Decrowning Corona

PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz

The Philippines is now polarized between two Titans! Either you’re for President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III or for Supreme Court (SC) Justice Renato Corona. There is no middle ground. The conflict between them could create a constitutional crisis, which could tear the country apart.

Never in the history of Philippine jurisprudence had a sitting Chief Justice attracted so much criticism and opposition. Instead of dispensing Solomonic wisdom in interpreting the constitution that takes into account the broader application of the law, he has become a Machiavellian agent who narrowly – or loosely -- interprets the law to justify the desired outcome of cases brought before the High Court.

And with the solid support of a block of at least eight justices, Corona has created a tyrannical majority that dictates how the rule of law is applied. Or is it “rule of man” disguised as “rule of law”?

Recently, Sen. Franklin Drilon started a clamor for Corona to inhibit himself in cases involving former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Drilon cited 19 cases in which Corona sided with the position taken by Gloria. “The current score is 19-0. Chief Justice Renato Corona consistently voted in favor of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in all 19 cases brought before the Supreme Court. He never voted against her,” he said.

The following are three major cases of those cited by Drilon:

1) Dissented in the Oct. 25, 2006 SC decision dismissing the petition of the pro-Arroyo Sigawng Bayan to allow a “people’s initiative” to amend the 1987 Constitution due to failure to comply with constitutional requirements of conducting a people’s initiative.
2) Concurred in the Oct. 10 2010 SC decision stopping the Aquino administration from revoking the appointment of alleged “midnight” appointees of Arroyo.
3) Concurred in the Dec. 7, 2010 SC ruling declaring President Aquino’s order creating the Truth Commission unconstitutional.

It is interesting to note that had the Supreme Court ruled to allow a “people’s initiative” to amend the 1987 Constitution (Item No. 1 above), Gloria would have succeeded in changing the form of government to a parliamentary system with her as Prime Minister and with an indefinite term for as long as she controls the majority members of the parliament.

In my article, “Judicial Independence” (November 4, 2006), I wrote: “The recent decision of the Philippine Supreme Court to dismiss the petition for a people’s initiative to amend the constitution to replace the presidential system with a parliamentary form of government has created a political storm. With a bare 8-7 majority, the decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio caught a lot of people by surprise. People close to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo were expecting the Supreme Court to vote in favor of the petition by at least a 9-6 majority.”

Of the 15 Supreme Court justices, Gloria appointed 11 of them, of which six of them together with two appointees of former President Joseph Estrada voted for the rejection of the petition. The other five Arroyo appointees – Corona included -- together with appointees of former President Fidel V. Ramos voted for approval of the petition.

It was a major setback for Gloria for which she never recovered. The majority vote against the initiative was a manifestation that the Judicial Branch of the government maintained its independence and integrity — a healthy sign that democracy was still alive in the country. That was then.

During Gloria’s last year in office, seven justices retired. She saw it as a golden opportunity to appoint their replacements with justices with proven loyalty to her. And she was right on the ball when the seven new justices proved their loyalty to her when it came to their voting pattern, which mirrored Corona’s own voting pattern.

It did not then come as a surprise that when Gloria appointed Corona during the ban on “midnight appointments” around the time of the presidential election as mandated by the constitution, the Supreme Court, by a 9-1 vote, “legalized” the appointment of Corona as Chief Justice notwithstanding the ban on “midnight appointments.” With Corona’s “legalization” as Chief Justice, Gloria stacked the deck with justices loyal to her.

The first test came on Oct. 10, 2010 when the High Court issued a status quo ante order on the implementation of Executive Order No. 2 revoking Gloria’s “midnight appointments” (Item No. 2 above).

And on December 7, 2010 the High Court inflicted a crippling blow to P-Noy’s anti-corruption crusade when it declared the Truth Commission unconstitutional (Item No. 3 above).

As Malaya columnist Amado Macasaet recently said, “It all started when the Supreme Court, obviously at the behest of Gloria Arroyo, ‘raped’ the Constitutional prohibition against appointment to the judiciary during a prohibited period.”

In my article, “Arroyo’s Court of Last Defense” (December 8, 2010), I wrote: “The Supreme Court’s 10-5 decision that ruled the Truth Commission unconstitutional did not come as a surprise. It was expected. Indeed the seeds were sowed during the last few years of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she appointed nine Supreme Court justices who were perceived to have been appointed based on their loyalty to Arroyo more than their judicial credentials. By the time she stepped down from the presidency, fourteen of the justices – the 15th seat was vacant — were all her appointees including Chief Justice Renato Corona whose controversial ‘midnight appointment’ stained the high court’s integrity.”

