Our apologies to the loyal readers of the Tribune for the black-and-white photos of this issue.
Our service provider in Metro Manila apparently forgot to send the packet containing the color negatives to the parcel shipping company despite our sending the material and paying for it last Thursday.
The April 8 issue would also look the same as the company is closed this Holy Week.
*****
The latest Wage Order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which mandates an increase of P20 this April 1, 2026 and another P25 on December 1, 2026, is based on four factors: the average inflation rate of 1.5% from the effectivity of the last wage increase on April 5, 2025 up to January 2026; the poverty threshold for an average family of five members of P460.00; the real minimum wage in the region which is P318.00; and the Gross Regional Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.9% for 2023-2024.
As inflation is certain to end in higher figures by this time, business owners are apprehensive that a new wage order would be issued prior to December 1, 2026.
Whether the wage increase would still be affordable for micro, small and medium enterprises in Catanduanes, already weighed down by rising prices of raw materials, electricity and fuel, would be known in the coming months.
*****
An abaca stripper in Viga faces the possibility of being sentenced to a lengthy prison term aside from damages if he is found guilty of engaging in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct with a child.
The 28-year-old suspect and No. 1 Municipal Most Wanted Person, identified only as “Jun,” was arrested by elements of the Viga Municipal Police Station led by officer-in-charge PLt. Jessie Lloyd Almosa, together with personnel of the Catanduanes 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, in the late evening of March 21, 2026 in Progreso, San Miguel town on the basis of the warrant issued three days earlier by RTC Branch 43 Assisting Judge Guada Cresilda Cortes Almodovar-Tornilla.
He will face trial for six counts of rape in violation of Art. 266-A (2) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 5 (b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 11849 to 11854.
The court has set bail for his temporary liberty at P180,000.00 for each count or a total of P1.08 million.
*****
MAMA’S BIBLE. Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and lawyers.
One evening, they chatted after having dinner together. They discussed the 95th birthday gifts they were able to give their elderly mother who moved to Florida .
The first said, “You know I had a big house built for Mama.”
The second said, “And I had a large theater built in the house.”
The third said, “And I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to her.”
The fourth said, “You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t see very well. I met this preacher who told me about a parrot who could recite the entire Bible. It took ten preachers almost 8 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $50,000 a year for five years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama only has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it.”
The other brothers were impressed. After the celebration Mama sent out her “Thank You” notes.
She wrote: Milton, the house you built is so huge that I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.”
“Michael, you gave me an expensive theater with Dolby sound and it can hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing, and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same.”
“Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home; I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks.”
“Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. That chicken was delicious. Thank you so much. Love, Mama”