CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce / April 25) - Mediamen in Cagayan de Oro yesterday wore black to show protest on the recent killing of a police reporter and a provincial correspondent that was wounded last week.
The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday asked their colleagues to wear black and make yesterday (Wednesday) “black”.
Palacios was found dead on April 18, in Mapalad Village, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija at about 6:00 a.m. Palacios was the 51st mediaman killed under the Arroyo regime.
Police report said his body showing signs of torture and shot through the chin.
The following day Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent Delfin Mallari Jr. was wounded when he and DZMM correspondent Johnny Glorioso were ambushed in Lucena City.
COPC president Gerry Orcullo said wearing black is the protest of the recent killing Palacios and a murder attempt against Mallari.
“We expressed outrage at the murder of Palacios and a murder attempt against Mallari in a black day today for press freedom,” said Orcullo.
Orcullo also called on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to "take fresh steps to counter violence against the press.
“This government should not wait for these journalists to abandon their pens and cameras,” said Orcullo adding these killings should completely stop now.
The killings of journalists made our country the world’s most dangerous country for journalists after Iraq according to Orcullo.
The COPC and NUJP, called wearing black “a day of action” in reaction to the wave of violence against the media all over the country.
Last week the NUJP also called the killing of Palacios and murder attempt to Mallari as another "dark period for Philippine media.”
Orcullo also said that journalists in Cagayan de Oro would be definitely holding protests against the latest assaults soonest as possible.
“Mindanao media men are decrying to unsolved cases since democracy was restored in the Philippines in 1986,” said Orcullo.
Home
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Kiram gets an enthusistics welcome in Agusan
THE SULTAN'S SUPPORTERS. Team Unity candidate Sultan Jamalul Kiram gets an enthusiastic welcome as he enters the Bayugan multi-purpose gym in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, where the administration slate held a rally before a jampacked crowd. ( Team Unity Photo)
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Team Unity has one big push in Mindanao
(Advertorial)
CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (April 22) - Team Unity’s campaign juggernaut will mount this week its first major solid push in central Mindanao in a two-day caravan covering five provinces and three cities in the Socsksargen (South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Saranggani-General Santos City) corridor, a region long hobbled by armed conflicts between government forces and secessionist rebels but which is now fast becoming the island’s economic gem.
The region’s political moguls – General Santos (GenSan) City Mayor Lita Nunez, Sarangani Gov. Migz Dominguez, Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel, Sultan Kudarat Datu Pax Mangadadatu, Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan and Vice Gov. Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema – will host the caravan and political rallies and are expected to pledge to work for a 12-0 win for Team Unity.
Team Unity’s caravan, scheduled to start from Cotabato City today (April 18), will end the following day in another motorcade in GenSan City. A proclamation rally, hosted by GenSan Mayor Lita Nunez, will be held at the city’s Freedom Park shortly after a scheduled dinner at the residence of newly crowned WBC super-featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, who is also seeking a congressional post representing the city.
“This is Team Unity’s first major campaign push in Mindanao,” Tourism Secretary and Team Unity spokesman Joseph Ace Durano said yesterday. He recalled that the team of senatorial bets Joker Arroyo, Luis “Chavit” Singson, Vicente Sotto, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, and Ralph Recto had their Pulong Sulong campaign huddle with the voters in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte in the first week of March, but said “this happened at the time when the Team Unity’s slate was divided into teams.”
Durano said a series of rallies in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani would be squeezed into the two-day caravan.
As scheduled, today’s caravan will start from Cotabato City, the administrative center of Mindanao’s former Region 12 (Central Mindanao), and end in Koronadal City, the administrative center of the newly formed Socsksargen region.
Tomorrow (Thursday), the Team Unity senatorial bets will motor to General Santos City where they are to hold a news conference and later join Sarangani Gov. Dominguez in a proclamation rally in the town of Alabel, near the border of Gensan City. They will then return to GenSan City in a motorcade to have dinner at Pacquiao’s residence and join the proclamation rally hosted by Mayor Nunez.
Socsksargen is Mindanao’s fast-booming economic area, accounting for the country’s largest total daily fish landings. It is also the country’s leading producer of sashimi-grade tuna.
TU senatorial candidates Sultan Jamalul Kiram of Sulu and Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon vowed to work for peace and development in Mindanao, citing President Arroyo’s commitment to bring peace and progress in the country’s second biggest island. Another TU candidate, Prospero Pichay, represented Surigao del Sur in the House of Representatives.
Aside from the three bets who represent Mindanao in Team Unity senatorial slate and the five fellow candidates who first conducted their Pulong Sulong there, other TU senator-hopefuls to join the Mindanao caravan are Edgardo Angara, Michael Defensor, Vicente Magsaysay and Cesar Montano.
The twelve TU senatorial candidates are hoping to score a 12-0 win in Mindanao, owing to a solid network of dedicated political workers belonging to the six political parties within the ruling coalition.
They are batting for the continuation of President Arroyo’s “8 by ‘08” agenda which aims to sustain the country’s economic growth and spread among the people the fruits of this growth.
