Online political campaign is now a necessity for public officials especially this coming 2013 poll elections.

According to Internet World Stats data gathered last March 2012, there are 2.3 billion Internet users across the globe and 33.6 million of them came from the Philippines. These numbers are still expected to rise as more technological advances that increases Online connectivity are being developed. Because the Internet is becoming a very important touch point for connecting with the Filipino masses, many public officials and institutions alike are realizing the need to establish their Online presence. Conducting political campaigns will not just enable them to provide efficient public service, It will also serve as an advantage to create a better public image and thus increase potential vote shares. Larger Public Reach In the survey conducted by TNS in 2012, 45% of Filipinos choose to access the Internet compared to 36% and 12% who preferred the radio and newspapers. This means that bringing political campaigns online will enable the officials to reach a larger Filipino audience and more Filipinos can view their credentials and platforms. Come election time, they have a bigger chance of obtaining higher votes because of their campaigns wider reach. The results of the last presidential elections in the Philippines and U.S. showed how important it is for electoral candidates to reach out and tap into the youth sector Online. Of the 47 million eligible voters in the Philippines in 2012, more than half of them are classified as youth voters. If theres a place where politicians must put their best stake on, its no where else but the Internet. The number of youth voters alone can make a politician win the elections by landslide if the candidate knows where and how to reach them.

Reaching through the Internet means targeting the online platforms where most people gather. To be successful in the coming elections, candidates must craft a comprehensive Online political campaigns for 2013 using these strategies and tools: 1. Search Engine Optimization Get noticed on the Internet by utilizing search engines like Google. When people search information about a candidate or issues relating to him, the user can be redirected to the candidates website, articles and press releases. 2. Social Media Marketing Reach the online community through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. A candidate can post recent updates, announce events and entertain queries from the netizens 24/7. With these, he or she will have more followers and be more influential in the online world. 3. Google Adwords Advertisements play crucial roles in a candidates online campaign. With Adwords, the candidate can target specific demographics and specific search queries in different search engines and websites.

Of late, there are two festering territorial issues that have hogtied the media and peoples imagination. The more known one is the Philippines assertion of ownership over a group of coral-islands somewhere in South China Sea. The other and most recent territorial controversy is the Philippine Sabah Claim based on the proprietary rights over it by the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

The first landmark considered when it comes to territory is the accepted limits established by the colonial masters. These landmarks are arbitrary and have NO Real-Time Public Service consideration of the rights of the weak, since power defines Several government agencies and political figures have put up ownership, control and supervision. They draw the lines websites and social media accounts because unlike traditional tri- and they determine ownership and control.
media, the Internet allows its users to communicate and access information in real time. This enables them to deliver public services in a more efficient and convenient manner. They can keep track of all citizen concerns without much paperwork, provide public assistance and respond to inquiries immediately.

Effective Public Engagement Online political campaigns are better ways of connecting with the Filipino public. Because of real-time connectivity, the public officials can communicate with everyone and anyone across the country. They can use a host of Online communication platforms (like blogs and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter) which are effective tools for personal dialogues and public engagement. Through online campaigns, the distance and time limitations which usually hinders effective public engagement goes out of the picture. Effective Image and Reputation Management People search for almost everything they need Online, and not all of it can help the image of public officials. Often times, the content from blogs and other Online platforms are destructive statements and negative opinions which can stir doubt and decrease public trust. By conducting Online political campaigns, public officials can defend themselves and protect their reputation. They cannot control what their critics will put up, but they can make sure that the public will see a fair and balanced version of their person. Strategies and Tools for Effective Online Elections Campaigns

The first delineation of the territory of the Archipelago of the Philippines is the Treaty of Paris limits established when Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States of America in 1898. Sad to say the so-called Treaty limits do NOT include the islands now called Kalayaan Islands Group and Sabah. The second possible delineation of territorial limits is based on the new law of the sea established by UNCLOS. This new delineation includes not only the 12 miles of territorial sea from the shoreline but also the 200 miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The first 12 miles contiguous to the territorial waters is designated as Contiguous Zone. This is the basis of the new claim of 24 miles from the shorelines within the control and supervision of the Republic. The third way of delineation of territory is through legislation. The drawback of delineation by legislation is the fact that it is also unilateral. It is only enforceable either by the force of law within the state and through treaties when disputes involve inter-states or simply by a show of brute force. Colonial powers, superpowers and empires continue to do so regardless of rights and historical considerations. The first attempts at legislation and decrees were the examples of RA 3046 as amended by RA 5446 establishing

the Republics baselines beyond the limits imposed by the 1898 Treaty of Paris. The first attempts did NOT include the group of islands now called as Kalayaan Islands group and North Borneo or Sabah. During the long years of President Marcos, two Presidential Decrees (PD) set new territorial delineations. PD 1599 sets the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic towards the South China Sea and PD 1596 that expressly included the Kalayaan islands. This was followed in 2009, when RA 9522 sets the Archipelagic Baselines of the Philippines that includes the regime of islands aka Kalayaan. Obviously China does NOT recognize the domestic legislations. It does not recognize the two PDs nor does it accept RA 9522 in settling disputes over waters and islands between states. Similarly, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan also do not recognize the territorial limits established by PHL domestic laws to establish sovereignty over disputed islands and waters. The Sabah claim is something different. There is NO dispute that prior to the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo was recognized as the legitimate sovereign of the said territory. The Sultan acquired the ownership through GRANT by the Sultan of Brunei in recognition of the Sulu warriors for saving the Sultanate during an uprising.

Sabah claims cannot easily be dismissed for some parochial concerns or ignorance of the complex issue.

WHERE IS SABAH? North Borneo is much undeveloped and very rich in natural resources. One of the wealthiest oil producing countries is located in same island of Borneo, the tiny Sultanate of Brunei.

