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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

Skipping the succeeding senate sessions after the issuance of arrest warrant caused upset not only with the senate officials and government authorities but the public as well. The suspended mayor found a good excuse from attending the senate hearings albeit unaccepted by the senate committee conducting the investigation. What the suspended mayor is doing is clearly an upfront if not an insult to our country’s legal system and processes.

After lying in the many sessions conducted by the senate committee, she now has the boldness to avoid the hearings. The public had witnessed how the suspended mayor kept repeating her incredible tale that she was homeschooled by a tutor while growing in a farm in the town where she is the present mayor. Aside from her farm life story, she too was found lying about her parents and her family. It took sometime for the senate to obtain documentary evidence that her parents were Chinese and she had siblings. The documents also showed that her mother was not the housemaid she mentioned at the outset of the senate investigation.

While the senate had been strict with other resource persons, too quick to cite in contempt those found lying, it was too kind with the suspended mayor. In many instances, the senate committee found the suspended mayor lying but had not cited her in contempt. Had the senate cited the suspended mayor in contempt on the very first instance that they found her lying, she could have been jailed long ago. It could have saved the government with the problem of looking for her this time that she disappeared. The authorities are now in a quandary trying to find leads about the whereabouts of the suspended mayor.

The noose that would have been tightened earlier is now a loophole that the suspended mayor had passed through in skipping the senate hearings. She disappeared from public view and is nowhere to be found by the authorities. Recent efforts had the authorities empty handed despite surveillance activities aimed at finding her hiding place. Raids in the farm and the buildings where online gambling operations are conducted turned negative.

Truly, kindness is sometimes abused especially if the subject recipient is one who is known for her abusive character. The fact that the suspended mayor had the capacity to use her resources to subvert the law and anything that would put her in peril should have forewarned the authorities from the outset of the investigation. She is now in hiding and the authorities are taking all collaborative efforts to locate her. Going from the different places she had access to could be a challenge to the authorities. Amid these developments, all government agencies must keep in mind that the suspended mayor owns many vehicles and a helicopter which she could easily be used in her permanent skip.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Balancing Act: Setting Priorities When Your Plate is Full

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MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO
MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

Many years ago, life seemed to be moving slow. However, with the technology that we have today, living in a fast-paced world, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed with numerous responsibilities and obligations. When our plate is full, it becomes crucial to set clear priorities and manage our time effectively. By doing so, we can maintain a healthy work-life balance, reduce stress, and achieve our goals. This article will delve into practical strategies to help you set priorities when your plate is full.

1. Assess and Define Importance:

Begin by assessing all the tasks and responsibilities on your plate. Ask yourself: What truly matters? Identify the urgent, important, and non-essential tasks. Categorize them based on their impact and relevance to your short-term and long-term goals.

2. Personal Values Alignment:
Consider your core values and align your priorities accordingly. When you focus on what truly matters to you, you can make better decisions and allocate your time and energy wisely. Ensure your priorities are in line with your personal values, giving you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

3. Eliminate or Delegate:
Recognize that you are not Superman and cannot do everything. Identify tasks that are not essential or don’t align with your goals, and eliminate them if possible. Delegate responsibilities to trusted colleagues, family members, or professionals when appropriate. This allows you to free up time and energy for tasks that truly require your attention.

4. Time Blocking:
Implement time-blocking techniques to create a schedule that accommodates your set priorities. Allocate specific time slots for each task or responsibility, ensuring you have a structured plan for the day. Be realistic with your time estimates, leaving room for unforeseen circumstances.

If you think that you have a number of tasks to do within a day, allocate time on each time. And if you can, limit the time you spend on unnecessary things, such as talking on the phone or using social media. These are distractions that interfere with your tasks.

5. Focus on One Task at a Time:
Multi-tasking might seem tempting, but it often leads to reduced productivity and increased stress. Instead, focus on one task at a time. Give it your undivided attention and complete it to the best of your ability before moving on to the next. This allows for greater efficiency and a higher quality of work.

Multi-tasking has become common nowadays. However, this is not for everyone. Forcing yourself to do multiple tasks all at the same time affects the quality of work that you put on each task.

6. Learn to Say No:
One of the key aspects of setting priorities is learning to say no when necessary. Understand that it’s okay to decline requests or opportunities that don’t align with your priorities or will overburden your plate. Prioritize your own well-being and protect your precious time and energy.

This is one common problems among individuals who want to please others. Not being able to say “No” robs you of your precious time in accomplishing your tasks.

7. Regularly Review and Adjust:
Periodically review your priorities to ensure they are still relevant and aligned with your goals. Priorities can change as circumstances evolve, so it is essential to regularly reassess and make adjustments accordingly. Be flexible and adaptable in managing your priorities.

8. Self-Care and Balance:
Amidst a full plate, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and maintain balance in your life. Take care of your physical and mental well-being by getting enough rest, engaging in activities you enjoy, and nurturing your relationships. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be more effective in managing your responsibilities.

Setting priorities when your plate is full is a skill that can greatly enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and help you lead a balanced life. By assessing importance, aligning with values, and using effective time management techniques, you can handle your obligations more effectively. Remember to regularly review and adjust your priorities, and always make time for self-care. Embrace the art of setting priorities wisely, and watch as your life becomes more focused, purposeful, and rewarding.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Courier turns over suspected marijuana to Maasin City police

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ORMOC CITY-A local courier company based in Maasin City invited the police to their office after discovering a long-unclaimed parcel containing suspected marijuana.

The incident occurred around 3:15 pm on Wednesday, July 18, at the J&T Warehouse in Barangay Abgao, Maasin City.