Home
CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (April 22) - Team Unity’s campaign juggernaut will mount this week its first major solid push in central Mindanao in a two-day caravan covering five provinces and three cities in the Socsksargen (South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Saranggani-General Santos City) corridor, a region long hobbled by armed conflicts between government forces and secessionist rebels but which is now fast becoming the island’s economic gem.
The region’s political moguls – General Santos (GenSan) City Mayor Lita Nunez, Sarangani Gov. Migz Dominguez, Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel, Sultan Kudarat Datu Pax Mangadadatu, Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan and Vice Gov. Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema – will host the caravan and political rallies and are expected to pledge to work for a 12-0 win for Team Unity.
Team Unity’s caravan, scheduled to start from Cotabato City today (April 18), will end the following day in another motorcade in GenSan City. A proclamation rally, hosted by GenSan Mayor Lita Nunez, will be held at the city’s Freedom Park shortly after a scheduled dinner at the residence of newly crowned WBC super-featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, who is also seeking a congressional post representing the city.
“This is Team Unity’s first major campaign push in Mindanao,” Tourism Secretary and Team Unity spokesman Joseph Ace Durano said yesterday. He recalled that the team of senatorial bets Joker Arroyo, Luis “Chavit” Singson, Vicente Sotto, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, and Ralph Recto had their Pulong Sulong campaign huddle with the voters in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte in the first week of March, but said “this happened at the time when the Team Unity’s slate was divided into teams.”
Durano said a series of rallies in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani would be squeezed into the two-day caravan.
As scheduled, today’s caravan will start from Cotabato City, the administrative center of Mindanao’s former Region 12 (Central Mindanao), and end in Koronadal City, the administrative center of the newly formed Socsksargen region.
Tomorrow (Thursday), the Team Unity senatorial bets will motor to General Santos City where they are to hold a news conference and later join Sarangani Gov. Dominguez in a proclamation rally in the town of Alabel, near the border of Gensan City. They will then return to GenSan City in a motorcade to have dinner at Pacquiao’s residence and join the proclamation rally hosted by Mayor Nunez.
Socsksargen is Mindanao’s fast-booming economic area, accounting for the country’s largest total daily fish landings. It is also the country’s leading producer of sashimi-grade tuna.
TU senatorial candidates Sultan Jamalul Kiram of Sulu and Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon vowed to work for peace and development in Mindanao, citing President Arroyo’s commitment to bring peace and progress in the country’s second biggest island. Another TU candidate, Prospero Pichay, represented Surigao del Sur in the House of Representatives.
Aside from the three bets who represent Mindanao in Team Unity senatorial slate and the five fellow candidates who first conducted their Pulong Sulong there, other TU senator-hopefuls to join the Mindanao caravan are Edgardo Angara, Michael Defensor, Vicente Magsaysay and Cesar Montano.
The twelve TU senatorial candidates are hoping to score a 12-0 win in Mindanao, owing to a solid network of dedicated political workers belonging to the six political parties within the ruling coalition.
They are batting for the continuation of President Arroyo’s “8 by ‘08” agenda which aims to sustain the country’s economic growth and spread among the people the fruits of this growth.
Home
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Ledesma to Jarales: "Go ahead!"
*FICCO backs Jarales for Misor Board
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma (left) 2nd District Misamis Oriental provincial board aspirant Fermin Jarales (right) pose for lensman after a few hours talk at bishop’s palace.
CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce/April 19) - "Go ahead!"
Thus said Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma days after provincial board aspirant for 2nd District Misamis Oriental Fermin Villaroya Jarales visited him seeking his guidance at the bishop’s palace.
Jarales, 28, among the youngest provincial board aspirants in the province, decided to file his certificate of candidacy a day after Ledesma’s "spiritual" guidance.
"I wish you (Jarales) all the luck in your candidacy," said Ledesma adding: "As you want to serve people for the common good is also serving God."
Earlier, Ledesma, vice-president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through the "Magsilingan Ka!", an interfaith, businessmen’s movement and similar groups that were recently created for clean and credible elections in the entire archdiocese.
Ledesma said, they are taking this step because of the lessons from the May 2004 elections that were widely believed to have been marred by massive cheating.
Jarales is running under Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP) and is also the PDSP’s Cagayan de Oro chairman.
"My visit to the bishop is part of my decision to serve a larger number of people. Serving our people is one of my purposes being a member of Columbian Squire Marshall in the archdiocese," said Jarales.
In 1923, Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald, a noted expert in the field of social welfare work with young people, created an official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. What Brother Barnabas devised is the Columbian Squires. Jarales is also a Legion of Mary worker.
"To talk to the bishop seeking guidance is not to get attention from the Church, but an intention to continue serving the people as Columbian Squires member and a Christian," said Jarales.
Meanwhile, Ledesma reiterated that the Catholic Church would not endorse any politician or political party during their campaign sorties.
Ledesma said that candidates could only seek support from any religious group and not from individual priests.
"The leaders of the bishops’ organization through ‘Magsilingan Ka’ movement had a "free wheeling" discussion and openly expressing support for platforms of governance espoused by candidates through trans-partisan politics. " said Ledesma.
In a related development, the First Community Credit Cooperative (FICCO) expressed support to Jarales’ bid for the provincial board.
