COMMENCEMENT MESSAGE: SPEAKING FROM THE HEART

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS, DELIVERED BY JUDGE RAY ALAN T. DRILON,*

EXECUTIVE JUDGE, REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BACOLOD CITY, BEFORE THE E.T.C.S. GRADUATING CLASS 2007-2008, Bacolod Bay Center.

         

I could not decline the invitation  of  School Principal Mrs. Maria Elena G. Dumancas, to come here and speak to the graduates of my Alma Mater, the Education Training and Center School, for this is indeed an honor. Mrs. Dumancas was my teacher many years ago, and she was not yet Mrs. Dumancas, but Miss Gella, a young pretty,  intelligent, strict and yet kindly teacher, whom I am proud to say, was one of our best and dedicated teachers of the old school. It did not surprise me that in her teaching career, she rose to become the Head of the most reputable public elementary school, which she served with impassioned loyalty.     

I must speak to you from my heart.

I was eleven years and six months old when  I graduated from the ETCS, in 1968. That was a long time ago. I have fond memories about my school days. Life was very much simple then. I  walked to school in rubber slippers. There were no prescribed uniforms. Most of us were poor. Our classrooms were not top of the line. They were made of wooden structures,  corrugated roofing, with pure earth and soil as our floor. It did not really matter we had to draw water and wet the ground to keep the dust from blowing over, and do our turn sweeping, scrubbing, and cleaning the school premises. Despite these difficulties, we learned our lessons well, we did our homework under pain of punishment, (the punishment would entail writing on the board repeatedly one single sentence, “I will do my homework always” until the board is fully filled up) and we could compete with even the best minds of the private schools.

I am proud to say that I am a product of the public school system, in which the ETCS stands out to be the best there is in our City. I come with the highest appreciation of the school's noble calling of mentoring and training young boys and girls to be good and successful men and women.  

         

I have attended quite a number of commencement exercises and most speakers invited to speak to the graduates are politicians or government officials. I am no politician who would be able to promise you with political favors. I am only a reclusive Judge, and as you know, I shun public appearances, I keep my distance from former associates and friends,  and very rarely do I socialize, not for reasons of temperament but of choice, because a Judge should, and appear to be free, from any influence.

With this as a preface, I would like to exhort the graduates and the parents that there is no better time than today, to aspire for noble purposes. To have hope; to set your sights on a bright and successful future;  to serve; to build up; to be compassionate; to promote peace; to reconcile; to heal and to unite.

You have taken the first step in the hurdle of life. You have finished and climbed up a notch higher in preparation for the next,  which shows, that you choose to be a doer not a quitter. Your theme: The Filipino graduates, celebrating achievement, pursuing opportunity, is indeed relevant. Your graduation is an achievement, a milestone in your lives. You have been prepared and trained to pursue and exploit the opportunities that may come before you.

Every generation is in some sense, a trustee for the future. What we do, today, would mean where we would be tomorrow. It is a psychological fact that we tend to travel in the direction we are looking. Whether you are a success or failure in life depends to a large extent, upon which way the eyes of your mind are focused.

Oliver Wendell  Holmes said, "the great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." May the Christian Spirit of self-sacrifice, self-denial and devotion move you to strive more and do better.

To the graduates, the parents, and the teachers who are here today, you are indeed a blessing for what you have done and what you are about to do.

But, what after all, is  the meaning of graduation? It really depends on what you make of it.

A story is told  of James Garfield when he was president of Hiram College. A rich man brought his son to be enrolled as a student. He wanted  his son to take a course shorter than the regular course. He wanted to get through quickly. James Garfield said, to this wealthy benefactor," Well Sir, it  really depends on what you  want to make of your son. When God wants to make an oak tree He takes a thousand years, but He only takes two months to make a squash."

The lesson is if we want to make something great out of ourselves, there could possibly be no shortcuts. It would take time, hard work, vision, persistence,  patience, and faith.

In the Old Testament, there was a certain man named  Nehemiah. He wanted  to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  Jerusalem, the  once glorious City of David was surrounded  by ruins of the wall for some 160 years since  its destruction  by the Babylonians . Nehemiah organized his people. With little materials, he first made a plan on how to rebuild the ruins. After drawing up the plan he organized his volunteers. He had little resources, except the burning desire to accomplish his purpose and the loyalty and steadfastness of his volunteers. By ancient standards in a record time of only 52 days, Nehemiah and his recruits built a perfect wall around the city of Jerusalem where only rubble stood before.

