Fraudulently illegal, says Ledesma of Con-ass; Emano, Jaraula counter: Ignorant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By Ben Balce, Joel Escol and Susan Palmes / Dec 9, 2006) -CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma yesterday lashed at the House majority over its moves to convene a constituent assembly for Charter change, calling the efforts "fraudulently illegal and scandalously immoral."

But Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano and Rep. Constantino Jaraula, the chair of the House constitutional amendments committee, have this to say about critics of the Lower House’s efforts: ‘‘Ignorant.’’

Protest actions aimed at pressuring the House to drop its plan to effect constitutional amendments by way of a constituent assembly without the Senate’s participation would start tomorrow in the city.

Ledesma was set on presiding over an emergency meeting of residents opposed to ‘‘Con-ass’’ at the Archbishop’s Palace late afternoon yesterday.

Ledesma, in an interview, said he would issue an official statement against ‘‘Con-ass’’ on behalf of the local Roman Catholic archdiocese anytime soon like other bishops in the country.

"We have not favored Con-ass ever since," said Ledesma, referring to the position of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

A bigger ‘‘prayer rally’’ is being organized on Dec. 15 to stop the House juggernaut.

"It will be staged nationwide. The local churches, including those in other places in Mindanao, will participate," said Ledesma.

President Arroyo’s allies here said ‘‘Con-ass’’ critics ‘‘don’t know what they’re saying.’’

"It’s easy to say ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral’... Those who are saying that are all ignorant,’’ said Rep. Jaraula.

Over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, Emano singled out ex-vice mayor Antonio Soriano who has been criticizing moves to change the Charter through a constituent assembly.

"I don’t agree with Soriano," said Emano who has been advocating for Charter change.
Over ABS-CBN-Caga-yan de Oro, Vice Mayor Michelle said the matter would have to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Archbishop Ledesma said he disagreed with politicians pushing for Charter change by way of a constituent assembly.

"There is really a need to respond more collectively to the present crisis," said the archbishop.
‘‘The Catholic Churchs has to respond to this crisis produced by the prospect of Charter change by administration congressmen desperately bent on creating themselves into a constituent assembly."

Ledesma also called on citizens to be vigilant. "The temptation to manipulate and to hold on to power endangers the common good and the safety of the greatest number."

Meanwhile, a multisectoral group opposed to ‘‘Con-ass’’ would start street demonstrations in the city starting from the capitol grounds tomorrow, announced Soriano, the chair of the Black and White Movement here. Soriano is also the regional chair of the opposition PDP-Laban.

The local chapter of the human rights watchdog Karapatan headed by lawyer Beverly Musni and the group of Iglesia Filipina Indiependente’s Fr. Antonio Ablon are expected to join.

On Monday, noise barrage would also be staged at 5 pm to decry congressmen who were taking part in the House juggernaut.

"People should act now. We should be vigilant to protect the Constitution,’’ said Soriano.

Musni, for his part, said Karapatan would join the upcoming nationwide protest actions.

"We cannot let this pass. They (House majority members) are deceiving us,’’ said Musni.

IFI’s Fr. Ablon said his group was expected to issue an official statement against ‘‘Con-ass’’ today.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) strongly raised its opposition to the move of the House majority.

‘‘It was a cavernly act… a show of the tyranny of numbers for self-serving interests. The process is clearly wrapped in the agenda of those who want to further perpetuate themselves in power, including President Arroyo, who is facing serious doubts to the legitimacy of her rule,’’ said NCCP.

NCCP general secretary Sharon Rose Joy Duremdes said the move was ‘‘an obvious attempt to postpone the May 2007 elections, a con that will turn the people into big losers.’’

Duremdes said congressmen disregarded the true aspirations of Filipinos, hence the ‘‘desperate attempt to resurrect an unpopular initiative that was already junked by the Supreme Court.’’

‘‘We are reiterating that the NCCP is not against Charter change. Constitutional amendments are necessary in order for the Charter to ensure the welfare of the citizens. No doubt, the present Constitution stands in need of substantial improvement, but definitely not at this time and certainly not for the wrong reasons,’’ reads a portion of the NCCP statement.

