Exactly how many votes does Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) command?

>> Friday, January 24, 2025

Editorial

The Iglesia Ni Cristo boasts that it commands a block vote of five million. That is why gullible and desperate politicians make a beeline for the Iglesia central temple in Quezon City to seek the blessings of Eduardo Manalo every election year, lawyer Wilfredo Garrido says.   
He goes on: “There is no way to validate this figure. But there is empirical evidence to show that it commands much less than that: not even a million votes. Consider the performance of its well-known party-list organization: SAGIP, headed by ABS-CBN franchise buster Rodante Marcoleta.
“Voters are allowed to vote only one party-list. For a sect deathly afraid of splitting its vote, on which it depends for its very existence, to the extent of expelling any member who defies its leader's choice, INC can afford to endorse only one party-list. This is none other than SAGIP, which it did in fact endorse in 2013. Vote for more than one party-list and your vote is considered spoiled.
“Based on the last election, two million votes are enough to get you the maximum three seats. If it really has five million votes locked up, the INC should be consistently topping the party-list race and sending the maximum of three representatives to Congress, right?
“SAGIP has never been able to do this in the four consecutive elections it contested since 2013. In the last election in 2022, only one party-list was able win three seats: ACT-CIS, with 2,111,091 votes. SAGIP?
It got 780,456 votes, good enough for two seats, its best performance so far. In the first three elections it contested, it managed to send one representative to Congress by the skin of its teeth: barely 300,000 votes. So what happened to the four million other votes?
You can't say they defied their prophet. It is more likely they don't exist. So, good luck chasing Iglesia votes.”
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile warned the country would face a “very detrimental precedent” if Filipinos followed the implied reasoning of the recent INC rally opposing efforts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, two days after the INC’s “National Rally for Peace,” the 100-year-old former Senate President challenged the INC’s supposed support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call on his congressional allies not to pursue the Vice President’s impeachment, which is an exercise of due process to exact accountability.
“There is a bigger question,” Enrile said. “Can the INC, with all its members, amend the 1987 Constitution or suspend any of its provisions? Are we prepared to discard or sacrifice the value of rule of law for a person or a group of persons?”
Enrile explained impeachment is “just a constitutional legal process” to remove an official from office if found culpable based on evidence. It is not meant to send the official to prison.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President, Vice President, members of the Supreme Court and constitutional commissions, and the Ombudsman are impeachable public officers.
As the Senate President in 2012, Enrile presided over the impeachment trial of then-Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution for not disclosing all his assets as constitutionally required.
On Feb. 28 that year, the INC also held rallies nationwide, drawing a crowd of more than half a million at Quirino Grandstand. The assembly was billed as a “Grand Evangelical Mission,” similar to the peace rally last Monday, but was a subtle signal to MalacaƱang not to convict Corona.
On May 29, 2012, Enrile and 19 other senators voted to convict Corona, whose lead lawyer was retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, an INC member. Mr. Marcos, then a senator, voted against Corona’s impeachment along with Senators Joker Arroyo and Miriam Defensor Santiago.
In his Facebook post, Enrile warned against following the implied reasoning behind the INC rally, which is not to let due process take its course in the three impeachment complaints against Duterte in the House of Representatives for the sake of “peace and unity.”
“As a nation and a state, we will incur a very detrimental precedent if we follow the logic implicit in the INC rally that they mounted. Are we prepared and ready to face the long-term consequences of that INC move?” he asked.
In November last year, the President said that Congress should not pursue the impeachment of Duterte. He pointed out that the Vice President was “unimportant” and her impeachment would just be a waste of time that would distract lawmakers from doing their jobs and wouldn’t benefit a single Filipino.
MalacaƱang was unmoved by Enrile’s Facebook post.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said the President has “always nurtured a culture of open ventilation of ideas” among members of the Cabinet and that it was this environment that Enrile decided to speak on the issue.
“While his thoughts may carry weight and are always valued, his is one of many that the President seriously considers. Nonetheless, the President’s stand on the issue concerned remains unchanged,” Bersamin said.
The executive secretary said Mr. Marcos’ openness to opposing points of view from Cabinet members had enriched policymaking because of the “diverse views resulting in decisions distilled from a wealth of varied experiences, different disciplines and special expertise of those who contribute.”
The INC, known for bloc voting during elections, said the rally was not meant to be a political gathering. But sect leaders urged lawmakers to address major problems like the high food prices, lack of jobs, and poverty and not to engage in politicking such as moves to impeach the Vice President.
Duterte broke off from the Cabinet last July when she quit as education secretary. Months later, she became openly hostile to the President and called him a liar and a thief in a profanity-laced tirade during an online press briefing.
She also said that she had arranged for the assassination of the President, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she died in an alleged plot to kill her.
Although the influential INC mustered large crowds across the country to attend the Jan. 13 peace rally, including an estimated 1.8 million at Quirino Grandstand, critics of the Vice President were undeterred in pushing for her impeachment.
The impeachment complaints accused her of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.
All the complaints alleged that Duterte misused hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
Members of various people’s organizations, social movements, sectoral groups, and religious leaders gathered for a Mass at Edsa Shrine in Quezon City that served as a platform for reflection, prayer, and a collective call for holding public officials, particularly the Vice President, accountable.
They wore white and black shirts with peach-colored ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to impeach Duterte to uphold transparency and justice in governance.
They were joined by Akbayan Rep. Perci CendaƱa, an endorser of the first impeachment complaint against Duterte; former Sen. Leila de Lima, spokesperson for the complainants of the first complaint; leaders from the Magdalo Party-List group; former presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles; and Francis “Kiko” Aquino Dee, grandson of the late President Corazon Aquino.
The “Misa ng Sambayanan: May Kapayapaan kung May Pananagutan” (People’s Mass: There is Peace when there is Accountability) was a virtual retort to the INC’s “National Rally for Peace.”
“There is no peace without justice and no justice without accountability,” said CendaƱa, adding that every delay in the impeachment process would embolden the Vice President and weaken democratic institutions.
Dee, one of the impeachment complainants, said “peace and accountability are related.”
De Lima said the impeachment of the Vice President was a moral and constitutional imperative.
“Impunity thrives in silence and inaction,” she said. “Without transparency, there can be no trust. The Vice President’s blatant disregard for accountability demands swift and decisive action. The Filipino people deserve no less.”
        So back to INC’s purported bloc voting and its capability to win elections – does it really hold water?  

