RAIN OF FIRE

Presidential race
CESAR G. BONILLA

LAOAG CITY -- The French Revolution was the first major revolution of modern times. It overthrew the most famous monarchy in Europe, executed the royal family, ended the privileged position of the nobility and replaced the traditional institutions of France with new ones based upon popular sovereignty and democratic rights.

Subsequently, through its wars, the revolution spread the explosive ideas of the sovereignty of the people and liberty of the individual equality before the law throughout Europe. Although the immediate sequel to the revolution was the establishment of the Napoleonic Empire, its impact survived the Napoleonic interlude, and inaugurated the liberal and democratic movement of the 19th century.

Before the establishment of Parliament in France, the French people were divided into three Estates. The First Estate was made up of clergy, and the Second Estate of the nobility. Everyone e3lse in France belonged to the Third Estate. The First Estate composed of the Church who owned perhaps 10 percent of the land. It provided not only religious services but operated schools and gave relief to the poor.

The Church censored books it considered dangerous to religion. French citizens paid a tax to the Church. Instead of paying taxes on its property, the Church made a “free gift” to the government. The upper clergy like the archbishops, bishops, and abbots usually lived in luxury, spending huge sums on hunting dogs, horses, carriages, entertainment, fine furniture, and servants. This emphasis on aristocratic ways often led the upper clergy to neglect their religious duties.

It was ironic the way of Jesus Christ and His twelve apostles had proclaimed the words of God unseen of any sort of extravagance and kingly appearance. The Second Estate composed of the nobles who were privileged. Nobles owned 15 to 20 percent of the land. They held the highest offices in the Church, government, and army.

The Third Estate made up of peasants, city workers, and the middle class. Peasants owned nearly half the land in France. The peasants paid burdensome taxes to Church, king, and nobility. In some regions, taxes took almost 60 percent of the peasants income. Every time the state needed money, it raised the peasant’s taxes. An army of government tax collectors terrorized peasants into paying by threatening them with loss of their homes, whipping, imprisonment, or force labor. ***
The significance of EDSA People Power Revolution awakened the Filipino people to be united and counted to fight the gigantic forces of a powerful regime. In our present dispensation, the rule of darkness reigns due to ignorance, pretension and hypocrisy of the people and officials. Change from within could be the beginning of the struggle against the legions of the devil.

Even Satan pretends as if he is pure and right, using much of his charisma to deceive the world and be worshipped as the head of a corrupt body of nations. There is no tyrant if there is no slave. We are cowed by the oppressor because we have no political will to end to his excesses and never-ending thirst for power.

Every country needs morally strong men, who cannot be bought and who are loyal to an oath rather than to seek public welfare for selfish interests. Graft and corruption comes from weaknesses. The problem in this country is that too many of us seek personal advancement without due regard to the means of attaining it.

The Machiavellian dictum of using force is necessary to keep oneself in power. The use of goons, guns and gold including secret mercenaries of death to overpower political rivals can be a ticket to the innermost chamber of Hell. You may be the richest and most influential leader or politician in the world but your soul had already been bartered to a huge sleeping dragon in the deepest pit. The cries of your victims asking for justice could be the purveyance of death that could stop your pride and immoralities.

Possible contenders to the Presidency in the year 2010 are moving to and fro to be recognized and be called, the champion of the common people. Adequate financial resources, a nationwide party organization, popularity, impressive academic and service credentials and a respected personality and character are basic requirements and attributes needed by a presidential candidate to be considered a serious candidate with good chances of winning.

Some way have more of one or two of the requirements but short in other assets. But the most important necessity is money. A candidate with ample finances can easily set up a nationwide campaign machinery and promote a sustained and impressive public relations effort. He can easily win over established political leaders who are short of funds.

Other factors, such as the support of a foreign government; the backing of a monolithic and disciplined religious, labor or business organization, collective vote-getting capacity of the senatorial ticket and even some fortuitous events, may provide the winning edge for any presidentiable. On the basis of these, we can assess the chances for victory of the major candidates for the presidency. Let us pray that a good leader is chosen by God to lead us. ***
The alumni homecoming of Sta. Rosa Academy was a memorable one considering the arrival of Judge Gloria Butay Aglugob, RTC Judge of Las Pinas, who delivered a speech dedicated to the Alma Mater. The wrong conception of some about the gathering of alumni was their sense of importance. Some felt insecure and underrated themselves because of the success of others in terms of education, economic condition and professional advancement.

They wanted to celebrate a reunion of their own batch alone so they could easily identify with them their aspirations, failures and strivings. However, the alumni homecoming was not only for the rich or for the poor as others described it to be but for the whole institution advocating for fraternity, service and loyalty to the alma mater.

We must be grateful to God for being a part of this gathering. SRA is thankful to Mrs. SRA Golden Jubilarian 2007 in the person of Claire Guillermo-Cruz, Lourdes Bonoan-Meregillano (Mrs. SRA Sapphire Jubilarian 2008) and Eufemia Luis-Reserreccion (Mrs. SRA Pearl Jubilarian 2008). The endeavor of Dr. Visitacion Mamuad and cooperation of faculty and officers of SRA alumni of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Inc. made this occasion possible. Long Live, SRA!

