BULL'S HIT

Rudy Garcia
Nevada Square untouchable?

BAGUIO CITY -- How time flies so fast that little did we know it’s another year comes fast approaching after which graduation time follows. My once little daughter will now be graduating from high school and so this early, I asked her what she wants to take up in college. I was a little bit surprised when she told me she wants to take up Bachelor of Science in Architecture and she wanted to be rich and famous.

This is far from what I thought she wanted to be like a flight stewardess, businesswoman, a nurse or a doctor, an office executive or even a lawyer. Again, I was stunned when she further said she wanted to follow the footstep who she describes as among the greatest architect of the times, “Architect Joc-Joc Jocelyn Bolante of the fertilizer fund scam.

I could not blame my once little girl of what she believes is the fastest way to realize her dream of becoming rich and a famous architect someday. Only history could let her realize the fact that fame could lead to one's road to perdition especially if this was attained through fraud and corruption.

Maybe, I just have to explain to my daughter how Bolante was called an architect of this fertilizer scam building, and how and where did the proceeds go; if this went to the people deserving or to big Bolante's, err... I mean big “bulates” or crocodiles. Really this needs a lot of explaining to do.

Then now this sounds the opposite since somebody and not Bolante is now doing the ground work at the drawing table. From the airport, to St. Lukes and now at the Senate hearing is an excellent job done by a good architect. The testimony of Bolante is full of clout that any Juan De La Cruz may doubt its credibility more so its sincerity. It’s a seeming act to circumvent the facts that Bolante should be bringing out to the public in waiting.

And if the on-going investigation at the senate is for real or not, let us wait and see. You could place your bet who will be the best architect of them all! Would this be coming from Bolante’s camp, the Senate or from Malacañang.
***
A resident of DPS barangay called my attention regarding the seeming resurgence of violence near their residences caused by young customers coming from adjacent bar joints along Nevada Square.

The complaining residents said street brawls occurring at night near their homes were often caused by fraternity conflicts and gang wars, that has long been a problem at Nevada Square. Local authorities upon pressure, acted on this problem the reason why Nevada Square became peaceful for several months.

Now, I wonder if said authorities are back sitting comfortably in their offices not minding the resurgence of violence happening within the vicinity of Nevada Square. Or is Nevada Square really that “untouchable? Or are the trouble makers family members or relatives of city officials hence they are helpless in putting an end to this long time problem at the area? Or are our authorities again afflicted with the ningas kugon syndrome? Let us give them the benefit of the doubt, but as the saying goes, “silence means yes.” Do you agree?

BULL’S HIT

Rudy Garcia
A city official with a mistress

BAGUIO CITY -- This piece is dedicated to a dear friend Bernadette Durano fondly called “Manang Bernie” who is confined at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center battling the Big C.

Yes dear readers, you might have been reading her articles in this column when I asked her to be my guest columnist and later on was made a regular columnist contributor in this same paper.

I sometimes went along with her to visit and extend help and support to patients at the hospitals and at the house of sick people when she was still healthy and active in practicing her given gift of spiritual healing, and I stand witness to her noble intentions. Never did she ask any favor in return from her patients. Her services were free.

An engineer, she also authored a several books on God and religion available for sale or rent in selected bookstores and at the Baguio Cathedral library. A true blooded Baguio girl, there were times when I kept reminding her to finish her articles to beat the press deadline. She called me up to get the disc. Later did I know that she had bone cancer.

I nearly had my tears fall to my cheeks when I visited her recently on her bed in the hospital. Bedridden, she was so thin and could hardly move, but her will to survive was a consolation to relatives and friends who came to visit her. I really salute her for the courage to fight and hold on to the ropes. I know miracles could happen to my dear friend, my sister and columnist.
***
The United States of America finally choose Sen. Barack Obama as their 44th President making history as the first African-American President. And as a standard rule of acknowledgement for the new US President, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent her message immediately after. Juan dela Cruz is now awaiting what could be the effect on the relationship of nations known as allies or puppets of the US. Will the White House eventually become a Black House? Will Obama continue to implement programs of President Bush and still acknowledge old allied nations or would he step aside and tell them that its all over and this time he wants change.

Would the US, under him, resign as a guardian to this Banana Republic? Could we stand on our own if the White House officially declares “Abdicatio Tutelae” to us? Let’s wait and see.
***
The series of road accidents happening on major highways proved that a lot of our drivers lack discipline. Look what happened to the Revo AUV that was crumpled like a tin can of sardines when it was ran over by a speeding Fermina Bus along North Luzon Expressway a day after All Saints Day. That incident reminds me of a near tragic incident that could have been the same fate to me and my family along Quirino Highway at Naguillian La Union, if not for the quick act of instinct by my brother in law who managed to avoid a speeding Partas Bus who overtook another vehicle and was coming towards our direction on the same lane and iatfull speed.

I tried to call the attention of the DOTC-LTFRB CAR and the Administrator of the Partas Bus Line through this column but I never heard anything from them nor did they inform me of any punitive sanction against the driver of the bus Line. I guess if anyone of us could be injured or dead, then I bet those concerned authorities would be quick in squeezing the neck of the operator or the driver. But I again bet, they would ignore the issue until it dies a natural death. Saka lamang sila kikilos kapag may nangyari na.

In fact, it is a public knowledge that some operators and drivers have been able to secure their certificates of public conveyance and drivers license through palakasan and cashunduan I wonder if strict regulations in issuing such are now rusting in the dust bins.

Another reason of these accidents could be the salary system of these drivers. Some of them are compensated by commission basis, thus they are constrained to beat the trip to have more, meaning, more trips, more commissions. But the safety of the passengers is now at risk. So in this case, who should be blamed? Is it the driver, the operator, the authorities or is it the passengers who know that riding a public vehicle is at their own risk?
***
The Baguio City public order and safety division demolition team and ambulant vendors clashed anew when the former conducted another clearing operation at the city market particularly at Zandueta, Kayang and Hilltop. This resulted to exchange of words and filing of charges between POSD chief Greg Delijero and a certain vendor they called Aoyong.

Some of these vendors are now claiming that the POSD men were abusive and selective in implementing their operations. They further said, they wanted to have an open dialogue with any of city officials, but these officials according to them are pinpointing at each other and making lots of turn around. Maybe our honorable officials could find time to answer these, right Mayor Peter Rey Bautista, Councilor Elaine Sembrano and City Administrator Peter Fianza?
***
How true that the Alay sa Kalinisan members, a non-government group, are the ones who decide on these clearing operations done by the POSD? Is the ASK president who happens to be the father of the city Mayor more powerful than the city mayor himself, the reason why some vendors are asking who is really the city mayor, the senior or the junior?
***
And who is this division chief at the Baguio City Hall who is a known regular client of gambling dens, casinos and at tupadas? A lot of my friends at the market are telling me that this official is really hooked to gambling even before he became a personality at city hall. He also had the story of trying to scare his gambling opponents once he lost a lot by calling his aides who were all armed with short guns. If you want to know who I am referring to, just ask any habitual gambler at the city market and they would tell you who this official is who also has a mistress who is a daughter of a woman vendor.

