A friend of mine forwarded to me a number of internet address where to find opinions regarding Villarosa. Here are samples:
"Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General, the advocate of the People of the Philippines, wants to undo the justice that the courageous Judge Teresa Yadao of the Quezon City RTC did for the grieving family of Michael and Paul Quintos, who were murdered close to a decade ago in Mindoro Occidental. The OSG is now on the side of the convicted mastermind, Jose Villarosa, former governor of the province. What is the message here? Iba na ang malakas. No wonder Congresswoman Girlie Villarosa always sashays into the "majestic" presence of her bosses – GMA and her FG, in every photo opportunity, proud to be in their "Team"." (This is taken from http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar10/edbanayo.htm.)
In Pinoy Big Briber Blog (see http://blog.codesignstudios.com/2007/11/10/pinoy-big-briber-political-satire-on-the-philippine-government/), one reads: "So, the other day, they came out with a parallel storyline. This time, House Deputy Speaker “Girlie” Villarosa, speaking as Secretary of Kampi – the President’s very own political party, owned up to the cash given to Abante and the other Congressman. Of course, she had to qualify that the “President had no knowledge of this, and that Puno – as Party Chair, knew of the funds but not the details of its disbursement.” Puno, on his part, feigned being hurt for being put “out of the loop” of such an important transaction.
I was listening to Anthony Taberna interviewing Villarosa and I was both amused and appalled at her gall in peddling such incredulous lies. She was fumbling all over and could not even answer basic questions like who selects the recipients, who authorized disbursement, etc. They forgot to tell her it takes professionals like Bunye and Puno to lie with a straight face and without mumbling words.
The text-in reactions said it all. To Villarosa, one texter said, “More practice!” and to Puno, another texter said, “Fire your scriptwriter.” But the real clincher was Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol’s reaction. He was visibly irked at the contradicting statements coming out of the Palace and its allies. His advice: “Just shut up!”
My own advice is for them to first agree on which lies they would like as to believe as true, before speaking up.
Tama na! Sobra na! Ginagago na talaga tayo!"
See also http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=193&a=24191. The piece is written by Amado Doronila. He says, Villarosa's revelation actually raises more questions, one of which is where or who is KAMPI's source of funds? A KAMPI member says probably their chest only contains some P700,000.00, coming from the monthly 5,000.00 contributions of KAMPI members. In parting Doronila says, "There's a limit to the lies that the administration can fabricate to extricate the President from the hole she has dug for herself, not only in the payoff scandal but also in several other corruption scandals. There's a limit to the public's tolerance to take lies."
I quoted Doronila's parting words precisely because Villarosa made herself an accomplice in the fabrication of lies. Anyway, the article's banner title is MALACANAN'S CLUMSY LIARS.
For Gerry Baja, writing for http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov0807/opinion_puntos.htm, the entire Villarosa brouhaha was nothing but intending to earn JTV his much needed presidential pardon. He writes: "Sa isang tunay na nagmamahalang subok at hinubog ng panahon, dedma na diyan ang mga sasabihin ng iba at wala ng pakialam sino man ang masagasaan.
Kaya naman itong si House Deputy Speaker Amelita "Girlie" Villarosa kahit kulang sa practice at seminar...ayon kumana ng kumana.
Kailangang sumipsip ng todo ng kongresista para maibaon sa utang na loob ang AKING MAHAL NA PANGULO at masingil sa takdang panahon.
Ang mister kasi ni congresswoman na si dating Gov. Jose Villarosa ay kasalukuyang pakuya-kuyakoy sa New Bilibid Prisons dahil sa pagpatay sa magkapatid na Paul at Michael Quintos sa Occidental Mindoro noong 1997.
Ang kaso ay naka-apila sa korte suprema matapos ibaba ni Judge Ma. Theresa Yadao ng QC RTC ang matapang na desisyon noong march 2006.
Nakakahiyang isang taon pa lang sa bilibid eh mabibigyan kaagad ng pardon si Villarosa. Pero kung tatagal sa puwesto si PGMA hanggang 2010, hindi malayong makalaya si mister.
Ito po ang dahilan kung bakit ang papel ay walang kagatol-gatol na tinanggap at ginampanan ni Congresswoman Girlie kahit walang preparasyon.
Nagmukha tuloy artistang puyat si Girlie na dumating sa set ng late at nagkasablay-sablay dahil hindi kabisado ang script.
Ang problema nito Assec Bryan Yamsuan, hindi na pwedeng humirit ng take 2... dahil pati si DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno ay naibenta ng hindi oras..hehe
Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ang ginawa ni Cong. Girlie ay kahanga-hanga. Hindi na bale na siya ay magmukhang tanga, manloloko at sinungaling... masagip lamang si PGMA at ang pinakamamahal na asawa.
Isinakripisyo ng kongresista ang kaniyang integridad at kredibilidad para maihirit ang pardon ng asawa.
At kung tatanaw ng utang na loob ang AKING MAHAL NA PANGULO na siya namang katangian nito, eh maaring humanap ng paraang legal para sa pardon kay Villarosa.
Sabi ko nga sa inyo, bilang tanging otoridad o taong may hawak ng kapangyarihang magbigay ng pardon...kahit si Satanas ay pwedeng palayain ng pangulo.
Kapag nagkataon, si dating Cong. at Gov. Jose Villarosa ang ikatlong mabibigyan ng pardon ni PGMA."
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Well, Didaskalos knew he's not solitary.
Kahit dito sa Mindoro, marami naman talagang nakakaalam sa mga nangyayari, o mas nakakaalam kaysa sa mga Villarosa... Pagdating ng panahon, mangyayari rin ang dapat.
Ikaw, ano persepsyon mo sa ating Kongresista?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
To His Damsel in Distress, JTV Comes to the Rescue
After the abuse of the Congresswoman from Occidental Mindoro of everyone's right to commit stupidity (yes, I got this line from a friend through SMS: everyone is given a right to be stupid, which some people tend to abuse) when she in vain tried to cover up the potential -- and actually her only hope being the President of the Strong Republic -- rescuer of her husband from the prospect of spending his life in jail in relation to October 11 bribery, JTV comes to the rescue.
As I monitored in San Jose, the radio station of the Villarosa's is up to defend their boss. Politicians associated with the Representative have been interviewed to explain -- in Girlie's stead -- to the public. The radio station of the Catholic Church, on the other hand, which happens to be more credible than that of Villarosa's, has been trying to bring to people's mind the issue, and belaboring to elaborate for Mindorenos the repercussions of Villarosa's confession as the bag-lady for the bribery to stifle the impeachment bid against the sitting president.
For example, last Saturday, in a radio program hosted by Mr. Polding dela Cruz, a live interview was made to JTV involving the issue. It was after his Damsel in Distress days before went to San Jose and graced a number of occasion (to purportedly explain her side to the people). JTV, of course, was in Muntinlupa. Or was he?
Likewise, for this week, JTV through his FM station explains their side.
While I do not deny to JTV the right (and responsibility) to proceed to the side of his damsel and take up the fight for her, I cannot but be frank to him in telling that in so doing he heaps upon themselves further stupidity.
For until when can they openly defy the requirement of common sense, if not the law, about the non-possession of any inmate of a mobile phone -- let alone the access to media interview on any subject to further their political agenda?
Akala niya siguro natutuwa ang mga tao -- siyempre, maliban sa mga supporters nila at yung mga umaasa sa kanila para mabuhay -- na marinig ang boses ni JTV mula sa kulungan.. By the fact that he's in jail, I do consider him a disgrace to Occidental Mindoro. Sana nga dahan-dahan na lamang siyang maglahong parang bula..
Note the brazen-ness...
This is now the problem. Air has gotten into the head of the political leader(s) of Occidental Mindoro; they now think they are more than the leaders -- but the law personified.
As I monitored in San Jose, the radio station of the Villarosa's is up to defend their boss. Politicians associated with the Representative have been interviewed to explain -- in Girlie's stead -- to the public. The radio station of the Catholic Church, on the other hand, which happens to be more credible than that of Villarosa's, has been trying to bring to people's mind the issue, and belaboring to elaborate for Mindorenos the repercussions of Villarosa's confession as the bag-lady for the bribery to stifle the impeachment bid against the sitting president.
For example, last Saturday, in a radio program hosted by Mr. Polding dela Cruz, a live interview was made to JTV involving the issue. It was after his Damsel in Distress days before went to San Jose and graced a number of occasion (to purportedly explain her side to the people). JTV, of course, was in Muntinlupa. Or was he?
Likewise, for this week, JTV through his FM station explains their side.
While I do not deny to JTV the right (and responsibility) to proceed to the side of his damsel and take up the fight for her, I cannot but be frank to him in telling that in so doing he heaps upon themselves further stupidity.
For until when can they openly defy the requirement of common sense, if not the law, about the non-possession of any inmate of a mobile phone -- let alone the access to media interview on any subject to further their political agenda?
Akala niya siguro natutuwa ang mga tao -- siyempre, maliban sa mga supporters nila at yung mga umaasa sa kanila para mabuhay -- na marinig ang boses ni JTV mula sa kulungan.. By the fact that he's in jail, I do consider him a disgrace to Occidental Mindoro. Sana nga dahan-dahan na lamang siyang maglahong parang bula..
Note the brazen-ness...
This is now the problem. Air has gotten into the head of the political leader(s) of Occidental Mindoro; they now think they are more than the leaders -- but the law personified.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
If Villarosa were to be believed...
Villarosa confessed of her participation in the October 11 bribery in Malacanan.. But is her version believable?
Let us see. There are a score of questions that need to be squarely answered:
1. If the KAMPI's fund, as Villarosa claimed, was for assistance, we may ask: To assist whom? According to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, the President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), the money was to assist the freshmen governors to formulate their programs on their first year. He also said the millions came from LPP (they came out with a paid ads in the daily papers, claiming that it was from them.) Evardone’s admission came after a series of denials and accusations on the source of the windfall. Fingers pointed to a Palace official, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Pagcor and Speaker Jose de Venecia.
And, hey, two governors—Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan—admitted receiving P500,000 each. Villarosa named Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Thomas Dumpit of La Union as two beneficiaries among congressmen. About 50 governors and 190 congressmen attended the breakfast meeting. Pampanga and Bulacan are not cash-strapped provinces that needed handouts. The group of provinces known as the “20 poorest of the poor” is more deserving of the Oct. 11 donation.
2. The cash was handed to the participants while they were leaving the Palace. Why not during the breakfast meeting?
3. The issuance of a check or checks would have been more appropriate and conventional instead of a turnover of cold cash. Right?
4. The money was withdrawn from a Bank of Commerce branch in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Huh, KAMPI's headquarter in Pampanga?
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Well, Madame... You have more questions to answer. We hope to hear from you.
Let us see. There are a score of questions that need to be squarely answered:
1. If the KAMPI's fund, as Villarosa claimed, was for assistance, we may ask: To assist whom? According to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, the President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), the money was to assist the freshmen governors to formulate their programs on their first year. He also said the millions came from LPP (they came out with a paid ads in the daily papers, claiming that it was from them.) Evardone’s admission came after a series of denials and accusations on the source of the windfall. Fingers pointed to a Palace official, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Pagcor and Speaker Jose de Venecia.
And, hey, two governors—Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan—admitted receiving P500,000 each. Villarosa named Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Thomas Dumpit of La Union as two beneficiaries among congressmen. About 50 governors and 190 congressmen attended the breakfast meeting. Pampanga and Bulacan are not cash-strapped provinces that needed handouts. The group of provinces known as the “20 poorest of the poor” is more deserving of the Oct. 11 donation.
2. The cash was handed to the participants while they were leaving the Palace. Why not during the breakfast meeting?
3. The issuance of a check or checks would have been more appropriate and conventional instead of a turnover of cold cash. Right?
4. The money was withdrawn from a Bank of Commerce branch in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Huh, KAMPI's headquarter in Pampanga?
-------------------------
Well, Madame... You have more questions to answer. We hope to hear from you.
Why the Cover Up of Villarosa?
Since I learned of the "heroic deed" of Villarosa to confess of her participation in the bribery in Malacanan, I cannot help but think of her possible reason or motivation... Well, in 8 November 2007 issue of PDI, Ramon Tulfo -- that fiery columnist -- made mention for me and for all Mindorenos the known reason.
Tulfo says the action of Villarosa is really to remove PGMA from the scene of the bribery. Thus, hers was made to exculpate the President. Note Villarosa's emphasis that PGMA knew nothing of the plan to distribute cash gifts (read: bribes).
But for what?
Of course, it is conventionally known that anyone acts on the basis of self-interest. If so, then the action of the Representa-thief is traceable to the fate of her husband who for years already is languishing in jail for his conviction to the murder of the Quintos brothers.
Talks there are in Occidental Mindoro concerning how JTV is enjoying amenities usually beyond the reach of ordinary inmates. For instance, he has his mobile phone. In fact, from time to time, and if he so wishes, he is being interviewed over his FM station in San Jose.
In one occasion, PDI likewise bannered about JTV's walking out of the Muntinlupa on the guise that he was sick. The PDI article however contended that according to the eyewitnesses JTV was not sick, or at least simply feigning to be sicked.
On account of that article, the "graced" inmate's holiday outside of his prison cell was shortened.
Back to Tulfo: There are words that actually linked the axing of the former Bilibid Chief Vinarao to Villarosa's political connections. She was not able to get what she wanted for her husband, and so her way of avenging herself was to throw Vinarao out of Muntinlupa.
But, of course, how can I stop a loving wife for all her good intentions and deeds for her husband?
Actually, as I see it, Villarosa's motivation goes beyond the securing of good treatment for her jailed husband. What ever that means. Its part of my anticipation that Villarosa has been "undergrounding", so to speak, for the pardon of her husband.. Well, JTV is nearing 70 years old.. On account of his age, he might move the heart of the President to set him free.
We have here a very hardworking lady who would do everything for her beloved.. Even to bring herself to shame of national scope and magnitude.
Sana ganyan din siya magtrabaho para sa probinsiya ng Kanlurang Mindoro... Malas lang natin, kabayan..
Tulfo says the action of Villarosa is really to remove PGMA from the scene of the bribery. Thus, hers was made to exculpate the President. Note Villarosa's emphasis that PGMA knew nothing of the plan to distribute cash gifts (read: bribes).
But for what?
Of course, it is conventionally known that anyone acts on the basis of self-interest. If so, then the action of the Representa-thief is traceable to the fate of her husband who for years already is languishing in jail for his conviction to the murder of the Quintos brothers.
Talks there are in Occidental Mindoro concerning how JTV is enjoying amenities usually beyond the reach of ordinary inmates. For instance, he has his mobile phone. In fact, from time to time, and if he so wishes, he is being interviewed over his FM station in San Jose.
In one occasion, PDI likewise bannered about JTV's walking out of the Muntinlupa on the guise that he was sick. The PDI article however contended that according to the eyewitnesses JTV was not sick, or at least simply feigning to be sicked.
On account of that article, the "graced" inmate's holiday outside of his prison cell was shortened.
Back to Tulfo: There are words that actually linked the axing of the former Bilibid Chief Vinarao to Villarosa's political connections. She was not able to get what she wanted for her husband, and so her way of avenging herself was to throw Vinarao out of Muntinlupa.
But, of course, how can I stop a loving wife for all her good intentions and deeds for her husband?
Actually, as I see it, Villarosa's motivation goes beyond the securing of good treatment for her jailed husband. What ever that means. Its part of my anticipation that Villarosa has been "undergrounding", so to speak, for the pardon of her husband.. Well, JTV is nearing 70 years old.. On account of his age, he might move the heart of the President to set him free.
We have here a very hardworking lady who would do everything for her beloved.. Even to bring herself to shame of national scope and magnitude.
Sana ganyan din siya magtrabaho para sa probinsiya ng Kanlurang Mindoro... Malas lang natin, kabayan..
Still Villarosa is lucky...
Still Villarosa is lucky, notwithstanding the self-dug hole she's in after her attempt to cover up the President of the make-believe Strong Republic in relation to the issue of cash gift, er, bribery of solons and local government stalwarts in Malacanan last October.
Why lucky? Precisely because in the Philippines politics is local..
The extent of the damage to her political damage is confined in Manila (where I heard invictives were meted her, as reported by one radio station). In Occidental Mindoro, nobody seems to have given her revelation of herself being the "bag lady" a damn..
