Good morning judge: The Halyao Awards

THE recent controversy over the alleged anomalies and corruption in the Bureau of CustomS which is presently under investigation by the Committee on Good Government of the Lower House of Congress definitely serves as a black-eye to the administration of President Duterte. Admittedly, the Bureau of Customs is one of the agencies of the government which is perceived as graft-ridden. That the incumbent head of office of the said Bureau insists on keeping his office and the President seems to be lenient on him despite his much publicized campaign against corruption is indeed a source of wonder. The least that the President could do is to suspend Customs Commissioner Rafael Faeldon while the investigation is under way. Recently the business group in Naga held a successful awarding ceremonies held at a local hotel. The deserving awardees as Outstanding Bicolano Business Person of the Year and Outstanding Bicolano Entrepreneur are: Cindy Perena of Albay, operator of Pili Sweet and Pastries; Norman Balitbit, operator of Rural Bank of Paracale, Camarines Norte; Cyprus Obsuna owner and operator of Lake Buhi Resort, Buhi, Camarines Sur; Emelito Crisostomo Naval of Sorsogon, and; Catherine Altarejos, CEO of World Connect, as Outstanding Young Bicolano Entrepreneur. Guest speaker during the occasion was Vice-President Leni Robredo. The chairman of the Bicol Business Month that staged the Halyao Awards was DonDon Shea. The Halyao Awards, on the other hand, was chaired by Marilissa Jimenez-Ampuan, Ph.D., president of Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation. TRIVIA: A reminder: The Ateneo de Naga high school batch ‘54 will have its monthly luncheon and fellowship at the Bob Marlin Resto-Bar this coming Saturday, August 5. Congratulations to the birthday celebrants. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “IF WE DESIRE A SOCIETY OF PEACE, THEN WE CANNOT ACHIEVE SUCH A SOCIETY THROUGH VIOLENCE.” BAYARD RUSTIN FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “THE LORD WILL KEEP YOU FROM ALL HARM, HE WII WATCH OVER YOUR LIFE.” PSALM 121;7