Read more...

John Hay Golf management answers ex-Rep. Domogan’s allegations on CJH golf tiff


Behind the Scenes

Alfred P. Dizon

(Here is the unedited statement of the Bases Conversion Development Authority sent to the Northern Philippine Times on the banning of former Baguio mayor and congressman Mauricio from playing in the Camp John Hay golf course among other controversial matters in the former American rest and recreation camp):  
Ever since Atty. Mauricio Domogan was publicly banned from the Camp John Hay golf estate facilities, he has gone above and beyond to discredit the current management for withholding the privileges he had enjoyed during the term of the previous management.
He has gone public with pronouncements decrying the treatment of club members and fueling accusations that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and their private partners laid off workers at the properties upon the transition.
These pronouncements are categorically false. In fact, all collateral damage in the management transition at the Camp John Hay golf estate facilities are easily traced to efforts of Camp John Hay Golf Club Inc., the previous management and a subsidiary of Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJH DevCo), to resist the enforcement of the Supreme Court ruling and sabotage the interim management team, composed of Golfplus Management Inc. and DuckWorld PH (hereinafter, “John Hay Golf” or “JHG team”). Management Transition Recap and Overview A security exercise was scheduled for January 6, 2025, at 8:00 AM, in Camp John Hay.
During this period, the Baguio sheriff served the Notice to Vacate at the Golf Club and escorted previous General Manager Jude Eustaquio off the premises, officially marking the formal takeover date and the transition to the new management. Immediately following the service of the Notice, the interim management team issued a notice to all staff requesting their attendance to a General Assembly. The GA commenced at 2:00 PM at the clubhouse function hall on the same day.
It was led by JHMC PCEO Marlo Quadra and Interim Management Head Eduardo P. Arguelles (EPA). Representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Mr. Gil M. Datayan Jr. (Senior Labor and Employment Ofcer) and Mr. Henry B. Matalo (Labor Employment Ofcer), as well as Interim General Manager VP Mark Torres of the BCDA also attended the meeting.
The GA focused on the context of the takeover, discussed by PCEO Quadra; the introduction of the management team, discussed by EPA; and staff concerns relating to job security, separation benets, and recruitment. The interim management team was very clear in inviting all workers to join the new management to ensure continuity of operations.
They even offered to absorb agency workers as direct hires. However, the following soon came to light: 1. The staff were told by the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo that they would not get their separation benets if they signed with the new management.
This included staff who had been in service for 15-25 years.  
They were also told that they were already set to be paid until the end of January, and so taking on any work, even as emergency workers, would be considered as dual employment. The DOLE representatives upheld this analysis during the meeting.
A second GA was conducted with caddies at 4:30 PM. They welcomed the forum and were excited at the prospects discussed on forming a cooperative and codifying guidelines and protocols to protect caddies in service. Reports of unfair treatment of caddies under the previous management also came to light during this meeting.
Effectively, the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo has held hostage the very workforce they claim to be protecting. Otherwise, the JHG management team continues to keep its doors open for employees of the Golf Club. Saints or Saboteurs Apart from this strategy, the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo has been uniquely recalcitrant and uncooperative in other aspects of golf course operations, seeking opportunities to discredit the BCDA and the new management.  
Despite goodwill efforts on the part of the JHG team to negotiate leasing or buying all movable assets of the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo to facilitate a smooth transition and avoid inconveniencing clients of the golf estate, the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo has gone about removing all their movable properties from the estate, including tables, chairs, desks, golf carts, supplies, appliances, fixtures, etc.
The intention to disrupt operations is clear, because they have even tried to pull out basic facilities. The day after the January 6 takeover, on January 7, 2025, the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo attempted to shut off the water pumps at the estate, supposedly to avoid incurring any of the electrical expenses post-takeover.
The water supply was cut from the property for several hours, which was a clear sign of animosity toward the new management and was paramount to a threat to the health of the course itself, which has very specic irrigation needs.
It was the JHG team that sought the good will of the engineers to switch on the water pumps again. The Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo has also threatened to remove transformers and electrical cables in the following days, forcing the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) to intervene and ensure no power disruptions.
Refusal to cooperate. The Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo has declined to turn over any helpful information to the JHG management to facilitate a smooth transition. The JHG management has had to commence operations without clear information on memberships, surviving contracts, upcoming events, organizational nances, or information systems.
Even the insurance policy for Golf Club members needed to be investigated because of conflicting and inconsistent reports. Contrary to their declarations that they are protecting the rights of their members, their resistance to upholding the Supreme Court ruling, which effectively rescinded all contracts contingent on the breached 1996 Agreement between the BCDA and CJH DevCo, has made them the rst to violate the values they claim to protect.
3. Deliberate Disruptions. There has even been a case in which staff of the Former Golf Club Management/CJH DevCo confirmed tee times with a member without informing the JHG management, resulting in irate and disgruntled clients at the front desk.
On January 11, 2025, Domogan himself verbally abused staff of the new management group at the front desk, insisting that he should be allowed to play at 6:30AM when he had not made tee time reservations.
He refused the next open schedule offered by the staff for 7:00AM and insisted on special accommodations at his desired time of 6:30PM. The clear expectation of special treatment was rejected by the new management’s commitment to published guidelines and protocols.
In the following days, Domogan would be formally banned from the course through a formal directive by the BCDA.
On the part of the JHG interim management team, in recognition of the Golf Club members’ active patronage of the course, they have allowed members to retain and continue enjoying some of their privileges, even while balancing the interests of the general public now that John Hay Golf is a public course.
    The new management team shares the excitement of the general public in opening access to the golf estate facilities at Camp John Hay, and welcomes all manners of cooperation to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Read more...

