COA to City Hall: Review aid to brgys

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Commission on Audit (COA) wants the Iloilo City government to review its financial aid to all 180 barangays in the metropolis.

This after the COA observed that the P18.345-million financial assistance granted to barangay officials from 2006-2008 have no legal basis.

Based on the COA annual audit report on Iloilo City’s finances, each of the 180 barangay captains received P4,000 and P3,000 each for other barangay officials from City Hall.

The audit body also noted that the barangays receiving the assistance from City Hall exceeded the personal services limitation provided by Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code and Department of Budget and Management circulars.

RA 7160 stipulates that allocations for personal services (salaries and benefits of public officials) must not exceed 45% of the total annual income of first to third class local government units (LGUs).

LGUs classified as fourth or lower class have a PS ceiling of 55% of the total annual income from regular sources.

Thus COA issued an audit observation memorandum requiring the City Government to explain the legal basis of the grant to barangay officials.

The City Legal and Treasurer Offices cited provisions of RA 7160 allowing provincial, city and municipal governments to provide at least P1,000 financial aid to barangays.

The City Hall also said that only the general fund is subject to PS limitations and the barangays did not allocate the assistance in their respective budgets.

The assistance was also given directly to barangays, not barangay officials, City Hall officials said.

But the COA said the City Government should observe the PS limitations set by the law. The audit body also advised that the barangays should enter the assistance in their books as income and allocate the money through appropriation ordinances.

The COA also noted that newly-elected officials enjoyed the assistance in December 2007 a month after they assumed office.

Residents of 5 brgys must be saved from landslides

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

RESIDENTS of five villages in San Remigio, Antique must be relocated least they will be buried alive in a landslide.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued the recommendation following the occurrences of cracks and landslides in the said area.

In a report, the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said Brgys. Panpanan I, Panpanan II, Sumaray, Walker, and Insubuan are considered landslide prone areas.

The MGB evaluated the villages upon request of San Remigio Mayor Elizabeth C. Coloso.

Residents in the said barangays observed mass movements (cracks and landslides) and artificial damming at the headwaters of Maninila River after a landslide.

Landslides had occurred in the area in September to early October at the headwaters of Maninila River. The landslide was 70 meters long with about 7,000 cubic meters of debris deposited at the narrow river channel below, creating an artificial dam.  

“The rain water was accumulated by the artificial dam upstream and when the artificial dam broke up the accumulated debris flowed downstream and although it did not cause flooding, water had subsided within the severely weathered rocks. This action had softened the rocks and caused a mass movement,” the MGB said.

The MGB recommended that residents and structures such as elementary schools and houses at Panpanan I and Sitio Libudon in Insubuan must be relocated to areas with flat to gently slopin terrain.

Residents must also avoid relocating near creeks, rivers and mountain foot slopes.

“These residents and structures, if not relocated, are facing real danger of landslides,” the DENR-MGB report said.

MGB geologists also advised communities along Maninila, Sibalom, Tipulu-an Rivers and other large creeks to be wary of the situation and prepare for evacuation during heavy rains or storms.

“The local officials of San Remigio must conduct continuous disaster preparedness training for barangay officials and residents to avoid victims of landslides in the future,” the agency said.

Brgy. Panpanan I and surrounding villages have rugged and mountainous topography with a steep slope angle, almost vertical to the headwaters of the Maninila River. The river is also the headwaters of other rivers and large creeks with waterfalls within the barangay.

The danger zone is also located 4 kilometers away from the West Panay Fault which is a major cause of earthquakes in Panay Island. If an earthquake occurs, the villages are at risk of disastrous landslides.

“At the time of evaluation, it was observed that there are several large landslides at the headwaters of Maninila River,” the MGB said.

The MGB evaluation also showed that majority of San Remigio town lies on the Antique Ophiolite Complex and late Oligocene and early Miocene bedrock.

This bedrock is composed of basalt with intercalated sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and conglomerate and other stone formation with cracks that could be penetrated by water thereby making it soft and prone to erosion and landslides.

“At the headwaters of Maninila River, the main rock types consist of severely weathered and highly jointed basalt-sandstone, siltstone-mudstone conglomerate called Panpanan Formation that is also prone to erosion,” MGB added.

It was observed that during heavy rains, rainwater and accumulated groundwater seeped through numerous joints/cracks of the severely weathered rocks. These rocks are made up of broken fragments, cemented particles of sand, silt, mud and loose soil.

“The presence of large volume of water separates these rocks/soil into its individual particles or fragments that makes it highly susceptible to mass movement. A mass of broken rocks and soil oversaturated with water located at the steep slopes will just naturally move or flow downward causing landslides.”

MGB Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said these conditions pose danger to communities below the mountain slopes, thus the local government should act at the earliest possible time. 

Juguan said residents of the five barangays must monitor their areas and immediately report ground movements to the MGB-DENR.

DENR Regional Director Benjamin T. Tumaliuan urged provincial and municipal government officials to review the geo-hazard maps provided by the MGB-DENR for inclusion in their disaster preparedness plans.

“The experience of flooding and landslides in Quezon and Leyte were the awakeners for all of us and it would be futile to blame any agency in case of disaster because of our unconcerned attitude to the havocs of nature,” Tumaliuan said.

Jamora to unveil political plans on Friday the 13th

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

WHO’S afraid of Friday the 13^th?

Not Presidential Adviser on Water Lorenzo “Larry” H. Jamora who will formally launch his candidacy for Iloilo City mayor on the date usually associated to bad luck in this country.

“My announcement will finally clear the air about my intentions for the 2010 elections in Iloilo City. There are some who ask me if I will run for congressman. This announcement will put the issue to rest,” Jamora said.

Jamora said his announcement will also prove that his family is 100% behind his bid as even his 96-year-old mother will be present.

“My intention to run for mayor and serve the city is not just a personal commitment but also a family matter. Our family will be there to prove that they are one with me,” he added.

But Jamora said there will be no surprises when he announces his intention to run for mayor as he will reveal his slate on another date.

He said he is still talking to personalities who want to run as vice mayor, councilor or even congressman.

But Jamora said he has yet to reach an agreement with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas who is running for congressman opposite Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

As regards national politics, Jamora said he is committed to help Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, the presidential bet of Partido Lakas Kampi (PLK), because of their close family and professional ties.

Teodoro is a nephew of beverage tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco whose wife Gretchen is related to the Jamora-Oppen families.

PLK is set to arbitrate if who between Jamora and Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. will be the administration’s mayoral bet in Iloilo City.

But with or without the nomination of a national party, Jamora said will still run for mayor.

“I can even run alone in the city if I want to. If there are people who will join my cause, so be it,” he said.

Jamora vowed to improve tax collection to generate more revenues for the city government. He also mulls to offer incentives to business investors to create more jobs in the metropolis, particularly in the business processes outsourcing sector.  

Jamora was administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System before being assigned as presidential adviser on waters.

CLEAN AIR CAMPAIGN TO DISPLACE TRIKE DRIVERS

But City Hall assures gradual phase-out of 2-stroke tricycles

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

TRICYCLES with two-stroke engines will be gradually phased out from the roads of Iloilo City to avoid displacing drivers and operators, according to a City Hall official.

Noel Z. Hechanova, Iloilo City environment and natural resources officer, said RA 8749 mandates that two-stroke engines should be replaced with four-stroke engines which have cleaner emissions.

The phase-out is in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999.

“The problem with two-engines is its inefficient fuel combustion. These engines burn only 70% of its fuel while the remaining 30% ends up as smoke and particulates which are pollutants. We are inclined to implement the phase-out as the law requires but we are also concerned with the effects of this move on the livelihood of tricycle drivers,” Hechanova said.

