By Francis Allan L. Angelo and Lydia C. Pendon

THE planned alliance between the groups of Iloilo Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is heading to nowhere.

Treñas, who is running for congressman, and Mabilog, who seeks to become city mayor, have been negotiating about the possible merger of their groups.

But the talks reportedly broke down because of the conflict on the vice mayoral candidate.

Treñas was supposed to declare his complete slate 11am yesterday at his office in Robinsons Place mall after his brother-in-law, Councilor Jose S. Espinosa III declared his candidacy for vice mayor.

Political observers said the announcement should have formalized the Treñas-Mabilog alliance.

But Treñas abruptly postponed his announcement after Mabilog’s group decided to endorse Councilor Julienne Baronda candidacy for vice mayor.

Baronda declared her candidacy at Amigo Terrace Hotel around 1pm Wednesday.

Mabilog’s group also announced their bets for the City council – reelectionist Lyndon Acap, former city councilors Linda Liberiaga and Joshua Alim, lawyer Plaridel Nava and Rleonie Geroche, broadcaster Rodel Fullon Agado and Leftist Jory Porquia.

Mabilog said the remaining slots are reserved for city councilors Perla Zulueta and Nielex Tupas and Treñas’ candidates to the council.

Mabilog described their slate as a merger of candidates from various parties – Nacionalista, Liberal, PDP-Laban and Partido ng Masang Pilipino.

Baronda said there is no turning back on her plans to run for vice mayor.

“Forget about straight party ticket and block voting. The electorates of this city are educated to know who are more qualified to render public service,” Baronda said.

Baronda said their slate is a Dream Team that will challenge the monolithic political supremacy of the ruling Lakas Kampi CMD in Iloilo City.

Mabilog said the national leaderships of the various parties assented to their dream team amidst possible conflict among presidential bets.

The vice mayor said they don’t mind the possible problems that may arise from the setup as they can stand on their own resources and supporters.

Mabilog’s slate said their agenda will cover the issues of education, infrastructures, environment, public utilities, good governance, health services, peace and order, tourism promotion, overseas Filipino workers and disaster preparedness program.

Baldoza: Tupas gave me envelope with cash 

By Francis Allan L. Angelo 

A RETIRED judge and president of the Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco) 3 board finally admitted receiving money from Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. to favor an independent power producer.

Mateo Baldoza confirmed his first statement over Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo last May 5 that Tupas handed him an envelope filled with cash during a meeting with officials of Applied Research Technologies Phils. (Artech).

Baldoza made the admission during the hearing yesterday conducted by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) investigation committee on the alleged bribery issue involving Artech and Ileco 3 officials.

The hearing was held at the Ileco 1 main office in Tigbauan, Iloilo Tuesday to look into allegations that Artech handed cash to the directors to approve the 25-year power supply agreement the firm offered to the cooperative.

Baldoza spilled the beans on Artech and Tupas during the examination conducted by Atty. Ramil Naciongayo, counsel for the complainants Gerardo P. Panes and Evelyn P. Peñaflor who called for the NEA probe.

According to Baldoza, he and the Ileco 3 directors were called to a meeting with Artech officials led by president Reynaldo Uy at Tupas’ mansion in MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City last April 17, 2009.

Baldoza said Tupas called him inside a room of the mansion where the latter gave him an envelope while telling him to help Artech.

The retired judge later learned that the envelope contained P75,000 cash when he got home from the meeting.

He also confirmed that he received another envelope with P75,000 cash after their board meeting April 21, the day they approved the power supply deal with Artech.

In sum, Baldoza received P150,000 cash from Artech. Uy and Tupas had denied Baldoza’s allegations.

Aksyon Radyo anchorman Joel Tormon also testified before the AdCom relative to his May 5 interview with Baldoza.

Tormon said he confirmed the authenticity of the transcript of his interview with Baldoza which was admitted as evidence in the NEA probe.

Tormon said Baldoza’s statements during the NEA hearing were the same information and sequence of events the latter told during the May 5 interview with Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo.

A day after his interview with Tormon, Baldoza modified his statement in a local newspaper saying a woman employee of Artech gave the cash-laden envelope during the meeting at Tupas’ mansion.

But he again hinted that the governor gave him the cash-filled envelope when he faced the probe conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

In his affidavit submitted to the NEA AdCom last August, Baldoza said he received the cash-filled envelope from someone during the meeting at Tupas’s mansion.