THE LEASE STARTED IT ALL

The Sultanate of Sulu was granted the territory as a prize for helping the Sultan of Brunei against his enemies and from then on that part of Borneo is recognized as part of the Sultan of Sulu's sovereignty. In 1878, Baron Von Overbeck, an Austrian partner representing The British North Borneo Co. and his partner British Alfred Dent, leased the territory known as "Sabah" - roughly translated as "the land beneath the winds". In 1878, a certain Baron Von Overbeck, an Austrian partner In return the company will provide arms to the Sultan to resist the spaniards and 5,000 Malaysian ringgits annual rental representing The British North Borneo Co. and his partner British Alfred Dent, leased the territory known as "Sabah. In based on the Mexican dollars value at that time or its return the company provided the much the arms and other equivalent in gold. This lease have been continued until the logistics to the Sultan to resist the Spaniards and 5,000 independence and formation of the Malaysian federation in Malaysian ringgits annual rental based on the Mexican 1963 together with Singapore,Sarawak and Malaysia. Up to dollars value at that time or its equivalent in gold. these days, the Malaysians have been continuing the rental payment of 5,300 Malaysian ringgits - a 300 ringgits increased Then in 1939 the judgment of Chief Justice C.F.C. Makaskie of the High Court of North Borneo in the civil suit filed by the from original rent. late Dayang Dayang Hadji Piandao and eight other heirs of In 1962 during the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal's administration the Sultan of Sulu, including the famous Putlih (Princess) (the father of the present president, Glorio Arroyo), the Tarhata Kiram, upheld the validity of the claim of the heirs. Sabah belongs to the Sultanate and NOT to Britain. Philippines formally claimed Sabah based on the Sultanate of Sulu heirs' claim on the territory. The Philippines broke The Royal House ceded their rights to the Philippine diplomatic relations with Malaysia after the federation have Government believing that with the impending establishment included "Sabah". The sultan's heirs have given the Philippine of the Federation of Malaysia, the Philippine government government the authority to pursue the claim legally in could flex more muscles in the assertion of the rights over international courts. However, the succeeding administrations Sabah based on a clearly and legally defined and well have either have ignored or set aside the claim for peaceful documented claim. In fact, the creation of the Federation and inclusion of both Sabah and Sarawak incurred the ire of co-existent and trade relation with the Malaysians. Indonesia and the Philippines. This was a major item in the formation of Maphilindo, specifically on the peaceful One significant incident involving then President Marcos have settlement of the tri-border controversies between and briefly brought into limelight the Sabah claim once more. In among the member states of Maphilindo. 1972, the Marcos government have been training secretly a group of Muslim Filipinos in Corregidor, an island off Manila It is true that there are so many claimants to the Sultanate of Bay, for possible intrusion in Sabah to pave the way to an Sulu This remains the daunting challenge for the Royal armed secession of Sabah from Malaysia. But upon knowing of House as well as for the Republic. But what is clear, the the plans, the recruits have mutinied and were eliminated

except for one that swam the bay and was rescued. The newspapers have called this incident, the "Jabidah Massacre" named after the operation that was given by the military. The survivor divulged the plan and the claim was put in back burner once more. It was believe that because of the incident, the Malaysians have been aiding the Muslim separatists against the Philippine government. Some people says this distracted the attention to the claim on Sabah as the government was embroiled in containing the conflict. LEGAL CLAIM BASIS The claim was based on several historical facts and court judgement. The lease agreement is definitely a proof otherwise there will be no basis for any agreement if such ownership was not established at all. The contract was between Sri Paduka Maulana Al Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Alam - representing the sultanate as owner and sovereign of Sabah on one hand, and that of Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent, representing the British East India Co. (then became the North Borneo Co.), on the other as lessee of Sabah, was executed on June 22, 1878. Though the British turned over the possession and government of Sabah to the federation, the Malaysians have not remissed in paying the annual rental. The 1939 court judgement on the claim had handed ownership of North Borneo to the heirs of the Sultanate prior to the formation of Malaysian federation in 1963. The judgment of Chief Justice C.F.C. Makaskie of the High Court of North Borneo in the civil suit filed by the late Dayang Dayang Hadji Piandao and eight other heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, including the famous Putlih (Princess) Tarhata Kiram, upheld the validity of the claim of the heirs. Being a British colony did they favored the Malaysians than returning the leased territory to its rightful owners as per 1939 court judgement? Did the British influenced the outcome of their sponsored 1962 plebiscite to which won by those who wanted to join the Malaysian federation than be an independent state. One also has to speculate as to why did the British respected a similar treaty with China by returning Hong Kong instead of conducting a plebiscite just like the one conducted in Sabah in 1962, is the Philippines a weak nation that can be ignored? These are some questions that need to be addressed by those who have the mandate to pursue the Philippine claim. The Malaysian argument before the International Court (The Hague) is in the link below. This is based on the islands disputed between Indonesia and Malaysia wherein the Philippines is trying to intervene.

SO WHY THE REVIVAL OF THE CLAIM NOW? In the last few months the Malaysian authorities have been deporting, we are not sure if this is the right term for this action knowing the existence of legal claim to North Borneo, thousands of Filipinos from Sabah for being illegals and for lack of necessarydocuments. There are allegations of inhuman treatments and rapes by Malaysian authorities which are currently being investigated by both governments. It is also good to point out that illegal Indonesians are likewise being sent home through Kalimantan (Borneo part of Indonesia). Both the Philippine and the Indonesian governments have protested the mass deportation and have indignation rallies against the Malaysian action.

Since the time memorial the numerous ethnic tribes in the southern Philippines notably the Tausugs and Badjaos have been traversing the Celebes Sea from Sulu to Borneo and other parts of Indonesia. These tribes are sea faring people and settled from anywhere around the region. To curtail these movements, the Malaysians have decided to demand document from the Filipinos in Sabah. Undocumented Filipinos were deported and could only be admitted back when there are necessary papers presented. This situation is extremely hard specially to those who have fled the secessionist war during the seventies and eighties as they are refugees and do not have any travel documents. These Muslim Filipinos have considered Sabah as part of their domain as their ancestors have been doing centuries ago. That part of southeast asia is bound by common religion, historyand people. NOW WHAT? As per official Philippine government stand, the Philippines will continue legal action through the international courts and also by bringing this claim again to the attention of the Malaysian government. One of the immediate objectives is to have the rent increased to what is a more realistic amount while a claim is still being disputed. There are apprehensions, as some quarters are claiming, that nothing will come out of this revived interest in the Sabah claim, they are saying that the Philippine government officials as in the past can be bribed to lose interest in the claim - there is no concrete evidence to this effect. The Malaysians are hoping that it will die a natural death for lack of will on the Philippine claimants to pursue further the claim over the years. The longer the dispute is settled, the harder (or maybe lesser) for the claimants to get any settlement. Will the heirs get a just settlement in form of monetary compensation? The heirs had been offered money before by

the Malaysians and have rejected the idea. Will the settlement comes with some portion of the disputed land for displaced Filipino muslims in Sabah? In any issue involving property dispute, possession is everything.