I hope I was wrong..
One time, I chanced upon the Gir-lie Villarosa in the airport of San Jose. She was from Manila, and she was accorded with a quite a size of throng to see her come home. To my mind then, well, for someone who very seldom comes home -- thus, almost a visitor -- a welcome such as this is justified. (Of course, she's our representative in the Congress!)
I actually am pained by my anticipation that even after this brouhaha in Manila when she comes home, she will still be warmly welcomed by her supporters in the airport. Yes, I am very recent for this.. For politics is local.. And for which she is still lucky..
Why lucky? Precisely because in the Philippines politics is local..
The extent of the damage to her political damage is confined in Manila (where I heard invictives were meted her, as reported by one radio station). In Occidental Mindoro, nobody seems to have given her revelation of herself being the "bag lady" a damn..
I hope I was wrong..
One time, I chanced upon the Gir-lie Villarosa in the airport of San Jose. She was from Manila, and she was accorded with a quite a size of throng to see her come home. To my mind then, well, for someone who very seldom comes home -- thus, almost a visitor -- a welcome such as this is justified. (Of course, she's our representative in the Congress!)
I actually am pained by my anticipation that even after this brouhaha in Manila when she comes home, she will still be warmly welcomed by her supporters in the airport. Yes, I am very recent for this.. For politics is local.. And for which she is still lucky..
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Problem When You Bribe... And Fail To Control Your Big Mouth!
The following are reports from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/.
Pangilinan says Villarosa lying, urges Senate probe
Majority Floor Leader Francis Pangilinan said Wednesday he will ask the Senate leadership to immediately start an investigation into bribery allegations involving Malacañang and administration congressmen, radio dzMM reported.
The report also said Pangilinan rejected Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa's admission that the money given to congressmen was part of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino's (KAMPI) assistance fund.
He also doubted Villarosa's claim because it took her nearly a month to own up to the distribution of the "cash gift" inside paper bags.
The senator added that at least P120 million in cash was distributed to congressmen and other local officials during a meeting in Malacañang on October 11.
At the same time, Pangilinan dismissed the congresswoman's statement that said President Arroyo was unaware of the distribution of cash gifts.
He said even a Grade 1 pupil would know that Villarosa was lying.
Mrs. Arroyo is a founding member of KAMPI. Villarosa had admitted that the cash distribution took place after Mrs. Arroyo met administration congressmen in Malacañang.
Pangilinan said he will ask the Senate leadership to act on Sen. Panfilo Lacson's resolution that seeks to investigate the bribery allegations against Malacañang.
Villarosa earlier said she is willing to be investigated by the House ethics committee regarding the cash gift KAMPI distributed to some members of administration coalition.
"Walang problema diyan. Kung ano ang dapat gawin, gawin natin (No problem. We should do whatever must be done) in accordance with the law," Villarosa told ABS-CBN's morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda."
Reports Tuesday said Villarosa admitted that the KAMPI gave up to P500,000 in cash gifts to some congressmen who attended the Malacañang meeting.
Villarosa, however, clarified that only Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and La Union Rep. Thomas Dumpit received P500,000 each during the meeting.
She said the money came from KAMPI's assistance funds. She added the cash gift given to Abante was intended for his visit to the Saudi Arabia last month.
When asked why it took her almost a month to admit that the cash gift came from KAMPI, Villarosa said the party "doesn't advertise" the help extended to congressmen.
"If we give assistance to our allies, we don't flaunt it. We help silently. That is a private thing for us," Villarosa said, adding that even Mrs. Arroyo was unaware of the cash gift.
The congresswoman added that she decided to keep the cash gift secret even after Mrs. Arroyo ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission to investigate the allegations of bribery. Villarosa said she was confident the truth will come out."
We have a different approach on how things should be handled. We have our ways," Villarosa said.
Abante, meanwhile, said the money is still intact and he never used it while he was away in Saudi Arabia, adding that he learned about the real purpose of the funds only after his return Monday. The congressman said no one told him what the money was for when it was given to him.
"I was gone for more than two weeks. The money is there. Upon my return, my only question was where the money really came from. When I returned on Monday they told me it came from KAMPI's assistance fund," he said.
Abante said he still has his reservations about KAMPI's sudden admission. He, however, said he is thankful. He said he will use the money for his constituents in Manila.
"I received the money, which was given to me in good faith by KAMPI. It's fine with me," he said.
He added that he tried to return the money to Villarosa but she told him, "That is a gift contribution to you and to your [constituents]."
Villarosa said Tuesday that Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He was not told that it will be distrubted in Malacañang, she said.
But at the height of the controversy sparked and questions created by the distribution of the cash gifts last month, Puno made statements that the money might have come from the party funds of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
He told the media to ask Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. about the cash gift.
Apostol to Villarosa: Stop talking
Short of saying that she should "shut up," Sergio Apostol, President Arroyo's chief legal adviser told Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa to refrain from talking about the distribution of "cash gifts" in Malacanang on Octover 11, dzMM reported Wednesday.
Apostol said Villarosa's statement further mixes up the issue because Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno already attributed the cash gifts that went as high as P500,000 to Speaker Jose de Venecia.
Apostol is a regional officer of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party while de Venecia is party president.
Puno, on the other hand, is chairman of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, the party co-founded by Mrs. Arroyo. Villarosa, meanwhile, is a regional chief for KAMPI.
Apostol said that Villarosa's admission has made the Ombudsman's ongoing investigation into the cash gift scandal easier.
He added that it would also be better to investigate Villarosa immediately.Villarosa admitted Tuesday that the money distributed to administration congressmen were from the coffers of KAMPI.
The congresswoman said that P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
Villarosa said that Puno was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Villarosa and the Bribery in the Palace
I stumbled across a news item posted in http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=98296. I copied and pasted it in here for people of Occidental Mindoro to read and ponder upon.
Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, the party's regional head, said that the P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were sourced from KAMPI’s assistance fund.She said that the funds were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
"We really do this we have members who need help," she told ABS-CBN News correspondent Paul Henson.Villarosa said that Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.
The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Despite her revelations, Villarosa did not name those who received the money except for Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. who earlier said that the money either came from Villarosa or KAMPI. Abante is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"Actually party funds… they gave it to me because I was going to the Middle East to help OFWs," Abante said.
Villarosa said that money was also given to other members of the administration coalition.
When asked if President Arroyo, one of KAMPI’s founders, knew of the distribution of money, Villarosa said that the Chief Execurive knew nothing of the cash gifts.
Villarosa defended her late admission, saying she knew that the truth would eventually come out in the end.
Opposition congressmen, meanwhile, said they are not satisfied of Villarosa’s explanation.
"Hindi sapat na si Villarosa at Abante lang, dapat pati si [Arroyo] (The statements of Villarosa and Abante are not enough, Arroyo should issue a statement too)," Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
The opposition urged the President to address the issue because the distribution of the cash gifts took place inside the palace.
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Inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=99156) has more substance.
The money that was given to congressmen in Malacañang last October came from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of the Free Filipino), a party official admitted to INQUIRER.net Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa of the House of Representatives and regional head of Kampi, issued the confirmation shortly after Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. identified her as the source of the fund that was given to him during the legislators’ breakfast meeting with the President at the Palace last October 11.
Arroyo founded Kampi, a member of the ruling coalition at the House, along with Speaker Jose de Venecia’s Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Villarosa said Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Kampi chairman, knew about the disbursement but did not know that it would be distributed in Malacañang.
“Siyempre, chairman yun e. He [Puno] knows the disbursement pero hindi niya alam ang detalye, [Of course, he’s chairman. He knew about the disbursement but not the details],” Villarosa said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya ako. Hindi ba dapat kay JDV [Speaker Jose de Venecia] manggagaling yun? E sabi ko nga, maliit naman yung galing sa kanya, P200,000 [He called me up. Isn’t the money supposed to come from JDV? But I told him that the money that would come from the Speaker was small, P200,000],” she said referring to the monthly allowance of House members.
Villarosa said she took it upon herself to distribute the money at the Palace because the legislators were leaving for their respective provinces for the congressional break.
“Kasi paalis na kami. E andun ako [in the meeting]. Instead na ako ang mamigay, pinabigay ko na lang [We were about to leave. I was there. So instead of me giving the money, I asked somebody else to give it],” she said.
She refused to identify those who had received the money except for Abante Jr., who had admitted to receiving P500,000.
Asked why Kampi would give assistance to Abante, a member of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Villarosa said it was because her party provided assistance on a case-to-case basis, whether they were with the administration or the opposition bloc.
“Yung humihingi, binibigyan naming [Those who ask, we give]. Pag Christmas season o kung may bagyo [If it’s the Christmas season or if there’s a typhoon], it’s normal to us. May assistance funds kami [We have assistance funds] but we don’t encourage them to come to us,” she explained.
“It’s a case-to-case basis, Sinasabi lang sa akin yung request, hindi naman kami kasi ganun ka pormal [The request is being forwarded to me. It’s not that formal]. Sasabihin sa akin [They’ll tell me], I need your help then I’ll tell them, let’s see. But that’s normal,” she pointed out.
Even opposition members sometimes also sought assistance from their party, Villarosa said.
In fact, Villarosa said some opposition members whom she did not name had even asked assistance from Kampi when they traveled to China recently.
In the case of Abante, Villarosa said she gave him money because he had a flock ministry and was leaving for Saudi Arabia that time.
Villarosa said she only came out now simply because they did not want all lawmakers to seek financial help from Kampi.
Asked why Kampi had allowed allegations of bribery to be heaped on the President, Villarosa said it was because they were confident that Arroyo would not be affected by the issue.
“Hindi naapektuhan ng ganyang news si Presidente [The President is not affected by news like that]. Focused siya sa economic reforms [She is focused on economic reforms]. Alam din naman naming [We also know] that the truth will come out later. We’ll just take the news as they come and it will end one day. Hindi kami agad nagre-react sa [We don’t immediately react to] newspapers. Anyway, it can be corrected later,” she said.
But Villarosa admitted that in passing, she had told the President about the disbursement.
When asked, however, why the President had ordered an investigation on the matter when she told her about it, Villarosa said, “Of course, she [Arroyo] has to do that.”
Villarosa insisted however that there was nothing irregular about the cash distribution and that there was no need for an investigation since the money was a private fund.
“What is the investigation for? That is party fund. We’re not supposed to be audited for that. That is our private fund and it should not be subjected to an investigation,” she said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Hindi naman namin kinuha yan sa [We didn’t get that from] Malacañang. We have our own accounts, we have our own funding, we have our own organization,” she added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Abante spilled the beans on Villarosa.
Abante said Villarosa made the call Monday after he was interpellated by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero of the opposition about the money the Manila lawmaker was given.
“Girlie [Villarosa’s nickname] and she told me that ‘I’m the one who actually disbursed the funds,’” Abante said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya uli ako kanina [She called me again today]. Sabi niya sa akin [She told me] that ‘the funds that were given to you and the other congressmen came from the party funds of Kampi’ and I told her ‘Ganun ba [Is that so]?’ Sabi ko na lang ‘salamat [I told her ‘Thank You’].’”
Abante said he was surprised to receive the money from Kampi since he was a member of Lakas.
“Hindi naman ako magka-Kampi. Pero hindi ko na kinuwestiyon. Pinag-iisipan ko na lang ngayon kung ibabalik pa o hindi. Kung ibabalik ko mapapahiya naman sila [I will not join Kampi. But I did not question it anymore. I am thinking however whether I should return the money or not. If I return it, they might get embarrassed],” said Abante.
Asked if Kampi’s admission would exonerate the President from bribery allegations, Abante said, “In a way, yes she will be.”
Arroyo had been accused of bribery after several lawmakers and even local officials admitted to receiving money from the Palace ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.
Reports said the money was in exchange for the officials’ support for Arroyo who is facing several impeachment complaints at the House.--------------------------------
What does it say? First, Villarosa belied all the efforts of the ULAP to cover up the bribery in Malacanan. Nagpalabas pa naman sila ng paid ads sa diyaryo.. This is interesting because the Governor of Occidental Mindoro, Nene Sato, was among the signatories of the said paid ads. So, this is now a case of Villarosa telling Sato the latter lied. Sa KAMPI naman pala talaga galing ang pera..
Secondly, si Villarosa, minsan-minsan na nga lamang ma-interview ng national media, controversy pa.. At di lang basta-basta controversy, moral controversy!!!
Lastly, hindi lamang alam ni Villarosa ang tungkol sa controversy... she's a part of it...
Kasalanan ko ito... Hindi ako gumawa nang mas higit pa upang di siya nanalo noong Mayo...
Deputy House chief: KAMPI gave 'cash gifts'
The deputy chief of the House of Representatives on Tuesday said that Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI), President Arroyo's political party, was the source of the "cash gifts" distributed to administration congressmen and some governors who attended a Malacañang meeting on October 11.Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, the party's regional head, said that the P500,000 individually distributed to administration allies were sourced from KAMPI’s assistance fund.She said that the funds were intended for medical missions and funerals. She also said that the amounts given varied. She said some congressmen receiving amounts as low as P5,000.
"We really do this we have members who need help," she told ABS-CBN News correspondent Paul Henson.Villarosa said that Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in his capacity as KAMPI chairman, was aware of the cash distribution. He, however, was not told that it was scheduled in Malacañang, she said.
The deputy House chief added that she was the one who initiated the distribution inside the palace while the congressmen were convening since most of them were heading to their respective provinces for vacation following the congressional recess.
Despite her revelations, Villarosa did not name those who received the money except for Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. who earlier said that the money either came from Villarosa or KAMPI. Abante is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"Actually party funds… they gave it to me because I was going to the Middle East to help OFWs," Abante said.
Villarosa said that money was also given to other members of the administration coalition.
When asked if President Arroyo, one of KAMPI’s founders, knew of the distribution of money, Villarosa said that the Chief Execurive knew nothing of the cash gifts.
Villarosa defended her late admission, saying she knew that the truth would eventually come out in the end.
Opposition congressmen, meanwhile, said they are not satisfied of Villarosa’s explanation.
"Hindi sapat na si Villarosa at Abante lang, dapat pati si [Arroyo] (The statements of Villarosa and Abante are not enough, Arroyo should issue a statement too)," Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
The opposition urged the President to address the issue because the distribution of the cash gifts took place inside the palace.
---------------------------------
Inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=99156) has more substance.
Kampi gave cash gift to solons--party exec
The money that was given to congressmen in Malacañang last October came from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of the Free Filipino), a party official admitted to INQUIRER.net Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa of the House of Representatives and regional head of Kampi, issued the confirmation shortly after Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. identified her as the source of the fund that was given to him during the legislators’ breakfast meeting with the President at the Palace last October 11.
Arroyo founded Kampi, a member of the ruling coalition at the House, along with Speaker Jose de Venecia’s Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Villarosa said Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Kampi chairman, knew about the disbursement but did not know that it would be distributed in Malacañang.
“Siyempre, chairman yun e. He [Puno] knows the disbursement pero hindi niya alam ang detalye, [Of course, he’s chairman. He knew about the disbursement but not the details],” Villarosa said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya ako. Hindi ba dapat kay JDV [Speaker Jose de Venecia] manggagaling yun? E sabi ko nga, maliit naman yung galing sa kanya, P200,000 [He called me up. Isn’t the money supposed to come from JDV? But I told him that the money that would come from the Speaker was small, P200,000],” she said referring to the monthly allowance of House members.
Villarosa said she took it upon herself to distribute the money at the Palace because the legislators were leaving for their respective provinces for the congressional break.
“Kasi paalis na kami. E andun ako [in the meeting]. Instead na ako ang mamigay, pinabigay ko na lang [We were about to leave. I was there. So instead of me giving the money, I asked somebody else to give it],” she said.
She refused to identify those who had received the money except for Abante Jr., who had admitted to receiving P500,000.
Asked why Kampi would give assistance to Abante, a member of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Villarosa said it was because her party provided assistance on a case-to-case basis, whether they were with the administration or the opposition bloc.
“Yung humihingi, binibigyan naming [Those who ask, we give]. Pag Christmas season o kung may bagyo [If it’s the Christmas season or if there’s a typhoon], it’s normal to us. May assistance funds kami [We have assistance funds] but we don’t encourage them to come to us,” she explained.
