By MIKE BAÑOS
THE Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet) website is back online! The URL is http://www.jacnet.blogspot.com/ featuring Allan Mediante's "Lord of the Flies", the first ever investigative story approved by the JACNet Editorial Board for publication way back in 2004.
Jacnet was originally conceived to be the "virtual newspaper" for investigative stories of the Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet). The original site received financial and technical assistance from the Phil. Australian Governance Facility (PAGF) project but failed to sustain itself after it was hit with a couple of shutdowns by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) hosting the site. As a result, all the materials collated at both sites were lost and the project languished in the doldrums.
Early this year, the new Board of Directors took another look at the project and appointed yours truly to head the committee to see if the project could be resuscitated. With materials provided by past president Herbie Gomez, the remaining hard copy of the Jacnet materials were painstakingly encoded back into the computer by my kids Miguel and Leon at our residence during their free time.
Next, I recruited newly installed director Ben Balce to remake the Jacnet site which was originally designed and constructed by COPC member Ruel Pelone. The site is still under construction and more materials are lined up for inclusion.
With the new site up and running, the Board will consider in its next meeting to reorganize the Jacnet editorial board. Ben and I have already significed to COPC Pres. Uriel Quilinguing and the Board of Directors our willingness to continue serving as the Board representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board, at the same time acting as its Online Management Team.
The PAGF project report recognizes the efforts of Ruel as the the web developer and first administrator of the Jacnet website. It says "He was particularly effective, not only in constructing the website, but working closely with the website subcommittee of Jacnet. He was open to suggestions and at the same time maintained the design and structural integrity of the site.
One pleasing side-effect of the training and Mr. Pelone's management of the process is that a number of the training participants have started to develop their own sites. He was happy to support them in this."
Jacnet also previously extended an invitation to Sangga Kagayanon to host the SG website on the Jacnet website until they are able to go 'independent'. The invitation was accepted and the project funded the additional costs for developing the site and for the additional domain name www.sanggakagayanon.com.ph . This was done to preserve the independence of the organization's identity. The resuscitation of the Sangga website will also be taken up during our next board meeting to complete the original foundation for Jacnet.
Good governance principles were used as a guide in all the considerations that led to the formation, structure and rules for JACnet. The key considerations in organizing the Editorial Board were to ensure an editorially mature and legally aware Board to guide JACnet; ensure quality stories are produced without putting the COPC at unreasonable risk of legal action, and at the same time, to ensure that JACnet is editorially free from any editorial or other inappropriate pressures from the COPC Board or from outside.
There is a separation of powers between the COPC Board of Directors and the Jacnet Editorial Board. Legal guidelines and protocols are in the process of being drafted by the Project lawyers to minimize the possible legal risks top the COPC as well as the Editorial Board and the contributing journalists.
The COPC Board of Directors has been mandated to automatically set aside a budget for Jacnet at the start of their office, even if the new Jacnet Editorial Board members have not been elected yet.
The Editorial Board will also administer the budget to take care of the Website.
Income generating activities will be pursued by COPC to sustain the grants for investigating stories. This will be done through the Business and Marketing Plan.
Jacnet is governed by a seven-member Editorial Board. The roles of the Editorial Board have been defined and documented with the assistance of the legal advisors. This was deemed necessary in the light of the Jacnet commitment to fund and encourage publication of investigative stories, especially against corruption, on their own website.
The Editorial Board members take an oath of commitment to uphold the COPC Code of Ethics. It reviews and approves story proposals based on set criteria. The Board meets as the need arises – regular meetings, review and approval of story proposals, monitoring the progress of an investigative story, and review and approval of stories for publishing.
Board members are bound by oath to keep any information gained from the investigative stories confidential until Jacnet approves the stories for release. The members take their oath of commitment before the COPC Board of Directors.
The Editorial Board appoints the members of the Online Management Team for the Jacnet website. As of the moment, Director Ben Balce and myself are also serving in the capacity.
The Editorial Board is accountable to the COPC General Assembly. Its members are appointed by the COPC Board of Directors each year, three months after the COPC' elections.
The Editorial Board appointments will be based on the following criteria:
Four senior journalists – three to represent each of the print, radio and television media, one to be a senior journalist either from print, radio and television;
Two COPC Directors to be the COPC Board's representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board;
A lawyer who may or may not be a COPC member, and
The COPC President may sit in the Jacnet Editorial Board but shall have no voting powers
Criteria for membership
PRINT JOURNALIST – Regular journalist of a newspaper, whether employed or not, as long as he/she is a regular columnist/ contributor; at least five (5) years experience in print media; must be a member of the COPC.
RADIO JOURNALIST –Regular radio broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or commentator; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TV JOURNALIST –Regular TV broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or newscaster; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TWO (2) REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COPC BOARD OF DIRECTORS –Appointed by the COPC President or the Board of Directors.
LAWYER –Must have an understanding and knowledge of media and journalism and its dynamics; does not necessarily have an experience in media practice; may or may not be a COPC member.
JOURNALIST –May be from the print, radio or TV industry; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
COPC PRESIDENT –Must be the elected incumbent President. The Press Club President is an immediate member of the Editorial Board. The President is an ex-officio and will not exercise any voting powers in the Editorial Board.
Comments to mike_banos@walla.com
Friday, September 22, 2006
Enteria body trashes anti-Emano motion
THE city council’s committee on laws and rules on Wednesday rejected opposition Councilor Zaldy Ocon’s proposal to declare Mayor Vicente Emano persona non grata.
Ocon’s proposal was thrown out despite the documents he brought with him to support the proposal before the committee chaired by Emano ally Councilor Mary-anne Enteria. The committee’s members include councilors Edgardo Cabanlas, Reynaldo Advincula and Jerico Goldmar Ebabacol, all closely identified with the mayor.
The committee declared the proposed resolution to be baseless.
The rejection would mean the proposal would not be endorsed by the committee for discussion in the plenary.
Cabanlas said the proposed resolution was unfair to Emano.
It was impossible because Emano is the city’s chief executive. "We can’t declare him (Emano) persona non grata because he has the immunity as ambassador of this city," Cabanlas said.
"How can we declare the chief executive persona non grata?" Enteria said.
Advincula said Ocon’s proposal was "unfair" to Cagayanons who voted to make Emano their mayor.
Ocon lashed at the committee, saying its members only showed the extent by which they were willing to defend Emano.
Without elaborating, he said the committee on rules ‘‘exploited the rules.’’
He said the move to reject his proposal was without basis.
Ocon said he would prusue a signature campaign in the city so the public would declare Emano persona non grata.
His proposal stemmed from Emano’s memorandum that prevented city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without his green light. Ocon has long been accusing Emano of keeping the public in the dark in regard to city hall’s finances and multimillion-peso transactions.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon’s proposal was thrown out despite the documents he brought with him to support the proposal before the committee chaired by Emano ally Councilor Mary-anne Enteria. The committee’s members include councilors Edgardo Cabanlas, Reynaldo Advincula and Jerico Goldmar Ebabacol, all closely identified with the mayor.
The committee declared the proposed resolution to be baseless.
The rejection would mean the proposal would not be endorsed by the committee for discussion in the plenary.
Cabanlas said the proposed resolution was unfair to Emano.
It was impossible because Emano is the city’s chief executive. "We can’t declare him (Emano) persona non grata because he has the immunity as ambassador of this city," Cabanlas said.
"How can we declare the chief executive persona non grata?" Enteria said.
Advincula said Ocon’s proposal was "unfair" to Cagayanons who voted to make Emano their mayor.
Ocon lashed at the committee, saying its members only showed the extent by which they were willing to defend Emano.
Without elaborating, he said the committee on rules ‘‘exploited the rules.’’
He said the move to reject his proposal was without basis.
Ocon said he would prusue a signature campaign in the city so the public would declare Emano persona non grata.
His proposal stemmed from Emano’s memorandum that prevented city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without his green light. Ocon has long been accusing Emano of keeping the public in the dark in regard to city hall’s finances and multimillion-peso transactions.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fresh docs show guv got favors: Moreno accusers
RADIO blocktimer Ronnie Waniwan yesterday claimed to have uncovered damning evidence that Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno violated the anti-graft law by allegedly receiving favors from a group of companies that has been running a famous hotel in the city.
Waniwan also said he and another radio blocktimer, Eddie Dangcal, are preparing to file four more graft charges against the Misamis Oriental governor.
Waniwan confirmed his and Dangcal’s plan to file more complaints yesterday, a day after the duo lodged a second graft complaint against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Waniwan said new documents he and Dangcal supposedly uncovered were ‘‘damaging.’’
The documents, said Waniwan, would show that the Moreno violated a law that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or favors.
Waniwan did not elaborate.
But the four additional complaints, he said, would be based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) which looked into the finances of the capitol as of 2005.
On Monday, Waniwan and Dangcal filed a second complaint against Moreno for allowing the capitol purchase of medicines allegedly without a bidding.
The complaint came a week after the two accused Moreno of graft in connection with the COA’s findings that the capitol spent some P12.6 million for fuel provided to private vehicles in 2005.
Last Monday, they accused Moreno of ‘‘shopping’’ for medicines allegedly to avoid biddings.
The complaint was filed before the ombudsman around 4 pm on Monday.
Charged with Moreno were acting provincial budget officer Elmer Wabe, acting provincial accountant Divina Bade and provincial treasurer Amelita Pacuribot.
Waniwan and Dangcal, registered residents of Gingoog City and El Salvador town, respectively, alleged that Moreno conspired with Wabe, Bade and Pacuribot in purchasing medicines and other medical supplies through ‘‘shopping’’ without competitive biddings.
In a three-page complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal alleged that the officials violated Republic Act 9184 that requires for competitive biddings and released payments to suppliers to the the detriment of the province.
They said the act was also a violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Reads a portion of the Waniwan-Dangcal complaint: "In order to get away from public bidding, the province of Misamis Oriental purchased the medicines and medical supplies by splitting the purchase requests and purchase orders in order to reduce the amount per purchase order to below P250,000 in order to avail the alternative mode of shopping.’’
To avoid biddings, Waniwan said the capitol officials limited the purchase of medicines to P50 thousand a day.
But this was done daily, he said.
In one instance, they said, the capitol made several purchase requests and orders. Collectively, the medicines would cost P250 thousand.
"The only logical conclusion for this is because they were trying to evade competitive public biddings," said Waniwan.
He also said the capitol should have bought the medicines in bulk after a bidding so the prices would be advantageous to the province.
In their complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal asked the ombudsman to suspend Moreno and the other officials to ensure a no-nonsense investigation into the alleged irregularities.
This paper tried to ask capitol officials for their comment in regard to the complaint but to no avail.
Bade declined to comment, saying she was leaving matters to the office of the governor.
Moreno was not in his office when this paper tried to ask him to comment.
Moreno’s press office chief, Maricel Casiño Rivera, told reporters earlier that the governor welcomed any complaint against him and that the official was ready to defend himself before any court.
Moreno, in earlier interviews, claimed the accusations hurled at him by Waniwan and Dangcal were part of a demolition job launched by his political enemies.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Waniwan also said he and another radio blocktimer, Eddie Dangcal, are preparing to file four more graft charges against the Misamis Oriental governor.
Waniwan confirmed his and Dangcal’s plan to file more complaints yesterday, a day after the duo lodged a second graft complaint against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Waniwan said new documents he and Dangcal supposedly uncovered were ‘‘damaging.’’
The documents, said Waniwan, would show that the Moreno violated a law that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or favors.
Waniwan did not elaborate.
But the four additional complaints, he said, would be based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) which looked into the finances of the capitol as of 2005.
On Monday, Waniwan and Dangcal filed a second complaint against Moreno for allowing the capitol purchase of medicines allegedly without a bidding.
The complaint came a week after the two accused Moreno of graft in connection with the COA’s findings that the capitol spent some P12.6 million for fuel provided to private vehicles in 2005.
Last Monday, they accused Moreno of ‘‘shopping’’ for medicines allegedly to avoid biddings.