There were no reports, however, as to the current location of the younger Kiram and his group. The ambassador also failed to say if the Malaysian authorities were provoked by warning shots from Kiram's group. "I don't know yet if they have already escaped yet or are still Will the Arroyo administration be transparent in negotiations on the process of escaping the area," said Hernandez. with the Mahathir government or some kind of a deal will be He said Kassim also told Del Rosario that the Malaysian struck without consultations with the other parties involved? authorities are now "pursuing" the members of the so-called Royal Army of the Sulu Sultanate. MANILA (Updated) -- The Foreign Affairs department "The Malaysian authorities, particularly the Malaysian police, confirmed Friday the assault in Malaysia's Sabah state that are now pursuing the group," Hernandez said. "The resulted in the death of three people and the surrender of 10 ambassador said that the standoff is now over." Filipino gunmen. A source from the Foreign Affairs department said that the Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez got the younger Kiram actually grew up in Sabah. confirmation after a meeting at 2 p.m. Friday between Foreign Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who is currently Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Malaysian studying the sultanate's claim over Sabah, said the incident Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Mohd Zamri Mohd could have been averted if Kiram's followers decided to go Kassim. home. He said that Kassim told Del Rosario that the firefight ensued "The situation gets more volatile if they prolong their stay," between the Malaysian authorities and the followers of Sulu she said in a chance interview. Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who landed in Sabah 19 days ago. De Lima again promised that she will submit her legal opinion The Malaysian authorities have so far identified the owner of on the supposed claim next week. the house where Rajah Muda Kiram, the crowned prince, "It will include the legal aspect, the basis of the Sabah claim, stayed as among the fatalities. The two others were Malaysian ano naging developments sa claim na yan, ano ginawa ng authorities. previous administrations and bakit naging dormant, what's the The firefight is over with 10 Filipinos surrendering and the status of the claim -- if weak or strong," she said. (CVB/Virgil others fleeing toward the sea, Hernandez said. Lopez/Sunnex) He added the Philippines has asked permission from the Malaysian Government to be allowed to send a vessel in Lahad Sunday, March 3, 2013 Datu in Sabah in order to pick the wounded Filipinos and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia At least seven people have been possibly ferry the Filipinos back to the Philippines. killed in a shootout between police and suspected Filipino "The Secretary also asked clearance for the Philippine Navy intruders on Borneo island, Malaysia's police chief said ship, BRP Tagbanua, to proceed to Lahad Datu and enable Sunday. Philippine medical personnel aboard to attend to the The shooting Saturday night occurred 150 kilometers (90 wounded and carry them back to their respective homes and miles) from another district in eastern Sabah state where 14 families," Hernandez said. people were killed earlier after members of a Philippine BRP Tagbanua was dispatched from Tawi-Tawi on Sunday Muslim royal clan occupied a village last month to claim the midnight. A report from Philippine Ambassador to Kuala territory as their own. Lumpur Eduardo Malaya said that the ship is now in a National Police Chief Ismail Omar said that five policemen "rendezvous point" and waiting for further instructions from were killed in the ambush by unidentified gunmen in the the Malaysian and Philippine authorities. coastal town of Semporna. Two of the attackers were killed, The ship was dispatched to fetch the women and civilians from he said. Lahad Datu who were caught in the middle of the three-week Malaysia's biggest security crisis in recent years began when standoff between the royal army and the Malaysian about 200 Filipinos landed in Lahad Datu on Feb. 9, saying authorities. ownership documents from the late 1800s proved the Hernandez said the Philippines also has to verify the claims of territory was theirs. They rejected repeated calls from both the Kirams that 10 of their followers were wounded. the Malaysian and Philippine governments for them to leave He said they still don't have the full report of the Malaysian Sabah, a short boat ride from the restive provinces in the operations. southern Philippines. "We don't have a representative yet on the area. We have On Friday, Malaysian authorities clashed with the clan sought clearance for our people to enter Lahad Datu since the members, leaving 12 Filipinos and two Malaysian police start of the incident but they have not yet acceded to our commandos dead. request," he said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Saturday that the government would offer "no compromise either they surrender or face the consequences if they refuse." Police dropped leaflets by helicopter over the occupied village Saturday telling the Filipinos to give up, while the navy bolstered patrols in waters between Malaysia and the Philippines. The Filipino group is led by a brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of the southern Philippine province of Sulu. The standoff elevated the Sabah territorial issue, a thorn in Philippine-Malaysian relations for decades, to a national security concern for both countries. In Manila, Jamalul Kiram III told reporters that he was worried the violence in Sabah might spread because many Filipinos, especially followers of his sultanate in the southern Philippine, are upset by the killing of their compatriots in Lahad Datu. His daughter, Jacel, who is a sultanate princess, called on Filipinos to stay calm but stressed the sultanate would never back down from its struggle to reclaim Sabah. "This concerns honor above life," she told reporters. "We will not retreat just like that, because we're fighting for something and our struggle is our right and the truth." She criticized the Philippine government for echoing Malaysia's call for the Filipinos in Lahad Datu to surrender unconditionally. The crisis erupted during peace negotiations brokered by Malaysia between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the main Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. Some Malaysians have voiced worries about whether tens of thousands of Philippine migrants living in Sabah, many undocumented workers, might sympathize with the Filipino group and cause unrest if they're upset with the government's reaction to the crisis. (AP/Sunnex) Saturday, March 2, 2013 KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Saturday negotiations with members of a Muslim royal clan from Sulu, Philippines are over, one day after a shootout left 14 people dead. In the Philippines, Senator Francis Escudero wanted an investigation of reports that some 100 Filipinos residing in Sabah had been rounded up in the aftermath of Friday's shootout between Malaysian forces and armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III. Najib said, "The government gives them two options: surrender or face the security actions. What they have done is a serious crime they have armed themselves and killed two Malaysian law enforcers." He said the armed followers of Kiram had entrapped the Malaysian security forces by pretending to surrender hoisting a white flag and fired at them. "They were cowards if it is true what they have committed."