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BULLS HIT

Too late the hero
RUDY GARCIA

I did not know that watching too much of this series of events on the NBN deal probe is not good for the health. I gained pounds from my usual 185 lbs to a close 200 pounds. My waistline now measures 36 inches from 31 inches. Blame it on the excitement brought forth by this NBN deal controversy that, I missed a lot of my pumping iron workouts at the gym. Nevertheless, all the toxic and cholesterol stored will surely be pumped out in due time at the gym hence, no amount of Lozada’s expose could tear down my muscles, not me!
***
The series of rallies calling for the ouster of PGMA and the political turmoil going in this Banana Republic is quite alarming. It is like a bomb that if ignited will explode anytime -- an EDSA people power in the making. This will not be good for Baguio since the peak celebration of Panagbenga 2008 is in the upswing. Well, just pray that we will not be affected by the ongoing political crisis.
***
Now, the headlines: Deputy Executive Secretary admits giving Lozada P.5 million but says money wasn’t a bribe! He was pushed hard into the wall he has to admit. But it is hard to believe that it was only a gift and not a bribe. Did the “money” come from his own pocket?.. Unbelievable as it may, but it’s better if the deputy would spill the beans now, rather than making unacceptable palusot.
***
Senators expecting new NBN deal probe witness! Good to hear that we are having more of Lozada. Just be on the watch, the next witness could be sent for vacation in the U.S or Hongkong with P.5 million plus 50,000 pesos pocket money and would be “snatched” by authorities at the airport upon return.
***
Thousands attend mass in support of NBN witness Rodolfo Lozada! In mathematics, if we have more Lozada’s to reveal what they know, multiply them by the thousands then, we will be having millions of supporters rallying behind, that will cause massive people’s power.
***
Malacañang says NBN controversy must be resolved through legal process! Now they are talking about legal process but, have they forgotten that, we installed a leader through people’s power? They knew all along that legal proceeding will take years before this will be resolved, or are they afraid of having a dose of their own medicine?
***
Representative Joson files house resolution calling for snap election this May 2008! Good idea, but will the congressmen who are lap dogs of the administration approve it? I guess not. This will again be thrown at the kamara’s trash can.
***
Senate invites presidential security group to NBN probe. Good that more characters, the better and merrier for this suspense thriller cum comedy action telenovela.
***
Lozada willing to take lie detector test to back up claims! Most of the Filipino people have already shown their sympathy and support. These are more than enough to show that they believe in him. Human instinct is more reliable than any lie detector machine. After all the people are the best judge.
***
Malacañang: FG Arroyo may attend Ombudsman probe if healthy enough. I guess his doctors will let him if FG could travel to other countries that are miles and miles away, what more to the office of the Ombudsman that is only meters away?
***
Lozada family overwhelmed by outpouring of support. If you do good, good things will come back in return. That is good karma. If you don’t, expect some bad karma to haunt you. Look at those people who are now nasusukol na parang daga. The universal law of retribution is now starting to haunt them.
***
Palace announces P 300 million to fund military, police housing. This is what they call “kunswelo de bobo.” The persons they now need most are the same persons they have ignored way back since they preferred pushing the contract because of big kickbacks rather than putting the amount to build houses for families of these same people.
***
Lozada said, Neri called President Arroyo “evil.” GMA in the “middle” of it all. I don’t remember calling president Arroyo “evil” says Neri. Neri could be suffering from amnesia. “Evil” and middle are words easy to remember. He should take a leave ASAP or voluntary resignation. Both would be good for his health.
***
JDV files resolution for 2004 poll fraud probe! The hero maybe too late. He should have filed this much earlier more so when was Speaker. Now he has no more power to speak of. If he does the likes of Escaryote then, it will be better kahit patay na ang kabayo, may silbi pa ang damo.
***
Ombudsman Gutierrez inhibits herself for NBN probe! If she takes a leave of absence while the NBN probe is going on, then she could still be called honorable, if not then she is sooo….
***
Sen. Biazon airs concern over parallel NBN probe by the office of the ombudsman. The old senator has a point. The ombudsman might give credence to the defendants for lack of merit exerting efforts to prosecute will be their least priority. Surely, they will focus more on physical evidence than sincerity. As they would be saying in unison “evidence speaks out far louder than hearsay.
***
President Arroyo, and Cabinet hold “unity walk” in Malacañang. They have a common motto: “United we walk, divided we fall.”Surely those cabinet members would be asking their “dividends” before the autumn falls.
***
Malacañang cancels eleven foreign funded government projects. In a desperate move, they try to douse the fire burning the whole house with a pail of water thinking it would stop the big fire.
***
Is Cordillera DOTC-CAR regional director Federico “Bong” Mandapat serious enough in saying that his office will now strictly enforce their campaign against smoke belching vehicles? That remains to be seen. Unless we see no more vehicles emitting killer usok on the streets then, we could say they are not just “PG or pakitang gilas” or ningas kugon, right Manong Bong? Ipakita mo!!
***
After that fire at the University of Baguio, the fire Department and the CBAO will now strictly inspect all structural buildings in Baguio. They waited for this incident to happen before they will do what they should have been tasked and mandated to do. What a disgust!
***
I would like to call the attention of the permits and licensing office to check the business permit of Martin apartelle located at Brentwood Village along M. Roxas St., near Teacher’s camp. My “bubuwit” said, a barangay official reported to him that this establishment had allegedly been operating without a business permit for years. Kindly check chief Cristio Lagyop!
***
Maybe some policemen at the BCPO station 7 compac IV have the habit of selecting whom to apprehend like what my “bubuwit” has reported.
***
Last week, he was apprehended by policemen at Compac IV for a minor traffic violation. They got his driver’s license but to his surprise, the driver of the car parked just beside a No Parking sign was not apprehended. According to him, the cops just ignored his complaint. Well, I went to see for myself and I found that the car was a new model compared to the old taxi driven by my bubuwit. I now see the reason why these smart cops at Compac IV were selective in their apprehension! Ano sey mo dito BCPO station 7 Chief Insp. Engelbert Soriano? Busisiin mo naman!

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TRAILS UP NORTH

Harvest in Chakchakan
GLORIA A. TUAZON

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- While the rest of the fields are beckoning harvest in Bontoc, just waiting a few days or weeks when the grains are at their fullest and ripe for gathering, some farmers at Sitio Chak-sho, Chakchakan in Bontoc Ili are on their way to their payews (rice fields.)

Most fields in these parts are located along the banks of the Chico River. The waters that flow here come from Sabangan where it roots and follows the highway to Bontoc. All along the river banks, the fields are like patches of green after the fields of pale gray stones.

Carabaos litter the edge, usually beating the heat by immersing themselves in the water, their humps like elongated, black rocks protruding halfway from the river bottom. Children wade and swim alongside them. So these farmers left their homes early and walked the distance to their fields, bringing with them some three chicken or pork along with the etag (local ham) they call the kawin and cook the bounty right in the fields.

They call this the mangawin rite, to start the harvest season. The sun is out early and the heat soared up. The farmers were clad in long-sleeved shirts, to protect their skin from burning too much. The wide-brimmed straw hats are a must, like wearing a portable tent. Trooping to the fields, chatting like children, their faded work clothes flapping in the humid wind.

The air here is thin, the water molecules from last night's condensation evaporating fast from rocks lining the shore, like a spa. They settle to butcher the chicken or prepare the meat, cook the meal amidst the swaying grains, the stalks glad to be rested and done another season. Talks persevere among the group and they start harvest right after meal doing it manually the traditional way using a simple harvest tool.

The semicircular blade held inside the palm, the handle in between the middle and pointer fingers, cutting individual stalks while gripping it with the thumb, then bundling the grain stalks when it’s about the size of their grips. to be later dried out in the sun. The sun boils on to midday, roasting the dust along the main road above the fields. A truck rolls by turning up the highway into a dust storm.

Everybody turns their back from the road, mouths and noses covered, looking into the direction of the river. Only then do they see the activities in the fields along the banks. People are oblivious to the turning of the seasons, unmindful that like everything, the rice cycle is ending again.

A few birds hopped about then flew in unison with the approach of an elderly woman. The sound of flapping wings disturbing the uncanny heat of the day. We scurried to the road and headed back to the center of town. Relief waited in the form of a dark, acidic liquid perspiring in one sexy bottle. Then again, what is in line next?

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BUSINESS BITS

Watch and munch
LUIZ BAGUIORO

He’d always wanted to become an entrepreneur, so in late 2000 Hans Tan, aged 25, put up Beyond Innovations Inc., a distributor of home theater systems when home theaters were still a novelty. Tan had worked as a consultant with the accounting firm SGV & Company for three years, helping a number of firms draw up sales and marketing strategies and improve their efficiency.

But now he was on his own. He had to sell the idea to his parents to borrow P10 million in capital. They were garment exporters and hard businessmen, and they considered his business so risky that they charged him higher rates than the banks imposed. He worked alone in the first four months.