BULL's HIT

Rudy Garcia
Thriving flesh trade along Magsaysay Ave.

BAGUIO CITY -- Except for Fiscal Alfredo Centeno who is the Chief Prosecutor and the main man at the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office, there are others deserving to be commended in performing their assigned tasks beyond par, and one of them is Prosecutor Ruth P. Bernabe.

Two weeks ago, parents of a victim who is a minor that was nearly stabbed to death by a co-minor, sought my help to assist them on the case of their son that is now pending at the sala of Judge Iluminada P. Cabato at Branch 59 RTC of Baguio City. Call it consequence or good fate, I referred them to the said lady prosecutor who is the new prosecutor of RTC Branch 59 that is now where the case is pending, and lately received words from the parents that Bernabe has been supportive and so kind to them, that I decided to extend my gratitude to the good lady prosecutor through this column. I hope fiscal Ruth Bernabe finds time to read this and accept my full hands salute. May she have more power, Her Honor!
***
I just wonder why the concerned authorities of Baguio seem helpless in putting a stop to rampant prostitution at Upper Magsaysay Avenue, this flesh trade had been going on for a long time but until now, officials continue to ignore or address the problem, the reason why that area is now called the local Ermita where flesh trading is done openly as if it was legal and common.

Aside from those beerhouses and massage parlors along the intersection of Magsaysay Avenue and Upper Burgos Street, here come the prosti” in their early 30’s and 40’s roaming around at the overpass and underpass just a few meters away from compact 3 of BCPO station 7 scouting for probable “sex for fee” clients.

Here, if they agree to the offer of sex service in the amount of more or less 300 pesos, both would check in on nearby lodging, inns or at Lakandula and at the back of Center Mall that is the Katipunan inn. Short time check inns range from 150 to 250 pesos while overnight is 300 pesos up. Lucky is the man who afterwards would not be a victim of those “sakal boys” or the “salisi” but he would be more lucky if he has a baon of a condom, flavored or not for being a member of the “tulo organization” is really difficult.

Just a few steps from the lair of these “express girls” is a massage parlor cum videoke bar. Ask those young and beautiful attendants serving as “barkers” how much their service is and you will be surprised at the amount. It is economical and anyone who wishes to have a good time will not think twice of spending his little hard earned money just to have a date with any of these young and attractive attendants.

Though these young ladies seem to be minors and innocent, you will be surprised to note how they treat their customers and invite passersby that only professionals and experienced in this field can do so.

I suggest we put up a school or training center for them to teach their talents to others, that is, if the officials concerned prefer to be bulag, pipi, at bingi. Why don’t we make prostitution legal the same like illegal gambling, drugs, pornography and others legal and forget the saying “The end does not justify the means.” Hoy gising!
***
If Baguio City officials and the citizens will join hands in preventing any plan to put a structure that would destroy and kill hundreds of pine trees at the government center lot besides the Baguio Convention Center and Court of Appeals, there could be no reason for those greedy people to succeed in executing their plans.

While it is true that SM Holdings claims to have postponed or dismissed the plan, its counterpart which is the GSIS is issuing other statements that are in conflict with the position of SM, the reason for some to doubt the sincerity of both entities.

If the plan will push through without any sign of opposition from the Baguio mayor and the council to stop it then I guess there could have been some cash-sunduan that went under way and it would be the people of Baguio whom I have to blame for their laxity and their “I don’t mind attitude” that would result to the destruction and abuse of Mother Nature. Remember that the worst thing to happen for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing. Bantayan!
***
Another thing that Baguio City residents should watch for is the transfer of the maintenance and responsibilities of street lights – from the city government to the Benguet Electric Coop. This issue is now pending and under study at the office of Councilor Thomas “Rocky” Balisong who is the committee chairman of Public Utilities.

This measure could be beneficial to the City if not for the high cost the city would be shouldering in case this will be approved. Can you imagine the city paying millions of pesos monthly to Beneco? I think the monthly fee for the garbage hauling is already enough and spending another for these street lights is too much, unless Baguio City folks want the city to go bankrupt. Mag-isip-isip naman kayo mga apo!

BULL’S HIT

Rudy Garcia
Who is this bloodsucker?

Whoever is behind this text tax bill in disguise as a good trust fund deserves to be thrown to the trash bin together with this bill to stop another stupid bloodsucker of the Filipino people. The stupid value added tax law is already enough for the poor Juan. Maybe those people In Congress who are pushing and supporting this bill will have to say sorry for their sad fate come judgment day on 2010. This is another bet and I challenge to anyone. Deal?
***
The “milk scare scandal” continues to be felt not only here but in other countries as well, meaning it’s a global scare. For sure, plenty of our friends would now be scared of buying “GSM” products to avoid being a victim of “GSM blues” I hope, these products are not the popular agua de pataranta, my friends favorite but the milk products made from China that is GSM “gatas sinangkapan ng melanin.” but if I will be made to chose what brand of milk I prefer, of course, “yung gatas na galing kay Melanie, siguradong walang melanin! Well, Melanie is the name of my favorite cow somewhere there in our pasture land at Pangasinan! Melanie milk, anyone?
***
A department head official in Baguio who is also a relative of a ranking politician is now hiding from operators of night establishments in this city whom he got good favors. The reason is, he could not pay them the favors now now that it’s payback time.

This fat bellied official used to be a regular client or shall we say regular visitor of some of these girlie joints and you could just imagine how he was treated as a very important person. But fate struck badly some of these establishments as they were affected by an administrative order imposing prohibited linear distance on liquor dispensing businesses. Hence, this official could not do otherwise but to implement this AO. However, he let his men do the personal issuing of the closure notice to avoid any discussion of payment on his utang na loob to those operators of these joints to be shut down.

Its easy to guess who this official is. He was set aside and not included as an active member of a composite team of an anti-vice task force headed by Councilor Galo Weygan during the term of former mayor Braulio Yaranon.

This task force was reorganized when Mayor Peter Rey Bautista was elected to office. He was then back in power and now his office that was tagged as a rubber stamp office was also back having the authority to regulate business establishments in the city. So, if you happen to see a top official who cannot look straight into the eyes of operators of these girlie joints, your guess is as good as mine. And to the officials beware, if you want to have some fun, never do it here, do it somewhere else, the farther the better. Mahirap na ang mabuking.
***
The Baguio City public order and safety division under the city mayor’s office known as the “men in black” deserves a pat on their back for doing a good job in their clearing operations at the city public market. The fact that the market is now far better proves that the demolition team of the POSD is on the right track. My salute to their good chief Greg Delijero.

But then, I wonder why Kayang St. that is just a few meters away from a police precinct is now a parking area for vehicles owned by a known influential retired military top official. Did the POSD clear this road from vendors to give way as parking lot for this known “untouchable” at the city market? That is now a question that should be answered by city administrator Peter Fianza and market committee chairperson councilor Elaine Sembrano.