The Malaysian armed forces imposed a curfew since 4 p.m. on Friday and said they have cornered several remaining Sulu gunmen in Sabah's Lahad Datu in the Tanduo village. Gunbattle broke out between the Philippine group and Malaysian armed forces Friday morning after the rebels started firing at the armed forces. Police said 12 Sulu gunmen were killed and an unknown number of them were injured. Some among the rebels have surrendered while others fled to the sea. Jacel Kiram, a daughter of the sultan, indicated that her uncle, Agbimuddin Kiram, who is still in Lahad Datu, would not surrender. She said the President's order of "surrender now with no conditions" is "not acceptable" "The decision remains the same they will not return here because honor is above life," she told DZBB radio in Manila. "What is life without honor?" Abraham Idjirani, a spokesman for the sultan, said the sultan's brother was unharmed in Friday's clash. He said among those killed on the clan's side were a 33-year-old woman and her 18year-old son. The rebel group has refused to heed an ultimatum earlier set by both the Philippine and Malaysian authorities to leave. After Friday's shootout there were reports that Filipinos in Sabah were rounded up after Malaysian authorities enforced a curfew. My concern since the standoff began was for our countrymen residing in Sabah. If the reports of arrests are true, then this is the bigger tragedy that demands an immediate resolution, Escudero said. There are an estimated 800,000 Filipinos residing in Sabah, most of whom are reportedly subjected to frequent exploitation by Malaysian authorities since they are not Malaysian citizens. The welfare of our countrymen who consider Sabah as their homeland should now be the focus of the governments negotiations with Kuala Lumpur, the senator said. He explained that the countrys interest should be detached from the private claim of the Sulu Sultanate since involving the whole nation in it may affect the Philippines good relations with Malaysia. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III asked Saturday the followers of Kiram to surrender without conditions to prevent further bloodshed. "If you have grievances, the path you chose was wrong. The just, and indeed, the only correct thing for you to do is to surrender," Aquino said in a statement read by presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacieda in a news briefing. "To those who have influence and the capacity to reason with those in Lahad Datu, I ask you to convey this message: surrender now, without conditions," the President added. Malacanang also made an assurance Saturday that government is ready to help Filipinos affected by the ongoing standoff in Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has dispatched teams that will help Filipinos in need in Sabah. We have a medical team, there is food everything is there. As a matter of fact, DSWD has dispatched even teams to try to seek out the families of those that need to be attended to, he said. Asking Malaysia to allow ships from the Philippines to dock in Sabah was one of the diplomatic actions made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, Almendras said. The standoff elevated the Sabah territorial issue, which has been a thorn in Philippine-Malaysian relations for decades, to a Philippine national security concern. The crisis erupted at a crucial stage of peace negotiations brokered by Malaysia between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. Aquino has said the standoff may have been an attempt to undermine his government on the part of those opposing the peace deal, including politicians and warlords who fear being left out in any power sharing arrangements. (SDR/PNA/AP/Sunnex) Sultan's followers ignore Malaysia's Friday ultimatum MANILA (UPDATED)- President Benigno Aquino should pursue the Philippines' claim on Sabah, a former Cabinet official said Friday. The Philippines has already filed a claim on Sabah before the International Court of Justice, according to Amina Rasul, president of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID). She said the Sultanate of Sulu has a historical claim on Sabah, which was upheld in the 1939 ruling of Chief Justice C.F.C. Macaskie of the High Court of North Borneo. "The Philippine Government should protect the proprietary rights of Sultan Jamalul Alam's heirs," she said. Citing the North Borneo High Court's ruling, she said the legal heirs on Sabah are Princess Hadji Piandao, Princess Tarhata Kiram, Princess Sakinur-In Kiram, Mora Napsa, Sultan Esmail Kiram, Datu Punjungan, Sitti Mariam, Sitti Jahara, and Sitti Rada. "All the principal heirs have died. The rights of their heirs, most of whom are Filipino citizens, must be protected by the Philippine government," said Rasul, a former Presidential adviser on youth affairs and daughter of former Senator Santanina Rasul. Last February 12, around 100 men led by Sulu Sultanate Crown Prince Agmuddin Kiram, brother of Sultan Jamalul III, arrived in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. Kiram said they are reasserting their dominion over the contested territory to which the Philippines has a dormant historical claim, acting on a royal decree from the Sultan, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.

They are now engaged in a standoff with Malaysian security forces. Rasul said the Philippine government should create an interagency committee under the Office of the President to address the Philippine claim to Sabah. "Past Philippine administrations have attempted to address the Sabah claim but were unable to reach a lasting and generally acceptable conclusion," she said. "However, this must not discourage the stakeholders and peace advocates from pursuing an inclusive, just and sustainable formula that will satisfy the concerns not just of the Philippine and Malaysian governments but particularly of the Sulu Sultanate and the private heirs to Sabah," she added. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a text message to ABS-CBN News, said a Palace team is now looking into the historical and legal context of the Sabah claim. "This will be dealt with at the proper time and under the correct conditions, in a way that upholds the national interest and does not jeopardize our relationship with our good neighbor," she said. Valte added that the Aquino administration has been "working quietly" with the Malaysian government and the Kiram family to peacefully resolve the standoff. Gazmin: Sultanate could be right on Sabah The Sultanate of Sulu may have basis for its claim on Sabah in Malaysia, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday. He said Kuala Lumpur pays the sultanate around 5,000 ringgit as annual rent for the area. "If you are being paid, you have a claim, isn't it? That is your basis there. Even without saying anything, the fact (remains) that you are being paid. Meaning, what is the 5,000 ringgits for?" he said. However, Gazmin said he is against the use of violence to settle the issue. "You can settle this (issue) before going there. In other words, the process leading to their actions is apparently not right," the defense chief added. He said Philippine military officials are in talks with their Malaysian counterparts to resolve the issue. He added the Philippine Navy deployed ships in Sulu Sea to set up a naval blockade and prevent the situation from going bad to worse. Sultan's followers won't leave Sabah The Sultan of Sulu has reiterated an order to his followers not to leave Sabah despite a reported ultimatum given by Malaysian authorities to leave the island Friday. In a press conference Friday, members of the Kiram family said they plan to go to international courts to defend their claim over Sabah. The Kiram family also said they will not resort to violence. "We wish to thank the president for looking into this problem on the claim to Sabah," Fatima Kiram said.

"The long standing problem, the claim of our ancestral domain which is now the contending issue between Malaysia and the Philippines," she added. "In the Islamic spirit and in compliance of the teachings of Islam, the convenors and Muslim communities in the Philippines, the constituency of his royal highness Jamalulu Kiram III are calling for restraint on both sides in this standoff in order to de-esclate tension among brother Muslims," she said. - with reports from ANC; Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a text message to ABS-CBN News, said a Palace team is now looking into the historical and legal context of the Sabah claim. "This will be dealt with at the proper time and under the correct conditions, in a way that upholds the national interest and does not jeopardize our relationship with our good neighbor," she said. Valte added that the Aquino administration has been "working quietly" with the Malaysian government and the Kiram family to peacefully resolve the standoff. Sultan's followers ignore Malaysia's Friday ultimatum Gazmin: Sultanate could be right on Sabah MANILA (UPDATED)- President Benigno Aquino should pursue The Sultanate of Sulu may have basis for its claim on Sabah in the Philippines' claim on Sabah, a former Cabinet official said Malaysia, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday. Friday. He said Kuala Lumpur pays the sultanate around 5,000 ringgit The Philippines has already filed a claim on Sabah before the as annual rent for the area. International Court of Justice, according to Amina Rasul, "If you are being paid, you have a claim, isn't it? That is your president of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy basis there. Even without saying anything, the fact (remains) (PCID). that you are being paid. Meaning, what is the 5,000 ringgits She said the Sultanate of Sulu has a historical claim on Sabah, for?" he said. which was upheld in the 1939 ruling of Chief Justice C.F.C. However, Gazmin said he is against the use of violence to Macaskie of the High Court of North Borneo. settle the issue. "The Philippine Government should protect the proprietary "You can settle this (issue) before going there. In other words, rights of Sultan Jamalul Alam's heirs," she said. the process leading to their actions is apparently not right," Citing the North Borneo High Court's ruling, she said the legal the defense chief added. heirs on Sabah are Princess Hadji Piandao, Princess Tarhata He said Philippine military officials are in talks with their Kiram, Princess Sakinur-In Kiram, Mora Napsa, Sultan Esmail Malaysian counterparts to resolve the issue. Kiram, Datu Punjungan, Sitti Mariam, Sitti Jahara, and Sitti He added the Philippine Navy deployed ships in Sulu Sea to set Rada. up a naval blockade and prevent the situation from going bad "All the principal heirs have died. The rights of their heirs, to worse. most of whom are Filipino citizens, must be protected by the Sultan's followers won't leave Sabah Philippine government," said Rasul, a former Presidential The Sultan of Sulu has reiterated an order to his followers not adviser on youth affairs and daughter of former Senator to leave Sabah despite a reported ultimatum given by Santanina Rasul. Malaysian authorities to leave the island Friday. Last February 12, around 100 men led by Sulu Sultanate Crown In a press conference Friday, members of the Kiram family said Prince Agmuddin Kiram, brother of Sultan Jamalul III, arrived they plan to go to international courts to defend their claim in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. over Sabah. Kiram said they are reasserting their dominion over the The Kiram family also said they will not resort to violence. contested territory to which the Philippines has a dormant "We wish to thank the president for looking into this problem historical claim, acting on a royal decree from the Sultan, on the claim to Sabah," Fatima Kiram said. Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. "The long standing problem, the claim of our ancestral domain They are now engaged in a standoff with Malaysian security which is now the contending issue between Malaysia and the forces. Philippines," she added. Rasul said the Philippine government should create an inter"In the Islamic spirit and in compliance of the teachings of agency committee under the Office of the President to Islam, the convenors and Muslim communities in the address the Philippine claim to Sabah. Philippines, the constituency of his royal highness Jamalulu "Past Philippine administrations have attempted to address Kiram III are calling for restraint on both sides in this standoff the Sabah claim but were unable to reach a lasting and in order to de-esclate tension among brother Muslims," she generally acceptable conclusion," she said. said. - with reports from ANC; Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News "However, this must not discourage the stakeholders and peace advocates from pursuing an inclusive, just and Distraction sustainable formula that will satisfy the concerns not just of Perhaps the largest drawback to allowing cell phones in the Philippine and Malaysian governments but particularly of schools is that they can become an ever-present the Sulu Sultanate and the private heirs to Sabah," she added. distraction for students. While it is often easy for