The complaint was filed before the ombudsman around 4 pm on Monday.
Charged with Moreno were acting provincial budget officer Elmer Wabe, acting provincial accountant Divina Bade and provincial treasurer Amelita Pacuribot.
Waniwan and Dangcal, registered residents of Gingoog City and El Salvador town, respectively, alleged that Moreno conspired with Wabe, Bade and Pacuribot in purchasing medicines and other medical supplies through ‘‘shopping’’ without competitive biddings.
In a three-page complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal alleged that the officials violated Republic Act 9184 that requires for competitive biddings and released payments to suppliers to the the detriment of the province.
They said the act was also a violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Reads a portion of the Waniwan-Dangcal complaint: "In order to get away from public bidding, the province of Misamis Oriental purchased the medicines and medical supplies by splitting the purchase requests and purchase orders in order to reduce the amount per purchase order to below P250,000 in order to avail the alternative mode of shopping.’’
To avoid biddings, Waniwan said the capitol officials limited the purchase of medicines to P50 thousand a day.
But this was done daily, he said.
In one instance, they said, the capitol made several purchase requests and orders. Collectively, the medicines would cost P250 thousand.
"The only logical conclusion for this is because they were trying to evade competitive public biddings," said Waniwan.
He also said the capitol should have bought the medicines in bulk after a bidding so the prices would be advantageous to the province.
In their complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal asked the ombudsman to suspend Moreno and the other officials to ensure a no-nonsense investigation into the alleged irregularities.
This paper tried to ask capitol officials for their comment in regard to the complaint but to no avail.
Bade declined to comment, saying she was leaving matters to the office of the governor.
Moreno was not in his office when this paper tried to ask him to comment.
Moreno’s press office chief, Maricel Casiño Rivera, told reporters earlier that the governor welcomed any complaint against him and that the official was ready to defend himself before any court.
Moreno, in earlier interviews, claimed the accusations hurled at him by Waniwan and Dangcal were part of a demolition job launched by his political enemies.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon starts sign drive to declare Emano persona non grata
OPPOSITION Councilor Zaldy Ocon yesterday said he would launch a citywide signature campaign to declare Mayor Vicente Emano persona non grata due to his failure to win the support of the PaDayon Pilipino-dominated city council.
Ocon has moved to declare the mayor persona non grata because of a controversial memorandum that prohibits city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without the mayor’s green light. Ocon’s motion has been referred to a city council committee.
But Ocon said he was certain the motion would be rejected because pro-Emano councilors like Councilor Edgar Cabanlas were against it from the beginning.
"There are only two of us fighting. We would be lucky to get three votes,’’ said Ocon.
During his DxCC program, Ocon started calling on residents to support his cause. He said he would work to win the support of at least half of the city’s population for his signature campaign.
Ocon said barangay-based leaders who are disappointed with the Emano administration would help him carry out the citywide signature campaign.
For starters, Ocon’s campaign centers would be at radio station DxCC and the capitol grounds near the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Building on Apolinar Velez St..
On Monday, Ocon moved to declare Emano persona non grata because of the administration’s policy which the councilor said was against transparency and good governance. He alleged that the alleged graft and corrupt practices in city hall have become ‘‘uncontrollable.’’
Ocon reiterated his call for Emano to explain and show documents in regard to multimillion-peso projects, including the market and terminal construction projects in Bulua and Gusa, and the build-operate-transfer scheme for the Cogon and Carmen markets.
Ocon also called for transparency in regard to the construction of the Pelaez Bridge and the multimillion-peso road projects.
Ocon’s motion is set for discussion in the council’s committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Maryanne Enteria, another Emano ally.
Councilor Cabanlas said the proposed resolution is tainted with political motives. He argued that Emano cannot be declared persona non grata because he was elected mayor of the city.
Ocon’s motion would be the main agenda of the Enteria committee this afternoon.
"The resolution filed by councilor Ocon will be deliberated Wednesday," Enteria confirmed.
Enteria said members of the committee would focus on the legitimacy of the proposed resolution.
If approved, the motion would be discussed by the council on Monday.
But earlier, Enteria called the proposed resolution "baseless." She said it was an ‘‘accusation’’ and not a ‘‘resolution.’’
Enteria said the committee would determine if the Ocon proposal should be calendared for council discussion.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon has moved to declare the mayor persona non grata because of a controversial memorandum that prohibits city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without the mayor’s green light. Ocon’s motion has been referred to a city council committee.
But Ocon said he was certain the motion would be rejected because pro-Emano councilors like Councilor Edgar Cabanlas were against it from the beginning.
"There are only two of us fighting. We would be lucky to get three votes,’’ said Ocon.
During his DxCC program, Ocon started calling on residents to support his cause. He said he would work to win the support of at least half of the city’s population for his signature campaign.
Ocon said barangay-based leaders who are disappointed with the Emano administration would help him carry out the citywide signature campaign.
For starters, Ocon’s campaign centers would be at radio station DxCC and the capitol grounds near the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Building on Apolinar Velez St..
On Monday, Ocon moved to declare Emano persona non grata because of the administration’s policy which the councilor said was against transparency and good governance. He alleged that the alleged graft and corrupt practices in city hall have become ‘‘uncontrollable.’’
Ocon reiterated his call for Emano to explain and show documents in regard to multimillion-peso projects, including the market and terminal construction projects in Bulua and Gusa, and the build-operate-transfer scheme for the Cogon and Carmen markets.
Ocon also called for transparency in regard to the construction of the Pelaez Bridge and the multimillion-peso road projects.
Ocon’s motion is set for discussion in the council’s committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Maryanne Enteria, another Emano ally.
Councilor Cabanlas said the proposed resolution is tainted with political motives. He argued that Emano cannot be declared persona non grata because he was elected mayor of the city.
Ocon’s motion would be the main agenda of the Enteria committee this afternoon.
"The resolution filed by councilor Ocon will be deliberated Wednesday," Enteria confirmed.
Enteria said members of the committee would focus on the legitimacy of the proposed resolution.
If approved, the motion would be discussed by the council on Monday.
But earlier, Enteria called the proposed resolution "baseless." She said it was an ‘‘accusation’’ and not a ‘‘resolution.’’
Enteria said the committee would determine if the Ocon proposal should be calendared for council discussion.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Presumption of innocence favors judge, says Villaroya
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Susan Palmes and Ben Balce / Sep 18) - A prominent Cagayan de Oro lawyer who caught the ire of judges when he publicly expressed his concern over allegations of corruption in the city’s courts several months ago said the accuser of regional Judge Gregorio Pantanosas would need to work harder to substantiate his claim that the magistrate asked a P1-million bribe.
‘‘The presumption of innocence favors the judge more so as the complainant is a publicity seeker,’’ said lawyer Roderico Villaroya.
Pantanosas’ accuser, Elly Pamatong, has been described by some lawyers here as ‘‘sharp’’ but ‘‘weird.’’
Pamatong is the same lawyer who was barred by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from running for President in 2004 because he was a ‘‘nuisance candidate.’’ That same year, he was linked to a group that scattered metal spikes on the streets and roads of Manila.
Pamatong is also known to be advocating to make the Philippines one of the states of the US.
Villaroya said he witnessed when Pantanosas ordered Pamatong to remove his fez inside the courtroom. He said he did not find the incident ‘‘alarming.’’
‘‘What transpired after is beyond my knowledge,’’ said Villaroya.
He added: ‘‘If a judge accepts a bribe, the lawyer is the bigger thief. Lawyers should not offer bribes as normally judges do not demand unless tempted."
Former vice mayor Antonio Soriano, a lawyer by profession, said he doubted if Pantanosas did what Pamatong claimed the judge did.
"I don’t think judge Pantanosas would do that," Soriano said.
"I know Judge Pantanosas personally, he is a good judge," Soriano said.
As for Pamatong, Soriano said, "I really don’t know him. It’s hard to describe him. I don’t even know if Pamatong is really a Muslim or a Christian."
But at the end of the day, Soriano said the question of who is really telling the truth would be decided by the Supreme Court.
The case against Pantanosas has become the talk of the town insofar as the city’s legal community is concerned. But most lawyers have opted not to speak on the record.
Even at the Hall of Justice, court employees opted to keep mum.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Let's take lie-detector test, Waniwan dares Moreno
ONE of the accusers of Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno has dared the province’s leader to take a lie-detector test.
Ronnie Waniwan, who was among those who filed a complaint for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman, also threatened to file libel charges against the governor for accusing him and two other complainants––Eddie Dangcal and Rey Abaca-hin––of being used by his (Moreno’s) political enemies.
Waniwan and Dangcal are known to be television and radio blocktimers while Abacahin is a TV program segment producer. Yesterday, media groups in the city said the act of Wani-wan, Dangcal and Abaca-hin in suing Moreno is not a media function. But the groups said the three complainants have the right to do what they did as citizens.
Waniwan called More-no’s statements over a radio station last week ‘‘irresponsible.’’
"Oca (Moreno), as lawyer, should stick to the issues, and he should not drag the names of other politicians," said Waniwan even as he accused the governor of trying to divert the issue on graft to partisan politics.
Waniwan said he was willing to take the lie-detector test together with Moreno ‘‘so we will know who is really telling the truth.’’
Moreno has accused Waniwan and company of taking part in a ‘‘demolition job’’ against him. He said it was clear to him that his accusers were being backed and funded by his political enemies.
Waniwan was accused of trying to ask P30 thousand in exchange for a news blackout on the Commission on Audit’s 2005 annual audit report. He was also accused of asking for an endorsement in preparation for his likely bid for a city council seat in Gingoog next year.
Waniwan denied all these, including the claim that he was merely sourgraping because Moreno did not help him when he (Waniwan) was arrested and detained in a Gingoog prison in connection with a libel case.
"Personally, I filed the case to right the wrong. There are extravagant expenses and Oca should realize that he does not own the money of the people of Misamis Oriental," said Waniwan, denying that he had ‘‘handlers’’ and ‘‘financiers.’’
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ronnie Waniwan, who was among those who filed a complaint for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman, also threatened to file libel charges against the governor for accusing him and two other complainants––Eddie Dangcal and Rey Abaca-hin––of being used by his (Moreno’s) political enemies.
Waniwan and Dangcal are known to be television and radio blocktimers while Abacahin is a TV program segment producer. Yesterday, media groups in the city said the act of Wani-wan, Dangcal and Abaca-hin in suing Moreno is not a media function. But the groups said the three complainants have the right to do what they did as citizens.
Waniwan called More-no’s statements over a radio station last week ‘‘irresponsible.’’
"Oca (Moreno), as lawyer, should stick to the issues, and he should not drag the names of other politicians," said Waniwan even as he accused the governor of trying to divert the issue on graft to partisan politics.
Waniwan said he was willing to take the lie-detector test together with Moreno ‘‘so we will know who is really telling the truth.’’
Moreno has accused Waniwan and company of taking part in a ‘‘demolition job’’ against him. He said it was clear to him that his accusers were being backed and funded by his political enemies.
Waniwan was accused of trying to ask P30 thousand in exchange for a news blackout on the Commission on Audit’s 2005 annual audit report. He was also accused of asking for an endorsement in preparation for his likely bid for a city council seat in Gingoog next year.
Waniwan denied all these, including the claim that he was merely sourgraping because Moreno did not help him when he (Waniwan) was arrested and detained in a Gingoog prison in connection with a libel case.
"Personally, I filed the case to right the wrong. There are extravagant expenses and Oca should realize that he does not own the money of the people of Misamis Oriental," said Waniwan, denying that he had ‘‘handlers’’ and ‘‘financiers.’’
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Capitol fuel recipients face charges
ONE of the three accusers of Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno has threatened to file charges against the owners of private vehicles who allegedly received fuel from the capitol last year.
‘‘They have no right to get a supply of fuel from the government,’’ said RMN TV-8 segment producer Rey Abacahin who was the first to press charges against Moreno in connection with the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA).