Reynaldo Beso, president of the Metro Iloilo City Federation of Tricycle Drivers and Owners Association, said the phase out will affect an estimated 15,000 tricycle drivers and owners of 10,000 tricycle units.

“Some of the operators have yet to pay up for their tricycles. If two-stroke engines are phased out, a lot of us will lose our livelihood,” Beso added.

Hechanova said only 4,000 tricycles are registered with the Iloilo City Hall. He said the ban on two-stroke engines will affect around 24,000 to 30,000 drivers.

Hechanova said they have adopted several measures to help tricycle drivers such as retrofitting of their engines to improve fuel burn efficiency.

“But the prohibitive cost of the retrofitting kit which is P14,000 to P16,000 a piece discouraged the drivers who are still paying for their tricycle mortgage,” he said.

The city government also introduced LPG-run tricycles Mr. Hechanova said the drivers complained that the engine overheats most of the time.

“The most practical method is to retrofit the engines but the cost is still an issue. That’s why we encouraged drivers and owners to form a cooperative, borrow money from Land Bank of the Philippines or other government financial institutions so they can buy the retrofitting kit,” Hechanova added.

Beso said they are mulling to use part of the Road Users’ Tax to either retrofit or acquire 4-stroke engines for their members.

“In the Road Users’ Tax, some 7.5% is allocated for road transport pollution control programs like the current Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (SPVCF) of the Department of Transportation and Communications. We will see if we can use that fund,” Beso said.

Beso said the government could tap the road user’s fund to create a proposed TricyClean fund for the tricycle sector, which also contributes substantially to the fund.

Hechanova said they also plan to attach the phase out program to the Clean Air for Smaller Cities in the Asean Region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and German Federal Agency for Technical Cooperation or GTZ.

He said GTZ is willing to provide technical aid to the tricycle drivers and the city government as regards the phase out of 2-stroke engines.

“It’s up to the tricycle groups to decide on what to do. They have committed during the conference with GTZ that they will police their own ranks and join in the phase out program,” Hechanova said.

Jerry: No verbal tirades vs Junior

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas will not cross swords with lone district Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr. whom he will challenge in the 2010 congressional race in the city.

Treñas refused to react to Gonzalez’s statement questioning the mayor’s motivation to run for the city’s lone congressional seat.

Gonzalez said he was wondering why Treñas attributed his decision to God’s will after a period of deep discernment.

“I have not heard my friend who followed his own path include the name of God in his previous speeches. But now he is invoking God already when he announced his decision to run for congressman,” the congressman said.

Gonzalez also rapped Treñas for being impatient which fragmented their group’s unity. He said the mayor could have waited until he completes his last 3-year term as congressman for the sake of the city’s development.

Treñas said he does not want to directly confront or fire back at Gonzalez as it is not his habit to speak ill of people.

But the mayor showed an image of the Virgin Mary and a rosary tucked behind his table nameplate to prove his religious devotion.

“You don’t hear me speak anything against anybody. I don’t want to engage in such things,” Treñas said.

Treñas decision to run, which he also attributed to popular sentiment, cut his alliance with the Gonzalezes and Partido Lakas Kampi.

The mayor said he will resign from the administration party as he cannot expect to be chosen as its standard bearer under the principle of equity of the incumbent.

Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio said they hope to prevent Treñas from leaving the party despite declaring his intention to run against Gonzalez.

Claudio said in an interview with Bombo Radyo that Treñas and Gonzalez are valuable members of the party.

“As much as possible, we want both of them to stay with Partido Lakas Kampi because they are important personalities in the group. As long as Mayor Treñas has not tendered his resignation from the party, we believe we can make him stay,” Claudio said.

Claudio said PLK is set to decide who between Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Raul Gonzalez Sr. and Presidential Assistant on Waters Lorenzo “Larry” Jamora will be the party’s mayoral bet in the city.

Firearms amnesty extended to Nov 30

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE firearms amnesty program of the PNP has been extended until November 30.

Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director, S/Supt. Melvin Mongcal said the extension began Friday, November 6, following the issuance of the pertinent memorandum order.

The government’s Last and Final General Firearms Amnesty Program aims to recover 1,110,372 loose firearms in the country.

The amnesty took effect July 7, 2009 after President Gloria Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 817 and the extension became effective after Arroyo issued Executive Order 817-A dated October 30 that moved the deadline of the Final General Firearms Amnesty up to November 30.

The extended deadline was brought about by the request of some firearm owners for more time to process their applications, especially in areas badly hit by typhoons.

A total of 52,759 loose guns (unregistered guns and gun with expired permits) are circulating in the region but only 7,788 were accounted via the amnesty.

Mongcal said the ICPO is conducting information drive to let the public know about the amnesty extension.

“They should avail of this last opportunity to register or renew their gun licenses without the penalties and at a minimum registration fee of more or less P1,000,” Mongcal said, adding the ICPO will continue to confiscate illegal firearms as part of the PNP’s “Kontra Boga” drive.

EO 817-A also sought to synchronize the amnesty program to the impending passage of House Bill 6776 (Amendment to Firearms law) which would impose stiffer penalties against illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Over 40,000 guns remain loose in WV

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

OVER 7,000 of the more than 50,000 loose firearms in Western Visayas were accounted or recovered during the national government’s general firearms amnesty which expired last October 31. The amnesty aimed to encourage gun owners to register their firearms and reduce the number of loose guns come the 2010 elections.

Records from the Firearms Security Agencies and Guards Supervision (Fesags) office showed that 7,788 firearms with expired or no license were accounted, a measly 8% of the estimated 52,759 loose guns in the region.

Of the total firearms accounted, 2,359 are unlicensed while 5,426 have expired licenses.

PRO-6 records show that 29,440 firearms have expired licenses while 23,319 unlicensed guns are possessed by individuals and criminal groups.

There have been reports that President Gloria Arroyo extended for another month the gun amnesty program to significantly reduce loose guns in the country.

But the PRO-6 has yet to receive a memorandum order relative to the extension of the amnesty.

C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, PRO-6 director, earlier ordered PNP units in the region to recover one loose gun a week.

Cuevas advised gun owners who want to register their firearms to prepare the needed documents in anticipation of the amnesty extension.

The Geneva-based Graduate Institute of International Studies (GIIS) reported that a total of 1,110,372 loose firearms (small arms and light weapons) are circulating in the Philippines.

The GIIS also said small arms and light weapons are responsible for over half a million deaths each year, including 300,000 in armed conflicts.

Statistics from the PNP national headquarters show that there are 1,110,372 loose firearms all over the country with the biggest concentration of unlicensed firearms estimated at 315,128 in the National Capital Region (NCR), including 263,457 un-renewed licenses.

The second highest number of loose firearms placed at 114,189 is in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where an active rebellion is being waged by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

Region 4A has the third highest number of loose firearms totaling 101,758, followed by Central Luzon, 78,151; Central Mindanao, 62,718; Western Visayas, 52,759; Central Visayas, 52,732; Davao provinces, 49,178; Southwestern Mindanao, 45,974; Caraga Region, 43,960; Eastern Visayas, 43,409; Northern Mindanao, 42,231; Cagayan Valley, 32,326; Bicol Region, 28,587; Ilocos Region, 26,928; Cordillera Region, 11,628; and the lowest in Region 4B (Palawan and Mindoro), 8,779.

Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP chief, said that from 2004 to 2008, 97.7% of gun-related crimes involved loose firearms, making the Philippines 10th in gun homicide rates worldwide.

Gonzalez, Jamora slug it out for Lakas-Kampi nomination

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

PARTIDO Lakas Kampi (PLK) will decide soon if who will be the administration party’s standard bearer in Iloilo City.

House Majority Floor Leader Arthur D. Defensor Sr. said PLK’s arbitration committee will deliberate if who between Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. and Undersecretary Lorenzo “Larry” Jamora will lead the party in the city.