The arbitrariness and partiality towards Gloria demonstrated by Corona and his cohorts in the Supreme Court makes one wonder if they might have taken a secret oath to Gloria using the famous Quezonian mantra with a twist, to wit: “My loyalty to the constitution ends where my loyalty to Gloria Arroyo begins.” Indeed, with the Supreme Court’s recent issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that would have allowed Gloria to skip the country to avoid criminal prosecution for electoral sabotage, this keeps piercing in my mind. If not for Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s insistence to see the official TRO from the Supreme Court, Gloria would have been free as a bird and beyond the reach of Philippine law.

According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted between September 4 and 7, Corona has the worst satisfaction rating – “neutral” or zero – with 28% satisfied and 28% dissatisfied. No other public official in the three branches of government reached rock bottom like Corona did.

As Sen. Francis Pangilinan said, “Corona’s inhibition will help spare the Supreme Court from doubts that, under Corona’s leadership, it is biased in favor of the former president and first gentleman.” It is not too late to restore the severely damaged image of the Supreme Court under the leadership of Corona. All he has to do is inhibit himself out of “delicadeza” and let the wheels of justice roll with fairness and impartiality.

When Gloria appointed him as Chief Justice, Corona proclaimed that he attained the fulfillment of every lawyer’s dream. But let me remind him that fulfilling his dream is not the ultimate end but only the beginning of a journey to immortal greatness in the annals of Philippine jurisprudence or perpetual damnation in rogues’ gallery.
It’s your choice, Chief Justice Corona.-- (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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‘Exploitation in the name of protection’

FAITH HOPE AND CHARITY
Ka Iking Seneres

Sustainability has a double meaning, and we better work overtime in order to understand what it really means, otherwise, we could find ourselves in double jeopardy.

When we speak of sustainable mining, we should understand that what it means is to sustain not only the state of the mining activity itself, but also the environmental state of the mountain or land that is being subjected to the mining activity. What is ironic is that we supposedly mine our natural resources in order to sustain out economic life, but what usually happens is that we end up destroying our environmental life.

It should be easy for us to understand that water is life, and if we destroy the life of our water sources, we are also destroying the source of our life. As it is now, we are already importing our rice, our milk and even the corn that we feed to our livestock. Are we going to wait until we are going to be forced to also import our water?

Many experts have written that in the future, wars will be fought because of water. What this means is that there could be a global shortage of water, and wars will be fought because some countries will have no water to buy, even if they have the money to import water.

Economics is all about the allocation of scarce resources, but how do we allocate a resource if it is no longer available? It would stand to reason that the best thing to do is to allocate a resource when it is still available, and to preserve it when it is already scarce.

As of now, we could argue that our gold and minerals are not yet scarce and that is why we still allocate the permits to mine it, but as we allow that to happen, are we not also endangering the source of our water? Gold might cost more than water now, but as wars will be fought in the future for water, it will be the water that will cost more than gold.

The story of Mount HilongHilong near Butuan City in Mindanao is the story of the conflict between the short term exploitation of our natural resources, and the long term preservation of our source of life. Supposedly in the name of environmental protection, House Bill No. 3037 has been passed by Congress with many provisions that would allow commercial exploitation including mining and logging. A much friendlier version, Senate Bill No. 2156 has been filed in the Senate, and is up for discussion. Although less damaging at the outset, the Senate version still allows provisions for the mountain to be destroyed.

We elect lawmakers so that they could protect us, not exploit us. Thanks to the system of checks and balances in our democracy, we could still turn to the bureaucracy for help just in case the Congress fails us. What is difficult to understand however is how HB 3037 passed Congress when in fact, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was supposedly consulted when it was deliberated there.

Is this a case of two branches of our government failing us? Could the Supreme Court possibly side with us? This is not a far fetched notion, because in the past, the SC has issued a continuing mandamus to protect Manila Bay, a landmark decision that is the first in the world.
Fortunately, the friendlier version in the Senate was sponsored by Senator PiaCayetano, a known environmentalist.

Now, the members of the Ivory Charities Foundation of Butuan City led by Dr. Rene Vargas are hoping that she would come to their side, by way of removing the damaging provisions of the Bill. Hopefully, the friendlier version will get the support of the broader pro-environment community. The bottom line really is whether to allow mining or not. I am not against mining per se, if the methods are sustainable, but in this case, I support a total ban, because it is the last source of water for the entire Caraga Region.

For feedback, email iseneres@yahoo.com or text +639997333011

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Radio announcer’s ‘murderer’ nabbed

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Police arrested the alleged killer of a radio announcer here Nov. 23 around 5 a.m. at SitioTalak, Barangay Gobgob in this capital city.