The COA, in a report, questioned the capitol’s P12.6-million fuel expenses in 2005. It said the capitol provided fuel to private vehicles. Capitol officials later claimed they were able to justify the fuel expenses, and that the provincial auditor was satisfied with their explanation.
But Abacahin said he was not satisfied with the capitol’s claim and that its officials need to be held accountable.
He said he was looking into the COA report and was contemplating on filing more charges, this time against those who received fuel from the capitol.
Abacahin said a broadcaster is one of the fuel recipients. He however declined to identify the broadcaster, saying he was still gathering more evidence against him. He said he was still discussing the matter with his lawyer.
He claimed the broadcaster’s name surfaced when capitol documents were leaked as a result of the 2005 audit.
Based on the information he gathered, Abacahin said the broadcaster received a supply of fuel from the capitol ‘‘quarterly.’’
Abacahin and two others––television and radio ‘‘blocktimers’’ Eddie Dangcal and Ronnie Waniwan––have accused Moreno of graft and technical malversation of funds before the ombudsman on separate occassions a week ago. The three strongly denied Moreno’s accusations that they were being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ and that the complaints were part of a supposed smear campaign.
"If Moreno is telling the truth and if he has committed no wrongdoing, then he should prove that he is, in the proper forum. If he is on the side of truth, then the truth would set him free," Abacahin said.
Moreno, over DxIF-Bombo Radyo late last week, strongly denied any wrongdoing on his part. He said his accusers were being used by his political enemies who supposedly launched a demolition campaign against him.
Moreno alleged that his accusers were being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ who are supposedly out to carry out a demolition job against him.
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job.
"All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Fire destroys 50 houses in Oro
OVER 50 houses were destroyed and no less than P5 million in property went up in smoke when a fire broke out in an urban barangay shortly after 9 am here yesterday.
It all started with an argument, said investigators, quoting witnesses.
Authorities are looking for Taroy Saluaga, 43, because witnesses said he threw a gas stove at his brother at the height of a fight.
Investigators said the gas stove may have caused the fire that struck the thickly populated community in Barangay 15, between Kalambaguhan and Burgos, this city.
Cagayan de Oro fire marshall Oscar Abecia said the fire razed to the ground over 50 houses and other establishments. At least 200 families were left homeless.
Badly hit areas were the interior areas of Makahambus, Kalambaguhan, Burgos and Capistrano streets.
A woman, Irene Miranda, was hurt when the 25-year-old jumped from the 2nd level of a burning house.
A two-door apartment owned by ex-vice mayor Antonio Soriano was destroyed.
Fe Licayan, a witness, said she saw the Saluaga brothers exchanging blows. Shortly after, she said she heard an explosion and then the fire spread.
Others said the fire started from the house of Joaquin Saluaga.
Abecia ordered arson investigators to dig deeper and see if the Saluaga brothers were really responsible. He said the local fire bureau would press charges if a case is established against the Saluagas.
"We are still verifying the reports. But this early, it really looks like an arson case based on what residents are saying," Abecia said.
It took more than two hours for firefighters to extinguish the fire. Abecia said the absence of protective gears such as gas masks made it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire that quickly spread because the houses were mostly made of wood.
Abecia said firefighters could not penetrate because of the absence of a pathway.
Curious onlookers and affected residents also gave firefighters a difficult time because it took time before they cleared the streets.
The fire alarm reached 4th level, prompting fire volunteers from private companies and from M
Misamis Oriental towns to respond.
Moreno says accusers backed by 'handlers, financiers'
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Sept. 9) - MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno yesterday accused his accusers of being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ who are supposedly out to carry out a demolition job against him.
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers––Eddie Dangcal, Ronnie Waniwan and Rey Abacahin––were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job. "All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers––Eddie Dangcal, Ronnie Waniwan and Rey Abacahin––were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job. "All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
Flood Waters Wash Away Family of 4 in Misamis Oriental
VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MIKE BAÑOS / Sept. 9) – A FAMILY of four was washed away early Saturday morning when a flash flood hit their riverside dwelling in this municipality, barely a month after rampaging flash floods and storm tides brought by the southwest monsoon lashed ten towns of the province.
Ma. Cecilia Casino-Rivera, provincial information officer, identified the victims as the Yacona family of Ernesto Yacuna of San Roque Village, Relocation Site, Barangay Dayawan,. Their dwelling was washed away by raging flood waters which hit the area around 2:00AM Saturday, 09 September 2006.
Rescuers have already recovered the bodies of two children Marylose, eight (8) years old, and Jessabel, three (3) months old but the remains of the mother, Annalyn and youngest child Jessamie, two (2) year old have still not been found.
An unidentified number of other dwellings have also been reportedly swept away by the flash flood.
Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro Sabuga-a has mobilized the PDCC Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and Bombo Radyo's Philippines 2000 Rescue Team to recover the remains of the missing mother and her child as well as bring relief goods to affected households in the area.
Earlier last month, Sabug-a appealed to the respective Sangguniang Bayans (municipal councils) of towns recently hit by similar flash floods and storm tides to pass an ordinance prohibiting the construction of human dwellings in vulnerable areas such as shorelines and riverbanks.
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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Karapatan links military to another slay
A HUMAN rights group un northern Mindanao yesterday linked the military to Sunday night’s killing of an urban poor organization leader in Valencia city.
The victim was identified as Candelario Ayuda, 42, chair of the Kilusan ng Mamamayan in Valencia.
Ayuda was shot dead while driving a "motorela" at the Valencia city proper around 10 pm, Sunday. He was on his way home.
Karapatan regional coordinator Beverly Musni alleged that the assailants were members of the Military Intelligence Company (Mico) based in Bukidnon.
Musni said Ayuda was an organizer of the party-list group Bayan Muna.
The army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, Maj. Nathan Sagun, strongly denied Karapatan’s allegation.
"That is a hasty conclusion by Karapatan, a fallacy," said Sagun.
Sagun then lashed at Karapatan. ‘‘When the NPA (New People’s Army) carries out a killing spree, they are silent.’’
However, Musni said the denial aired by Sagun would be measured against the unsolved killings of 745 other militants, activists and journalists in the country.
"Witnesses can prove that it was the military," Musni said.
Police said Ayuda’s killers used a caliber .45 pistol. They said two gunshot wounds in the back killed the militant leader.
"He died on the spot," police said.
Investigators reportedly recovered six slugs at the crime scene.
Police said they were still looking into the case and were trying to identify the suspects. They did not rule out the possibility that he was killed because of his involvement in militant activities. But they said there were other factors to be considered.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
The victim was identified as Candelario Ayuda, 42, chair of the Kilusan ng Mamamayan in Valencia.
Ayuda was shot dead while driving a "motorela" at the Valencia city proper around 10 pm, Sunday. He was on his way home.
Karapatan regional coordinator Beverly Musni alleged that the assailants were members of the Military Intelligence Company (Mico) based in Bukidnon.
Musni said Ayuda was an organizer of the party-list group Bayan Muna.
The army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, Maj. Nathan Sagun, strongly denied Karapatan’s allegation.
"That is a hasty conclusion by Karapatan, a fallacy," said Sagun.
Sagun then lashed at Karapatan. ‘‘When the NPA (New People’s Army) carries out a killing spree, they are silent.’’
However, Musni said the denial aired by Sagun would be measured against the unsolved killings of 745 other militants, activists and journalists in the country.
"Witnesses can prove that it was the military," Musni said.
Police said Ayuda’s killers used a caliber .45 pistol. They said two gunshot wounds in the back killed the militant leader.
"He died on the spot," police said.
Investigators reportedly recovered six slugs at the crime scene.
Police said they were still looking into the case and were trying to identify the suspects. They did not rule out the possibility that he was killed because of his involvement in militant activities. But they said there were other factors to be considered.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Misamis Oriental New Battleground of RP "Liquor War"
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 3) - The "Liquor War" for control of the country's alcohol market has found a new battleground in the province of Misamis Oriental.
Bitter corporate rivals Tanduay Distillers Inc. (Tanduay) and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) are both putting up new plants in this Northern Mindanao province to consolidate their forces for control of the lucrative hard liquor market in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as nearby markets in Asean.
GSMI drew first blood when it took an option for 30 hectares of the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental on August 27, 2004. Company sources said a P1.4-billion alcohol distillery with a capacity of 75,000 liters of hard liquor a day will be built on what will eventually be a 100-hectare property.
SMC said production from the distillery will primarily be used to support its export operations. GSMI is 79.6-percent owned by food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) is a diversified alcohol-based beverage company owned by San Miguel Corporation . Originally known as La Tondeňa Distilleries, Inc., it was founded by the late Carlos Palanca, its main products are basically hard liquor.
It claims to be the largest producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages in the Philippines. In each of its product categories, Ginebra San Miguel is the market leader, with over 70% share of the gin market.
The company supports these brands through a nationwide distribution network that includes 500 beer distributors owned by San Miguel Corporation, a leading multinational in Asia that is the largest food and beverage producer in the Philippines.(orchidasia.com)
GSMI said its net income fell 40 percent to P331.9 million in the first half, from P552.8 million in the same period last year.
But Tanduay now appears to have taken the initiative from GSMI when taipan Lucio Tan announced Saturday at the 15th Mindanao Business Conference in Zamboanga City that the wholly-owned subsidiary of Tanduay Holdings, Inc. has already started construction for a P1-billion Tanduay factory besides Asia Brewery Inc.'s existing brewery in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.
"Seeing the great potential in Mindanao as a growth area, we are expanding our presence here by investing P1 billion for Tanduay's facility beside Asia Brewery's plant and another P250-million for a soft drinks facility also in Cagayan de Oro," Tan said.
The tycoon said the liquor facility would be one of his company's biggest investments in Mindanao. "Our group's (Lucio Tan Group of Companies) biggest exposure in Mindanao is the state-of-the-art brewing facility of Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) in Cagayan de Oro, and it is the first brewery to invest in Mindanao," he said.
What Tan was referring to was actually the ABI brewery in the town of El Salvador, some 20 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental and the first ever brewery in Mindanao.
Rated to produce approximately 2 million hectoliters of beer per annum, the brewery boasts of fully computerized state-of-the-art brewing facilities and fills ABI's need to supply the growing demand for its products in Mindanao and the Visayas.
The new Tanduay plant will produce 400,000 cases of rum a month, which together with its other plants in Manila, Laguna and Bacolod , would give Tanduay a combined monthly output of 1.3 million cases.
The new facility will be constructed on a two hectares lot within the ABI complex in El Salvador and would include a warehouse, packing facility, distillery and aging plant. It will be built in a year with mostly internally generated funds.
Sources from the ABI plant in El Salvador conform construction has already been going on for two months on the Tanduay plant as well as an adjacent factory for ABI's Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water.
Absolute goes through state-of-the-art distillation process employing vapor compression and ozonation and is the first bottled water company to receive NSF certification.
However, there is still no company information available on when construction would start for a P250-million soft drinks factory (also announced by Tan) which will reportedly manufacture the branded Virgin Cola within the same ABI complex.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno welcomed the entry of the two rival liquor companies in the province and believes the intense competition between the two firms would serve as a catalyst for further growth and development in the region.
"We would like to stress laissez faire or free enterprise in Misamis Oriental, and allow the investor to go about his businessman with a minimum of interference but maximum support from local government," Moreno said.
Besides the ABI brewery and the upcoming Tanduay, Absolute, Virgin Cola and GSMI plants, Misamis Oriental also hosts other fruit and other beverage plants in Cagayan de Oro City like Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Nature's Spring and Del Monte.
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Saturday, September 02, 2006
Transco Transition: Abellanosa promoted, Sanchez takes over NCMA
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 1) The National Transmission Corporation's (Transco) Mindanao Operations and Maintenance in Bgy. Ditucalan, Iligan City has a new boss.