Both Gonzalez and Jamora are eyeing the Iloilo City Mayor’s Office in the 2010 elections.

Gonzalez is a member of Lakas and the coalition party’s vice president for legal affairs while Jamora is identified with the Kapatiran ng Mamayang Pilipino (Kampi), the original political party of President Gloria Arroyo.

Lakas-CMD and Kampi merged last May in preparation for the 2010 national and local elections.

Defensor, who is a member of the arbitration committee, said the principle of equity of the incumbent cannot apply on Iloilo City’s mayoral race since Mayor Jerry Treñas is serving his last three year term.

“The post is open as Mayor Treñas cannot seek reelection anymore. The arbitration committee will settle this matter soon,” Defensor said.

Jamora said he will get Kampi’s endorsement as the party’s mayoral bet in the city.

But Iloilo City Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr. said his father will secure PLK’s nomination for the top post in Iloilo City.

“We respect Mr. Jamora’s belief that he has the backing of Kampi but I believe that Sec. Gonzalez will be the administration’s candidate here in the city,” Rep. Gonzalez said.

Still, Jamora said he can run as independent without the backing of any party.

“With or without the party, I am decided to run for Iloilo City mayor,” he said.

Two days after Treñas declared his intention to run for Iloilo City congressman, reports surfaced that Sec. Gonzalez might run for congressman while his son Rep. Raul Jr. will slide to the mayoral race.

BIG BLOW

Meanwhile, Rep. Defensor said the decision of Mayor Treñas to leave Lakas so he can run for congressman is a big blow to the administration party.

“But I respect Mayor Treñas’ decision. It was a natural recourse for him,” Defensor said.

Defensor said he saw himself in Treñas’ shoes when he first ran for Iloilo governor in 1992 against former Gov. Simplicio Griño.

“I had to leave my old party and join Lakas because Griño enjoyed the equity of the incumbent,” Defensor said.

Defensor said the match between Rep. Gonzalez and Treñas “will be a good and interesting fight.”

LP INVITE

The Liberal Party has invited Treñas to be their group’s congressional bet in Iloilo City.

Former Senator and LP president Franklin M. Drilon said he relayed the invitation to Treñas after the latter decided to run for congress.

Drilon said over Aksyon Radyo that Treñas was non-committal “but he promised to think things over.”

LP held its Visayas-wide convention at Westown Hotel Thursday to choose its delegates to the national convention on November 16.

Among the 80 delegates present in the Visayas convention was Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who is running for city mayor.

JR. TO JERRY: ‘WHY CAN’T YOU WAIT?’

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr. said he was pained by the decision of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas to challenge him in the 2010 congressional race in the city.

Describing Treñas as his “friend who strayed away”, Gonzalez expressed his dismay over the mayor’s decision to tangle against him in 2010 during a press conference Wednesday at Iloilo Grand Hotel.

What was supposed to be a simple media interaction turned into a show of force what with the presence of 144 incumbent punong barangays, 50 ex-punong barangays and 34 barangay kagawads.

Marjorie, a staff of Rep. Gonzalez’s district office, said they sent out the invitation to village chiefs on Tuesday right after Treñas announced his decision to run for congressman.

Gonzalez said Treñas’ decision was not unexpected as they already heard speculations about the mayor’s plans for 2010.

Treñas said he will also quit Partido Lakas-CMD Kampi as a consequence of his decision to challenge Rep. Gonzalez.

The incumbent congressman said the development is painful not only for him but for their entire group, including the barangay captains.

“I was pained by his act and I know most of our barangay captains and supporters feel the same way too,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he has no quarrel with Treñas and they share the same views on how to run Iloilo City.

“We share the same visions (but) why can’t he wait? Three years is very short. I still feel the pangs of the 2007 elections,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez is gunning for his last three-year term next year.

Gonzalez also took exceptions from Treñas’ statement last Tuesday that he heeded the people’s call that he run for congressman.

“Does he mean to say that the leaders of the barangays don’t carry the voice of the people? Our party gave importance to the barangay leaders by heeding their calls because they represent their constituents,” he added.

The congressman said his father, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul M. Gonzalez Sr., made several offers to Treñas in order to preserve their team. But he said he did not participate in the negotiations out of delicadeza.

“We had plans for him because of his leadership quality, intelligence and track record. It would be such a waste if we don’t harness his abilities to develop the city like what we did before.”

Despite their looming rivalry next year, Gonzalez said he wishes Treñas all the best for next year.

“He is still the best mayor I know and a good leader. I know his competence and intelligence but I am not afraid,” Gonzalez said.

He also thanked the mayor for finally announcing his decision “as we have been planning to declare our slate but we postponed it until he made public his plans.”

DOOR STILL OPEN

Rep. Gonzalez said their party will hold a convention November 14 to decide who will be their candidates for vice mayor and councilors.

 As regards punong barangays who will support Treñas, Gonzalez said their party is still open for them.

“Our doors are not yet closed (to them) because our city acknowledges the contributions of our barangay leaders,” he added.

Gonzalez said Treñas’ decision to break away from their group is a natural evolution and consequence because their party is the strongest to rise in Iloilo City. 

“But as long as we stand united, we will prevail,” Gonzalez said amidst cheers from village chiefs and other supporters.

Mejorada declared ‘alien’ anew

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Regional Trial Court ordered the exclusion of Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel P. Mejorada from the voters’ list of Alimodian, Iloilo for failure to establish his residency in the said town.

In a decision promulgated October 29, 2009, Judge Antonio M. Natino of RTC Branch 26 reversed an earlier decision of 14^th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Aleosan which dismissed the exclusion case filed against Mejorada.

MCTC Judge Alpha Sanglap-Delgado earlier ruled that Mejorada is validly registered as a voter in Barangay Pajo, Alimodian, Iloilo, as he met all the requirements provided by law.

Delgado said the exclusion case filed by Netch Flavio and Ireneo Mondero had malicious ends.

But Judge Natino said Mejorada’s intention to reside at Brgy. Pajo, Alimodian is not enough to back his registration as a voter of Precinct No. 0100A in the said village.

“Intention to reside in a place, though how pure, is not sufficient. It must be coupled with a conduct indicative of or proving such intention,” Natino said.

Natino said Mejorada failed to prove that he has given up his residence at Lopez Jaena Street, Jaro, Iloilo City despite his intention to buy a parcel of lot and the nipa hut he constructed on the said lot at Brgy. Pajo.

“…Private respondent (Mejorada) failed to establish the fact of his residence at Barangay Pajo, Alimodian, Iloilo. Even the receipts which the private respondent (presented) showing the utility bills in their house in Jaro under the name of his deceased father-in-law cannot disprove, by his own admission, the fact that he is and still a resident of Jaro, Iloilo City and that he has not abandoned the said place as his place of residence,” Natino said.

Citing Republic Act 8189 (The Voters Registration Act of 1996), Natino said the nipa hut Mejorada constructed at Brgy. Pajo does not fall within the category of residence.

“Accordingly, let the name of Manuel Pichay Mejorada be excluded from the List of Voters of Precinct No. 0100A, Barangay Pajo, Alimodian, Iloilo,” the RTC decision said. 

In 2007, Mejorada was also excluded from the voters’ list of Brgy. Amparo, Pavia, Iloilo for almost the same grounds.

TREÑAS: I WILL RUN FOR CONGRESSMAN

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

IN what could be the boldest decision in his political life, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas declared his intention to run for congressman, consequently severing his alliance with the group of Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr.

Accompanied by his family who were clad in light blue shirts and supporters, Treñas announced his candidacy before the Iloilo media at his law office Tuesday after months of speculations on his next step when he graduates as city mayor next year.

Treñas said he is also leaving the Lakas-CMD party because of his decision to run for the lone congressional seat of the city.

