Are we ready for federalism?

The proposed shift from our present Unitary to a Federal State will appear radical to many.

But at the crux of the matter is the philosophy of its advocates to weed out the inordinate powers of Central Government (Manila) and delegate such into 11 Federal States.

From our research on the Pimentel Federal Bill, the country will be divided into 11 states: States of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Minpaprom, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro State.

Bohol could be included in the State of Central Visayas to include Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The State Governor and Vice Governor will be elected state-wide while each province and city will send three representatives to the State Legislature.

However, of the three representatives for each province and city, one of the three should be nominated by the Opposition Party. This would prevent inordinate advantage of the Party in Power.

There will likewise be sectoral representatives (nominated, not elected) by the Fishermen, Farmers and Senior Citizens Groups for just representation of the marginalized sectors. This is probably the equivalent of the Party List who are, however, elected at large in our present system.

Their will still be trial courts, court of appeals but the Regional Court's decision will be final and executory. Conceivably, in our case, the Executive (Governor's Palace) could stay in Cebu, the State Legislature in Tagbilaran City and the Regional Court in Dumaguete City. That's a literal dispersal of the seats of power.

A Senior Ombudsman will be located in central Manila but with deputies in Cebu and Davao to again fast track cases against erring officials. The Military will no longer have a separate Ombudsman.

There will still be a Federal Commission on Audit to put things in order and a Department of Interior and Local Government to mediate state disputes. Conceivably each state will have its own Cabinet of departments and their secretaries.

A president and vice president of the Federal Republic of the Philippines will be elected at large together with the governors, state legislature and local officials. All officials will have three terms and with four years each term in succession as allowed by law.

An interesting feature of Federalism is that any citizen can complain against any official and such case will be calendared within three session days. After 30 days the Legislature will move for the impeachment of such individual if the complaint is valid and legally tenable. This, theoretically, should keep the corrupt and abusive officials constantly to be on their toes.

The fiscal autonomy of the States is perhaps the most important aspect of Federalism. Today, so much bureaucratic red-tape is inflicted in the budget making and allocation process and some LGUs are actually left with no development funds.

Federalism, on the other hand, mandates that all national and city taxes (IRA) will go 80% to the states and only 20% to the Federal Government -placing the development funds mostly in the hands of the States, not Imperial Manila where today (in the unitary system) the Executive (President) through its 21 line agencies and departments is considered as the "biggest dispenser of pork barrel."

The peace and order situation will be handled by the State Police but the Federal Police and Army can be called on to assist in major delicate security situations. The national military defense of the nation, however, will still rest upon the shoulders of the Federal Government.

In terms of conflict, the rule of the State will prevail over that of the National as long a such law does not transgress the spirit and the letter of the Philippine Constitution.

If the aborted MOA on the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity would be a basis, the leeway by which States (not the National Government) will develop the natural resources within its territorial land and waters (15 kilometers off the shoreline) is extremely high. The beginnings of fiscally and economically independent states is appearing on the horizon.

Base on that same MOA, beyond the 15 kilometers, the State and National Government can do a joint venture for tapping of resource (i.e. gas, oil, minerals and marine assets) but with the State owning up to 75% of the profits and the Federal Government only 25%. That is remarkably bias in favor of the State.

The evolution of the proposed Federal States of the Philippines is taking shape fast and furious. Every sector should be informed on the implications of the radical shift in the form of government in the country.

A national debate on the pros and cons of Federalism is not only good - but necessary.

Let us see if the shoe fits, as they say. If it does not, our feet will hurt while running.

Dauis feud on fish cage far from over

Queries on tourism and livelihood surfaced even as dispute between resort owners and fishermen in barangay Songculan, Dauis town over fish cage project is far from over.

Officials of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan environment committee and municipal government here are facing this challenge to resolve the row and must find “win-win” measure so that “everybody is happy.”

Resort owners, including Ma. Melinda Borja, Susumu Gomi, Enid Gomi and the Hidden Corals Resort, filed a complaint against a group of fishermen called Songculan Guso Farmers Association (Sogufa) led by its president Juanito Obispo.

They (resort owners) alleged that floating fish cages (bangus culture) and structures posed navigation hazard and “eyesore, insightly and unsuitable for tourist area.”

It pollutes the area because feeding materials and waste excretion drain to the water. “The project emits unpleasant odor, which again violates the rights of the residents of the area to have a healthy environment. Unpleasant odor is never pleasing for a tourist designated area either.”

Aside from this, the resort owners also said that the public and community were not consulted about this project. “There are no clearance from the barangay nor Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC)” were issued. The petitioners, however, pointed that they are not against the livelihood of the fishermen but that the project should be in order.

Obispo is wary about what might happen to the project if this would be removed elsewhere. He said he cannot decide for himself what to do with it because he has to consult his members first.

He said it was not choice of the fishermen to erect such project because it was the authorities concerned that technically recommended for the area to grow bangus.

Based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the project is a joint undertaking of the fishermen, the municipality of Dauis and the provincial government.

In fact, the MOU said the government recognizes the need to promote food security by increasing fish production through accelerated transfer of fishing technology and training of coastal fisherfolk as direct participants in the proper management of marine water. Both the resort owners and fishermen said the issue remained unattended by the municipal and barangay officials despite appeals.

The MOU was signed by Mayor Luciano Bonggalos, fisheries division head Madelone Rengel, and Obispo as verified by Atty. Jaime C. Jimenez on September 21, 2006. Executive director of PROCESS Foundation Emilia Roslinda, barangay chairman Filastro Ararao, assistant fishery division Jose Belga and Mae Ann Tercero representative of Bohol Marine Triangle stood as MOU witnesses.

FINDINGS

The ocular inspection last week revealed, among others, there was no consultation with the barangay officials in setting up the said project. This is confirmed by barangay officials led by captain Arao-arao in a huddle with the resort owners and fishermen during the visit. Barangay captain said that such project must be regulated to prevent others to follow suit and mushrooming the same (project) in the future.

It was also found out the MOU seemed to be “unauthorized” by both the SP and the Sangguniang Bayan, officials alleged. SB members who also with the ocular inspection claimed they were not aware nor consulted of the project much more the MOU did not pass the legislative mill pursuant to the Local Government Code.

What make the resolution of the row more complicated is that SB claimed there is none yet what it called as Coastal Resource Management Plan that would delineate and define and identify to put in place tourism belt and livelihood components.

SB members said they have not even furnished with the copy of the MOU, hence how come they act on said project.

Barangay officials tried to persuade the fisherfolk to transfer the project in a little distance because resort owners are willing to assist. In an interview, Gomi said she is willing to help to make the project transferred.

But Obispo told the inspectors that the fisherfolk do not want to transfer their livelihood after their recent meeting. Officials requested Obispo to furnish them with the minutes of the meeting rejecting the appeal for them to keep distance from the resorts.

The on-site inspection was also participated in by Dauis Kagawads Silvino Cinches, Crispin Tubayon and Jobert Bomediano, chairmen of the committees on agriculture, environment and tourism, respectively. Mario Limocon of PROCESS Foundation, representatives of the Bohol Marine Triangle, Edgar Petallar of the Bohol Environment Management Office and Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Provincial Board Member Dr. Bienvenido Molina, vice-chair of SP environment committee, went ahead of the team to see for himself the situation of the project. (RVO)

Lim: It pays to believe in God

Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim yesterday said it pays when people believe in God and themselves.
Lim made the statement in the aftermath of his successful presentation of the Tagbilaran experience fifth investment forum sponsored by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza last Aug. 29.

“There are those who ask why we are succeeding in presenting ourselves as a city which is open to investors,” he pointed out.

Lim said initial findings reveal that investors are interested in Tagbilaran because of five main factors.

First, he said Tagbilaran has the best quality in life among cities with a population of less than 200,000.

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) first gave this rating in 2006 and affirmed it this year.

Just like two years ago, AIM ranked Tagbilaran third over-all this year in its category.

Secondly, Lim said the city is very peaceful and people are highly secure of their lives.