“It’s a case-to-case basis, Sinasabi lang sa akin yung request, hindi naman kami kasi ganun ka pormal [The request is being forwarded to me. It’s not that formal]. Sasabihin sa akin [They’ll tell me], I need your help then I’ll tell them, let’s see. But that’s normal,” she pointed out.
Even opposition members sometimes also sought assistance from their party, Villarosa said.
In fact, Villarosa said some opposition members whom she did not name had even asked assistance from Kampi when they traveled to China recently.
In the case of Abante, Villarosa said she gave him money because he had a flock ministry and was leaving for Saudi Arabia that time.
Villarosa said she only came out now simply because they did not want all lawmakers to seek financial help from Kampi.
Asked why Kampi had allowed allegations of bribery to be heaped on the President, Villarosa said it was because they were confident that Arroyo would not be affected by the issue.
“Hindi naapektuhan ng ganyang news si Presidente [The President is not affected by news like that]. Focused siya sa economic reforms [She is focused on economic reforms]. Alam din naman naming [We also know] that the truth will come out later. We’ll just take the news as they come and it will end one day. Hindi kami agad nagre-react sa [We don’t immediately react to] newspapers. Anyway, it can be corrected later,” she said.
But Villarosa admitted that in passing, she had told the President about the disbursement.
When asked, however, why the President had ordered an investigation on the matter when she told her about it, Villarosa said, “Of course, she [Arroyo] has to do that.”
Villarosa insisted however that there was nothing irregular about the cash distribution and that there was no need for an investigation since the money was a private fund.
“What is the investigation for? That is party fund. We’re not supposed to be audited for that. That is our private fund and it should not be subjected to an investigation,” she said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Hindi naman namin kinuha yan sa [We didn’t get that from] Malacañang. We have our own accounts, we have our own funding, we have our own organization,” she added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Abante spilled the beans on Villarosa.
Abante said Villarosa made the call Monday after he was interpellated by Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero of the opposition about the money the Manila lawmaker was given.
“Girlie [Villarosa’s nickname] and she told me that ‘I’m the one who actually disbursed the funds,’” Abante said in a phone interview.
“Tinawagan niya uli ako kanina [She called me again today]. Sabi niya sa akin [She told me] that ‘the funds that were given to you and the other congressmen came from the party funds of Kampi’ and I told her ‘Ganun ba [Is that so]?’ Sabi ko na lang ‘salamat [I told her ‘Thank You’].’”
Abante said he was surprised to receive the money from Kampi since he was a member of Lakas.
“Hindi naman ako magka-Kampi. Pero hindi ko na kinuwestiyon. Pinag-iisipan ko na lang ngayon kung ibabalik pa o hindi. Kung ibabalik ko mapapahiya naman sila [I will not join Kampi. But I did not question it anymore. I am thinking however whether I should return the money or not. If I return it, they might get embarrassed],” said Abante.
Asked if Kampi’s admission would exonerate the President from bribery allegations, Abante said, “In a way, yes she will be.”
Arroyo had been accused of bribery after several lawmakers and even local officials admitted to receiving money from the Palace ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.
Reports said the money was in exchange for the officials’ support for Arroyo who is facing several impeachment complaints at the House.
What does it say? First, Villarosa belied all the efforts of the ULAP to cover up the bribery in Malacanan. Nagpalabas pa naman sila ng paid ads sa diyaryo.. This is interesting because the Governor of Occidental Mindoro, Nene Sato, was among the signatories of the said paid ads. So, this is now a case of Villarosa telling Sato the latter lied. Sa KAMPI naman pala talaga galing ang pera..
Secondly, si Villarosa, minsan-minsan na nga lamang ma-interview ng national media, controversy pa.. At di lang basta-basta controversy, moral controversy!!!
Lastly, hindi lamang alam ni Villarosa ang tungkol sa controversy... she's a part of it...
Kasalanan ko ito... Hindi ako gumawa nang mas higit pa upang di siya nanalo noong Mayo...
Monday, October 29, 2007
JTV, Barangay Captain
Yesterday, the almost postponed Barangay and SK elections were held. No, I should say, it was the elections that was postponed a number of times that the fear of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel was that the SK’s who were holding their positions were no longer young. It was because the supposedly three-year term reached more than five years. As it is always told of governance – you have a very good leader and the term of three years is just like tomorrow; you have a very bad governance and it seems like eternity.
Yesterday, too, JTV handily won over his rivals for the position of Barangay Captain in Bubog, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
What accounts for this? At least we can explain his triumph on a number of reasons: firstly, a long time politician that he is, he remains a clout. He has an edge in name recall. He has a track record to show – never mind if his political track record is as gloomy as the stormy night. Side by side with this he has a very wide experience in political exercises such as the elections. He knew how to campaign, to vote buy, to cajole people’s vote and sympathy…
Secondly, he undoubtedly has his big number of followings. Blind followings, I should say. These are people who, despite of the overwhelming evidence of bad leadership, moral failure and even relational fall-outs, still stick to their big boss – “kay JTV kami” emblazooned in their white shirts.
Thirdly, nobody of solid and impeccable political background squared it off with him. It was a joke during the campaign period that because a convict was running, those “who were with him in this contest” were a policeman and a security guard – to mind supposedly the manners of the felon. Anyway, no one from Bubog gave JTV a run for his money. The former Barangay Captain of Bubog, a man surnamed Acla, was reportedly “visited one night” in his house – regarding the prospect of him running against JTV. The result of the visit? Acla ran as Kagawad.
Fourthly, and this already pertains to the people of Bubog, the practise of JTV during the pre-campaign period was he opened his “services” to his constituents. What do I mean? He fed them, he distributed goods, and promised scholarship. The most prudent manner of saying this is: the people of Bubog cannot be counted on still, insofar as the minimum of political maturity is concerned.
Fifth, we have a COMELEC officer in San Jose who is known for his indecision and lousy actions. Mike Artanggo, a JTV opponent in yesterday’s elections, filed a disqualification case against the convict. It was on ground of non-residency. In COMELEC rulings, those who may run for public office must maintain a residency in the place where he/she aspires to serve. And residency is six months before the election time. JTV has been spending years of his life already in Muntinlupa. Artanggo has reason for his complain. And Mr. Balayan, the COMELEC officer, has his own reason too – which he alone knows.
Now that JTV has won, what to expect? I see at least two scenarios. One, Bubog has a Barangay Captian in absentia. I do not know how this is going to be resolved. Will the DILG step in? Or the COMELEC? Kawawa naman ang Bubog..
The second scenario consists in JTV coming home to do his political role… But, how? After the pardoning of Erap Estrada, JTV’s pardon is not far-fetched? This is unfortunate but we have a President who has a pickle mind. Or he wins his appeal, because after the former Solicitor General – the supposedly Government Lawyer – had argued already before 2006 ends that JTV should not have been convicted. It’s the competence of the court, of course. But political influence is going to be a factor.. For sure.
Yesterday, too, JTV handily won over his rivals for the position of Barangay Captain in Bubog, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
What accounts for this? At least we can explain his triumph on a number of reasons: firstly, a long time politician that he is, he remains a clout. He has an edge in name recall. He has a track record to show – never mind if his political track record is as gloomy as the stormy night. Side by side with this he has a very wide experience in political exercises such as the elections. He knew how to campaign, to vote buy, to cajole people’s vote and sympathy…
Secondly, he undoubtedly has his big number of followings. Blind followings, I should say. These are people who, despite of the overwhelming evidence of bad leadership, moral failure and even relational fall-outs, still stick to their big boss – “kay JTV kami” emblazooned in their white shirts.
Thirdly, nobody of solid and impeccable political background squared it off with him. It was a joke during the campaign period that because a convict was running, those “who were with him in this contest” were a policeman and a security guard – to mind supposedly the manners of the felon. Anyway, no one from Bubog gave JTV a run for his money. The former Barangay Captain of Bubog, a man surnamed Acla, was reportedly “visited one night” in his house – regarding the prospect of him running against JTV. The result of the visit? Acla ran as Kagawad.
Fourthly, and this already pertains to the people of Bubog, the practise of JTV during the pre-campaign period was he opened his “services” to his constituents. What do I mean? He fed them, he distributed goods, and promised scholarship. The most prudent manner of saying this is: the people of Bubog cannot be counted on still, insofar as the minimum of political maturity is concerned.
Fifth, we have a COMELEC officer in San Jose who is known for his indecision and lousy actions. Mike Artanggo, a JTV opponent in yesterday’s elections, filed a disqualification case against the convict. It was on ground of non-residency. In COMELEC rulings, those who may run for public office must maintain a residency in the place where he/she aspires to serve. And residency is six months before the election time. JTV has been spending years of his life already in Muntinlupa. Artanggo has reason for his complain. And Mr. Balayan, the COMELEC officer, has his own reason too – which he alone knows.
Now that JTV has won, what to expect? I see at least two scenarios. One, Bubog has a Barangay Captian in absentia. I do not know how this is going to be resolved. Will the DILG step in? Or the COMELEC? Kawawa naman ang Bubog..
The second scenario consists in JTV coming home to do his political role… But, how? After the pardoning of Erap Estrada, JTV’s pardon is not far-fetched? This is unfortunate but we have a President who has a pickle mind. Or he wins his appeal, because after the former Solicitor General – the supposedly Government Lawyer – had argued already before 2006 ends that JTV should not have been convicted. It’s the competence of the court, of course. But political influence is going to be a factor.. For sure.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Convicted President is Pardoned…
Today, Erap Estrada is pardoned by the present President Gloria Arroyo, after the former was convicted by the Sandiganbayan to a life imprisonment on account of his plundering the Philippine coffer. We note that PGMA had a hand in the ouster of Erap, when the daughter of Diosdado Macapagal was serving as vice president under Erap.
To me, the pardon is hastily done. Of course, the Palace claims it really passed through a long process already. Considered were Erap’s age, his resolve not to seek political posts again, and that Erap has already serve some seven years in prison.
But still the pardon seems to me a handiwork of a thief in the night. When no one expects it to happen, a thief breaks in and does his evil deed.
The reason for my entry today is my anxious reaction concerning the granting itself of pardon. My first presupposition is: PGMA is an alumna of a Catholic institution run by the religious sisters. She must have been taught about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if not made her practise confession per se of her sins.
So, what’s the heck?
I, as a practising Catholic, who when I have an occasion would go regularly to confession, can see that the granting of pardon is never in accordance with the process of reconciliation as we know it from practise, if not from theory or its theology.
Of course, the process of reconciliation in the sacrament of penance is never a product of the whims and desires of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, or simply a non-sensical rite that is no different from make-believe rite of paid magicians or quack doctors (no pun intended for the magician-clowns and quack doctors). As I experience it, the process is very realistic and is grounded on life.
To be pardoned of our sins, the precondition is to own up to ourselves that we really and actually sinned. There must be a genuine feeling of remorse. Sorry, Lord, kasi nagkasala ako. Kung puwede lamang ulitin ang pagkakataon na iyon, hindi ko iyon gagawin…
Secondly, there is a need to confess that we really sinned. In the olden times, while there were already priests who were present to grant the absolution of priests, the first Christians publicly confessed their sins. I would like to underline the word PUBLICLY. Now, we do our confession inside the confessional box. At least it is the usual set up in our Churches. This is so after the number of Christians has increased, so that the priests had to resort to alternative measures.
Then, proceeding from this, the “sinner” does something to repair the damage caused by his sin. This is in accord to the principle of retribution. Pag may nasira ka, ayusin mo muna…
In this third process, there is still an ongoing debate as regards which precedes which: retribution, then absolution; or absolution, then retribution. In our confession process, we are given absolution prior to our retribution. But any priest would like to point out that the absolution is given because of that “priestly trust” that after the absolution there is going to be a genuine effort to do retribution. Some priests would even contend that absolution becomes more efficacious the moment a sinner does his retribution.
Now, back to my first presupposition: si PGMA, produkto ng Katolikong institusyon. Well, this is case of an alumna of Church’s educational institution forgetting her training – all in the name of political expediency…
Pity us…
To me, the pardon is hastily done. Of course, the Palace claims it really passed through a long process already. Considered were Erap’s age, his resolve not to seek political posts again, and that Erap has already serve some seven years in prison.
But still the pardon seems to me a handiwork of a thief in the night. When no one expects it to happen, a thief breaks in and does his evil deed.
The reason for my entry today is my anxious reaction concerning the granting itself of pardon. My first presupposition is: PGMA is an alumna of a Catholic institution run by the religious sisters. She must have been taught about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if not made her practise confession per se of her sins.
So, what’s the heck?
I, as a practising Catholic, who when I have an occasion would go regularly to confession, can see that the granting of pardon is never in accordance with the process of reconciliation as we know it from practise, if not from theory or its theology.
Of course, the process of reconciliation in the sacrament of penance is never a product of the whims and desires of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, or simply a non-sensical rite that is no different from make-believe rite of paid magicians or quack doctors (no pun intended for the magician-clowns and quack doctors). As I experience it, the process is very realistic and is grounded on life.
To be pardoned of our sins, the precondition is to own up to ourselves that we really and actually sinned. There must be a genuine feeling of remorse. Sorry, Lord, kasi nagkasala ako. Kung puwede lamang ulitin ang pagkakataon na iyon, hindi ko iyon gagawin…
Secondly, there is a need to confess that we really sinned. In the olden times, while there were already priests who were present to grant the absolution of priests, the first Christians publicly confessed their sins. I would like to underline the word PUBLICLY. Now, we do our confession inside the confessional box. At least it is the usual set up in our Churches. This is so after the number of Christians has increased, so that the priests had to resort to alternative measures.
Then, proceeding from this, the “sinner” does something to repair the damage caused by his sin. This is in accord to the principle of retribution. Pag may nasira ka, ayusin mo muna…
In this third process, there is still an ongoing debate as regards which precedes which: retribution, then absolution; or absolution, then retribution. In our confession process, we are given absolution prior to our retribution. But any priest would like to point out that the absolution is given because of that “priestly trust” that after the absolution there is going to be a genuine effort to do retribution. Some priests would even contend that absolution becomes more efficacious the moment a sinner does his retribution.
Now, back to my first presupposition: si PGMA, produkto ng Katolikong institusyon. Well, this is case of an alumna of Church’s educational institution forgetting her training – all in the name of political expediency…
Pity us…
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Governor Signs the LPP Paper on Malacanan Pay Off
A day before yesterday there was a full-page ads in the daily papers commissioned by the League of Provinces (in the) Philippines casting doubts, er, explaining away -- as a way to counter Governors Panlilio and Mendoza of Pampanga and Bulacan respectively on the pay off that took place right at the heart of governance in the Philippines -- on the claims of the two governors who admitted that they were given half a million pesos each during a meeting that was called by the President herself. Among those signatories were the Governors of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro -- Gov. Josephine Sato and Gov. Arnan Panaligan.
What's the big deal?
Let us see. First, there was an unusual, no, irregular giving away of money right at the corridors of power. Yup, it cannot be unusual. For straight from the mouth of the "flowery" ex-mayor of Manila and now Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (read: the peddler of our natural resources to foreigners in the name of economic return), Lito Atienza, an information we had that the dole out of cash among the ranks of politicians dated back to Cory Aquino and FVR's regimes (of course, the two denied the "Hawaiian" claim). But it still is irregular. Why irregular? For simple reason that it could only be regular if the money is accompanied by a SARO -- this is an official paper that has all the reportorial requirements of a fiscal transaction, let alone a disbursement of a fund.
This is a case of our politician-leaders' insensitivity to public interest. Ang alam kong ibinigay lamang natin sa kanila ay ang responsibilidad na pamunuan tayo. Kasama ba talaga dito ang kapangyarihang paghati-hatian ang laman ng kaban ng bayan nang parang ginagawa ng mga kawal matapos na magapi nila ang kalaban?
But, of course, one may say, well it depends on where the money came from.. I know, it does. And for this reason, the LPP comes to the rescue of the pilloried President of the (Strong) Republic of the Philippines. The league of the governors explains away that it is the source of the money. The overriding logic is as simple as "Okey, since we stand to have been the source of the money, then the first proposition of Didaskalos becomes unfounded." The Governors say their league is the font of the money; meaning, the money is never a public money.