teachers to spot and reprimand students that talk in

class, cell phone texting is more difficult to punish since it is silent and devices can be concealed under desks. Even if teachers do not allow cell phone use in their classrooms, students can become distracted if they receive incoming calls or messages, and phones ringing or vibrating can disrupt class. Another drawback of allowing cell phones is that they can be used to cheat during quizzes and exams. A student could receive silent text messages from a friend that has already taken a certain exam during a test.

CON: STUDENT DISTRACTION

Cell phones, and especially smartphones, can present considerable distraction to their owners and nearby classmates. Distractions come in the form of text messages, phone calls, unrestricted Internet access and any number of entertaining applications. When set to run silently, these phones can also distract both when students are in class and during free periods that ordinarily could be dedicated to studying.

Parent Communication
One of the benefits of allowing cell phones in schools is that it allows parents to communicate with children at any time. In the past, parents often never knew where their children were until they came home. With cell phones, parents can check up on kids and arrange transportation or relay important information if necessary.

PRO: PARENTAL CONTACT

Allowing students to carry cell phones gives parents the ability to contact their children whenever necessary. This can include during family emergencies or when a student may need to arrange a different method of getting home. Likewise, students can contact their parents to arrange a ride home when ill, or they can request a forgotten book or project be brought to the school.

Emergencies

CON: CLASS DISRUPTION

A cell phone going off can be extremely disruptive in the middle of class, interrupting a lecture or breaking student concentration during a test. Cell phones don't always simply make noise to inform of an incoming call; incoming text messages, low battery alerts and alerts from applications can all make disruptive noise or produce disruptive light.

Cell phones can be an invaluable tool in emergency situations. For instance, if a student is severely injured or there is a crisis situation, cell phones can allow students to contact authorities for help. This can be especially important for students that drive to school. On the other hand, cell phones can have some drawbacks in emergency situations. It is possible that mass cell phone use during an emergency will clog communication systems. Cell phones can also be used by students to create false emergencies in an attempt to get out of class.

PRO: DIFFICULT ENFORCEMENT

Enforcing a cell phone ban can be be difficult and decidedly time-consuming. Most students are likely to carry the phone anyway in case of an emergency, and taking time to note every offense against the ban wastes the time that an educator could be using to teach students. Confiscating phones can lead to confrontations with parents, adding further administrative gridlock that can otherwise be avoided. As a result, acceptance can be a less time-consuming option than a ban.

Enforcing Rules

Banning cell phones presents the problem of enforceability. Even if a school or a certain class does not allow cell phone use, students may ignore the rules, and it can be difficult to catch cell phone users. Even if they are caught, enforcing rules takes time and creates a distraction in and of itself. Some feel it may be better to allow students that want to distract themselves with texting to do so, rather than force the entire class to wait as the texter is reprimanded by the teacher.
PRO: EMERGENCIES
Having a cell phone on hand enables a student to quickly summon assistance in the middle of an emergency. Incidences of violent attacks at a school, fires, kidnappings, medical emergencies and other emergencies can be reported quickly so that the appropriate authorities dispatched. Without the cell phones available on the scene, valuable time can be lost finding a nearby phone, dialing out of the school's phone network, and finally contacting the authorities.

CON: THEFT
Allowing cell phones in schools invites the risk of theft. Many cell phones, and especially smartphones, can be particularly appealing targets to criminals who can remove or extract user data and then resell the phones. Keeping students' phones out of the school eliminates the risk of theft, and prevents the need for costly replacement of the phones.

PRO: CHILD LOCATION

Most modern phones include a GPS transmitter that details the phone's location. While these transmitters are generally included for use in applications or monitoring the phone's location for roaming assessment, they also can be used to locate the owner in cases where they've gone missing. This can be vital in locating delinquent students or those who've gone missing during school hours.

CON: CHEATING
With most smartphones featuring a fully featured Web browser, the potential for cheating has grown exponentially. Clever students can subtly look up the answers to test questions using search engines such as Google or online encyclopedias such as Wikipedia. While careful monitoring often eliminates this issue, the potential for mischief is still considerable.

brain. [8] The researchers emphasized the worrisome impact that mobile phone use has on the developing brain of a teenager. Furthermore, studies have linked mobile phone use with brain cancer, mouth cancer and leukemia. Most recently, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study from research author Dr. Siegal Sadetzki, a cancer specialist at Tel Aviv University [9]. The Telegraph published an article about this study and summarized: People who use a mobile phone for hours a day are 50 per cent more likely to develop mouth cancer than those who do not talk on them at all, new research has shown.[9] In 2002, Hardell et al published a study titled Cellular and cordless telephones and the risk for brain tumours in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention. As stated on

Mobile Phone Disadvantage #2 Negative Health Effects

Most media reports would have you believe that research studies on the negative health effects of mobile phones use are few and far between. This article will provide several studies on the different health effects to illustrate that the information is out there, and has been out there for years. In fact, many reports on the health risks of mobile phones have been published over the last few