Baldoza said that after eating at Tupas’s house, he was called inside the living room where that “someone” thrust the envelope in his hand.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo 

THE Syjucos of the 2^nd congressional district of Iloilo cannot stomach another Tupas to occupy the governor’s office.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco said they are committed to the candidacy of House Majority Floor Leader Arthur D. Defensor Sr.

Rep. Defensor is aiming to re-occupy the governor’s office versus Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul C. Tupas, son of incumbent Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr.

“(We will support) Art Defensor definitely. I am morally, emotionally, physically committed (to support Art Defensor). And I am committed with a great sense of righteousness. My conscience would bother me if I become committed with Tupas instead,” Syjuco said.

Syjuco said he has been disappointed with the controversies and scandals that rocked the Tupas reign in the provincial capitol.

Syjuco and his wife, incumbent 2^nd district Rep. Judy J. Syjuco, led the birthday party for the TESDA chief at the Iloilo Grand Hotel Wednesday.

The celebration was also an early Christmas party for the Syjucos’ supporters in 2^nd district. Five town mayors were present – Gregorio Brazas of Zarraga, Romulo Cabana of Leon, Liecel Mondejar-Seville of New Lucena, Juanito Alipao of Alimodian and Gregorio Villarico of San Miguel.

Sta. Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino was not present but he sent a representative, municipal councilor Rema Gumban.

When asked about their support for Board Member Richard Garin who is Defensor’s running mate in 2010, Syjuco said he will sit with the former to discuss the 2^nd district’s support for his candidacy.

Syjuco and Garin’s father, Philippine Coconut Administration chief Oscar Garin, had a falling out when the Syjucos supported Gov. Tupas in the 2004 gubernatorial race.

Syjuco initially pledged to support Garin but sided with the Tupases during the last days of the campaign period.

A compromise on the controversial “borrow pit” operation in the new Iloilo airport project, which was the cause of a bitter rift between Tupas and Syjuco, is believed to be the reason why the Syjucos rooted for Tupas.

“I must sit down with Richard Garin to talk about the support of the second district. I understand he will be formally seeking our support and we are willing to listen,” he said.

Syjuco said there has been no great conflict between him and the Garins, “just a misunderstanding and difference in personalities.”

“I don’t carry a grudge, especially in politics. The same people who fight in politics also ally together. Politics is a liquid and dynamic situation. I have no problems working with the Garins or with endorsing Richard Garin. If he seeks my endorsement, I will commit,” he said.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE group of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas will announce their final slate for the 2010 elections at the Office of the City Mayor in Robinsons Place Mall around 11am today.

The mayor is expected to reveal their mayoral and City Council bets after Councilor Jose S. Espinosa III declared his intention to run for vice mayor at Madge Café in LaPaz district public market Tuesday.

Treñas earlier said he is set to join the Nacionalista Party headed by Senator Manuel Villar next week.

As regards Treñas’ tandem with Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, nothing definite has been decided yet.

Espinosa’s candidacy for vice mayor was seen as a spoiler to the Treñas-Mabilog tandem as the vice mayor is keen on having Councilor Julienne Baronda as his running mate.

Treñas reportedly wants his brother-in-law Espinosa to be Mabilog’s running mate as a compromise to their alliance.

Espinosa said they are also open to an alliance with mayorable Lorenzo “Larry” Jamora, presidential adviser on waters.

“If the alliance with Vice Mayor Mabilog does not materialize, we can go with Larry Jamora or we can go on without a mayoral candidate,” he said.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo, Mabilog said he is more inclined to go with Baronda as his running mate.

During his declaration, Espinosa said his experience in the City Council and their family’s inclination to public service are his best assets.

Espinosa said he will be an able partner of the city mayor and congressman by way of directing legislative works in the council.

Espinosa said he has sponsored numerous resolutions and ordinances that attracted investors and jacked up revenues in the city aside from steering the appropriations committee.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo 

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas will formally join the Nacionalista Party next week.

Treñas will fly to Metro Manila next week to take his membership oath before NP president, Senator Manuel Villar.

Villar is also NP’s standard bearer in the 2010 presidential elections.

Treñas is the only one who will join NP as he has yet to reach an agreement with the group Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who will run for mayor against Sec. Raul M. Gonzalez Sr.