Again, I don’t want to think that our laws are only applicable to the less fortunate but not to the chosen ones. Huwag naman po kayong magbulag bulagan at magbingi bingihan! Walang palakasan Apo!
***
I nearly burst with laughter when a friend related a story on what he witnessed at Abanao Square mall last week. Accordingly, a snatcher was intercepted by a security guard inside the mall but the snatcher proved to be more physically stronger than the guard.

Worst, other guards were just watching nearby while the two were trying to wrestle each other. In fact he said, the snatcher nearly was able to snatch the gun of the security guard if not for the timely intervention of some onlookers who bravely came to the rescue.

What is funny he said, is the snatcher and his companions were able to slip away after the security guards made a show of chasing the snatchers with pointed guns and flexed muscles. The spectators of course had much of the entertainment brought by these overacting guards.

If the story told is true then, there is no reason for the administration of this mall to change the security agency in charge of security services on their establishment. The inefficiency and lapses of the guards are enough grounds to terminate its contact, otherwise, the safety and protection of the people going inside their mall will be placed on risk. Alisin na!
***
The proposed ordinance of Baguio Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas to strengthen the public order and safety division office in this city is timely and called for. In his proposed ordinance, the POSD which acts as the anti-peddling task force, anti-vice task force, investigation and security intelligence, among other duties, needs to be strengthened by way of providing just compensation and additional manpower by upgrading position levels at the like.

I have been a hard critic to some of our local officials because of their lapses but this one of a proposed measure by the good vice mayor deserves my support. Undoubtedly, the POSD has duties and responsibilities that call not only for the implementation of the city mayor’s directive but other sensitive tasks that most often have to face the consequences of risking their own lives and their families.

BULL's HIT

RUDY GARCIA
Barangay bingo and landslides

The Bureau of Food and Drugs now bans the importation selling and trading of milk products that are suspected of having melamin contents. The departments of Health and Trade and Industry followed suit after plenty of Chinese children died or hospitalized upon drinking the contaminated china milk products.

This only proves that nothing is better and safer than breastfeeding. But who can assure that other milk products are safe? If I for one who is a milk drinker chooses the safest one, then I would prefer breast milk coming from cow milk or human milk. But the point is, will there be any volunteer who would give me breast milk?

And if there would be, am I assured that cops will not apprehend us for committing public scandal? Well, if that would be an exemption, I could just imagine my friends shifting to breast milk. Hahah!
***
It was again another “Kapalpakan” for Baguio authorities to suspend classes in elementary and high school levels on Sept. 22 when the weather was good and sunny but failed to issue any advisory morning of Sept. 21 when typoon “Nina” started to hit hard this city.

As a result, lot of students who trooped and attended their classes were soaked and sent home in the afternoon. I watched these students walking on their way home dripping wet. I guess their parents were worried and could only mumble angrily while attending to their children.

I hope our authorities would wake up and learn a lot from their shortcomings, after all May pag-asa naman siguro ang pag-asa, hindi ko lang alam sa mga ibang opisyal. Hoy, Gising!
***
I could not help but wonder why the association of the Barangay councils in Baguio City could not be specific in their board resolution withdrawing their support of the controversial fund raising Bingo sa Barangay.

The fact that they allow barangays to conduct their own Bingo sa Barangay through barangay resolutions only shows that the ABC is only withdrawing support and not the authority and the position to declare it as an illegal, activity meaning, the board resolution is just a plain white elephant paper or otherwise moot and academic.

Nevertheless, I appreciate the position of the board in publicly denouncing all forms of illegal gambling like jueteng, But it is more appropriate to clean their own backyard first before others -- that is to totally stop the bingo sa barangay once and for all. Hindi ba apo Joel Alangsab at Eva Fianza?
***
Three people were reported dead because of a landslide in Baguio due to Typhoon Nina. The same that several landslides also happened at Itogon, Benguet where 14 miners where trapped inside a tunnel and efforts to rescue them are still unsuccessful as I am writing this column.

Residents at Itogon are now blaming the ongoing mining activity in their area as cause of the landslide, but Benguet Corp. was quick to deny this. There is also a clamor that the mining firm where the 14 miners were trapped should also be investigated to see if it has a mining firm has a permit.

It is also interesting to know if the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources has any role to play here, but just the same, expect finger pointing and washing of hands by persons involved in these tragedies.
***
Department of Transportation and Communication Cordillera regional director Federico “Bong” Mandapat Jr. should start imposing disciplinary sanction against erring public utility drivers particularly some drivers of Partas Bus lines and public jeepneys playing the Scout Barrio route.

My bubwit reported that he personally witnessed a road accident along Harrison Road in Baguio involving a jeep with Scout Barrio route and its driver who was apparently under the influence of liquor.

Not too long ago another jeep with the same route was involved in a vehicular accident also at Harrison wherein the driver was found driving under the influence of liquor.

Last Wednesday, my bubwit again witnessed a Partas Bus line with plate number ABZ 998 as it overtook recklessly a small taxi along the intersection of Lourdes Dominican and Naguillian Road. It was good the taxi was able to swerve immediately to the left side otherwise it could have been hit badly by the speeding bus.

Attention, Manong Bong, I know you don’t tolerate these undisciplined drivers to go on driving freely on our streets. Please them a bit of whipping.

BULL's HIT

Rudy Garcia
No money for GSIS loans?

More are complaining against the Government Service Insurance System for alleged lack of funds for loans and claims to their members. A female staff of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources in Baguio office approached this writer to air her grievances and let others be informed of the seemingly mysterious disappearance of the funds that should have been intended for the GSIS contributing members.

She claims that their office continues to deduct the mandatory contributions from them but gets nothing in return. Attention GSIS, Baguio City office: Kindly attend to these complaints of your members to prove that there is nothing irregular going on at your office. Wala naman sigurong pressure or diktahan na nangyayari mula sa itaas, tama ba o hindi”? Prove that you are not robots, ladies and gentlemen.
***
All was well and ends well for the “Mr. Baguio” Nick Domalsin Cup, Bodybuilding held last Sept. 7 at the Baguio Convention Center. Except for the open weight, all divisions were fairly judged by the board of judges. I received negative remarks mostly from my colleagues who are professional bodybuilders saying the selection for the winner in the open weight division was a lutong macaw which I also agree when I compared the 3rd, 2nd, and the 1st winners.

The 2nd or the 1st runner up were much more muscular and defined compared to the 1st winner, even the 2nd runner up was much better that the 1st and I wonder how the board of judges came up with such a lousy decision. Being an experienced bodybuilder, it is a disgust to see the deserving as the least and the undeserving first. That should not happen to a prestigious event such as the Mr. Baguio Bodybuilding Competition.

