RAIN OF FIRE

La Union visitors /Bar flunkers
CEASAR G. BONILLA

LAOAG CITY -- Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuel Act aims to wean the country from its dependence on imported crude oil for its energy needs. In the country like ours, biofuel is being developed from coconut and sugarcane -- two products that the country has in abundance.

The Biofuels Act aims to boost efforts to develop alternative energy sources. The effort deserves every support it can get. It should not go the way of other laws who are badly or completely ignored.

This will take enhance the landmark Clean Air Act passed by the legislature to prevent so much pollution that will definitely destroy the environment. Biofuels are made and being developed from agricultural products such as corn, coconut and sugarcane.

In several countries around the globe including the superpower United States of America, they are doing scientific and technological research as investment to promote a better product as alternative to imported crude oil for their energy needs.
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The installation of surveillance camera in different thoroughfares within the city will minimize the illegal operation of bad elements and killers whose modus operandi remains an enigma to unfortunate victims.

One thing that contributes to crime upped rate is the proliferation of unlicensed firearms. The nation will see more brazen killings unless the government moves resolutely to solve murder cases that until now -- is alarming to the public.

This means catching not just the triggerman and his accomplice but also the person who ordered the hit. As in the killings of media practitioners and alleged leftist militants, seeing people literally getting away with murder emboldens the diabolic spirit of other crooks.

There will also be more killings in the countryside until the government gets serious about curbing the proliferation of loose firearms. The government can crack down even on the sale of toys with exact replicas or real guns because other criminals can use such to scare victims.

Strong enforcement of the law is preferred to weak law enforcement. To focus our attention on crime prevention is the prime concern of everyone. Discipline is the name of the game. Gambling, drunkenness and sensual pleasures should be prohibited among lawmen are prohibited while they are on duty because enemies of the State can readily attack. It is advisable therefore, to be more prudent and wide-awake to contain the power of the enemy.
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Ilocos Norte and Laoag City are excellent when it comes to traffic discipline and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. It’s about time that the nation passed a law imposing stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Too many lives have been lost in vehicular accidents resulting from drunken driving.

The kings of the street use wave motorcycles to show their ego tripping and stupidity.. Accidents occur even in slow traffic damaging property and causing injuries and endangering lives.

Lawmakers should impose stiffer penalties for driving under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs. Along winding mountain roads, many public transport buses have plunged into ravines. The drug test as requirement to renewing driver’s licenses has failed to stop drug abuse among drivers of public transport.

But in Laoag City, we are proud to say that our traffic policemen are not prone to corruption just to please traffic violators. Traffic cops must be trained not to give special treatment to VIPs. The law is enforceable not only to ordinary citizens but also to public officials and their relatives. Laoag City is indeed, the pride of Ilocandia.
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The province of Ilocos Norte received with an open arms visitors from San Fernando, La Union through the initiative of ABOEX manager Karren Soller-Santos and coordinators Richa and Aila; Rang-ay Bank employees under the leadership of senior manager for administration Ives Jesus C. Nisce II and Chowking managing director Michael Ross C. Nisce.

They explored the panoramic and scenic spots of the North with almost all of the employees in attendance. I explained to them the significance of historic spots with their alluring and enduring architectural designs.

Rang-ay Bank employees who joined the tour expedition: Maila Marron, Michelle Buccat, Myla Obille, Vanessa Nerona, Leah Mantilla, Janet Zamoranos, Evangeline Alcaparaz, Minerva Picar, Louela Pajimola, Marlyn Ubaldo, Mary Grace Bacani, Leticia Asenci, Mary Jean Martinez, Cherry Viloria-Felicitas, Eleanor Gozum, Mercy Maldrid, Rowena Rosales, Judy Rico, Cherry Lyn Rosario, Janice Haducca-Peralta, Jennelyn Ancheta, Flor Irene Valencia, Cristina Calub, Ana Richelda Balderas, Catherine Mendoza, Adelma Zaragosa, David Hufana, Macfel Carpio, Francis delos Santos, Herson Rivera, Pepito de Guzman, Joey Dingle, Dennis Laron, Jonathan Mapalo, Jeffrey Flores, Ardel Laroya, Abner Tremor and Christopher Karganilla.
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They said they wanted to read more of the Northern Philippine Times for its freedom and independence.
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The Bar exams, through competitive government examinations, do not really measure the intelligence of the examinees. Superior minds can be manifested in so many ways but with all factors considered in taking the Bar, I am convinced that luck plays side by side with the success of passers.

To mock the ability and talent of the unfortunate candidates would be a transgression to the plan of God for each human being. All of us are valuable and precious in God’s eyes.

Life must go on. Flunkers should never give way to despair and frustration. Do not let the jeers affect you. Overcome defeat with faith. Remember the God-centered Job in the Old Testament? Until now, he is an example of humility and blessedness because he entrusted everything in his life to God.