“I was the salesman, order taker, delivery man, driver, collector, accountant, warehouseman and company president rolled into one,” says Tan, a civil engineer. “I approached the appliance stores one by one. On a typical day, I would spend one to two hours encoding orders and make delivery rounds up to 8 p.m.”

Tan recouped his investments and repaid his loan in two years. The peso’s steep depreciation in the last three years has cut disposable incomes and squeezed companies like Tan’s, which imports all its merchandise. But beyond Innovations survived by cutting overhead and increasing efficiency. It wasn’t long before it captured 20 percent of the market.

Encouraged, Tan teamed up with a friend to put up Krispy Kimpao DeliCorp. The joint venture opened in October 2002 to sell fried buns stuffed with ham and cheese, tuna, chicken teriyaki or beef curry. “I got the idea from the sweet fried buns or paos sold in the streets of Shanghai and eaten by the Chinese either with tea or milk,” Tan says.

“Our chefs from Honk Kong concocted the fillings, and we called them kimpao, meaning golden bun.” Their products were tasty. But unlike siopao or empanada, people didn’t know anything about them, so Tan started selling them in bazaars and trade fairs. “They sold like hotcakes, and we got a lot of inquiries for a franchise – up to 800 in one exhibit alone,” Tan says.

After sales hit 10,000 pieces a day, Krispy Kimpao started its expansion and planned to have 15 outlets by June this year. It aims to have at least 40 outlets by the end of the year, and between 80 and 100 stores by April next year.

Tan, naturally, is elated by his success. “Ever since I was a kid I knew I would be an entrepreneur ever,” he says. “Now I am.”

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Cops raid bocap’s house; bullets seized: ‘Mastermind’ in slay of MP mayor eludes arrest

BY DEXTER A. SEE

PARACELIS, Mountain province -- Elements of the police’s Task Force Paracelis seized several rounds of ammunitions inside the residence of a punong barangay linked to the gruesome murder of Paracelis town mayor Ceasar Rafael last Dec. 25 during the enforcement of a search warrant at Barangay Annat here recently.

Chief Supt. Eugene G. Martin, regional director of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera, said 16 bullets for M-16 Armalite rifles were confiscated by TFP members inside the residence of Anonat punong barangay Romel Borboron Ambatali, leader of the notorious Ambatali gang and one of the suspects named in the brutal murder of Rafael.

The police team was armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Joseph Patnaan of the Regional Trial Court Branch 35 here. The search was done in the company of four competent witnesses as required by the procedures.

However, the police team failed to arrest Ambatali as he was not in his house when it was searched.

Martin ordered the task force to continuously track down the whereabouts of the feared Ambatali gang leader and arrest him at all cost so that he would answer in the proper forum the numerous charges, including the murder of Rafael, which were already filed against him.

Earlier, Rene Yadao, 32 and Bong Felix, 32, both of Anonat, Paracelis, surrendered to police and admitted their involvement in the Rafael murder as lookouts.

The third suspect, Tirso Abalos, 40, who is from the same barangay, was arrested by members of a task force last January 25, 2005.

The suspects confessed they were bothered by their conscience after the perpetration of the crime, thus, they opted to give up and inform authorities on the real score behind the mayor’s murder.

While welcoming the surrender and arrest of three out of the six suspects, Natonin town mayor Ana Marie Banaag, one of Rafael’s daughters, expressed fear that the real mastermind on his father’s murder is already inclined in allegedly killing the remaining suspects to “silence” them from telling the truth on who paid them to implement the murder when they are already in the custody of the police.

She challenged the provincial government and the police to make good their commitment to put a stop on the brewing tension in Paracelis and arrest the four remaining suspects so they will suffer the consequences of their acts.

Aside from Ambatali, the suspects who are still at large include kagawad Danny Agabao and brothers Tony and Boni Gumbi, who are also barangay tanods of Anonat.

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Benguet folk assail P1.7-B road project; execs warned

BY DEXTER A. SEE

BOKOD, Benguet – Residents here assailed concerned government agencies for the “irregular” implementation of the foreign funded P1.7-billion Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya road which they said, was not done properly.

This was the statement of concerned residents here and the sub-contractors, who participated in the implementation of the rehabilitation of the over-100-kilometer road.

Sources said the government should look into the stone masonry at critical portions of the road because the deepcore penetration (DCP) was not strictly observed.

At the same time, the waterways of the road are only one-fifth-meter thick instead of the standard half-meter thick.

This is important because the road has mountainous terrains, they said. When the residents aired their concern to the consultants and the project engineer of the contractor, Cavite Ideal, the sub-contractors were allegedly ordered to follow the specifications in the plans and programs even if the project designs were not reportedly in consonance with the terrain of the region.

The source also said the concrete pavement of the lengthy road had already developed cracks, which are indications of the allegedly poor workmanship on the project, but the cracks were simply covered with plasters to hide the defects of the pavement from government inspectors.

Local officials and concerned residents living alongside the road have expressed their full support for a move of Rep. Samuel Dangwa in connection with the reported anomalies in the implementation of the project.

Dangwa was asking a full-blown investigation on the project by the House of Representatives so that all those responsible for the defective works are made accountable for their actions.

Earlier, Dangwa said the newly rehabilitated road linking Benguet to other parts of Region II could be considered merely as a first-class farm-to-market road because it is too narrow to be classified as a national road.

The project implementors said rehabilitation works are almost completed, and the road is expected to be turned over to the government within the first quarter of this year.

However, Dangwa said widening should first be done by the contractors so that big trucks speeding on the opposite lanes could be accommodated at certain narrow sections.

While agreeing that the rehabilitated road has greatly reduced travel time from Benguet to other parts of Region II, the sub-contractors warned that the concrete pavement and riprap walls would not be able to last the five-year warranty period prescribed under the regulations of the Department of Public works and Highways.

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P2 million marijuana confiscated in Tabuk; owners escape dragnet

BY EMILY CAYANDAG-FAMA

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Eighty two kilos of dried marijuana leaves in brick form valued at P2 million were intercepted at a checkpoint here in Banagay Bantay Pinagan on Feb. 8 at about 5 p.m.

Supt. Joker Ticbayan Cuanso, regional acting director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said the operation was carried out by members of the Kalinga Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group, 1605th Police Provincial Mobile Group and 77th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, in coordination with the regional PDEA.

Cuanzo said an informant tipped lawmen about the transport of the marijuana bricks, which were placed in four sacks and one carton and were intercepted by operatives from a blue dump truck bearing plate number CTR 556.

The three passengers of the truck including the owner of said contrabands identified as Bonnie Wacnang alias “Peter Wacnang” of Botbot, Tinglayan, Kalinga, suddenly jumped out and eluded arrest when the operatives were about to approach the vehicle.

The seized items were brought to the Kalinga provincial police office in Camp Duyan, Bulanao, Tabuk Kalinga to be used as evidence against the alleged illegal drug traffickers.

A case for illegal drug trafficking was being prepared for filing before the Kalinga Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Wacnang and his two other still unidentified cohorts.