Dr Mercolas website: [Hardell et al] found that people who used cell phones decades. were two and a half times more likely to have a temporal A study led by Dr Agarwal, Ph.D summarizes some of the brain tumor on the side of the head where they held their phone. researched health consequences of the microwave In the case of tumors of the auditory nerve, which radiation we are exposed to though mobile phone use: connects the ear to the brain, the risk increased to more Electromagnetic waves alter [electric activity of the [10] brain] and cause disturbance in sleep [1]; cause difficulty than three times for mobile phone users. in concentration, fatigue, and headache [2]; and increase The relationship between mobile phone use and diseases reaction time in a time-dependent manner [3]. They like Alzheimers and cancer are controversial, but increase the resting blood pressure [4] and reduce the discussed more as different research continues to production of melatonin [5]. They are also implicated in [6] [7] DNA strand breaks . conclude that the link between mobile phone use and In addition, the use of mobile phones has also been related Alzheimers/cancer exists. On most news broadcasts we to Alzheimers Disease and Cancer. are told to not worry since more research is needed A study by Swedish researchers suggests the link between because the results are not conclusive. In my opinion, mobile phone use and Alzheimers Disease: more research is always needed, and scientific results are Mobile phones damage key brain cells and could trigger never conclusive to everybody due to the very nature of the early onset of Alzheimers disease. Researchers science. have found that radiation from mobile phone handsets damages areas of the brain associated with learning, Studies that claim a relationship between mobile phones memory and movement. [8] and diseases like cancer and Alzheimers should not be This study was performed on rats, which were exposed to brushed aside as inconclusive. Cancer incidences have radiation equivalent to that of a cell phone for only two exploded over the last few decades, and a large part of the hours. The brains were examined after 50 days, and the increase in occurrences cannot be explained. researchers found an abundance of dead brain cells in the Environmental influences seem a logical contributor, and exposed rats. microwave radiation used for mobile phone The development state of the rat brains that were used are similar to the development state of a teenagers

communication is one of the environmental influences that has grown exponentially over the last two decades. What does the US government have to say on the health effects of mobile phone use? Below is a section from the US Department of Labor website on the health effects of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave radiation caused by mobile phone use: Electric and magnetic fields are complex physical agents whose potential health effects are the subject of much research. Particularly controversial are the biophysical mechanisms by which these RF fields may affect biological systems. General health effects reviews explore possible carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. Health effects by exposure source are noted in radar traffic devices, wireless communications with cellular phones, radio transmission, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).[11] In conclusion, more research is always needed to understand the full extend of the health implications that come with microwave radiation. However, there has been enough research to prove the link between mobile phone use and negative health effects from relatively mild symptoms like sleep disturbance to cancer and Alzheimers Disease.
Four defective executive orders (three of which are in the courts), a constant array of miscommunication of its self-made Communications group, and a hostage crisis that defined the first 100 days of his presidency; Noynoy Aquino has a more challenging path ahead. I did not vote for Noynoy, but I think I already have seen enough to pose preliminary judgment about his presidency. After all, in his inaugural speech, he said Kayo ang boss ko. Well, Pangulong Noynoy, Ako po ang tipo ng boss na nag-eevaluate every other month. On Removal of Midnight Appointees Yesterday I heard from my friend Marvin Segura that National Youth Commission Commissioner-at-Large Leslie Cordero was one of the innocent victims of PNoys EO on midnight appointments. I personally know Commissioner Leslie, and I have seen her really deliver in terms of addressing youth issues and concerns. Hindi siya ang tipong nagpapapogi o nagpapasarap lang sa puwesto . I believe on her deep sense of commitment towards the issues of the youth, particularly those in the far-flung provinces of the country.

But Leslie was removed due to PNoys EO. Did PNoy even dare check her credentials nor check what she has been doing? I think my employee is lax on this. This indicates the judgment paradigm of the PNoy government; it generalizes. It does not take time to check on issues, but rather, jumps into a generalized solution that may not fit all circumstances. In my view, the Aquino government has failed to recognize that some appointees may actually be good, but were only victims of an already waning government. Did Noynoy even realize that as far as prima face is concerned, they have been appointed legally and must have given the courts the chance to adjudicate on the matter? I think the nations top and star employee was wrong on this. On His Continuing Quest to Prosecute PGMA I applaud PNoys cause to make people accountable for their actions, but such quest must be done in the spirit of fairness and objectivity. PNoys move to form a Truth Commission whose task is to find incriminating evidence against former President Gloria M. Arroyo is at all angles unfair. The executive, as far as my basic constitution class in concerned, must busy itself with making sure that laws are executed in its proper spirit and interpretation. It is not the executives mandate to pass judgment (or lean towards doing so) against a person, whoever he or she maybe. Noynoy has disregarded the constitutional mandate of the Ombudsman, and other judicial bodies to determine the truth, and he has been making a public campaign to make PGMA look like a corrupt bitch in front of the Filipino people. Though he may find pleasure in it, he must leave it to the courts. The Davide Truth Commission, for me, is a vehicle to find fault and pass judgment in an unfair ground. Let me make my stand clear, I am for the prosecution of corrupt officials, if they truly are, but judgment of which must be left to the courts of law. On PNoys Communications Group Secretaries Sonny Coloma, Ricky Carandang, and Manolo Quezon must be given cubicles right beside each other. I think they dont talk. Sonny Coloma says one thing, Ricky Carandang says another. It is surprising for a Comm Group of top media practitioners to be dinged for inconsistency. And their inconsistency has led us to new heights; the wrath of Donald Tsang. One says Tsang did not call, the other says Tsang called. The Hong Kong CE said he called. I have no reason not to believe Donald Tsang. His people were being slaughtered which was pretty much the meat of his concern. I think Edwin Lacierda will do. One spokesman is fine. Two is too much, and three is a poison. PNoy Overall His administrations vindictive approach towards PGMA, their gross mismanagement of the hostage crisis at the Quirino grandstand, their seeming lack of stance on memos and orders, and the inconsistencies of the Communications Group, are hopefully not an overview of this