Supt. Engelbert Z. Soriano, regional police press information officer identified the suspect as Daldin “Deldin” Guiawan, wanted for the July 3, 2010 murder of Jose “Pepe” T. Daguio, 75, radio announcer of DZRK Radio ng Bayan Tabuk, and former anchorman of news and public affairs program on RadyoNatin-Kalinga.

The victim was also a writer of the provincial Guru Press.

Guiawan was wanted for double murder with a warrant for his arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 25, 2nd Judicial Region, Tabuk.

Soriano said Guiawan carried a reward of P250,000 for his arrest under Department of Interior and Local Government memorandum circular 2011-165.

Regional police intelligence officers who arrested Guiawan detained him here at the Kalinga District Jail.

Records showed Daguio was shot to death by unidentified perpetrators at his residence with the use of a 12-gauge shotgun. Victim was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Police investigation and witnesses’ accounts led to the identification and filing of murder case against Guiawan, Edmund Cera Bilod and Willy Cedra Bilog.

A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued for their arrest.

Soriano said background check on the suspects’ activities showed the group was involved in criminal activities such as “gun-for-hire” and they had other standing warrants for their arrest.

Guiawan also had a standing warrant for double murder issued by Judge Marcelino K. Wacas of Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Tabuk for the killing of GuimpayanTamalay and AyongTamalay at Lapet, Talak, Gobgob in this city on June 2, 2009.

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Thousands pay tribute to bishop

By Freddie G. Lazaro

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Thousands of Catholic devotees paid tribute to La Union Bishop Artemio Rillera behind the altar of Saint William the Hermit Cathedral here Tuesday morning.

A concelebrated mass officiated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas was offered to the prelate before he was brought to his final resting place.

Bishop Rillera, a missionary from the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), passed away at the age of 69 because of a severe asthma attack after saying Holy Mass at the Seminary of the Sacred Heart in San Fernando City last Nov. 13.

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Eight missing fishermen safe in Fuga; woman dies

By Freddie G. Lazaro

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Rescuers from the Philippine Coast Guard reported Thursday that eight missing Cagayan fishermen were found safe on Fuga Island in Aparri town.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Ernesto Renon of the PCG station based in Aparri, said the fishermen were left stranded there because of big waves.

He said the fishermen are now waiting for coastal waters to be calm in the area before returning to their village in this province.

The fishermen have been missing off the seas of Sta. Ana, Cagayan afternoon of Nov. 23 even as a woman drowned when the motorized banca she was riding on that day capsized near waters of Alcala town, also in the province.

Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente, PCG spokesperson, said earlier in the first incident, two of those missing were from Sta. Ana while eight were from Barangay Macanaya, Aparri.

The two missing fishermen from Sta. Ana were identified as Nelson Arquero, 34, and BenimarArquero, 28.

They went on fishing 10 nautical miles off Sta. Ana that afternoon and failed to come home.

The missing fisherfolks from Barangay Macanaya were identified as Mark Cacayuran, 30; Ariel Cacayuran, 25; Bernardo Tricenio, 26; Edgar Siraon, 32; Fidel Carrera, 42; Jun Carrera, 40; Naming Abad, 45; and Julian Nagtaran, 45.

They went missing while fishing in the waters off Fuga Island and Calayan.

Ricafrente said the PCG earlier advised barangay captains of adjacent barangays and other fishermen to be also on the lookout for the missing fishermen.

In the second incident, a 49-year-old female resident of Amulung, Cagayan, among 20 people who had come from a burial, drowned when the motorized boat carrying them capsized amid heavy rainfall off Alcala town Nov. 20, authorities said.

Recto Catuiran, chairman of Barangay Tana in Amulung town, identified the fatality as Dominica Bautista, 49, whose body was fished out by residents of Barangay Maraburab in neighboring Alcala.

The sea mishap occurred as Coast Guard authorities have warned local folk against venturing into the sea due to heavy torrential rains and big waves.

Meanwhile, 20 passengers headed for Camiguin Island in the Babuyan Strait and Maconacon, Isabela have been stranded last week in the ports of Aparri and Sta. Ana towns.

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35 food terminals established in Benguet

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Thirty five municipal and barangay terminals were established in various towns in this province as food depot and distribution systems offering affordable, safe and quality food products like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits.

Marlyn Cosalan of the agri-business and marketing assistance division of the Department of Agriculture –Cordillera said these establishments, formerly known as Bagsakan Centers, were intended to ensure food security and alleviate poverty and malnutrition wherein processed and agricultural products are now sold.

These are also being targeted as Pasalubong Centers where the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) of each beneficiary town will be showcased, according to Cosalan.