Wacnang was reportedly arrested on Feb. 19, 2005 for the same violation but the was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

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Black bugs ravage Isabela coastal town

ILAGAN, Isabela - Almost 200 hectares of farmlands in a remote Pacific coastal town here have been infested by rice blackbugs for almost two months now, with farmers here fearing the infestation may spread to other towns in this country’s major rice producing-province.

Danilo Tumamao, provincial agriculture officer, said around 200 hectares have been affected by blackbugs in the six barangays of Dinapigue town, along the province’s Pacific coast.

Other sources, however said the damage may have reached even beyond the estimated hectares in the town.

The Department of Agriculture reportedly rdered the spraying of carbamate pesticide on the severely affected ricefields to ensure total and swift eradication of the pest, an insect bug which thrives on leaves of rice plants.

“We still cannot estimate the cost of damage to the rice fields in terms of pesos since the affected rice plants were in different stages of growth when they were infested by the blackbugs,” Tumamao said.

Reports showed most affected ricefields in the town, a 15-hour-trip from the provincial capital via Maddela, Quirino and Dilasag, Aurora, were said to be in their reproductive stages.

Tumamao said almost all farming families in the remote town, who are mostly dependent on farming and fishing for their livelihood, were affected by the said infestation, with the average size of ricefields being roughly one hectare each.

Other sources said agriculture personnel are now conducting operations in nearby municipal or village risk areas to prevent the further spread of the bug infestation.

“We got reports from farmers of the varying severity of damage. One farmer had reported that he normally harvested around 80 cavans in his one hectare lot; now he was only able to recover some 40 cavans,” Tumamao said.

Moreover, Tumamao said that a group from the regional crop protection center under DA regional director Gumersindo Lasam had gone to Dinapigue to inspect the extent of damage.

“Before this, Gov. (Grace) Padaca had already ordered rice specialists from our office to likewise see the extent of damage and validate the existence of the blackbug,” Tumamao said.

Aside from this, Tumamao said, the DA regional office had likewise sent a task force under regional technical director Andrew Villacorta to the area to conduct massive information dissemination drive among residents in the area regarding the rice blackbug.

Tumamao said there was necessity for farmers to conduct surveillance and monitoring of their fields for any possible evidence of rice blackbug infestation or damage to rice plants.

“The farmers should not automatically spray their ricefields if they see insects that look like pernicious rice blackbugs,” he said. “They should first get a sample of the insects, label it with the appropriate information on where and when it was taken and then give this to the nearest agricultural office. This is because not all blackbugs are pests.” -- CL

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Court affirms Agoo mayor’s victory

AGOO, La Union – The Regional Trial Court Branch 31 here has upheld the victory of the first elected female mayor here after it was confirmed that she obtained the majority of votes during the May 14 polls last year.

RTC Judge Clifton Ganay’s decision ended the seven-month long legal battle between Mayor Sandra Eriguel and her rival, Ma. Theresa Dumpit-Michelena, who filed a protest contesting the latter’s proclamation due to alleged election frauds.

“The Court declares Sandra Eriguel the duly elected mayor of Agoo in the local elections of May 14 by plurality of votes,” Ganay said in his 27-page decision dated Dec. 7, 2007.

Based on official election results, Eriguel, a doctor, garnered 11,678 votes while Michelena, a showbiz personality, got 7,839 votes, a wide margin of 3,839 votes.

“Finally, all the things (in the protest) have been put to rest. We’re now working normally at the town hall. Thanks for the support of our constituents. Let’s (political rival) leave politics now for the sake of our people that need our services,” Eriguel’s husband and predecessor, Franny said. – JE

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Sandiganbayan clears two La Union hospital officials of graft

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- The Sandiganbayan recently upheld the acquittal of two public hospital officials in here who were accused of graft due to alleged gross negligence.

Sandiganbayan Second Division Associate Justice Samuel Martires, who wrote the decision, ruled that there is no merit in the petition for certiorari filed by government lawyers, contesting the lower court’s ruling on the doctors’ motion.

The seven-page decision was concurred in by division chairman Associate Justice Edilberto Sandoval and Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos.

In a petition filed before the Sandiganbayan, government prosecutors said they have shown enough proof, both documentary and testimonial, that respondent doctors and hospital officials

Dr. Gilbert de Leon, chief of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, and its medical training officer, Dr. Alexander Alviar, committed gross negligence.

The prosecutors claimed that Judge Adolfo Algar of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 66 of San Fernando City, wrongfully dismissed the case against De Leon and Alviar despite their strong evidence.

They also noted the case against Alviar was even junked by the judge without any discussion as to the reasons why his demurrer was granted.

Prosecutors filed charges for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, against the two doctors who allegedly conspired in committing the offense and caused undue injury to ITRMC when they gave unwarranted benefits to themselves by causing the preparation of ITRMC Purchase Order No. 0930 for P1,318,800.000 on June 19, 2002 and Purchase Order No., 1505 for P110,000 on Sept. 30, 2002.

After the prosecution rested its case, both accused filed their demurer to evidence, which was granted by the judge in its Nov. 2, 2006 resolution, citing insufficiency of evidence.

In opposing the prosecution’s certiorari, the respondents pointed out the failure of government lawyers to file a motion for reconsideration.

The doctors further argued the certiorari violated their right against double jeopardy since the dismissal of the criminal cases based on demurrer was equivalent to an acquittal and not merely a dismissal with the consent of the accused.

In deciding the case, the Sandiganbayan reiterated the basic rule that before a certiorari can be availed of, the petitioner must first file a motion for reconsideration to enable the lower court to pass upon and correct its mistakes without he intervention of the higher court.

“Hence, the petitioner’s failure to file a motion for reconsideration is a fatal infirmity,” said the Sandiganbayan.

Regarding the government lawyers’ claim that the judgment is tainted with grave abuse of discretion and, therefore, null and void, the anti-graft declared it as “flawed.”

The Sandiganbayan said that whatever error may have been committed by the lower court was merely an error of judgment and not jurisdiction. In this case, a judgment of acquittal cannot be revived by a higher court because an appeal by the government prosecutors would mean a double jeopardy for the same offense, said the Sandiganbayan. – Sandy Araneta

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Baguio water contract junked

BAGUIO CITY -- The board of directors of the Baguio Water District cancelled the contract for a multi-billion-peso bulk water project aimed at ensuring steady supply of potable water to the people of this mountain resort city.

This developed after the water district and the complying and winning bidder failed to agree on the buying water rate.

The ambitious bulk water project seeks to provide BWD a daily supply of 50,000 cubic meters of potable water which is to be supplied to the thousands of households in this city.

Teresita de Guzman, BWD general manager, said the board decided to cancel the notice to proceed it issued to Benguet Corp. due to failure by both parties to agree on the rebasing of the buying rate of water to be supplied by the company.

Under the supply contract, Benguet Corp. is to provide the BWD with a minimum daily supply of 50,000 cubic meters of water at a rate of P39 per cubic meter for 25 years.

However, the firm is demanding that the buying price of water be increased from P39.99 to P53 per cubic meter.