The mayor recalled that a rash of criminalities rocked Tagbilaran early this year but the joint efforts led to the arrest and neutralization of the so-called Meloy Garcia gang which was the no. 1 most wanted group in Central Visayas.

“There is no such thing as a perfectly peaceful place. This is the closest that we can get to that,” he added.

Third, Lim said Tagbilaran is a city whose people know what they want and actively participate both in determining the direction the city is taking and in getting there.

Fourth, he lauded the city’s sound fiscal policies that convinced banking and financial institutions to give it a triple A credit rating.

“No bank or financial institution will be willing to lend if it is not assured that it will get its investment bank if not make money out of it,” he added.

Finally, Lim said Tagbilaran is a city that has clear directions spelled out in a road map prepared in consultation with the private sector, non-government and people’s organizations.

“It is true that we live in difficult times, dangerous times, discouraging times. We are a people who are aware of the odds but still refuse to throw in the towel,” the mayor noted.

He added that in a time of crisis and disappointment, the choice is between giving up and moving on.

The mayor also acknowledged the odds that the city has to overcome.

“It is one thing to do battle against adversaries like entrenched political dynasties, business establishments and criminal elements. It is another thing to deal with the enemy from within – bad habits, discouragement, despair and indifference,” he noted.

Lim said pointed out that even as people in other cities are the city is virtually in search of miracles, Tagbilaran is aspiring for growth and progress.

The mayor said that today, Tagbilaran is a city in search of a miracle, but quickly added that this is “good enough”.

“Miracles happen only to those who believe that they will happen. The people who look for miracles will find them in God’s appointed hour,” he concluded.

P4.2B airport oppositors meet project consultants

The consulting firm of the Panglao Bohol International Airport has been tasked to confer with the oppositors of the P4.2 billion project in the next two weeks.

This development surfaced after economist Dr. Ernesto Pernia together with former University of the Phils. Pres. Jose Abueva and lawyer Manuel Cimafranca met last Monday with the main implementers of the airport project in Manila.

General Manager Alfonso Cusi of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) told the Chronicle that the issue on why have an international airport was resolved.

The continued growth of tourist arrivals here could be the prime reason why the airport to be constructed should not just answer the needs of the present, but, look forward of what is beyond, Cusi stressed.

Likewise, he explained that the trend of the 21st century is building airports. It will be convenient for people to come to a place and thereby contribute to the economic growth in a specific area.

He cited China which is building more than 200 airports targeted to be completed by 2012.

Pernia said while it was understood on the need of a bigger airport, the question remains - why in Panglao when it is a tourist jewel.

He said the main point of their opposition to the airport project is the location and economic viability.

Pernia pointed out that he questions the construction of another international airport when a domestic airport would suffice the needs of the province.

“We also have to check on their claim that there is no other suitable place to build an airport here but only in Panglao. We have to check on it,” Pernia added.

“We should know after the presentation of the consultants and how we critique their feasibility study if the airport project should be pursued or not,” Pernia declared.

Earlier, MIAA assistant general manager Tirso Serrano bared that they are already on the bidding process for the detailed engineering design and construction management supervision of the airport project.

The bidding should have been completed last June 22 but was delayed “due to government procurement procedures for such a big project,” Serrano said.

The delay however would not affect the completion target set by President Arroyo in 2010, he stressed.

“Hopeless anti-graft system” – de la Serna

The Ombudsman’s dismissal of a graft case against five National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials for alleged anomalies in the multi-million peso Talibon Small Reservoir Impounding Project (SRIP) has drawn a wave of public ire condemning the country’s anti-graft system.

Lawyer Victor dela Serna has called the Ombudsman a “political instrument” with a two-pronged purpose that is fully wielded by those in power.

“The Ombudsman has become a political instrument to insulate government officials allied with the Arroyo administration from being prosecuted while it (Ombudsman) has become an instrument for harassment on those perceived to be political enemies,” Dela Serna said.

The former governor held that filing cases at the Ombudsman is “an exercise in futility” as he expressed dismay over the “hopeless” state of the government’s prosecuting arm of abusive public officials.

Dela Serna cited the scuttled National Broadband Network (NBN) deal that unleashed the Ombudsman to take legal action against those who exposed the irregularities of the multi-billion contract such as Jun Lozada while those who were accused of irregularities such as Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos was not even charged with a single case.

In a similar comment, Atty. Artemio Cabatos of the Boholanos Against Corruption, Oppression and Social Harassment (Bacos) declared that the ruling of the Ombudsman “shattered people’s faith” on our criminal justice system.

“Is the loss of more than a hundred million pesos in government funds not a substantial legal basis for the filing of graft cases against the five NIA officials?” Cabatos asked, referring to the ruling of the Ombudsman citing “lack of legal basis” for dropping the complaint filed by Bacos.

During an inspection of the Talibon irrigation project in 2004, it was less than half completed while a fund outlay for its completion in the amount of P165 million was already exhausted.

Based on its revised approved budget for contract, the Talibon Dam would cost P243 million.

“The said appropriation was exhausted, but the project was less than half accomplished. What does the Ombudsman mean by ‘lack of substantial basis?’” Cabatos questioned.

RADIO SURVEY

A radio survey over dyRD’s top-rated Inyong Alagad showed that the public disagreed with the ruling of the Ombudsman.

Seventeen radio listeners who called up Inyong Alagad all aired their dissenting opinions regarding the finding that there is “lack of legal basis” to pursue the case.

All of them said they believed there were anomalies attending the project.

No one among the callers said they agreed with the resolution of the Ombudsman.

OMBUDSMAN HAS NO JURISDICTION

According to Cabatos, the Ombudsman is just an investigating body to help establish a case against reported corruption in government.

In 2004, the Talibon irrigation project’s manager and now provincial irrigation officer, Engr. Calixto Seroje together with 4 other NIA officials, were investigated by the Ombudsman Graft Investigator which found prima facie case against them.

“We expected the case to be elevated to the Sandiganbayan, which has jurisdiction over the case,” Cabatos stressed.

The Ombudsman’s dismissal of the criminal action, according to Cabatos, was not only improper but has also “put under serious doubt the integrity in government service and the capacity of government to dispense justice…”

“The only ground for the dismissal was lack of substantial legal basis, a ruling that was penned by an Ombudsman graft investigator that contradicted that of another graft investigator’s finding of prima facie case,” he pointed out.

“If there was prima facie evidence in 2004, why was it lost in 2006?” Cabatos asked.

According to Cabatos, “the people’s right to information and to protection against grafters clearly appears to have been schemingly violated.”

Bacosh, the main complainant of the case, represented by Cabatos, has already filed a motion for reconsideration at the Ombudsman.
(By KIT BAGAIPO)

‘Boom’ retains WBO bantamweight title

CEBU CITY. Boholano boxing star Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista proved he still belongs to the elite group after he annihilated Mexican warrior Eden “Anestecista” Marquez in the second round of a scheduled 12-rounder last night at the Waterfront Hotel to retain the WBO Intercontinental superbantam title.

The 22-year old boxer from Candijay town emerged victorious in last night’s bout which is now his passport to a possible slot in a major event in the United States later this year.

Bautista who well defended his title in last night’s “WBO Night of Champions,” proved his entirely rejuvenated prowess after he showed his “sureness in defending himself” unlike his previous image as an eager beaver boxer who “does not reserve the best for last.”

The successful defense of his title was met with jubilation and pride especially from his province mates in Bohol whom he disappointed more than a year ago when he was defeated in a fight in San Francisco, California, USA.

Michael Aldeger, Boom Boom’s manager is very hopeful for a US fight against the Boholano boxer by the end of this year.

In the co-feature, WBO minimumweight king Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes also defended his title with a brutal second-round stoppage of Nicaraguan Eddy Castro.

The two fights were the co-main event in last night's "WBO Night of Champions" card presented by the ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN.

Referee Bruce McTavish stopped the bout at the 1:08 mark of the second round as Marquez looked unable to continue following several assaults by the Bohol-raised fighter.