We can draw lessons from this account in ancient history. First you must have a plan. You must have a goal and vision. Then you must have somebody or someone who shares this vision with you. Then you must go into action. It is not easy to stand up for a worthy cause, to strive for excellence, or to reach a goal.  You will face challenges, failures, frustrations, roadblocks, opposition even criticism. To surmount these things you must have unwavering faith that God will accompany you in your life’s endeavors.    

Your learning process has just began. You are preparing for the profession or the vocation which you have aimed at. Excellence alone in one’s profession or vocation is not enough. The mind is to be trained, disciplined, and educated based on Godly principles of righteousness.   

                  

The reason why our educational institutions haven't been very effective in turning out upright men and women of strong moral character is simply because the schools do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire noble thought. So we turn out educated men and women who are equipped in the practical workings of their profession but lacking in inward rectitude and strength of principle.

The ancient warrior King and a Poet, David, wrote:  “ How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night"(Psalm 1: 1-2).   " And you will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and its leaf does not wither and whatever he does prospers." 

What does this teach us? The pursuit of excellence, success and prosperity, would depend upon where and how deep we plant our roots.

All of you including your parents are planning for a bright and prosperous future. You have to aim high. You must have a clear vision of what you will achieve. Set your minds on a particular goal and focus your efforts in achieving that goal and making your vision a reality. The Bible says without vision, the people perish.    Somewhere along the way there will be times when you will meet failure in the pursuit of your goal. Do not despair. At times you may fail.  Many surrender to circumstances because of the fear of failure. The truth is, it's impossible to succeed without failure. You have to take risks and climb out on the limb where the fruit is. You can't live your lives hugging the tree and whine because somebody else is taking the plum.  Your ability is what you are capable of doing, your motivation determines what you will do, but it is your attitude that determines how well you will do what you are called to do.  The faithful discharge of today's duties is the best preparation for tomorrow's trials.

Given the crisis that our nation is facing today, it is sometimes difficult to have faith that things will turn out for the better, because corruption and evil seem very strong. There is around us the blowing of ill winds. Prices rise, jobs disappear, poverty increases, crime and violence stalk much of the nation. Some could ill afford to go to school, while others quit. The government seems helpless in dealing with the fiscal constraints. I don't want to add to this bleak, discouraging forecast. I would like to look at the brighter side.   We should not lose faith. 

         

Your graduation  will not end after the commencement exercises are over. You will only be moving towards another milestone, and further on, in your life's journey.  

I hope that with God's help you will be able to accomplish your purpose. I hope that after you leave the portals of your school, you will become men and women whom our country and people could be proud of.

Congratulations and may God's abundant Blessings be upon you.

____________

*ETCS Class, ‘68; NOHS Class, ’72; Central Philippine University, Class ’76; University of the Philippines, Class ’80.

THE SULTAN WHO DID NOT KNOW HOW TO LOVE

THE SULTAN WHO DID NOT KNOW HOW TO LOVE

A story is told of a Sultan of a great kingdom, who became paranoid with fear because his wife and brother-in-law plotted to kill him so they could take the kingdom.

The assassination plot was discovered and the palace guards of the Sultan killed the traitors. Since then the Sultan became fearful of taking another wife for he was anxious she might plot his death like his first wife did. But the laws of the kingdom require that he should marry to retain the throne. So the Sultan took a wife, but it did not take long for the Sultan to kill his wife himself, because he was overwhelmed by fear and irrational suspiciousness which drove him mad.

The Sultan’s adviser had a daughter. This woman had a kind and loving disposition and she agreed to marry the Sultan. She took the high risk of being married to a crazed Ruler of the kingdom. On the first night of their wedding, she kept the Sultan occupied with a story about a brave and mighty king and his exploits. Somehow the Sultan was so engrossed with the story that he forgot about his fears. She did not, however, finish the story telling the Sultan she was tired. The Sultan was enraged. He was about to order her execution but she promised to finish the story the next day.