De Guzman said the board cancelled the notice of award to the company because it could not grant the increase being demanded as the BWD is restricted by the New Government Procurement Act which provides that an increase in price after bidding requires the conduct of another tedious bidding process on the adjustment.

She said the project is aimed at looking for other sources of water which would augment the current production of the 53 water sources of BWD, considering the growth of population in the city.
At present, BWD produces 55,000 cubic meters of water per day from its 53 water sources in the different parts of the city, but 40 percent of its production is lost due to the dilapidated piping system, among other causes.

De Guzman said the bulk water project is intended to address the expected increase in demand for water in the coming years that comes as a result of urbanization.

The project has to wait for sometime to allow a committee to evaluate and review the terms of reference before conducting another bidding, she said.

At present, the estimated daily water needs of the people in the city is approximately 35,000 cubic meters. This could grow to as much as 80,000 cubic meters in the coming years, so there is an urgent need to pursue the bulk-water project.

The BWD is also implementing the re-piping system of its system to help reduce the high system’s loss to at least 25 percent, which is the acceptable loss in the water industry.

In 2001, the BWD secured at least P798 million in "soft" and regular loans for the upgrading and expansion of its system to conform with increasing demand for water.

Of the amount, P135 million was given to the water district as a grant, while the regular loan is paid one year after the completion of the re-piping project and the "soft loan" is to be paid in tranches five years.

The BWD said that the upgrading of the water system should be done every 10 years to ensure reliability of the system and improvement of the service. – Dexter A. See

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MP’s Rep Dominguez laid to rest in Baguio;thousands pay respects

BAGUIO CITY – The remains of Mountain Rep. Victor S. Dominguez, the longest serving official in the Cordillera, was laid to rest in the compound of his residence at Military Cutoff here yesterday as hundreds of his supporters, relatives and officials paid their last respects.

The veteran lawmaker succumbed to cardiac arrest with complications from diabetes at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City last Feb. 8. He was 72.

Dominguez died on the eighth day of the eighth month of the 14th Congress which happens to be his eighth term as a public official of Mountain province.

During the wake, vehicles had to park on the road at Military Cut Off due to huge influx of mourners at the congressman’s compound.

Constituents from Mountain Province traveled to this city as buses didn’t charge them fare.

They acknowledged the accomplishments he had done for his province like infrastructure projects and for funding free tuition of students of the Mountain Province State Polytechnique College.

Constituents all over the Cordillera testified of being in the good graces of the congressman who helped them anyway he could.

They said the congressman’s house in Manila had been open over the years to anybody from the region who wanted to eat, sleep or rest when they traveled to the country’s capital.

Well-wishers and local officials here described the death of the veteran lawmaker as unfortunate since they lost a reliable, dedicated, sincere and trusted public servant who always sees to it that the concerns of his province mates are given due attention by concerned government agencies.

Dominguez is considered the longest serving politician in the region as he spent at least 38 years in politics.

In 1967, deposed President Ferdinand E. Marcos appointed him as the vice-governor of Mountain province after the old Mountain province was divided into four political subdivisions namely, Mountain province, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao.

In 1978, Dominguez was elected assemblyman to the Batasan Pambansa as an independent candidate.

When the election for assemblyman was done by province in 1984, he was again elected as the representative of the province under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) of Marcos.

During the Aquino administration, he was elected as a member of the 8th, 9th and 10th Congress or from 1987-1998.

The solon chaired the powerful House committee on games and amusements in the 9th Congress where he strongly advocated for the legalization of all illegal numbers games in the country but was prevailed upon by party decisions.

Because of the three-term limit, his wife, Undersecretary Josephine de Castro-Dominguez of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, was elected to succeed him before his nephew, former Rep. Roy Pilando, took over from 2001-2004.

In the 2004 presidential elections, Dominguez was overwhelmingly voted upon by the electorate to reclaim power under the LAKAS-CMD coalition and won again in last year’s mid-term elections under the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KAMPI) where the chairman of the Cordillera chapter is.

Among the significant accomplishments of Dominguez is the establishment of the Mountain province State Polytechnic College, the conversion of the Luis Hora Memorial Hospital in Abatan, Bauko into a regional hospital, the full scholarship program of MPSPC, and various social programs in health, education, livelihood and infrastructure development of the province.

Congress earlier held necrological rites at the Batasan on Feb. 12 for the congressman who ruled Mountain Province for almost three decades after he died at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City at 2 p.m. on Feb. 8 due to lingering sickness.

Born May 3, 1935, Dominguez finished in 1951 his elementary studies at the San Alfonso School in Sabangan, Mountain Province, his hometown.

A member of the Kankanaey tribe, Dominguez later graduated high school at St. Vincent’s School in the capital town of Bontoc in the province in 1955.

He later finished civil and geodetic engineering in the early 1960s at the St. Louis University in Baguio City.

He is survived by his wife Undersecretary Josephine De Castro Dominguez and children Juvic Dominguez Aluyen, Joy D. Ribaya, Bong and Honey.

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MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY

‘Cover up’ by DENR feared on probe of disputed ‘concrete belt’
By Isagani S. Liporada

BAGUIO CITY - Wary of a possible “cover-up” by a “special team” tasked by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to investigate an alleged illegal titling of a lot along Chuntug St., a city councilor last week proposed a resolution seeking cancellation of a suspected erroneously issued title in favor of a Filipino-Chinese businessman.

The resolution penned by councilor Fred Bagbagen “requested the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to cancel Original Certificate of Title No. P-2607, which was consolidated with Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. T-47381 under TCT No. T-79759 in the name of Yu Hwa Ping.

Earlier, the DENR issued undated Special Order (SO) No. 14, “creating a team to conduct investigation for possible filing of cancellation proceedings over the title issued on a road-right-of-way,” right at the foot of city hall.

DENR regional executive director Samuel Penafiel named Atty. Joseph Humiding (chair), Atty. Cleo Andrada, Engr. Wilbert Mangliwan, Evelyn S. Wales Norbert Aquino, and Filipinas Mallare to investigate how the title was processed. This, “In view of newspaper reports and letter complaints,” Penafiel in the SO said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Reynaldo Cortes said he is going to request councilors Isabelo Cosalan, Jr. and Perlita Chan-Rondez to inhibit themselves from City Council discussions on the matter.
Cosalan who chairs the council committee for urban planning, lands and housing, Cortez explained, is related to Victor Cosalan who is DENR’s regional technical director for lands.

Rondez, on the other hand, is the daughter-in-law of Atty. Teopisto Rondez, Hwa Ping’s counsel.
Seeing Hwa Ping priming up for a construction in the area, Cortes earlier filed opposition with concerned local officials seeking to stop the latter from erecting vertical structures.

Cortes premised his opposition on three issues: First, the land cannot be disposed of through Townsite Sales Application (TSA) because it is a part of a road-right-of-way along Chuntug St.

Second, the parcel of land forms part of City Hall Reservation under Proc. No. 62.

Lastly, TSA applications can only be granted once to a landless applicant. Curiously, aside from owning the adjacent property to the disputed lot, records show that Hwa Ping has been consistently using “Skyrise Hotel” letterheads in most of his official communications to the City Council since the late 1990’s.

