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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Do We Call It A Day?

Now that Christmas will be with us not until about a year from today, should we all do some wrapping up and give ourselves a tap at the back? For what? Well, for having acted out our role whatever it may be. For working hard, or not quite that hard, and earning enough, or not quite that much, in order to have something to spend or splurge on, for one's own upkeep, needs and simple celebration, or gratification, showing off and ostentatious bragging rights.

Whatever may be your mood, pleasure or disposition, should you call it a day and take time to rest?

Taking a break is fine. You may even reward yourself with a good meal, or a new personal item, or perhaps, watch a movie and in effect support the Philippine entertainment industry.

Do what you have to but as you treat yourself, think of the many things that you can actually do productively and meaningfully for your family. Then move on to what you can do with your family for other people.

Yes, you call it a day, but the ensuing break is meant to physically rest to re-energize, and a time for spiritual retreat. Come out from this self-encounter truly renewed and ready to pursue, once again, your calling that God has blessed you with.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

It's Christmas Day All Over!

Today, December 25, we are celebrating, on earth and in heaven, the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The significance of this day is best exemplified or manifested by the joyous family get together or reunions, colorful decorations and lights, Christmas trees of all sizes, giving of gifts, smiles in the faces of people, fairs and festivals, and many others. Being a time for giving and receiving, a time for bonding, renewal and reconciliation, or a time for peace and happiness, it is not difficult to decipher that Christmas is a day, for all days, for genuine, authentic and pure Love. Yes, that is the significance of Christmas - that Jesus came to us and will again come, all because God Loves Us.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Opening Our Hearts For Jesus

Jesus was born in a manger - a trough where food for animals are placed. Not fit for the Kings.

Would it be the same then had people known that it was Jesus who would be born that evening? Definitely not. They would give the best room where Mother Mary could give birth to Our Lord.

But would it really make a difference? At least for the person who appeared to be seemingly "generous".

Probably not. This is for the simple reason that the hearts of the people were selective. They would accept Jesus if it was made known who He was and expected to be born, yet refuse the very same Jesus whose identity was not to be revealed at that point.

Today, the poor would ask for alms or food, yet they are driven away and worst, despised. People even blame the government for not doing anything. For not doing what? For not keeping them away from your sight? How dare them? What have they done anyway and by the way?

And even if they have something to give to the poor starving person, how much did they give that person? Is it enough to buy a decent food for the day? Of course, one can always rationalize that they are dummies for syndicates. Then, give them food instead of money. Give them clothes. Offer them what you would have given to Jesus, had Our Lord asked you the same.

Actually, we are not being required to do more than what we could. It is enough that we open our hearts to Jesus, welcome Him into our lives, and let His Love dwelling in us to do the rest.

Is that difficult? Pray for wisdom and understanding. Ever remember that each one of us are called upon to serve, all for the greater Honor and Glory of God.

Merry Christmas !




Hazing : The Truth and The Tales

Atty. Caloy Caliwara as Guest Speaker at the Anti-Hazing Symposium  held on
December 7, 2012 and organized by  the Rotary Club of Lucena  led  by its
President Atty. Ronald Calayan.  The affair was attended by students, members of the
academe, and representatives of various fraternities and sororities in Lucena City
Recent events involving the deaths of two students from the San Beda College of Law have once again raised so much uproar and condemnation against the practice of hazing in fraternities. Family members are grieving, the guilty parties are unable to show themselves up, obviously confused and uncertain of their future, except criminal prosecution, an entire school and its alumni likewise condemning hazing, law enforcement agencies are preoccupied with the crime scene and in running after the suspects, lawmakers are on the drawing board and started to announce the conduct of legislative inquiries for purposes of reviewing and amending the present anti-hazing law, and of course, the media is equally and naturally outraged.

There is no doubt that somebody has to answer for the deaths of the hazing victims. From their grave, they are crying out for justice. Like anyone else who are already members of fraternities, they too would like to be called brothers. But fate have not been kind to them.

 Is hazing really necessary? Are fraternities and sororities or similar organizations still relevant? Can hazing be eradicated? What is the truth about it? What are the lies?

Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities, and sororities are commonly known nowadays as college secret or more accurately “secretive” societies with noble objectives. They are exclusive and members are known to strive for academic excellence and service to fellowmen. True enough, quite a number do excel in their studies and works. They are regarded as successful, and even if one may not be as successful, the fact that he carries the name of the organization would suffice to make him like or feel like one.