Lessons from past indigenous wellness practices

Cultural Notes

Richard Kinnud
 
“Not feeling well” is something no one likes. People naturally aspire to wellness. Yet, we often hear phrases like, “The workplace is so toxic, but I need the work because that’s where my food comes from.”
Or “Maybe life is short because of the food we eat, the lack of exercise, or the absence of work-life balance.”
Such reflections lead us to think about maintaining a proper diet, embracing proper nutrition, exercising, being mindful of the food we consume, and taking vacations to recharge. People nowadays seek formal wellness programs to avoid not feeling well.  But could a structured wellness program lead us to desired results?  On a recent conversation on this subject, a friend and I arrived to this perspective: people in the past did not have structured wellness programs, yet many of them lived long and healthy lives.
There are studies that suggest life expectancy is becoming shorter.  So, if people of the past indeed lived longer, it implies that wellness practices were embedded in their daily lives, even if unconsciously. This concept of "indigenous wellness" reveals valuable lessons from traditional lifestyles that we can reflect on today.
One is connection to nature and purposeful living.  It is claimed that in earlier times, people lived in harmony with nature. Take, for example, my "lola", who always prepared feed for her pigs the night before. She would slice sweet potatoes and cut the leaves she gathered in the day from the farm and cook them over a fire in the evening, ready for the next day’s fodder for her pigs. You will not call hers a piggery but just simply some native pigs roaming in her fenced compound.   
This simple act of planning ahead reflected a sense of purpose and connection to the natural world.
While cooking the feed, she stayed by the fire (referred to as “anido” in many languages in the Cordillera) where firewood consumption provided warmth aside from its utility. The animals to which these feeds are intended, though raised for eventual consumption, symbolized a closeness to nature and a reminder to care for beings beyond humans. This interaction fostered a sense of responsibility and balance in their environment.
Second, is sense of community and relationships.  Traditional communities, especially here in the Cordilleras, were known for their lavish festivities. These celebrations often involved butchering domesticated animals and inviting neighbors and relatives to feast together. While some criticize these practices as excessive, in a deeper analysis they had a deeper purpose: strengthening community bonds and family ties.
The rituals and ceremonies accompanying these festivities often involved prayers and spirituality, emphasizing gratitude and collective well-being. In today’s world, where economic priorities often overshadow spiritual practices, these traditional events remind us of the importance of nurturing both community and spirit.
Thirdly, there is physical activity.  Traditional lifestyles were inherently active. Tasks such as pounding rice manually required physical effort, which contributed to overall health. Today, we rely on milled rice at the market.  And sometimes when we had something to pound, we would rely on milling machines for convenience.  But this often results in the loss of nutrients in the rice.
Also, people in the past harvested their own food, maintaining a direct connection to their sustenance and engaging in activities that kept them physically fit.  Coupled with this are traditional knowledge about the food they eat that can affect their physical activity.  For instance, when they would prohibit mixing some kinds of vegetables to food served during harvest time, it could be a way to prevent ailments such as arthritis which could be aggravated by dried beans.
These provide lessons we can reflect on as regards modern wellness.  These enjoins us to go back to basics.  Traditional practices highlight the benefits of simplicity. Preparing meals from scratch, engaging in physical activities, and staying connected to nature can enhance overall well-being.
Another lesson is on valuing relationships.  Strong community ties and shared experiences foster emotional and mental wellness. Modern wellness programs could incorporate group activities or community-building initiatives inspired by these traditional practices.
Also, we had to honor spirituality. Spiritual practices in traditional societies providing balance and healing suggest that we indeed needed spirituality as part of wellness.  While contemporary spirituality may take different forms, integrating mindfulness and gratitude into daily routines can positively impact our days.
And a very important one - respect nature.  Living in harmony with nature—whether through sustainable practices, gardening, or mindful consumption—promotes both environmental and personal health.
As we begin a new year, let us reflect on the wisdom of the past and incorporate these insights into our lives. Wishing everyone a year of true wellness, filled with harmony, health, and happiness.

Read more...

Tax credit rules for donations to PNP/ Prisoner exchange/Digitalization of customer relations management