The 100 thousand-strong’ Ficco endorsed Jarales, himself being a Ficco board member.
Jarales is the second son of the 7 children of Mr. Ban Jarales and Mrs. Jocelyn Villaroya of Gimangpang, Initao, Misamis Oriental.
As to professional experience, Jarales was employed as human resource development manager of Misamis Oriental - 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (Moresco) in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental from November 2006 to April 13, 2007.
"I resigned from my position at Moresco to prove that I’m serious with my candidacy," said Jarales, taking a snipe at his detractors.
He also used to the municipal administrator of Opol LGU from January 2002 to November 2006.
Jarales also worked as legal researcher at Dela Rosa Gomos Dayao Cantago & Narrido Law Firm in Cagayan de Oro from January 1998 to 2002.
He was also the assistant regional coordinator of the Federation of free Workers (FFW) Region 10 in January 2002.
He was an intern of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 (Trade Promotions Division) in May 1997 and was employed at Cagayan de Oro – Iligan Corridor – Project Management Office (CIC – PMO) in April 1997.
Jarales is a product of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) graduated (full scholar, Dean’s list) with the degree of BS in Development Communication
(Major in Journalism) from June 1994 to March 1998.
At present, he is taking up Bachelor of Laws (Third Year) at the same institution.
During his college days at Xavier University, Jarales was president of XU Aggie Student Council in 1997-1998; chairperson, Directorate XU Central Student Government in 1997 – 1998; Editor – In – Chief of ‘Communique’ college organ in1996; a ‘Crusader’ college organ correspondent in 1996-1997 and founder of Mastersonian Scythe Fraternity in 1997.
Home
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma (left) 2nd District Misamis Oriental provincial board aspirant Fermin Jarales (right) pose for lensman after a few hours talk at bishop’s palace.
CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce/April 19) - "Go ahead!"
Thus said Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma days after provincial board aspirant for 2nd District Misamis Oriental Fermin Villaroya Jarales visited him seeking his guidance at the bishop’s palace.
Jarales, 28, among the youngest provincial board aspirants in the province, decided to file his certificate of candidacy a day after Ledesma’s "spiritual" guidance.
"I wish you (Jarales) all the luck in your candidacy," said Ledesma adding: "As you want to serve people for the common good is also serving God."
Earlier, Ledesma, vice-president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through the "Magsilingan Ka!", an interfaith, businessmen’s movement and similar groups that were recently created for clean and credible elections in the entire archdiocese.
Ledesma said, they are taking this step because of the lessons from the May 2004 elections that were widely believed to have been marred by massive cheating.
Jarales is running under Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP) and is also the PDSP’s Cagayan de Oro chairman.
"My visit to the bishop is part of my decision to serve a larger number of people. Serving our people is one of my purposes being a member of Columbian Squire Marshall in the archdiocese," said Jarales.
In 1923, Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald, a noted expert in the field of social welfare work with young people, created an official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. What Brother Barnabas devised is the Columbian Squires. Jarales is also a Legion of Mary worker.
"To talk to the bishop seeking guidance is not to get attention from the Church, but an intention to continue serving the people as Columbian Squires member and a Christian," said Jarales.
Meanwhile, Ledesma reiterated that the Catholic Church would not endorse any politician or political party during their campaign sorties.
Ledesma said that candidates could only seek support from any religious group and not from individual priests.
"The leaders of the bishops’ organization through ‘Magsilingan Ka’ movement had a "free wheeling" discussion and openly expressing support for platforms of governance espoused by candidates through trans-partisan politics. " said Ledesma.
In a related development, the First Community Credit Cooperative (FICCO) expressed support to Jarales’ bid for the provincial board.
The 100 thousand-strong’ Ficco endorsed Jarales, himself being a Ficco board member.
Jarales is the second son of the 7 children of Mr. Ban Jarales and Mrs. Jocelyn Villaroya of Gimangpang, Initao, Misamis Oriental.
As to professional experience, Jarales was employed as human resource development manager of Misamis Oriental - 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (Moresco) in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental from November 2006 to April 13, 2007.
"I resigned from my position at Moresco to prove that I’m serious with my candidacy," said Jarales, taking a snipe at his detractors.
He also used to the municipal administrator of Opol LGU from January 2002 to November 2006.
Jarales also worked as legal researcher at Dela Rosa Gomos Dayao Cantago & Narrido Law Firm in Cagayan de Oro from January 1998 to 2002.
He was also the assistant regional coordinator of the Federation of free Workers (FFW) Region 10 in January 2002.
He was an intern of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 (Trade Promotions Division) in May 1997 and was employed at Cagayan de Oro – Iligan Corridor – Project Management Office (CIC – PMO) in April 1997.
Jarales is a product of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) graduated (full scholar, Dean’s list) with the degree of BS in Development Communication
(Major in Journalism) from June 1994 to March 1998.
At present, he is taking up Bachelor of Laws (Third Year) at the same institution.
During his college days at Xavier University, Jarales was president of XU Aggie Student Council in 1997-1998; chairperson, Directorate XU Central Student Government in 1997 – 1998; Editor – In – Chief of ‘Communique’ college organ in1996; a ‘Crusader’ college organ correspondent in 1996-1997 and founder of Mastersonian Scythe Fraternity in 1997.