Generally, the names of these organizations comprise any two or more of the greek alphabets, from Alpha to Omega to represent the outstanding qualities and intelligence of those who join these fraternities, or at least in the process of being a member, one would have such qualities. The inspiration came from ancient Greeks (philosophers, scientists and inventors) who were regarded as superior, and thus, once a person becomes a fraternity brother or a sorority sister, the real world is opened up, wisdom abounds and life will no longer be “greek” to such person.

Symbolisms and Practices

One must expect that greek letters in the names of these secret societies are symbolisms with attached meanings where normally, only the members will know. Further, passwords and grips are uttered and made, and from that moment on, likewise being symbolisms, they create an automatic bond that will transform complete strangers into brothers or sisters, and unfortunately, anyone who may be in their midst who is not a member will become the stranger, and an intruder.

These symbolisms and their rituals make them exclusive. Each member is deemed special and privileged.

By the way, not all are known as greek-letter societies or organizations. In law schools, latin sounding names have been adopted like lex and juris, among others. 

Though secretive and exclusive, fraternities and sororities will never claim being elitists.  Or at least a majority of them will not. Although they want to be treated and feel being entitled as such, by tradition and as an unwritten rule. Its apparent exclusivity is marked by situations where members group themselves together whenever they may be to the exclusion of others. Non-members are regarded as barbarians while members of other fraternities are treated as ordinary or inferior.

They always strive for superiority and they prove this in terms of numbers – like, having the most number of prominent and influential members or alumni, the most number of projects and accomplishments, and in law schools, the most number of bar topnotchers, scholars, bar passers, student leaders, and successful alumni members like judges, justices, government officials and politicians particularly in the halls of congress, and in local government units, such as governors and mayors including sanggunian and barangay officials.

Anti-Hazing Law or R.A. 8049

Unfortunately, most of these organizations are engaged in initiation-related violence consisting of fist blows, kicks, cigarette or candle burns, and paddles, and other means of inflicting physical and psychological pain and sufferings upon a neophyte or pledge before becoming a member. This is hazing as punished under R.A. 8049 otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law.  
           
Hazing as defined under the law, is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury. There are exclusions from this definition such as the physical, mental and psychological testing and training procedure and practices to determine and enhance the physical, mental and psychological fitness of prospective regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

            Admittedly, the law did not totally outlaw hazing. It merely regulated the practice of hazing or initiation processes by requiring prior written notice to the school authorities or head of organization seven (7) days before the conduct of such initiation, and in the conduct thereof, at least two (2) representatives of the school or organization must be present in order to see to it that no physical harm of any kind shall be inflicted upon a recruit, neophyte or applicant.

It is also provided that if the person subjected to hazing or other forms of initiation rites suffers any physical injury or dies as a result thereof, the officers and members of the fraternity, sorority or organization who actually participated in the infliction of physical harm shall be liable as principals. The person or persons who participated in the hazing shall suffer penalties ranging from prison correccional in its maximum period (4 years, 2 months and one day to 6 years) to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment), depending on the gravity of the offense.

            Administrative sanctions may be imposed separately from the criminal prosecution. The owner of the place where hazing was undertaken, the parents or homeowner where it was held, the officers, former officers, adviser or alumni who planned the activity, school authorities or faculty members who consent or has knowledge about it but did not do anything, and those present when hazing was taking place shall be held libale, either as principals or as accomplices.

When death, rape, sodomy or mutilation results from hazing, the penalty is reclusion perpetua. The law also imposes the maximum penalty which is life imprisonment, in any of the following instances: (a) when the recruitment is accompanied by force, violence, threat, intimidation or deceit on the person of the recruit who refuses to join; (b) when the recruit, neophyte or applicant initially consents to join but upon learning that hazing will be committed on his person, is prevented from quitting; (c) when the recruit, neophyte or applicant having undergone hazing is prevented from reporting the unlawful act to his parents or guardians, to the proper school authorities, or to the police authorities, through force, violence, threat or intimidation; (d) when the hazing is committed outside of the school or institution; or (e) when the victim is below twelve (12) years of age at the time of the hazing. It may be noted however, that if a neophyte is traumatized and suffers psychological damage, other laws will apply and not R.A. 8049.