Senseneres

Ike Seneres
 
His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. President of the Republic of the Philippines MalacaƱang Palace Manila:
Your Excellency, I am writing to seek clarification and guidance on the tax credit policies applicable to individuals and entities donating to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This inquiry aims to encourage greater public participation in supporting the PNP’s essential programs by understanding the legal and tax framework surrounding such contributions. Specifically, I would like to request clarification on the following points: 1. Tax Credit Provisions for Donors Could you kindly identify the specific laws or executive issuances governing the granting of tax credits to donors of money, equipment, or other resources to the PNP? Understanding the legal basis will enable potential donors to comply with all requirements and maximize their contributions. 2. Type of Equipment Allowed Are there specific guidelines or limitations on the types of equipment that can be donated to the PNP? For example, does this include communication devices, surveillance tools, vehicles, or other operational necessities? 3. Inclusion of Services Can donations in the form of services (e.g., maintenance, training, or consultancy) qualify for tax credits? If so, what documentation is required to support this type of contribution? 4. Minimum and Maximum Amounts Are there minimum or maximum thresholds for donations eligible for tax credits? 
Clear parameters will help donors plan and align their contributions accordingly. 5. Inclusion of Rentals Can the provision of rented buildings, facilities, or real estate be considered a donation if the rental fees are waived? Such an arrangement could significantly benefit the PNP in terms of operational efficiency. 6. Computer Hardware and Software Can donations of computer hardware and software, including cybersecurity tools and database management systems, be eligible for tax credits? These are critical resources for modern policing and would address the PNP’s need for advanced technological tools. 7. Vehicles Are vehicles included in the list of allowable donations? If so, are there any specifications or restrictions (e.g., type, condition, or purpose) regarding the vehicles eligible for tax credit incentives? By addressing these questions, the government can help foster transparency and incentivize more public and private entities to support the PNP. In turn, this will enhance the PNP’s capability to serve and protect our communities.
Thank you for considering this request. I trust in your commitment to making innovative and collaborative solutions possible for the benefit of our nation.
Cc: Secretary of Interior and Local Government Secretary of Finance Secretary of Information & Communications Technology Commissioner of Internal Revenue Director General, Philippine
National Police 01-14-2025
***
I am also writing to recommend that the Philippine government adopt a national policy on prisoner exchange, with the primary objective of bringing home Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are incarcerated abroad. This initiative could greatly enhance the welfare of our fellow Filipinos and strengthen our diplomatic relationships with other nations. Key Points Supporting the Proposal: 
1. Case of Mary Jane Veloso: o Considering the recent developments in Mary Jane Veloso’s case, we should consider offering Indonesia the return of one Indonesian prisoner currently in Philippine custody as a gesture of goodwill. This act could pave the way more future exchanges. 
2. Continuing Program: o Establishing prisoner exchange as a national policy would enable us to systematically bring home Filipino prisoners from abroad. This program can be institutionalized as an ongoing effort by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and/or the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 
3. International Precedents: o The recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, even amidst ongoing conflict, demonstrates the feasibility and value of such programs. This underscores the potential for similar arrangements in peacetime to benefit our citizens.
 4. Domestic Resources for Exchange: o There are currently many foreign prisoners under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). These individuals could potentially be exchanged for Filipino prisoners abroad.
 5. Building a Database: o As part of the preparatory steps for this program, the Philippines should establish a comprehensive database of Filipinos incarcerated abroad. This database would facilitate negotiations and ensure that we prioritize cases effectively based on humanitarian and legal considerations.
