The
recent bombing raids and invasion by Israel into Lebanon had caught Philippine
Embassy officials in Lebanon unprepared.
In
fact, the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines sent a barrage of notes
verbale to various embassies that were rushing to pull out their citizens from
the bombed areas in Lebanon to let Filipinos hitch a ride in their evacuation
vessels out of the war-torn country.
The
problem is that we don't have ships where our nationals can board unlike the United
States and France, a DFA spokesman said.
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As
of Thursday, 74 were killed as 20 tons of bombs were dropped in Lebanon.
This
took place when Israeli troops battled Lebanese guerrillas as warplanes bombarded
suspected Hezbollah bunker.
Lebanon
issued a desperate plea for international help after the bloodiest day of conflict.
The
Philippine has stayed neutral on the conflict.
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Some
bishops were linked to destabilization plots against President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo.
Latest
to be linked is Bishop Antonio Tobias. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said that
Bishop Tobias could be criminally charged for harboring Magdalo soldiers out to
bring down President Arroyo.
Gonzales
said that state lawyers were evaluating a statement given by Bishop Tobias in
two television interviews on Tuesday that he had given sanctuary in his official
residence to Army 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan.
But
Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. doubted the liability of Bishop Tobias. Pimentel
said that 1st Lt. San Juan is still presumed innocent since he has not yet been
convicted. Bishop Tobias could not be liable for harboring criminals since 1st
Lt. San Juan is not yet a convict.
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Hundreds
of Boholanos from all over the world have returned to the province of Bohol to
attend the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK). The TBTK coincides with the
month-long celebration of the Sandugo Festival.
Today's
highlight of the Sandugo Festival is the street dancing. About 40 contingents
are participating in the street dancing.
Aside
from street dancing, the agri-fair and trade fair have been attracting people
from all walks of life.
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* * * *
No
doubt, the Sandugo Festival has contributed to the tourism industry in the province
of Bohol.
But
to the ordinary Boholanos, the Sandugo Festival has caused the prices of commodities
to abruptly rise due to the law of supply and demand. Demands of consumer goods
are high during the Sandugo month. That is why prices of prime commodities rise.
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How
about the new site of the Sandugo decided by the National Historical Institute?
Instead of the blood compact site as Bool, Tagbilaran City, the NHI ruled that
it took place in Hinawanan, Loay, Bohol.
The
declaration has not dampened the Sandugo celebration. The Sandugo Festival has
been celebrated with more enthusiasm as participants to street dancing have risen
to 40 contingents. This has happened despite the fact that no prizes were announced
as there were no contests among street dancers.
*
* * * *
Congratulations
to Atty. Doni Piquero for being appointed as city legal officer by Mayor Dan Lim.
We hope that the City Government can now implement the City Legal Aid Program
with the appointment of lawyer Piquero.
*
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For
comments and reactions, send mail to Atty. Jorge D. Cabalit, Cabalit Law Office,
74 Belderol Street, Tagbilaran City or send e-mail to: viewpoints@boholchronicle.com | 