Home
Monday, April 16, 2007
Acostas cry foul, link accuser to Joe
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Ben Balce / April 16) - THE Acostas lashed back at an anti-corruption group in Bukidnon and accused it of being used as a political tool to discredit them in time for this year's elections.
Three members of Acosta family are seeking three key positions in Bukidnon in hopes of wrestling power from incumbent Gov. Jose Zubiri and his allies. Rep. Nereus Acosta of the province's 1st District is challenging Zubiri's reelection bid, his mother Socorro is seeking to retain her position as the leader of the vote-rich Manolo Fortich town and his sister Ma. Lourdes wants to represent the 1st District in the Lower House.
Socorro a former congresswoman, called the Bukidnon Crusade Against Corruption (BCAC) a fake, saying it allowed itself to be used by the Zubiris for an alleged political demolition job.
Ms. Acosta said BCAC's accusations against her family were ill-motivated.
"These are all lies... malicious and politically motivated," said Acosta as she brushed aside charges she and her family benefitted from the release of public funds to two province-based cooperatives.
Acosta accused Zubiri of being behind BCAC in pursuing graft cases against her and other members of her family.
"The Zubiris are the ones behind the recycling of all these obsolete issues which should be best forgotten. They are always using these issues against us (Acostas) every time there is an election just for them to gain political mileage," said Acosta.
Gov. Zubiri, she said, was "kicking a dead horse."
Acosta said the leader of BCAC, Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., is a known ally of Zubiri and even allegedly related by affinity to a nephew of Zubiri.
She said Balansag and his group's silence on the damning corruption issues against the Zubiri administration, including the capitol's controversial purchase and subsequent sale of a tomato paste plant in Manolo Fortich town, is suspect.
The Acosta camp said the plant was bought for some P20 million and subsequently sold for some P92 million. The Acostas alleged that "not a single centavo" from the sale of the property went to the coffers of the capitol.
"Clearly, BCAC is a political demolition campaign masquerading as an anti-corruption movement," said Acosta.
Balansag and his group have accused the Acostas of granting millions of pesos in public funds to Bukidnon-based cooperatives that allegedly being run by members of the Acosta family.
Acosta laughed off the accusations, saying the allegations were raised again because Zubiri and his allies were already feeling that heat.
Aggravating this, she said Zubiri's son Miguel, the representative of another Bukidnon didtrict, is poorly performing in the surveys among candidates for senators.
"Our political opponents are threatened and they are becoming more and more desperate," said Socorro.
Specifically, Balnsag's group accused the Acostas of releasing some P8 million in congressional funds for the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries Inc. (Binhi) and the Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative (BVPC). The group alleged that was given without the green light of the Manolo Fortich town council.
Elmer de la Rosa, a lawyer of the Acostas, said the funds that were released to Binhi and BVPC were intended for micro-credit loans with interest rates of 2.5 percent per month for operational expenses.
These loans, he said, were granted without collateral to people in need.
"The Grameen banking was scoofed at by the Acosta family's political opponents, particularly the Zubiris, as rather quixotic but when they saw its success, they then wanted to destroy it," de la Rosa said.
De la Rosa said Rep. Acosta's father Juan initiated the lending program, patterned after the Grameen lending program of Bangladesh, to address the credit needs of poor women in Mindanao.
"The programs really helped and uplifted the lives of the people in Bukidnon. They are now lauding the Acosta for the initiative," said de la Rosa.
He said Binhi and BVPC have independent boards of trustees and are not controlled by any family alleged by Balansag and his group.
De la Rosa however admitted that when Binhi was organized in 1989, Dr. Juan Acosta sat as a member of its 15-person interim board.
He said Zubiri's candidate for congressman in the 1st District, Candido Pancrudo, also sat in the Interim board together with Dr. Acosta, Nelson Binayao, Evangeline Urtado and Corazon Arboli.
De la Rosa said Juan left Binhi in 1991, long before the cooperative received a government grant through Rep. Acosta. Neither did Juan get elected as an official of BVPC," he said.
"The Acostas did not control and neither do they own or even have financial interests in Binhi. Of the 15 incorporators, only Juan was an Acosta," said De la Rosa.
Because the Acostas believed in the cooperatives, de la Rosa said the family donated a 1,500-square meter property to BVPC and they allowed Binhi to use one of the family-owned buildings for free.
Binhi, an organization registered with Securuties and exchange Commission (SEC), started with 20 members 17 years ago. It now has a membership of some eight thousand in 140 barangays in eight towns in Bukidnon.
Cagayan de Oro Journal / Home
Three members of Acosta family are seeking three key positions in Bukidnon in hopes of wrestling power from incumbent Gov. Jose Zubiri and his allies. Rep. Nereus Acosta of the province's 1st District is challenging Zubiri's reelection bid, his mother Socorro is seeking to retain her position as the leader of the vote-rich Manolo Fortich town and his sister Ma. Lourdes wants to represent the 1st District in the Lower House.
Socorro a former congresswoman, called the Bukidnon Crusade Against Corruption (BCAC) a fake, saying it allowed itself to be used by the Zubiris for an alleged political demolition job.