A clubbing right hand stopped matters for Marquez, as Bautista chased him around the ring knowing that the visiting fighter was on dire straits and ripe for the taking.

Marquez started strong in the opening round, chasing Bautista around and kept himself busy as the reigning champion opted to use his lateral skills to somehow feel how much power Marquez had.

"I wanted to first feel how strong he was in the first round. My corner wanted me to be careful. I knew he had the power, and I didn't know his style," Bautista said when asked why he opted to be slow in the opening round.

With the win, Bautista's record now improves to 26 wins, 1 loss with 18 KO's, while Marquez dropped to 16-4-3, 12 KO's.

The win also paves the way for Bautista's possible inclusion in the mega-bout involving Oscar De la Hoya against Manny Pacquiao on December 6.

NIETES RETAINS TITLE

The Bacolod-raised Nietes, defending his title for the first time, dropped Castro in the opening round with a series of punches. The Nicaraguan, however, showed he came to fight as he beat the count of referee Raul Caiz Jr to finish the round.

Nietes, however, continued his onslaught in the second round, finally dropping Castro with a big right at the 2:49 mark of the round.

Castro had to be immediately given assistance by ringside physicians as he laid motionless on the canvas following the Nietes shot.

Up next for Nietes is a mandatory title defense possibly against Colombian Daniel Reyes, provided the latter gets past Luis Lazarte on September 26.

UNDERCARD

WBO Youth lightweight champ Jason Pagara scored a knockdown in the first round, and continued his onslaught before finally dropping Thailand's Kongdej Sithtrajtrakan in the fourth round for a technical knockout win.

Jomanz Omanz figured in a split draw with Roger Galicia; Weng Haya prevailed on a majority decision over Ricky Sismundo; while Albert Villacampa took a split decision win over JV "Fightdoc" Tuazon.

MEXICAN ANTHEM

Dumaguete City's Dominador Ibarra De los Santos was highly applauded following his rendition of the Mexican national anthem before the Bautista-Marquez fight. "He did really, really ok. I'm impressed," said Mexican Fernando Dominguez, Marquez' manager. Levi Martinez, an American of Mexican descent, was also all praises to De los Santos. (Salven Lagumbay, CDN)

"Pulso" on air tom'row

The top-rated commentary/ public affairs program "Pulso" will resume broadcast tomorrow after a weeklong suspension due to its advertisers' withdrawal from the program.

Program host, Kagawad Roberto "Batchoy" Alba said, after meeting commitments to the radio station, the program will be back to its normal broadcast tomorrow, 9 to l0 a.m. right after the no. 1 radio program "Inyong Alagad."

Alba vowed to radio listeners to continue his crusade against bad governance especially on graft and corruption at the local government units.


"No amount of pressure can stop me from this crusade," he stressed.

It maybe recalled that "Pulso" suffered financial set backs after majority of its sponsors terminated their contracts. Alba alleged that his program sponsors were pressured by the office of Mayor Dan Lim to pull out their support.

The mayor denied having pressured Pulso's advertisers. In fact, he offered to pay and support the radio program if only to be proven "innocent" of the accusations.

Alba thanked the "new breed of advertisers" who are behind his program, most of whom would wish to remain anonymous.

"It is very heart warming to know that the silent majority of the people are behind Pulso's crusade against graft and corruption," Alba concluded as he vowed to be back on air with a
renewed commitment to serve the public.

Mayor questions seizure of cut trees

Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan strongly questioned the seizure of his truck loaded with assorted cut trees while traversing the national highway in Bilar town last Wednesday.

Seized from his truck were some 900 board feet of gemelina and mahogany wood bolts.

The mayor's truck was impounded by authorities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who were holding a meeting in Bilar town at the time of the apprehension.

While he admitted that he had no papers to support the transporting of the items, the mayor said he was willing to pay the penalties to be imposed by the authorities.

Statement of the Loboc mayor came after he allegedly pointed out "switching" of wood and sudden change of inventory by the DENR personnel.

His allegations were based on the fact that the first report signed by the DENR team indicated in writing that "all gemelina and mahogany wood bolts are dead."

However, when the mayor proceeded to the area where his truck was impounded, the new inventory stated that the seized items were "freshly cut trees." He questioned why the same forest ranger Tertuliano Lamantas signed both the first and second reports which were indeed conflicting.

A Xerox copy of both reports furnished to the Chronicle showed conflicting entries of its inventory. The first report stated that the seized items were all dead. The mayor was surprised to read in the second report that the trees were "freshly cut."

The mayor hinted of a political motive behind the impounding of his truck since a forester involved in the apprehension or inventory of seized items is the brother of a defeated vice mayoralty bet in Loboc town.

When interviewed by the Chronicle, acting CENRO Eusalem Quiwag said he will hold his comments on the mayor's statement as he expects an investigation to be conducted by PENRO Nestor Canda regarding the case.

Ombuds ruling on NIA graft assailed

After dragging on for four years, the complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against five National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials in relation to their involvement in the questioned Talibon Small Reservoir Impounding Project (TSRIP) has been dismissed by the Ombudsman.

While awaiting for graft charges to be filed in the courts, the Ombudsman ruling struck the complainants by surprise.

According to the 24-page decision signed by Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, the complaint lacked substantial legal basis to be given due course.

Respondents of the case were Regional Irrigation Manager Alexander Reuyan, Bohol Provincial Irrigation Officer Calixto Seroje, NIA regional finance manager Jesusa Sibonga, Small Reservoir Irrigation project officer Eduardo Daniel and senior accountant Victor Echavez.

The Boholanos Against Corruption, Oppression and Social Harassment (Bacosh) however filed a motion for reconsideration on Friday assailing the ruling of the anti-graft body.

In its pleading, the group said that the decision "has effectively doused cold water on the people's faith in the capacity of government to rule under the pale of law with justice and respect for the sovereign people."

Bacosh accused the Ombudsman of bowing down to pressure from "powerful officials" who are involved in the case.

Two years ago, a NIA Fact Finding Team who investigated the issues raised by Bacosh regarding alleged irregularities in the release of some P165 million for the Talibon SRIP.

The project, which had an approved budget for contract of P243 million was reported half-completed even with only 4 visible structures and civil works that were not covered by duly-approved programs of work, as alleged by Bacosh.

Calling the decision "a strange verdict", Bacosh stated in its motion that an audit formally done in December 1998 by NIA and COA showed that the project was about 50% accomplished and yet P165 million was already exhausted.

The anti-graft watch group also questioned why Graft Investigation Officer Sarah Jo Vergara penned a resolution on June 22, 2006, two years from the filing of the complaint against the NIA officials, recommending the dismissal of the case "for lack of substantial legal basis".

Bacosh likewise noted the resumption of civil works on the questioned project through fresh funding even with a pending complaint in the Ombudsman.

"The questioned project, mysterious in itself, was shrouded with mysteries from the finding of prima facie evidence until the resolution of dismissal…"

According to the complainants, from the finding of a prima facie case, proper charges should have been filed in court to allow the respondents clear their names after they have been indicted in the Fact Finding Team report.

The respondents likewise succeeded in causing the release of fresh funds for the project's resumption.

"Now that the project is on-going, albeit a new funding, there is already an excuse for saying that the complaint on this project 'looks substantial legal basis', suppressing the fact that this case centers on the P165 million outlay which was exhausted without the project being completed," the motion stated.

Bacosh pleaded that the resolution be reversed and the filing of appropriate graft charges be filed against the 5 NIA officials.

Graft raps against 5 NIA men dropped

Five officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) were cleared of graft charges by the Ombudsman in relation to the alleged anomalous construction of the Talibon Small Reservoir Impounding Project (TSRIP).

The dismissal of the case came two years after a NIA Fact Finding Team evaluation report found prima facie evidence against the respondents for irregularities in the implementation of the questioned project.