However, it is one thing that one group owns up to the irregularity; and it's another thing if that group that claims it did the irregular money-giving is credible in itself -- at least in this instance. The first question that LPP has to address is: what took them more than ten days to make the claim? If it was indeed regular, as LPP claims, then why did not at once clarified the issue when the two maverick governors of Luzon initiated the noise? Another question is: if the money really came from the LPP, then where did the money for the more than one hundred congressman proceed from?
As long as LPP is not able to satisfy our query that essentially comes out in view of their admission of the regular-ness of the irregular handing over of funds, we are led to consider a corollary point to the first mark that we noted. Now, we say, the disgusting thing about LPP is their effort to right the wrong, to justify the irregular, to make acceptable the unacceptable, or to explain away the unexplainable.
In the Old Testament, to right the wrong in order to effect reconciliation in and among the community of the Israelites, they were choosing a goat which they all made to bear the sins or the wrongs that they wished the community to be rid of; and the goat is driven away from the community, as it is led to the desert carrying to itself the trespassess of the community-members. This is the origin of the vocabulary "scapegoat". Note, however, that the scapegoat is involuntary. Being scapegoat is imputed.
The LPP is scapegoat? If ever it is, then one can say LPP's being scapegoat is self-imputed. For what reason, er for how much? We don't know. At least, until no one from them is pricked by his/her conscience to tell the truth. And to recognize that at the end of the day he/she is ultimately accountable to the public. Which is the essence of democratic leadership.
And, to me, it's a cause of angst that the leaders of Mindoro are part of the group that has so far tried to help out the President of the Philippines in this trying moment.
Well, ganito talaga, for some, the political weighs more than the moral..
--------------------------
By the way, what explains the noise that Governors Panlilio and Mendoza made? For Governor Panlilio, I suppose it is comprehensible since he is (note the present tense, for technically a priest is a priest forever -- even if he's suspended from exercising his priestly ministry) a priest. His training in the seminary that I can only surmise fortified his training at home, and the formation that he got while he was active in his ministry as a priest for quite a long time must have bestowed in him a sensitive and probing conscience. For anyone who would counter: Are all priests really honest? and point to the one who ran in the last elections, I submit the being man-of-cloth is not equivalent to being honest..
For Governor Mendoza, who was a former PGMA boy until he and Obet Pagdanganan squared it off in gubernatorial race, they say it was his way of exacting revenge, if not a mere display of displeasure, against the Chief Executive. Reason? Because of the continuing support of Malacanan to the election protest filed by Pagdanganan against Mendoza..
Tainted motive?
In morals, one's intention is of paramount importance.
In politics, we are left to judge the nobility of the intention by the product that it produces.. Remember, Chavit Singson was to Erap Estrada.
What's the big deal?
Let us see. First, there was an unusual, no, irregular giving away of money right at the corridors of power. Yup, it cannot be unusual. For straight from the mouth of the "flowery" ex-mayor of Manila and now Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (read: the peddler of our natural resources to foreigners in the name of economic return), Lito Atienza, an information we had that the dole out of cash among the ranks of politicians dated back to Cory Aquino and FVR's regimes (of course, the two denied the "Hawaiian" claim). But it still is irregular. Why irregular? For simple reason that it could only be regular if the money is accompanied by a SARO -- this is an official paper that has all the reportorial requirements of a fiscal transaction, let alone a disbursement of a fund.
This is a case of our politician-leaders' insensitivity to public interest. Ang alam kong ibinigay lamang natin sa kanila ay ang responsibilidad na pamunuan tayo. Kasama ba talaga dito ang kapangyarihang paghati-hatian ang laman ng kaban ng bayan nang parang ginagawa ng mga kawal matapos na magapi nila ang kalaban?
But, of course, one may say, well it depends on where the money came from.. I know, it does. And for this reason, the LPP comes to the rescue of the pilloried President of the (Strong) Republic of the Philippines. The league of the governors explains away that it is the source of the money. The overriding logic is as simple as "Okey, since we stand to have been the source of the money, then the first proposition of Didaskalos becomes unfounded." The Governors say their league is the font of the money; meaning, the money is never a public money.
However, it is one thing that one group owns up to the irregularity; and it's another thing if that group that claims it did the irregular money-giving is credible in itself -- at least in this instance. The first question that LPP has to address is: what took them more than ten days to make the claim? If it was indeed regular, as LPP claims, then why did not at once clarified the issue when the two maverick governors of Luzon initiated the noise? Another question is: if the money really came from the LPP, then where did the money for the more than one hundred congressman proceed from?
As long as LPP is not able to satisfy our query that essentially comes out in view of their admission of the regular-ness of the irregular handing over of funds, we are led to consider a corollary point to the first mark that we noted. Now, we say, the disgusting thing about LPP is their effort to right the wrong, to justify the irregular, to make acceptable the unacceptable, or to explain away the unexplainable.
In the Old Testament, to right the wrong in order to effect reconciliation in and among the community of the Israelites, they were choosing a goat which they all made to bear the sins or the wrongs that they wished the community to be rid of; and the goat is driven away from the community, as it is led to the desert carrying to itself the trespassess of the community-members. This is the origin of the vocabulary "scapegoat". Note, however, that the scapegoat is involuntary. Being scapegoat is imputed.
The LPP is scapegoat? If ever it is, then one can say LPP's being scapegoat is self-imputed. For what reason, er for how much? We don't know. At least, until no one from them is pricked by his/her conscience to tell the truth. And to recognize that at the end of the day he/she is ultimately accountable to the public. Which is the essence of democratic leadership.
And, to me, it's a cause of angst that the leaders of Mindoro are part of the group that has so far tried to help out the President of the Philippines in this trying moment.
Well, ganito talaga, for some, the political weighs more than the moral..
--------------------------
By the way, what explains the noise that Governors Panlilio and Mendoza made? For Governor Panlilio, I suppose it is comprehensible since he is (note the present tense, for technically a priest is a priest forever -- even if he's suspended from exercising his priestly ministry) a priest. His training in the seminary that I can only surmise fortified his training at home, and the formation that he got while he was active in his ministry as a priest for quite a long time must have bestowed in him a sensitive and probing conscience. For anyone who would counter: Are all priests really honest? and point to the one who ran in the last elections, I submit the being man-of-cloth is not equivalent to being honest..
For Governor Mendoza, who was a former PGMA boy until he and Obet Pagdanganan squared it off in gubernatorial race, they say it was his way of exacting revenge, if not a mere display of displeasure, against the Chief Executive. Reason? Because of the continuing support of Malacanan to the election protest filed by Pagdanganan against Mendoza..
Tainted motive?
In morals, one's intention is of paramount importance.
In politics, we are left to judge the nobility of the intention by the product that it produces.. Remember, Chavit Singson was to Erap Estrada.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The COMELEC Check Points
I was on my way to an appointment this afternoon when I chanced upon a group of PNP personnel manning a checkpoint along the national road. I asked them what it was for, and I got the reply that it's a COMELEC check point. Barangay and SK elections are scheduled to be held next week.
At once, I was reminded of an information I heard over the radio program of the Police Provincial Office regarding the necessity of setting up check points. The police-broadcasters were telling that check points are mandated by the law especially during these times of election; and that on the level of the practical, check points have been instrumental in quelling criminality. Well, the police officers have their stories to tell to buttress their claim on the benefits of check points.
To me, check points are choke points. They serve to clog our movement, particularly when we travel. I just wonder whether those who man the choke points are really briefed on what and how to do their craft. Strictly speaking, for instance, unless there is a grave reason, one cannot be ordered to alight from his/her vehicle. Yet, once I was made to disembark from the vehicle that I was driving. I did not argue against what they do. To my mind, to argue with a misinformed mind is useless -- misinformed, because if they were otherwise, my rights should have been respected voluntarily by them.
Actually, what prompted me to write an entry in my blogs about COMELEC check points is their obvious uselessness. Take for instance the COMELEC check point in Sto. Nino, Rizal. In the middle of the road, there is an iron-sheet-made structure that says "Stop! (This is) COMELEC Check Point." Yet no one was manning the choke point!!!!
A case of implementing the letters of the law, or literally interpreting the legal requirements laid down by the occasion of, say, elections...
Hindi nga lamang choke point, e. Makaka-disgrasya pa sa mga motorista..
At once, I was reminded of an information I heard over the radio program of the Police Provincial Office regarding the necessity of setting up check points. The police-broadcasters were telling that check points are mandated by the law especially during these times of election; and that on the level of the practical, check points have been instrumental in quelling criminality. Well, the police officers have their stories to tell to buttress their claim on the benefits of check points.
To me, check points are choke points. They serve to clog our movement, particularly when we travel. I just wonder whether those who man the choke points are really briefed on what and how to do their craft. Strictly speaking, for instance, unless there is a grave reason, one cannot be ordered to alight from his/her vehicle. Yet, once I was made to disembark from the vehicle that I was driving. I did not argue against what they do. To my mind, to argue with a misinformed mind is useless -- misinformed, because if they were otherwise, my rights should have been respected voluntarily by them.
Actually, what prompted me to write an entry in my blogs about COMELEC check points is their obvious uselessness. Take for instance the COMELEC check point in Sto. Nino, Rizal. In the middle of the road, there is an iron-sheet-made structure that says "Stop! (This is) COMELEC Check Point." Yet no one was manning the choke point!!!!
A case of implementing the letters of the law, or literally interpreting the legal requirements laid down by the occasion of, say, elections...
Hindi nga lamang choke point, e. Makaka-disgrasya pa sa mga motorista..
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Hubris, or Simply Freebies
In May, 2007 national and local elections were held. In October, 2007 SK and barangay elections are to be held. Not only are the two elections held on the same year; in fact, in some cases, especially in San Jose, I see semblance of campaign strategies and political antics employed during the two elections -- for example, motorcades, pestering posters, tarps with computer-repaired faces of aspiring public servants, and jingles of varying tunes.
I just cannot have a definite view as to the process that these elections have gone through -- the level of politicking in the SK and barangay improving up into the level of that of the municipal, provincial and even national, or the latter degenerating into the level of the former?
What's my basis?
Of course, I do not mean that the level of governance in the barangay and even among the sector of the youth can be below the standard. For the level of the political undertaking is immaterial, and what matters is the quality of public service that our elected leaders can actually dish out.
But consider this -- JTV, the convicted murderer of the Quintos brothers, running as Barangay Captain of Bubog. This is, to a certain extent, very well anticipated. By and large, immediately after JTV launched a failed mayoral bid in San Jose, a confirmed report coming from the mouth of his allies -- in particular, the socialite council-women of San Jose, Vicky Villarosa -- that indeed JTV was contemplating the possibility of joining the barangay elections. The motive is quite clear, accordingly: JTV wins the barangay election; then, he runs as head of the association of barangay captains in the municipal level -- which he could win considering his political clout and his money; then, he vies for the position of a representative of barangay captains in the Provincial Council. In that way, he's going to find his way to the top..
Since Friday, the talks were confirmed. JTV indeed has run unashamedly as barangay captain of Bubog.
I've been asking people especially those residing in Bubog about the prospect of having a convicted criminal as their barangay captain. While most of them consider the influence that JTV still has -- especially since his wife is still in the congress -- and that he can actually "buy" the voting public in his barangay, there are voices that tell about the repugnance of having an absentee barangay captain (because JTV is still in Muntinlupa, although there are talks about his release for whatever reason). More importantly, these voices say, they cannot accept such a character -- a convicted murderer/politician -- as a leader. I suppose their word do not apply to all the convicts, but only to the aspiring barangay captain as a convicted criminal.
One may ask: what is really in political posts that the likes of JTV would leave no stone unturned just to be on the race and win the race?
I suppose I knew a couple of reasons: one is hubris. It is the unquenchable thirst for power. He who leads, and who can direct is powerful.. He who can decide over others is notches above his neighbors. Some people simply enjoy being in power..
The second reason is the freebies that go along with the post. How much is barangay captain's monthly remuneration? Hardly gets over 5,000 or 10,000 for such barangay as Bubog.. But it is a public knowledge in the Philippines that even a pauper who wins an elective post before he is replaced gets rich. And this is magic, no an almost accepted fact in Philippine politics. Definitely, the affluence that gets alogn with political position is not because of the monthly take home pay of a politician..
More on barangay and SK elections of 2007 ---
An ilk of JTV, formerly a Provincial Board Member Ulyses Javier runs as barangay captain of Pag-asa. Another former San Jose councilor Polding dela Cruz -- whose candidacy in the last elections for seat in the municipal council was also a failure -- runs as barangay captain of Mapaya.
A former school administrator, Abe Macaraig, is Ulyses Javier's opponent in Pag-asa. I don't think he should win. When he was in the school, he was involved in the non-remittance of the employees' share for mandated statutory contributions to GSIS, etc. by his teachers and non-teaching personnel alike. The amount involved was millions of pesos!!! He flew to US of A to evade the case. I just do not know the progress of the issue. The last item that I knew of is about the death of one of the should-be beneficiaries of pension, whose death overtook her enjoyment of the fruits of her labor. And now Mr. Macaraig is vying for another public position!!!!
In Bagong Sikat, at least 17 are the candidates for barangay captain...
Bumabalik ako sa aking tanong: bakit ba talaga sila tumatakbo sa mga posisyong di naman talaga malaki ang suweldo?
Sa isang banda, masuwerte tayo kasi marami ang gustong maglingkod!!!!!
I just cannot have a definite view as to the process that these elections have gone through -- the level of politicking in the SK and barangay improving up into the level of that of the municipal, provincial and even national, or the latter degenerating into the level of the former?
What's my basis?
Of course, I do not mean that the level of governance in the barangay and even among the sector of the youth can be below the standard. For the level of the political undertaking is immaterial, and what matters is the quality of public service that our elected leaders can actually dish out.
But consider this -- JTV, the convicted murderer of the Quintos brothers, running as Barangay Captain of Bubog. This is, to a certain extent, very well anticipated. By and large, immediately after JTV launched a failed mayoral bid in San Jose, a confirmed report coming from the mouth of his allies -- in particular, the socialite council-women of San Jose, Vicky Villarosa -- that indeed JTV was contemplating the possibility of joining the barangay elections. The motive is quite clear, accordingly: JTV wins the barangay election; then, he runs as head of the association of barangay captains in the municipal level -- which he could win considering his political clout and his money; then, he vies for the position of a representative of barangay captains in the Provincial Council. In that way, he's going to find his way to the top..
Since Friday, the talks were confirmed. JTV indeed has run unashamedly as barangay captain of Bubog.
I've been asking people especially those residing in Bubog about the prospect of having a convicted criminal as their barangay captain. While most of them consider the influence that JTV still has -- especially since his wife is still in the congress -- and that he can actually "buy" the voting public in his barangay, there are voices that tell about the repugnance of having an absentee barangay captain (because JTV is still in Muntinlupa, although there are talks about his release for whatever reason). More importantly, these voices say, they cannot accept such a character -- a convicted murderer/politician -- as a leader. I suppose their word do not apply to all the convicts, but only to the aspiring barangay captain as a convicted criminal.
One may ask: what is really in political posts that the likes of JTV would leave no stone unturned just to be on the race and win the race?
I suppose I knew a couple of reasons: one is hubris. It is the unquenchable thirst for power. He who leads, and who can direct is powerful.. He who can decide over others is notches above his neighbors. Some people simply enjoy being in power..
The second reason is the freebies that go along with the post. How much is barangay captain's monthly remuneration? Hardly gets over 5,000 or 10,000 for such barangay as Bubog.. But it is a public knowledge in the Philippines that even a pauper who wins an elective post before he is replaced gets rich. And this is magic, no an almost accepted fact in Philippine politics. Definitely, the affluence that gets alogn with political position is not because of the monthly take home pay of a politician..
More on barangay and SK elections of 2007 ---
An ilk of JTV, formerly a Provincial Board Member Ulyses Javier runs as barangay captain of Pag-asa. Another former San Jose councilor Polding dela Cruz -- whose candidacy in the last elections for seat in the municipal council was also a failure -- runs as barangay captain of Mapaya.