Phenomenon and Herd Mentality

            The question remains, despite the presence of the law, “why is it that there is still hazing?”

            Hazing is a group phenomenon characterized by a herd mentality. Simply put, hazing is peer pressure, and anyone who does not pass through this, can never be a member. This is wrong because hazing is a lie in legitimate fraternities and sororities, for the truth is that there is an initiation process that must be followed and adhered to where hazing is not tolerated.

It must be emphasized that hazing is never a tradition. It is a penal offense. It does not serve any practical purpose. It will not make a neophyte a better person. It is a means that does not justify the end.  To allow oneself as a “neo” and to be subjected to hazing is a personal but may not be an informed decision. To participate as the so-called “master” in hazing practices is a deliberate act with awareness of its nature and consequences. Hazing becomes the common bond that ties the brothers or sisters together and no longer the organization's principles, doctrines and cultural values which are supposedly imbued into every neophyte. 

Hazing cannot be “minimized” for that is a relative term. One cannot measure hazing. It cannot be quantified. A paddle whacked on one person could be fatal, while 20 paddles on another would mean nothing. Medical attention or monitoring during the hazing process is not a solution. It will only embolden the participants and inflict more pain and injuries upon the neophyte.

          It is not surprising for prospective members to still pursue their determination to belong and become a brother or a sister - and the reasons are many. It could be due to the noble objectives of the organization to which there is a special place in his heart - like service, academic excellence, family tradition, professional camaraderie, or camaraderie;  personal – political clout, prestige , financial or academic solutions; and sinister – connections, protection, ego tripping or pleasure. The list is not exclusive but those with the most trivial or selfish motive would more often than not fall out and quit.

The notion that hazing would insure the loyalty of the neophyte to the organization is a misnomer. It does not build loyalty. It does not train the body to endure pain which may be inflicted during frat wars. It is not a means to test the intelligence or I.Q. of a person.

Amending the Law Against Hazing

Hazing is actually torturing a person - physically, mentally and emotionally -  which may result to psychological damage or even death. Since when can injuring a person or perhaps even murdering him be regulated and not totally banned or outlawed. Hazing is mala in se and inflicting injuries or causing death to a person is totally wrong, harmful, immoral and lawlessness. This is inhumanity in its most condemnable form.

Hence, hazing has no purpose and should be completely banned. Condemning hazing is not enough. There should be no let up until a new law or amendments to the existing law are passed. The new law must explicitly define hazing as a criminal offense and not merely regulate its practice. It should be differentiated from the process of initiation where the dignity and integrity of the person are respected, upheld and enhanced. The penalty for hazing should be reviewed. The school authorities must compel the registration of legitimate fraternities organized and existing under Philippine laws, require the submission of the names of student members and its council of advisers composed of its alumni members, monitor the activities and projects of the organization, insure the presence of a school representative in the initiation process or ritual, and such other measures which will insure that the organizations are closely monitored against the commission of hazing to its students.

In addition, since the concern is not strictly confined to hazing, in as much as there are also issues, among others, on frat wars causing injuries and deaths to frat members, the law shall create a national council of school fraternities and sororities to be headed by the Secretary of Education and operated by an Executive Director, that will serve as the national registry of fraternities and sororities, and it will also function as a consultative or even a regulatory body with research capabilities and investigative functions. All appeals pertaining to administrative cases filed in relation with the violation of the new law shall be decided by an adjudicatory board whose decision shall be final and immediately executory once approved by the said council.

Conclusion : Fraternities and Sororites
As Partners in National Development

There are probably hundreds if not thousands of fraternities, sororities, and other organizations or secret societies as well as their chapters in various high schools, colleges and universities, all over the country, and there is no way by which the growth or birth of new ones could be stopped.

The concerns are for real. But the potentials of these fraternities and sororities in contributing to national development are great and may be harnessed.

Meanwhile, the entire nation can only pray for those who have died because of hazing. They are innocent and helpless victims of the prevailing system. In order that they shall be deemed not to have died in vain, the campaign against hazing, as well as the advocacy espoused by a clear conscience as laid down herein, must be pursued. 

