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, and Cabaljao as part of People Surge.
Real and the Commercial Christmas
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
While I am scribbling this column I am on a couch facing 7 Christmas Trees with 6 standing as guards and one huge tree at the center.
The trees were made of mostly red metallic balls painted in red and white. the balls are striped and the huge star on top is lighted like Neon sign.
The most conspicuous sight is the moving feet of the elf with half of the body shoved into the tree while the cute legs move in a rhythmic staccato.
The hotel was bursting with glitters and reds and lights. The sound of Christmas jazz fills the air.
The coolness of the air-conditioned air is simply a respite from the heat outside.
This is Christmas of the modern times. When we look back the real Christmas was nothing compared to the real nativity.
It was a simple and even harrowing event of struggle of trying to find room and board for the possible delivery of a baby.
The couple of Joseph and Mary were not even dressed to the nines.
They were more of strangers trying to survive.
The accommodations were shabby and the co occupants on the barn were livestock like cows and horses with dung and other smell on the air.
The weather outside as Frank would say was frightful and yet the fire was absent and thus, its not delightful.
Cold, damp, cow dung, on top of the ignominious and shabby treatment, its years away from where I am. The beverage list of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are on sight and suddenly I remember, Jesus was born on a manger.
And that the real Christmas thousand of years back was no not like this.
And yes, I left the lobby and went back to the ball room.
The Real Christmas of which a Savior and Messiah was born, was simple, frugal and shockingly simple.
And as I was leaving i regret taking the first step away from the couch, but I remember Jesus, His was a study of contrast and yet, its His birthday we are pre-celebrating.
Thus, its a sad feeling that ALL these are never, never like His Christmas…