 6. Humanitarian and Diplomatic Benefits: o Such a policy would not only provide a lifeline for incarcerated OFWs but also strengthen our diplomatic ties with host countries by fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Recommended Actions: 1. Instruct the DFA and DMW to draft a comprehensive framework for a prisoner exchange program, including protocols for identifying eligible individuals and negotiating terms with other nations. 2. Direct the relevant agencies, such as BI, BuCor, and BJMP, to compile a list of foreign nationals in Philippine custody who could be considered for exchange. 3. Establish an inter-agency task force to oversee the implementation of the program and ensure its alignment with international laws and treaties. This initiative aligns with our commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos overseas and reinforcing the government’s dedication to inclusive and humane policies. I trust in your visionary leadership to consider this proposal and make a significant impact on the lives of our countrymen.
cc: Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Secretary of Migrant Workers Hon. Chairman of Commission of Filipinos Overseas 01-10-2025
***
I am also writing to propose the adoption and implementation of Customer Relations Management (CRM) systems across government agencies, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), as part of your initiative to digitalize public service delivery. CRM systems, which have long been utilized by the private sector, can greatly enhance citizen engagement and service efficiency.
Key Points for Consideration: 1. CRM in the Private and Public Sectors: o CRM software has proven invaluable in the private sector. Unfortunately, very few government entities are currently leveraging its potential.
By adopting CRM, the government can streamline communication, improve citizen satisfaction, and demonstrate your administration’s commitment to modernizing public service delivery. 2. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: o CRM implementation does not require significant expenditure, especially with the availability of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) versions. o For those seeking advanced functionalities, high-end paid versions are also available. 3. Reframing "Customer" as "Citizen": In the public sector, the term “customer” can easily be redefined as “citizen,” encompassing taxpayers and voters. o CRM systems can thus serve as powerful tools to enhance government-citizen interactions. 4. Challenges in Current Communication Practices: o Many government websites list only landline numbers, making it difficult for citizens—most of whom rely on mobile phones—to contact them.
The absence of email addresses and mobile numbers exacerbates this issue, and calling landlines from mobile phones remains prohibitively expensive for many. o Agencies with mobile numbers should also sign up for free messaging platforms like Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram. 5. Call Centers and Responsiveness: o Many agencies with Facebook Messenger accounts rely on autoreplies and fail to respond to citizen queries in a timely manner. o Ideally, government agencies should establish call centers capable of handling voice calls, emails, and text messages, including those from platforms like Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger. 6. Upgrading Project 8888: o I conceptualized Project 8888 to enable citizens to contact the President at any time, from anywhere, using any available device. However, the system’s implementation has deviated from my original design. o Project 8888 should go beyond citizen complaints to include suggestions, questions, and online transactions. o I am volunteering my expertise to help upgrade Project 8888 and align it with your vision of digitalization. 7. Digital Transformation Roadmap: o If digitalization is to eliminate the need for physical appearances in government transactions, the priority should be building robust backend data systems. o Interoperability requires massive data buildup, and the new systems should incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced efficiency and predictive capabilities. In summary, a national rollout of CRM systems, combined with an upgraded Project 8888, will revolutionize government services. Citizens will enjoy seamless access to government services, thereby strengthening public trust and engagement. Thank you for considering this proposal. I would be honored to discuss these recommendations further and provide any assistance necessary to implement these transformative initiatives.
Respectfully yours, Ramon Ike V. Seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com
Cc: Hon. Secretary, Department of Information Technology and Communications Hon. Chairman, Civil Service Commission 
 