Named respondents were Regional Irrigation Manager Alexander Reuyan, Bohol Provincial Irrigation Officer Calixto Seroje, NIA regional finance manager Jesusa Sibonga, Small Reservoir Irrigation project officer Eduardo Daniel and senior accountant Victor Echavez.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Boholanos Against Corruption, Oppresssion and Social Harassment (Bacosh) represented by former NIA project manager Petronilo Sarigumba.

Sarigumba alleged in the complaint that P165 million have been released and exhausted for the project when at least three audit reports in 1998 showed the project to be only 50% completed.

The approved total project cost is P243 million based on a revised program of works approved by the NIA in April 2000.

The 24-page resolution, signed by acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro last June 26 2008, dismissed the charges "for lack of substantial legal basis".

The resolution, which was prepared by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Sarah Jo Vergara since June 2006, dealt on the purported misappropriation of funds in the project implementation.

Based on the NIA Fact Finding Team report, the project was said to be questionable due to the fact that there were varying amounts of expenditures reported by the project field office, the provincial management office and the regional office.

According to the Ombudsman resolution, it "sees that the variance does not actually prove that there are unaccounted funds…"

"The figures submitted by the 3 offices actually cover expenditures incurred by different offices over different periods of time."

The resolution stated that it was "inappropriate to compare the subject figures purportedly representing the Talibon SRIP expenditures, much more deduce that inconsistencies therein are suggestive of misappropriation of funds."

The Ombudsman noted further: "The [Fact Finding] Team in their report failed to state distinctive circumstances that can somehow single out suspicious dealings."

"In a project as composite as the Talibon SRIP, what is really of decisive import is the percentage of accomplishment for the entire project which in this case is more or less consistently reported on…"

In the absence of "substantial difference" in the valuation of work accomplishment as assessed by different officials or offices, the varying costs of certain component works are "nothing more than explainable or traceable discrepancies", the ruling cited.

According to the Ombudsman, the actual impact of the deviations ascertained by the Fact Finding Team could not yet be assessed since the Talibon SRIP is not yet completed.

"This [deviations] cannot possibly imply outright that an offense has been committed," it stated.

With the absence of "actual damage" or "unnecessary upsurge of actual project cost", the Ombudsman said that "the presumption of regularity in the performance of functions supports the respondents' argument that the deviation works are for a better-performing irrigation project at a most reasonable cost."

Regarding the allegations that Seroje illegally approved and paid contracts which are not within his scope of authority but that of Reuyan as regional director, the Ombudsman said that NIA regulations may have been violated specifically the rules governing the signing and approval of official papers, documents and contracts.

However, the Ombudsman said, that "the respondents have in their favor the fact that the 'unauthorized' payments were anyhow disbursed for actual obligations."

The resolution stated that the payments were covered by vouchers that appeared to be duly processed which indicated the receipt of the claimants.

"For the time being, there is no persuasive showing that the 'unauthorized' payments resulted in damage to either private individuals or the government."


The resolution cited that criminal liability does not lie against respondents Reuyan and Seroje. "Whatever their lapses are, the same are most likely purely administrative in nature and thus shall be adjudicated more thoroughly in the corresponding administrative case."


The charges of usurpation of authority against Seroje, being the actual signatory of disputed vouchers and contracts, was described in the resolution as "inequitable".


"Respondent actually has been delegated the authority to sign or approve NIA official papers, documents and contracts, and thus he does possess the basic authority to so sign and approve."


According to the Ombudsman, Seroje "wrongfully or improperly exercised such authority, during a particular number of instances. Such wrongful exercise of authority however, does not equate to usurpation of authority or the seizure or holding of an office, power or authority without any legal right."


The Ombudsman pointed out that the Talibon SRIP project has not yet been completed and its finances not yet subjected to a post-audit by the Commission on Audit.


"In fact, insofar as the COA is concerned, it had conducted an inspection of the project on 26 January 1999 and it thereafter declared that it 'interposed no objection of the reported 49.01% project accomplishment as of December 1998'", the resolution stated.

"The Talibon SRIP involves a range of costly disbursements and in such a project, audit findings are preferred prerequisites for a realistic suspicion of misuse of public funds."

The Ombudsman viewed that there is presumption of regularity in the implementation of the project in the absence of evidence of the alleged irregularities.

Rico, Edgar vow to end water deadlock

Gov. Erico Aumentado and Rep. Edgar Chatto are “pushed to the wall” on how to end the deadlock in the water deal which will ultimately bring potable water to the beach resorts in Panglao, the site of the future Panglao Bohol International Airport.

The two top officials expressed disgust on the local officials’ failure to decide on what company to bring water to the resort town which will soon need thousands of gallons of water once the multi-billion airport project will commence.

Gov. Aumentado said that a public consultation is set on Sept. 5 which will guide the ultimate decision on how to bring water supply to the municipality. He said that together with Rep. Edgar Chatto, under whose district Panglao belongs, the decision has to come soon so the technical work can commence considering that the airport construction is slated to start December this year.

It maybe recalled that the two officials have time and again tried to settle the political bickering between Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala and Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes. After each “reconciliation” meetings, both parties would appear as though they have agreed on a common direction regarding the water issue. But, after weeks, both camps will again be issuing public pronouncements which show their conflicts in deciding on how potable water can be brought to their town.

“This time we will intervene since it is now the call of the time,” Aumentado stressed.

The statement of the governor came after the political deadlock among the officials in the neighboring town of Dauis was resolved during a meeting called by Rep. Chatto two weeks ago.

“If Dauis officials understood the essence of unity for progress, then, there is no reason why the Panglao officials will not do the same,” the governor asked as he requested the solon to be part of the public consultation three weeks from now.

SOLUTION STUDIED

Gov. Aumentado ordered the Prov’l Planning and Development Office (PPDO) to prepare a draft of the project called “Improvement and Upgrading of the Panglao water Distribution Network” which includes a proposed water distribution plan.

The water distribution improvement project is now “proposed for funding for its capital intensive components”, soliciting the assistance of local and foreign funding institutions for its implementation, according to PPDO.

This is in preparation for the expected increase in tourist influx to Panglao in time for the operation of the international airport in 2010.

Provincial Planning and Development coordinator (PPDC), Lawyer John Titus Vistal, gave an update on the project during the weekly radio program, Governor Reports, Friday.

Panglao, as one of the prime tourism destination in Bohol where resorts proliferate, the municipality direly needs an efficient water distribution network that the PPDO considers a capital-forming project, Vistal said.

Its comprehensive project profile stated that the effective and functional water distribution system will support the municipality’s tourism development and socio-economic growth; can complement and adopt with any bulk water source arrangement in the municipality; expand capacity and coverage of existing waterworks system; provide sustainable, safe and accessible water to residents and tourists to promote good health; enhance physical and infrastructure facilities in the municipality to attract investments and economic activities; and increase revenue of the municipality from its waterworks system operation.

As support, the Municipal Engineer’s Office or the Municipal Waterworks System, the Provincial Engineer’s Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways have been proposed to closely coordinate with the Bohol Integrated Water Resource Management Team (BIWRMT), Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO), and the DENR for the planning, design, and public consultation and network analysis.

Then, the MEO/MWS, PEO, and the DPWH takes charge of the construction and implementation; while the LGU-Panglao shall handle the operation and maintenance of the waterworks system and its water distribution system.

He explained that the municipality has an existing water distribution network but it needs improvement to be efficient- -upgrading of pipes and expansion of coverage areas.

This is to accommodate high-density development and future mega-projects in the municipality of Panglao, which on same ground Governor Erico Aumentado and First District Representative Edgar Chatto had earlier extended assistance for Dauis, Vistal added.

LGU-Panglao had prepared a proposed piping network in the past, but it would traverse the airport lot, a violation of the Infrastructure and Building Code which prohibits any installation of piping or anything underground that would traverse any permanent infrastructure, Vistal explained.

On this, Aumentado instructed the PPDO to extend technical assistance to the local government unit of (LGU) of Panglao in developing a water distribution plan that would modify the one previously prepared.

In the proposed water distribution plan that PPDO prepared, the modification includes rerouting the piping network away from the entire airport lot.