She added these would be alternative market for farmers through direct marketing.

The six town-recipients of the project are Sablan, P1.5 million; Tuba, P2M; Amgaleygey in Buguias, P1M; Atok, P1M; Bokod, P1M; and Kapangan, P1M.

Tublay will be included this year and with a P1 million allocation.

The provincial government was also allotted P2 million for its Bagsakan Center in Wangal, this town.

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Mayor backs free patent implementation in Baguio

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said he was supporting implementation of the Free Patent Law in the city which will benefit qualified home lot applicants contrary to the insinuations by his critics that he is against the same.

But he added implementation of the law must be within its metes and bounds, especially provisions which clearly state that lands occupied by residents having a land area of 200 square meters or less are covered by the so-called free patent, thus, qualified residents occupying the aforesaid lands must already avail of the free patent.

In the city, there are two ways on how to acquire ownership of lands, particularly the Townsite Sales Application (TSA) and the Miscellaneous Sales Application (MSA) prior to the passage of the Free Patent Law.

Domogan said occupied homelots having a land area of more than 200 square meters must pass other forms of acquiring ownership such as the TSA and MSA instead of trying to circumvent the law by trying to subdivide their properties just to comply with the 200 square meters limitation under the free patent law.

He urged officials of the Cordillera office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stick to provisions of the Free Patent Law limiting the land area to be covered by a free patent to only 200 square meters and not to facilitate the circumvention of the law by spearheading the subdivision of their properties so that the same will be compliant to avail of the free patent.

According to him, property owners with more than 200 square meters must follow either the TSA or MSA modes in legitimizing ownership considering that the same will benefit the local government as it will be purchased by the owner unlike in free patent that the recognition of rights over such property will be given out for free.

The local chief executive revealed the city’s land area is now limited and subjecting its lands to free patent will result to rapid urbanization that will be detrimental in sustaining its current status as the country’s undisputed Summer Capital which will lead to the loss of its cool and romantic weather and scenic spots that serve as a natural pull for foreign and domestic tourists to visit the city.

He called on residents with occupied lands measuring 200 meters or less to already avail of the free patent with the DENR but warned individuals trying to circumvent the provisions of the law that the city government will strictly monitor the same so that those that need to undergo the TSA and MSA process will not be subdivided so that they will be able to pass the limitations of the free patent, saying that the local government will be at a loss once they will allow the circumvention of the free patent law just to accommodate everyone.

When the government started to implement the provisions of the free patent law, many TSA and MSA applicants have started to subdivide their respective applications in order to comply with the limitations of the free patent law but the same was prevented by concerned government agencies who were able to observe a drastic move to subdivide existing applications in order to be given out for free.

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2 species of costly 'ludong' fish thrive in Cagayan Valley

By Freddie G. Lazaro

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — At least two species of costly “ludong” fish thrive in Cagayan Valley, according to the initial result of the study conducted by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.

“Ludong” is a rare type of mullet known for its high price and unique taste. Its buying price in the market is reaching up to P5,000 per kilo.

NFRDI Scientist Mudjekeewis Santos named these two species as Cestraeusoxyrhynchus and Cestraeusgoldiei.

The two ludong fish species discovered based from the findings on DNA analysis on several samples submitted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from Cagayan and also on some available documents.

It is noted that Santos’ study is a component of the “OplanSagipLudong” project launched by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in October 2010

In his report, Santos said the absence of the species Cestraeusplicatilis, which has been regarded as the species of Ludong in Cagayan Valley for a long time, has been noted by BFAR officials.

But Santos cited that it may be due to the limited number of samples submitted for analysis.

It was recalled that the ludong Cestraeusplicatilis species has been identified by J.M. Thompson of the University of Queensland in Australia in his study conducted in 1982. Thompson based his findings on morphological characteristics using samples submitted by Philippine researchers.

Santos disclosed that his findings came from analysis using two different DNA markers.

“We will still have a third and final run using another marker, and likewise, we will cross-check with species from other areas, in order to ascertain the findings,” he clarified.

The fish genetics expert has noted the dearth of reference materials with which to base or counter-check current findings.

“The science concerning mullet is very scarce. It is actually you who will come-up with studies and develop the science for this,” Santos stressed.

For her part, BFAR Cagayan Valley Region Director JovitaAyson told the study is very significant as her office will now enable to set the scientific records about ludong fish to avoid confusion.

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P’panga bridge sags due to heavy trucks

APALIT, Pampanga – A 40-year-old bridge linking this town to Macabebe sagged after three trucks carrying gravel and sand passed through it Thursday morning, authorities said.