With respect to my friend Mr. Nick Domalsin Jr. who is the over-all organizer of this recent event, he should be advised to get credible and efficient members for the board of judges, tabulators and even assistants to have more credible future competitions. It is a must that he should save and not to taint the reputation of bodybuilding sport in the city of Baguio. Flex it again Nick, you can do it!
***
Some kibitzers at the Baguio City Public Market are asking if the recent series of clearing operations done by the demolition team of the Baguio City Public Order and Safety Division Office on the ambulant and illegal vendors would finally end the cat and mouse play between the POSD and the vendors.

Well, if the chairperson on market committee, councilor Elaine Sembrano would stand firm on her order to clear the city market, then there could be no reason for not ending this problem unless the good councilor would only mean business this time but not afterwards. No sir, kilala ko ang pagkatao ni apo konsehala. If she means it, she’ll do it. No politics, period!

BULL's HIT

Rudy Garcia
Bulag, pipi at bingi cops

The Supreme Court has now issued the sanction to be imposed on the erring Court of Appeals justices who were involved in the bribery scandal of the Meralco -GSIS case. Some say the order was harsh while others say it was insufficient.

Too much or not, we have to respect the decision of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, those CA justices could file their appeal. They could now be the “givers” instead of being the “takers.” Yes the doctors now are taking up medicine from their own prescription, isn’t it funny?
***
There are reports that vigilante groups are now helping the military in hunting down MILF commanders Bravo and Kato. Thanks to the bounty reward of P10 million each for the capture of the two MILF Rebel commanders. If the vigilante groups catch Bravo or Kato first ahead of the military, then there could be something wrong with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, But whoever comes first doesn’t matter but for the immediate capture of these two commanders and their men.
***
Former Gov. Chavit Singson was named deputy national security adviser. Aside from Recto, Sotto, Pichay and Defensor, he will he be taking the post for the national welfare or will he just be another poste by the Malacañang in preparation for the coming 2010 election? The benefit of the doubt lies now on Singson. He has now the chance to prove that he is worth the position. Huwag lang sana siyang ma Chavit,dahil baka magkachavit-Chavit nanaman ang Malakanyang sa pagtalaga sa kanya.
***
About 6535 law graduates took the recent bar exam and this so far is the greatest number of examinees recorded taking up the bar exams. If at least 1/8 of them would pass, then we will be having more or less 800 new lawyers. The lucrative income and the status symbol could be some factors why young students prefer taking up law than study technical courses where this country is now short of having skilled ones. Kung sabagay kapag abogado ka, malaki ang tsansa. More cases, more clients and more money.
***
The discovery of the shabu lab in Naguillan, La Union has resulted to fingerpointing and washing of hands of officials, enforcers and the media. Rep. Dumpit of La Union has even accused some members of the media of being on the take citing the reason why they failed or refused to report the matter earlier.

I am not saying that the good congressman is barking at the wrong tree but he should not be too fast in coming out with his allegation without any substantial evidence. Otherwise he could be branded as a screaming faggot out to seek personal attention. Dapat niyang tandaan, walang magnanakaw ang umaamin sa siya’y nagnakaw. Right mga kapamilya?
***
The landslide that is now happening at Compostela Valley is likely to happen in Camp 6 Tuba, Benguet if concerned authorities fall to stop illegal pocket mining in area. Minor erosions are now starting to happen in some parts of mountain slope where there are small underground tunnels caused by this pocket mining. Worst, reports have it that chemicals like cyanides used in mining were disposed off at night on nearby creeks or river channels unnoticed.

Perhaps those municipal and the barangay officials are just too busy they don’t see what is happening right under their noses. The same is through with the police. They have defective ears since they could not hear the loud noises of explosion coming out from dynamites being used by these miners.

Mahirap talaga ang maging bulag pipi at bingi dahil sa kislap ng salapi. But remember that we have a universal law of retribution called karma. They should not wait for this law to hit them, otherwise

BULL's HIT

Rudy Garcia

The way things are going now in Mindanao, we can’t help but pity our civilian brothers and sisters out there who were greatly affected by ongoing hostilities. It is somehow a relief to know that most of these Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps are now been overrun by the Armed Force of the Philippines. I wonder how long will it take for the long arm of the law to catch up with commanders Bravo and Kato, who up to now are still at large like loose bulldogs ready to attack anytime.

While the military claims it has control of most of the MILF camps, most of the civilian evacuees’ refuse to return home for fear of their lives. This means they don’t believe that the government could protect them from those rebel forces.

The government should think that what is happening started when it entered into a deal with the MILF but retracted due to opposition and more so after the Supreme Court ordered a stop for the signing of the said memorandum of agreement. It is but proper for the government to give full protection to affected civilians no matter how. It should stand firm in going after these rebels cum terrorists and better still, issue a shoot-to-kill order to give this criminal group a doze of their own medicine.

There are propositions that the MILF should be declared a terrorist organization, but, isn’t it funny to think that our own government nearly conspired and made a deal with a terrorist organization?
***
All was well and ended well at the Beijing 2008 Olympics with China topping the over-all standing with 51 gold medals while the United States of America placed second with 36 golds. Though the Philippines got a very low standing from this recent Olympics, we should be proud of our athletes who did their best and mostly the two wushu players of Baguio who brought home with them two bronze medals. With this humble column, let me commend these two of Baguio’s pride for bringing honor to the country. Kudos kina Mariano at Rivera and may you bring home more medals in the future.
***
I received reports from one of my bubwits that the illegal pocket mining or usok at camp 6, Tuba, Benguet continues to operate despite dangers this would bring to the nearby residents in the area.

Lately, residents were again caught flat footed with the consecutive explosions they heard at the mining site which they believe are being used to open some portions of the mountains for mining. My bubwit said anyone who passes by along the highway could see several holes at the mountain that could weaken and lead to disaster such as landslides.
I have been calling the attention of concerned authorities through this column to look and investigate the reported illegal mining and illegal quarrying at Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet but this seems to be taken for granted especially the barangay officials. Are they just waiting for untoward incidents to happen before they act appropriately? Hoy, Agkuti kayo met a Apo!.
***
A lot of speculation are coming out after the fire that hit two girlie bars and one billiard joint along Legarda Road in Baguio early dawn of Aug. 27. Reports have it that a molotov bomb thrown by an irate costumer inside a VIP room in one of these KTV bar caused the fire.
I wonder though how this costumer was able to enter or return inside the joint unnoticed by the employees of the KTV Bar unless there could be some kind of conspiracy between the suspect and his companions who were left behind before the incident.

Whatever reason or cause of this untoward incident, it is still a big question why the security personnel failed to institute safety measures to prevent untoward occurrences like this one, or were they sleeping on their posts and caught flatfooted when they heard an explosion?
I don’t want to blame them in this incident but I strongly urge the security agencies to be more strict in recruiting watchmen, otherwise, establishments would be paying their guards for nothing. Kumuha naman kayo ng kuwalipikado, hindi iyong pinabili lang ng suka sa kanto, guwardiya na!
***
The Baguio city police force finally got a new police chief in the person of Supt. Wilfredo Franco. Let’s just wait and see if the new chief has the will to improve peace and order in this summer capital and how he will he go after the lawless elements. As I have been saying. whenever there is someone new in the position, urayen tayo ti garaw na a bago tayo agsao. That’s it, but nevertheless, we welcome the new BCPO chief.
***
There is now a brewing rift between the Baguio City public order and safety division and ambulant vendors along the city market. This after the POSD operatives conducted no- nonsense clearing operations against those hard headed vendors who continue to occupy even the middle of roads to ply their trade.