The NCCP also called on its member churches to be vigilant and ‘‘not allow anyone... to ride roughshod on our God-given right to participate in political processes that directly affect us.’’

It called Charter change through a constituent assembly ‘‘double jeopardy where the people are concerned.’’

‘‘We believe that every deed which disregards the well-being of people shall be brought under the stern judgment of our God,’’ it said.

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Opol mayor bags award for governance

CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce / Dec. 8) MAYOR Dixon Yasay of Opol, Misamis Oriental, received on Wednesday (Dec. 6) the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence on behalf of the Municipal government, which has been adjudged as the best managed local government in the country.

German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt, assisted by Klaus Preschle of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, presented the award.

Like Yasay, other awardees who received awards were Calbayog Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and barangay chairperson Carlos Ringor of Paco, Mankayan, Benguet.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Champagne Salon of the Manila Hotel.

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung is an international foundation that assists developing countries in various areas of governance, among are about best practices in local government management and administration.

They conduct visitations, workshops and conference among officials of local governments and even among members of the executive and legislative branches of government to assist them on the mechanics and implementation of democratic principles and institution.

Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Dixon Yasay delivering his acceptance speech during the awarding ceremony of the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence for the best-managed local government in the Philippines.

German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt (4th from left), assisted by M. Klaus Preschle (3rd from left) of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung presents the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence for the best managed local government in the Philippines to (from left) Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Dixon Yasay (2nd from right) and Barangay Captain Carlos Ringor of Paco, Mankayan, Benguet. The Simple awarding ceremony was held at the Champagne Salon of the historic landmark Manila Hotel. The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung is an international foundation that assists developing countries in various areas of governance, among which are about best practices in local government management and administration. They conduct visitations, workshops and conferences among officials of local government units and even among members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government to assist them on the mechanics and implementation of democratic principles and institutions.

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Normin’s top fugitive falls

FUGITIVE FALLS: Peter Herbito, region 10,'s No. 12 most wanted fugitive, with P140,000 cash reward for his capture was presented to the press by regional director C/Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan after his arrest at Quezon, Bukidnon. Herbito has a pending case for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act and for bolting out of jail.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Dec. 6) - Barely a week after assuming his post as northern Mindanao’s topmost police official, C/Supt. Teodorico Capuyan made his first haul.

Capuyan yesterday presented to the media an arrested fugitive who had eluded lawmen for the last eight years, tagged as 12 most wanted person in the region.

The joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division (RCDG) and the Police Regional Office 10 based in Camp Alagar, this city, arrested a certain Peter E. Herbito, 32, married, on December 3 at Balangay 9 Quezon, Bukidnon.

Capuyan said Herbito is tagged as number 12 most wanted person in the region carrying a reward of P140,000.

"The suspect escaped from his cell at Misamis Oriental Provincial jail in 1998," Capuyan said.

Capuyan said Herbito was once a drug (marijuana) courier getting his supplies of prohibited drugs from Damulog and disposed it in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby places in Misamis Oriental.

"Herbito’s arrest boosted the morale of our policemen," Capuyan said.

Herbito was arrested by virtue of arrest warrant issued by Branch 19 Judge Evelyn Gomotin-Nery of 10th Judicial Regional Trial Court in Cagayan de Oro.

Capuyan said the case is docketed as Criminal Case Number 97-848 with no bail bond recommended.

Herbito was turned-over to the proper authority for proper disposition, according to Capuyan.

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11 PNP officials named; get new postings says Calderon

NEWLY assumed northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan (right) in pleasant conversation with PNP chief Director General Oscar C. Calderon (center) and the outgoing Chief Supt. Florante J. Baguio (left) during the turn over of command of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) at Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City.

CAGAYAN de Oro Journal (BEN BALCE / Dec. 5) - ELEVEN senior police officials including the newly assumed northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan were named and given new assignments due to the impending retirement of a number of other senior police officials.