Ms. Acosta said BCAC's accusations against her family were ill-motivated.
"These are all lies... malicious and politically motivated," said Acosta as she brushed aside charges she and her family benefitted from the release of public funds to two province-based cooperatives.
Acosta accused Zubiri of being behind BCAC in pursuing graft cases against her and other members of her family.
"The Zubiris are the ones behind the recycling of all these obsolete issues which should be best forgotten. They are always using these issues against us (Acostas) every time there is an election just for them to gain political mileage," said Acosta.
Gov. Zubiri, she said, was "kicking a dead horse."
Acosta said the leader of BCAC, Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., is a known ally of Zubiri and even allegedly related by affinity to a nephew of Zubiri.
She said Balansag and his group's silence on the damning corruption issues against the Zubiri administration, including the capitol's controversial purchase and subsequent sale of a tomato paste plant in Manolo Fortich town, is suspect.
The Acosta camp said the plant was bought for some P20 million and subsequently sold for some P92 million. The Acostas alleged that "not a single centavo" from the sale of the property went to the coffers of the capitol.
"Clearly, BCAC is a political demolition campaign masquerading as an anti-corruption movement," said Acosta.
Balansag and his group have accused the Acostas of granting millions of pesos in public funds to Bukidnon-based cooperatives that allegedly being run by members of the Acosta family.
Acosta laughed off the accusations, saying the allegations were raised again because Zubiri and his allies were already feeling that heat.
Aggravating this, she said Zubiri's son Miguel, the representative of another Bukidnon didtrict, is poorly performing in the surveys among candidates for senators.
"Our political opponents are threatened and they are becoming more and more desperate," said Socorro.
Specifically, Balnsag's group accused the Acostas of releasing some P8 million in congressional funds for the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries Inc. (Binhi) and the Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative (BVPC). The group alleged that was given without the green light of the Manolo Fortich town council.
Elmer de la Rosa, a lawyer of the Acostas, said the funds that were released to Binhi and BVPC were intended for micro-credit loans with interest rates of 2.5 percent per month for operational expenses.
These loans, he said, were granted without collateral to people in need.
"The Grameen banking was scoofed at by the Acosta family's political opponents, particularly the Zubiris, as rather quixotic but when they saw its success, they then wanted to destroy it," de la Rosa said.
De la Rosa said Rep. Acosta's father Juan initiated the lending program, patterned after the Grameen lending program of Bangladesh, to address the credit needs of poor women in Mindanao.
"The programs really helped and uplifted the lives of the people in Bukidnon. They are now lauding the Acosta for the initiative," said de la Rosa.
He said Binhi and BVPC have independent boards of trustees and are not controlled by any family alleged by Balansag and his group.
De la Rosa however admitted that when Binhi was organized in 1989, Dr. Juan Acosta sat as a member of its 15-person interim board.
He said Zubiri's candidate for congressman in the 1st District, Candido Pancrudo, also sat in the Interim board together with Dr. Acosta, Nelson Binayao, Evangeline Urtado and Corazon Arboli.
De la Rosa said Juan left Binhi in 1991, long before the cooperative received a government grant through Rep. Acosta. Neither did Juan get elected as an official of BVPC," he said.
"The Acostas did not control and neither do they own or even have financial interests in Binhi. Of the 15 incorporators, only Juan was an Acosta," said De la Rosa.
Because the Acostas believed in the cooperatives, de la Rosa said the family donated a 1,500-square meter property to BVPC and they allowed Binhi to use one of the family-owned buildings for free.
Binhi, an organization registered with Securuties and exchange Commission (SEC), started with 20 members 17 years ago. It now has a membership of some eight thousand in 140 barangays in eight towns in Bukidnon.