One instance was an incident along Zandueta and Kayang streets around 11a.m. of Aug.. 23 where some fish vendors were allegedly manhandled by operatives of the POSD, but the POSD claimed otherwise saying the vendors threw stones at them hitting passersby, the reason why they had to fight back to defend themselves.

It is my opinion that city mayor Reynaldo Bautista should look into this matter before anything happens to any POSD man like what happened to former POSD officer George Dumawing who was shot and seriously wounded while doing his duty.

He should also look into possibility of expanding the authority and responsibility of the POSD like the POSO in Dagupan City or the MMDA in Metro Manila. But most important, he should conduct a dialogue with the vendors to let know their sentiments. After all, these vendors are also humans who have families to feed. It is better to sit down and compromise than using iron hands that could break the peace. Kakaasi da met mayor dagita tao nga agbibinato ken mabatbato!
***
A public high school teacher in Baguio complained to this writer about the proliferation of computer and internet shops or cafes near their school campus. The dismayed teacher is accusing the concerned authorities of being bulag, pipi at bingi on these establishments which she said don’t even have business permits.

Some could even be found inside residential houses where some students are now addicted in playing computer games rather than attending to their classes or making good use of the computers like school research. Attention, Department of Education and Councilor Fred Bagbagen, committee chairman on education. Paki busisi ninyo naman po ang reklamong ito!

BEHIND THE SCNES

Alfred P. Dizon
Car-less Sundays /Dismal performances

BAGUIO CITY – Some city officials may have deemed they were helping the environment by closing Session Road on Sundays to vehicles for the reason that people have to breathe cleaner air at the main thoroughfare.

True, everybody needs cleaner air, but closing a road, the city’s convergence point at that, is going over the hill. Making the air of Baguio cleaner needs a macro solution, not a micro adhesive tape.

If our city officials would like to lessen air pollution, they could hold a meeting with regional Dept. of Transportation and Communications director Bong Mandapat and Environment officials like on ways and means to lessen smoke coming out from vehicles. Or better, they could hold a public hearing on the matter since a lot of people, not only businessmen, are affected by the road’s closure.

Closing Session Road even for a day is not the solution to having cleaner air. The vehicles which couldn’t pass through the road on Sundays would pollute the air elsewhere in the city. It is like transferring the polluted air from one area so other people could breathe it elsewhere. The point should be to clean the air, not having a cosmetic and simplistic solution to the problem.

On a lighter vein, health conscious visitors and residents can take heart that during these rainy days, air quality in the city’s central business district area is improving. Engineer Paquito
Moreno, regional director of the Environmental Management Bureau in the Cordillera told the media that based on daily output of automatic ambient air quality monitoring machine stationed at the foot of Session Road, air pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide ozone and particulate matters, only increase during peak hours of the day due to increasing number of vehicles passing through the city’s central business district area.

Baguio is one among the four cities in the country which has been a recipient of the machine. The other urban areas provided the state-of-the-art equipment were Davao City, Cebu City and the National Capital Region.

According to Moreno, the city’s air quality improves during the rainy season since rain washes down suspended particulates in the air. Of course, when the dry season comes, expect increased air pollution.

The equipment, he added, has not yet registered 150 micrograms per cubic meter of total suspended particulates in the city which is considered as the emergency level, thus, the city’s air quality is considered to be at the category of good to fair.

Moreno said the recorded air quality in the central business district area does not represent the air quality in other parts of the city because the air quality in less polluted areas of the city are far better than that of the central business district area.

The operation of air quality monitoring results for over a year, he said, has produced good results in terms of awareness of local government officials and residents on how to reduce pollution.

But like we said, implementation of traffic re-routing schemes to lessen the volume of vehicles at the central business district did not lessen air pollution in the city but only distributed it. So enough with this “car-less Sundays” and Your Honors, please hold a public hearing on solving the traffic mess and in lessening pollution in the city – including of course the garbage mess.
***
This article below reached my email. Maybe, this could shed some light on what is happening at the Olympics and what went wrong with the Philippine sports program:

It is quite a puzzle why a country of approaching 90 million people could not produce a gold medal in the Olympics. Still, it remains quite a puzzle why, for almost 100 years of Olympic participation, the Philippines could not even dominate a single sport.

At the ongoing Beijing Olympics, the Philippines seems to be heading for another medal shutout. Halfway through the Games, the country has yet to win a single round in any event that it participated in its march toward the elusive gold.

Its best bet for the gold, Harry Tañamor, did not even reach first base, bowing to Ghanaian Mangyo Plange in the elimination round of boxing's flyweight division. It was a stunning upset since Tañamor was being tipped by the prestigious Sports Illustrated to win the silver in his weight class.

Now, with the remaining Filipino athletes facing uphill battle against the world's best, it may just be another unfortunate exit for the country. This is not to demean the capability of remaining athletes to pull off a golden miracle. But at a rate things are going, they indeed need a miracle to put the Philippines on the medal list.

Many would wonder what went wrong with the Philippine sports. The country has been participating in the Olympics since 1924 but has never had the golden opportunity to win the gold.

The closest the country has the opportunity to bag the gold was when Anthony Villanueva and Mansueto Velasco fought in boxing finals. Both lost in controversial fashion. But those were many Olympics ago and the Philippines never had the chance to recover from those frustrating and demoralizing defeats.

Now in the aftermath of this another dismal performance by the country's athletes, another finger-pointing scenario on who's to blame is expected to arise between its sports officials. It has been the name of the game that whenever Filipino athletes suffer setback in their campaign overseas, bickerins would normally erupt between the country's sports officials.

What the country needs is a concrete long-term program that should start at the grassroots level. There are countless talents from across the country that, if given proper training and government support, can give the best in the world a run for their money.

The government is not short on funds for this ambitious program, as seen in the hundreds of millions of pesos that it infused into various sporting programs. But only a concerted effort from among sports agencies can the Philippines be on the right path towards the Olympic gold.

BULL's HIT

Rudy Garcia
Who owns the Baguio SM lot?

BAGUIO CITY -- In his privilege speech last Aug. 11 during the city council’s regular session, councilor Thomas Rocky Balisong delivered his part II privilege speech regarding the disposition of public lands in Baguio which he said is a big puzzle to officials and constituents of the city.

He said there was a seeming conflict of titles between the government itself and a government agency which is the GSIS regarding the actual metes and bounds of OCT number 1 -- some portions more particularly lands along Gov. Pack Road just below SM city of Baguio and fronting the Sunshine Park where the new building of SM investment corporation was erected.