Acting municipal administrator Dennis Capulong said no one was hurt but the truck drivers and their companions had to be assisted as two of the trucks fell on their side and the third leaned on the side of the bridge in Barangay Colgante.

Capulong said police could not yet determine whether the trucks, loaded with gravel and sand bound for Macabebe, were overloaded.

“Appropriate charges will be filed if it could be proven the trucks were overloaded,” he said.

Supt. Angelito Esteban, Apalit police chief, said the trucks were part of a convoy of four headed toward Macabebe.

The first truck managed to pass through the bridge, but the other trucks were caught in the middle of the 15-meter bridge, which sagged due to their weight.

Capulong said the bridge has become impassable to all types of vehicles and that local folk traveling between Apalit and Macabebe were advised to take another route via Barangay Sulipan.

He, however, said the route via Sulipan is good only for light vehicles.

He said Mayor Jun Tetangco has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediately repair the bridge, the major link between his town and Macabebe.

DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations Romeo Momo said they would investigate the bridge’s collapse.

“There is a specified load limit and they should have followed it. If it would be proven that the Colgante Bridge was damaged because of overloading and these drivers are responsible for it, there is that possibility that the drivers or their companies might be ordered to shoulder the expense for the repair of the bridge,” Momo said.

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P710-M‘Divisoria' of Luzon opens in Bulacan

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga— The highly anticipated P710-million North Food Exchange (NFEx), touted as the Food Divisoria of Luzon, opened Nov. 19 in Balagtas, Bulacan, the National Economic and Development Authority here said.

The 130-hectare complex is said to be the strategic, agro-economic, transport, processing, and commercial center envisioned to boost food security, economic bounty, and sustainable agro-industrial development in Luzon.

Accessible through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), MacArthur Highway, and soon the Northrail speed train system, NFEx is an agricultural and fishery product - wholesale and retail center - designed to modernize food transport, storage, processing, and distribution.

NEDA said the NFEx is a one of a kind pioneering economic center adding that its modern food depot terminal, commercial shopping center, agri-processing and storage complex, and export product show window are designed to transform the agriculture and fisheries sector into a strong globally competitive entrepreneurial force for the Luzon regions and the country.

“NFEx is a modern, functional, efficient and comprehensive market processing exhibition complex that will bring beneficiaries under one roof. The project will employ the best strategies and techniques from successful food exchange in Europe and Asia. It is under the direction of expert food and agricultural managers in the Philippines. This will provide complete facilities in trading, food processing, storage and related services,” NEDA reported.

Small-scale farmers and fishermen have been given priority in the trading complex. The involvement of middlemen in the marketing of produce will be removed, improving the income of small industries.

NFExTiangge will be open every Saturday until December 17, according to Balagtas municipal information officer Rolly Danes.

“It is expected that the NFExTiangge will be a venue to show the potentials of the NFEx project that will amplify the level of livelihood of Bulakenyos particular in the sector of agriculture,” said Danes.

Danes said the project was only a dream then but the start of operations proved the realization of the envisioned mega trading center in the country which he tagged as an “expressway to progress.”

“It is the mission of NFEx to increase the income of farmers, fishermen, and small investors; provide and sustain low prices of agricultural products; fortify the agriculture economy; and give a strong position to the masses of the society,” Danes added.

There are talks of replicating the food complex in Visayas and Mindanao.

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17 Baguio residents receive financial aide

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week released a total amount of P161,000 from his Priority Development and Assistance Fund (PDAF livelihood program) when he was still congressman to 17 beneficiaries.

Pinget Women’s Livelihood Organization received a total of P50,000.00 for their micro-lending business while six families received a maximum of P20,000 and a minimum of P5,000 for their soap making, knitting, sari-sari store and other livelihood programs.

Ten individuals were also given P5,000 to P3,000.

The livelihood fund is loaned to low-income and moderate income individuals, organizations and groups from the barangays screened by the Office of the City social Welfare and Development Office without interest.

Its primary goal is for grantees to start livelihood activities.

The project is being implemented by the OCSWADO under City Social Welfare Officer Betty Fangasan.

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Ifugao town law to stop illegal sale, transport of cattle

By Mhars B. Lihgawon

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – The municipal government here recently approved an ordinance to regulate illegal transport and selling of cattle in this town.

The local law mandated all cattle in in this town, after reaching prescribed age, shall be branded for distinction and ownership.

The ordinance said all cattle shall be branded upon reaching one to two years old with a registered owner’s brand to The owner’s brand must be registered at the office of the municipal treasurer and strictly for personal use only.

However, any person who borrows the brand of another person for his own cattle must accomplish first the necessary documents showing ownership of such cattle.