A former school administrator, Abe Macaraig, is Ulyses Javier's opponent in Pag-asa. I don't think he should win. When he was in the school, he was involved in the non-remittance of the employees' share for mandated statutory contributions to GSIS, etc. by his teachers and non-teaching personnel alike. The amount involved was millions of pesos!!! He flew to US of A to evade the case. I just do not know the progress of the issue. The last item that I knew of is about the death of one of the should-be beneficiaries of pension, whose death overtook her enjoyment of the fruits of her labor. And now Mr. Macaraig is vying for another public position!!!!
In Bagong Sikat, at least 17 are the candidates for barangay captain...
Bumabalik ako sa aking tanong: bakit ba talaga sila tumatakbo sa mga posisyong di naman talaga malaki ang suweldo?
Sa isang banda, masuwerte tayo kasi marami ang gustong maglingkod!!!!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Hope for OMECO
OMECO is losing, as we all know. And it seems the present management is inutile -- as they have shown time and again -- in arrestint the monthly deficit of the electric cooperative.
Nonetheless, there is a NEA Memorandum (2006-018), dated 30 June 2006, that is on Annual Roundtable Assessment of A GM's Performance.
What is this? Let us get the salient points.
The intention accordingly is institutional strengthening, being one of NEA major thrust. Under EPIRA, NEA is mandated to prepare the electric cooperatives (EC's) to become competitive in the deregulated electric power industry. To make this happen, the significant role of GM, that is, his competence and level of performance must be gauged.
Going along with this roundtable assessment is NEA's policy to measure GM's competence or lack of it in different aspects of EC's operations, provide adequate feedback mechanism to enhance and develop his skills and thus improve the operations of EC's, and to provide the venue for change of leadership, if results warrant.
How is it to happen?
GM shall be required to undergo the roundtable assessment before a panel of evaluators composed of NEA top management, invited outstanding EC officials and private sector representatives. The Board President or authorized representative of the Board shall be present during the assessment. GM shall be required to submit his annual accomplishment report for presentation to the panel... on or before the end of February of each year. He shall report before the panel of evaluators his major accomplishments, problems and workplan... The EC's performance shall be evaluated based on key performance indicators (KPI).. and the GM's management skills... The results of assessment (including areas for improvement) in a report card form shall be given to the GM and their respective Boards for guidance and monitoring and appropriate action. The Board of Directors of a GM who has not attained improvements in operations and given a very low mark shall accordingly discuss his possible replacement.
For the rating parameters, the following are the KPI's: 1. Net Margin (Positive); 2. Collection Efficiency (95-100%); 3. System Loss (14%); 4. Payment of NPC (current); 5. Payment to NEA (current); 6. Non-Power Cost (P1,500); 7. Average Collection Period (30-45 days); 8. Customer per Employee (1:350); Power Factor (Not <85%).
For GM's management skills and behavior: Technical Knowledge (able to suggest modifications to an existing system or design a new system to improve performance); Communication Skills (presents information and ideas clearly and concisely, with content and style appropriate for the audience; presents opinions and ideas in an open, unprejudicial way; responds effectively without preparation in spontaneous situations); Creativity/Innovation (ability to produce/recommend artistic and new ideas as well as to introduce new methods, devices and ways of doing things in a more efficient and effective manner); Leadership (able to manage group interaction; promotes open discussion and involvement of all participants while not dominating; motivates and empowers others to act; able to gain cooperation from unreceptive people; challenges existing policies and procedures in a responsible manner; create shared organizational values and culture); Integrity (adherence to high moral and ethical standards); Networking (ability to reach out and establish good rapport among the stakeholders).
Papasa kaya dito si GM Labrador?
For this year, GM Labrador was already evaluated and the results of the evaluation already transmitted to OMECO Board for its appropriate action. Actually, on 29 July 2007, NEA received OMECO Board Resolution No. 48, 2. 2007, "Resolution expressing confidence and support of the OMECO Board of Directors to the commitment made by the GM during the Roundtable Assessment." The Board requested that GM Labrador be given enough time to turn-around the coop towards financial viability and operational efficiency.
Talk of an entire Board that is at the behest of the GM...
Tandaan po natin ito, dahilan sa malapit na naman ang eleksyon ng mga miyembro ng Board of Directors ng OMECO.
Nonetheless, there is a NEA Memorandum (2006-018), dated 30 June 2006, that is on Annual Roundtable Assessment of A GM's Performance.
What is this? Let us get the salient points.
The intention accordingly is institutional strengthening, being one of NEA major thrust. Under EPIRA, NEA is mandated to prepare the electric cooperatives (EC's) to become competitive in the deregulated electric power industry. To make this happen, the significant role of GM, that is, his competence and level of performance must be gauged.
Going along with this roundtable assessment is NEA's policy to measure GM's competence or lack of it in different aspects of EC's operations, provide adequate feedback mechanism to enhance and develop his skills and thus improve the operations of EC's, and to provide the venue for change of leadership, if results warrant.
How is it to happen?
GM shall be required to undergo the roundtable assessment before a panel of evaluators composed of NEA top management, invited outstanding EC officials and private sector representatives. The Board President or authorized representative of the Board shall be present during the assessment. GM shall be required to submit his annual accomplishment report for presentation to the panel... on or before the end of February of each year. He shall report before the panel of evaluators his major accomplishments, problems and workplan... The EC's performance shall be evaluated based on key performance indicators (KPI).. and the GM's management skills... The results of assessment (including areas for improvement) in a report card form shall be given to the GM and their respective Boards for guidance and monitoring and appropriate action. The Board of Directors of a GM who has not attained improvements in operations and given a very low mark shall accordingly discuss his possible replacement.
For the rating parameters, the following are the KPI's: 1. Net Margin (Positive); 2. Collection Efficiency (95-100%); 3. System Loss (14%); 4. Payment of NPC (current); 5. Payment to NEA (current); 6. Non-Power Cost (P1,500); 7. Average Collection Period (30-45 days); 8. Customer per Employee (1:350); Power Factor (Not <85%).
For GM's management skills and behavior: Technical Knowledge (able to suggest modifications to an existing system or design a new system to improve performance); Communication Skills (presents information and ideas clearly and concisely, with content and style appropriate for the audience; presents opinions and ideas in an open, unprejudicial way; responds effectively without preparation in spontaneous situations); Creativity/Innovation (ability to produce/recommend artistic and new ideas as well as to introduce new methods, devices and ways of doing things in a more efficient and effective manner); Leadership (able to manage group interaction; promotes open discussion and involvement of all participants while not dominating; motivates and empowers others to act; able to gain cooperation from unreceptive people; challenges existing policies and procedures in a responsible manner; create shared organizational values and culture); Integrity (adherence to high moral and ethical standards); Networking (ability to reach out and establish good rapport among the stakeholders).
Papasa kaya dito si GM Labrador?
For this year, GM Labrador was already evaluated and the results of the evaluation already transmitted to OMECO Board for its appropriate action. Actually, on 29 July 2007, NEA received OMECO Board Resolution No. 48, 2. 2007, "Resolution expressing confidence and support of the OMECO Board of Directors to the commitment made by the GM during the Roundtable Assessment." The Board requested that GM Labrador be given enough time to turn-around the coop towards financial viability and operational efficiency.
Talk of an entire Board that is at the behest of the GM...
Tandaan po natin ito, dahilan sa malapit na naman ang eleksyon ng mga miyembro ng Board of Directors ng OMECO.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The OMECO AFFAIR -- again!!!
We are fortunate to have gotten a copy of what is supposed to be a document openly accessible to all the subscribers of OMECO. It's the Financial and Statistidcal Report for the Month of July, 2007. From this, salient points may be culled.
1. OMECO paid the IPC the amount of P1,011,432,24. Since the beginning of 2007, the total payment of OMECO to IPC is 7,060,412.09. Umuusok pa ba ang IPC? News has it that IPC is no longer functioning. We are brought back to the old question regarding the IPC's capability to operate. For, if it is still functioning, then why the need for NPC power plants? The point here is that IPC does not deliver according to the stipulations of the contract between itself and OMECO. And it is not penalized. This brings me to a corollary point: I actually expect the Villarosa's to know the demands of delicadeza. In the spirit of concern for the province, can they initiate the rescinding of the contract?
2. For the month of July, 2007 OMECO has negative margin of revenue minus the expenses in the amount of P2,039,510.83. For the month of June, 2007, it was P1,447,006.50. Since January, 2007 the accumulated deficit of OMECO is P8,925,738.71.
3. After depreciation expenses, OMECO lost -- for July, 2007 -- P4,123,681.60; while its deficit is P3,548,638.19 for June, 2007. From January 2007, its accumulated deficit after depreciation is P23,782,450.09. Other way of saying this is: lugi na nga, wala pang pang-improve ng mga facilities.
4. Up to July, 2007, OMECO has an unpaid debt for power supply in the amount of P141,625,030.32. This is OMECO's payable to OMECO.
What shall we do? I suppose all our actions shall commence with the installation of another, this time sensical, General Manager of OMECO.
1. OMECO paid the IPC the amount of P1,011,432,24. Since the beginning of 2007, the total payment of OMECO to IPC is 7,060,412.09. Umuusok pa ba ang IPC? News has it that IPC is no longer functioning. We are brought back to the old question regarding the IPC's capability to operate. For, if it is still functioning, then why the need for NPC power plants? The point here is that IPC does not deliver according to the stipulations of the contract between itself and OMECO. And it is not penalized. This brings me to a corollary point: I actually expect the Villarosa's to know the demands of delicadeza. In the spirit of concern for the province, can they initiate the rescinding of the contract?
2. For the month of July, 2007 OMECO has negative margin of revenue minus the expenses in the amount of P2,039,510.83. For the month of June, 2007, it was P1,447,006.50. Since January, 2007 the accumulated deficit of OMECO is P8,925,738.71.
3. After depreciation expenses, OMECO lost -- for July, 2007 -- P4,123,681.60; while its deficit is P3,548,638.19 for June, 2007. From January 2007, its accumulated deficit after depreciation is P23,782,450.09. Other way of saying this is: lugi na nga, wala pang pang-improve ng mga facilities.
4. Up to July, 2007, OMECO has an unpaid debt for power supply in the amount of P141,625,030.32. This is OMECO's payable to OMECO.
What shall we do? I suppose all our actions shall commence with the installation of another, this time sensical, General Manager of OMECO.
Friday, September 21, 2007
I Am Back...
I am back.. Yes, after some weeks of hibernation. It helps to rest if one must, in order to get oneself very well in focus when one goes back to what he vocationally does.
In my absence, there were lessons that I stumbled across which are too valuable in life to ignore. For one, I came into contact with a living testimony of how, for example, a communist state -- although it has begun to experiment with opening its system up, especially its economic system, to influence of capitalism -- can actually overtake a democratic nation like ours in terms of economic progress. I am referring to Vietnam. A war-torn country, that has a history of a hundred years or so of resistance against Chinese invasion, Vietnam defeated the American soldiers and their high-tech military hardware -- as what happens to the same hapless American soldiers in Iraq. I, at the outset, was thinking that probably to explain the phenomenon of our lagging behind and Vietnam overtaking us is our difference of the over all systems of our and their nations' life. We are capitalists, and we love free market. We pride of our practise of democracy. Vietnam is just beginning to open its doors to slowly let in capitalism. Their government is very well into the business of regulating the market, as opposed to neo-liberal economic philosophy. They are yet to go over their communism.
However, I believe that I am still to learn more in order to more fully understand the realism that I've found. For as I am back, I feel distressed -- again!!! -- since I came to know that ours in Mindoro is actually not a hopeless case. Ours is just a result of the confluence of a politically immature population, and a second rate political leaders.
In my absence, there were lessons that I stumbled across which are too valuable in life to ignore. For one, I came into contact with a living testimony of how, for example, a communist state -- although it has begun to experiment with opening its system up, especially its economic system, to influence of capitalism -- can actually overtake a democratic nation like ours in terms of economic progress. I am referring to Vietnam. A war-torn country, that has a history of a hundred years or so of resistance against Chinese invasion, Vietnam defeated the American soldiers and their high-tech military hardware -- as what happens to the same hapless American soldiers in Iraq. I, at the outset, was thinking that probably to explain the phenomenon of our lagging behind and Vietnam overtaking us is our difference of the over all systems of our and their nations' life. We are capitalists, and we love free market. We pride of our practise of democracy. Vietnam is just beginning to open its doors to slowly let in capitalism. Their government is very well into the business of regulating the market, as opposed to neo-liberal economic philosophy. They are yet to go over their communism.
However, I believe that I am still to learn more in order to more fully understand the realism that I've found. For as I am back, I feel distressed -- again!!! -- since I came to know that ours in Mindoro is actually not a hopeless case. Ours is just a result of the confluence of a politically immature population, and a second rate political leaders.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The First Bishop of Occ Mindoro is Gone..
On August 18, 2007, the Most Rev. Vicente C. Manuel, SVD, DD took his place in the Kingdom of God.
He was more or less 70 years old -- 24 years of which he was a bishop -- when he expired.
According to him, he lived a long life. Yes, if one considers the impact that his episcopate had in Occidental Mindoro. He built the seminary. He had the AM radio station. He served the farmers.
He's such a man of passion..
As his remains goes home on Friday, August 24, 2007, I will be happy to see him home..
I knew the man... that is why...
He was more or less 70 years old -- 24 years of which he was a bishop -- when he expired.
According to him, he lived a long life. Yes, if one considers the impact that his episcopate had in Occidental Mindoro. He built the seminary. He had the AM radio station. He served the farmers.
He's such a man of passion..
As his remains goes home on Friday, August 24, 2007, I will be happy to see him home..
I knew the man... that is why...
Thursday, August 16, 2007
When One's Action is Divorced From What One Says
Writers would call it integrity, when what one says corresponds to what one does. Or when one does what one says. In a more technical term, it's about the connection between orthodoxy and ortho-praxis; or in a simpler category, it's between word and action.
Consider this, in Monday's session on STL by the provincial board members held in San Jose, the Hon. Romulo Festin, who was visibly playing with the gallery audience by speaking out his mind on the repugnance of STL to his sense of ethics, was equally manifestly taken aback when the STL capitalist by the name of Mr. Rolly Diaz divulged that the truth is an ambulance is already on its way to San Jose courtesy of PCSO. I just have to confirm still if the acquisition of the ambulance is in any way connected to STL proceeds.
This show of lack of integrity by our political leaders was also evident when we were confronting the issue of mining in Occidental Mindoro. The fact is, I for one would appreciate more a politician if he/she honestly states his/her position, like when he/she is keeping an open mind on the possibility of Mindoro being mined. Saddening it is when one promises to join a clamor of a sector, only because he/she does not have the will to show off where he/she really stands on the issue.
Consider this, in Monday's session on STL by the provincial board members held in San Jose, the Hon. Romulo Festin, who was visibly playing with the gallery audience by speaking out his mind on the repugnance of STL to his sense of ethics, was equally manifestly taken aback when the STL capitalist by the name of Mr. Rolly Diaz divulged that the truth is an ambulance is already on its way to San Jose courtesy of PCSO. I just have to confirm still if the acquisition of the ambulance is in any way connected to STL proceeds.
This show of lack of integrity by our political leaders was also evident when we were confronting the issue of mining in Occidental Mindoro. The fact is, I for one would appreciate more a politician if he/she honestly states his/her position, like when he/she is keeping an open mind on the possibility of Mindoro being mined. Saddening it is when one promises to join a clamor of a sector, only because he/she does not have the will to show off where he/she really stands on the issue.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Remember Elizabeth Albacino
Month of August is the month of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It's about the Catholic belief that because Our Lady is (or was) not corrupted in any way, she got her reward. She was assumed into the heavens to take her place in the Kingdom of God together with her Son -- body and soul.
Further, Catholic belief assures us -- makes us hope -- that the reward of the Blessed Virgin Mary is going to happen to all the believing Christians. By believing, I mean all that it takes to belief. Which is far more than an intellectual assent, or an emotional acceptance of what the religion teaches.
Anyway, ...
With this as a backdrop, there is a reason to be saddened by a very clear negation of what the Assumption is all about. Years ago, a certain Elizabeth Albacino -- a lass from Central, San Jose -- was raped and murdered by inmates who were brought out from the Provincial Jail in Magbay, San Jose to work in the ricefields of a prison guard by the name of Mr. Maderaso (see older post related to this practise). She was on her way home from the school. She was in the secondary school when she was robbed of her purity and life.