“The people put me where I am and I cannot leave them. This decision is really heavy but I cannot abandon calls for me to run for congressman and become their voice in Congress. For now, I have no party. I don’t know what is next for us. But what I have decided for now is that I will run for congressman of the lone district of Iloilo City,” Treñas said amidst boisterous cheers of his supporters.

The mayor said he decision to run for congressman could be the hardest he made in his life.

“The easiest was my decision to marry my wife (Rosalie Treñas),” he added, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Treñas will run against incumbent Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr., the son of Sec. Gonzalez Sr.

Treñas said it took him some time to make up his mind because of his alliance with the Gonzalezes and membership with Lakas-CMD. He also faced a lot of options, including the possibility of quitting politics and return to the legal profession.

“My wife even refurbished my office last year. I heard our people’s call but despite this I still had a hard time that is why I sought help through prayers so I will know where God will bring me,” he said.

Treñas said that the light blue color they wore indicates their devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Treñas said he realized that public service is “not about being in power but to serve the people.”

The mayor said he went to the Carmelite Missionaries convent in Dueñas, Iloilo “where they helped me clarify the reasons why I am in my position and that is to serve the people.”

Despite their looming rivalry, Treñas said he is thankful to the Gonzalezes for helping him when he returned to politics in 2001.

“But my victory is not just because of our group since if we look at things, man proposes but God disposes. That’s why I’m very thankful to our people for trusting me all this time. I still have a lot of things to give back to our people. While my decision is very heavy,” Treñas said.

PARTYLESS

After his decision to run for the House of Representatives, Treñas said he will start discerning which group he will join to further his candidacy.

Treñas said he will leave Lakas under the principle of the equity of the incumbent and per advice of Sec. Gabriel Claudio who counsels President Gloria Arroyo on political matters.

Treñas said President Arroyo met him in Malacañang and tried to convince him not to leave the party but the situation was already non-negotiable, particularly with the Gonzalezes.

“Some problems can be solved, others cannot be solved. It so happened that our situation cannot be resolved,” he said.

The mayor said many parties have been inviting him to join their groups but he has yet to decide.

“A lot of parties have been wooing me and some presidentiables have been approaching me. The next hardest decision is to decide on our slate. This is also difficult because of possible complications in the local and national levels,” he added.

Treñas said he will decide which party to join after settling some realignment in the local level.

“I first had to decide which position to run because if I don’t, I will be putting the cart before the horse. How can I talk to anyone if I have not decided on what to do next?” he said.

The mayor said he knows that the Gonzalezes are prepared logistically and financially for the 2010 elections “but it is the people who will eventually decide.”

DISAPPOINTED BUT NOT SURPRISED

Sec. Gonzalez said they are prepared for any eventuality, particularly Treñas’ decision to run for congressman.

“We’ve got all bases covered. The party has contingency for any eventuality. We are prepared for anything,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he respects Treñas’ decision to run for the lone congressional district but he pooh-poohed those who showed support for Treñas.

“I’m disappointed but I’m not surprised. He is no big threat and we can handle him. From what we have seen, only seven punong barangays were present in Treñas’ press conference. There are 180 barangay captains and majority of them are with our group. The overwhelming majority is still with us,” Gonzalez said.

Family, friends all the way for JPT

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE family and friends of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas are behind the latter’s decision to run for congressman opposite the well-oiled machinery of the Gonzalez group.

A teary-eyed Rosalie Treñas, Iloilo City’s first lady, said she prayed hard so that her husband can decide what is best for their family and the city.

“All these time, all I did was to pray for my husband. I just learned two words for my husband – discernment that we made in the past days to make the right decision and compassion not only for the love of his family but for the Ilonggo people and most of all devotion to our beloved Virgin Mary,” Mrs. Treñas said.

The children of the Treñas couple were also present in the press conference – Raisa, 24, Carlo, 22, Miguel, 21, Jerry Jr., 16, and Paolo, 14.

Treñas’ sister-in-law, Dr. Kristin Treñas and her son were also present to support the mayor.

Mrs. Treñas also thanked their supporters who gathered to cheer on the mayor as he announced his candidacy for congressman.

Iloilo City Councilor Jose Espinosa III, Treñas’ brother-in-law, said he will stick with the mayor in the 2010 elections.

Espinosa has been touted to become the vice mayoralty bet of Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. who is running for city mayor.

“Even if there is just the two of us in our group, I will stick with Mayor Treñas no matter what,” Espinosa said.

Espinosa said Treñas’ declaration could be the spark that will alter the political scenario in Iloilo City.

“It is good that he has finally decided because the people now know where he stands. This is a big factor that will change the complexion of our politics,” Espinosa added.    

Punong Barangay Roberto Divinagracia of San Agustin, Iloilo City proper, who is also related to Treñas, said he will support the mayor “because I believe in his leadership and capability to serve the people.”

Divinagracia, the president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Iloilo City proper district, is also a supporter of Sec. Gonzalez and his son incumbent Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

Aside from Divinagracia, Punong Barangays Celoy Alag of Villa Anita, Iloilo City proper, Carlos Guarin of Aguinaldo, LaPaz and Rudiver Jungco of Jereos, LaPaz also attended Treñas’ announcement yesterday.

Jamora, Mabilog keen on alliance with Treñas

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

PRESIDENTIAL adviser on water Lorenzo “Larry” Jamora said he has no qualms in allying with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas who will run for congressman next year.

Jamora said he is comfortable with Treñas as they have been in politics together since 2001.

“I have no problem if I tandem with Jerry Treñas because we started together with former mayor Mansueto Malabor and Sec. Raul Gonzalez Sr.,” he said.

Jamora, who is running for Iloilo City mayor, said Treñas’ declaration will benefit his candidacy.

He said Treñas’ decision to break away from the group of Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. will distract the latter’s focus from his candidacy for mayor.

“With Jerry running against Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., Sec. Gonzalez will lose concentration on his plans to run for mayor and will focus on his son instead. That will be an advantage for me,” Jamora said.

Jamora said he is open to talks with Treñas for a possible alliance in the 2010 elections in Iloilo City.

“That alliance depends on the terms and conditions of our partnership. The lines and functions must be defined and we should have elbow room in terms of our campaign,” Jamora said.

Treñas also has a standing invitation from Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who is running for mayor, to become their group’s congressional bet.

Mabilog said he is still hopeful that Treñas will accept their group’s invitation.

“There is still a big chance that he will align with us because he has severed his ties with the administration. Our group is the only opposition group right now. Since he left the administration, his natural course is to go to the opposition, either with Nacionalista Party or Liberal Party,” Mabilog said.

Mabilog said Treñas already hinted the possible parties he will join when the mayor mentioned that his grandfather, Sen. Potenciano Treñas was a Nacionalista member while his father Efraim Treñas was a Liberal.

Mabilog was supposed to announce their complete slate for the city council yesterday but it was postponed because the survey they commissioned is not finished yet.

Mabilog said the survey will be the basis of their final slate “but the results have yet to be finalized.”

FATAL ALL SOULS’ DAY

16 dead in Bacolod City blaze

By Francis Allan L. Angelo and Edgar Cadagat

IT was a deadly All Souls’ Day in Bacolod City after a 3-hour blazed killed 16 persons, including several children, and gutted down more than more than 50 houses at Brgy. 19 early Monday morning.

Reports from the Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) in Bacolod City said the blaze started in a 2-storey boarding house owned by a certain Morita Depakakibo past 1am yesterday.

The fire, which reportedly originated from an unattended candle, spread to nearby shanties mostly made of light materials.

Fire S/Insp. Pamela Candido, BFP-Bacolod City chief, said 14 bodies were initially dug up from the area of the boarding house. Three more badly-burned bodies were recovered in the mopping up operations.