Branding of cattle activities should always be done in the presence of representatives from the office of the municipal treasurer for transparency and avoidance of any violations of ordinance.

Meanwhile, the ordinance also set requirements when selling and transporting cattle within and outside the municipality.

Any person who sells large cattle is required to brand said cattle under his name not by the buyer’s name.

For large cattle transported from one place to another within the municipality of Alfonso Lista for commercial purposes and slaughtering, the buyer shall accomplish and process the required documentation with the concerned municipal local government offices only during regular workings days.

No unbranded large cattle shall be transported or allowed to be transported unless the owner presents sufficient and convincing documents including payments of the required fees.

The ordinance further stated that any violation by any individual including local government officials shall penalized of P2,500 or imprisonment of 30 days for the first offense, P2,500 or imprisonment for 60 days – second offense and P2,500 or imprisonment of 90 days or both upon the discretion of the court for the third offense.

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3 Tabuk City b’gays win local governance awards

By Larry Lopez

TABUK, Kalinga -- Three barangays here won top awards in the SIGLAT MO search of the Department of Interior and Local Government in the Cordillera.

City Interior officer Julio Barcellano said the DILG handed down the first and third places to Barangays Bulanao and Dagupan Centro, respectively, under urban category, while Barangay Cabaritan won second place under rural category.

SIGLAT MO award gives recognition and incentives to barangays and officials for top performance in local governance and demonstrate initiatives in rural development.

SIGLAT MO is coined from the vernacular attributes on S – aririt or diligence; I-ngel - determination; G-aget – love of work; L-aing – coordinating; A-listo – fast moving; T-araki – good stand; M-adaydayaw – honorable and O- ngaOpisyal – as public servant.

Among the notable achievements of Barangay Bulanao include its persistent revenue generation efforts making it the top revenue-collecting barangay of the town.

On the other hand, Dagupan Centro is recognized for its environmental advocacies and peace initiatives.

The three SIGLAT MO winners will receive cash incentives from P5,000 to P10,000, aside from citations and trophies.

Barcellano said giving honors to barangay leaders pose a challenge to other leaders in higher offices of government where more are expected of them.

If people below can deliver citable performance in the line of work, why not also those at the higher offices who even have more resources,”” Barcellano asked.

Barcellano said 2011 seemed a lucky year for Tabuk which won another national award on GawadsaLahi last September with a P2 million cash incentive.

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DMIA to host P900-million casino, hotel

By George Trillo

CLARK FREEPORT— A P900- million casino and hotel is soon to rise inside the aviation complex of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

Information Technology firm Eagle Sky Technology and Amusement and Gaming Incorporated (ESTAG) will construct a six-storey building, airport hotel and entertainment complex all in one.

Estage President Ireneo Alvaro Jr. said the firm’s facility is the first luxury hotel, entertainment, and IT hub within the DMIA aviation complex.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Estage chief executive officer Tony Huang were on-hand during the groundbreaking ceremony last weekend.

The casino-hotel is just one of the many major projects on-going inside the Clark Freeport zone as Remollo said that this premier Freeport is clearly becoming the business and entertainment hub of Central Luzon.

Alvaro said the company aims to break new foundations in the Philippines by combining the most luxurious hotel, gaming facility, IT hub, entertainment centers, high-end boutiques and shops, restaurants and spas, in just one complex.

Other officials who graced the event included Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pag-cor) director EnriquitoNuguid, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) vice president Reynaldo Catacutan, CDC directors Manolo Feliciano and Ricardo “Bong” Alvaro, and others.

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ProTech waste collection extended until January 15

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Pro Tech Machinery Corp. (Pro Tech) will continue collection of non-biodegradable wastes from pick-up points in barangays here after Mayor Mauricio extended the authority granted to the waste company until Jan. 15.

The mayor said the direct collection scheme which ran on experimental basis last month helped improve the waste collection efficiency of the city.

It also helped lessen the use of the Irisan dumpsite as a transfer station for nonbiodegradable wastes.

“It is the direction of the City Government to discontinue utilizing the dumpsite as sorting and transfer area and the city government is earnestly trying to locate a possible permanent transfer station for the biodegradable wastes,” the mayor noted in Administrative Order No. 146.

He said the city needs all the help it can get in improving the waste management system and Pro Tech’s direct collection agreement which is free of charge is a welcome move.

Meanwhile, the mayor asked residents to be prepared for the implementation of the mandatory collection of garbage fees in the barangay through a barangay-based collection system.

The mayor said the census of households and computation of present and back fees are now underway so the collection will start anytime soon. Concerned barangay officials have also undergone the necessary training to undertake the collection.