The city mayor quit Partido Lakas-Kampi-CMD after he declared his intention to wrest the lone congressional seat of the city from incumbent Rep. Raul T. Gonzalez Jr.

City Hall sources claimed Treñas is willing to tandem with Mabilog if the latter chooses Councilor Jose Espinosa III as his vice mayoral bet.

Espinosa will declare his candidacy for vice mayor today at Madge coffee shop inside the LaPaz district public market.

Espinosa and Treñas are brothers-in-law.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

WHAT’S wrong with the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC)?

Problems continue to hound the IRC particularly the entry of illegal drugs, deadly weapons and other contrabands.

Reports from the Iloilo capitol and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) point to an inmate and a jail guard as the alleged drug traffickers in the IRC.

PDEA sources said Provincial Guard 2 Ritchelleu Tupas serves as runner of the inmate who is running the drug trade inside the jail facility.

PDEA operatives also spotted Tupas, who is a distant relative of Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr., in the vicinity of Brgy. Bakhaw, Mandurriao, which is tagged as the illegal drug haven of Iloilo City.

Gov. Tupas yesterday dismissed PG2 Tupas from service not because of his involvement in illegal drugs but because of his prolonged absence sans official leave.

The illegal drug trade in the IRC hugged the headlines anew after two inmates – Jobert Balboa and Cris Talamor – fought over a transaction.

Balboa said he wanted to collect money from Talamor as payment for the shabu which the latter bought.

Balboa even surrendered a sachet of suspected shabu to the IRC guards.

Days after the illegal drugs issue surfaced, more than 800 IRC inmates mounted a noise barrage to complain poor management of the jail.

Chief among the inmates’ plaint, and a perennial concern at that, is the poor quality of food served to inmates despite the multimillion peso budget allocated to the jail facility.

This year, the provincial government set aside P14.6 million for the IRC inmates’ food alone.

The meal plan of the IRC caterer, SLP Canteen, was very mouth-watering.

For breakfast, the menu ranges from rice with egg, rice with dried fish, rice with hotdog, rice with sautéed eggplant, rice with sardines with miswa noodle, rice with corned beef with diced potatoes and yes, rice with ham.

Monggo with pork, laswa with hibe, red beans, pinabket, ground pork with kalobay and pechay, chicken head and papaya and pancit was supposed to be served for lunch.

The dinner course consists of bam-e, dinuguan, chicken, fish paksiw, pork paksiw, pork menudo and fried fish.

SLP Canteen is also the concessionaire of the provincial capitol cafeteria. The caterer provides the IRC food through bidding every three months.

But the discovery of beriberi inside the jail middle of this year showed that the inmates were eating something else.

The inmates complained that they eat tasteless soups, badly-cooked rice and rotting fish.

IRC Warden Soteo Gardose had asked for additional budget for the inmates’ food allowance which is only P40 a day.

Gardose requested the Sanggunian Panlalawigan to increase the food allowance by P10, making it P50 daily, to provide sufficient and nutritious food to the inmates.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

UNDERSECRETARY Lorenzo H. Jamora is willing to leave the administration party if he is not chosen as the mayoral bet of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Iloilo City next year.

Jamora said he does not mind running as an independent candidate as he does not want too much compromises.

Jamora, who is the presidential adviser on waters, was chairman of Kabalikat ng Mamayang Pilipino (Kampi) before it merged with Lakas-CMD party early this year.

Kampi is President Gloria Arroyo’s original political party.

Aside from Jamora, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. is also running for Iloilo City mayor next year.

Sec. Gonzalez is the vice president for legal matters of the administration coalition party.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD, through its arbitration committee, is set to decide who between Jamora and Gonzalez will be the administration’s mayoral bet in the city.

Jamora said he would let the party decide instead of leaving their group on his own.

Where will Jamora go after he leaves Lakas-Kampi-CMD?

Jamora said he has invitations from the Nacionalista and Liberal parties “but I have not decided yet.”

“Sometimes it’s better to run on your own to avoid too much compromises when you are in a party,” he said.

Jamora said he is close to LP presidential bet Benigno Aquino III and NP standard bearer Manuel Villar but he is inclined to support administration bet and Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro.

“I believe Sec. Teodoro is the most prepared and qualified to become president. You can see that with the way he responds to questions about his platforms and his experience in government service.”