And so night after night she spun story after story of great and mighty kings who conquered kingdoms brave, and strong,  with their pretty queens and princesses, beside them faithfully loving and serving their men, stretching longer the tale she had began.   She made it a point not to finish the story to be continued the next day using all her creative imagination. This apparently saved her life .The stories greatly fascinated the Sultan.

Finally she ran out of tales to tell that she had to bring the long story to an end.  After all the stories were told, she faced her husband the Sultan uncertain of what could be her fate.

As she stood facing him, she saw a totally different man than the one she had married. The stories had healed his soul. The stories had transformed him, he learned courage, he learned to confront his fears, he knew how to trust, he  knew how to love and to accept love.  

Inspired by the writing meditations of Cynthia Gadsden.

Who are Happiest?

Who are Happiest?

A Short Story  by T.S. Arthur

 "What troubles you, William?" said Mrs. Aiken, speaking in a tone of kind concern to her husband, who sat silent and moody, with his eyes now fixed upon the floor, and now following the forms of his plainly-clad children as they sported, full of health and spirits, about the room.

It was evening, and Mr. Aiken, a man who earned his bread by the sweat of his brow, had, a little while before, returned from his daily labour.

No answer was made to the wife's question. A few minutes went by, and then she spoke again: "Is any thing wrong with you, William?"

"Nothing more than usual," was replied. "There's always something wrong. The fact is, I'm out of heart."

"William!"

Mrs. Aiken came and stood beside her husband, and laid her hand gently upon his shoulder. The evil spirit of envy and discontent was in the poor man's heart,--this his wife understood right well. She had often before seen him in this frame of mind. "I'm as good as Freeman; am I not?"

"Yes, and a great deal better, I hope," replied Mrs. Aiken.

   

"And yet he is rolling in wealth, while I, though compelled to toil early and late, can scarcely keep soul and body together."

"Hush, William! Don't talk so. It does you no good. We have a comfortable home, with food and raiment,--let us therewith be contented and thankful."

"Thankful for this mean hut! Thankful for hard labour, poor fare, and coarse clothing!"

"None are so happy as those who labour; none enjoy better health than they who have only the plainest food. Do you ever go hungry to bed, William?"

"No, of course not."

"Do you or your children shiver in the cold of winter for lack of warm clothing?"

"No; but"----

"William! Do not look past your real comforts in envy of the blessings God has given to others. Depend upon it, we receive all of this world's goods the kind Father above sees best for us to have. With more, we might not be so happy as we are."

"I'll take all that risk," said Mr. Aiken. "Give me plenty of money, and I'll find a way to largely increase the bounds of enjoyment."

"The largest amount of happiness, I believe, is ever to be found in that condition wherein God had placed us."

"Then every poor man should willingly remain poor!"

"I did not say that, William: I think every man should seek earnestly to improve his worldly affairs--yet, be contented with his lot at all times; for, only in contentment is there happiness, and this is a blessing the poor may share equally with the rich. Indeed, I believe the poor have this blessing in larger store. You, for instance, are a happier man than Mr. Freeman."

"I'm not so sure of that."

"I am, then. Look at his face. Doesn't that tell the story? Would you exchange with him in every respect?"

"No, not in every respect. I would like to have his money."

"Ah, William! William!" Mrs. Aiken shook her head. "You are giving place in your heart for the entrance of bad spirits. Try to enjoy, fully, what you have, and you will be a far happier man than Mr. Freeman. Your sleep is sound at night."

"I know. A man who labours as hard as I do, can't help sleeping soundly."

"Then labour is a blessing, if for nothing else. I took home, to-day, a couple of aprons made for Mrs. Freeman. She looked pale and troubled, and I asked her if she were not well."

"'Not very,' she replied. 'I've lost so much rest of late, that I'm almost worn out.'

"I did not ask why this was; but, after remaining silent for a few moments, she said--

"'Mr. Freeman has got himself so excited about business, that he sleeps scarcely three hours in the twenty-four. He cares neither for eating nor drinking; and, if I did not watch him, would scarcely appear abroad in decent apparel. Hardly a day passes that something does not go wrong. Workmen fail in their contracts, prices fall below what he expected them to be, and agents prove unfaithful; in fact, a hundred things occur to interfere with his expectations, and to cloud his mind with disappointment. We were far happier when we were poor, Mrs. Aiken. There was a time when we enjoyed this life. Bright days!--how well are they remembered! Mr. Freeman's income was twelve dollars a week; we lived in two rooms, and I did all our own work. I had fewer wants then than I have ever had since, and was far happier than I ever expect to be again on this side of the grave.'"