Meantime, city legal officer Melchor Carlos Rabanes may actually get his earlier prayers granted via Bagbagen’s proposed resolution.

Rabanes earlier said his office is mulling Ombudsman cases against certain officials of the DENR.
However, he stayed his plans pending City Council imprimatur on the matter.

Bagbagen in his proposal authorizes the legal officer to identify all persons involved and responsible for the processing of the title to Hwa Ping and to file the appropriate charges.

As early as 1995, Hwa Ping worked double time securing the property under his name despite opposition from then local officials. In the same year, the Department of Public Works and

Highways reported that the property is covered by the Baguio City Hall Reservation and is upon a
road-right-of-way.

“However,” Rabanes said, “Despite city declarations reserving the area for greenbelt purposes, the fact that Hwa Ping was able to secure title consolidating the questioned lot with his adjoining property raises doubts as to how a title now referring to a 360-square meter parcel of land was secured.”

Currently, the lot which was originally meant for the establishment of a “greenbelt area,” has unexplainably been transformed into a “concrete belt.”


Fuel depots to cut high oil prices nationwide
By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The establishment of fuel depots in different parts of the country by the Department of Energy will help avert an impending fare increase arising from the unabated oil price hikes.
With the depots, diesel prices will be reduced by at least P5 per liter.

This was reported by Perfecto Itliong, Jr., regional coordinator of the Public Transport Affairs Office in the Cordillera, who said four fuel depots are expected to be built in this mountain resort city for the benefit of owners of public and private vehicles using diesel.

At present, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association in Baguio, Benguet and La Union (FEJODABBLU) is looking for lots with an area of at least 500 square meters each at strategic parts in the city where the fuel depots will be constructed.

Itliong said the depots will be managed by the local transport groups to provide an added source of income for the jeepney associations.

He said the 10,000-liter depot will be able to supply the diesel needs of some 10,000 public and private vehicles operating in this city and nearby areas.

The PTAO official said diesel fuel to be sold in the depots is compliant with the requirements of the Clean Air Act which states that it must contain at least two percent bio-ethanol to help improve combustion, provide clean air, and improve the performance of the vehicles.

With expected stiff opposition from the three big oil players because of the expected drop in their sales, Itliong said that they do not mind if the business of the giant oil companies will be adversely affected as long as the people will not suffer from the consequences of fare increase caused by the unabated hikes in oil prices which are dictated by the big players in the industry.

He called on officials of the Department of Energy hasten establishment of the fuel depots so that these would be operational in the next few weeks to give relief to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles.

This would give them a chance to earn more because of the difference between the price of diesel to be sold in the depot and the prices of the gasoline stations controlled by the big industry players.

At the same time, the local transport group is also preparing for an expected boom with the shift of diesel-fed vehicles to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), noting the big savings the operators will realize.

The drivers and operators will participate in seminars and training on how to use safely LPG in their vehicles.


Lack of telecom facilities : Baguio City removed from RP list of IT hubs
By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY — Players in the Information Technology industry have removed this mountain resort city from the list of the major IT and call center hubs in the country due to the lack of sufficient telecommunication infrastructure facilities that would guarantee continuous service to foreign and local clients.

This was reported by Trinidad C. Trinidad, executive director of the Baguio-Benguet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., who said that it is now high time for the government to adopt appropriate measures that would attract telecommunication investors to come to this city and build the needed facilities for advanced IT operations.

She said that IT and call center companies expanding their operations in the Philippines go to Cebu, Davao, Clark or Subic because of the presence of three or more service providers that could guarantee their uninterrupted service to their clients in the different parts of the world.

In this city, it is only the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart Telecommunications Co. which are considered as advanced telecommunication service providers of the call centers here.

Trinidad said the delisting of this city as one of the IT and call center hubs in the country is a big setback and contrary to the repeated pronouncements of national and local officials that this city is fast becoming the IT and call center hub of the north.

While business in this city remains in good shape despite the economic slowdown in the United States and unabated oil price increases, Dennis Sy, president of the Baguio Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the government, both national and local, must adopt appropriate programs and projects that are designed to boost investors’ confidence in a certain area like Baguio City so that the desired economic growth in the areas outside Metro Manila can be achieved.

In the case of this city, businessmen have time and again prodded local officials to formulate a local investment plan to serve as a plus factor for prospective investors to locate their businesses here especially in the telecommunication industry in which the city is falling behind.

Trinidad said that IT and call center companies have greatly helped in providing employment to thousands of residents, but the delisting of the city as one of the IT and call center hubs in the country could adversely affect the economic gains which the city has achieved in the past several years.

Ironically, telecommunication companies are having second thoughts of investing billions of pesos for the improvement of their facilities to cope with the advancement of technology because of the allegedly huge capital needed due to the mountainous terrain and the low return of investment caused by a small market.


Beneco opens Maharlika pay center

BAGUIO CITY -- The Benguet Electric Coop. opened its latest collection center here at the Maharlika Livelihood Center last week.

The Beneco consumer services department relocated its small collection center from the first floor to a bigger location at the second floor of Maharlika when it became available recently.

About two thousand consumers pay daily at the Maharlika collection center during peak collection days, based on the number of bills collected that means a P2 million collection for the cooperative, according to Collection supervisor Thelma Magat.

It is the second biggest collection center of Beneco next to its Bunoan collection center.

“The Beneco board approved CSD manager Brenda Carling’s proposal during our Nov. 6 regular meeting, to improve our service and allay the suffering and discomfort of our consumers forced to wait in a long line,” said lawyer Benny Bomogao, Beneco’s new board president.

Compared to the cramped floor area that can only allow four tellers to collect from its old location, the second floor paying site can now accommodate eight tellers and tripled the number of paying consumers who can be seated inside.

“In our new office, from four tellers, we will increase it to eight tellers to serve our paying consumers to collect during peak collections that usually cause very long lines at the Maharlika ground floor and obstructing other stalls that sometimes result in heated arguments between paying consumers and stall owners, “ Carling said.

The bigger space can now accommodate about 70 consumers seated comfortably in an air-conditioned room while awaiting their turn to pay, instead of standing on queue.

Steps are also being undertaken to increase the queue numbering to give chance to consumers to do other errands first instead of waiting in line, to be programmed in the Beneco numbering machine. – Laarni Sibayan

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MORE NEWS, BENGUET

Buguias folk want nullification of excessive, abusive tax code
By Dexter A. See

BUGUIAS, Benguet – Concerned residents and businessmen in this town recently petitioned the Regional Trial Court of Benguet to declare as null and void its existing revenue code due to its failure to comply with pertinent requirements of the Local government code of the Philippines.

In a 20-page petition, concerned citizens said the municipal government of Buguias had been mercilessly exacting millions of pesos in taxes and other fees using Municipal Ordinance No. 03-98 which never became a law due to its failure to undergo the required public hearing and it was never published in a publication of general circulation.