Jamora formally announced his candidacy for mayor Friday the 13^th at Merry Mart mall which is owned by their family.

When asked if he has told President Arroyo about his political plans, Jamora said he did not discuss his candidacy with her.

“This is the realization of my plans which was stalled in 2004. President Arroyo asked me not to run for mayor and instead help her run for president. I think I’ve done my share for her government,” he said.

Public losing confidence on city cops over Basag Kotse gang

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Police Regional Office (PRO-6) can overhaul the entire Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) if the City Hall wants it.

C/Supt. Isagani R. Cuevas, PRO-6 director, said the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) in Negros Occidental has around 1,000 members who can be deployed to Iloilo City.

PRO-6 also has enough junior police commissioned officers (inspectors to chief inspectors) who can take over the 6 district police stations in the metropolis.

Calls for the revamp of the 500-strong ICPO headed by S/Supt. Melvin Mongcal echo as the city cops remain helpless in curbing the Basag Kotse gang preying on car owners in the city.

As of latest count, car thieves have already victimized 31 cars since February this year.

The latest Basag Kotse victim was an engineer who lost around P300,000 worth of valuables to suspects who smashed the glass window of his car parked inside a mall in Mandurriao district.

Cuevas said 500 RMG officers who finished their training can be readily deployed to Iloilo City.

Some of the RMG members served for 6 months in Jolo, Sulu at the height of the kidnapping of three Red Cross workers.

But Cuevas said it is the Iloilo City government that must request for the revamp of the entire ICPO force.

“Mayor Jerry Treñas can request for the relief of the entire force. The request must include an assessment to back up the request. We have to follow some rules and regulations particularly on the assignment and transfer of personnel as local officials have operational and administrative control over the police,” Cuevas said.

What will happen to the old ICPO force if the revamp happens?

Cuevas said they might be sent for retraining at the RMG headquarters as part of their thrust to reorient PNP officers on their work.

Despite the possible changes in his command, Mongcal still has the support of the PRO-6.

“We will still support S/Supt. Mongcal in everything he will do. That is our work here. We will give him all the resources he wants and all he has to do is check on his personnel to make sure that they execute their mission,” he added.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

BAD food and “unfair treatment” forced inmates of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) in Pototan, Iloilo to mount a noise barrage Wednesday morning.

The more than 1,000 IRC inmates vented their ire on Warden Soteo Gardose and jail guard Mayflor Cepeda.

The inmates complained that the IRC management scrapped the privilege to be with their family when they celebrate their fiesta on November 22, Christ the King Day.

They also riled at the constant changes on the schedules of conjugal visits.

The inmates also called as unfair the penalties imposed on them when they fail to master the dance steps for their upcoming presentation during their fiesta.

Those who fail to follow the dance steps are put in isolation cells or bartolina. The IRC inmates are trying to replicate the dancing detainees of Cebu by practicing their dance routine.

They also accused Cepeda of pocketing donations solicited using projects for the inmates.

As regards their food, the inmates said they are served tasteless soups and fish. There are also days when they subsist on knighting but pancit only.

Gardose denied the inmates’ claims saying he already allowed their families to join them on the eve and during the fiesta.

Daily conjugal visits are still in effect at the IRC but Gardose said the relatives of inmates must follow certain rules, particularly on the entry of items for the detainees.

As regards the penalty for inmates who don’t know how to dance, Gardose said they observe due process before penalizing them.

“Cepeda once recommended three-day isolation of two inmates for failure to master the dance steps but after the investigation, I lowered the penalty to one day only. These penalties are not absolute,” Gardose said.

Cepeda, who is in charged of the IRC rehabilitation program, said over Bombo Radyo that she only penalized inmates who turn rowdy during practice.

She also denied allegations of graft and corruption leveled by inmates against her.

Gardose said he will investigate the accusations against Cepeda.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE region’s top cop ranted at police personnel who continue to resist the 7-9-7 work schedule imposed by the Police Regional Office (PRO-6).

C/Supt. Isagani Cuevas, PRO-6 director, said he received a text message from a concerned citizen informing him that a female police officer in Iloilo City slammed him for the new work schedule.

“I verified the identity of the informant and the police officer and they do exist. There are still officers who resist the 7-9-7 schedule,” Cuevas said.