Just then a cry was heard in the street.

"Hark!" exclaimed Mr. Aiken.

"Fire! Fire! Fire!" The startling sound rose clear and shrill upon the air.

Mr. Aiken sprang to the window and threw it open.

"Mr. Freeman's new building, as I live!"

Mr. Aiken dropped the window, and catching up his hat, hurriedly left the house.

It was an hour ere he returned. Meanwhile the fire raged furiously, and from her window, where she was safe from harm, Mrs. Aiken saw the large new factory, which the rich man had just erected, entirely consumed by the fierce, devouring element. All in vain was it that the intrepid firemen wrought almost miracles of daring, in their efforts to save the building. Story after story were successively wrapped in flames, until, at length, over fifty thousand dollars worth of property lay a heap of black and smouldering ruins.

Wet to the skin, and covered with cinders, was Mr. Aiken when he returned to his humble abode, after having worked manfully, in his unselfish efforts to rescue a portion of his neighbour's property from destruction.

"Poor Freeman! I pity him from my very heart!" was his generous, sympathising exclamation, as soon as he met his wife.

"He is insured, is he not?" inquired Mrs. Aiken.

"Partially. But even a full insurance would be a poor compensation for such a loss. In less than two weeks, this new factory, with all its perfect and beautiful machinery, would have been in operation. The price of goods is now high, and Mr. Freeman would have cleared a handsome sum of money on the first season's product of his mill. It is a terrible disappointment for him. I never saw a man so much disturbed."

"Poor man! His sleep will not be so sound as yours, to-night, William."

"Indeed it will not."

"Nor, rich as he is, will he be as happy as you, to-morrow."

"If I were as rich as he is," said Mr. Aiken, "I would not fret myself to death for this loss. I would, rather, be thankful for the wealth still left in my possession."

Mrs. Aiken shook her head.

"No, William, the same spirit that makes you restless and discontented now, would be with you, no matter how greatly improved might be your external condition. Mr. Freeman was once as poor as you are. Do you think him happier for his riches? Does he enjoy life more? Has wealth brought a greater freedom from care? Has it made his sleep sweeter? Far, very far from it. Riches have but increased the sources of discontent."

"This is not a necessary consequence. If Mr. Freeman turn a blessing into a curse, that is a defect in his particular case."

"And few, in this fallen and evil world, are free from this same defect, William. If wealth were sought for unselfish ends, then it would make its possessor happy. But how few so seek riches! It is here, believe me, that the evil lies."

Mrs. Aiken spoke earnestly, and something of the truth that was in her mind, shed its beams upon the mind of her husband.

"You remember," said she smiling, "the anecdote of the rich man of New York, who asked a person who gave utterance to words of envy towards himself--'Would you,' said he, 'take all the care and anxiety attendant upon the management of my large estates and extensive business operations, merely for your victuals and clothes?' 'No, indeed, I would not,' was the quick answer. 'I get no more,' said the rich man, gravely. And it was the truth, William. They who get rich in this world, pass up through incessant toil and anxiety; and, while they seem to enjoy all the good things of life, in reality enjoy but little. They get only their victuals and clothes. I have worked for many rich ladies, and I do not remember one who appeared to be happier than I am. And I am mistaken if your experience is not very much like my own."

One evening, a few days after this time, Aiken came home from his work. As he entered the room where his wife and children sat, the former looked up to him with a cheerful smile of welcome, and the latter gathered around him, filling his ears with the music of their happy voices. The father drew an arm around one and another, and, as he sat in their midst, his heart swelled in his bosom, and warmed with a glow of happiness.

Soon the evening meal was served--served by the hands of his wife--the good angel of his humble home. William Aiken, as he looked around upon his smiling children, and their true-hearted, even-tempered, cheerful mother, felt that he had many blessings for which he should be thankful.

"I saw something, a little while ago, that I shall not soon forget," said he, when alone with his wife.

"What was that, William?"

"I had occasion to call at the house of Mr. Elder, on some business, as I came home this evening. Mr. Elder is rich, and I have often envied him; but I shall do so no more. I found him in his sitting-room, alone, walking the floor with a troubled look on his face. He glanced at me with an impatient expression as I entered. I mentioned my business, when he said abruptly and rudely—

"'I've no time to think of that now.'