He's Engr. Emmanuel M. Abellanosa, erstwhile North Central Mindanao Area Manager for Transco, formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City. Abellanosa has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao. He is charged with the operations and maintenance of all Transco's transmission facilities in Mindanao, including its power lines, power pylons and substations.
Abellanosa has been serving as NCMA Manager since 1992. A native of Cagayan de Oro City, he is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and passed the board for electrical engineers in 1974, and the professional electrical engineering board in 1987.
He will be replaced by Engr. Virgilio P. Sanchez, who previously served as corporate staff officer in the Transco Office of the Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance.
Gil, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to Cagayan de Oro, having served here previously under Abellanosa as a Technical Staff in 1992-2001. He also served briefly in the same capacity in Transco's North Western Mindanao Area based in Pagadian City, before moving to Cebu in 2002 prior to this assignment.
Sanchez is an electrical engineering graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Class '83 and passed the board for electrical engineers in the same year. He hurdled the professional electrical engineering board in 1988.
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He's Engr. Emmanuel M. Abellanosa, erstwhile North Central Mindanao Area Manager for Transco, formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City. Abellanosa has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao. He is charged with the operations and maintenance of all Transco's transmission facilities in Mindanao, including its power lines, power pylons and substations.
Abellanosa has been serving as NCMA Manager since 1992. A native of Cagayan de Oro City, he is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and passed the board for electrical engineers in 1974, and the professional electrical engineering board in 1987.
He will be replaced by Engr. Virgilio P. Sanchez, who previously served as corporate staff officer in the Transco Office of the Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance.
Gil, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to Cagayan de Oro, having served here previously under Abellanosa as a Technical Staff in 1992-2001. He also served briefly in the same capacity in Transco's North Western Mindanao Area based in Pagadian City, before moving to Cebu in 2002 prior to this assignment.
Sanchez is an electrical engineering graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Class '83 and passed the board for electrical engineers in the same year. He hurdled the professional electrical engineering board in 1988.
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Friday, September 01, 2006
Cabanlas says judge has an ax to grind against him
COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas yesterday risked catching the ire of regional Judge Anita Lucagbo when he attacked her––and her decision––in declaring him and other local officials guilty of deceiving the court in connection with a case that stemmed from the redevelopment of Cogon market.
Cabanlas, one of those who served as city hall’s lawyers in the case, said a personal grudge made Lucagbo decide against him and his clients.
"Dunay kami’y personal nga away sa piskal pa siya (We had a personal misunderstanding back when she was still a prosecutor)," said Cabanlas without elaborating.
He called Lucagbo’s order ‘‘unfair and biased" and added that the judge took matters personally.
This was not the first time Lucagbo ruled against him. He said the judge has not been fair in her decisions in many, if not all of the cases he handled in her courtroom.
"For a long time, all my cases were not given a single merit in that branch," Cabanlas said.
Cabanlas described Lucagbo’s recent decision as ‘‘unjust, cruel and unfair,’’ adding that the judge should have first decided on his group’s motion for reconsideration in connection with a case for the annulment of City Ordinance no. 8931-2003 before she cited them for indirect contempt.
"She has no respect for the members of the city council," said Cabanlas.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Cabanlas, one of those who served as city hall’s lawyers in the case, said a personal grudge made Lucagbo decide against him and his clients.
"Dunay kami’y personal nga away sa piskal pa siya (We had a personal misunderstanding back when she was still a prosecutor)," said Cabanlas without elaborating.
He called Lucagbo’s order ‘‘unfair and biased" and added that the judge took matters personally.
This was not the first time Lucagbo ruled against him. He said the judge has not been fair in her decisions in many, if not all of the cases he handled in her courtroom.
"For a long time, all my cases were not given a single merit in that branch," Cabanlas said.
Cabanlas described Lucagbo’s recent decision as ‘‘unjust, cruel and unfair,’’ adding that the judge should have first decided on his group’s motion for reconsideration in connection with a case for the annulment of City Ordinance no. 8931-2003 before she cited them for indirect contempt.
"She has no respect for the members of the city council," said Cabanlas.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Who will pay the fines?
LOCAL legislators met behind closed doors late Tuesday afternoon to discuss if the payment of fines imposed on them by Judge Anita Lucagbo would come from their own pockets or from city hall’s coffers, sources said.
Insiders said some councilors were insisting that it was city hall’s duty to pay because the case was a result of their official functions.
For indirect contempt, Mayor Vicente Emano, Spiers, councilors, contractor Yian Ping of UKC Builders and their lawyers, were fined. The fines range from P20 thousand to P30 thouand each.
The local legislators immediately met at the office of Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers right after the council session.
Councilor Maryanne Enteria said the officials failed to meet with Emano as scheduled because the mayor was resting.
Enteria said the officials cited for indirect contempt cannot do anything but pay the fine although an appeal would likely be made.
"Ingon ana man gyud na ang kaso. Kung pabayron mobayad kita," said Enteria, herself a lawyer.
Enteria said cut short the interview, saying she opted not to say more about the case. She said
she was leaving matters in the hands of Cabanlas and another lawyer, Damian Mart Maandig.
Councilor Juan Sia agreed with Enteria. He said Lucagbo’s order was ‘‘fair enough.’’
"We have to respect the court’s order," Sia said.
Other councilors like Edgar Cabanlas, Jose Benjamin Benaldo and Caesar Ian Acenas said they were willing to be sent to prison by Lucagbo.
"Willing kami nga magpa-priso kung iyang gi-order. Andam kami niana nga panghitabo," said Cabanlas.
Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya declined to comment. "I will reply at the proper time."
His father-in-law, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, said local officials agreed to bring their case before the Court of Appeals.
Cabanlas said he and the other officials would file appeal their case before the appellate court next week.
"We’re still working on it," Cabanlas said.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Insiders said some councilors were insisting that it was city hall’s duty to pay because the case was a result of their official functions.
For indirect contempt, Mayor Vicente Emano, Spiers, councilors, contractor Yian Ping of UKC Builders and their lawyers, were fined. The fines range from P20 thousand to P30 thouand each.
The local legislators immediately met at the office of Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers right after the council session.
Councilor Maryanne Enteria said the officials failed to meet with Emano as scheduled because the mayor was resting.
Enteria said the officials cited for indirect contempt cannot do anything but pay the fine although an appeal would likely be made.
"Ingon ana man gyud na ang kaso. Kung pabayron mobayad kita," said Enteria, herself a lawyer.
Enteria said cut short the interview, saying she opted not to say more about the case. She said
she was leaving matters in the hands of Cabanlas and another lawyer, Damian Mart Maandig.
Councilor Juan Sia agreed with Enteria. He said Lucagbo’s order was ‘‘fair enough.’’
"We have to respect the court’s order," Sia said.
Other councilors like Edgar Cabanlas, Jose Benjamin Benaldo and Caesar Ian Acenas said they were willing to be sent to prison by Lucagbo.
"Willing kami nga magpa-priso kung iyang gi-order. Andam kami niana nga panghitabo," said Cabanlas.
Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya declined to comment. "I will reply at the proper time."
His father-in-law, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, said local officials agreed to bring their case before the Court of Appeals.
Cabanlas said he and the other officials would file appeal their case before the appellate court next week.
"We’re still working on it," Cabanlas said.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Photos courtesy of the Army's 4th Infantry Division
(Left photo) Recovered detonating wire and switch.
Personnel from Explosives, Ordnance & Demolition
(EOD) unit recovering the improvised landmines.
Talacogon, Agusan del Sur was wounded during an ambush
last 25 August 2006 at KM 5, Marbon, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
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Saturday, August 26, 2006
Emano issues gag order
CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano has issued an order that prevents city hall’s department heads or employees from attending official meetings intended for investigation without his go-ahead, shows a document uncovered by Councilor Zaldy Ocon.
The document, Memorandum no. 374-06, reads: "xxx any communication to summon any department head, chief of office or employee of the city government... to attend meetings shall be forwarded to the office of the city mayor for approval."
The memo also reads: "xxx any invitation for attendance to meetings or investigation must be forwarded to the office of the city mayor at least three days before the scheduled date...’’
Supposedly, the policy is aimed at giving Emano enought time ‘‘to act on the said invitation."
Emano issued the memorandum last Aug. 22 to ‘‘remind’’ the offices of the vice mayor and the city council not to send summons or invitations to department heads in regard to official matters, ‘‘except [to] the undersigned (Emano).’’
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
The document, Memorandum no. 374-06, reads: "xxx any communication to summon any department head, chief of office or employee of the city government... to attend meetings shall be forwarded to the office of the city mayor for approval."
The memo also reads: "xxx any invitation for attendance to meetings or investigation must be forwarded to the office of the city mayor at least three days before the scheduled date...’’
Supposedly, the policy is aimed at giving Emano enought time ‘‘to act on the said invitation."
Emano issued the memorandum last Aug. 22 to ‘‘remind’’ the offices of the vice mayor and the city council not to send summons or invitations to department heads in regard to official matters, ‘‘except [to] the undersigned (Emano).’’
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sabotage, says Transco of B'non power outage
THE National Transmission Corp. (Transco) yesterday said the power outage in Bukidnon the other day was a result of sabotage.
Officials said the power transmission lines of five steel towers of Transco in Bukidnon were loosened. The towers are located within the Montalvan Farm in Barangay Botong, Quezon town, a place where the New People’s Army is known to be active.
Transco officials declined to point to any group responsible for the alleged sabotage.
As a result, over half of Bukidnon, including Malay-balay and Valencia cities, were left without electricity. In some areas, the Transco service resumed at dawn.
"In some areas, the outage lasted 20 hours," said Rufino Magbanua, a Transco spokesperson.
Based on Transco’s investigation, the culprits loosened the volts and clamps connecting the transmission lines to the towers.
The task was difficult, said Magbanua, adding the group responsible for the sabotage had enough men and were well-equipped.
It took five Tranco teams to repair the damage. Each team, called ‘‘line gangs,’’ is composed of seven people.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Officials said the power transmission lines of five steel towers of Transco in Bukidnon were loosened. The towers are located within the Montalvan Farm in Barangay Botong, Quezon town, a place where the New People’s Army is known to be active.
Transco officials declined to point to any group responsible for the alleged sabotage.
As a result, over half of Bukidnon, including Malay-balay and Valencia cities, were left without electricity. In some areas, the Transco service resumed at dawn.
"In some areas, the outage lasted 20 hours," said Rufino Magbanua, a Transco spokesperson.
Based on Transco’s investigation, the culprits loosened the volts and clamps connecting the transmission lines to the towers.
The task was difficult, said Magbanua, adding the group responsible for the sabotage had enough men and were well-equipped.
It took five Tranco teams to repair the damage. Each team, called ‘‘line gangs,’’ is composed of seven people.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Laguindingan Airport Update: Bidding Process for Access Road Starts, Construction slated for January 2007
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 19) No less than ten companies have signified their intention to participate in the bidding for the access road to the soon-to-be constructed Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
Engr. Della P. Capicenio, manager of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LAPD) said the invitation to bid has already been published as mandated by law, and the evaluation and actual bidding set for the next 60 days.
The 4.3 kilometer access road's entry point will be the Bgy. Poblacion in Laguindingan with its exit point in Bgy. Kibaghot, also in the same municipality.
"Since it is a national road, it will be a four-lane highway which shall form part of the airport complex and will be constructed and maintained by the Dept. of Transportation and Communication's Air Transportation Office (ATO)," Capicenio said.
The budget for the P188-million project is already part of the line item included by the DOTC for the duration of the construction phase of the LAPD from 2007-2010, she added.
"So far, President Arroyo has already released P530-million to the LAPD for this year," Capicenio said.
At present, the LAPD project office is focusing on land acquisition, specifically the administrative and judicial titling of lots which have already been acquired and still to be acquired under the project.
"We have already completed acquisition of 90% of the 265 hectares (has.) needed for the project," Capicenio said. "The balance to be acquired consists mostly of lots belonging to Ayala Corporation."