Section 188 of the Local Government code provides that within ten days after the approval of tax ordinances and revenue measures, certified true copies of all provincial, city and municipal tax ordinances or revenue measures shall be published in full for three consecutive days in a newspaper of local circulation: provided, however, that in provinces, cities and municipalities where there are no newspapers of local circulation, the same may be posted in at least two conspicuous and publicly accessible places.

Section 511 of the Code also provides ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at prominent places in the provincial capitol, city, municipal or barangay hall, as the case may be, for a minimum period of three consecutive weeks.

The petitioners argued that the non-conduct of public hearings is more revealing in the absence of official records of the municipal government documenting compliance with the code.

According to them, the discovery of the illegality of the revenue code dates back to December of 2006 when the office of the municipal treasurer of Buguias started imposing on the vendors of the Abatan open gym the payment of P10 per basket or sack per day of their displayed goods allegedly by authority of the tax ordinance in question. The said amount is over and above the cash ticket being collected which ranges from P5 to as much as P300 from every vendor daily and over and above the annual permits and licenses required of every vendor at the start of every business year.

Despite the takeover of the new administration, the petitioners pointed out that the correction of the defective ordinance was never pursued and the municipal government continues to collect taxes using the questionable revenue measure despite the existence of a committee which is looking for ways on how to legitimize the excessive and abusive tax collection.

Worst, the petition divulged illegal practices by the municipal health office whereby it allegedly collects fees without issuing official receipts or issues unofficial receipts to their clients.

The businessmen are praying for the court to nullify the ordinance and order the municipal government to refund the fees collected under the unlawful tax measure.

The petitioners cited that while law and jurisprudence teach that taxes cannot be enjoined, the case is a classic one as the questioned ordinance never came into law and the people to be governed were never accorded due process, thus, the constitutional rights of the citizenry should prevail over the claimed necessities of the municipal government.


Profiling of Benguet veggies starts to hamper imports
By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Profiling of vegetables in the province would start this month to determine volume of vegetables produced as basis in adapting crop production programming that could hamper importation of temperate vegetables.

With a total proposed budget of P4.552 million, Gov. Nestor Fongwan said the provincial government allotted P1.5 million for the project with counterparts from the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Region, municipalities and barangays.

Provincial*Agriculturist Lolita Bentres in a meeting of the Benguet Vegetable Council held last week said all town mayors responded positively and appreciated the value of having a vegetable profile.

“Consequently, in bestowing their support, they have voluntarily given their counterpart,” she added.

Targeted to be accomplished within end of December, Bentres said the survey will be piloted this month in Madaymen Proper, Kibungan. Survey proper will commence on April in the 13 municipalities.

The crop production programming is aimed to have sufficient supply of vegetables all year round against market demand and to stop smuggling of vegetables.

Fongwan said “We want to inform the government we have enough supply of vegetables.”

He added Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap wanted to be assured of year round availability of produce to sustain the supply being hauled to Metro Manila through the government’s food lane project.

A sub-committee of the BVC was created to look into the quality of highland vegetables. They will do content analysis such as pesticide residue, nutritional and microbial content, shelf life among others as basis in recommending interventions to improve the quality of vegetable produce.

Taking the lead in doing periodic sampling of vegetables will be the Benguet State University with concerned offices.

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MORE NEWS, KALINGA

Lubuagan water project to benefit 100 households
By Peter A. Balocnit

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – The long wish of residents of Barangay Tangadan here for water supply in their households is expected to be realized by March, thanks to President Macapagal Arroyo’s
Priority Program on Water (P3W) through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Engineer Roy Dickpus, project facilitator of the Kalinga District Engineering Office said Tangadan was chosen beneficiary for this year’s P3W after Sumadel 1 and 2 in Tinglayan, whose level 2 water system project was completed July last year.

He said the Lubuagan Level 1 project will benefit 100 households including those in adjacent sitios of Barangay Poblacion.

“It will commence work on February 4 and targeted to be completed on March 25, this year,” he said adding the project amounting to P497,149.44 sourced out from the DPWH regular infrastructure allocation.

Carlito Banao, project engineer said the scope of work covers the construction of an elevated water tank with 22.5 cubic meters capacity and installation of pipelines and distribution pipelines and 10 communal faucets to serve cluster households. “Water supply will be sourced from a mountain spring that is free from water borne diseases.

He said 12 laborers will be hired under the employment generation scheme.

Engineer Ruby Uyam of the construction and maintenance section of KDEO said the lack of water supply in the community makes life difficult for the residents specially Kalinga women who carry the burden of fetching water from a far source.

“With water supply within a few steps away from the kitchen, household chores will be easier to do and the time saved for working mothers and children will be utilized for other productive endeavors,” Uyam said.

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MORE NEWS, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Newly found cave system in N. Vizcaya could be RP’s longest

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Another cave system here --probably the country’s longest -- was discovered by a group of veteran mountaineers and spelunkers in a remote mountain area, which already hosts a series of spectacular cave formations, including the fifth longest cave system in the country.

Based on estimates, the newly discovered cave in barangay Pao, Kasibu town is at least 20 km long, not including other passages and arteries, said Genaro Basilio, one of the founding members of the Nueva Vizcaya Mountaineering Club.

Basilio said they came across the cave system during one of their recent spelunking adventures in one of the province’s vast mountain areas, particularly in remote barangay Pao.

Basilio’s group also explored the 4.5-km Alayan Cave located in the same town, which is the country’ fifth longest cave system.

“The possibility that the cave system in Pao is the longest in the country came about after an hour of exploring the cave and seeing that there seemed to be a long way ahead,” said Basilio, who also heads the provincial government’s public affairs, information and assistance division.

The new, largely unexplored cave system, which begins at Barangay Pao, swerves around underground through centuries-old crystal clear stalactites and stalagmites –-both giant-sized and medium sized -– until it reaches barangay New Gumiad in another town, Dupax del Norte. It is estimated to be a 15.7-km stretch.

Using the spelunkers’ practical method in measuring a cave system, rice bran or ipa was poured into the river at the cave entrance in barangay Pao and ended up in barangay New Gumiad.

“Our group decided to put a lot of rice bran (ipa) in the fast-flowing water inside the cave. Later, we found out that the rice bran reached as far as New Gumiad (formerly barangay Diayan), which was 15.7 km away, presuming the cave went straight there,” Basilio said.

Basilio said their group, with some recognized caving experts, both from the government and private sector, is now in the process of further exploring the cave with the use of appropriate gadgets to validate its total estimated length for it to be officially recognized as the longest cave system in the country.

“We, local outdoor enthusiasts, have plans to explore the whole cave system pending our request for funding of an expedition by sponsors so that this part of the province may become not only a geological find but also an ecotourism potential,” he said.

Present records of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show that the 15-km Saint Paul Cave in Palawan is the country’s longest cave system; followed by the 8.87-km Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental; the 7.65 km Odessa-Tumbali Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan; the 5-km Langun-Gomingob Cave in Calbiga, Samar; and the 4-km Sumaging-Latipan-Lumiyang Crystal System in Sagada, Mountain Province.

