KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS.23 JUNE 2011

KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS.23 JUNE 2011

PAPI 15th annual fete opens; tips on Spratly row

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “The Lord will keep you from all harm---he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore...” (Psalm 121:7-8, the Holy Bible).

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PAPI 15TH ANNUAL FETE OPENS: I wish to congratulate the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., or PAPI, on its 15th annual gathering which started June 23, 2011, at the Makati Sports Club in Makati City. I also wish to thank its officers for asking me to give a brief talk about “spirituality and press freedom” during the second day of the gathering.

Allow me to reprint here the announcement made by PAPI Secretary General Johnny Nunez and President Juan P. Dayang about the affair: “The 2011 Midyear Media Conference and Executive Session of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) opens Thursday (June 23) at the Ayala Hall of the Makati Sports Club in Makati City.

“Some 200 mediamen, including publishers, broadcasters, editors, provincial press clubs, presidents and members, columnists, commentators, public information and corporate communication executives, journalist and writers from the academe, college editors, book authors, visiting Filipino journalists working abroad are expected to attend this year’s 15th annual PAPI nationwide gathering.

“The general membership meeting and election of officers of the newly-reactivated Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines whose participants are also delegates of PAPI event is scheduled to take the place prior to the formal opening ceremonies of the two-day conference.

“Among the speakers of the midyear media event are Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, Presidential Communications for Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang, former University of the Philippines President Dr. Francisco A. Nemenzo Jr., and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.

“KBP-NCR Chairman Rey Langit, National Press Club President Jerry Yap, columnist Belinda Olivares Cunanan, Carmen Pedrosa, lawyer-columnist Melanio `Batas’ Mauricio Jr., Yes Magazine Editor Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon, and Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda, will also speak on various topics.

“A cocktail reception will follow the opening ceremonies on Thursday, June 23.The event will culminate with a fellowship dinner and award-giving rites in the evening of June 24 after a whole-day business session.”

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WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE SPRATLY DISPUTE: Here’s a suggestion as to what the Philippines can do on the Spratly Islands dispute, written for the e-group of the UP Sigma Rho Fraternity by Bishop Bert Mercado: “1. Lease one of the Spratly Islands to the US for 100 years, with extension, to be used as their refueling station, beach for R & R, and even a base similar to Cam Ranh Bay Base or Subic Naval Base. The US presence in the South China Sea is a deterrent to Chinese bullying.

“2. Sign oil exploration contracts with one or two US oil-rigging companies. 3. File cases of Chinese violations of Philippine sovereignty before the International Court of Justice, and related international bodies. 4. Seek the support not only of ASEAN, but also of Japan and Korea which has navigational and security interests in the area. 5. If the Chinese intrude, we fire the first shot!!!”

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