Cutting it short, the good councilor suspects that there are defects in the awarding of the lots in favor of SM which appears to be disadvantageous to the government the same that the parcels of land awarded to SM are the same parcels of land which is now titled in the name of the heirs of Placido Carantes.

The question now, he said, is what could be the effect of the titles issued in the name of heirs of Carantes on the application of the SM over the same parcels of land. Hence, Balisong added: What will prevail between an order of award issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in favor of SM and a title issued by the Land Registration Commission in the name of the heirs of Carantes duly registered at the Registry of Deeds of Baguio?

While Balisong could be in good faith and has good intention, it puzzles me though why he was only blowing the whistle now when he should have done this before on his first term as a city councilor.

Call it chance, but this was answered when I happened to meet him along a corridor at city hall two days after his privilege speech. He said what he is saying now are based on the documents he just discovered and there are more to come and he is now bent on finding out the real truth on this matter of concern no matter how difficult this is for him. He further said that he will reveal all his findings on his future privilege speeches.

Somewhere along the line, Balisong is now doing what is deemed proper for this seemingly mysterious acquisition of government lots by a multi national company but I just wonder why he or his colleagues or even the city government are reluctant in filing a case for the court to determine whether there is a probable cause to establish the veracity of this paper trail for trial.
Anyway, it’s but proper for us to wait for the next move of Balisong or the city government regarding this matter. I hope they will act appropriately the soonest. Daig kasi ng maagap ang masipag, mahirap na ang magsisi sa huli.
***
As I write this column, Typhoon “Karen” is moving out from the Philippines northwest of Luzon to nearby Hongkong. Based on a report of the National Disaster Coordinating Council there was one casualty and another one in serious condition in a hospital of the Baguio.

This, aside from others who sustained injuries brought about by landslides particularly at Pinsao, Ambiong, Sta. Scholastica and Hillside. I salute all the staff and volunteers of the NDCC for their efforts in rescuing and giving assistance to victims and placing their lives at risk to protect others lives and properties. Kudos sa inyo mga living heroes!

Typhoon Karen also gave prolonged holidays to students and public employees. Classes were suspended Wednesday and Thursday while government offices declared half day off Wednesday afternoon. Students enjoyed their holiday Thursday when their classes were suspended despite the good weather.

Is the Pagasa again to be blamed for this kapalpakan, the Department of Education or local officials? But who cares? Parents like me are happy to see children playing around, but I guess, operators of computer or internet shops are more happy taking advantage of those kids who are addicted to playing games at their computer units for hire.

Anyway, even if there are classes, these computer establishments are raking in a lot of income from those kids who skip their classes just to play. And where are the authorities? Poor parents, they are trying every means to make both ends meet not knowing their children are slowly losing grip on the rope to guide them to the right direction for their future because of their addiction to these games.
***
If reports are true that this new barangay captain in a barangay along the central business district of Baguio is being selective in monitoring and implementing local ordinances to establishments under his turf, more so if his establishment has no permit and allows illegal gambling inside, then, this bocap should be investigated together with some top city officials and members of media who are allegedly protecting him and his alleged illegal activities.

However, reports have it that he allegedly stopped his activities upon learning that maybe a raid or inspection was on the offing. Malakas talaga ang radar at timbre kaya nakalusot si Kupitan. But we will not let them operate unnoticed. For sure, we will keep on strictly monitoring the place, and I would bet, maaalisan din sila ng mascara one of these days.

BULL’S HIT

RUDY GARCIA

BAGUIO CITY -- I was so unfortunate I was not able to attend two activities I should have for the University of Baguio’s alumni homecoming this year. First was the UB alumni homecoming held at the UB gym on July 26 which was hosted by my batch mates of UB high school batch ’73, and second, the alumni luncheon treat at the Rosebowl Restaurant last Aug. 7.

I guess, it would be no use citing my unexcused reasons, but nevertheless, I was glad to hear from my batch mates that the activities were successful. Congrats! Surely, I owe a lot from my batch mates but I guess it’s not too late for my promise that I will be making up for my shortcomings to them and to my alma mater. Happy Homecoming!
***
First, it was an issue whether to postpone the Aug. 11 ARMM election or not, and although several positions were set forth, the Comelec said it was ready to push through while some lawmakers were for its postponement. The Senate likely would not conform to the postponement. It was plain stupidity for some of the administration puppets to hold on to the edge of the ropes just to have this election postponed.

They are saying that the ongoing peace process between the government panel and the MILF would be affected once the ARMM election pushes through and that the MILF would likely get mad and stage attacks. Ha! Ha!

How could these people issue such stupid reasons? They better tell that to the marines, not us. They are now admitting that we have a helpless Armed Forces of the Philippines and a powerless government to defend the constitution and the people? Or is this another kind of crap tactics by the spit masters to grab another chance to dance the cha-cha? Funny, but only here in the Philippines!
***
What is alarming now are reports that the government will push an agreement with the MILF or the Bangsa Moro for its territorial domain. The palace admitted this but was quick to deny that it was already finalized and said this was not yet a done deal. Oh, how I wish that our officials at Malacanang would show their true colors. Kanya kanya kasi sila ng hugasan ng kamay! Nakakahiya na sila! Buking da met!”
***
My salute goes to the National Bureau of Investigation-Cordillera especially its regional director, Manong Atty. Ricardo Pangan Jr. for their excellent entrapment operation that led to the arrest of two top officials of the Baguio City engineer’s office based on a complaint by a local contractor.

These two arrested officials are now facing extortion charges at the court. Sana magsilbing babala ito sa ibang mga opisyal na mahilig ng tongpats. Kuwidaw! And to the NBI operatives who made the entrapment, mabuhay kayo! And to the complainant: Kudos din sa iyo, sana marami pa ang mga katulad mo! keep it up! ***
Calling the attention of BCPO traffic division chief Samuel Bumangil Jr. to kindly check the reported causes of traffic at Upper Bonifacio St. heading to Gen. Luna Road., Upper Magsaysay beside old Tiong San, and at the corner of Upper Magsaysay and Gen. Luna Road.

According to one of my bubwits, some hard headed jeep drivers bound for Trancoville and Aurora Hill are making these areas their waiting terminals for passengers the reason for the heavy traffic. Worst he said, not even a traffic cop or a traffic aide could be seen in these areas at times like these! Magaling lamang sila sa hulihan. Well, that is according to my bubwit. Tama ba ito o hindi Insp. Bumangil? Pakibusisi!

***
Baguio ABC president and councilor Joel Alangsab and Baguio barangay affairs coordinator Lawrence adobe should look into the report of one of my bubwits that barangay officials at Upper Magsaysay headed by punong barangay Antonio Tamayo could be remise in their function as barangay officials and should be up on their toes to improve the peace and order in their turf.

According to my bubwit, a series of stabbing incidents are happening at the corner of upper Magsaysay Raod and Upper P. Burgos St. just beside those videoke joints and massage parlors especially at night.