“This is not just about the 2.5-kilometer airport lot covered in phase 1 of the project. It’s the entire 3.8-kilometer airport lot which includes the expansion of the airport into a complex international airport. Ang tumoy ini naa sa Lourdes ang pikas tumoy naa sa danao. Ang piping network nilikay aning area sa airport. Although naay murag gitawag og take off point or starting point nga gibutang duol sa area where the terminal building is expected to be located aron inig sugod og construct sa terminal building dili maglisod ang contractor pagkuha og tubig for construction purposes (One end is in barangay Lourdes and the other in the Danao. The piping network is veered away from these areas of the airport, though a sort of take off point or starting point is proposed to be in place where the terminal building is expected to be located so that when construction of the terminal building starts, the contractor won’t have a hard time accessing to water supply for construction purposes),” Vistal explained.

Though the proposed water distribution plan is still to be presented to the Provincial Development Council (PDC) for approval, during its executive meeting next week, there had already been a number of service providers who expressed interest on implementing it.

So far, the LGU-Panglao has not decided yet whose offer to accept.

Aumentado and Chatto set a meeting and public hearing on September 5, with the mayor, vice-mayor and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members of Panglao, and stakeholders, where they can present the proposed water distribution plan that PPDO drafted.

Then, it will be up to the LGU-Panglao who among the interested service providers to choose and deal with for its implementation. The province, through the PPDO, only helps prepare or design the piping network based on the road map, that the chosen service provider can use as basis in drafting a more detailed technical plan.

With the water distribution plan already prepared, as sub-project of the Improvement and Upgrading of the Panglao Water Distribution Network project, the service provider that LGU-Panglao would choose can proceed immediately to the preparation of a detailed technical plan.

This way, the provincial government helps the municipal government “address, not just the domestic water needs of Panglao, but also the industrial water needs in the town, since eco-tourism- -of which Panglao is known of- -is also an industry to consider,” Vistal explained.

“The project would also directly support the improvement of road network of the municipality, improving the utility of road setbacks and accessibility to residential and commercial establishments. Likewise, this will definitely facilitate the development of housing facilities in the locality,” he added.

Sanitation (WatSan) Management, since “a good management of water supply in tandem with an appropriate sewerage and/or sanitation system will ultimately redound to the promotion of healthy environment for residents and visitors of the municipality” according to Vistal.

He also said Engr. Nilo Arcaya, chair of the BIWRMT who is from Panglao, had helped a lot in data gathering during the preparation of the piping network draft.

The upgrading of the waterworks system in Panglao also supports the implementation of the Bohol Integrated Water Supply Master Plan (BIWSMP) “formulated to set the overall development of the water supply in the entire province,” according to Vistal.

WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN

Vistal also announced that, as instructed by the governor, the province is now applying for water rights with the National Water Resources Bureau (NWRB) on the seven major watersheds in Bohol that the BIWSMP covers.

The water rights will give the province or the municipality an edge in negotiating for better terms with private developers.

The BIWSMP was “crafted through a multi-stakeholder process where non-government organizations (NGOs), LGUs, and the academe were represented”, Vistal said.

Technical experts designed the master plan under the Local Governance Development Program LGDP) funded by AusAid with the assistance of Woodfields Consultants Inc., he said.

BIWSSMP involves the plan to develop the seven major rivers and watersheds here to address the province’s water supply needs.

“In Bohol, we have many sources of ground and surface water. The problem is its network. We fall short in terms of infrastructure. Generally, our municipal water systems have limited distribution network. Usually, the water supply only reaches the Poblacion areas. So the master plan has been developed for water supply to reach far-flung barangays,” Vistal said.

He said it is hard to implement the master plan all at once because it entails a huge budget to install a water distribution network in the entire province. But it will serve as a good guide in the development of the water distribution network for each major watershed.

One is the Upper Abatan River which is being considered to be tapped for Tagbilaran, Dauis, Panglao and the nearby areas, he said.

“But, again the source for the municipality of Panglao will have to be decided upon by the LGU itself. We keep our hands off in choosing the service provider, because that is entirely their prerogative. We only get involved in providing technical assistance in drafting the pipeline network that the service provider can use as reference for the detailed technical plan,” Vistal said.

As the governor had already mentioned some service providers who expressed interest on the project, Vistal said he hoped that in the future the government can tap some of them to develop water systems for the other areas in Bohol.

The PPDO head also said that first district is already a bit advanced in terms of water distribution system, at least as far as the capital city is concerned, but in other districts, water system lag behind. It is on this aspect that the water supply system master plan will serve as guide.

DEAD POLITICS

Early this week and several days thereafter, the topic on visiting wakes and burials came into the main menu in the local airlanes with heavy political undertones.

Politicians accused one another of using the dead in politicking. To be specific, Vice Mayor Toto Veloso twitted Mayor Dan Lim for the latter’s announcement that taking cue from the advise of Makati City Mayor Jojo Binay on the advantage of going to wakes and burials, he would also be visiting wakes from now on.

Veloso said Lim’s statement clearly manifested that the city mayor is politicking. The city vice-mayor said he had been visiting wakes and going to burials even before he was elected.

* * * * * * *

The city mayor retorted back that while he is known for not going to wakes and burials, he would go to wakes during daytime when only the immediate family members are around.

Lim declared that this will be an exact opposite to Veloso’s style of going to wakes during night time when there are a lot of people around who join the vigil or ask how many voters are there in the bereaved family.

True to form, Lim also committed to provide canopies, chairs and snacks during burials aside from providing caskets if necessary. Let’s see if this dead politics works.

* * * * * * *

ADVISORY. The HNU College of Law will be marking its Law Days starting this Friday morning with “The Great Debate” on the proposition of exempting oil products from the expanded value-added tax (EVAT) to be held at the university gym. This will be followed by an oratorical contest.

In the afternoon, RTC Judge Gabriel Ingles of Cebu City will be the lecturer during the Dean Mumar Memorial Lecture at the audio-visual hall. The honoring of new lawyers in the evening will be held at the MetroCenter Hotel with Atty. Mercedita Acosta of the Public Attorney’s Office as the guest of honor.

The Law Days will be capped with a sportsfest on Saturday morning at the university gym to be participated in by the law students and faculty members led by Dean Tomas D. Abapo Jr.

* * * * * * * *

SP UPDATES. Although published elsewhere in this issue are the three major pieces of legislation passed by the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod last Friday, we shall enumerate them again so you won’t miss.

The minority bloc tried but failed to stop the passage of these legislations by voting against our motion to consider them as special orders of the day (SOD) as per the official letter sent by Mayor Dan Lim.

These are the Proposed Resolution No. 65-08 authorizing the city mayor to negotiate and apply for a loan of P450 million with the Development Bank of the Philippines, Proposed Resolution No. 71-08 ratifying the loan agreement between DBP and the city government in the amount of P8 million for the re-fleeting program and the ordinance providing for Supplemental Budget No. 3 in the amount of more than P22 million for the re-fleeting program, the rice subsidy for city hall officials and employees and the marriage milestones.

"CHA CHA" SHOULD WAIT AFTER 2010

Senate Resolution (SR 10) converting the country into 11 Federal States with a Federal Government in Manila - earlier signed by 14 believer-senators- and sponsored by LGU guru senator Nene Pimentel is a good piece of legislative work.

The pro-Pimentel Bill senators crossed party voting lines then: Angara,Lacson, Estrada, Biazon, Pia Cayetano, senate president Villar,Enrile, Escudero, Pangilinan, Honasan, Aquino, Zubiri and Revilla, seeking a Constituent Assembly to approve that measure.

Among other positive karma it supposedly brings, the Federal system defrocks Imperial Manila and transfers some of the state powers (including taxation) to the independent 11 Federal States. Aside from their own states source of revenues, the 11 States will automatically get 30% of the national Internal Revenue Allocation. Another item is the automatic allocation of 40% of the total state revenues to the "health maintenance" of the individual state citizens.