Yes, years have passed. The legal battle still continues.
I can only hope that the presiding judge who hears the case, as an offshot of the consultation that he called for -- what he says as -- the betterment of judicial system in Occidental Mindoro, would expedite the coming of the judgement for the suspects in this crime.
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth...
Further, Catholic belief assures us -- makes us hope -- that the reward of the Blessed Virgin Mary is going to happen to all the believing Christians. By believing, I mean all that it takes to belief. Which is far more than an intellectual assent, or an emotional acceptance of what the religion teaches.
Anyway, ...
With this as a backdrop, there is a reason to be saddened by a very clear negation of what the Assumption is all about. Years ago, a certain Elizabeth Albacino -- a lass from Central, San Jose -- was raped and murdered by inmates who were brought out from the Provincial Jail in Magbay, San Jose to work in the ricefields of a prison guard by the name of Mr. Maderaso (see older post related to this practise). She was on her way home from the school. She was in the secondary school when she was robbed of her purity and life.
Yes, years have passed. The legal battle still continues.
I can only hope that the presiding judge who hears the case, as an offshot of the consultation that he called for -- what he says as -- the betterment of judicial system in Occidental Mindoro, would expedite the coming of the judgement for the suspects in this crime.
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth...
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
A news there is that the Representative of Occidental Mindoro, Amelita Villarosa, was sworn in as -- here's the initial confusion -- the first woman Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the first Deputy Speaker for women in the House of Representatives. Reports have it that what prompted the swearing in was the clamor from progressive groups in the Congress for gender balance. That means, just as there are deputy speakers from the three major islands -- Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao -- of the Philippines, so there should also be a speaker from what comprises 22% of the representations currently in the Congress (it is said that the 14th Congress has the most number of lady-legislators, that is 54). In there deliberations, congressmen -- macho as ever -- anticipated the possibility of a deputy speaker for the solons of third sex. Hintayin nga natin, kung may aamin sa kanila.
At least it was Liza Masa who clarified the thing: Rep. Villarosa is not going to be the Speaker of the Women-Legislators. Well, we, in Occidental Mindoro, cannot but agree on Masa's view.
While the clamor, as they named it in the House, was heard, and the ensuing discussions were also held, and the swearing in was already done, let me still think aloud regarding this issue. And I would like to register my strongest objection against the selection of our Congresswoman for such a position.
For one, I am almost sure that her selection was because of her close association to Jose de Venecia (and to Malacanan). Can we expect her to be substantial? As this position is a "first time" in the House of Representatives, I fear that because nothing can be anticipated to happen because of her capacity (evidenced by her performance as Congresswoman of Occidental Mindoro) the Deputy Speakership that is reserved for women shall be short-lived.
Secondly -- and this supports the preceding point -- the capacity of Rep. Villarosa is suspect. (One can always refer to the immediately preceding post (A Congressional Blooper) and the postings on the legislative performance of the Congresswoman.)
Lastly, I would become proud the moment our Rep. Villarosa comes home to Occidental Mindoro and does her work in our lone congressional district. For those who don't know, she is actually coming home very seldom. Kasing dalang ng patak ng ulan sa tag-araw... And she's our Representative in the Congress.
At least it was Liza Masa who clarified the thing: Rep. Villarosa is not going to be the Speaker of the Women-Legislators. Well, we, in Occidental Mindoro, cannot but agree on Masa's view.
While the clamor, as they named it in the House, was heard, and the ensuing discussions were also held, and the swearing in was already done, let me still think aloud regarding this issue. And I would like to register my strongest objection against the selection of our Congresswoman for such a position.
For one, I am almost sure that her selection was because of her close association to Jose de Venecia (and to Malacanan). Can we expect her to be substantial? As this position is a "first time" in the House of Representatives, I fear that because nothing can be anticipated to happen because of her capacity (evidenced by her performance as Congresswoman of Occidental Mindoro) the Deputy Speakership that is reserved for women shall be short-lived.
Secondly -- and this supports the preceding point -- the capacity of Rep. Villarosa is suspect. (One can always refer to the immediately preceding post (A Congressional Blooper) and the postings on the legislative performance of the Congresswoman.)
Lastly, I would become proud the moment our Rep. Villarosa comes home to Occidental Mindoro and does her work in our lone congressional district. For those who don't know, she is actually coming home very seldom. Kasing dalang ng patak ng ulan sa tag-araw... And she's our Representative in the Congress.
A Congressional Blooper
Last week, I was listening to a (community) radio commentary and I almost dropped from where I was sitting. Why?
The Representative of Occidental Mindoro, the "gentle lady" -- a lexical abuse reported by PDI in the House of Representatives -- was interviewed about the state of the national road in Occidental Mindoro. She generously granted an interview but -- lo and behold!!! -- she made mention of the JPEPA (Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement) as the source of salvation for our terrible road...
Inisip ko na lang bagong gising si Ma'am, kaya hindi niya alam ang kaniyang sinasabi...
But, now, I am just telling myself that in the final analysis, konsorte lang naman siya ni PGMA noon sa Finland. That's why she does not know for what the JPEPA is all about..
Kasi naman, ang mga taga-DZVT, sana nagtanong na lamang kung anu-anong kulay ng gown ang dala sa biyahe ni PGMA noon sa Finland...
The Representative of Occidental Mindoro, the "gentle lady" -- a lexical abuse reported by PDI in the House of Representatives -- was interviewed about the state of the national road in Occidental Mindoro. She generously granted an interview but -- lo and behold!!! -- she made mention of the JPEPA (Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement) as the source of salvation for our terrible road...
Inisip ko na lang bagong gising si Ma'am, kaya hindi niya alam ang kaniyang sinasabi...
But, now, I am just telling myself that in the final analysis, konsorte lang naman siya ni PGMA noon sa Finland. That's why she does not know for what the JPEPA is all about..
Kasi naman, ang mga taga-DZVT, sana nagtanong na lamang kung anu-anong kulay ng gown ang dala sa biyahe ni PGMA noon sa Finland...
Friday, August 10, 2007
An Experience of Generation Gap
Last week, in the municipal plaza of San Jose, there was a promotional activity by Tanduay. To promote the products of Tanduay were two of the Viva Hot Babes and the Six Cycle Mind -- the former being a known rock band.
The day of the show was raining. It of course helped when between 8pm to 12mn the rain stopped -- as if the heavens were sanctioning the show.
The attendance was unexpected in number. The Tanduay people placed their estimate at more or less 30,ooo attendees. And most of those who were around were young people. All through out the show, I was asking myself: pag isyung panlipunan, nasaan ang mga kabataang ito?
And in here was my experience of generation gap. Especially when the band began performing, I seemed to be placed before an unfamiliar crowd. At the promptings of the vocalist of the band, the young people would jump, wave their hands, and join the band in almost all of their songs.
Truth is, when I learned of the band who's coming over, I did not have the interest to go and watch them. Hindi ko sila kilala. Of course, that was the first indication that I am not young anymore.
Yes, it was an experience of generation gap. To my mind, a question is equally forcefully registered: paano kaya maibaling ang potential ng sektor ng kabataan para sa pagsikhay para sa ikabubuti ng bayan?
I bet, the potency of the young is too much to ignore.
The day of the show was raining. It of course helped when between 8pm to 12mn the rain stopped -- as if the heavens were sanctioning the show.
The attendance was unexpected in number. The Tanduay people placed their estimate at more or less 30,ooo attendees. And most of those who were around were young people. All through out the show, I was asking myself: pag isyung panlipunan, nasaan ang mga kabataang ito?
And in here was my experience of generation gap. Especially when the band began performing, I seemed to be placed before an unfamiliar crowd. At the promptings of the vocalist of the band, the young people would jump, wave their hands, and join the band in almost all of their songs.
Truth is, when I learned of the band who's coming over, I did not have the interest to go and watch them. Hindi ko sila kilala. Of course, that was the first indication that I am not young anymore.
Yes, it was an experience of generation gap. To my mind, a question is equally forcefully registered: paano kaya maibaling ang potential ng sektor ng kabataan para sa pagsikhay para sa ikabubuti ng bayan?
I bet, the potency of the young is too much to ignore.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Fate of the Deceitfully Ambitious Priest
Almost three months after the elections of 2007, what has happened to the priest who aspired to become provincial governor of Occidental Mindoro?
I heard his suspension is still in effect. For how long? I do not know. Certainly the Catholic Church against which he committed treason has its own set of laws -- the Code of Canon Law, that animal which is known only to its ordained ministers and those who reached formal theological studies. Actually, this is one issue that keeps on bothering me. For sure, Omanio studied not only his theology but also his Canon Law. And yet until now he's sturdy in his belief that he does not violate any law of his Church. Which his authorities in the AVSJ -- which I suppose have been doing their homework by consulting competent canon lawyer(s) -- claim otherwise. Noticeably, however, the powers-that-be of the local Church have at their fingertips the canonical items that Omanio violated. I wonder on what canonical provisions will Omanio base his claim. Can he be scholarly enough to debate his authorities?
The support, too, of a handful of people from Sta. Cruz, Occ. Mindoro -- from his parish, which he deserted -- is still strong. But, to my observation, they are "led by a fellow blind". I wonder how well they appreciate the entire situation. Which I suppose should begin by questioning: who really is this priest? What really are his intentions? To where shall he lead us, after he deserted his previous commitment as an ordained minister of his Church and now that he's known as already beholden to a discredited politician?
Well, whoever began the art of brainwashing, Omanio perfected this craft...
At least, he's three year-sustenance is assured. Words are going around that he's driver is boasting that they are payrolled in Congress. Of course, it's from the office of the Rep. Villarosa. For any thinking tax-payer, a moral issue it is. From the coffer of the government, salaries are paid for the services that are given primarily to the Villarosa's. Pagnanakaw ito sa kaban ng bayan, di po ba?
By the way, he's acting as station manager of the radio owned by the Villarosa's.
May I ask a candid question addressed to the authorities of the Church? Fathers, where do you think did you fail in your work of forming your ordained ministers that you have this kind of a priest?
I heard his suspension is still in effect. For how long? I do not know. Certainly the Catholic Church against which he committed treason has its own set of laws -- the Code of Canon Law, that animal which is known only to its ordained ministers and those who reached formal theological studies. Actually, this is one issue that keeps on bothering me. For sure, Omanio studied not only his theology but also his Canon Law. And yet until now he's sturdy in his belief that he does not violate any law of his Church. Which his authorities in the AVSJ -- which I suppose have been doing their homework by consulting competent canon lawyer(s) -- claim otherwise. Noticeably, however, the powers-that-be of the local Church have at their fingertips the canonical items that Omanio violated. I wonder on what canonical provisions will Omanio base his claim. Can he be scholarly enough to debate his authorities?
The support, too, of a handful of people from Sta. Cruz, Occ. Mindoro -- from his parish, which he deserted -- is still strong. But, to my observation, they are "led by a fellow blind". I wonder how well they appreciate the entire situation. Which I suppose should begin by questioning: who really is this priest? What really are his intentions? To where shall he lead us, after he deserted his previous commitment as an ordained minister of his Church and now that he's known as already beholden to a discredited politician?
Well, whoever began the art of brainwashing, Omanio perfected this craft...
At least, he's three year-sustenance is assured. Words are going around that he's driver is boasting that they are payrolled in Congress. Of course, it's from the office of the Rep. Villarosa. For any thinking tax-payer, a moral issue it is. From the coffer of the government, salaries are paid for the services that are given primarily to the Villarosa's. Pagnanakaw ito sa kaban ng bayan, di po ba?
By the way, he's acting as station manager of the radio owned by the Villarosa's.
May I ask a candid question addressed to the authorities of the Church? Fathers, where do you think did you fail in your work of forming your ordained ministers that you have this kind of a priest?
Monday, August 6, 2007
Provincial Jail(s): Source of Cheap Labor
It's planting time again.. Thanks to the rain these past days.
Too, its time to see inmates from the Magbay Provincial Jail out of their prison cells mingling with the regular farmhands planting rice seedlings.
I understand they are plucked out of the jail to serve their prison officials' needs in their ricefields during this time. They are brought out of the jail in the morning, and are brought back before the sun sets. However, there are instances when they are made to spend the whole week in the fields of their prison guards.
Actually, even the judge of an RTC branch in San Jose is benefitting from this kind of arrangement. A television network in Manila caught the presence of an inmate in the residence of Judge Pagayatan some years ago when the rape and murder of Elizabeth Albacino took place (see the upcoming post on the case).
What this blog exposes is nothing new. For the people of Central, the sight of prisoners in the house of a prison guard is ordinary. And to have prisoners working in the ricefield of the same prison guard is not at all an abnormal practise.
Fact is, an administrative case was already filed against the prison guard before the provincial government. Thankfully, the committee that handled the case was very "compassionate," that after the accountability of the prison guard was established the latter was given a very soft slap in his butt for his punishment. The prison guard still works in the Magbay Provincial Jail.
If this practice does not stop, our Provincial Jail(s) will continue to become a source of cheap labor for prison officials.. And a source of peril for our communities.
Too, its time to see inmates from the Magbay Provincial Jail out of their prison cells mingling with the regular farmhands planting rice seedlings.
I understand they are plucked out of the jail to serve their prison officials' needs in their ricefields during this time. They are brought out of the jail in the morning, and are brought back before the sun sets. However, there are instances when they are made to spend the whole week in the fields of their prison guards.
Actually, even the judge of an RTC branch in San Jose is benefitting from this kind of arrangement. A television network in Manila caught the presence of an inmate in the residence of Judge Pagayatan some years ago when the rape and murder of Elizabeth Albacino took place (see the upcoming post on the case).
What this blog exposes is nothing new. For the people of Central, the sight of prisoners in the house of a prison guard is ordinary. And to have prisoners working in the ricefield of the same prison guard is not at all an abnormal practise.
Fact is, an administrative case was already filed against the prison guard before the provincial government. Thankfully, the committee that handled the case was very "compassionate," that after the accountability of the prison guard was established the latter was given a very soft slap in his butt for his punishment. The prison guard still works in the Magbay Provincial Jail.
If this practice does not stop, our Provincial Jail(s) will continue to become a source of cheap labor for prison officials.. And a source of peril for our communities.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Water Crisis in Occidental Mindoro
The over-extension of the dry season, taken into context of the global warming that has caught the attention of even the former second-in-command of the USA, Al Gore, has been the topic of the news these past days. Media covers the scampering of the government in the latter's effort to address the shortage of water especially for residential use.
As I watch the news, I see no similar issue in Occidental Mindoro. Of course, I knew how the farmers are earnestly praying for rain. In a number of areas, the ricefields are literally opening themselves up for the rain. But, if one comes to think of the state of irrigation for the farmlands in Occidental Mindoro, the so-called water crisis is commonplace in Occidental Mindoro.
NIA has been here in the province since 1980's. But, as expected from a government agency, NIA's accomplishment is still minimal -- for too out of the effort the irrigated farmlands is still lesser in area than the non-irrigated fields.
I knew of barangays in Sablayan, for instance, where farmers can only have one cropping season for a year. The reason is they are not reached by the irrigation canal built by the NIA, and hence have to depend very much on rain. For such small farmers, the option of having their own motorized irrigation system -- which is very costly to erect and to sustain -- is nil in possibility.
As I watch the news, I see no similar issue in Occidental Mindoro. Of course, I knew how the farmers are earnestly praying for rain. In a number of areas, the ricefields are literally opening themselves up for the rain. But, if one comes to think of the state of irrigation for the farmlands in Occidental Mindoro, the so-called water crisis is commonplace in Occidental Mindoro.
NIA has been here in the province since 1980's. But, as expected from a government agency, NIA's accomplishment is still minimal -- for too out of the effort the irrigated farmlands is still lesser in area than the non-irrigated fields.
I knew of barangays in Sablayan, for instance, where farmers can only have one cropping season for a year. The reason is they are not reached by the irrigation canal built by the NIA, and hence have to depend very much on rain. For such small farmers, the option of having their own motorized irrigation system -- which is very costly to erect and to sustain -- is nil in possibility.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Folly that is STL (4)
I am printing in this post Resolution No. 67, s. 2007, sponsored by Hon. Randolph Ignacio "Urging the PCSO through its Board of Directors to Implement the Request of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Under Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 on the Suspension of the Operation of STL in Occidental Mindoro".