Read more...

Two vehicular accidents/public market obstructions, eyesores, electrical wiring

City Hall Beat

Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY -- The city government through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer attended to the victims of two vehicular accidents that transpired today, Jan. 14, 2025.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that based on the report of OCSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan, five victims of a road mishap involving a taxi and pedestrians at Lower General Luna Road at 3:20 p.m. today, Jan.14, 2025 were immediately responded to.
Bulayungan said four suffered slight injuries and are now being treated at the hospital waiting for the results of their tests either for discharge or admission.
One victim however sustained serious injuries.
Coordination was made with the families and the social welfare office of Itogon municipality where three of the victims reside.  The other two are from Kias barangay.
Financial assistance is also being readied for qualified patients.
Baguio City Police Office initial investigation showed that the driver of the vehicle, an Isuzu Crosswind while traversing Lower General Luna Road, Baguio City en route to Magsaysay Avenue incurred an error and bumped into a Toyota Innova.
The BCPO report said personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit who responded to the accident advised both drivers to proceed to the TEU office for proper disposition of the case.  While doing so, the offending driver again miscalculated and ran into the victims who were crossing the pedestrian lane.
All victims were rushed to the hospital by responding Emergency Medical Service personnel while the driver was put under the custody of TEU for documentation and proper disposition.
Bulayungan said they also provided assistance to the family of a 56-year-old man from Loakan Liwanag who also died in a road accident at 8:20 a.m. today Jan. 14, 2025 along BGH Compound.
The BCPO said the incident happened while both vehicles were descending towards Kennon Road.
The victim was quickly transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Bulayungan said the city provided burial assistance and psychological first aid to the family of the deceased.
***
A joint inspection was conducted by the city government offices at the 1st and 2nd Kayang and Hilltop Road at the city market to check on sidewalk obstructions, extensions and eyesores and other violations.
The joint team from the Market Office, Baguio City Police Office, Public Order and Safety Division and the Permits and Licensing Division issued 27 citation tickets for obstruction violations, two tickets for violation of Ordinance No. 34-17 or Smoke-Free Baguio ordinance and one for violation of Ordinance No. 35-17 or the Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio ordinance.
The team also confiscated unsanitary wooden chopping boards, bollards used as umbrella stands, dilapidated tables, dirty crates, concrete cements used as umbrella stands and canopy pegs.
The permits division also issued notices to those with business license issues.
***
Personnel of the City Market Office and the City Buildings and Architecture Office inspect the electrical wirings of some sections of the city market last Jan. 11, 2025.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the preventive check-up to identify faulty electrical wirings and other conditions that may lead to fires and accidents.
Inspected were the stalls at the coconut section, rice section, tinapa section, tobacco section and Hangar market alley.
Earlier, a stall owner sought help from the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) after observing electrical spark and smoke from his space which was locked and could not be opened.
POSD Head Daryll Longid said they rushed to the stall with a bolt cutter and found policemen already there trying to unlock the door.
Using the POSD tool, they eventually opened the stall but found no signs of spark and smoke.
It was suggested that the owner shut down the circuit breaker as a precaution.
This prompted the mayor to call for the inspection of the electrical wirings.
Last Dec. 29, a fire broke out the city market destroying stalls at the miscellaneous section at Hilltop Road.