Senate SR 10 appeared like an improved version of the Local Government Autonomy Code. It seemed like a sweet smelling deal.

However, recall that SR 10 never wanted: (a) a sovereign Bangsamoro Federal state (b) term extension of the president and (c) shift to parliamentary form of government. Look what's happening now?

The sly Palace operators, however, sensing some unanimity in the Senate numbers, tried to
smuggle an initialed Memo of Agreement (MOA) creating a controversial BJE (Bangsamoro Juridical Entity) - for signing in Malaysia to please an increasingly arrogant MILF, who cocked a .45 caliber revolver to the brain of the Republic of the Philippines - to sign it up or else. They thought it would pass quietly as a preliminary implementation of the Federal System.

Now the court jesters of the Palace housed in the Lower House (how apt for the clowns) wanted reportedly an extension of the President's term beyond 2010 or shifting into a Parliamentary system of Government, wherein a disqualified ex-president (under the presidential system) like GMA can run for a Parliament and once again (!) run the country as Prime Minister.

The sinister route would have reportedly been to use the enabling law (through a plebiscite) for the BJE initiative to clandestinely insert other Charter changes (Cha-Cha) like the above.

This is where the senators went ballistic over the opportunistic machination of the Palace Rasputins and many of the then supporters are withdrawing their signatures from the Resolution (it is a mere resolution not a bill). And the howl over another Palace vaudeville across the nation is deafening.

Most people just wouldn't do the cha-cha - preferring the reggae, tango, pachata and swing among the Latin dances. Figuratively, we figure.

Like the BJE initiative, the main beef against it is what the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) termed a lack of "consultation and communal discernment" which can indeed lead to further polarization and division of the nation.

For one, Boholano former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva wrote in his Federalism Primer :there are three kinds of Federal systems: cooperative, competitive and coercive. Have we even began to consider the differences among the terms?

It was when the president GMA expressed mild obsession over the BJE and Federalism that every one turned paranoid that a hidden agenda is lurking behind the shadows of the Pasig River. This is what happens when a president has a (-50%) acceptance rating and where 9 out of 10 Filipinos believed their president will tell lies during her SONA.

No matter how she tries, everything GMA touches seem to turn to ashes - a King Midas in reverse.

Now, there are three ways to do the Cha-cha: (1) Constituent Assembly (2) Constitutional Convention and (3) People’s Initiative.

But there is only one way to unite the nation and rally behind the changes to be embodied in the Philippine Constitution: via the Constitutional Convention. What about the two others?

To do the Constituent Assembly, is to ask people whether they want the blood bank to be watched by Count Dracula. Recent history had shown that especially for some disgustingly spineless and utterly mercenary members of the Lower House, they will always vote on what will perpetuate the interest of the Dispenser of the Purse - rather than the well being of the nation. Whatever they will ram through though - this nation will not accept any more.

To do the People's Initiative is to leave the judgment of this nation in the hands of local officials beholden to the Dispenser of the Purse and will make the dead vote, the absent present and miscount the votes. They will also ask inane questions like: Do you want to go to Heaven? Faulty as the results of a rigged People's Initiative would be - do you think the nation at large will rally behind such nonsense?

At this tipping point where government credibility is shot - the best route is through the election of members of the Constitutional Convention (after 2010) just people who will move for amendments to the charter including Federalism. Doing such during this term of an incumbent (GMA) who is stained by Garci charges and poll manipulation will give birth to "elected" Con-Con delegates whose mandate shall be suspect.

Would a disenfranchised nation rally behind these fraudulently elected Con-Con delegates and respect their proposed changes to the Philippine Constitution? It would have been better if we had stayed the course of the presidential system.

The newly elected government of 2010 should call for the election of the Con-Con delegates immediately and encourage a full six months national debate on the merits and demerits of the Federal System.

Only then - and not before that - will we have a new Constitution that reflects the true will of the people - a veritable product of "consultation and communal discernment." Shalom!

Pulso off air due to city hall pressures

The report that the multi-awarded radio program “Pulso” ended its broadcast last Friday generated an outpouring of encouragement and moral support from radio listeners.

“Pulso” is heard over dyRD-AM from 9 to 10 in the morning Monday to Friday, and also in the Internet by logging on to http://www.dyrdam.com/.

Anchorman Kagawad Roberto “Batchoy” Alba together with co-anchor university professor Fred Ticong lamented the alleged harassment directed against the program’s sponsors, initiated by the Office of the City Mayor, to silence their no-holds-barred commentaries of the city’s actual situation under the administration of City Mayor Dan Lim.

“This is a clear curtailment of press freedom and the right of the people to freely express their grievances to government,” Alba said.

In just a matter of one day, four of the program sponsors pulled out, allegedly through pressure from the Office of the City Mayor. The establishments had no choice but to withdraw their sponsorship or face possible revocation of their Mayor’s Permit.

LIM DENIES, OFFERS TO
SUPPORT PROGRAM

Mayor Lim vehemently denied pressuring the sponsors of the radio program.

During his weekly “Mayor’s Report” over dyRD yesterday, Lim instead offered to pay the airtime of Pulso, if only to prove that he was not behind the termination of contracts of its advertisers.

“I will pay its airtime, and will even do advance payment in order for Pulso to remain on the airlanes,” the mayor categorically stated. He said that even if he will be paying the airtime of the radio program, he won’t mind if Alba will continue his tirade against his administration.

The mayor, usually picks up the issues aired in Pulso which would criticize his administration. In fact, Alba said it is almost every week the city mayor will attack him whenever his program would air criticisms against Lim’s administration,

Asked why he always hit the mayor in the program, Alba said the program is actually not against the mayor. In fact it is helping him to identify the problems in the city that must be acted upon by city hall. All are constructive and objective commentaries, he said.

“All issues affecting city hall are broadcast in good intentions. However, it is unfortunate that the city mayor gives it a different interpretation,” the anchorman clarified.

LAST BROADCAST

Pulso, which is one of the top rated commentary/public affairs programs of dyRD, made its last broadcast last Friday.

Alba said that his radio program which is his vehicle of a personal advocacy for clean governance has to temporarily stop due to unpaid months of broadcast. Alba told dyRD management that his inability to pay is due to the withdrawal of his supposedly loyal sponsors who were pressured by city hall to terminate their broadcast contracts with the block-time program.

Pulso recently emerged No. 1 in listenership in the “Internet radio” here and abroad. The radio program was also recognized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii, USA last May for its “role in linking the Boholanos worldwide.” The program was also awarded by the Bohol Tri-Media Association in 2006 for its contribution in the service of the Boholano community.

Pulso earned the respect of listeners, including former OIC Gov. Victor de la Serna and other citizens of the community, as avenue to discuss issues where government failed, in matters of public concern.

City DepEd refutes lot ownership claim

The Tagbilaran City Schools Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is now challenging claims by City Mayor Dan Lim that the city government still owns the lot where they are eyeing to transfer its offices.
Documents showing that a 1.3 hectare lot that is partly occupied by the Tagbilaran City Science High School was indeed donated to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (now DepEd) on November 6, 1998.

The deed of donation was executed between then City Mayor Jose Torralba and Bohol Schools Division Superintendent Cerina Bolos and City Schools District Supervisor Conchita Pizarras.

The said documents which were provided to the Chronicle, included two resolutions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) providing for the said lot donation.

One of the said resolutiona which was adopted by the 4th Sangguniang Panlungsod, Resolution 90-44, authorized the city mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with DepEd for the said lot donation.

An examination of the said resolution, which was adopted on March 12, 1990, however shows that the donation to be executed between the city and the DepEd was “conditional” in nature.

The condition for the donation was that the lot will have to be reverted back to the ownership of the city government when the DepEd “will no longer use the same”.

The second resolution No. 95-06, adopted by the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod on January 16,
1995, allowed the DepEd “to use indefinitely the conditional donation of the city government lot as the site for the city science high school.

Last week, Lim declared that the City DepEd will not be allowed to transfer to the City Science High School as he is planning to build additional classrooms in area.