He is wondering why there are no barangay officials or even tanods who should be on foot patrol to monitor and preserve the peace and order in that area. It was reportedly barangay officials and tanods of Lower Magsaysay barangay who were doing the job the officials of Upper Magsaysay. Totoo ba ito Antonio Tamayo? Naku kung totoo ito, mahiya ka naman kay apo kapitan Amagen ng Lower Magsaysay! Agkuti kayo met ah!

BULL’S HIT

Jueteng, car stickersand a lady reporter
RUDY GARCIA

This local television station in Baguio should be more careful in reporting their news to the public. Just a week ago, a lady reporter made an error when she mentioned on live telecast that a bar and billiard joint along Upper Mabini St. was the place where the trouble ensued the night before, but said incident happened at Assumption Road.
Worst, a caption outside this establishment joint at Upper Mabini St. was shown on television while the lady reporter was reporting the incident, hence, the public was made to believe that the untoward incident happened at the bar and billiard joint in thearea.

Though, this could be an honest mistake from this lady reporter, she should have at least issued a correction or a public apology soon after, unless she intended to circumvent the facts either to embarrass the operator or discredit the establishment. But what gain would she get?

I don’t want to think that this lady reporter or some of the TV staff were getting big favors from those nincompoops bent on pinning down this bar and billiard joint at Upper Mabini St.

I wonder if this lady reporter and her minions forgot to practice their “code of ethics” and if management of this TV station edit or screen with prudence information and references. Mahirap na kasing makuryente. For now, the lady reporter and the staff of this local TV station in Baguio need a lot of explaining to do. Better still, issue a public apology for their mistake. Di ba mga kapamilya?” Next time, ingat naman.
***
The garbage problem in Baguio is no joke, reason why its officials nearly declared a state of calamity in this summer capital. Good that they thought better that it was disapproved. Measures are now undertaken to accommodate collection and disposition of piles of garbage, though this costs much to the city coffers, at least people in Baguio were given chance to breathe clean air and prevent possible outbreak of epidemics.

It is now an urgent call for city officials, barangay and the residents to unite and cooperate in disposing their garbage properly and join hands, sit down and discuss possible solutions to this matter of concern. Enough of finger-pointing and faultfinding, bickering and grandstanding. What the people of Baguio need now is a resolute plan, firm actions and political will to resolve this long garbage problem. They have had enough. Tama na, sobra na, ibasura na. *
**
Those computer and internet shops or café owners who are known to be neglecting their social responsibilities should be penalized and have their establishments shut down by authorities. Many of these establishments in Baguio allow students to play computer games even during school hours.

Noteworthy are students who are still minors playing overnight in these computer shops and it’s a wonder why these establishments allow these minors to play overnight even without the consent, permission or company of guardians. Are our authorities deaf and blind on these matters they don’t care to inspect or monitor these erring establishments?

Attention Baguio mayor Reynaldo Bautista Jr. and city administrator Peter Flanza. Attention also DSWD and the Baguio city police office. Pakibusisi ninyo naman po ito mga sir at madams. *
**
Many drivers and operators of taxi units in baguio city are complaining of the slow issuance of fare increase stickers from the regional Dept. of Transportation and Communications. According to them, most of their time is consumed waiting for their stickers at the DOTC office at pacdal instead of them driving their taxis for income to feed their families.

Calling the attention of DOTC regional director Bong Mandapat Jr. Sir how about telling your men to be faster in issuing these fare increase stickers? kawawa naman ang ating mga drayber.

How true that some of our jueteng bet collectors are using bingo sa barangay identification cards as their “fronts” to make it appear that what they are doing are Legal.

Maybe these kubradors found an easy way to be out from the hook if ever they will be apprehended by the authorities, but I wonder though if those top honchos of the bingo sa barangay are aware of this, or is it the other way around?

Is there also a truth that bingo sa barangay and this illegal numbers game called jueteng are now in good “tie-up” terms? Well, they have seen it but still, that remains to be answered! Magkano ba?

BULL’S HIT

An abusive customer
RUDY GARCIA

If former House Speaker Jose de Venecia means what he said that he is now ready to testify at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding the controversial ZTE NBN deal, we expect temperatures to rise up once again on this on-going probe. Let us see if De Venecia can pull the rope against the spin masters at Malacanang in this battle for truth.

The sooner he goes to the Senate bench, the better chance our senators could convince the public that there is still a chance for the truth to come out in this contract. The Jocjoc Bolante fertilizer scam is one lesson we should now be learning a lot from. As the saying goes: “Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? Pwede pa siguro kahit naghihingalo na, baka me tsansa pa!”
***
There are some reasons why I decided to write about good changes in Baguio and to commend city authorities concerned. Worthy to note is better cleanliness and sanitation at the city public market and at the central business district. Credit goes to the mayor’s office general services office and the city council working committees.
On improvement of peace and order, credit goes to the regional and city police offices for their intensified campaign against lawlessness and criminality. Their police visibility, mobile and foot patrols. Kap-kap (frisking) operations should be regular routine to abate criminal elements from doing their illegal activities. Well, I believe that our cops in uniform are now seriously working to serve the community and not just to show-off. After all they must understand the saying “Prevention is better than cure.
” ***
My salute also goes to all barangay officials who are doing their best to improve peace and order within their turfs. One particular official I want to commend is Punong Barangay Michael Flores of Barangay Kabayanihan. Flores sees to it that reports and complaints are acted upon, personally monitoring and inspecting his area of responsibility with the assistance of his barangay tanods and police particularly on night establishments serving liquor. No wonder that his area like Upper Mabini St. and Assumption Road now have minimum crime rate. Sana ay tuloy tuloy na ito apo kapitan Flores.
***
One reason why some people bully around without fear is because they have somebody to protect them -- either a relative or close friend who could be an official in the government, police or military. One example is an incident at a bar and billiard joint along Upper Mabini St. night of July 8. A customer was creating trouble inside the bar, the reason security personnel forced the unruly costumer to go out. But instead of going out peacefully, the customer tried to hit the security guard and a waiter the reason why the security hit back the customer to defend themselves.
The customer went out but came back later with a companion who looked like a police or military official with two uniformed policeman. The man in civilian attire arrogantly asked who hit his companion while the two uniformed cops just stood by.

The security guard who was just doing his job ran inside and hid backstage trembling with fear. He was still lucky for that man whom we came to know later on as a police official and his companions didn’t see him, otherwise he could have been arrested for a purported crime or worst, he could be one among those who have mysteriously gone with the wind.

A little advice, that next time you come across with a toughie, be sure he is not a relative or a friend of an official who could be his protector, ninong padrino or whatever. But better to stay away from trouble. Iba na ang nag-iingat at umiiwas.

THE MOUNTAINEER

Need of the hour:Price control
EDISON L. BADDAL

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The unmitigated increase in the price of oil, which hit $138.50 recently in the world market due to the standoff between the US and other military powers and intransigent Iran, has created a detrimental effect on economies of nations that are dependent on fossil fuel to run their industries. The Philippines is among the foremost users of fossil fuel as it is the major source of the country’s electric power to operate its fledgling industries.