Cagayan de Oro Journal / Home
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Certified list of candidates in Cagayan de Oro
City Mayor
Canoy, Rhona Torralba, Independent
Borres, Felix, Jr. Frias, Independent
Magtajas, Pablo Pagute, PDP Laban/Uno
Calingin, Antonio Padilla, Nationalist People's Coalition
Jaraula, Constantino Galagnara, Lakas-CMDFor
Vice-Mayor
Calingin, Alvin Roa, PDP Laban/Uno
Tagarda, Manolo Zarate, Nationalist People's Coalition
Emano, Vicente Yap, Lakas-CMD
1st District (house of representative)
Tagarda, Manolo Zarate, Independent (withdrew-03-29-07/11:43PM)
Soriano, Antonio Sabanpan, PDP Laban
Montesa, Camilo Miguel Macalla, Liberal Party
Canoy, Reuben Rabe, Independent
Daba, Annie Yamut, Kampi
Bacal, Henry Jabeguero, Independent
Uy, Rolando Adlao, Independent
Spiers, Michelle Tagarda, Lakas-CMD
City Councilors
Baylon, William Nguho, Independent
Oracles, Michael Angelo Martir, Independent
Diel, Carlos Dy, Independent
Nagasan, Rhodora Majaducon, Independent
Ucab, Julieto Quiblat, Independent
Canoy, Marc Torralba, Independent
Calonia, Dominador Pagara, PDP Laban/Uno
Abbu, Jose Pepe Palmera, PDP Laban
Dabatian, Douglas Waga, PDP Laban/Uno
Acedera, Ben Joseph III Falcon, PDP Laban/Uno
Raagas, Roy Hilario Padla, PDP Laban/Uno
Abacahin, Reynaldo Cuas, PDSP
Pansacala, Pastor, Sr. Alisbo, PDSP
Abaday, Roger Gabatan, PDP-Laban/Uno
Cabal, Ricardo Abcede, Nationalist People's Coalition
Sagut, Jose Clodualdo Fallar, Nationalist People's Coalition
Sambaan, Alan Roy Mendoza, Nationalist People's Coalition
Daba, Ruel Roa, Nationalist People's Coalition
Glema, Antonio Cartagena, Nationalist People's Coalition
Ragas, Nicolas Caseñas, Independent
Galacio, Rodulfo Quitos, PDP Laban
Ocon, Elsa Sabrido, PDP Laban/Uno
Lachica, Jaime Janopol, Independent
Calizo, Mary Cor Reyes, Lakas-CMD
Bacal, Alden Dacanay, Lakas-CMD
Acenas, Caesar Ian Enerio, Lakas-CMD
arba, Adrian Lagamon, Lakas-CMD
Brellita, Anthony Obsioma, Lakas-CMD
Pajo, Dante Betonio, Lakas-CMD
Guibone, Cancio Pacuribot, Lakas-CMD
Licayan, Simeon Verula, Lakas-CMD
Beja, Camilo II Molina, Nationalist People's Coalition
Domo, Beverly Bu-ong, Nationalist People's Coalition
2nd District (House of Representative)
Rodriguez, Rufus Bautista, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino/Uno
Jardin, Samuel Aloysius Magdadaro, PDSP
Rojas, Francisco, Sr. Gorres, KBL
Cabanlas, Edgar Salcedo, Independent
Benaldo, Jose Benjamin Abrio, Lakas-CMD/Kampi
City Councilors
Valmoria, Virgilio Pacheco, Nationalist People's Coalition
Lao, Teodulfo, Jr. Escalera, PDP-Laban
Baconga, Pio Dalman, PDP-Laban/Uno
Damo, Carmelito Ranara, PDP-Laban/Uno
Ravanera, Manuel Revilla, PDP-Laban/Uno
Gan, Leon, Jr. Dumanganop, PDP-Laban/Uno
Saarenas, Eric Pagapula-an, Independent
Mediante, Demosthenes, Jr. Aquino, Nationalist People's Coalition
David, Domingo Sonny Gatasi, Nationalist People's Coalition
Caseres, Anatalio, Jr. Dela Torre, PDP Laban/Uno
Ledesma, Rene Rodriguez, PDP-Laban/Uno
Ramos, Jenny Martinez, Independent
Yee, Morito Pacturan, Independent
Agcopra, Joebert Bonife, PDP-Laban/Uno
Advincula, Reynaldo Navarro, Lakas-CMD
Elipe, President Dagondon, Lakas-CMD
Tabor, Ramon Galvez, Lakas-CMD
Dacer, Alexander Sabana, Lakas-CMD
Nacaya, Ian Mark Quiblat, Lakas-CMD
Goking, Alfonso Go, Lakas-CMD
Salcedo, Enrico Dael, Lakas-CMD
Abejuela, Emmanuel Daing, Lakas-CMD
Home
Canoy, Rhona Torralba, Independent
Borres, Felix, Jr. Frias, Independent
Magtajas, Pablo Pagute, PDP Laban/Uno
Calingin, Antonio Padilla, Nationalist People's Coalition
Jaraula, Constantino Galagnara, Lakas-CMDFor
Vice-Mayor
Calingin, Alvin Roa, PDP Laban/Uno
Tagarda, Manolo Zarate, Nationalist People's Coalition
Emano, Vicente Yap, Lakas-CMD
1st District (house of representative)
Tagarda, Manolo Zarate, Independent (withdrew-03-29-07/11:43PM)
Soriano, Antonio Sabanpan, PDP Laban
Montesa, Camilo Miguel Macalla, Liberal Party
Canoy, Reuben Rabe, Independent
Daba, Annie Yamut, Kampi
Bacal, Henry Jabeguero, Independent
Uy, Rolando Adlao, Independent
Spiers, Michelle Tagarda, Lakas-CMD
City Councilors
Baylon, William Nguho, Independent
Oracles, Michael Angelo Martir, Independent
Diel, Carlos Dy, Independent
Nagasan, Rhodora Majaducon, Independent
Ucab, Julieto Quiblat, Independent
Canoy, Marc Torralba, Independent
Calonia, Dominador Pagara, PDP Laban/Uno
Abbu, Jose Pepe Palmera, PDP Laban
Dabatian, Douglas Waga, PDP Laban/Uno
Acedera, Ben Joseph III Falcon, PDP Laban/Uno
Raagas, Roy Hilario Padla, PDP Laban/Uno
Abacahin, Reynaldo Cuas, PDSP