Although they have asked Ayala Corp. to donate the additional 94 has. for the airport and 1.7 has for the access road to the government, the Ayala Board of Directors has reportedly expressed its preference to have the DOTC secure it by expropriation, Capicenio said.
The company has previously donated 88 hectares to the LAPD but the additional 96.7 has. of its property which covers Laguindingan and Alubijid municipalities are now needed after the total area for the LAPD was expanded from the previous 167 hectares.
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Engr. Della P. Capicenio, manager of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LAPD) said the invitation to bid has already been published as mandated by law, and the evaluation and actual bidding set for the next 60 days.
The 4.3 kilometer access road's entry point will be the Bgy. Poblacion in Laguindingan with its exit point in Bgy. Kibaghot, also in the same municipality.
"Since it is a national road, it will be a four-lane highway which shall form part of the airport complex and will be constructed and maintained by the Dept. of Transportation and Communication's Air Transportation Office (ATO)," Capicenio said.
The budget for the P188-million project is already part of the line item included by the DOTC for the duration of the construction phase of the LAPD from 2007-2010, she added.
"So far, President Arroyo has already released P530-million to the LAPD for this year," Capicenio said.
At present, the LAPD project office is focusing on land acquisition, specifically the administrative and judicial titling of lots which have already been acquired and still to be acquired under the project.
"We have already completed acquisition of 90% of the 265 hectares (has.) needed for the project," Capicenio said. "The balance to be acquired consists mostly of lots belonging to Ayala Corporation."
Although they have asked Ayala Corp. to donate the additional 94 has. for the airport and 1.7 has for the access road to the government, the Ayala Board of Directors has reportedly expressed its preference to have the DOTC secure it by expropriation, Capicenio said.
The company has previously donated 88 hectares to the LAPD but the additional 96.7 has. of its property which covers Laguindingan and Alubijid municipalities are now needed after the total area for the LAPD was expanded from the previous 167 hectares.
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alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Friday, August 18, 2006
BLGF Restores Misamis Oriental as First Class Province
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 17) The Bureau of Local Government Finance has restored the status of Misamis Oriental as a First (1st) Class province after it was earlier downgraded to Second (2 nd ) Class Status following its reduced incomes for the fiscal years 2000 to 2003.
Records show that Capitol had earned an average annual income of P384 million for 2000-2003, well above the benchmark of P350-M for first-class provinces.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno immediately wrote a letter to BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa questioning to the downgrading of the province to second class status.
"The downgrade was based on the 2000-2003 income, before my term started in 2004," Moreno said. "But we had to find why and look for ways to rectify it and restore the province to 1 st Class Status."
The BLGF based the recommendation for the downgrade on the reduced income of the Capitol during the preceding administration.
After the income data of the province was reconciled by the Commission on Audit (COA), the BLGF-Central Office restored Misamis Oriental to its first-class status.
"The exercise was part of our rebuilding process," Moreno commented with regards to the experience. "Thanks to the support of our financial managers."
He identified the capitol financial managers as Elmer Wabe (Budget), Amy Pacuribot (Treasury), Nene Bade (Accounting) and Cynthia Abanil (Planning).
In July 2005, the Department of Finance prescribed new income brackets for the reclassification of provinces, cities and municipalities.
These brackets now serve as the basis for the determining the financial capability of local government units (LGUs) to provide in full or in part the funding requirements of its priority developmental projects and other priority needs in their respective localities.
The Department order states that "in the preparation of project studies and proposals, the income class of LGUs is used as the factor in the allocation of national or other financial grants."
It is likewise used "to determine the maximum amount expendable for salaries and wages as well as the salary scales and rates of allowances, per diems and other emoluments that local government officials and employees may be entitled to."
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision, Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Records show that Capitol had earned an average annual income of P384 million for 2000-2003, well above the benchmark of P350-M for first-class provinces.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno immediately wrote a letter to BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa questioning to the downgrading of the province to second class status.
"The downgrade was based on the 2000-2003 income, before my term started in 2004," Moreno said. "But we had to find why and look for ways to rectify it and restore the province to 1 st Class Status."
The BLGF based the recommendation for the downgrade on the reduced income of the Capitol during the preceding administration.
After the income data of the province was reconciled by the Commission on Audit (COA), the BLGF-Central Office restored Misamis Oriental to its first-class status.
"The exercise was part of our rebuilding process," Moreno commented with regards to the experience. "Thanks to the support of our financial managers."
He identified the capitol financial managers as Elmer Wabe (Budget), Amy Pacuribot (Treasury), Nene Bade (Accounting) and Cynthia Abanil (Planning).
In July 2005, the Department of Finance prescribed new income brackets for the reclassification of provinces, cities and municipalities.
These brackets now serve as the basis for the determining the financial capability of local government units (LGUs) to provide in full or in part the funding requirements of its priority developmental projects and other priority needs in their respective localities.
The Department order states that "in the preparation of project studies and proposals, the income class of LGUs is used as the factor in the allocation of national or other financial grants."
It is likewise used "to determine the maximum amount expendable for salaries and wages as well as the salary scales and rates of allowances, per diems and other emoluments that local government officials and employees may be entitled to."
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision, Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Jaraula to critics: Dissociate fertilizer funds, impeachment
CAGAYAN de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula has called on a group that is pushing for the ouster of President Arroyo to dissociate the impeachment complaint from the alleged fertilizer scam.
"The complaint will be treated on its merits independent from the fertilizer (issue)," said Jaraula in reaction to the local Black and White Movement’s call for him and Rep. Augusto Baculio of Misamis Oriental to inhibit from the impeachment proceedings.
Earlier, ex-vice mayor and local Black and White leade convenor Antonio Soriano criticized Jaraula and Baculio and said the two congressmen should inhibit from committee discussions for the sake of delicadeza. Soriano said Jaraula, Baculio and over 30 other congressmen were recipients of the controversial fertilizer fund.
"The issue is understandable, I have nothing to do to those who don’t understand," said Jaraula.
Jaraula said the justice committee "does not have the power and authority to require any member to inhibit..."
To do this, he said, would be to "disenfranchise our constituents," Jaraula said.
The 8th and last complaint was filed by some 60 people. Forty-four of the complainants are from Cagayan de Oro, including Soriano.
Jaraula also said he wanted the impeachment complaint dismissed because it is "against the interest of the national leadership and the President."
But he said the justice committee, chaired by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, would not railroad the proceedings.
He said Soriano’s group and other opposition groups should rely on the "intellect and wisdom" of the members of the House committee on justice.
Jaraula said congressmen whose districts reportedly benefited from the P728-million fertilizer fund, would refuse to inhibit because the ‘‘fertilizers issue is much different from the impeachment.’’
"Soriano should ask first the three of the four endorsers of the 8th complaint if they would inhibit or not," Jaraula.
He said at least three endorsers of the complaint also received fertilizer funds for their respective districts. He identified them: Reps. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon, Henedina Abad of Batanes and Manuel Mamba of Cagayan.
Jaraula said Bukidnon’s first district received P3 million based on documents.
"The motion to inhibit is not proper," Jaraula said adding if this would be the rule, then no one would be left to endorse the 8th complaint .
Jaraula also appealed to his critics to be patient enough. "If we accept the argument to inhibit, meaning is this an admission of guilt? It’s unfair to them (Acosta, Mamba, Abad). That’s wrong."
Jaraula added: "More than 100 congressional districts benefited from the funds and I believe it is purely a support to the local governments, and not to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections."
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
"The complaint will be treated on its merits independent from the fertilizer (issue)," said Jaraula in reaction to the local Black and White Movement’s call for him and Rep. Augusto Baculio of Misamis Oriental to inhibit from the impeachment proceedings.
Earlier, ex-vice mayor and local Black and White leade convenor Antonio Soriano criticized Jaraula and Baculio and said the two congressmen should inhibit from committee discussions for the sake of delicadeza. Soriano said Jaraula, Baculio and over 30 other congressmen were recipients of the controversial fertilizer fund.
"The issue is understandable, I have nothing to do to those who don’t understand," said Jaraula.
Jaraula said the justice committee "does not have the power and authority to require any member to inhibit..."
To do this, he said, would be to "disenfranchise our constituents," Jaraula said.
The 8th and last complaint was filed by some 60 people. Forty-four of the complainants are from Cagayan de Oro, including Soriano.
Jaraula also said he wanted the impeachment complaint dismissed because it is "against the interest of the national leadership and the President."
But he said the justice committee, chaired by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, would not railroad the proceedings.
He said Soriano’s group and other opposition groups should rely on the "intellect and wisdom" of the members of the House committee on justice.
Jaraula said congressmen whose districts reportedly benefited from the P728-million fertilizer fund, would refuse to inhibit because the ‘‘fertilizers issue is much different from the impeachment.’’
"Soriano should ask first the three of the four endorsers of the 8th complaint if they would inhibit or not," Jaraula.
He said at least three endorsers of the complaint also received fertilizer funds for their respective districts. He identified them: Reps. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon, Henedina Abad of Batanes and Manuel Mamba of Cagayan.
Jaraula said Bukidnon’s first district received P3 million based on documents.
"The motion to inhibit is not proper," Jaraula said adding if this would be the rule, then no one would be left to endorse the 8th complaint .
Jaraula also appealed to his critics to be patient enough. "If we accept the argument to inhibit, meaning is this an admission of guilt? It’s unfair to them (Acosta, Mamba, Abad). That’s wrong."
Jaraula added: "More than 100 congressional districts benefited from the funds and I believe it is purely a support to the local governments, and not to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections."
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Friday, August 11, 2006
Two dead as huge waves batter Misamis Oriental coastal towns
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- (Aug 10 / MIKE BAÑOS) Two person are dead and over 900 families affected as huge waves pounded the coastal towns of Misamis Oriental last Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9.
Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro A. Sabuga-a, Jr. identified the fatalities as Lilibeth Roa, 46, and her two-year old son Christian Swind Roa. They were hit by a falling coconut tree in Barangay Poblacion of Libertad town.
Sabuga-a said nine municipalities, four in the west coast (Laguindingan, Libertad, Naawan, Manticao) and five in the east coast (Tagoloan, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay) were adversely affected by the huge waves.
Initial estimates released by the PDCC revealed a total of 928 families affected in thirty barangays with 31 houses totally damaged and 51 partially. Four families were rendered homeless in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon Balingasag.
So far, damage to infrastructure appear to have been confined to a concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon, Balingasag which was totally damaged (28 meters)
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is now undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.
The huge waves struck at about the same time as similar giant waves swept away over a thousand houses in the island province of Tawi-Tawi Tuesday evening, leaving four persons missing and feared dead.
Earlier last week, flash floods also rampaged through four eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, killing an entire family of four and leaving over P30 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The local office of the Pagasa said the floods may have been triggered by a cloudburst which breached a dike, sending floodwaters raging downstream.
Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro A. Sabuga-a, Jr. identified the fatalities as Lilibeth Roa, 46, and her two-year old son Christian Swind Roa. They were hit by a falling coconut tree in Barangay Poblacion of Libertad town.
Sabuga-a said nine municipalities, four in the west coast (Laguindingan, Libertad, Naawan, Manticao) and five in the east coast (Tagoloan, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay) were adversely affected by the huge waves.
Initial estimates released by the PDCC revealed a total of 928 families affected in thirty barangays with 31 houses totally damaged and 51 partially. Four families were rendered homeless in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon Balingasag.
So far, damage to infrastructure appear to have been confined to a concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon, Balingasag which was totally damaged (28 meters)
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is now undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.
The huge waves struck at about the same time as similar giant waves swept away over a thousand houses in the island province of Tawi-Tawi Tuesday evening, leaving four persons missing and feared dead.
Earlier last week, flash floods also rampaged through four eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, killing an entire family of four and leaving over P30 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The local office of the Pagasa said the floods may have been triggered by a cloudburst which breached a dike, sending floodwaters raging downstream.
MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City Philippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile) Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
Saturday, August 05, 2006
LP sees Palace hand in Garci's likely bid
THE Liberal Party yesterday said it sees the hand of the Palace in the likely bid of controversial ex-commisioner Virgilio Garcillano to become a Bukidnon congressman next year.
With Rep. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon’s 1st District out––he is now serving his 3rd and last office term––the chances of a Malacanang-backed candidate for congressman in the same district is almost certain.
Acosta, the leader of LP for Mindanao, quoted the party’s head, Sen. Franklin Drilon, as telling him: "So you now have Garcillano who undoubtedly will win the election, and now will be called honorable gentleman from the province of Bukidnon."
"I’m sure he will run,’’ said Acosta in a telephone interview, adding that the former elections commissioner ran for the position but lost to his mother, now Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta, in 1987.
This early, Garcillano has been meeting with political figures in Bukidnon and in Manila.
Quoting Drilon, Acosta said Garcillano has also been meeting with ‘‘field operators,’’ including presidential chief-of-staff Michael Defensor, apparently to ensure a 2007 victory in Bukidnon.
Garcillano, who owns a farm in Lingating, Baungon town in Bukidnon’s 1st District, became widely known for the role he played in the ‘‘Hello, Garci’’ scandal that nearly cost President Arroyo her seat last year.
Garcillano, whose voice fitted the man in the wiretapped phone conversations supposedly with Arroyo, repeatedly denied he engineered the alleged rigging of the 2004 election results in favor of the President.
"That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link
With Rep. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon’s 1st District out––he is now serving his 3rd and last office term––the chances of a Malacanang-backed candidate for congressman in the same district is almost certain.
Acosta, the leader of LP for Mindanao, quoted the party’s head, Sen. Franklin Drilon, as telling him: "So you now have Garcillano who undoubtedly will win the election, and now will be called honorable gentleman from the province of Bukidnon."
"I’m sure he will run,’’ said Acosta in a telephone interview, adding that the former elections commissioner ran for the position but lost to his mother, now Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta, in 1987.
This early, Garcillano has been meeting with political figures in Bukidnon and in Manila.
Quoting Drilon, Acosta said Garcillano has also been meeting with ‘‘field operators,’’ including presidential chief-of-staff Michael Defensor, apparently to ensure a 2007 victory in Bukidnon.
Garcillano, who owns a farm in Lingating, Baungon town in Bukidnon’s 1st District, became widely known for the role he played in the ‘‘Hello, Garci’’ scandal that nearly cost President Arroyo her seat last year.
Garcillano, whose voice fitted the man in the wiretapped phone conversations supposedly with Arroyo, repeatedly denied he engineered the alleged rigging of the 2004 election results in favor of the President.
"That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link
Friday, August 04, 2006
Flash flood wipes out family of four, one still missing
BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 3) – The flash flood which rampaged through this town and two other adjacent municipalities Wednesday dawn wiped out an entire family of four.
The remains of the wife of a farmer who drowned in Wednesday's flash flood in this municipality was recovered around 10AM today by rescue teams in Macajalar Bay while the bodies of their two children were recovered in the seas off Camiguin island late Thursday afternoon. Neil's remains were recovered at Baliti, Sagay while Joy's body was found in Cantaan, Guinsiliban.
Teddy Sabugaa, acting provincial social welfare officer, said residents believe Ronald Ayuman, his wife Ana Marie and children Joy, 3 and Neil, seven months, were crossing the Balatukan River in Bgy. Kibanban when they were swept away by a flash flood which struck around 4:30AM Wednesday.
Ayuman's remains were fished out of the Balatukan river late yesterday afternoon by the Rescue 2000 team led by Michael Bustamante. The family's remains will be interred tomorrow.
Sabugaa said another farmer identified only as Jamiro from Bgy. Talusan, Balingasag remains missing as of Thursday afternoon.
Provincial Board Member Jaime Caina inspected the damage to infrastructure yesterday and estimates the flash flood caused P20-million in damages to a dike and spillways. Region 10 agriculture director Bebot Rudinas was also in the area and estimates losses to livestock and agriculture could reach P3-4 million. All the crops in the farming village of Napiliran were wiped out by floodwaters and at least 19 houses destroyed in Balingasag alone.
The flash flood hit three municipalities: Sugbungcogon, Lagonglong and Balingasag, hometown of Misamis Orienal Gov. Oscar Moreno. Balingasag was the hardest hit of the three with Cogon, Napiliran and the lowland barangays of Binitinan, Mandangua, Talusan, Tulay Grande and San Isidro. Also hit was Bgy Kauswagan in Lagonglong and some portions of Sugbongcogon along the river.
Sabugaa said some 181 families were affected in Balingasag and 150 in Lagonglong where Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. evacuated villagers to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court since the floodwaters had already risen to three feet.Balingasag vice mayor Alexis Quina called an emergency meeting of the Sangguniang Bayan today to declare the municipality a disaster area to enable the local government to access its 5% calamity fund.
Caina said in a radio interview heavy rains started to pour around 11:00PM Tuesday but flood waters started surging around midnight when the dike was breached. However, the flash flood only struck around 4:30AM after the dike was believed to have collapsed under the sheer volume of the rainwater.
Pag-asa senior weather specialist Leo Rodriguez, Sr. said the three-feet height of the floodwaters indicates heavy rains of four hours or more. He said the speed with which the flood waters rose and overcame the flood dike indicates a cloudburst, or a sudden heavy fall of rain from a cumulo-nimbus cloud with a rate of fall exceeding or greater than 100 millimeters ( 3.94 inches) per hour.
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
The remains of the wife of a farmer who drowned in Wednesday's flash flood in this municipality was recovered around 10AM today by rescue teams in Macajalar Bay while the bodies of their two children were recovered in the seas off Camiguin island late Thursday afternoon. Neil's remains were recovered at Baliti, Sagay while Joy's body was found in Cantaan, Guinsiliban.
Teddy Sabugaa, acting provincial social welfare officer, said residents believe Ronald Ayuman, his wife Ana Marie and children Joy, 3 and Neil, seven months, were crossing the Balatukan River in Bgy. Kibanban when they were swept away by a flash flood which struck around 4:30AM Wednesday.
Ayuman's remains were fished out of the Balatukan river late yesterday afternoon by the Rescue 2000 team led by Michael Bustamante. The family's remains will be interred tomorrow.
Sabugaa said another farmer identified only as Jamiro from Bgy. Talusan, Balingasag remains missing as of Thursday afternoon.
Provincial Board Member Jaime Caina inspected the damage to infrastructure yesterday and estimates the flash flood caused P20-million in damages to a dike and spillways. Region 10 agriculture director Bebot Rudinas was also in the area and estimates losses to livestock and agriculture could reach P3-4 million. All the crops in the farming village of Napiliran were wiped out by floodwaters and at least 19 houses destroyed in Balingasag alone.
The flash flood hit three municipalities: Sugbungcogon, Lagonglong and Balingasag, hometown of Misamis Orienal Gov. Oscar Moreno. Balingasag was the hardest hit of the three with Cogon, Napiliran and the lowland barangays of Binitinan, Mandangua, Talusan, Tulay Grande and San Isidro. Also hit was Bgy Kauswagan in Lagonglong and some portions of Sugbongcogon along the river.
Sabugaa said some 181 families were affected in Balingasag and 150 in Lagonglong where Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. evacuated villagers to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court since the floodwaters had already risen to three feet.Balingasag vice mayor Alexis Quina called an emergency meeting of the Sangguniang Bayan today to declare the municipality a disaster area to enable the local government to access its 5% calamity fund.
Caina said in a radio interview heavy rains started to pour around 11:00PM Tuesday but flood waters started surging around midnight when the dike was breached. However, the flash flood only struck around 4:30AM after the dike was believed to have collapsed under the sheer volume of the rainwater.
Pag-asa senior weather specialist Leo Rodriguez, Sr. said the three-feet height of the floodwaters indicates heavy rains of four hours or more. He said the speed with which the flood waters rose and overcame the flood dike indicates a cloudburst, or a sudden heavy fall of rain from a cumulo-nimbus cloud with a rate of fall exceeding or greater than 100 millimeters ( 3.94 inches) per hour.
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Flashfloods hit Misor villages, displace 300 families
FLASHFLOODS struck 17 villages in two Misamis Oriental towns yesterday morning, displacing at least 331 families and destroying farms.
A man identified as Ronald Ayuman drowned as floodwaters submerged a village in Balingasag town.
Another man was declared missing.
Balingasag, the hometown of Gov. Oscar Moreno, was the most badly hit. There, floodwaters submerged communities in Cogon, Barangay Napaliran and the lowland villages of Mandangwa, Talusan, San Isidro.
Floodwaters also submerged communities and farms in Kauswagan, Lagonglong.
Capitol workers counted at least 19 houses destroyed by the floodwaters in Balingasag as of yesterday afternoon.
Capitol’s social welfare chief, Teddy Sabugaa, told The Gold Star Daily the floodwaters hit the populated Napaliran around 4:30 am following a night of heavy rains.
Sabugaa said some 181 families were displaced in Balingasag and 150 other families fled for safer grounds in Lagonglong.
"Kalit kuno kaayo ang maong panghitabo kay kusog kaayo ang ulan unya natingala na lang sila kay mitakilid naman ilang mga balay didto," Sabugaa said.
From Napaliran, floodwaters reached Talusan and other lowland villages where and destroyed crops.
The floodwaters reached as far as the village of Mandangwa where some 20 hectares planted with vegetables were destroyed.
Balingasag Vice Mayor Alexis Quina called on the capitol to immediately declare the town under a state of calamity. A delaration would facilitate the speedy release of emergency funds for the town.
Quina said the town government was still assessing the damages.
Of the 11 Balingasag barangays that sustained damages in Balingasag, Napiliran was the hardest hit with damages to crops and structures estimated at some P20 million.
This included a P10 million dike which was washed out by the flashfloods.
"We badly need help from the national government on this," said provincial board member Jaime Caina, adding the capitol’s funds were not enough to rebuild the dike.
In Lagonglong town, local officials had to evacuate villagers from Kauswagan because the floodwaters were already three feet deep.
Lagonglong Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. ordered the evacuation of some 50 families from Barangay Kauswagan to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court.
A team from the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council headed by Danny Matias rushed to the towns to distribute food to the evacuees.
The problem on floodings was also felt in Cagayan de Oro.
Areas flooded in Cagayan de Oro included San Juan I and II in Lapasan, Purok 2A in Gusa, Cugman, Camaman-an, Kauswagan, Consolacion and Iponan.
City Engineer’s Office head Emmanuel Abejuela said he sent a team to declog drainages in the affected areas.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
A man identified as Ronald Ayuman drowned as floodwaters submerged a village in Balingasag town.
Another man was declared missing.
Balingasag, the hometown of Gov. Oscar Moreno, was the most badly hit. There, floodwaters submerged communities in Cogon, Barangay Napaliran and the lowland villages of Mandangwa, Talusan, San Isidro.
Floodwaters also submerged communities and farms in Kauswagan, Lagonglong.
Capitol workers counted at least 19 houses destroyed by the floodwaters in Balingasag as of yesterday afternoon.
Capitol’s social welfare chief, Teddy Sabugaa, told The Gold Star Daily the floodwaters hit the populated Napaliran around 4:30 am following a night of heavy rains.
Sabugaa said some 181 families were displaced in Balingasag and 150 other families fled for safer grounds in Lagonglong.
"Kalit kuno kaayo ang maong panghitabo kay kusog kaayo ang ulan unya natingala na lang sila kay mitakilid naman ilang mga balay didto," Sabugaa said.
From Napaliran, floodwaters reached Talusan and other lowland villages where and destroyed crops.
The floodwaters reached as far as the village of Mandangwa where some 20 hectares planted with vegetables were destroyed.
Balingasag Vice Mayor Alexis Quina called on the capitol to immediately declare the town under a state of calamity. A delaration would facilitate the speedy release of emergency funds for the town.
Quina said the town government was still assessing the damages.