The mayor said the DepEd has no right to transfer in the lot since it is still owned by the city.

Lim had given the DepEd 60 days to vacate their offices at the old city hall building following a dispute with City Schools Superintendent Norma Varquez on some policies, specifically the hiring of teachers.

In yesterday’s Mayor’s Report, Lim advised that if the DepEd want to transfer, they could do so at the City Central Elementary School or the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School.

RECONCILIATION

Efforts to reconcile the mayor and the city schools head could bog down with this reaction from the DepEd.

Kag. Danilo Bantugan, chair of the Sanggunian committee on education, however told the Chronicle that he finds both parties willing to patch-up their differences.

He said, the disagreement between Lim and Varquez “is just a matter of differences in policy and management.”

Bantugan said he is working on avenues to initiate talks with the schools division head that could lead to positive development.
(KIT BAGAIPO)

Choco Hills sinks to 10

For over three months, our very own Chocolate Hills have stayed in the top five nominated sites on the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Chocolate Hills’ climb into the top 10 came even after it was de-listed from the online voting five months ago as no official support committee backed its nomination into the search.

The de-listing could have eliminated the Chocolate Hills if not for private groups here and Boholanos now based in the United States who have worked for its reinstatement as an official nominee.

Coming back into the rankings, the Chocolate Hills went up to as high as the 4th place behind another Philippine natural site, the Tubattaha Reef.

As of yesterday’s online rankings on the New 7 Wonders (N7W) of Nature website, the Chocolate Hills has slipped down to No. 10, still behind Tubattaha Reef at No. 9.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River followed at No. 11 while the fourth Philippine nominated site, Mayon Volcano hangs at the 20th spot.

Online voting for the nominated sites will be until December 31, 2008. Afterwhich, those ranked within the top 70 will be shortlisted to only 21 finalists.

A board of judges will choose the New 7 Wonders of Nature from the 21 finalists which they will proclaim as winners.
(KIT BAGAIPO)

P450M city loan

City lawmakers on Friday granted an authority for Mayor Dan Lim to proceed with negotiations for a P450 million loan to finance three major infrastructure projects.
The approval came not without objections as Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso and three councilors in the minority bloc maintain reservations on such loan application.
Majority of the lawmakers however pushed for the granting of the authorization together with two other measures requested by the mayor to be taken up during the SP regular session on Friday as special order of the day.
The approval of the authorization, under Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Resolution No. 65-08, was opposed by Veloso and Kagawads Anne Mariquit Oppus, Zenaido Rama and Bebiano Inting.
The vice mayor and three councilors wanted the loan authorization be deferred for further deliberations of the SP constituted as a committee of the whole, together with the two other measures.
In his letter to the SP last Wednesday, Lim modified his previous request for authority to negotiate a loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in the amount of P500 million to P1 billion. The loan to be entered into by the city government will now be P450 million instead.
The mayor earlier retracted the prior request citing that it was used for grandstanding by his political opponents in the guise of scrutinizing the loan.
The P450 million will be used to finance the planned Centralized Water Treatment Facility, Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility and road concreting projects.
In the same letter of the mayor, the SP was likewise requested to approve Supplemental Budget No. 3 in the amount of P22.2 million and the ratification of an P8 million loan with DBP for the re-fleeting of city government vehicles.
TYRANNY OF NUMBERS
No amount of objections coming from the SP’s minority bloc could stop the majority of councilors allied with Lim from approving the three requests of the mayor.
Kagawads Oscar Glovasa and Danilo Bantugan argued during the session that there was no time to waste in deferring the approval of the loan authorization, the supplemental budget and the ratification of the P8 million loan terms and conditions.
Kagawads Oppus, Rama, Inting and Lucio Balbin manifested their intent to refer the mayor’s requests to the SP committee as a whole but were out-voted.
There were objections raised on the supplemental fund and the details of its utilization.
When the three measures were presented for approval, Balbin voted with the majority.
‘WORKING ALLIANCE’
Bantugan explained that the three measures had already been deliberated upon during meetings with majority lawmakers.
He said this was done in consultation with the mayor who is only asking for an authority in connection with the loan application.
“We have a working alliance of city councilors who want to reach a consensus through consultations and discussions together with the mayor,” Bantugan said.
The 450 million loan is still subject for negotiation and the review of the bank.
Meanwhile, Glovasa pointed out that the supplemental fund requested was to be used largely for rice subsidy of city government employees.
He said the rice subsidy is authorized by a presidential order as long as this is sourced out of savings from maintenance and operating expenses of a local government unit.
Glovasa cited savings coming from the different offices of the city government which justifies the subsidy coming from the supplemental budget.
“We are now in the implementation phase of the integrated solid waste management facility, the waste water treatment plant and the road concreting project,” Glovasa added since the projects were already approved by the SP and the City Development Council.
“DEV’T CANNOT WAIT”
Expressing his annoyance of the efforts of the SP minority bloc to delay his requests, Lim yesterday said the development of Tagbilaran cannot wait.
The mayor said he is wondering why Veloso is making a big fuss over his requests for an authority to negotiate with the DBP.
Veloso, who admitted that he called the bank for some inquiries, said he is surprised why the mayor would resent that when all he wants is transparency.
“Just because I sought for authority to negotiate with the bank does not mean I will use all of it,” the mayor said.
The mayor said he does not like the manner Veloso is treating the request.
Lim pointed out that while his political opponents are criticizing him for the drainage and solid waste disposal problems and deteriorating road conditions, they also do not want him to solve these problems.
Veloso earlier denied he was grandstanding saying he only wants transparency.
Lim said he was not surprised with the vice-mayor’s denial.
“What did you expect? Of course he will deny that he is grandstanding. Perhaps he will admit that he is the author of the resolutions creating the Blue Card, Botika sa Katawhan and senior citizens benefits. But he will not admit that he is grandstanding,” the mayor said sarcastically.
(KIT BAGAIPO)

FACTS ABOUT HOTEL KEY CARDS

Hermes Quijada, sent us a forwarded e-mail on certain facts about hotel key cards which might be of help to our readers. Read on.

“Ever wonder what is on your magnetic key card? Answer: customer's name, customer's partial home address, hotel room number, check-in date and out dates and customer's credit card number and expiration date

When you turn them in to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner. An employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.

Simply put, hotels do not erase the information on these cards until an employee re-issues the card to the next hotel guest. At that time, the new guest's information is electronically 'overwritten' on the card and the previous guest's information is erased in the overwriting process.

But until the card is rewritten for the next guest, it usually is kept in a drawer at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT!

The bottom line is: Keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them. NEVER leave them behind in the room or room wastebasket, and NEVER turn them into the front desk when you check out of a room. They will not charge you for the card (it's illegal) and you'll be sure you are not leaving a lot of valuable personal information on it that could be easily lifted off with any simple scanning device card reader.

For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in an airport trash basket. Take it home and destroy it by cutting it up, especially through the electronic information strip!

If you have a small magnet, pass it across the magnetic strip several times. Then try it in the door, it will not work. It erases everything on the card.”

OF LIES AND LACK OF "ZIPPER CONTROL"

When God decreed "Go thou therefore, multiply and cover the earth" - he armed men (especially the male specie) with the faculty necessary to obey His decree. A just God, after all, issues not a law that man is not equipped to follow.

Thus the strong sexual urge was implanted. Some men were born (at birth) with the urge to touch the nurse before the bottle; others developed the lack of "zipper control" as they blossomed into puberty.

Now one adjunct that makes this primal necessity compelling is "power." One wit once said that "power is the best aphrodisiac" - the bearer feels invulnerable and seductive, the female (usually) gets attracted to the sense of power and imbibes pride in it as if by osmosis by having a relationship.

We have heard of kings and emperors siring hundreds of children at their heart's content. We also have no lack of modern-equivalents.