The mayor said the barangay-based collection system will streamline the collection process to make it more efficient with the end in view of helping the barangays generate resources to support their own waste management programs.

The collection will be based on guidelines pursuant to the provisions of the city’s tax ordinance.

As per the guidelines, barangays will be empowered to collect garbage fees from households availing of the solid waste management service on a monthly basis.

The collected fees will be subject to a sharing scheme between the city and the barangays at 70-30 percent. Incentives will also be given to barangays with high collection levels. Proceeds can be used by the barangays in their waste management programs and other related projects.

“A household refers to a core family that includes parents, minor and unmarried children and limited extension to househelp and grandparents… Doubled up households include married children living with their parents, married brothers/sisters and boarders living with the landlord. Each married child, brother or sister will be treated and charged as separate households. Every four boarders shall be considered a household and also to be charged separately,” according to the guidelines.

The billing dates will be during the first ten days of each month subject to discounts for early payers.

Barangays will also be required to monitor the compliance to the city’s non-segregation-no-collection policy, indiscriminate dumping and anti-littering laws with the following penalty; warning for first offense; P500 for second offense and P1,000 third offense.

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Six road projects undergo tests: Mt Prov contractors warned on sanctions

By Pamela F. Dungala

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial Department of Public Works and Highways office will enforce sanctions against contractors whose infrastructure projects have defects and failed to follow contract specifications.

Provincial DPWH officials bared this even as they said six infrastructure projects under the DPWH have undergone quality assurance program on Nov. 17 through inspection and quality control rating as per instruction of Sec. Rogelio L. Singson.

The QAP assures all projects are implementedin compliance with existing engineering rules and regulations to stop graft and corruption.

This is implemented through project inspection and evaluation by a unit composed of engineers from DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards, Bureau of Construction and the regional DPWH office.

Construction engineer Benedict Matib said projects included road upgrading of Dantay-Sagada National Road, rehabilitation of Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur Road via Kayan and Bontoc-Cadre Road and Baguio-Bontoc Road, construction of Bayudan flood control and PC-Barracks Road under LAB General Engineering.

The QAU team assessed project accomplishment reports and conducted project inspection and field testing while giving instructions to field engineers and contractors to ensure improvement of project implementation for quality projects.

“While defects may have been noted on these projects, the concerned contractor will be notified of these defects and will be directed to undergo rectification and corrections at their own expense,” said Charles Sokoken, assistant district engineer.

Projects are also subject to quality control rating of the Central Office as per instruction of the Secretary in a memorandum dated Oct. 28.

“We are hopeful that these projects will pass, hence, we are further geared up to closely watch on these projects for the immediate correction of the defects to avoid further damage,”Matib said.

The district office is optimistic that contractors will adhere to the guidelines on the implementation of infra projects as per memorandum of OIC district engineer to contractors.

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Benguet ratifies MOA for Japan internship training

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Qualified skilled farmers in the province may have the chance to undergo internship training with compensation to Japan upon the forging of memorandum agreement of the provincial government with Ehimei Prefecture.

The MOA authorizing Gov. Nestor Fongwan with the Farmer’s Cooperative of Ehimei Prefecture represented by Chairman Tsukuru Kuramoto on the Technical Intern Training Program was ratified through a resolution by the provincial board.

Under the program, the provincial government will be sending skilled and qualified agricultural farmers to Japan for the internship program paid on salary basis, provincial agriculturist Lolita Bentres said.

“The trainees who will be working will be treated as co-equal time workers and are paid on an hourly rate unlike before where they are given only allowance.”

Prior to their training-employment, interns will learn Niponggo for one to two months, she added.

The partnership program with a number of Prefectures in Japan had been going on for several years now.

It has reportedly contributed to the agricultural development and effective technology transfer both to the province and Japan.

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Mayor: Baguio’s fiscal condition remains good

By Aileen. P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city government’s fiscal standing remains stable despite the recent calamities and the impending reduction of the city’s share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) next year, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said last week.

The mayor said the city has remained debt-free with an outstanding credit standing that make the city eligible for loans from banks and credit institutions should it seek fund sources to finance large-scale development projects .

The mayor, however, said that despite this bright financial condition, city executives opted for a conservative increase in the 2012 budget in anticipation of the IRA cut.

The mayor said that the executive budget is expected to be pegged at just “a little more than P1 billion” to make it realistic in view of the expected reduction of around P30-P40 million from the IRA share.

The city’s current budget is P1,092,095,000.

He said the budget cut is expected to affect the 20 percent development fund that finances the city’s development projects including those in the barangays prompting the City Development Council that undertakes the screening of the projects to select only the very important and immediate ones out of the pool of projects submitted.