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six-year administration. I think Noynoy needs more skills in governance, and enough of his media-savviness. In a wide-ranging interview with radio station dzBB Sunday, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago accused Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile of plunder and challenged him to explain his role as martial law administrator in the disappearances of opponents of the Ferdinand Marcos regime. Santiago also took Enrile to task for allegedly funding coup attempts against President Corazon Aquino after the ouster of Marcos in the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. The feisty former judge was continuing a word war that followed revelations of alleged improprieties in Enriles distribution of savings from the Senates operating expenses as Christmas gift o f P1.6 million to each of 18 nice senators and P250,000 to their four naughty colleagues. The Commission on Audit has said that Enriles action was aboveboard and provided for under the General Appropriations Act. Santiago, who got the lower amount and returned it to Enrile, said the Senate President profited as defense minister during the martial law years, using the term namunini. She said this word meant that Enrile profited, he enjoyed himself, he was master of the universe during martial law. She said Enrile must now answer for his role in that dark side of Philippine history. She added that Enrile should now answer for the crime of plunder. Why is he that wealthy? He should answer for the crime of causing what the Spanish call desaparecidos He should be held accountable for that. The radio station later interviewed Enrile for his reaction to Santiagos statements. Enrile said he was investigated by the Corazon Aquino administration, but no plunder charges were ever brought against him. I will probably not reply to what she had said. We will just let the public decide who is right, Enrile told dzBB. Pressed about the plunder charge, he said that whatever wealth he had was a result of his private law practice before he joined the government, which he added could not be true of Santiago, whose income was derived from the government service. Godfather Enrile said Santiago herself has some explaining to do. He pointed out that Santiago had worked for the late Ambassador Kokoy Romualdez, brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The Marcoses have been accused of having amassed ill-gotten wealth while in power. The Senate President also dismissed Santiagos claims that he harbored a grudge against her for not supporting him even though he stood as a godfather during her wedding. He said this had nothing to do with the issues she had raised. In the radio interview, Santiago accused Enrile of harboring a personal agenda when he played a role in Marcos ouster in February 1986. He wanted to get rid of Marcos because he was hoping that he would replace him. But the public wanted Cory Aquino. Santiago said Enrile financed coup attempts against Corazon Aquino and that this was why she fired him as her defense secretary. He said Enrile was turning 89 years old in February and was still in power, profiting from his position as Senate President. Santiago also referred to the controversy surrounding the supposed ambush of Enrile on the night Marcos declared martial law in 1972. Upon the ouster of Marcos, Enrile in a news conference revealed that the ambush was staged to justify the imposition of the emergency, but in his book released last year, he said that the incident indeed happened and was not faked. Question of credibility Santiago reminded Enrile that the Supreme Court considered a retraction more credible than the original testimony because it accommodated the possibility that the witness could have been tortured or confused when he gave his first story. However, she also noted that the tribunal regarded a person who makes a retraction of the reaction [as] absolutely incredible What kind of person is he?

Enrile said investigations showed that he had not stolen from the government. He referred to accusations that he benefited from the coconut levy imposed during the martial law years. He said that the levy resulted in the collection of P9.6 billion of which the government spent P7.1 billion and another P2.5 billion was invested by him and businessman Eduardo Danding Cojuangco. He said this investment expanded and reached P130 billion and was now the object of so much controversy, referring to returns from shares of stock of San Miguel Corp. Im not saying this so I will look handsome in the eyes of the people, but that is the truth. I dont want to reply to this. But this issue keeps coming back I dont want this to get out of hand. Enrile said Santiago as a brilliant lawyer seeking a new career in the International Criminal Court should instead charge him before the global juridical body or the Office of the Ombudsman if she believed he was guilty. Santiago said in an earlier interview she would not spearhead any move to have Enrile investigated so as not to sink to the level of the vulgar.

(CNN) -- In an unexpected move, Pope Benedict XVI -- born Joseph Ratzinger -- has announced that he is to resign. Benedict was elected pope in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II. We explore what the surprise announcement means for the Catholic Church. Why has Pope Benedict XVI resigned? In his statement, Pope Benedict -- who turns 86 in April -- said he had come to the certainty "that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry." Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said Pope Benedict had the right and potentially the duty to resign. But he stressed that the pope's decision was not because of any external pressure. Is the pope in poor health? Lombardi told reporters the pope was not unwell. "There isn't any disease specifically -- it's all to do with deterioration and weakness in his body, as the holy pontiff has said in his statement," he said. Lombardi said the battery in the pope's pacemaker -- which he has had since he was a cardinal -- had been replaced in the last few months, but he stressed that it was a routine procedure. When will he step down? The pope said that he would step down at 8:00 p.m. on February 28, Rome time. Lombardi said as far has he knew, the day was "just an ordinary day" without particular significance but that Pope

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Benedict might have chosen it to ensure a new pope was in place for Easter. He said he understood the pope usually finished his working day at 8:00 p.m. which was why he had chosen that specific hour to step down. Is it normal for popes to resign? It is the first time a pope has resigned in nearly 600 years. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415. He stepped down to end the "Great Western Schism" -- during which there were rival claims to the papal throne. In 1294, Pope Celestine V resigned after only five months, preferring the simple life of a monk to the majesty of being pope. According to the National Catholic Weekly, modern popes have felt that resignation is unacceptable and could encourage factions within the church to pressure pontiffs to step down. Canon law states that a resignation must be made freely and properly manifested and that the pope resigning must be of sound mind. When will the next pope be elected? A meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect the next pope will be held. The gathering is known as a "conclave." Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said there would be elections some time in March and he anticipated that there would be a new pope before Easter. Lombardi said Vatican scholars were studying the constitution to determine exactly when the conclave would begin. What is the election process? By law, the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel. On that morning, the cardinals will celebrate the Votive Mass, "Pro Eligendo Papa." That afternoon, the cardinals begin the election process. The cardinals draw lots to select three members to collect ballots from the infirm, three "tellers" to count the votes and three others to review the results. Blank ballots are then prepared and distributed. The ballots are rectangular in shape and must bear in the upper half, in print if possible, the words "Eligo in Summum Pontificem," meaning "I elect as supreme pontiff." The electors write the name of the candidate on the lower half and fold it in two. After writing the name of one man on his ballot, each of the active cardinals -- those under 80 years of age -- walks to an altar in order of seniority and pledges to perform his duty with integrity. Each cardinal then places a folded ballot containing his choice onto a small disc made of precious metal and drop it inside a chalice. After all votes are cast, the tellers tally the ballots and the result is read to the cardinals. If a cardinal receives twothirds plus one of the votes, he is the new pontiff.

If there is no winner, another vote is taken. If there is still no winner, two more votes are scheduled for the afternoon. How is the result of the vote broadcast? After the votes are counted each time, the ballots are burned. If there has been no winner, a chemical is mixed with the ballots to produce black smoke when they are burned. Sight of the black smoke emerging from the roof of the Vatican Palace tells those waiting in St. Peter's Square that a pope has not yet been selected. When a winner has been selected, the ballots are burned alone, and the white smoke indicates there is a new pope. What will the pope do until he officially steps down? Lombardi said the pope's appointments up until the end of February -- including audiences with the presidents of Romania and Guatemala -- had been confirmed. On February 27, the pope's last general audience will take place. Lombardi said the Vatican was trying to arrange for it to be held in St Peter's square so that more people could attend and "to make it a sort of tribute to the holy pontiff." What will Pope Benedict do after his resignation? Lombardi said it was expected that Pope Benedict would devote his time to reflection and prayer. In his statement, Benedict said he wished "to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer." Lombardi said he didn't expect the pope to be given any other duty, given his age, and he said Benedict would no longer be involved in decision making or administrative duties. Pope Benedict was "very discreet" and was "not someone who will interfere" or create issues in terms of his successor, he said. Where will the former pope live? After he steps down, Benedict will move to the pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. At a later date he will move into in a monastery at the Vatican. The monastery has recently been renovated and extended to include a small chapel. What will Pope Benedict be known as once he has stepped down as pope? According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Pope Benedict will return to being known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. It said he would be addressed as his eminence or Cardinal Ratzinger. However, Lombardi later told reporters it was hard to imagine that the pope would be called a cardinal.