A report by Bombo Radyo-Bacolod identified 16 fatalities: Eduarda Abejero, Napolen Abejero, Nikka Amelda, Joselito Carbajosa, Carl Joshua Celiz, Analiza Celiz, Ada Pauline Celiz, Novie Chavez, Dee Jay Chavez, Jenelyn Demandar, Junifer Demandar, Joshua Demandar, Jocelyn Ninio, Roel Ninio and Rosemarie Ninio.

All casualties were tenants of Depakakibo’s boarding house.

An unidentified person was injured during the blaze.

A total of 58 houses were gutted while 3 were partially burned, according to initial reports from the BFP.

Some of the casualties were seen hugging each other, reports from RMN and Bombo-Radyo Bacolod said.

BFP investigators surmised that the victims who died failed to immediately wake up and escape the fire as they were tired after visiting the cemeteries on All Saints’ Day.

Some of the fatalities may have died in the stampede that happened as the fire spread in the houses.

“The (boarding) house was made of light materials. It seems that the house was congested, did not have a permit (to operate) and did not have the necessary safety precautions in case of fire,” Candido said in an ABS-CBN interview.

Arson probers have yet to ascertain the actual cost of the conflagration.

The fire also displaced more or less 60 families who are now staying in a gymnasium and an elementary school.

The tragedy has reached the attention of President Gloria Arroyo who ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist the victims.

The Bacolod City government and other local leaders also provided assistance to the affected residents.

In Kalibo, Aklan, a two-hour fire razed more than 400 shanties in Barangay Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan on Saturday, leaving some 2,000 people homeless.

The fire started on C. Laserna Street around 2 p.m. and quickly spread in the squatters’ colony, the BFP-Kalibo said.

BFP authorities said 1,204 individuals from 255 families sought refuge at the Augusto D. Legaspi sports complex since Monday.

No word yet on gun amnesty extension

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Police Regional Office (PRO-6) is awaiting a copy of the official memorandum order that reportedly extended the gun amnesty program.

C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, PRO-6 director, said the PNP higher command has not issued any word on the 30-day extension of the gun amnesty program extension which was announced in the national media Friday last week.

The amnesty, which expired October 30, gave gun owners with unlicensed firearms the chance to register their guns. Owners with expired licenses were also allowed to renewed their permits sans penalties.

The amnesty aims to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the country.

Cuevas said he will advise unregistered gun owners to prepare the needed documents in anticipation of the amnesty extension.

“If the extension takes effect, these gun owners will be prepared if they have their papers in order. For the meantime, we will observe status quo until we receive the memorandum order on the extension,” Cuevas said.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa had said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo granted the request to extend the general firearms amnesty until November 30.

“This was in consideration of the numerous requests from the public and also [military and police commanders] in areas where typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng restricted their desire to avail of the firearms amnesty,” Verzosa said in a statement.

The police chief said that as of October 28, a total of 171,337 of the 1.1 million loose firearms have been accounted for since the police started an intensified campaign against loose firearms.

The government has also put up a reward system as part of the campaign against loose firearms.

“We have a reward system right now to account for loose firearms. Our proposal is to give P50,000 for recovery of three to five firearms. If there is increased recovery for stashes of firearms, we will evaluate the reward to be given,” Verzosa said.

He added that the Office of the President has allotted P5 million for the campaign against loose firearms.

PNP: Peaceful Halloween in Region 6

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE observance of All Saints’ and Souls’ Days in Western Visayas was relatively peaceful, according to the PNP.

Except for two fire incidents in Aklan and Bacolod City (see related stories), C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director, said the region remained orderly during the Halloween break.

Cuevas said the regular PNP officers and force multipliers such as tanods and auxiliary police managed to secure peace and order throughout Western Visayas.

S/Supt. Renato Gumban, OIC-Iloilo provincial police director, said municipal police stations tightened their watch on cemeteries and public places to deter criminals from striking.

Gumban said they did not receive any report on major crimes such as robberies in the province.

The 100 police auxiliaries and barangay tanods also helped the Iloilo City Police Office manage traffic and keep peace and order in the metropolis.

In Negros Occidental, only isolated king and shooting incidentas in Cadiz City, Candoni and Isabela were reported to the police.

C/Insp. Rico Santotome Jr, spokesman of the Negros Occidental PNP, said three shooting incidents were reported November 1-2 – two in Isabela town and one in Cadiz City.

On November 1, Francis Menis allegedly shot Junjun Ogatis at Barangay Bungahin, Isabela around 7:30am.

Ronaldo Estanda and Donald Malba survived gunshots from an unidentified suspect at Brgy. 4 Sunday morning. 

In Cadiz City, suspect Rex Tayunting allegedly shot Junrey Noval and Jonel Santillan past midnight Sunday using an unknown gun caliber.

Ramy Gonzales was hacked dead by Paquito Espanola November 1 at Sitio Mailad, Brgy. Cabia-an in Candoni, according to Insp. Anthony Cana, the town’s chief of police.

On Sunday afternoon, anti-illegal drugs operatives and the Pontevedra PNP arrested six persons at Brgy. Antipolo, Pontevedra for selling marijuana sticks and holding pot session.

Santotome said no untoward incidents happened in cemeteries and other public places.

S/Supt. Manuel Felix, Negros Occidental police director, credited the police and the public for cooperating with the PNP’s Oplan Kalag-Kalag drive.

Felix and Supts. Flomar Natuel and Armando Tubongbanua went around the province to check cemeteries and police presence.

COPS ALERT VS ROB GANG

Greenbelt heist suspects  planned to sell loot in WV 

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

POLICE officers in Western Visayas are on their toes for the remaining members of the Alvin Flores gang who robbed a watch shop inside a posh shopping mall in Makati City last October 18.

C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director, said they continue to monitor and verify information that members of the robbery gang might seek refuge in the region.

Cuevas said they will make sure that none of the suspected robbers will lie low in any part of Western Visayas following the death of their leader, Alvin Flores, in Cebu last week.

Four gang members, including Flores, were killed in a shootout with agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Sitio Lutao Marikina, Brgy. Estaca, Compostela Thursday night.

Aside from Flores, Ritchie Gigante Hijapon, Mark Alejandro Bondoc Salamanca, and Roger Sanchez also died in the gun battle.

The Alvin Flores gang is being tagged in the October 18 Greenbelt 5 robbery in Makati City. The suspects carted away an estimated P8 million worth of Rolex watches.

One of the gang members was killed in a shootout with the bodyguards of Taguig Mayor Sigfredo “Freddie” Tinga.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo, an NBI agent who joined in the operation against Flores’ group, claimed that the robbery gang planned to sell their loot in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.

The NBI in Cebu said six members are still roaming the province or other areas of the region.

Medardo de Lemos, NBI director in Central Visayas, said of the 11 suspects who staged the heist in Rolex store in Makati, five have either been killed or arrested.

City politics takes shape this month

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

NOVEMBER will be a month of revelations as regards politics in Iloilo City.

Tomorrow, November 3, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas will announce his political plans for the 2010 elections in a 9am press conference at his law office on Iznart Street.

Treñas has several options regarding his political career:

-         quit politics;

-         remain with the group of Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. and slide to the vice mayoral post;

-         accept Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s invitation to run for congressman;

-         join the group of mayoral candidate Lorenzo “Larry” Jamora.

Treñas said he agonized over his decision and reflected on what is good for him, his family and the city.

The so-called Jerry Treñas for Congressman Movement gathered more than 10,000 signatures of people who claim to support the mayor’s candidacy for the city’s lone congressional seat.

If Treñas runs for congressman, he will face incumbent Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

After Treñas’ announcement, Mabilog will also announce their complete slate in a press conference around 11am of November 3.