The mayor however said that the city hopes to offset the IRA cut when it finally collects its P125 million tax share from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) operations along with its share from the lease rental of Camp John Hay which is currently in the works via a new restructuring agreement between the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo).

The mayor said the executive budget along with the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) will soon be submitted to the city council for approval.

The IRA shares of cities had been reduced with the inclusion of 16 new cities into the fold following the Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Republic Acts converting the 16 municipalities into cities last April.

The mayor said the 2012 budget framework will be anchored on the thrusts set for 2012 by the city government as aligned with the programs of the national government.

The said thrusts as spelled out by Domogan during his State of the City Address were maintenance of integrity of the environment; sustained economic growth; poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor and the vulnerable; accountable and participatory governance; and safe and resilient city.

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BPO industry growing fast, gov’t focuses on manpower

By Lito Dar

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- The Philippines is now number one in the world as far as the call center industry is concerned, and the country’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) is now gaining up with India in a fast pace, for the top spot.

Department of Budget and Management Sec. Florencio ‘Butch’ Abad bared this during his visit here last week to meet with the presidents of state universities and colleges of Cordillera and Region I here at Benguet State University.

“Gaining the top spot in the BPO industry is highly achievable for the country but we must firstly assure that we can also cope with the manpower demand of such fast growing local industry,” Abad said.

According to Abad, BPO as well as electronics/semiconductor, tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture, fisheries and forestry are top five sectors the Aquino administration is now focusing on to boost the country’s competitiveness in investments and economic development.

He said the country’s BPO industry is increasing by about 20 percent yearly which could still improve by 25 percent in the succeeding years and that the industry projects continuous investment in the country even beyond the term of President Aquino.

Abad added in consultation with BPO companies, there is also a concern that the country’s supply of manpower for the industry is also already reaching its plateau and the quality of our graduates for the said industry is deteriorating, which could result in BPO companies looking outside of the country for investment.

“Presently, the BPO industries offer about 65,000 job opportunities and I just came from Bacolod, wherein there is a need for about 3,500 Call center agents, but the city can only supply about 1,250,” Abad said.

For the government’s part, Abad added they are now investing heavily on basic education including pre-school, to put up a better educational foundation for Filipino children and strengthening of technical-vocational skills of the students in basic education, as well as the government’s program for tech-voc education and training.

According to Abad, the government has just put up P1.2 billion investment for tech-voc education and training and P500 million of the said investment were initially invested for the training of 72,000 possible BPO workers or near-hires, in which the BPO industry also committed to hire 58,000 of these trainees, as well as to recruit and train faculty members from the country’s SUC, that will then serve as trainers for such purpose.

Abad also called on SUCs to partner with them for such objective, as he also assured that the government, as well as the BPO industry, is willing to invest on them for such purpose.

“The ultimate objective here is to provide our graduates and even those in school, opportunity for employment and livelihood,” he said.

“That is what we really want to achieve. So it is just logical that the government will invest in areas it foresees that will be making huge investment for the country and its people, because that is the requirement of the market, abroad and domestic, which is in line with the government’s objective of alleviating poverty and boosting the country’s economy.”

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Spain awards P203-M grant to Nueva Ecija for disasters

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija— The Spanish Government has extended a 3.4-million-euro (around P203 million) grants to the Nueva Ecija provincial government to further strengthen its capability to respond to disaster and calamity situations and implement rehabilitation programs.

The grant, the first of its kind involving disaster risk reduction, was extended by the Spanish Cooperation Agency for Development (AECID).

AECID entered into a project partnership agreement with the Local Government Academy, an attached agency of the DILG, to strengthen local governments' disaster preparedness and response.

Gov. Aurelio Umali said the grant is now being used to fund the training component, infrastructure and livelihood components of the program in select cities and municipalities of the province.

Umali said the province’s systematic handling of irrigation systems has earned for it recognition as a role model of disaster management and risk reduction among local government units (LGUs) in the country which prompted the Spanish government to extend the said grant.

In a related development, Umali said that he is not keen on the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the spill gates of the giant Pantabangan Dam here, saying this is not the best way to monitor the rise in flood waters in the province’s waterways.

The Governor told newsmen that the history of the dam is the most important factor in the release of water so people could prepare for floods instead of relying on CCTVs.

Umali was commenting on plans in other areas hosting various dam systems to put up CCTVs as monitoring mechanisms to prevent overflowing that trigger floods.

Earlier, Bulacan Governor WilhelminoSy Alvarado raised the possibility of installing CCTVs at the spill gates of Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams and major rivers of the province with the monitoring systems to be set up at the operations center of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRDMO) at the capitol compound.

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