"As I was turning away, a door of the room opened, and Mrs. Elder and two children entered.

"'I wish you would send those children up to the nursery,' he exclaimed, in a fretful half-angry voice. 'I'm in no humour to be troubled with them now.'

"The look cast upon their father by those two innocent little children, as their mother pushed them from the room, I shall not soon forget. I remembered, as I left the house, that there had been a large failure in Market street, and that Mr. Elder was said to be the loser by some ten thousand dollars--less than a twentieth part of what he is worth. I am happier than he is to-night, Mary."

"And happier you may ever be, William," returned his wife, "if you but stoop to the humble flowers that spring up along your pathway, and, like the bee, take the honey they contain. God knows what, in external things, is best for us; and he will make either poverty or riches, whichsoever comes, a blessing, if we are humble, patient and contented."          

A BRIEF SURVEY OF THE LAW ON SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

A BRIEF SURVEY OF THE LAW ON SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION

                                            (REPUBLIC ACT 7610)

By: Judge Ray Alan T. Drilon

Executive Judge RTC, Bacolod City

Presiding Judge Family Court

Child Abuse refers to intentional or unintentional physical, mental, or sexual harm done to a child. Child abuse is much more likely to take place in homes in which other forms of domestic violence occur, but it occurs elsewhere, or even in schools. Despite a close statistical link between domestic violence and child abuse, Philippine Law treats domestic violence and child abuse separately because of special laws dealing with each.

The Philippines is a signatory to the UN convention on the rights of the child, and the passage of Republic Act 7610, grants statutory protection to children, as a declared national policy.

What is the policy behind this law?

1. It provides special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their development.
2. It provides sanctions against these acts of abuse.
3. It provides program for prevention, deterrence, and intervention against acts of child abuse.
4. It provides state intervention on behalf of the child in case a) the parent, guardian, teacher or person having care and custody of the child fails or is unable to protect the child against abuse, exploitation and discrimination, or b)  when the parent guardian teacher or person having care and custody of the child commits such acts of abuse.
5. It upholds as paramount the best interest of the child in all actions concerning them.                       

Definitions

Who are children under this law?

Children are persons below 18 years of age

Persons who even over 18 years of age are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination, because of physical or mental disability or condition.

What is child abuse?

It refers to the maltreatment of the child which includes any of the following:

1. Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment.
2. Any act, by deed or word, which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child.
3. Unreasonable deprivation of basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter.
4. Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child, resulting in serious impairment of his growth, and development or permanent incapacity or death.

What are the circumstances (situations) which gravely threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of children?

Children are in a place or community where there is armed conflict.

Children are working under conditions hazardous to life, safety, and morals.

Children are living or fending for themselves in the streets,.

Children belonging to an indigenous cultural community, or living in extreme poverty.

Children are victims of natural or man-made disasters or calamity.

What comprises the program of services and facilities to protect children?

This refers to the following:

1. Child prostitution and other sexual abuse.
2. Child trafficking.
3. Obscene publications and indecent shows.
4. Other acts of abuse.

The program should be formulated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with other government agencies and the private sector.

WHAT ARE THE OFFENSES PUNISHABLE UNDER THE LAW?

These are the following:

1. Child Prostitution and other sexual abuse. Attempting to commit child prostitution.
2. Child Trafficking
3. Obscene Publications and Indecent Shows
4. Other acts of abuse not penalized under the Revised Penal Code
5. Prohibited Child labor.

When is a child deemed to be exploited in prostitution or other sexual abuse?

Children male or female who perform sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, for money or any other consideration or due to coercion or influence of any adult or group are deemed exploited in child prostitution or other sexual  abuse.

What are the specific offenses in committing Child Prostitution and other sexual abuse?

The following acts are punishable offenses:

1. Promoting, engaging in, facilitating, or inducing child prostitution which include the following: a) Acting as procurer of child prostitute; b) Inducing a person to be a client of a child prostitute; c) Taking advantage of influence or relationship to procure a child as a prostitute; d) Threatening or using violence against a child to engage him or her as a prostitute; e) Giving money or any other consideration or benefit with the intent to engage such child in prostitution.
2. Committing the act of sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct with the child exploited in prostitution or subjected to other sexual abuse.
3. Deriving profit or advantage as manager or owner, of the establishment where child prostitution takes place.