 


Read more...

High-rise buildings, housing projects, TSAs leading to urban decay?

Letters from the Agno

March L. Fianza 
 
BAGUIO CITY -- In 2009, then Senator Rodolfo Biazon and I had a simple lunch of “tungsoy” (watercress) and fish fillet at a local restaurant. The chain smoker told me his presence here was prompted by then Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s recognizable temper after she introduced a controversial resolution regarding urban decay.
The Senate resolution asked Biazon’s committee to conduct an inquiry on the reported “urban decay and environmental degradation” threatening to wreck Baguio, the City of Pines. There must be a certain degree of truth to the news article that provoked Defensor-Santiago into introducing her resolution.
The news article said tourists no longer found Baguio as cold as it used to be; Pine tree cover was less dense than it was decades ago; downtown streets, especially Session Road were jammed with cars and people like Manila; and heritage buildings, relics of the American colonial rule with historical value have been demolished.
The article further cited uncollected mounds of garbage in plastic bags on main streets that probably led to the enormous trash slide from Irisan that blocked Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba in 2011 for many months.  
In consulting Baguio officials and residents at City Hall, Sen. Biazon wondered if there was any truth to the issues mentioned in the news article as he sought for solutions. Reactors from the crowd agreed with the issues raised, contrary to some elected officials who, as expected, spoke in defense of their actions – or the lack of it.
That was 25 years ago. By the city’s present looks, it appears like things have not improved any better. Traffic jams have become more terrible which worsen air pollution, buildings were being built higher which when fully occupied aggravated an already insufficient water supply. In addition, higher occupancy produced more garbage and human waste.   
Other effects instantly impact the environment. For residential subdivisions, initial development requires the construction of roads, where in most cases, the natural green vegetation of trees and bushes are scraped away. In many instances, trees were already cut down even while tree-cutting permits were still to be issued.
For high-rise structures such as hotels, condominiums and apartments; they absorb transient travelers and weekend tourists that contribute to the volume of solid waste as well as sewer waste that clog the city’s ancient sewer system. It is time the heights of buildings should be limited in order to control the volume output of solid and sewer waste.
Concerning townsite sales applications (TSAs), documents on file are more than the actual number of lots that can be distributed. While the TSAs are on process, illegal lot occupants are slowly and inconspicuously erecting shanties.
The informal settlers successfully have their “improvements” tax declared with the government assessor. The government treasurer meanwhile is more than willing to collect all kinds of taxes, including payments for overlapping taxdecs.
The TSA as a way of acquiring a 200 square-meter lot in the city requires that the applicant “must be a notorious occupant and has improvements to show.” In other words, the TSA process basically allows squatting. The rule is squat then apply.    
The unsolicited but ideal answers to urban decay are to stop housing subdivisions, stop the construction of high-rise buildings, and stop the approval of TSAs. But these ideas would certainly be disregarded since some politicians are subdivision developers and realtors. Proposals like these would make both politicians and realtors very mad.
With high-rise edifices, hotels and transient apartments fully occupied during festive months, local residents suffer a shortage in water supply and get mired in traffic jams that worsen air pollution.
And as a bonus to the ugly situation, the low skyline of a beautiful city is altered by skyrise buildings that permanently block priceless golden sunsets.
The more people, the happier businessmen and realtors are. In contrast, high-rise buildings, traffic, garbage, pollution and overpopulation are multiplying factors that cause many other social illnesses in a city such as Baguio. All these lead to urban decay.
But there are choices. Either cut the trees in exchange for concrete structures and parking lots just like what happened at Luneta Park, or sacrifice your dream of belonging to a cement jungle and just let the grass grow. 

 


Read more...

  © Blogger templates Palm by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP  

Web Statistics