Under the 7-9-7 duty scheme, police personnel in a station are divided into three teams. Team A reports to duty from 7am to 5pm while Team B reports from 9am to 7pm. Team C will report from 7pm to 7am.

The 7-9-7 duty is a deviation from the 2-day off, 1-day duty schedule previously followed by police personnel.

“Under the new schedule, two-thirds of the police force will be on duty, thereby ensuring maximum police presence. If we have enough cops on duty, we can fulfill our peacekeeping work,” Cuevas said.

Cuevas said police visibility on the streets will help deter crimes, particularly the Bukas/Basag Kotse gang which is preying on car owners.

Cuevas cited the accomplishments of the new duty shift scheme such as the foiled bank heist in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental and the solving of several robbery incidents in Iloilo province.

“In Hinigaran, the police were able to respond and neutralize the suspects because more than half of the force was on duty. Even the station commander led the hot pursuit,” he added.

The PRO-6 also credited the 7-9-7 work schedule for topping a survey on the performance of police offices in the country.

The survey was conducted by a private firm commissioned by the PNP national headquarters to check on the operational and administrative performance of police units.

Cuevas said police officers must work round-the-clock, unlike other public servants who are only required to work 8 hours a day.

Still, police officers are entitled to 1-day off per week. The scheduled break also rotates among the police station teams and personnel.

“Mas maayu pa ang mga security guards kay ga duty 12 hours a day, ang police 10 hours lang ga reklamo pa. The 7-9-7 schedule aims to instill our officers that they should take our work as a serious career, not just an ordinary work. We also want to instill discipline and prevent our officers from gallivanting and moonlighting when they go on break,” Cuevas said.

The 7-9-7 schedule also assures spouses of police officers that they will go home after duty “thereby avoiding domestic problems among our officers.”

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

A MEASLES outbreak is occurring in Western Visayas, according to the Department of Health (DoH-6).

Dr. Renilyn Reyes, Regional Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) coordinator of DOH 6, said a total of 41 confirmed cases of measles were recorded in Region 6 as of November 10.

Reyes said this year’s measles cases are higher compared to 2008 with only 4 confirmed cases.

“From 2005 to 2007, we did not have measles cases in Region 6. However, in 2008, there were four laboratory confirmed cases of measles in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. In 2008, there were no reported measles cases in Iloilo and the rest of Panay Island, but we are sad to note that this year, we have many recorded laboratory confirmed cases,” Reyes said.

DoH-6 data showed that Iloilo province has the most number of measles cases with 33 patients while Iloilo City has 15 cases.

Guimaras has 5 confirmed cases while the provinces of Antique, Capiz and Negros Occidental have one case each.

In Iloilo province, the town of Oton has 5 cases, Pavia 3 and Banate 2.

In Iloilo City, Jaro district has a total of 6 confirmed cases, LaPaz and Mandurriao with 3 cases each while Arevalo, Molo and City Proper have 1 case each.

Reyes said they consider Aklan a silent case as they have not received any suspected or confirmed measles case.

Measles or tipdas is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It affects mostly children although in Capiz a 37-year-old man contracted the infection.

Measles is rapidly transmitted through air or direct contact. It is considered to be a leading cause of childhood mortality in the world.

Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a generalized rash (from head to toe).

Clinical diagnosis of measles requires a history of fever of at least three days together with at least one of the three C’s (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) and Koplik’s spots.

Reyes said measles in itself is not dangerous but its victims are at risk of immunity suppression which could lead to complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection (bulaho), diarrhea and dehydration,

LOW IMMUNIZATION

Reyes said low or lack of measles immunization coverage in Western Visayas may have been the cause of resurgence of measles in the region.

Reyes said the health department eyed to eliminate measles through massive vaccination which began in the 1980s.

While measles vaccination coverage in the country reached 91% of the target population, it was still below the 95% benchmark to terminate the infection.

“We believe that there has been an accumulation of susceptible persons which led to the resurgence of the infection,” Reyes said.

DoH-6 recommended massive vaccination for children as early as 6 months old. But a repeat vaccination should be given when the child reaches 9 months old to ensure the affectivity of the vaccine.

Another dose of measles vaccination for children 15-23 months old will be administered to halt virus transmission among susceptible children. Children under 2 years old are most vulnerable to measles complications.