The latest tragic character is popular North Carolina Senator John Edwards, one of the then three leading Democratic presidential candidates behind Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
The 55-year-old former successful trial lawyer is good enough to be a Hollywood actor described by the Associated Press as "armed with the practiced charm of a court room warrior and a smile bright enough to blind the camera's eye."

He dropped off the presidential race in January and helped Obama win by endorsing him over Hillary. John was a sure-fire candidate for a prime Cabinet position under an Obama presidency.
Now - no longer.

Now after dodging the issue for a year, Edwards finally admitted (due to preponderance of evidence) that he had an affair with film-maker Rielle Hunter who made some of his documentaries. There are talks that the 5-month old Hunter's daughter is Edward's son. The senator's wife is reportedly fighting off a debilitating disease - increasing the melodrama.

Senator Edwards abruptly lost the support of his followers and the Cabinet position (as a
consequence) because as they said:" You can't lie in politics and still have the people's confidence."

Leaders having sexual affairs in America is commonplace but lying is never accepted as a public norm. It is very instructive.

Recall that President Richard Nixon was impeached not necessarily because he illegally tapped the headquarters of the Democrats (said "Deep Throat") but because he used the power of his office to hide the truth. It is the dishonesty part that rankles the psyche of Americans.

Notice further that playboy-president Bill Clinton owned up to his "Oral" Office affair with Monica Lewinsky and apologized to wife Hillary for his private transgression. The American public had forgiven him. Even John "Camelot" Kennedy who had alleged sexual exploits with many including the Great Temptress - actress Marilyn Monro is still one of the most famous American presidents ever.

If the Americans pretend to have amnesia when considering the sexual offenses of their leaders - more so the Filipinos.

The early Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, the Mestizo, was an inveterate womanizer, his good looks and oratory - a lethal combination. President Ferdinand Marcos had his tape-recorded dalliances with a CIA Hollywood B-actress called Dovie Beams. Plus, among other stars and starlets, a reported romance with a leggy creamy-skinned singer (a'la Imelda) and an international beauty queen.

But in 1986, the Filipinos did not oust him because of his sexual excesses but because he lied on his mandate by stealing the elections from the widow Cory Aquino and plundered the nation.
Fidel V Ramos (FVR) won the presidency despite his publicized romance with a fair Makati socialite who allegedly bore him a son who studied Economics in London.

Top on the list, of course, is Joseph Estrada who had a bevy of girl-relations (with kids) who were flaunted like part of his bio-data, yet he won the presidency with the biggest majority vote in Philippine recorded election history. He was ousted by money issues of alleged plunder and corruption.

Even, the late Fernando Poe Jr., who almost made it to the presidency, if not for some Mindanao "magic" - had his share of women stars and starlets with at least one alleged child out of wedlock.

People accept this "lack of zipper control" among their leaders for it has almost become a part of the counter-culture of the country dating back from the Spanish times.

Then - the rich and powerful had mistresses among the Indios, the married soldiers cavorting with local lasses and my goodness, even friars and bishops had their indiscretions that echoed through the communities like the pealing of church bells. The same happened when the Japanese invaders occupied the land - to the victors belong the booty, including the women.

In today's governance, however, a somewhat ticklish issue revolves around the public official who holds a mistress or two or three, as the case may be.

Paid a pittance officially and disallowed to go into private business as a public official, the government functionary who is known to hold a harem through girls housed in a condo or apartment in every relevant port in the country or goes wild on a spending orgy in social clubs, bars and discos - are always suspect.

Suspect as in having used the people's money - through direct assault on the treasury (false expense claims) or through kickbacks generated. Per the World Bank that "tongpats" is at least P88 billion a year; Senator Edgardo Angara had a kinder estimate of P24 billion, many years back.

Now that is not just sexual mania, that is partial kleptocracy.

That is no longer just lack of "zipper control" but dipping one's dirty fingers into the cookie jar.

Public info led to suspects' arrest

Alert operatives of the city PNP cornered last Sunday no less than four robbery suspects in two separate incidents.
SPO4 Adriano Bacus, chief of the theft and robbery section told the Chronicle that the arrests came after highly placed information reached the police regarding the presence of the rob suspects.

The first tip relayed to the police led to the arrest of Joel A Manlabao, alias Coco, the suspect in the holdup at the K of C driveway. The suspect was nabbed after a brief chase by police operatives at the shorelines near JJs Seafood Village last Sunday. The citizen's info said that the suspect was in a drinking spree in a store along Gallares Street, this city.

Recovered from Manlabao was a .22 caliber revolver.

Later in the day, police operatives likewise arrested three robbery suspects who were seen inside Angel's Basket, a 24-hour convenient store near the city port.

A concerned citizen tipped the police on the presence of suspicious looking persons who entered the store.

Alert operatives rushed to the scene and arrested the suspects identified as Sandro Perocho, 25, Henry Calihat, 37 and Julius Macina, 26, from Panglao town. A .357 paltik revolver was recovered from Perocho while knives were confiscated from Pacina and Calihat, Police said Calihat is on bail involving robbery victimizing a foreign national.

The four rob suspects are now locked at the city jail.

Veloso denies grandstanding

City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso yesterday denied allegations of grandstanding in raising queries regarding the plan of the city government to avail of a P500 million to P1 billion loan with the Develop-ment Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The statement surfaced after City Mayor Dan Lim, in his letter dated August 5, 2008, stated that "I have no intention of allowing it to be used for political grandstanding by those who want to benefit from it at the expense of the city's development."

Veloso admitted he called the bank only after receiving the letter of City Mayor Dan Lim withdrawing his earlier intentions to get the authority from the Sangguniang Panlungsod regarding the move to avail of a loan.

The mayor's letter triggered him to inquire from the bank even as he scheduled the matter for discussion by the lawmakers during their next regular session."Is there something wrong if I call the bank for inquiry?" Veloso stressed.

In fact, Veloso stressed that the mayor has to clarify his "real intention" since in his second letter dated August 5, 2008, he stated that he was "merely asking for a confirmation of that previous authority out of respect for this august body."

Veloso explained that it could not just be a confirmation of the previous authority because what the 9th Sanggunian approved was for the P630 million loan originally intended for the New Growth Center which the mayor himself has amended.

The vice mayor said that since the new loan to be availed was for another purpose which was for land acquisition for the centralized waste water treatment facility and the integrated solid waste management facility, then the city SP has to sit down again to discuss the matter.


"It won't just be a mere confirmation of the previous authority," he explained.

The purpose of the bigger loan brings the reason why further discussion was necessary before giving the authority to the mayor especially that the loan would allow the city government for a credit line up to P1 billion.

With such huge amount, it becomes necessary to discuss the details of the loan, the vice mayor emphasized.

However, he was told by the local DBP, that the Cebu regional office will not give the details of the loan upon instructions from City Budget Officer Rose Palma.

He likewise reacted on comments of Mayor Lim stating that the vice mayor is fond of questioning while on popular undertakings, he (Veloso) simply takes a ride.

He took exception on this comment saying he is not focused on grabbing credits on his programs and advocacies. In fact, he did not make any publicity that he sponsored the ordinance of the "Botika sa Katawhan" which is now one of the flagship projects of Lim.

He likewise sponsored the ordinance of the Blue Card medical program which started during the term of then Vice Mayor Jaz Montes where he served as chairman of the SP committee on health.

"If I was fond of grandstanding, then I could have trumpeted this long before," he said.

TRANSPARENCY?

Vice Mayor Veloso asked why the mayor always gets irk whenever questions are raised for clarifications.

"If all intentions are for the good of the city, then why will it generate irritation whenever we inquire facts on matters affecting the city governance," Veloso stressed.

He again questioned Lim's policy of letting department heads ask permission first from the mayor's office whenever the lawmakers would wish to invite them for clarifications and queries.

"Does the city law-making body do not have the right to invite department heads to shed light on certain matters which needs clarification?" he asked while citing the repeated pledge of Mayor Lim on transparency in governance.

Veloso reminded the mayor that he will loose nothing if he will allow the SP to inquire on matters since it is only through a "well informed law- making body that objectives of programs can be properly appreciated."