(Reposted from  Quezonian Conscience)

Bank Guarantee In Property Sale

So you have decided to either sell or buy a property. On the part of the seller, the primary interest is the consideration or the payment. The seller would want the payment upfront once the contract is signed and the certificate of title is turned over to the buyer. However, this is not usually the case, there are terms and conditions, like should it be paid in cash or will a check be issued, personal or manager's, or instead, is it necessary to issue a bank guarantee and proceeds of a loan as payment will be released depending on what was agreed upon.
In case of cash or check payment, there is not much to worry about except for criminal elements if paid in cash, and a bouncing check should there be insufficient funds. In both instances, there are remedies within your immediate control.
It would be a different story if the mode of payment is on installment basis or when a bank guarantee is issued in exchange for the certificate of title.
Focus will be made on the arrangement where a bank guarantee shall be issued.
There is a situation where the parties have agreed on the issuance of a bank guarantee by a respectable and reputable bank. It is the essence of the guarantee that upon the transfer of title to the buyer, and the annotation of the bank lien on the certificate, the proceeds of the loan will then be paid out to seller.
This seems to be simple and yet one has to be careful with such arrangement.
There no quarrel about getting paid through the bank on the strength of such bank guarantee. But the question is when will such payment be forthcoming? What are the risks involved?
The bank guarantee is not a separate commitment being given by the issuer. It is dependent on a principal contract, a loan or credit line, entered into by a borrower (in this case by the buyer) and the lender or the bank. If for any reason, the principal contract fails to materialize, such as the death of the borrower, or bankruptcy perhaps, before the loan proceeds are released, will the bank still honor the bank guarantee? Do you think, it will still release the funds and instead file a claim against the estate or in bankruptcy proceedings?
On the other hand, assuming everything went well, and the borrower is pretty much alive and kicking, and financially solid, when do you get paid then?
That depends on how soon the annotation can be made, and there are requirements before this is done by the Register of Deeds. Once those are completed then the transaction will be processed which would take about a month.
So the bottomline here is - make sure you are are fully covered in case of fortuitous events and delays as described here. Do not be deceived by the assurances made in the course of the transaction. Just be firm on what you want and have it reduced into writing. It can save lives from unnecessary stresses and anxieties

Thursday, December 20, 2012

2013 Real Estate Forecasts

In the Philippines, when one looks around, buildings continue to be erected, malls and practically every corner where there is foot traffic, booths and sales agents of property developers can be found giving out sales brochures and flyers, vacant and idle lots are diminishing to pave for high rise projects, infrastructure developments are expanding to the countryside, and people are curiously looking, intensely listening and enthusiastically appearing to be interested in what is being offered.
 Obviously, a Filipino dream is to have a house and lot, a condominium unit, or a property either as a practical source of regular income or as an investment. While some are selling, many are buying. Those who are buying comprise the aggregate market composed mostly of OFWs, nouveau riche, yuppies, call center agents, middle income families, among others, such as expatriates or companies.
For 2013, these are some of the fearless forecasts (culled from personal encounters with property hunters) :
1)      Socialized housing will be intensified and demand will definitely substantially increase, particularly so when government action on informal settlers is expected to likewise intensify;
2)      There will be an increase demand for old residential houses and lots which boast of spacious rooms and lawns, particularly so when these are sold at a price lower than brand new ones;
3)      Demands for housing or residential units would not diminish, and thus, more condominium projects will be undertaken in as much as raw lands for subdivision projects have become scarce within the Metropolitan Manila area;
4)      The right time to sell and the right time to buy is now until April of 2013. Prices are stable due to the economic performance of the Philippines and high approval rating of those in government. Expect changes after the mid-term elections on May of 2013;
5)      With the implementation of RESA law, more buyers and sellers will rely on licensed real estate brokers. It is admittedly the best way to deal in real estate, particularly so when it is, in the long run, cheaper and would generate higher returns;
6)      There will be an increased interest in foreclosed properties, and obviously on account of the fact that few are selling their own, hoping to get higher prices or better offers in the future. On this point, one must consider the trend surrounding the area affected;
7)      Parties will rely more on objective and honest appraisal of the property done by a licensed professional rather than relying on speculations and one's instinct – which in the end is definitely unreliable;
8)      Transactions will be more contract-dominated rather than parties relying on verbal arrangements. Every nook and cranny of the deal including the process and procedures must be looked into;
9)      Agritourism will become more attractive and farm lots may be offered as an alternative to a dull retirement, investment or subdivision living; and
10)   Agricultural development will play  a vital role in lieu of industrialization or mining development, or housing projects which do not give due regard to the protection of the environment.