Whereas, the SP forwarded to the Hon. Sergio Valencia, through the Chairman, PCSO, Resolution No. 48, s. 2006, requesting for the temporary suspension of the operations of the STL in the province of Occ. Mindoro;
Wjereas, said Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 was mailed to the Hon. Romualdo Quinones, Special Project Department, PCSO, under Registry Receipt No. 1020 dated June 22, 2006 and duly acknowledged by the PCSO through its return card on June 29, 2006;
Whereas, in giving accord to the favorable recommendation of this august body for the granting of franchise to STL under Resolution No. 163, s. 2005 dated September 26, 2005 on the belief that the STL operation shall redound to the best interest of our people, as early as May 2006 this body has been receiving adverse reactions from various civic and religious organizations, people's groups and sectoral federations that the SP had to pass Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 to temporarily suspend STL operations in this province;
Whereas, the matter on the continued operationof the STL has unjustly dragged the good name and reputation of the SP to this controversial issue inspite of the strong appeal of this august body for its suspension on the grounds of morality, legal impediments and technicalities, loopholes in the system of sharing between the franchise holder with the province and defective agreement on remittances to the disadvantage of this local government coffers and our constituents;
Whereas, on matter of technicalities, RVRC in their letter for reconsideration for the suspension of operation of STL dated June 13, 2006, declared that the operation of the STL in ur province is merely a test-run for one year, and that after the one year period, the august body and the PCSO may now assess whether or not the operation of STL is beneficial or damaging to the communities in pilot areas. Therefore, on this issue of assessment, after the one year period has elapsed, and on the basis of general clamor of the constituents, this body hereby makes and openly manifests the same stand under our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 on the immediate suspension of STL operation in this province;
Whereas, on the matter of morality, the operation of STL has been found to be no different from jueteng in the simple sense that most bettors come from the "isang kahig, isang tuka" group that still dominates our society who are easy prey that are lured to bet their last centavo futher, during their trial period of one year, there had been no significant improvment on the lifestyle of this sector that could be attributed to the STL operations;
Whereas, on matters of defective agreement that resulted in unfair and (not) equitable sharing in proceeds by the failure of the franchise holder to present the complete receipts or statements that would show actual income from daily bets, the local government is believed to have incurred tremendous losses during this year of STL operations in this province;
Whereas, having been deprived of the much anticipated recognition from the PCSO-CSO in a period of one year regarding our people's strong manifestation on the STL suspension in our province through our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 this august body again respectfully seeks any course of action taken by the PCSO on this issue since their receipt of the request up to this time or respectfully consider now disenfranchising STL operations in this province;
Whereas this august body further respectfully requests the PCSO, Board of Director to direct the STL franchise holder, the RVRC to appear before and answer to the SP on the maters of concern as stipulated under our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 dated May 22, 2006...
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This resolution is a product of the board members who were elected in May 2007. Those who signed in favor of the resolution were: Hon. Randolph Ignacio, Hon. Antonio Rebong, Hon. Arnold Abeleda, Hon. Robert Dawates, Hon. Ernesto Pablo, Hon. Roderick Agas, Hon. Gaudencio Espiritu, Hon. Marian Haydee Villarosa, and Hon. Ma. Antonietta Villarosa.
Those who voted for continued operations of STL in the province , hence agains this resolution were: Hon. Rocky Legaspi (PCL), Hon. Inocencio Fabular and Hon. Nathaniel Cruz. Hon. Manuel Mintu, who was expectedly to vote for STL, was absent.
Whereas, the SP forwarded to the Hon. Sergio Valencia, through the Chairman, PCSO, Resolution No. 48, s. 2006, requesting for the temporary suspension of the operations of the STL in the province of Occ. Mindoro;
Wjereas, said Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 was mailed to the Hon. Romualdo Quinones, Special Project Department, PCSO, under Registry Receipt No. 1020 dated June 22, 2006 and duly acknowledged by the PCSO through its return card on June 29, 2006;
Whereas, in giving accord to the favorable recommendation of this august body for the granting of franchise to STL under Resolution No. 163, s. 2005 dated September 26, 2005 on the belief that the STL operation shall redound to the best interest of our people, as early as May 2006 this body has been receiving adverse reactions from various civic and religious organizations, people's groups and sectoral federations that the SP had to pass Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 to temporarily suspend STL operations in this province;
Whereas, the matter on the continued operationof the STL has unjustly dragged the good name and reputation of the SP to this controversial issue inspite of the strong appeal of this august body for its suspension on the grounds of morality, legal impediments and technicalities, loopholes in the system of sharing between the franchise holder with the province and defective agreement on remittances to the disadvantage of this local government coffers and our constituents;
Whereas, on matter of technicalities, RVRC in their letter for reconsideration for the suspension of operation of STL dated June 13, 2006, declared that the operation of the STL in ur province is merely a test-run for one year, and that after the one year period, the august body and the PCSO may now assess whether or not the operation of STL is beneficial or damaging to the communities in pilot areas. Therefore, on this issue of assessment, after the one year period has elapsed, and on the basis of general clamor of the constituents, this body hereby makes and openly manifests the same stand under our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 on the immediate suspension of STL operation in this province;
Whereas, on the matter of morality, the operation of STL has been found to be no different from jueteng in the simple sense that most bettors come from the "isang kahig, isang tuka" group that still dominates our society who are easy prey that are lured to bet their last centavo futher, during their trial period of one year, there had been no significant improvment on the lifestyle of this sector that could be attributed to the STL operations;
Whereas, on matters of defective agreement that resulted in unfair and (not) equitable sharing in proceeds by the failure of the franchise holder to present the complete receipts or statements that would show actual income from daily bets, the local government is believed to have incurred tremendous losses during this year of STL operations in this province;
Whereas, having been deprived of the much anticipated recognition from the PCSO-CSO in a period of one year regarding our people's strong manifestation on the STL suspension in our province through our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 this august body again respectfully seeks any course of action taken by the PCSO on this issue since their receipt of the request up to this time or respectfully consider now disenfranchising STL operations in this province;
Whereas this august body further respectfully requests the PCSO, Board of Director to direct the STL franchise holder, the RVRC to appear before and answer to the SP on the maters of concern as stipulated under our Resolution No. 48, s. 2006 dated May 22, 2006...
---------------------------------------------------------------
This resolution is a product of the board members who were elected in May 2007. Those who signed in favor of the resolution were: Hon. Randolph Ignacio, Hon. Antonio Rebong, Hon. Arnold Abeleda, Hon. Robert Dawates, Hon. Ernesto Pablo, Hon. Roderick Agas, Hon. Gaudencio Espiritu, Hon. Marian Haydee Villarosa, and Hon. Ma. Antonietta Villarosa.
Those who voted for continued operations of STL in the province , hence agains this resolution were: Hon. Rocky Legaspi (PCL), Hon. Inocencio Fabular and Hon. Nathaniel Cruz. Hon. Manuel Mintu, who was expectedly to vote for STL, was absent.
The Folly that is STL (3)
After Resolution No. 48, s. 2006, a letter for Reconsideration for the Suspension of Operation of STL dated June 13, 2006 was submitted by the Royal Viva Research, signed by Mr. Nelson C. Siquioco and Rolly Diaz, to the Vice Governor and Presiding Officer of Provincial Council of Occ. Mindoro.
I am reprinting in here the arguments of the capitalist-operator of STL in Occ. Mindoro.
-------------------------
Dear Vice-Governor Mendiola,
Our warmest greetings!
The undersigned are the representatives of Royal Viva Research Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines. We are also the "bonded authorized corporation" granted authority by the PCSO to test-run Small Town Lottery (STL) in our province, by which recently, the august body wants to suspend our operation of the said number game.
In this regard, may we respectfully move for the reconsideration of the decision of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Occidental Mindoro in suspending the operation of the STL on the following grounds, to wit:
I am reprinting in here the arguments of the capitalist-operator of STL in Occ. Mindoro.
-------------------------
Dear Vice-Governor Mendiola,
Our warmest greetings!
The undersigned are the representatives of Royal Viva Research Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines. We are also the "bonded authorized corporation" granted authority by the PCSO to test-run Small Town Lottery (STL) in our province, by which recently, the august body wants to suspend our operation of the said number game.
In this regard, may we respectfully move for the reconsideration of the decision of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Occidental Mindoro in suspending the operation of the STL on the following grounds, to wit:
- STL has contributed significantly to the income of the local government units in our province;
- STL generated jobs;
- The august body itself initiated the operation of the STL in our province;
- The operation is merely a test-run.
In the first two months of the test-run of STL in our province, Royal Viva Research Corporation has remitted a total of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN 12/100 PESOS (P1,558,647.12) to the province of Occidental Mindoro. The following shows the breakdown of remittances of RVRC to the different local government units in our province (for the months of April and May, 2006):
- Calintaan -- April: 22,919.31; May: 53,405.52; Total: 76,324.83
- Magsaysay -- April: 79,684.47; May: 117,610.00; Total: 197,294.47
- Mamburao -- April: 23,920.65; May: 52,822.84; Total: 76,743.49
- Rizal -- April: 15,248.07; May: 33,444.18; Total: 48,692.25
- Sablayan -- April: 54,408.88; May: 98,105.00; Total: 152,513.88
- San Jose -- April: 116,459.28; May: 256,068.72; Total: 372,528.00
- Sta. Cruz -- April: 20,402.21; May: 61,459.74; Total: 81,861.95
- Province of Occ. Mindoro -- April: 178,533.14; May: 374,155.11; Total: 552,688.25
For the month of April, the RVRC remittances amounted to P511,576.01; for the month of May, P1,047,071.11. Thus, for the months of April and May, 2006 the total remittance is in the amount of P1,558,647.12.
Notice the almost 50% increase in our remittances during the month of May. It is expected that the remittances will still increase: we believe it has not yet reached its highest level.
In that very short period, the STL has generated substantial funds that could finance development projects, local charitable undertakings and social amelioration activities of our local government units.
Especially during this rainy season, we are expecting several typhoons to hit the province. Through our local government units, these funds could definitely help ameliorate those who will be greatly affected by these typhoons.
In that short period of two months, the STL has provided jobs to more than ONE THOUSAND residents of Occ. Mindoro. We have four hundred sales agents, five hundred sub-agents, and one hundred ten employees to operate the test run.
By virtue of Resolution No. 63, s. 2005 issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan... it was resolved... to request the Hon. Sergio Osmena Valencia, Chairman of the PCSO to grant a franchise to operate STL in our province of Occidental Mindoro.
From this Resolution, the RVRC seek authority from PCSO to conduct actual test run for a small town lottery project in Occidental Mindoro, which was granted on March 27, 2006 (conformably to RA No. 1169, as amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 42, and PD No. 1157 and PCSO Board Resolution No. 118, s. 1987.)
STL in itself is among the fund raising activities of PCSO to finance health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character of our government.
In line with the mandate of the PCSO, the objectives of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan... in allowing the PCSO-STL is very laudable, quoting from Resolution No. 163:
- To discover additional sources of charity funds;
- To generate at the provincial and municipal level, funds for local charitable undertaking, economic development, and social amelioration activities;
- To combat jueteng and other illegal number games;
- To find alternative sources of income for those who might be economically dislocated by the eradication of jueteng and illegal number games through the absorption of their dependents into the PCSO--STL.
We strongly believe that, with the STL, these objectives of the SP can be attained.
The operation of the STL in our province is merely a test-run for one year.
With all due respect we believe that the august body has yet no basis in suspending the operation of STL.
After the one-year period, the august body and the PCSO may now assess whether or not the operation of STL is beneficial or damaging to the communities in the pilot areas. This can serve as a guide in the decision of the august body on whether to continue the operation of STL in our province or not.
Despite being a test run however RVRC has to shell out a substantial amount to start and sustain the operations of STL.
Aside from the expenses in concluding the contract with the PCSO to conduct the test run in Occ Mindoro, RVRC has to post a ten million pesos (P10,000,000.00) cash bond to the PCSO (which it did on March 27, 2006).
Notwithstanding these expenses, however, the RVRC, in order to help the province of Occ. Mindoro, went ahead and sealed the contract with the PCSO to conduct the test run in our province.
Wherefore, in the interest of the province of Occ. Mindoro and its inhabitants, so that we may be able to finance development projects and undertake local charitable undertakings and social amelioration activities, we are most respectfully praying before the august body to reconsider and vacate its decision suspending the operation of the STL in our province.
San Jose, Occ. Mindoro, June 13, 2006
signed: Nelson C. Siquioco and Rolly Diaz
---------------------------------
Is this the reason why Resolution 48, s. 2006 was deemed inutile?
The Folly that is STL (2)
As documents become available, we can make handy some reliable information related to the Small Town Lottery in San Jose. This is a sequel to the article, The Folly that is STL, earlier posted in this blog.
This time, it might interest every one to know about Provincial Council Resolution No. 48, s. 2006. This Resolution was prompted by advocacy work spearheaded by the Catholic Church. At least, in this occasion, the politicians heeded the voice of the Church calling for observance of morality.
Resolution No. 48 was approved on May 22, 2006 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
This time, it might interest every one to know about Provincial Council Resolution No. 48, s. 2006. This Resolution was prompted by advocacy work spearheaded by the Catholic Church. At least, in this occasion, the politicians heeded the voice of the Church calling for observance of morality.
Resolution No. 48 was approved on May 22, 2006 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Resolution No. 48, s. 2006
REQUESTING THE HON. SERGIO OSMENA VALENCIA,
CHAIRMAN OF THE PCSO, TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND THE
OPERATIONS OF THE STL IN THE PROVINCE OF OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
ON THE GROUNDS STATED HEREIN
WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan... passed Resolution No. 163, s. 2005 for the granting of franchise to operate STL in the province of Occidental Mindoro through an experimental basis, the objectives of which are to discover additional sources of charity funds, to generate funds for charitable undertaking, economic development and social amelioration activities, to combat jueteng and other illegal number games and to find alternative sources of income for those who might be economically dislocated by the eradication of jueteng;
WHEREAS, after several weeks of initial and experimental implementation, the STL has gained negative critiques and rejection from among the different sectors of society within the province, siring disquiet and utterances against this august body for passing Resolution No. 163;
WHEREAS, during this session, members of this body thoroughly deliberated on issues concerning the STL and the following matters were brought up:
- There is no proper monitoring system to establish the exact and correct amount of the bets being collected from day to day in every participating municipality;
- Winning bettors have no guarantee as to whether or not they will receive the prize as there are no claim tickets or receipts being issued;
- There is no control as to the genuineness of the papers being used for the lottery;
- There is no defined contract between the PCSO--Provincial/Municipal Government-- Agent Corporation binding the three entitites on the terms and conditions of the sharing and remittance scheme;
- Allegedly, winning bettors were paid only P600.00 per P1.00 bet, which is P200.00 lower than the specified amount of P800.00 for every bet of P1.00 as stipulated under the prescribed rules and regulations;
- On moral grounds, the above conditions created negative impressions leading to contradictions from among the different sectors of society.
Now, therefore, on motion to temporarily suspend the operation of the STL in Occ. Mindoro by the Hon. Arnold Abeleda, duly seconded by Hon. Ma. Antonietta Villarosa and Hon. Randolph Ignacio, and on the basis of the division of the house conducted wherein (four voted in favor of this Resolution -- Hon. Arnold Abeleda, Hon. Fe Abeleda-Legaspi, Hon. Randolph Ignacio, and Hon. Ma. Antonietta Villarosa) as against four members who voted no to the motion (Hon. Rocky Legaspi, Hon. Vicente Camandang, Hon. Nathaniel Cruz, and Hon. Inocencio Fabular), with one -- Hon. Ulysses P. Javier -- who abstained, and which said tie was broken by the acting Vice Governor and Presiding Officer Rey C. Ladaga who voted in favor of the motion to temporarily suspend STL in the province....
What has happened after the Resolution No. 48, s. 2006?
STL, up to now, still operates... Very effective move by our legislative body, huh...
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Explanatory Note (Relative to City-hood of San Jose)
The following is the Explanatory Note for the Proposed Municipal Resolution/Petition by Hon. Emiliano R. Villanada dated July 10, 2007, "Requesting The Congress of the Republic of the Philippines for the Enactment into Law the Creation Of The Municipality of San Jose, Province of Occidental Mindoro as A New Component City."