PNP chief Director General Oscar C. Calderon said the reorganization was recommended by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board based on the review and evaluation of merit, seniority and competence of all the nominees.

The officers given new assignments were Chief Supt. Charlemagne Alejandrino as acting director for the Directorate for Plans; Chief Supt. Teodorico Capuyan, regional police chief of Northern Mindanao; Chief Supt. Andres Caro II as acting regional director of the Davao Region Police Office; Chief Supt. Pedro U. Tango as director of the Northern Police District; and Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales as acting district director of the Southern Police District;

Senior Supt. Fidel A. Cimatu as acting deputy chief of the Directorate for Plans; Senior Supt. Raul Castañeda as the new acting deputy director of the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development; Senior Supt. Orlando Mabutas as acting executive director of the DHRDD.

Senior Supt. Rolando Añonuevo, acting deputy director of the Intelligence Group and acting Task Force Commander of Task Force Sanglahi, the anti-terrorist unit of the PNP; Senior Supt. Edwin Corvera, deputy task force commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force; and Senior Supt. Atilano Morada, acting Airport Security Group director.

Former SPD acting director Senior Supt. Ricardo Padilla will have to wait in the wings to assume as Bicol region police director until current head Chief Supt. Victor Boco, who is retiring on Jan. 11, completes the PNP’s part in all relief and rehabilitation efforts for the typhoon-ravaged region.

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The pretty Meliza Gould shining

MONALISA's SMILE. This pretty lass Meliza Gould in all smiles as she pose for souvenir photos before a professional photographer.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

By JOEL C. ESCOL

It was a good afternoon I waited for Ms. Meliza Gould at the lounge of VIP Hotel for our scheduled personal interview at around 3:00 pm.

Exactly at 3:00 pm the beauteous lass arrived at the hotel. She came very calm and confident. Although it maybe her first time to huddle with a media personality, but I would say she’s really smart and composed.

This gorgeous Meliza, who just celebrated her debut party at Mallberry Suites here, is half Filipina half New Zealander that maybe one of the reasons that would explain why she looked amazingly smart and ready for all questions when she seated in front of me for the interview.

Meliza is now currently on her 2nd year in International Studies Course at Xavier University . She’s the proud daughter of the late Frank Gould, a New Zealander and Emie, a Filipina.

EXCERPT :
JOEL ESCOL: Hello Meliza. Thank you for accepting my invitation for this interview. You’re really tall and in great shape like any other beauty queen.

MELIZA GOULD : Hi, thank you for that great introduction.
JE : Okay, let’s immediately get down to business. What’s the feeling of being chosen as Ms. Kauswagan and Ms, Guinsiliban ?

MG : Well, I feel great. Although am a little bit nervous during the coronation night. But my life is still the same now. I think nothing changes, except for the fact that I am now holding two titles in the same year.

JE : Was your being a beauty queen now one of your wildest dreams ?
MG : No. I didn’t really dream of becoming a beauty queen. It just happened. I don’t’ know (laughs)

JE : So who introduce you to this pageant thing. I mean, who encourage you to try your luck in beauty tilts ?
MG : (Laughs again) Actually a family friend visited our house and asked permission to my mom for me to join Ms. Kauswagan. Then that was it.

JE : Of course, among the important factors considered in beauty pageants are the way you walk, you talk and carry yourself on stage. In your first appearance was there someone who help you on these ?
MG : I have a gay friend who became my mentor. She’s the one responsible in taking care of me especially during competition nights.

JE : Being an ambassadress of goodwill now, are there any assignments from Chairman Roger Abaday of Kauswagan or from the mayor of Guinsiliban.
MG : Well, in Guinsiliban, I attended one of the activities of the town, but here in Kauswagan not yet. I heard the chairman was busy. That maybe the case I had not been given any assignment yet.

JE : Any message for the youth ?
MG : I just wanted to say that education is one of the best gift given to us by our parents so keep studying. I believe that education liberates man. Even though how hard life is but just keep yourself busy studying. Being educated is the best weapon to prepare us from the real challenges of life.
JE : Thank you again Meliza and God Bless.

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