Mabilog, who will run for mayor next year, described their slate as the “dream team” of Iloilo City as it is composed of representatives from various sectors in the city.

Sec. Gonzalez, who will also run for mayor, will also announce his running mate in two weeks.

Gonzalez, the chief presidential legal counsel, said he will seek the consensus of their party if who will be his running mate.

“Under the principle of equity of the incumbent, Jerry (Treñas) will get the slot of vice mayor. If he does not run for that post, we will look for a replacement via consensus,” Gonzalez said his TV and radio bloctime program “Counterstrike.”

Gonzalez said he had a 2-hour dinner with Treñas last Saturday “but he did not say anything about his decision.”

“Daw wala pa bala kaagahun (There’s no dawn yet). There are many speculations but we will just wait for the mayor’s announcement,” he added.

Gonzalez said he will tender his resignation from his cabinet post so he can file his certificate of candidacy before the November 30 deadline.

Aklanon killed in Afghanistan

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

AN Aklanon who volunteered for the United Nations was killed when suspected members of the Taliban group attacked a guest house in Kabul, Afghanistan where UN personnel and foreign volunteers are staying.

Jossie Garbo Esto, 40, a native of New Washington, Aklan, was one of the 5 casualties in the attack on Bekhtar Guest House in Kabul’s Shar-e-Now District.

Esto was killed when gunmen, who later claimed to be Taliban members, stormed the guest house and shot the UN personnel on dawn of Wednesday (Afghanistan time).

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Esto is an Electoral Outreach and Training Coordinator under the United Nations Volunteers Program.

She was assigned in Afghanistan for over a year under the United Nations Development Program/Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (UNDP/Elect) Project. The UNDP/Elect project serves as the conduit of the international community whuch supports elections in Afghanistan.

The DFA report said Esto was a former school teacher before joining the UN. She also worked as an electoral officer and civic education officer in the Philippines before serving as a UN volunteer in Liberia, Timor-Leste and Nepal.

Esto has two children aged 14 and 11.

During her vacation in Aklan two months ago, Esto’s relatives said she was not her usual bubbly self as she appeared sad and weak.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Esto’s sister Amor Zaulda said the slain UN volunteer told them family to accept her fate if something bad happens while she is in Afghanistan.

The Esto family is awaiting the return of her remains from Kabul to New Washington.

Treñas to unveil 2010 plans Nov 3

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas will finally lay down his political agenda in the 2010 elections next week.

In an invitation sent by the City Hall Public Information Office via text message, Treñas will declare his intentions in a press conference 9am of November 3.

The presscon will be held at the Treñas-Rubias Law Offices on the second floor of Golden Commercial Center at Iznart Street, Iloilo City.

The mayor’s political plans have been the subject of debates and discussions in the media and every corner of Iloilo City.

Pundits and analysts said Treñas is “torn between two lovers” because of his alliance with the group of Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. and the invitation of Vice Mayor Jed E. Patrick Mabilog to run for congressman. But he may also team up with the group of businessman Larry Jamora who is running for mayor.

Gonzalez, who is running for mayor, said Treñas is still with their group amidst calls for the mayor to run for congressman versus incumbent Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

Rep. Gonzalez is still eligible to run next year for his last 3-year term.

Sec. Gonzalez is reportedly offering the vice mayoral post to Treñas to avoid a “civil war” in their group.

Mabilog said they invited the mayor to run for the lone congressional seat of the city.

Treñas said Wednesday that he is seeking God’s guidance relative to his decision.

“I will decide on the basis of what is good for the city,” he said.

Mabilog says he is no trapo

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

UNLIKE seasoned politicians, Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he has no intention to cling to power.

This was Mabilog’s reaction to his critics’ claims that he is also a traditional politician what with his numerous posters and token gestures in assisting Iloilo City residents.

If elected, Mabilog, who is 44 years old, said he will serve as city mayor until he reaches age 50.

“I don’t intend to involve our clan in politics,” he said.

Mabilog said there is nothing wrong if he or his supporters hang his banners around Iloilo City.

“Other seasoned politicians hang bigger banners that say nothing. Some of my banners are meant to inform the public of what are my projects for the city,” Mabilog said.

Mabilog said one of his thrusts is to professionalize the city hall workforce “so we can groom future leaders.”

“I am not here to perpetuate myself in power but to serve and help others serve in the future. I am not a trapo (traditional politician) as others are saying because I don’t make politics my source of livelihood. Our family has no intention to put up a political dynasty. The ultimate indication of traditional politics is perpetuation in power,” he said.

Mabilog said he refuses to engage his critics in mudslinging “because that is also a form of traditional politics.”

“I will just talk about my achievements for the city. I will help in whatever way I can and let the people decide,” he added.

‘SPLIT FROM GSIS’

Rep. Gonzalez slams monopolistic pension fund

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

GOVERNMENT employees can secede from the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) which is under fire for delayed remittance of pensions and other problems.

Iloilo City Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr. said he will help public employees who want to break away from GSIS and form their own insurance group that will cater to their needs.

Gonzalez broached this proposal in his letter to the Iloilo City Council which requested the congressman to initiate a congressional inquiry into the inability of GSIS to serve the needs of its members.

Gonzalez believes that GSIS’ monopolistic nature is the cause of its woes.

“I believe that GSIS is inefficient because it is a monopoly. The long-term solution to this problem is to break up its stranglehold on our civil servants by opening up the market to other players,” Gonzalez said in his letter dated October 13, 2009.

The congressman said the 500,000-strong public school teachers, which is 30% of government employees, can break away from the state pension fund and form their own insurance firm.

“The same is true with our uniformed personnel; if our soldiers and policemen want to secede from GSIS, I would lend them my support,” Gonzalez added.

Gonzalez said he already House Resolution No. 1049 last March 2009 which called for an inquiry on the computerization program of the GSIS and purported “glitch” in its system which resulted in poor service to its members.

The investigation focused on why GSIS’ computer system provided by IBM Corp. crashed which delayed the updating of members’ contributions and the retirees’ pensions.

On May 11, 2009, the resolution was referred to the House committee on government enterprises and privatization chaired by Rep. Felix Alfelor Jr. of Camarines Sur.

Alfelor has conducted several hearings which were attended by GSIS and IBM officials and cause-oriented groups such as Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees.

Gonzalez said the committee has yet to come up with its report on the investigation.

The Iloilo City congressman said GSIS only offered short-term solutions such as fine-tuning its software and resolving the kinks in its computer system.

“During our last hearing, the two parties (GSIS and IBM) pledged to work double-time and gave verbal assurances that the current problems will be solved by December 2009 to January 2010,” Gonzalez said.

Several GSIS members have filed complaints against the state-pension fund for delayed pensions and other problems.

The Visyas Ombudsman also asked the GSIS to explain and resolve the delayed remittance of retirees’ pensions.

Jaen to run for Iloilo governor, carry Gibo

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

A THIRD force has emerged in the May 2010 gubernatorial race in Iloilo province.

Former Leganes mayor Josil Jaen said he is 95% sure to run for governor next year versus Rep. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Mayor Raul “Boboy” Tupas of Barotac Viejo.

Jaen announced his plan in an interview with Novie Guazo of RMN-Iloilo Tuesday evening.

Defensor will run under the ticket of the administration party Lakas-CMD-Kampi while Tupas is the standard-bearer of Liberal Party in the province.

Jaen’s announcement, however, complicates the ruling party’s slate in Iloilo as he will support Defense Sec. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro who is Lakas-CMD-Kampi’s presidential bet.

But the former mayor clarified that his decision to run and support Teodoro does not mean that Lakas distrusts its leaders in the province.

“I just want to support him because I believe that he is qualified to become president,” Jaen said.

Defensor earlier dispelled stories that he will support another presidential bet instead of Teodoro.