There had been in the past an initiative for the creation of the Municipality of San Jose of this province as a city. The fact is that, Resolution No. 0023, s. 2001 was already passed by the municipal council for this purpose and objective. However, for some reasons, the said resolution had not been pursued forward for its realization. One of the reasons, maybe, is that contents of the resolution need to be updated along the line of the present socio-economic situation of our municipality (income and population of the municipality).
Motivating factors that encourage this presentation to sponsor, and be one among those taking the initiative of making the Municipality of San Jose to become a city, is that several sectors now in our society are clamoring for these developmental change -- the change from the municipal way of administration to a city governance.
While the province of Oriental Mindoro has a Calapan City to boast, Occidental Mindoro still wants to have one. It is also interesting to note, that the municipality of Sablayan was seriously working to make their municipality to become a city. Once the Municipality of Sablayan is enacted by the Congress as a city, then San Jose has to wait for a hundred years to be proclaimed or enacted as such! A delay caused primarily will be attributed to local legislative inaction! Pray, it may not be allowed to happen by this honorable august body.
It is also the honest and sincere belief of this presentation that San Jose is now qualified to become a city, since it had already established its capability in compliance with the requisites for a component city, having an annual income of P116,803,109.26 for the year 2006; with a total land area of 446.7 square kilometer; and with a projected population of 121,936 for the year 2005; and will be more than 150,000 projected by the year 2010 (The municipality of Sablayan has a projected population of only 72,099 for the year 2005!). these requisites are for cityhood provided in RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
The conversion of the municipality of San Jose as a component city will promote socio-economic development and effective management of its component barangays and are beneficial to the general interest and welfare of the public.
City government power will be enjoyed such as: police power, eminent domain, and taxation. It can exercise effectively and efficiently its corporate powers. Unique with the taxing and revenue raising powers of cities is that all the collected revenue shall exclusively for the benefit of the city. The city however shall abide and be guided with the fundamental principles of taxation.
There are many advantages and opportunities for development and beneficial to our constituency, if San Jose will be made and become a city. Numerous, to be enumerated in this Explanatory Note.
Praying that this Resolution for the cityhood of San Jose will be given consideration for deliberation and approval by this honorable august body.
(Signed: Hon. Emiliano R. Villanada)
-----------------------------------------
(Mga kababayan, ito ang kaisipan ng ating Konsehal sa kaniyang pagsusulong ng pagka-siyudad ng San Jose.)
There had been in the past an initiative for the creation of the Municipality of San Jose of this province as a city. The fact is that, Resolution No. 0023, s. 2001 was already passed by the municipal council for this purpose and objective. However, for some reasons, the said resolution had not been pursued forward for its realization. One of the reasons, maybe, is that contents of the resolution need to be updated along the line of the present socio-economic situation of our municipality (income and population of the municipality).
Motivating factors that encourage this presentation to sponsor, and be one among those taking the initiative of making the Municipality of San Jose to become a city, is that several sectors now in our society are clamoring for these developmental change -- the change from the municipal way of administration to a city governance.
While the province of Oriental Mindoro has a Calapan City to boast, Occidental Mindoro still wants to have one. It is also interesting to note, that the municipality of Sablayan was seriously working to make their municipality to become a city. Once the Municipality of Sablayan is enacted by the Congress as a city, then San Jose has to wait for a hundred years to be proclaimed or enacted as such! A delay caused primarily will be attributed to local legislative inaction! Pray, it may not be allowed to happen by this honorable august body.
It is also the honest and sincere belief of this presentation that San Jose is now qualified to become a city, since it had already established its capability in compliance with the requisites for a component city, having an annual income of P116,803,109.26 for the year 2006; with a total land area of 446.7 square kilometer; and with a projected population of 121,936 for the year 2005; and will be more than 150,000 projected by the year 2010 (The municipality of Sablayan has a projected population of only 72,099 for the year 2005!). these requisites are for cityhood provided in RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
The conversion of the municipality of San Jose as a component city will promote socio-economic development and effective management of its component barangays and are beneficial to the general interest and welfare of the public.
City government power will be enjoyed such as: police power, eminent domain, and taxation. It can exercise effectively and efficiently its corporate powers. Unique with the taxing and revenue raising powers of cities is that all the collected revenue shall exclusively for the benefit of the city. The city however shall abide and be guided with the fundamental principles of taxation.
There are many advantages and opportunities for development and beneficial to our constituency, if San Jose will be made and become a city. Numerous, to be enumerated in this Explanatory Note.
Praying that this Resolution for the cityhood of San Jose will be given consideration for deliberation and approval by this honorable august body.
(Signed: Hon. Emiliano R. Villanada)
-----------------------------------------
(Mga kababayan, ito ang kaisipan ng ating Konsehal sa kaniyang pagsusulong ng pagka-siyudad ng San Jose.)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
City-hood For San Jose
Lately, news were spread about a move by Hon. Emil Villanada, a municipal councilor, for cityhood of San Jose. For now, the proposal of the good-natured councilor has already passed the second reading in the Sangguniang Bayan.
I caught him being interviewed in a local radio station on this topic. He was asked about where on earth did he get the idea that San Jose be turned into a city when the municipality to date has a lot of problems mostly related to governance. Particularly, the query was: Di po ba mas dapat unang ayusin ang kuryente, basura, utang ng San Jose, drainage system, pasugalan sa napakarum at dis-organize na palengke, atbp. upang mas maging nasa posisyon tayo sa pagiging isang siyudad?
His logic is simple: Maging siyudad muna tayo upang mas maayos natin ang mga tinutukoy ninyong problema.
I beg to disagree, Honorable. For obvious reason.
I caught him being interviewed in a local radio station on this topic. He was asked about where on earth did he get the idea that San Jose be turned into a city when the municipality to date has a lot of problems mostly related to governance. Particularly, the query was: Di po ba mas dapat unang ayusin ang kuryente, basura, utang ng San Jose, drainage system, pasugalan sa napakarum at dis-organize na palengke, atbp. upang mas maging nasa posisyon tayo sa pagiging isang siyudad?
His logic is simple: Maging siyudad muna tayo upang mas maayos natin ang mga tinutukoy ninyong problema.
I beg to disagree, Honorable. For obvious reason.
Sterile Palay Seeds: How It Affects The Farmers
For an agricultural area like the province of Occidental Mindoro, the possession of palay seeds -- and any seeds for that matter -- is possession of life itself by the farmers. Seeds contain the potentia of life -- not just of the palay, but likewise and more importantly of the farmers and their families.
What do have for now? Glaring mark of the government's hybridization program of agriculture is the inability of the hybrid palay seeds for second generation. This is a result of the modification of genetic make-up of the seeds which were originally naturally designed for propagation. As we know, scientific advancement has already gone this far.
Likewise, thanks to the capitalists who have caused the introduction and eventual proliferation of these kinds of seeds in the market. And, of course, to the government that has included as element(s) of its government programs for the farmers the use of these kinds of palay seeds.
In the concrete, this has resulted to the disappearance of that locus where the farmers used to claim independence from the claws of the capitalists. The farmers were using seeds that can generate itself for infinity. Now, the available seeds need to be bought from the agricultural enterprises -- every cropping season -- and in so doing the farmers are held by their very neck.
Isang pagkakataon na naman ng pagtatanikala sa mga magsasaka..
What do have for now? Glaring mark of the government's hybridization program of agriculture is the inability of the hybrid palay seeds for second generation. This is a result of the modification of genetic make-up of the seeds which were originally naturally designed for propagation. As we know, scientific advancement has already gone this far.
Likewise, thanks to the capitalists who have caused the introduction and eventual proliferation of these kinds of seeds in the market. And, of course, to the government that has included as element(s) of its government programs for the farmers the use of these kinds of palay seeds.
In the concrete, this has resulted to the disappearance of that locus where the farmers used to claim independence from the claws of the capitalists. The farmers were using seeds that can generate itself for infinity. Now, the available seeds need to be bought from the agricultural enterprises -- every cropping season -- and in so doing the farmers are held by their very neck.
Isang pagkakataon na naman ng pagtatanikala sa mga magsasaka..
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Why her need to "consort"?
This posting is prompted by the nagging question on why Rep. Amelita Villarosa has to do the consorting of the president, as typified by her ushering in of PGMA in the latter's SONA in the Batasan..
As I pointed out in the previous post, the province does not get anything out of her extra-curricular activity as a lawmaker. I said extra-curricular activity for her main activity is supposedly to craft law(s). In this area, actually, her performance is quite not satisfactory (please refer to the older postings pertinent to Rep. Villarosa's legislative performance in the 13th Congress).
If this is not in any way bringing benefits to the province, then why her need to consort? A view is there that her consorting the president really intended to project the image that she's close to the president of the Philippines. Again, the question that begs for a straightforward answer: why does she need to consort?
Let me posit a possibility. She needs to because she needs the clout of the president for whatever help it could serve her husband in jail.
Yes, it's a bold assertion.. I just hope I am mistaken.
As I pointed out in the previous post, the province does not get anything out of her extra-curricular activity as a lawmaker. I said extra-curricular activity for her main activity is supposedly to craft law(s). In this area, actually, her performance is quite not satisfactory (please refer to the older postings pertinent to Rep. Villarosa's legislative performance in the 13th Congress).
If this is not in any way bringing benefits to the province, then why her need to consort? A view is there that her consorting the president really intended to project the image that she's close to the president of the Philippines. Again, the question that begs for a straightforward answer: why does she need to consort?
Let me posit a possibility. She needs to because she needs the clout of the president for whatever help it could serve her husband in jail.
Yes, it's a bold assertion.. I just hope I am mistaken.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Ang Dakilang Konsorte..
Yesterday, the President (and not-the-President for some) of the Republic of the Philippines delivered her State of the Nation Address. The speech is traditionally given at the opening of the Congress. For this posting, I will not delve on scrutiny of the contents of the SONA, on the scandalous manner by which Jose de Venecia won his unprecedented fifth term as Speaker of the House, and/or equally "politicized" election of Manuel Villar as President of the Senate.
The President, on her way to the hall of the Congress, was flanked by two lady-solons. On her left is the fiery Senator Miriam Santiago; and on her right -- wearing a gown of the same color with the President's -- is the Representative of Occidental Mindoro.
It isn't strange, actually, having seen similar photo ops of the President with our Representative. Rep. Villarosa made herself "famous" as she travels around the world with the President. She stands -- among with other congressmen/women -- quite very frequently behind or beside the President as a bill is signed into law for instance.
One thing is sure, though. From all of this, Occidental Mindoro which she happens to represent in the Congress does not benefit. Has she gotten projects for the province, or investments from foreign capitalists out of her globetrotting?
Pang-konsorte lang talaga...
The President, on her way to the hall of the Congress, was flanked by two lady-solons. On her left is the fiery Senator Miriam Santiago; and on her right -- wearing a gown of the same color with the President's -- is the Representative of Occidental Mindoro.
It isn't strange, actually, having seen similar photo ops of the President with our Representative. Rep. Villarosa made herself "famous" as she travels around the world with the President. She stands -- among with other congressmen/women -- quite very frequently behind or beside the President as a bill is signed into law for instance.
One thing is sure, though. From all of this, Occidental Mindoro which she happens to represent in the Congress does not benefit. Has she gotten projects for the province, or investments from foreign capitalists out of her globetrotting?
Pang-konsorte lang talaga...
Service, for a fee... Anyone?
I stumbled across an article of PDI, 23 July 2007, about the estimated P3oo million that was required by the attendance of congressmen/women for the quorum to be had for the deliberations (and approval) of the ten bills submitted by Malacanang to the 13th congress. It's said that P250,000.00 was for individual solons just to assure their attendance to the House.
How's that? Actually, it's nothing new. It's a high-profile wrongdoing -- I would say -- that is anyway done down to the level of the Barangay. It is no different when I got my driver's license that I really cannot pass the exams I took twice, I was offered to pay extra to have my license to drive. Or when I happened to be in another government agency to ask for a certification -- a task which I suppose they are paid to do -- they asked for a pang-merienda. Or when I was to ask for a barangay certification the issuing clerk collected a fee presumably for the service that was rendered to me.
Yes, a high-profile wrongdoing... that is being done and practised also by those in lower ladder of government service..
Ano ba ang tamang lohika dito -- ginagawa ng mga nasa itaas, kaya ginagawa rin ng mga nasa ibaba? O nakamulatan nang ginagawa ng mga nasa ibaba, kaya sa pag-akyat sa pamumulitika dinala na rin sa itaas?
How's that? Actually, it's nothing new. It's a high-profile wrongdoing -- I would say -- that is anyway done down to the level of the Barangay. It is no different when I got my driver's license that I really cannot pass the exams I took twice, I was offered to pay extra to have my license to drive. Or when I happened to be in another government agency to ask for a certification -- a task which I suppose they are paid to do -- they asked for a pang-merienda. Or when I was to ask for a barangay certification the issuing clerk collected a fee presumably for the service that was rendered to me.
Yes, a high-profile wrongdoing... that is being done and practised also by those in lower ladder of government service..
Ano ba ang tamang lohika dito -- ginagawa ng mga nasa itaas, kaya ginagawa rin ng mga nasa ibaba? O nakamulatan nang ginagawa ng mga nasa ibaba, kaya sa pag-akyat sa pamumulitika dinala na rin sa itaas?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Kawawang Magsasaka at Mangingisda (4)
While I am not a farmer, I am privileged to have connections to the farmers. For this, I am privy too to the fact that -- as in all sectors -- "salvation shall come to this house", if I may use a "Churchy" jargon (for who's not aware of the latest Vatican emphasis on the necessity of the (Catholic) Church as an element of salvation), through and by means of "internal cleansing."
Now, I am here to tell of one "distortion" that is very observable in the ranks of the farmers of Occidental Mindoro. This has been a handiwork of insistent government proddings, since the time of the Green Revolution during the KBL heyday, for the farmers to switch to "modernized farming technology" -- one of the characteristics of which is the use of chemical fertilizers.
It seems that the volume of fora, symposia, trainings, FGD's, and the like cannot cause the un-learning of the use of synthetic inputs in farming activities. It seems no appeal for ecological reasons and no amount of presentation of the "economics of hybrid farming technology" can effect farmers' paradigm shift on matters of farming technology to adapt.
It seems no amount of teaching them to do backyard production of organic fertilizer can be effective in bringing down the bulk of the use of chemical-based farm inputs in the ricefields of the province...
It seems the difference of P900.00/cavan of chemical fertilizer and the P200.00/cavan of organic fertilizer is not enough to do the persuasion.
For the farmers of Occidental Mindoro, the preference is on going to the market and bringing home the ever-available chemical fertilizer and other farm inputs than to exert extra effort to produce an ecologically-friendly farm implements.
Epekto ng pagbabagong teknolohikal? Malamang... Kasi dati naman, hindi ganito ang sistema ng pagsasaka.. At mas may pera ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang dating sistema.
Now, I am here to tell of one "distortion" that is very observable in the ranks of the farmers of Occidental Mindoro. This has been a handiwork of insistent government proddings, since the time of the Green Revolution during the KBL heyday, for the farmers to switch to "modernized farming technology" -- one of the characteristics of which is the use of chemical fertilizers.
It seems that the volume of fora, symposia, trainings, FGD's, and the like cannot cause the un-learning of the use of synthetic inputs in farming activities. It seems no appeal for ecological reasons and no amount of presentation of the "economics of hybrid farming technology" can effect farmers' paradigm shift on matters of farming technology to adapt.
It seems no amount of teaching them to do backyard production of organic fertilizer can be effective in bringing down the bulk of the use of chemical-based farm inputs in the ricefields of the province...
It seems the difference of P900.00/cavan of chemical fertilizer and the P200.00/cavan of organic fertilizer is not enough to do the persuasion.
For the farmers of Occidental Mindoro, the preference is on going to the market and bringing home the ever-available chemical fertilizer and other farm inputs than to exert extra effort to produce an ecologically-friendly farm implements.
Epekto ng pagbabagong teknolohikal? Malamang... Kasi dati naman, hindi ganito ang sistema ng pagsasaka.. At mas may pera ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang dating sistema.
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