City chief of police, PLt. Col. Jason Balbarona, reported that Jergmiah Junio, 34, an area network manager at J&T and resident of Barangay Naghalin, Kananga, Leyte, made a personal call to the police station to report the find.

Balbarona said he immediately notified the local Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office and accompanied them to the warehouse.

An initial investigation by local police revealed that the parcel had been in the warehouse for an extended period but remained unclaimed.

This prompted the courier worker to open the parcel to inspect its contents. Upon opening, they discovered a plastic sachet containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana.

The police added that the name of the intended recipient has not been disclosed as they are awaiting the receiver’s explanation regarding the contents of the parcel.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Cops charged for libel by a village leader before Ombudsman

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TACLOBAN CITY – A barangay chairman from Leyte, Leyte has filed a libel case with the Office of the Ombudsman against two high-ranking police officers from the province.

The accused officers, identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Marben Ordonia, head of the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), and Police Lieutenant Colonel Duane Francis Ducducan, have been named in the complaint lodged by Edgar Dela Rosa, chairman of Barangay Baco, Leyte town.

In his complaint, Dela Rosa stated that in October 2023, he received a chat message from a friend who informed him that the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Unit and the Leyte Provincial Police Office were disseminating a memorandum about an emerging “Criminal Group Dela Rosa” in the 3rd District of Leyte and in Ormoc City.

Dela Rosa learned that this memorandum originated from the PNP Regional Intelligence Division of Region 8 and concerned his activities and involvement in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, 2023.

Upon receiving this information, Dela Rosa took steps to verify the existence of the memorandum. He sought the help of his family members, who include retired and active police officers residing in the 3rd and 4th districts of Leyte. The family was alarmed by the information tagging Edgar as an emerging leader of a criminal group.

After being re-elected as chairman of Brgy. Baco in the October 2023 elections, Dela Rosa reported that the memorandum resurfaced and was spread across PNP stations in the 3rd district of Leyte and in Ormoc City, which is in the 4th district of Leyte.

He claims the memorandum is libelous and calls for penalties under Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, as well as for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of public officers against respondents Ordonia and Ducducan.

Dela Rosa argues that the dissemination of the memorandum, which he received and read through text messages, constitutes a violation of Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code for libel and/or cyber libel, with cellphones considered a computer or similar device used for public dissemination of the malicious imputation.

He asserted that the memorandum describing him as the leader of an emerging criminal group was a false and malicious imputation that caused dishonor to him and his family.
He claimed it was publicized without any warning of confidentiality and spread among the citizens of Leyte, Leyte.

As defined in Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), libel is a public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, defect, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt.

Cyber libel, under Section 4(c) (4) of Republic Act No. 10175, requires that the imputation must be made publicly, be malicious, be directed at an identifiable person, and be done through the use of a computer system.

The Leyte Samar Daily Express could not contact both Ordonia and Ducducan for their reactions on the filing of libel case against them.

LNHS student tops peace art competition in Manila

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ART PEACE COMPETITION. Azen Nel Armamento, student of the Leyte National High School in Tacloban City won a peace art contest held last June 15. The young artist will represent the Philippines in the international competition. (PHOTO COURTESY)
ART PEACE COMPETITION. Azen Nel Armamento, student of the Leyte National High School in Tacloban City won a peace art contest held last June 15. The young artist will represent the Philippines in the international competition.
(PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – A student from the Leyte National High School, this city, won first place in the high school division of the preliminary round of the IWPG 6th Loving Peace Art Competition.

The announcement was made recently by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Philippines held in Manila last June 15.

Azel Nel Armamento’s winning entry, “Supporting Friends in Times of War Through Compassionate Actions,” reflects his deep understanding of peace work.

“My artwork serves as a visual representation of the multifaceted approach to conveying a heart of peace to friends enduring the hardships of war,” he said.

The artwork also highlights the significance of sending thoughtful messages, organizing virtual gatherings for communal support, encouraging positive coping mechanisms, and maintaining connections to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity.

In the elementary division, the first place winner in the preliminary round is Eunice Tubaña from San Nicolas School, Hagonoy West District, Bulacan. Her winning entry, “The Power of Friendship That Creates Peace,” highlights how friendship connects everyone in the world, builds trust, and grows with love to attain peace.

Both Armamento and Tubaña, along with the second and third place winners, will compete with other winners from around the world in the final round of the IWPG 6th Loving Peace Art Competition with the theme “Peace, Let’s Be Friends.”

More than 40 young artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the Philippines, as well as participants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Pakistan, took part in the competition.

Their artworks not only showcased diverse cultural perspectives but also emphasized the transformative power of art in promoting peace.

The IWPG unites women worldwide to fundamentally solve conflicts and violence on Earth, protecting lives from war and passing down peace as a legacy to future generations. Its mission is “Building an Institution of Peace through Female Solidarity.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Cook arrested for drug selling in Maasin City

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ORMOC CITY-An 18-year-old cook was arrested during a buy-bust operation on Saturday, July 20, at around 3:30 pm in Barangay Combado, Maasin City.

Maasin City Police Chief PLt. Col. Jason Balbarona identified the suspect as Justin Botyok, single and a resident of said village.

Botyok is listed as a street level individual on the police drug watchlist.

During the operation, three sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu were recovered from Botyok.

The substance was purchased by an undercover operative for P3,000.

A body search, conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, led to the discovery of three P1,000 bills.

The suspect did not issue any statement to the media covering the operation.

Charges for violating Section 5 (selling illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, have been filed at the City Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect is currently detained at the Maasin City Police Station lock-up cell.
(ROBERT DEJON)

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