Of the 11 Balingasag barangays that sustained damages in Balingasag, Napiliran was the hardest hit with damages to crops and structures estimated at some P20 million.
This included a P10 million dike which was washed out by the flashfloods.
"We badly need help from the national government on this," said provincial board member Jaime Caina, adding the capitol’s funds were not enough to rebuild the dike.
In Lagonglong town, local officials had to evacuate villagers from Kauswagan because the floodwaters were already three feet deep.
Lagonglong Mayor Jovenal Puertas Jr. ordered the evacuation of some 50 families from Barangay Kauswagan to the Lagonglong Multi-Purpose Court.
A team from the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council headed by Danny Matias rushed to the towns to distribute food to the evacuees.
The problem on floodings was also felt in Cagayan de Oro.
Areas flooded in Cagayan de Oro included San Juan I and II in Lapasan, Purok 2A in Gusa, Cugman, Camaman-an, Kauswagan, Consolacion and Iponan.
City Engineer’s Office head Emmanuel Abejuela said he sent a team to declog drainages in the affected areas.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Emano points to Customs, BIR, DPWH
CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano said national government offices have been contributing to the problem on corruption in Cagayan de Oro.
Emano, over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, said the survey cited by President Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (Sona) did not refer to city hall alone. He said it also refers to the local offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Department of Public Woks and Highways (DPWH).
In her Sona, Arroyo congratulated Emano for the drop in reports of corruption in the city from 65 percent in 2005 to 38 percent this year.
If there are still reports on corruption here, Emano said the survey refers to public contracts made by these offices.
Emano said the survey, conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) was focused on these offices and not city hall alone.
"The surveys on corruption in the Philippines were not only focused on local government units but also on the government’s collecting agencies," Emano said.
He said the government agencies he cited were widely perceived to be corrupt.
While Emano warned officials and employes against engaging in corruption in city hall, he said ‘‘corruption is more evident at the BIR, Customs and DPWH."
Emano added: "I would say that corruption at the city hall, if any, is less compared to these offices.’’
Emano also lashed back at his critics for calling his administration corrupt.
"The city (hall) has not engaged in any illegal contract," Emano said.
Proof that he is not corrupt, Emano said city hall’s coffers are not empty.
That can be read at Gold star Daily
Emano, over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, said the survey cited by President Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (Sona) did not refer to city hall alone. He said it also refers to the local offices of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Department of Public Woks and Highways (DPWH).
In her Sona, Arroyo congratulated Emano for the drop in reports of corruption in the city from 65 percent in 2005 to 38 percent this year.
If there are still reports on corruption here, Emano said the survey refers to public contracts made by these offices.
Emano said the survey, conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) was focused on these offices and not city hall alone.
"The surveys on corruption in the Philippines were not only focused on local government units but also on the government’s collecting agencies," Emano said.
He said the government agencies he cited were widely perceived to be corrupt.
While Emano warned officials and employes against engaging in corruption in city hall, he said ‘‘corruption is more evident at the BIR, Customs and DPWH."
Emano added: "I would say that corruption at the city hall, if any, is less compared to these offices.’’
Emano also lashed back at his critics for calling his administration corrupt.
"The city (hall) has not engaged in any illegal contract," Emano said.
Proof that he is not corrupt, Emano said city hall’s coffers are not empty.
That can be read at Gold star Daily
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Lawyer: No hidden agenda behind Sulog
LAWYER Rogelio Bagabuyo, a convenor of the newly formed Socialist Union of Local Opposition Groups (Sulog), yesterday said there is no ‘‘hidden agenda’’ behind the moves to unify groups opposed to the Emano administration.
"Sulog is not competing with any opposition group," said Bagabuyo, adding that he and ex-Emano lawyer Frederico Gapuz were just doing their best to unite all those opposed to the present city administration.
"It’s because we know that unless the opposition groups unite, they will be ‘slaughtered’ once again to the detriment of Cagayan de Oro. Fred (Gapuz) and I have no hidden agenda," Bagabuyo said. "All I can say is that when someone kicks you from behind, it means you are ahead."
Bagabuyo said this obviously as a response to the criticisms of another opposition leader, lawyer Manolo Tagarda Sr. of Pundok Mindanao. The other day, Tagarda said Sulog was infiltrated by ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ (deep penetration agents) of Mayor Vicente Emano.
Gapuz said it was a bit unfair to call Sulog’s initiators ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ because Sulog was created out of the desire to unify all groups opposed to Emano’s PaDayon Pilipino.
Gapuz said it was possible that some of those who attended last Saturday’s Sulog meeting were agents of Emano.
‘‘Yes, maybe since the meeting was open to anyone. We had no control over people who may have wanted to spy on us," Gapuz said.
But Gapuz said Tagarda should rethink his position since his group, Pundok Mindanao, ‘‘can’t stand alone’’ in the fight against PaDayon Pilipino.
"Remember that in politics, one needs some allies to win in an election," said Gapuz.
"Is Tagarda really with the ‘opposition’? Yes, but what kind?" Gapuz asked.
He said he would rather not quarrel with Tagarda. He said he would just respect Tagarda’s opinion.
Instead, Gapuz said he would continue working to unite local opposition groups to fight the Emano administration.
"If we can unite the opposition groups, at least 70 to 80 percent, Tagarda’s group would become irrelevant," Gapuz said. "So let him (Tagarda) do his own, and I will do own my own.’’
Meanwhile, Bagabuyo said Sulog’s critics were the ones causing chaos in the local opposition.
"I’m not saying that he (Tagarda) is the one causing chaos. They are the ones who do not want change in the city," Bagabuyo said.
He said the political oppositionists in Cagayan de Oro are now moving toward one direction.
"From 74 people during the first meeting to 145 participants during last Saturday’s meeting... This is a good sign," he said.
At the rate things are going, he said he was confident Emano would soon lose his grip over Cagayan de Oro politics.
"That can be read at Gold Star Daily"
"Sulog is not competing with any opposition group," said Bagabuyo, adding that he and ex-Emano lawyer Frederico Gapuz were just doing their best to unite all those opposed to the present city administration.
"It’s because we know that unless the opposition groups unite, they will be ‘slaughtered’ once again to the detriment of Cagayan de Oro. Fred (Gapuz) and I have no hidden agenda," Bagabuyo said. "All I can say is that when someone kicks you from behind, it means you are ahead."
Bagabuyo said this obviously as a response to the criticisms of another opposition leader, lawyer Manolo Tagarda Sr. of Pundok Mindanao. The other day, Tagarda said Sulog was infiltrated by ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ (deep penetration agents) of Mayor Vicente Emano.
Gapuz said it was a bit unfair to call Sulog’s initiators ‘‘scalawags’’ and ‘‘DPAs’’ because Sulog was created out of the desire to unify all groups opposed to Emano’s PaDayon Pilipino.
Gapuz said it was possible that some of those who attended last Saturday’s Sulog meeting were agents of Emano.
‘‘Yes, maybe since the meeting was open to anyone. We had no control over people who may have wanted to spy on us," Gapuz said.
But Gapuz said Tagarda should rethink his position since his group, Pundok Mindanao, ‘‘can’t stand alone’’ in the fight against PaDayon Pilipino.
"Remember that in politics, one needs some allies to win in an election," said Gapuz.
"Is Tagarda really with the ‘opposition’? Yes, but what kind?" Gapuz asked.
He said he would rather not quarrel with Tagarda. He said he would just respect Tagarda’s opinion.
Instead, Gapuz said he would continue working to unite local opposition groups to fight the Emano administration.
"If we can unite the opposition groups, at least 70 to 80 percent, Tagarda’s group would become irrelevant," Gapuz said. "So let him (Tagarda) do his own, and I will do own my own.’’
Meanwhile, Bagabuyo said Sulog’s critics were the ones causing chaos in the local opposition.
"I’m not saying that he (Tagarda) is the one causing chaos. They are the ones who do not want change in the city," Bagabuyo said.
He said the political oppositionists in Cagayan de Oro are now moving toward one direction.
"From 74 people during the first meeting to 145 participants during last Saturday’s meeting... This is a good sign," he said.
At the rate things are going, he said he was confident Emano would soon lose his grip over Cagayan de Oro politics.
"That can be read at Gold Star Daily"
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Pimentel calls on media to keep close tabs on proposed anti-terrorism bill
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / July 28) - Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. today called on the media to keep close tabs on the anti-terrorism bill which he fears could become a convenient tool to muzzle the press in the country.
"We need legislation to combat the sophisticated methods that terrorists employ to harm the innocent," Pimentel said in his keynote speech during the induction of the incoming Board of Trustees of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) at a local hotel. "But everyone, especially the members of the media, are called upon to help see to it that the law on terrorism that comes out of Congress must not infringe upon our basic freedoms in the name of the fight against terrorism."
"I suggest that it is important for the PPI and for all other mass media organizations and concerned citizen groups to monitor the shape and form that this legislation will take," the only Senator from Mindanao said. "Your views are especially welcome on the provisions on arrests without warrants, surreptitious wire tapping, scrutinizing your emails and other private communications, and probably even your bank accounts by government agents."
Pimentel also warned that the difficulties the US press has been experiencing in publishing what the US government had at various times considered to be sensitive information is already "pressing on our shores" citing the news blackout over the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu a year or two ago.
"It would do the PPI well to put their collective heads together and map out suggestions on how the press will handle matters involving issues on terrorism under present laws and the rights of our people under the projected anti-terrorism legislation."
Earlier, Amado "Jake" Macasaet, PPI chairman and president, warned that media and state can never mix, lest this spell the end of the latter as a democratic institution.
"Media and the state are classical adversaries," Macasaet said. "They should never be friends. If media and the state should ever come to terms, we are finished."
Following are the new officers and members of the PPI Board of Trustees who were inducted into office: Amado Macasaet, chairman and president, Publisher (Malaya); Isagani Yambot, vice president, Publisher (Philippine Daily Inquirer); Ronaldo Romero, treasurer, Editor-Publisher (Business World); Allan Mediante, trustee for Mindanao, asst. vice president (Mindanao Gold Star Daily); Quirino Alban, trustee for Luzon, editor-publisher, Makiling Journal; Michelle So, trustee for Visayas, Executive Editor, Sun Star Cebu; and trustees Augusto Villanueva, Editor-in-Chief (Journal Group); Rogelio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer (Manila Standard); Antonio Katigbak, Managing Editor (Philippine Star) and Juan Mercado, Director (Press Foundation for Asia).
Also present during the induction were Jose Pavia, executive director, editor-publisher (Mabuhay) and Gary Mariano, Philippine Press Council chairman, asst. professor ( De La Salle University-Greenhills).
Besides inducting the new PPI Board of Trustees into office, Pimentel also inducted the charter officers of the Cagayan de Oro Communicators Association, an aggrupation of writers in government and the private sector. Also gracing the occasion was Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno, former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Pablo Magtajas, Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Uriel Quilinguing and KBP-Cagayan de Oro Chapter Chairman Jonas Bustamante.
MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart) IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
"We need legislation to combat the sophisticated methods that terrorists employ to harm the innocent," Pimentel said in his keynote speech during the induction of the incoming Board of Trustees of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) at a local hotel. "But everyone, especially the members of the media, are called upon to help see to it that the law on terrorism that comes out of Congress must not infringe upon our basic freedoms in the name of the fight against terrorism."
"I suggest that it is important for the PPI and for all other mass media organizations and concerned citizen groups to monitor the shape and form that this legislation will take," the only Senator from Mindanao said. "Your views are especially welcome on the provisions on arrests without warrants, surreptitious wire tapping, scrutinizing your emails and other private communications, and probably even your bank accounts by government agents."
Pimentel also warned that the difficulties the US press has been experiencing in publishing what the US government had at various times considered to be sensitive information is already "pressing on our shores" citing the news blackout over the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu a year or two ago.
"It would do the PPI well to put their collective heads together and map out suggestions on how the press will handle matters involving issues on terrorism under present laws and the rights of our people under the projected anti-terrorism legislation."