“I am with the administration party and I will support our party’s candidate,” Defensor said.

Jaen said they will reveal middle of next month their slate which will include candidates for the House of Representatives, provincial board and town mayors.

A source within Jaen’s group who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak, said they eyeing former Iloilo mayors who served in the early 90s in their ticket.

The same source said they are considering former Sara Mayor Neptali P. Salcedo as their congressional bet in the 5^th district.

“But these are just preliminaries as we are still negotiating with possible candidates,” the source said.

Treñas: I’m seeking God’s path

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

TO run or not to run?

Two days before he announces his political plans next year, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he continues to consult his family and friends on what to do next.

With his family’s help, Treñas, who is serving his last three-year term, said he is seeking the path God set for him.

He said his friends and supporters are praying that he will make a good political decision which is seen to be a major factor in the 2010 elections in Iloilo City.

Treñas earlier said he will announce his decision on October 31.

Treñas is torn between his alliance with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez Sr. and those who cajole him to run for congressman under another party.

If he runs for congressman, Treñas will pit himself against Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. who still has one three-year term left.  

No matter what his decision is, Treñas said he will always help Iloilo City which he loves very much.

But he said he will not impose his style of governance on the next city mayor.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he will announce his own “dream team” on November 3.

Mabilog, who will run for mayor next year, has offered his group’s congressional slot to Treñas.

Mabilog said their slate is multi-sectoral in nature as it is composed of lawyers, medical professionals, incumbent councilors, media practitioner and members of the cause-oriented groups.

“We want to make sure that our dream team will become the real voice of the people that’s why we selected people from various sectors,” Mabilog said.

With or without Treñas in their slate, Mabilog said they will push through with their slate and plans in the 2010 elections.

“We have an alternative candidate should Mayor Treñas declines our invitation,” he added. (With reports from Lydia C. Pendon)

CHILD PROSTITUTES ABOUND IN BORACAY

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

FROM hushed conversations in nightspots to loud deliberations in the provincial board of Aklan, prostitution in Boracay Island has caught the attention of government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs).

The thriving sex trade in the island-resort was revealed during a briefing on the effects of tourism on children in Boracay last week.

The Aklan Provincial Technical Working Group and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s committees on laws, health, and women sponsored the briefing.

The End Child Labor Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), an NGO that combats child prostitution, presented a report on the extent of child prostitution.

The ECPAT report – Situational Analysis of the Effects of Tourism on Children in Boracay – claimed that six bars and resorts in Boracay Island are tolerating child prostitution.

ECPAT also said that some of these alleged child prostitutes are residents of the island who are driven to sell their bodies due to poverty.

The study found that the girls frequent nightspots in the island bars and show themselves off to potential clients through sexy or dirty dancing or simply hanging out in the bar.

“While it is a fact that tourism in Boracay has obviously brought in money for the government, it too has its social costs. Boracay attracts not just responsible tourists who compose the majority, but also visitors whose purpose to travel is to exploit and engage in sexual activities involving children. This situation in turn makes other children in Boracay highly at risk due to exposure to the trade,” the ECPAT report said.

MINORS                         

Another study on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Boracay cited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) identified 11 young women and three boys most of whom were actively involved in the sex trade.

Of the 11, five were minors, aged between 14 and 17, at the time of the interview. All 14 of them claimed they were sold by a pimp to a foreign client. All children said their first sexual abuses happened when they were 11-15 years old.

Some 337,666 tourists arrived in Boracay January to May 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Koreans constitute the largest number of these tourists at 30,369. They are also among the most frequent sex tourist clients based on ECPAT’s interview with child prostitutes.

Other foreign sex tourists come from Japan, France, Germany, England, China and the United States. The study, however, showed that there were also Filipino sex clients and even foreign gay tourists who seek young boys as sexual partners.

The “lady boys” was coined here to refer to prostituted males and boys dressing and acting like girls. The study showed they were more prone to violence and discrimination.

The CSEC victims interviewed claimed that payment for their sexual services vary depending on the time the client wants to spend with them.

On the average, they get P1,500 to as much as P5,000 from 30 minutes to a whole night of service. These alleged child prostitutes identified in the study claimed they have at least one to two customers per night. Peak season in Boracay also spells more customers for the minors.

RESPONSES

The ECPAT report prompted government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DSWD, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to put a rescue mechanism in place in the Island resort.

DOLE 6 Regional Director Aida M. Estabillo directed their provincial office in Aklan to monitor and conduct inspection of establishments that are allegedly tolerating child prostitution.

Estabillo said she directed the Provincial Sagip Batang-Manggagawa Quick Action Team to joint efforts with law enforcement agencies and other entities to rescue child prostitutes in the island.

“This situation needs to be addressed immediately before it balloons and gets out of hand,” she added.

DOLE 6 said it regularly inspects establishments in Boracay but found no information on the existence of child labor. Night operating establishments are yet to be inspected, the agency said.

The PNP also asked help from other stakeholders to help in the campaign against child prostitution.

C/Insp Eugene Rebadomia, Boracay police chief, said they have no facility where children rescued from the sex trade can temporarily stay.

Bukas Kotse suspect posts bail

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE former village chief accused of being part of the Bukas Kotse gang posted bail for his temporary liberty.

Sergio Dava, former punong barangay of Zaragoza, Bugasong, Antique, posted bail after he was charged with robbery in IS Number VI-10-INV-095-606 dated October 24, 2009.

Dava was arrested October 22 for allegedly robbing the car of Ava Delgado inside the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Dava quit his post as barangay captain for alleged malversation of public funds.

S/Supt. Melvin Mongcal, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, warned the public to be wary of Dava now that he is out of detention.

“The public, particularly car owners, are advised not to leave valuables inside their parked vehicles such as laptops, cellphones, big amounts of cash and the like as these attract robbers,” Mongcal said.

Mongcal said leaflets with tips on “How not to fall victims to Basag Kotse” were distributed to the media and to the public.  

The Bukas Kotse gang has victimized 28 cars since February 2009.

Meanwhile, the LaPaz police headed by S/Insp. Alexander Rosales nabbed one of the most wanted persons in the district.

A team of LaPaz police led by SPO2 Reynaldo Tanchinco arrested the person of Anthony Porto, 34, of Brgy Aguinaldo Monday morning.

Porto has a pending arrest warrant for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Judge Victor Gelvezon of the Regional Trial Court Branch 36 issued the warrant on Porto.

According to Rosales, Porto is the 5^th most wanted person in LaPaz district.

6th RMG: Heroes, not bad eggs

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

MEMBERS of the 6^thRegional Mobile Group (RMG) who were dispatched to Jolo, Sulu are heroes, not bad eggs.

This was the reaction of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) to a report in a tabloid (not The Daily Guardian) that the RMG contingent sent to Sulu was composed of cops with “various infractions.”

C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, PRO-6 director, denied the report in a statement Tuesday.

“Most of our contingents were neophyte police. They have just finished their course on Special Counter-Insurgency Operations Unit Training (SCOUT) when the national headquarters directed us to send one company to augment the forces in Mindanao,” Cuevas said.

Cuevas said the RMG personnel were sent to Jolo on April 10, 2009 when the Abu Sayyaff Group (ASG) kidnapped three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

“They are heroes, not bad eggs,” Cuevas said.

The RMG contingent also formed part of Task Force Bandit in Jolo from April 10 to October 22.

The 75 cops arrived in Iloilo Sunday evening with tears welling in their eyes after their “tough” 6-month assignment in Mindanao.

Police Director Ray Roderos, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Visayas, and Cuevas led the welcome party for the cops.

On Monday, Roderos and Cuevas awarded medals to the RMG contingent for their achievements in Mindanao.

