DRB examiners have been accused lately of unethical actuations in the field. The allegation, which was aired reportedly during the BSP CORPLAN attended by high officials of the BSP, was most disheartening and repulsing as it casts doubt on the integrity of all the examiners of the Department. The act of one, if ever there was any for the sake of argument, does not make the entire Department corrupt. This column vehemently states that the allegation was most unfair to DRB examiners who risk their lives conducting examination of rural/cooperative banks in the countryside.

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DRB officials and the Association of Rural Bank Examiners (ARBEX) have not been remiss in their responsibilities to instill discipline among the examiners. Complaints against examiners, if any, are immediately addressed and pursued to its conclusion. However, as in the past, complainants either hide under the cloak of anonymity or failed to substantiate their allegations. This damages the Department more than the one being complained at. Worse, the allegation is generalized – all the examiners become suspect.

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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Dallas, Texas, adopted on June 14, 2002 a policy that will bar sexually abusive priests from face-to-face contact with parishioners but keep them in the priesthood. Critics say it was a toothless policy. Have they thought of chastity belt?

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“Pyramiding” activities of some companies worry SEC, DTI and BSP. SEC is actually investigating several companies while DTI drafts rules to protect public from “pyramid” sales. BSP is still out of the picture but will intervene once the banking system is threatened. Safe pa rin ang pyramids ni Ernie Baron.

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Pangasinan police get two detective dogs – news item. The command has now two imported sniffer dogs that boost the force’s capability to fight terrorism and illegal drugs. That’s good, malaking tulong sa pagkontrol ng droga at pagsugpo ng kriminalidad. That’s bad, dalawang Pilipino ang nawalan ng trabaho.

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Labor presses for more tax exemptions – news item. Why not exempt all government workers from all forms of taxes?

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An article in the Business World says that in the United States, malpractice suits against doctors and hospital personnel, civil actions arising from bad restaurant service, and damage suits for breach of promise to marry are common and encouraged by its judicial system. The latter prevents the proliferation of very promising bachelors.

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Daet, Camarines Norte, held its 10th Pinyasan Festival. Daet is famous for its very sweet variety of pineapples. Maraming namiyesta. Maraming tumikim ng pinya!

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50% of funds for Samar projects lost to graft; contractors used cheap, locally sourced gravel and sand according to lawyers of the Center for Law and Justice Foundation, Inc. Hoy, galit diyan si Manay Brenda!

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There’s a rumor (or truth?) going around that an Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) has been approved for disabled employees only. Manong Jovy (definitely not yet disabled) doesn’t care. Tuloy pa rin ang taya sa Lotto.

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A foreign airline will charge obese passengers twice the regular fare. That’s additional charge for excess baggage.

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FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING: 15 STEWARDESSES – classified ads. PAL? Cebu Pacific? Or Air Philippines? No! For a five star hotel. As wine stewardesses. How?