Earlier, Amado "Jake" Macasaet, PPI chairman and president, warned that media and state can never mix, lest this spell the end of the latter as a democratic institution.
"Media and the state are classical adversaries," Macasaet said. "They should never be friends. If media and the state should ever come to terms, we are finished."
Following are the new officers and members of the PPI Board of Trustees who were inducted into office: Amado Macasaet, chairman and president, Publisher (Malaya); Isagani Yambot, vice president, Publisher (Philippine Daily Inquirer); Ronaldo Romero, treasurer, Editor-Publisher (Business World); Allan Mediante, trustee for Mindanao, asst. vice president (Mindanao Gold Star Daily); Quirino Alban, trustee for Luzon, editor-publisher, Makiling Journal; Michelle So, trustee for Visayas, Executive Editor, Sun Star Cebu; and trustees Augusto Villanueva, Editor-in-Chief (Journal Group); Rogelio Salazar, Chief Executive Officer (Manila Standard); Antonio Katigbak, Managing Editor (Philippine Star) and Juan Mercado, Director (Press Foundation for Asia).
Also present during the induction were Jose Pavia, executive director, editor-publisher (Mabuhay) and Gary Mariano, Philippine Press Council chairman, asst. professor ( De La Salle University-Greenhills).
Besides inducting the new PPI Board of Trustees into office, Pimentel also inducted the charter officers of the Cagayan de Oro Communicators Association, an aggrupation of writers in government and the private sector. Also gracing the occasion was Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Oscar Moreno, former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Pablo Magtajas, Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Uriel Quilinguing and KBP-Cagayan de Oro Chapter Chairman Jonas Bustamante.
MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart) IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
Thursday, July 27, 2006
PDDG Lapeña visits Alagar
POLICE Deputy Director General Isidro Lapeña (at rostrum), Crame's deputy chief PNP for operation as he delivers his message as guest of honor speaker during his visit at Police Regional Office 10. (Inset Photo) Northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Florante Baguio (left, inset) in a pleasant conversation with Lapeña. (Photo by SPO1 NELSON Q. SALAAN)
"Email me: cagayanjournal@gmail.com
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Unproductive, says archbishop of impeachment moves
THE head of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday called the moves to impeach President Arroyo ‘‘unproductive’’ and said he doubted if the ongoing campaign would lead to the truth.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, concurrent vice president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippnes (CBCP), echoed a joint statement issued by organized bishops that they were not inclined on supporting the new impeachment campaign ‘‘unless the process and its rules, as well as the mindsets of all participating parties... are guided by no other motive than genuine concern for the common good."
Ledesma said the impeachment moves would ‘‘once again serve as an unproductive political exercise.’’
Ledesma’s pronouncements during his homily last Wednesday came even as the local opposition announced it was preparing to turn over its impeachment complaint against Arroyo.
Ex-vice mayor and local Black and White Movement lead convenor Antonio Soriano said he would turn over the impeachment complaint forms to opposition Rep. Francis Escudero of Sorsogon during a meeting here on Saturday.
Soriano’s group initiated the local impeachment campaign; the ex-vice mayor’s law office has opened its doors to all those who want to sign the complaint.
The archbishop echoed the statement of the CBCP released after a three-day plenary of 98 bishops at Pope Pius Center in Manila. "This is the stand of the CBCP, the impeachment drive at this time would not really be the way to truth."
Ledesma however said he and the other bishops respect the position of those who are pursuing the impeachment campaign.
While the CBCP has ackowledged that the search for the truth over the controversies hounding the Arroyo administration must be relentlessly pursued through structures and processes under the Constitution, the impeachment process being one of them, Ledesma admitted that the bishops have not discussed alternatives to the impeachment process.
The local Black and White Movement said it was unfazed over the CBCP’s position even as it intensified its information campaign in the barangay levels.
‘‘More people are coming to listen to the ‘Stop Cha-cha (Charter change), Impeach Gloria’ campaign, and more and more people are expressing desire to sign the impeachment complaints,’’ said Soriano in a statement sent to The Gold Star Daily.
Soriano said his law office would remain open to all those who want to sign the verification and certification forms to the complaint. "That can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Advincula denies P4-m mango profit
EMBATTLED Councilor Reynaldo Advincula has admitted doing business using a city hall-owned property in Barangay Indahag but he strongly denied earning millions of pesos by harvesting fruits and selling these.
‘‘I did not earn P4 million,’’ said Advincula in denying accusations made by Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo that the councilor has been harvesting fruits from the property since 1998.
Damo earlier told The Cagayan de Oro Kournal that Advincula earned at least P4 million out of the mangoes and other fruits harvested from the government-owned property.
Aside from the Indahag property, Advincula has also been accused of using his position to do business at the local government-owned Cogon public market.
While Advincula said he was aware that he did not own the fruit trees in the Indahag property,
Advincula admitted to this paper that he was among those who financed the spraying of the mango trees. He did not identify the other financiers.
The sharing scheme, according to Advincula, is this: 70 percent of the profit goes to the financier, 20 percent to the watchers and 10 percent to the owner of the property (city hall).
Although Advincula claimed that it was Mayor Vicente Emano who asked him to keep squatters away from the 15-hectare property, it is unclear if the business venture was santioned by city hall. Neither is it clear if city hall was aware that it was supposed to receive a 10-percent share.
Advincula denied he raked in profits. ‘‘Break even,’’ he told The Gold Star Daily.
Since the venture allegedly yielded no profit, Advincula said he gave the farmers the 10-percent share supposedly intended for city hall.
"No millions," maintained Advincula, adding that the financiers only received 60 percent instead of 70 percent because the price of the chemicals used in treating the mango trees soared.
He claimed he did not even recover his investment.
Advincula earlier claimed that he has been providing funds to farmers in the area so they could till the land and that all he has been asking in return is for them to give back his money.
Advincula also denied that he has been using the property to breed goats.
The 15-hectare property was acquired by city hall during the Magtajas administration; it was intended for a relocation program.
Meanwhile, Advincula lashed back at Damo for allegedly issuing certificates to non-deserving land beneficiaries in Indahag.
By doing so, Advincula claimed Damo deprived impoverished residents of Indahag the opportunity to own lands.
Advincula said he has received complaints that Damo refused to issue certificates to farmers who have been living in Indahag for years.
"Why did Damo issue certifications to (former councilor Celestino) Ocio and the family members of former mayor Pablo Magtajas? Are they supposed to be beneficiaries?" Advincula asked.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
‘‘I did not earn P4 million,’’ said Advincula in denying accusations made by Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo that the councilor has been harvesting fruits from the property since 1998.
Damo earlier told The Cagayan de Oro Kournal that Advincula earned at least P4 million out of the mangoes and other fruits harvested from the government-owned property.
Aside from the Indahag property, Advincula has also been accused of using his position to do business at the local government-owned Cogon public market.
While Advincula said he was aware that he did not own the fruit trees in the Indahag property,
Advincula admitted to this paper that he was among those who financed the spraying of the mango trees. He did not identify the other financiers.
The sharing scheme, according to Advincula, is this: 70 percent of the profit goes to the financier, 20 percent to the watchers and 10 percent to the owner of the property (city hall).
Although Advincula claimed that it was Mayor Vicente Emano who asked him to keep squatters away from the 15-hectare property, it is unclear if the business venture was santioned by city hall. Neither is it clear if city hall was aware that it was supposed to receive a 10-percent share.
Advincula denied he raked in profits. ‘‘Break even,’’ he told The Gold Star Daily.
Since the venture allegedly yielded no profit, Advincula said he gave the farmers the 10-percent share supposedly intended for city hall.
"No millions," maintained Advincula, adding that the financiers only received 60 percent instead of 70 percent because the price of the chemicals used in treating the mango trees soared.
He claimed he did not even recover his investment.
Advincula earlier claimed that he has been providing funds to farmers in the area so they could till the land and that all he has been asking in return is for them to give back his money.
Advincula also denied that he has been using the property to breed goats.
The 15-hectare property was acquired by city hall during the Magtajas administration; it was intended for a relocation program.
Meanwhile, Advincula lashed back at Damo for allegedly issuing certificates to non-deserving land beneficiaries in Indahag.
By doing so, Advincula claimed Damo deprived impoverished residents of Indahag the opportunity to own lands.
Advincula said he has received complaints that Damo refused to issue certificates to farmers who have been living in Indahag for years.
"Why did Damo issue certifications to (former councilor Celestino) Ocio and the family members of former mayor Pablo Magtajas? Are they supposed to be beneficiaries?" Advincula asked.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Out of his mind, Advincula to Ocio
IT was the city assessor who identified former city hall officials who acquired properties in Barangay Indahag, said Councilor Reynaldo Advincula as he tried to brush aside a threat of a libel suit.
Advincula said this in response to a threat of a libel suit made by ex-councilor Celestino Ocio III whose name surfaced in the city council inquiry on the distribution of government land in Indahag.
Advincula lashed back at Ocio, saying the former councilor was merely taking the issue for a ride.
"I did not name names. Ocio is out of his mind," said Advincula of the libel-case threat. "Why is Ocio reacting this way? I did not mention his name in my special report," Advincula said.
He said the names of Ocio and the daughters of ex-mayor Pablo Magtajas were mentioned by city assessor Atinodoro Asequia who was asked during a council session to identify the people who acquired public lands in Indahag.
It was Advincula who asked the council to invite Asequia and city environment and natural resources officer Ronaldo Gadut in regard to supposed complaints that deserving farmers were deprived of the opportunity to own properties in Indahag.
Before the city council last week, Advincula said former officials may have used their influence to acquire the properties.
In view of Asequia’s revelation, Advincula said Ocio and the Magtajases should explain how they were able to acquire the properties intended for the poor and under the guidelines of the environment department.
Gadut said 544 hectares in Indahag were supposed to have been given to poor farmers under the government’s agrarian reform program.
Advincula said Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo should also explain why he supposedly certified that the Magtajases and Ocio were qualified to receive land titles. (Ben Balce)
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Advincula said this in response to a threat of a libel suit made by ex-councilor Celestino Ocio III whose name surfaced in the city council inquiry on the distribution of government land in Indahag.
Advincula lashed back at Ocio, saying the former councilor was merely taking the issue for a ride.
"I did not name names. Ocio is out of his mind," said Advincula of the libel-case threat. "Why is Ocio reacting this way? I did not mention his name in my special report," Advincula said.
He said the names of Ocio and the daughters of ex-mayor Pablo Magtajas were mentioned by city assessor Atinodoro Asequia who was asked during a council session to identify the people who acquired public lands in Indahag.
It was Advincula who asked the council to invite Asequia and city environment and natural resources officer Ronaldo Gadut in regard to supposed complaints that deserving farmers were deprived of the opportunity to own properties in Indahag.
Before the city council last week, Advincula said former officials may have used their influence to acquire the properties.
In view of Asequia’s revelation, Advincula said Ocio and the Magtajases should explain how they were able to acquire the properties intended for the poor and under the guidelines of the environment department.
Gadut said 544 hectares in Indahag were supposed to have been given to poor farmers under the government’s agrarian reform program.
Advincula said Indahag barangay chairperson Carmelito Damo should also explain why he supposedly certified that the Magtajases and Ocio were qualified to receive land titles. (Ben Balce)
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
BIKERS need good and friendly bikes!!!
Bikers out there! This sports-bike is for you, a 100 percent good running condition that would suit for your taste. It has 4 Cylinders and 250cc Engine Displacement. This is also an ideal for all starters. It runs 10Km/L and will go from 0-100 in less than 5 seconds. It’s newly painted w/a Ferrari Red scheme in the rear damper has just been changed.
The steering clips are all new and just recently installed 2 give a more safety drive. Papers are complete! This is for a serious buyers and bikers only.
Interested? Email me at cagayanjournal@gmail.com or call me (GEORGE GORDON E. LIM) at this mobile phone number 09189084778.
Hurry! A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BUYERS ONLY!!!
Email me: mailto:celaben96@yahoo.com,
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