Children under 5 years old who defaulted on their vaccination must also undergo the immunization process.

The health agency also recommended vitamin A supplementation to children 6 months to 71 months old.

Reyes said free measles vaccination is available in health centers all over the region “and our residents should avail of this program to protect their children.”

The DoH also encouraged the public to report any suspected measles cases in their locality for early detection and management.

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THREE-WAY contests are shaping up in the second and third congressional districts of Iloilo.

Atty. Zafiro Lauron said will run for congressman of the 3^rd district against Board Member Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and former agrarian reform secretary Rene Villa. Lauron said he will run under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Earlier, Lauron and Villa both vied for the nomination of the Liberal Party-Ugyon bloc, the party of Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. But Villa was chosen as LP’s official bet in the district.

Defensor will run under Lakas-CMD party.

In the 2^nd district, it’s incumbent Rep. Judy Jalbuena Syjuco versus Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta versus Ramoncito “Citoy” Arenas.

Arenas, who earlier transferred his voter’s registration and residence in Zarraga, Iloilo, formally announced his candidacy the other day at Hotel del Rio.

Arenas’ mother, socialite Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas, did all the talking in behalf of her son while partaking lunch with several punong barangays and political leaders in the 2^nd district.

Mrs. Arenas said they intend to bring back the dignity of the 2^nd district through her son’s candidacy.

But the Syjuco camp is unfazed after four top municipal officials expressed their support for the incumbent congresswoman.

Mayors Romulo Cabana of Leon, Liecel Seville of New Lucena and Rigor Brazas of Zarraga and Vice Mayor Victor Saclauso of San Miguel said they will still support the Syjucos.

“The mayors of the 2^nd district made a pact with each other: one for all, all for one,” Cabana said.

A total of 22 punong barangays in Zarraga also signed a manifesto saying they will not support Arenas and will continue to back the Syjucos.

Gorriceta has yet to decide if he will run for congressman of the 2^nd district or pursue his last 3-year term as mayor.

Gorriceta said he became critical of the Syjucos when they allegedly tried to hijack a road improvement project in his town which was funded through his own initiative.

Who is Raul Sr.’s running mate?

Two former city officials and two incumbent councilors are vying to become the vice mayoral bet of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul M. Gonzalez Sr. who will run for city mayor next year.

Sources from the Gonzalez camp said among the front runners are Councilors Antonio Pesina and Erwin Plagata, former councilor Ramon Cua-Locsin and former vice mayor Victor Facultad.

Gonzalez’s group will hold a convention November 14 to complete their slate for the 2010 elections.

Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera said those who abandoned their party – like Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog – are still welcome to their fold.

By Tara Yap 

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will join the police in hunting members of the Basag Kotse Gang.

Major Lowen Gil Marquez, regional chief of the AFP Civil Relations Service, told The Daily Guardian that the AFP is currently conducting independent investigation on car robberies in Iloilo City.

“Our mission is to find out who is behind this Basag Kotse gang. In my opinion, members of Basag Kotse are from influential and prominent families of Iloilo City,” Marquez said.

Marquez, who refused to divulge names, said these Basag Kotse members have two modes of operation.

One is the use of high-end vehicles, which the syndicate parks beside their target vehicles.  Marquez said the use of high-end vehicles erases suspicion among innocent car owners that their vehicles will be looted.

Car thieves also use street kids in their operations. Marquez said street kids are told to throw stones or kick the car to find out if it has an alarm. 

Marquez said car owners and roving security guards will not mind street children who play near vehicles.

 “They use tactics that do not show any malice or raise suspicions,” Marquez added.

Marquez said the AFP, through the Bantay Bayan Foundation, will help the police.

Bantay Bayan volunteers also augment the PNP, but Marquez has directed its members to continue with intelligence operations.

Marquez said that once there is enough evidence, he will present it to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI 6).

Marquez said the AFP is doing its share to solve the series of car lootings that is affecting the image of Iloilo City as business-friendly and peaceful city.

“Basag Kotse is very bad for the city.  It is driving investors and tourists away,” Marquez said.

However, Marquez clarified that they are only on a supporting role.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas met with ICPO director Sr./Supt. Melvin Moncal and the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (ICPOC) yesterday.

Treñas urged establishments to closely coordinate with its security personnel and the police.  He also urged car owners to remain vigilant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.