Hence, any hike in the price of oil in the world market inexorably precipitates an increase in the price of local oil supply. Due to the recent, abrupt oil price hike, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo enjoined all public and private agencies to adopt fuel and electricity-saving measures. She initiated this as an austerity measure even as it is an indispensable policy to preserve the gains that the economy registered in the preceding year. She directed officials in the Visayas and Mindanao regions to observe such measure being the major users and consumers of fossil fuel in the country.

On the other hand, the oil price hike triggered an increase in the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities. The basic necessities include among others rice, corn, bread, fresh and canned fish and other marine products. Those listed as prime commodities are fresh fruits, flour, processed and canned pork, beef and poultry meat and others.

The increases in the price of oil and commodities upped the inflation rate of the country which precipitately climbed to 10.2% in June. This is a marked increase from 9.6% in May and more so on the average 8.3% registered for the first four months of the year. The price increases in oil and commodities exacerbated the woes of the poor, who are always at the receiving end of any slight or grave aberration in the economy, even as there is still a shortage in the supply of the government-subsidized NFA rice.

In a show of uncommon political shrewdness, GMA forestalled any untoward backlash from the affected hoi polloi when she handed a cash subsidy of 500 pesos to identified 4 million poor families from the urban poor. Though given as a one-time subsidy, this goes a long way in cushioning even just a little of the harsh effect of the untenable increase in electric rates in light of the continued oil price hikes.

This was given to those consuming a lifeline rate of 100 kwh and below from the 12 billion collection from VAT in 2007.In a way, it is a share of the poor from the fruits of the VAT. Topping GMA’s knee-jerk poverty reduction measure is the grant of personal tax exemptions to at least 500,000 wage earners in both private and public agencies by RA 9504 which was signed into law by PGMA on June 17,1008. The law also increased the amount of personal exemptions of individual taxpayers from 20,000 to 50,000 pesos.

Other benefit is the increase in the additional exemption of each of the four dependent of an individual taxpayer from 8,000 pesos to 25,000 pesos. It also allows the use of the so-called Optional Standard Deduction (OSD) method by the self-employed, professionals and the medium,small and micro entrepreneurs when they file their income tax returns. This system allows the latter to declare at least 40% of their gross sales or receipts as taxable income for a given period. These grants, albeit palliative measures, translate into bigger budget for food and other necessities for poor families.

It cannot be denied that such bold and prudent moves by PGMA scuttled a budding social upheaval of that may worsen to cataclysmic proportion given the fact that any country’s political history is more often the result of the violent, uncontrollable eruption of the repressed sentiments of the masses once its acrimony due to poverty has reached its irreversible acme.

In the light of the unmitigated increase in the price of oil and commodities, there is a need to rein in further increase in order to avert a galloping inflation rate from ensuing. Under such worst scenario, widespread famine will not be far behind. In this wake, there is a need to revisit the provisions of RA No. 7581, aka the Price Act.

This law provides protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic commodities even as it prescribes measures against undue price increases during emergency and like situations. It iterated the state policy “of ensuring the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices at all times without denying legitimate business a fair return on investment.”

It further aims “to provide effective and sufficient protection to consumers against hoarding, profiteering and cartels with respect to the supply, distribution, marketing and pricing of aforesaid goods, especially during periods of calamity, emergency, widespread illegal price manipulation and similar situations.”

BULL’S HIT

Rascal/s discrediting new city fire chief
RUDY GARCIA

BAGUIO CITY -- To lighten this week’s column, let me commend the Baguio police SWAT and Compac IV of Station 7 for their fast and impressive response on a call of an alleged person with a cocked gun entering a bar and billiard joint along Upper Mabini St. in Baguio.

Upon receipt of the report, the joint operatives immediately proceeded and deployed in the area, conducted operation kapkap and searched the area. While there was no deadly weapon found or recovered, even if the call was a hoax or not, this showed police of Station 7 are reliable and ready for assistance in times like this, hence they deserve the apt tag as Baguio ’s Finest.

Again, my warm salute to the police officers at BCPO, SWAT and Compac IV or Station. Keep up the good work and may your tribe increase! ***
It was early morning of June 18 which I thought was just an ordinary morning normal routine. I was totally roused from sleep when I saw the news on TV that Ces Drilon and company who were held captive for nine days in Sulu were released by their kidnappers.

I made sure if this was real or not so, I glued myself to the boob tube to know the real score. I was too happy that a colleague and her companions were released allegedly without conditions. Accordingly, no ransom was reportedly paid for their release.
At any rate, it is now the authorities who should show no-nonsense business in going after the kidnappers the soonest. They should exert efforts and mobilize their intelligence networks and all resources to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
***
On the other hand it was a disgust to note that some were blaming Sen. Loren Legarda of early political campaigning. Maybe they were just overwhelmed by the release of a colleague they did not care to hear the entire story. Surely, it was unfair for the good senator to be accused of using this kidnap for ransom issue as her political propaganda when no other than Ces Drilon admitted she was the one who sought the help of Legarda.

I guess no one would ever dare put his or her life in danger to advance political career. Imagine, the lady senator bravely went to the territory of the kidnappers and had the harrowing experience of being treated as a prisoner with both her hands tied at the back by the kidnappers? Well, these kidnappers are not just ordinary criminals but are identified as Abu Sayyaf members who used to behead their captives and Legarda would not have gone to their lair if not for her voluntary will to help Drilon and company.

In fairness, Legarda deserves a warm salute for her heroic act. Nonetheless, we should allbe happy for the release of Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, Professor Octavio, Dinampo and Angelo Villarama. Cheers! ***
The tug-of-war between the Cordillera regional departments of Transportation and Communications and Public Works and Highways continues to brew with DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane supporting the position of the local DPWH in their stand that their office has the sole authority to decide whether the long stretch of Kennon Road, would be passable or not.

But DOTC regional director Federico Mandapat stood pat on his directive not to allow vans for hire, heavy equipment vehicles, trucks and other vehicles to pass along Kennon Road after confirming that the road was dangerous because of its unstable or unsafe geographical status.

According to him, it was not the road that was the foremost issue for him but the safety and protection of the passing public the reason why he ordered vehicles to pass through the Marcos Highway which is a road project of DPWH as alternative route.

Maybe Mandapat should talk to the bigwigs of the DPWH and offer an agreement that he will allow all vehicles to pass through Kennon as long as the DPWH will certify that they would be responsible for any untoward incidents that may happen to the passing public. Ano sey ninyo DOTC at DPWH, deal or no deal? ***
I wonder of there is a demolition job against the new fire marshall of the Baguio fire department. Earlier I received a report from my bubwit that many were complaining particularly those processing their business permits. According to my bubwit, he received complaints that business permits are sleeping and pending long at the office of the fire marshall because the fire chief is alleged to have been always out from his office.

I personally verified and checked this matter and found out that the reports and complaints were all false. The