Field trip days are often the best days of the entire school year. Most students look forward to this day for weeks or

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months! That's why it is important that you mind some basic rules to keep the trip safe and enjoyable. For a Safe Field Trip Don't get reckless on the bus. You don't want your day to end early, do you? Misbehavior on the bus can get you into trouble and ruin your day. You could end up sitting on the bus while the others enjoy the destination. Don't wander off. Listen carefully when the teacher gives instructions about sticking with the group or sticking with an assigned partner-even when going to the restroom. Don't ever wander off on your own, or your trip could end badly. If you break this rule, you could end up with the teacher as your partner! Respect the chaperones. You should respect any chaperones and listen to them as you would your own teacher or parents. Chaperones have a big responsibility, watching after so many students at one time. They can't afford to give too much attention to one "squeaky wheel," so they will probably be intolerant to distractions. Don't be disruptive. Respect nature. Some field trips will take you into contact with animals or plants. For your own safety, be mindful of potential dangers and don't assume you can tug, pull, tease, or touch things safely. Don't roughhouse. You may visit a factory containing equipments with moving parts, or a museum with rooms full of pottery and glass, or a riverside with fast-running water. Kids don't always think about the dangers that come with certain places, so think about the potential hazards before you go, and remember not to push or pull on friends. Keep an eye on the clock. If you are supposed to meet your group for lunch or for loading onto the bus, you should keep an eye on the time. You don't want to miss lunch, and you surely don't want to be left behind. For a Fun Field Trip Arrive in plenty of time to get on the bus. You don't want to miss the fun day because you ran into heavy traffic. Plan ahead and leave early. Eat and drink in designated places. Don't assume you can buy a soda from a machine and drink it anywhere. Your destination site might have strict limitations when it comes to drinking or eating on site. Dress for hot and cold. If it's a warm day, it could be really cold inside a building. If it's cold outside, it could be steamy inside! Try to dress in layers so you can add and subtract as necessary. Don't litter. You can be banned from some locations for this. Don't be sent back to the bus! Bring comfort items for the ride. If you are facing a long bus ride, ask if you can bring a pillow or small cover for comfort. For a Smart Field Trip Bring along a small recording device or a notebook-because you know there will be a follow-up assignment or quiz. Pay attention to any speakers. If your teacher has arranged a speaker, and if a speaker takes time out of his/her day to

share wisdom with you, don't ignore it! This trip is for your education. Oh-and there probably will be a quiz.
MANILA, Philippines --- The Department of Education (DepEd) was once again urged to ban educational field trips in both public and private elementary and secondary schools after another high school student died during field trip last week. Ray Ramirez, the father of 14-year-old Rio Bianca who was declared dead on arrival Capitol Medical Center after a bus ran over her, said that DepEd should consider banning the conduct of educational field trip especially if its not part the curriculum. Reports said that aside from Ramirez, 15-year-old Pamela Enriquez also remains injured when a bus ran over them during a field trip at Camp Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal last Friday. Both were students of Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos in Bulacan. DepEd has reiterated that while educational field trips are allowed, it not compulsory. In an earlier statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said DepEd said that is conducting a study when it comes to its policy currently present under DepEd Order No. 52 series of 2003 to ensure the safety of the students. We dont think its wise to ban them totally, Luistro said. We may again issue clearer guidelines on what types of trips may be allowed and strictly implement guidelines on safety and adult supervision, he added. Based on the existing Order, places to visit during field trips should be educational places such as cultural and historical sites or science exhibits in museums which complement or supplement classroom lessons. Field trips, as stated in the DepEd Order, should be well planned ahead of time with the students so they will know exactly what to look for in the field trip and safety measures should be discussed before the field trip. In September last year, two international school students of Cebu International School (CIS) were reportedly drowned at a waterfall in Bataan during an outreach program. Some parents have been appealing to ban field trips, particularly those that are conducted outof-town, to ease financial burden and to ensure the safety of their children.

No graduation fees, says DepEd

Manila, Philippines Education Secretary Armin Luistro reminded parents and students yesterday that they shoud not pay any kind of fees to be able to graduate this March. Luistro said that sanctions will be imposed on all public elementary and high school heads violating the guidelines issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) on the holding of graduation ceremonies, particularly on the collection of any fees or any kind of contribution. I will hold responsible all school heads and DepEd personnel who will violate this, Luistro said. The DepEd chief called on all school heads to strictly observe the guidelines on the holding of graduation ceremonies. Foremost of which is the non-collection of any kind of fees for the school yearclosing rites, he said.

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Luistro reiterated DepEd Order No. 8, Series of 2005 that prohibits the collection of any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites. He reminded school officials in public schools to focus on the significance and not on the extravagance of the graduation rites scheduled either March 28 or 29. Luistro stressed that no extravagant special graduation attire and extraordinary venue are required for the graduation. He added that contributions for the yearbook if there is are strictly voluntary. The significance of the event should not be overshadowed by pomp, pageantry, and unwarranted spending, Luistro pointed out. Luistro emphasized that graduation rites should be solemn, focused on the students and their parents, and not a venue for political forum. (Ina Hernando Malipot)

Arlene Brosas, National Secretary-General of Akap Bata Party-List. Brosas added, we encourage concerned individuals, especially parents and even students, to call the hotline and report any forms of charges being collected by public school officials for graduation rites, yearbooks, and alike. DepEd has reiterated the intent of DepEd Order No. 8, series of 2005, which prohibits the collection of any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites. The order also stipulated that no extravagant special graduation attire and extraordinary venue are required. Moreover, Luistro emphasized that the graduation rites should be solemn and focused on the students and their parents, and should not be used as a venue for political forum.

DepEd welcomes offer to monitor no graduation fee collection policy

A February 28, 2012 press release from the Department of Education

The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomes the offer of child welfare group Akap Bata Party-List to monitor the schools to ensure that no fees are collected among students as a prerequisite to graduation in public schools. Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the DepEd is open to working with private watchdogs, nongovernment organizations, and other education stakeholders so that the no-collection policy is strictly adhered to in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. DepEd is such a big organization and we need more hands on deck in ensuring that graduation rites are devoid of pomp and pageantry, and that no fees are collected from students, Luistro stressed. Akap Bata launched GRADFEE MONITOR 2012 and gave the (02) 516-3206 hotline number as a grievance center for parents and students to air their complaints regarding graduation fees. We are one with the DepEd in pushing this kind of policy that will surely benefit our graduating students, says

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