S/Insp. Jerry H. Abrogina, the contingent’s team leader, and four other officers received the Mindanao Campaign Medal and Medalya ng Kasanayan.

The 70 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) got Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal) “for their participation in weakening the Abu Sayyaff Group (ASG) forces which eventually led to the release of the kidnapped ICRC volunteers, destruction of ASG camps in the area, recovery of various firearms  and ammunitions, and confiscation of several motorboats and vehicles used in kidnapping activities.”

Roderos considered the contingents as heroes for their showing of dedication and bravery in risking their lives in the service of the people of Mindanao and of the country.

POSTHUMOUS AWARD

PRO-6 also recognized the late PO1 Jonel C. Aficionado who died last June 14 while in Sulu.

Aficionado’s wife Lenne Beth received the Medalya ng Papuri.

After Mindanao, the PRO6 contingents will continue its anti-insurgency campaign with the 6RMG in Negros Occidental.

“Most of the contingents have yet to finish the two-year minimum service in the mobile group,” Cuevas explained.

Neophyte police officers, including graduates of Philippine National Police Academy, are required to render duty for at least two years in mobile groups.

Court: Pumpboats can sail despite storm signal

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Guimaras issued a preliminary injunction against an order of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) banning passenger pumpboats from plying their route when Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 is hoisted.

In a writ of preliminary injunction issued October 21, 2009, Judge Merlyn Deloria of Guimaras RTC Branch 65 ordered the PCG to stop the implementation of Paragraph 6(a) of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 01-09.

Issued in February 5, 2009, the PCG circular prohibited vessels of 1,000 gross tons or below, such as passenger pumpboats, from sailing when Storm Signal No. 1 is hoisted “within the point of origin or route or point of destination.”

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Guimaras headed by Atty. John Edward Gando filed a petition for declaratory relief against the PCG policy.

The petitioners claimed that the circular stranded more than 1,000 passengers and affected the economy of the island province when a typhoon struck last June 24-25.

IBP-Guimaras said MC 01-09 also “brazenly violated the due process requirement, right to property, the liberty to travel and equal protection of the law under the Constitution.”

The writ of preliminary injunction also ordered the commander of PCG-Iloilo City station to exercise “sound discretion” if pumpboats can travel despite the storm signal No.1 raised in the departure and destination points.

The RTC also ordered the PCG-Iloilo City station to coordinate with weather bureau PAGASA as regards the forecast position, radius of wind and route of the storm subject of PSWS No. 1.

The PCG must also coordinate with the motor banca association on the responsibility of the crew when sailing during typhoons.

The court, however, required the petitioners to post a P100,000 bond before the writ is enforced.

“The order means that the PCG can allow passenger pumpboats can sail despite a storm signal No. 1 if the sea is clear and the wind is calm. If the weather is very rough despite the absence of a storm signal, the PCG can prohibit boats with 1,000 gross tons or below from plying their route. The PCG is trained on sea navigation thus they are experts in determining the situation,” Gando said in a telephone interview.

Gando said the preliminary injunction will take effect while the court discusses the constitutionality of the PCG memorandum circular which is the main issue raised by IBP-Guimaras in its petition.

“If the court sees that the circular violates our constitutional rights, it can issue an injunction against the MC No. 01-09,” he added.

As regards the P100,000 bond, Gando said he will meet with Guimaras Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava on how to raise cash for the said bond.

Gando said Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, had promised Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava to issue a new memorandum circular that will address the case of the island-resort “but it has yet to be realized.”

“If that circular is issued, we will withdraw the petition as the case will be considered moot and academic,” Gando said.

Conflict between mayor, town councilor heats up

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE feud between the mayor and a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Banate, Iloilo, who happen to be first cousins, continue to heat up.

This developed as SB Member Noel Bagsit accused Mayor Carlos “Intsik” Cabangal and his son Peter Paul of threatening the former with pistols Saturday evening.

Bagsit said he and his two companions on board his pick up truck were about to leave the Banate Ecopark behind the municipal hall when Cabangal’s vehicle blocked their path.

Bagsit said Cabangal went out of his car and confronted the former about the cases he filed against the mayor.

Bagsit filed grave threats and grave coercion against the mayor when the latter allegedly smashed the right tail light of the town councilor’s pickup truck.

The councilor said he then heard Cabangal say “Tapuson ta ini (Let’s finish this),” while brandishing a caliber .45 pistol.

Bagsit said he also saw Peter Paul Cabangal holding a pistol during the confrontation.

The argument ended when Cabangal’s family intervened.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo, Cabangal denied Bagsit’s allegations saying it was the latter who instigated the quarrel.

Cabangal said Bagsit was drunk when he tried to talk with the councilor regarding their conflict. He said he tried to express his feelings to Bagsit about their quarrel since they are cousins.

The mayor said Bagsit moved towards his pickup and retrieved his gun.

Both town officials reported their own versions of the incident to the Banate police.

The falling out between Bagsit and Cabangal started when the former exposed the P11-million unliquidated cash advances of the mayor.

The cash advances were the subject of the annual audit report of the Commission of Audit on Banate’s financial standing.

Bagsit said the rift worsened when he voted against the approval of the P600,000 supplemental budget Cabangal requested from the municipal board.

‘RUGBY’

PDEA warns bizmen on undiluted product

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will crackdown on manufacturers, distributors and retailers who fail to dilute their toluene-based contact cement, popularly known as “rugby.

In an interview with Serbisyo Publiko hosted by Councilor Perla Zulueta Sunday, Paul Ledesma, PDEA regional director, said rugby sans the 5% mustard oil is now classified a dangerous drug.

“This pursuant to Board Regulation No. 6-2007 of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) due to the prevalent use of rugby as one of the top abused drugs in the country. This regulation covers all importers, manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and handlers of the adhesive,” Ledesma said.

Toluene is also included in the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Cheap and available even in sari-sari stores, rugby has toluene which attracts drug users for its aromatic and addictive properties.

The DDB said there are more than 357 contact cement abusers confined in government and private rehabilitation centers nationwide, with the youngest at 9 years old.

Shabu, marijuana and inhalants, particularly contact cement are the top three abused drugs in the country, according to the 2004 National Household Survey and 2007 rehabilitation facility-based studies conducted by the DDB.

The DDB said habitual users of toluene-based contact cement will suffer brain damage, kidney and liver failure, sight and hearing loss, muscle weakness, leukemia, and death.

Mustard oil is a colorless to pale yellow pungent irritating oil that is obtained by distillation from the seeds, usually of black mustard, after expression of the fatty oil and maceration with water, or through chemical synthesis. It consists largely of allyl isothiocyanate, a volatile compound with a characteristic of pungent odor capable of inducing eye tears

Ledesma said mustard oil dampens toluene’s attractive smell making the contact cement pungent and less desirable to abusers.

“The 5% mustard oil will discourage rugby users from sniffing the contact cement and similar products,” Ledesma said.

The DDB regulation said “the obnoxious odor of the contact cement with at least 5% mustard oil shall be present and maintained from the time of manufacture or importation of the product until the same is utilized by the end-user, and/or the volatility of the mustard oil shall be less than that of the toluene content of the product.”

Ledesma said they will begin the crackdown after they observed that some hardware stores are still selling undiluted rugby.

Atty. Ronnie Delicana, PDEA-6 legal officer, said PDEA can conduct test buys on stores suspected of selling undiluted rugby.

Under the DDB regulation, all contact cement manufacturers who want to be exempted must secure a permit from PDEA.

Manufactures who will violate the regulation will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) which has penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death, and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.

The regulation also orders manufacturers to place the 5% mustard oil additive on product labels, cartons and containers.

“We will be conducting random checks on hardware stores and other establishments selling toluene-based contact cement to find out if they are following the law. Anyway, we have informed them of the new regulation the past two years,” Ledesma said.