Negros Opinion

This time, it’s the Taiwanese who had to be on the defensive, their erring media has to apologize to Filipinos being victimized by erroneous reports by their own journalists making up false claims in their print media outlet. The Taiwanese president himself had to make assurances that no such negative stories happened and that they would not tolerate such false claims.

These apologies only goes to show that the Taiwanese themselves are taking advantage of the adverse effects that the diplomatic impasse has been taking place not only in the disputed seawaters between China and the Philippines and lately, between the Philippines and Taiwan, but also in the streets and corridors of the two Chinese territories, victimizing Filipinos right in their jurisdictions where they used to be allies being workers in their factories and industries.

BECAUSE IT IS JUST RIGHT. There are now discussions and debates on the holding of elections in the basic or lower level of governance and which is the barangay.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes has recommended that for the sake of adequate preparations, elections in the barangay be postponed either in 2014 or early, 2015 because it is too early for this. A lot of preparations are needed, says the Comelec honcho. But those who decided on the October 2013 date, must be men who are wiser than most, congressmen and senators.

Of course, barangay officials to include councilmen and those in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) would push for elections later, to promote their own interests. They will continue to receive privileges, benefits and their wages while they are staying in office.

Those who are facing anti-graft complaints or actual anti-graft cases in the Sandiganbayan Bayan, will benefit immensely too, from the poll’s postponement.

The newly promoted masters passed the 2nd NOBF Rank Advancement Examinations after a preliminary open discussion and a subsequent technical test wherein the three highest ranking grandmasters of the federation - NOBF Founder/President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., NOBF President P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, and NOBF Vice President P/Insp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez of the Golden Kamagong international -

With the assistance of GM Guinabo, executed attacks where the candidates had to defend against using blocking, disarming, locking, and countering methods from their particular system/style of Arnis.

Another set of promotions, this time in Conceptual Arnis System (Conceptual Martial Arts System) were awarded by Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Arnis System and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Promoted to Manunuon III was Montano "Mon" Mondia IV, a long time student of Sy at the USLS Aikido Club and CMAS-USLS; to Manunuon II, Rapahel "Rocky" K. Molina of Livingstone International School; and Manunuon I to Kimberly O. Longno of Riverside College.* (JUS)

　‘The Beast’ is leading 2013 PBA MVP candidate

After two conferences and a first ever Philippine Basketball Association title in his rookie season, neophyte Calvin Abueva of Alaska is the early frontrunner in the Most Valuable Player race after 39 games for the Uytengsu franchise with 21.1571 statistical points.

In second place is Arwind Santos of Petron Blaze with 20.9454 statistical points in 31 outings for the Boosters in two conferences followed by Jayson Castro of Talk ‘N Text who has 20.0071 SPs after 45 games for the Philippine Cup champions Tropang Texters.

Also in the Top 10 are Solomon Mercado of Meralco/Globalport (19.3795 SPs), Mark Caguioa of Ginebra (19.2324), Ranidel De Ocampo of TNT (19.0137), Jayvee Casio of Alaska (18.5192), LA Tenorio of Ginebra (18.3373), Cyrus Baguio of the Aces (18.1459) and Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee with 17.6940 statistical points.

AND EXULTATIONS OF VICTORIES. The recent senatorial, congressional and local governments’ election was one of surprises, even more so shocking defeats for well-entrenched candidates vying for reelection or political clans.

In some cases the pains of defeat were marred by incidents akin to applying salt on gaping wounds.

The recent elections also, in a way pinpointed the ills and weaknesses, the glaring imperfections of the country’s electoral system.

Among the most exulting victories was that of the hotly-contested gubernatorial battle, nay, war between Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and erstwhile political ally Lim-ao Alvarez which also meant a humiliating defeat for a once-assumed political honcho, a billionaire twice over.