Pansacala, Pastor, Sr. Alisbo, PDSP
Abaday, Roger Gabatan, PDP-Laban/Uno
Cabal, Ricardo Abcede, Nationalist People's Coalition
Sagut, Jose Clodualdo Fallar, Nationalist People's Coalition
Sambaan, Alan Roy Mendoza, Nationalist People's Coalition
Daba, Ruel Roa, Nationalist People's Coalition
Glema, Antonio Cartagena, Nationalist People's Coalition
Ragas, Nicolas Caseñas, Independent
Galacio, Rodulfo Quitos, PDP Laban
Ocon, Elsa Sabrido, PDP Laban/Uno
Lachica, Jaime Janopol, Independent
Calizo, Mary Cor Reyes, Lakas-CMD
Bacal, Alden Dacanay, Lakas-CMD
Acenas, Caesar Ian Enerio, Lakas-CMD
arba, Adrian Lagamon, Lakas-CMD
Brellita, Anthony Obsioma, Lakas-CMD
Pajo, Dante Betonio, Lakas-CMD
Guibone, Cancio Pacuribot, Lakas-CMD
Licayan, Simeon Verula, Lakas-CMD
Beja, Camilo II Molina, Nationalist People's Coalition
Domo, Beverly Bu-ong, Nationalist People's Coalition
2nd District (House of Representative)
Rodriguez, Rufus Bautista, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino/Uno
Jardin, Samuel Aloysius Magdadaro, PDSP
Rojas, Francisco, Sr. Gorres, KBL
Cabanlas, Edgar Salcedo, Independent
Benaldo, Jose Benjamin Abrio, Lakas-CMD/Kampi
City Councilors
Valmoria, Virgilio Pacheco, Nationalist People's Coalition
Lao, Teodulfo, Jr. Escalera, PDP-Laban
Baconga, Pio Dalman, PDP-Laban/Uno
Damo, Carmelito Ranara, PDP-Laban/Uno
Ravanera, Manuel Revilla, PDP-Laban/Uno
Gan, Leon, Jr. Dumanganop, PDP-Laban/Uno
Saarenas, Eric Pagapula-an, Independent
Mediante, Demosthenes, Jr. Aquino, Nationalist People's Coalition
David, Domingo Sonny Gatasi, Nationalist People's Coalition
Caseres, Anatalio, Jr. Dela Torre, PDP Laban/Uno
Ledesma, Rene Rodriguez, PDP-Laban/Uno
Ramos, Jenny Martinez, Independent
Yee, Morito Pacturan, Independent
Agcopra, Joebert Bonife, PDP-Laban/Uno
Advincula, Reynaldo Navarro, Lakas-CMD
Elipe, President Dagondon, Lakas-CMD
Tabor, Ramon Galvez, Lakas-CMD
Dacer, Alexander Sabana, Lakas-CMD
Nacaya, Ian Mark Quiblat, Lakas-CMD
Goking, Alfonso Go, Lakas-CMD
Salcedo, Enrico Dael, Lakas-CMD
Abejuela, Emmanuel Daing, Lakas-CMD
Home
New hope for Bacolod City
By GEORGE AGUILAR
(Opinion)
SQUATTING, poor sanitary facilities, poor sewage systems, garbage and traffic, plus the growing incidences of crime, are among the major problems of Bacolod City. The roots of these problems, of course, lie in the pervading poverty, a parochial educational system that sorely lacks facilities (despite the grossly mispriced computers donated by some local officials to public schools), and the lack of employment opportunities in a city that is no longer purely agricultural, but not yet industrial. This I noticed shortly after I moved into the city of smiles as a permanent resident almost two decades ago. The problems were there in the early 90's. They grew worse as the years went by.
Why can't the city government do anything about the above mentioned problems? Well, for one, economic gains made in the city tend to stay in the hands of the elite few and the slowly growing middle class. The poor remain to be as impoverished as they were some 17 years ago. Worse, the population of the poor is growing at an alarming rate with the flourishing of squatters' areas and black market businesses all over the city. Logs, illegal or quasi legal, continue to be dumped onto "side walk" carpentry shops along Lopez Jaena St. while city officials conveniently look the other way. The growing number of public utility vehicles vies for passengers to the point of double and triple parking along busy intersections while hawkers shout and traffic enforcements mere look on.
Bacolod city can no longer claim to be safe from crime. Indeed crime has flourished lately. This includes rape, hold up, burglary, and even the most heinous of crimes. Moreover, urban poor gangs and fraternities have become more public and bolder while spoiled elite kids use our city strips to race their expensive and dangerously fast cars and motorcycles. When caught these rich drag (drug?) racers won't go or stay in jail.
Our city officials seem to be incapable of dealing with the above mentioned problems mainly because they are too engrossed with making more and more money and/or preparing for the next elections. Indeed, everything they do seems to be politically motivated and calculated. Indeed, one root of all of our woes stem from a failure of leadership. This failure of leadership is the fault of the voting public at large. We seem to vote for the least competent among the candidates for each election.