However, in the records of the Philippine Caving Society, the Alayan Cave System in Barangay Capissaan in Kasibu was recorded to be the fifth longest at 4.5-km.

Early explorers, including Basilio’s group who had only been able to enter within one-hour’s distance from the cave entrance in barangay Pao, said the cave system has centuries-old spectacular rock formations and a swiftly flowing underground river stretching from Pao to New Gumiad.

“There is a big possibility that it has a big cavern underground formed by the flowing river,” Basilio said.

This landlocked province has long been known for its spectacular caving system in Kasibu town. The Alayan cave is touted by the Department of Tourism to be world-class for its magnificent rock formations.

Seeing the province’s tourism potential, the local government led by Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma is keen on transforming Kasibu, also one of the region’s major vegetable and citrus-producing towns, into one of the country’s major ecotourism destinations. -- CL


Mining firm to reply to petition of kasibu officials filed with Supreme Court

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya -- Oceana Gold Phils. Inc. is set to file its pleadings with the Supreme Court it was notified that a petition for review on certiorari was filed by Kasibu Mayor Romeo Tayaban and members of the municipal council.

Tayaban and members of the municipal council have filed an appeal with the SC after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court dismissed in May 2007 a complaint to enjoin the implementation of the project.

The RTC denied in December 2007 Tayaban’s motion for reconsideration of the dismissal of the petition.

The Nueva Vizcaya RTC, in 2006, likewise dismissed with finality a case which tried to stop implementation of the project.

"While we believe that the petition filed with the SC has no merit, I would not like to discuss it here because our counsel will take care of filing the formal opposition in the SC. What I can say is that OGPI is committed to upholding the law and will not, in any way, commit violations of the Mining Act," said Ramoncito P. Gozar, OGPI vice president for communication and external affairs.

OGPI had earlier obtained an overwhelming approval by the Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provincial governments and the host community, Barangay Didipio.
T
his was proven by the fact that OGPI has been granted a DENR Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and the Approval on its Declaration of Mining Feasibility (DMF) equivalent to the "permit to operate," both of which require these local-government approvals. -- SG

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MORE NEWS, ILOCOS SUR

11-year-old boy electrocuted in Ilocos Sur

SIGAY, Ilocos Sur – Parents of an 11-year old boy who died after suffering serious burns caused by electrocution requested the police to conduct an investigation to find out who can be liable for negligence after electrified wires were left here at Barangay Mabileg in a dangerous area where the boy was playing “hide and seek” with his friends.

The boy died last Monday at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union.

The victim was allegedly electrocuted when he tried to hide by climbing a steel arch near the barangay hall.

Police said a hanging live wire was allegedly attached to the steel arch where the boy was playing.

“The boy was thrown several meters away after he got hold of the steel arch. He suffered third degree burns on the different parts of his body but did not survive due to the impact of the (electric) shock,” a nurse said. – Jerry Padilla

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Dagupan lady councilor elected 4L president
By Jun Velasco

DAGUPAN CITY — A popular lady councilor here has rallied fellow lady local legislators all over the country to protect the rights of women and children.

She aired the call after her election as president of the 4L Philippines, a national organization of women vice governors, board members, vice mayors, councilors, punong barangays, and SK presidents during the group’s national convention held recently at a hotel in Manila.

Councilor Farah Decano, a University of the Philippines-educated lawyer, defeated her lone opponent, a city councilor from the Cordillera, with a landslide margin.

In her victory speech, Decano, a daughter of University of Pangasinan Law Dean Hermogenes Decano and Regional Trial Court Judge Alicia Decano, exhorted the country’s lady solons to work for "major changes" in the Lady Local Legislators League or 4L Philippines "to effectively empower its members for the ultimate benefit of the country."

She said "4L Philippines is strategically positioned to advance women’s and children’s causes," adding that "the officers and I shall see to it that the vast potential of woman power will not be wasted."

Her party, 3G which stands for "Girl Power for Genuine representation through collective, competent and transparent governance," won overwhelmingly on all the three islands of Luzon, Visays and Mindanao, it was learned.

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MORE NEWS, PAMPANGA

Comelec prepares recount of Pampanga gubernatorial ballots
By George Trillo

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—The Commission on Elections in this province reported last week the P4.8 million needed for the collection, validation, and transport of 4,847 ballot boxes from various towns in this province for transport to Manila to fund the recount of votes of the last election for governor, will be paid by defeated gubernatorial candidate Lilia Pineda.

Comelec provincial officer Temmie Lambino told newsmen Pineda furnished him with a copy of the Comelec’s decision that upheld an earlier decision that favored Pineda’s electoral protest against Gov. Eddie Panlilio.

The decision authorized the recount of ballots cast in the gubernatorial race in this province in the May elections last year.

“We still have to receive an official copy of the Comelec en banc decision before we could implement it, but we already have the resources to undertake all transportation requirements in just one day,” Lambino said. The ballot boxes are to be transported to the Comelec warehouse along UN Avenue in Manila for the recount.

Lambino said he already has prepared a timetable of activities for the transport of the ballot boxes.
Lambino said that expenses for transportation and revision of ballots would be covered by Pineda’s P4.8 million required by the Comelec’s second division soon after it decided in her favor on Aug. 1 last year. Thus, he said, Panlilio would be spared from transport expenses unless he would hire watchers during the process.

On July 23, 2007, the Comelec’s second division, headed by Commissioner Florentino Tuason, issued a verdict in favor of Pineda’s allegations of cheating against Panlilio.

The next day on Aug. 1, the second division denied Panlilio’s petition to dismiss Pineda’s electoral protest and ordered the transfer of the ballot boxes for revision of ballots in Manila.

It was on the same day that Pineda paid a check worth P4.8 million as her deposit to the Comelec as required in cases of revisions. – Ding Cervantes

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MORE NEWS, LA UNION

DPWH implements P100 million infra, dev’t projects in La Union
By Jun Velasco

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — District Engineer Elpidio Paragas bared here the La Union First Engineering Office, "in line with President Arroyo’s 10-Point Agenda, has implemented infrastructure and development projects costing some P100 million.

He said here last week many of the projects were completed ahead of schedule.

Paragas said his district, in "contributing its share to the efforts to provide quality and sound infrastructure and reliable services at various projects -- infrastructure implementation, maintenance of national roads and bridges and other tasks -- doubled its accomplishments "ahead of schedule, at reasonable cost and garnering a very satisfactory performance as Dec. 31, 2007."

Actual costs of the completed projects amounted to P97,70l,920.00, broken down as follows: 12 regular projects with P64,000,000 budget have been completed minus one percent ongoing; 14 Lower House projects, P20,000,000; DepEd school buildings from supplemental budget of P2,149,000; and water supply for waterless towns, P4,822,920.

Engineer Paragas said that due to the late release of funds for the Amburayan River control project in Bangar town, completion of the project fell short of 100 percent.

Despite the delay, however, Paragas said the district was one of the top 12 among 208 district offices nationwide in the implementation of projects.

He took pride in the accomplishments in the maintenance of national roads and bridges all year round with its rating of 92.84 percent, the highest in the region.

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