What is the penalty?

For offenses number 1-3 above, the penalty is reclusion temporal medium to reclusion perpetua.

If the child exploited is below 12 years of age, the offender shall be charged of rape under Articles 335 and 336 as the case may be, of the Revised Penal Code.

What is the offense of attempting to commit child prostitution?

There is an attempt to commit child prostitution when any person, who not being a relative of the child is found alone with the said child inside the room or cubicle of a house, inn, hotel, motel, pension house, apartelle or other similar establishments, vessel or vehicle or any other hidden or secluded area, under circumstances which would lead a reasonable person to believe that the child is, or about to be, exploited in prostitution.

The same offense is committed when any person is receiving services from a child in a sauna parlor, or bath, massage clinic, health club or other similar establishments.

Penalty is lower by two degrees of the prescribed penalty for child prostitution.

What is the offense of Child Trafficking?

Child Trafficking is the act of engaging and dealing with children including the act of buying and selling a child for money or any other consideration or barter.

Penalty is reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua.

What is the offense of attempting to commit Child Trafficking?

There is attempt to commit Child Trafficking in the following cases:

1. When a child travels alone to a foreign country without valid reason, without clearance from the DSWD or written permit or justification from the child’s parents or legal guardian.
2. When a pregnant woman executes an affidavit of consent of adoption for a consideration.
3. When a person, agency, establishment or child caring institution recruits women or couples to bear children for the purpose of child trafficking.
4. When a person engages in the act of finding children among low income families, in hospitals, clinics, nurseries, day care centers or other child caring institution, who can be offered for the purpose of child trafficking.

  Penalty is two degrees lower than the penalty for Child Trafficking.

What is the offense of Obscene Publications and Indecent Shows?

It is the act of hiring, employing, using, persuading, inducing or coercing a child,  A) to perform in obscene exhibitions and indecent shows, whether live or in video, B) to pose or model in obscene publications or pornographic materials, C) to sell or distribute the said materials.

Penalty is prision mayor medium period.

If the child used as performer is below 12 years of age the maximum period shall be imposed.

A parent, guardian, or person entrusted with the care and custody of the child used in the committing the offense shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor medium.

What constitutes other acts of child Abuse?

1. This is committed by any person who commits any other acts of child abuse, cruelty, or exploitation or conditions prejudicial to the child’s development but not covered by the Revised Penal Code. Penalty is prison mayor.
2.  Any person who shall keep or have in his company a minor 12 years or under, or who is 10 years or more his junior, in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach or other tourist resort or similar places. Penalty prision mayor and fine of P50, 000.00.
3. Exception: Relatives of the minor within the 4^th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
4. Any person who shall induce deliver, or offer a minor to anyone prohibited to keep or have in his company a minor. Penalty is prison mayor medium and fine of not less than P40, 000.00. If the perpetrator is the ascendant, step parent or guardian of the minor, penalty is prision mayor and fine of not less than P50, 000.00.
5. Any person, owner, manager, or one entrusted with the operation of any public or private place who allows the commission of this offense described in number 2.
6. Any person who shall use, coerce, force, or intimidate a child to: A) beg as a means of living, B) act as conduit or middleman in Drug Trafficking, C) conduct any illegal activity.

EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN

Can children be employed?

Children below 15 years of age shall not be employed.

Exceptions;

1. When the child works directly under the sole responsibility of his parents or legal guardian provided the child’s employment does not endanger his life, safety, health and morals.
2. When a child’s employment or participation in public entertainment or information through cinema, theater, radio or television is essential, provided that the employment contract is concluded by the child’s parents or legal guardian and approved by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The use of children as models in all commercials or advertisements promoting alcoholic beverages, intoxicating drinks, tobacco, and violence is prohibited.

Penalty is fine of not less than P10, 000.00 or imprisonment of not less than 3 years or both at the court’s discretion.

CHILDREN IN SITUATIONS OF ARMED CONFLICT

Children are considered zones of peace, as such they:

1. Shall not be the object of attack and protected from threat, assault, torture or cruel or inhumane treatment.
2. Shall not be recruited to become members of the Armed Forces or its civilian component, or other armed groups nor be allowed to take part in fighting or used as guides, couriers or spies.

In case of armed conflict children shall be given priority in evacuation.

Any child arrested during armed conflict is entitled to the following rights:

1. Separate detention from adults.
2. Immediate free legal assistance
3. Immediate notice of arrest to parents.
4. Release on recognizance of the DSWD.

In case of violation of this law who is the proper party to file the complaint?

These are the following:

1. The Offended party .
2. Parents or guardian.
3. Ascendants or collateral relatives within the 3^rd degree of consanguinity
4. Officer or social worker or representative of the child caring institution.
5. Officer or Social worker of the DSWD
6. Barangay Chairman
7. Responsible citizens.

A child victim may be placed under the protective custody of the DSWD.

CONFIDENTIALITY RULE.

At the instance of the offended party his or her name may be withheld from the public until the court acquires jurisdiction over the case.

It shall be unlawful for broadcast and print media to cause undue and sensationalized publicity of any case of violation of this law which result in the moral degradation and suffering if the offended party.

ANSWER QUESTIONS WITH QUESTIONS

ANSWER QUESTIONS WITH QUESTIONS

There is a common thread which runs through the minds of the skeptic, the sufferer, the philosopher, the believer and the unbeliever. They all seek answers to the toughest and most difficult questions of life.  The rational mind requires understanding and definitive answers. The human mind is the most amazing and fascinating gift endowed to man designed to be the seat of reason. But  the mind of man, great and yet fully unexplored it may be, is finite, limited, that it can neither fathom nor divine all mysteries which God his Creator chose not to reveal. Man’s rational thinking cannot comprehend everything.

In the Scriptures there was a man, who suffered greatly for no reason at all. His name was Job. The Biblical account of Job, this innocent sufferer, describes him to be blameless and upright, a man who feared God and shunned evil. Job was blessed by God , he had a wonderful family, wife, children and enormous wealth, to enjoy. The protective mantle of God covered him and for all his blessings, Job praised, honored, feared, and remained faithful to God.

All was well for Job until one day he unknowingly became the object of a wager, between God and the devil. God was so pleased with Job that He remarked to satan if he had considered His servant Job, for there was no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil.

The wily devil wasn’t impressed. The devil said yes he had seen Job but he believed that Job did not fear or trust God for nothing, after all he had been enjoying God’s protection and blessing that everything he applied his hands to, prospered making him rich. The challenge was proclaimed.  Satan dared God to remove His hand of protection and blessing upon Job and surely he said, Job would curse God to His face. And so the wager was sealed. God had so much confidence in Job that He allowed satan to smite him.

The Biblical account went on to record the extreme suffering of Job in the hand of his enemy the devil. Job lost everything, his children, his possessions and wealth even his status and reputation. Then satan afflicted Job with a terrible disease which struck his bone and flesh from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

But despite his unspeakable suffering Job did not sin with his lips. He said, “I came naked fom my mother’s womb and I will be naked when I leave, the Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this Job did not sin by blaming God.

Satan’s bet was lost.

 In Job’s anguish, he cursed the day he was born. In his pain Job called out to God, “Where are you?” Job felt that the God to whom he remained faithful had shut the door on his face. Job asked for an explanation. He wanted to plead his case before the Almighty. He was discouraged, he asked God for an audience that he may bring forth his complains, and reason with God, argue his case for he needed some answers to his questions.

Then God spoke to Job. Job had been crushed by wave upon wave of calamities that God chose to speak to him  out of the whirlwind, saying, “Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me  if you know so much.”

“Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and cause the dawn to rise in the east? Have you explored the spring from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Can you direct the movements of the stars binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion?”

“Tell Me if you know all this.”

God answered Job with questions of His own. The questions are rhetorical needing no answer because ultimately Job knew the point of the questions. He realized God’s questions had cut him down to the minutest miniscule size. Job understood that God doesn’t owe him any explanation. Job knew he was utterly insignificant in the presence of an All Powerful All Knowing Awesome God. God his Creator  knows everything, His purpose cannot be withheld from Him. Job finally understood that his God knows everything about him, his thoughts, feelings,  his entire being. Deeply moved  Job declared that he had experienced the powerful presence of God which was exceedingly comforting, than any intellectual answers to his questions.