Easily, we can trace the problem for poor leadership in the city to dirty and dishonest elections. There are some 200,000 voter's in the city of Bacolod. Only 40,000 of these voters come from the A and B classes. The remaining 160,000 come from the D and C classes. The votes of the lower middle and urban poor count in every election. This fact alone could and does empower the city's poor but in a perverse manner. Instead of using their votes to vote for pro-poor leaders in Bacolod, the organized poor sell their votes for a few hundreds of pesos, a free trip to the polling centers, plus lunch and snacks (even groceries at times) to boot. For the price of money that is not even enough to get them through the second day, the poor in Bacolod tend to sell their votes to unscrupulous politicians. People who buy votes certainly do not deserve to be in office. But precisely because they do buy votes they win elections easily. And after elections they will spend the next two and a half years making up for the money they spent in buying votes and more. It's a deadly cycle this unprincipled leadership and we can only blame ourselves for allowing vote buying to remain unchallenged within our midst.
But there is hope yet for Bacolod city. Recently a group of independents, principled candidates that belong neither to the machineriesd political parties have emerged from out of the blue. Atty. Andy Hagad, running to represent Bacolod city, Atty. Joel Dojillo, running for mayor, Atty. Lyndon Cana, vice mayor, Celia Flor and Jocelyn Battapa, both running for councilors, are all running as independents who base their platforms on electoral reforms and good governance.
These independents stand a better chance of winning if they will band together instead of going it alone. Most of the 40,000 A & B voters will vote for the independents. The problem is their lack of machineries among the C, D, and E voters. Will they be able to reach out to the remaining 160,000 urban poor voters their message of hope in time? I. for one, am praying that they do!
For Comment, email at george.aguilar@gmail.com
Home
(Opinion)
SQUATTING, poor sanitary facilities, poor sewage systems, garbage and traffic, plus the growing incidences of crime, are among the major problems of Bacolod City. The roots of these problems, of course, lie in the pervading poverty, a parochial educational system that sorely lacks facilities (despite the grossly mispriced computers donated by some local officials to public schools), and the lack of employment opportunities in a city that is no longer purely agricultural, but not yet industrial. This I noticed shortly after I moved into the city of smiles as a permanent resident almost two decades ago. The problems were there in the early 90's. They grew worse as the years went by.
Why can't the city government do anything about the above mentioned problems? Well, for one, economic gains made in the city tend to stay in the hands of the elite few and the slowly growing middle class. The poor remain to be as impoverished as they were some 17 years ago. Worse, the population of the poor is growing at an alarming rate with the flourishing of squatters' areas and black market businesses all over the city. Logs, illegal or quasi legal, continue to be dumped onto "side walk" carpentry shops along Lopez Jaena St. while city officials conveniently look the other way. The growing number of public utility vehicles vies for passengers to the point of double and triple parking along busy intersections while hawkers shout and traffic enforcements mere look on.
Bacolod city can no longer claim to be safe from crime. Indeed crime has flourished lately. This includes rape, hold up, burglary, and even the most heinous of crimes. Moreover, urban poor gangs and fraternities have become more public and bolder while spoiled elite kids use our city strips to race their expensive and dangerously fast cars and motorcycles. When caught these rich drag (drug?) racers won't go or stay in jail.
Our city officials seem to be incapable of dealing with the above mentioned problems mainly because they are too engrossed with making more and more money and/or preparing for the next elections. Indeed, everything they do seems to be politically motivated and calculated. Indeed, one root of all of our woes stem from a failure of leadership. This failure of leadership is the fault of the voting public at large. We seem to vote for the least competent among the candidates for each election.
Easily, we can trace the problem for poor leadership in the city to dirty and dishonest elections. There are some 200,000 voter's in the city of Bacolod. Only 40,000 of these voters come from the A and B classes. The remaining 160,000 come from the D and C classes. The votes of the lower middle and urban poor count in every election. This fact alone could and does empower the city's poor but in a perverse manner. Instead of using their votes to vote for pro-poor leaders in Bacolod, the organized poor sell their votes for a few hundreds of pesos, a free trip to the polling centers, plus lunch and snacks (even groceries at times) to boot. For the price of money that is not even enough to get them through the second day, the poor in Bacolod tend to sell their votes to unscrupulous politicians. People who buy votes certainly do not deserve to be in office. But precisely because they do buy votes they win elections easily. And after elections they will spend the next two and a half years making up for the money they spent in buying votes and more. It's a deadly cycle this unprincipled leadership and we can only blame ourselves for allowing vote buying to remain unchallenged within our midst.
But there is hope yet for Bacolod city. Recently a group of independents, principled candidates that belong neither to the machineriesd political parties have emerged from out of the blue. Atty. Andy Hagad, running to represent Bacolod city, Atty. Joel Dojillo, running for mayor, Atty. Lyndon Cana, vice mayor, Celia Flor and Jocelyn Battapa, both running for councilors, are all running as independents who base their platforms on electoral reforms and good governance.
These independents stand a better chance of winning if they will band together instead of going it alone. Most of the 40,000 A & B voters will vote for the independents. The problem is their lack of machineries among the C, D, and E voters. Will they be able to reach out to the remaining 160,000 urban poor voters their message of hope in time? I. for one, am praying that they do!
For Comment, email at george.aguilar@gmail.com
Home
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Capuyan raises alert in Northern Mindanao
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Ben Balce/April 3) - Northern Mindanao police head Chief Superintendent Teodorico Capuyan on Tuesday placed the entire region on heightened security alert under the celebration of the week-long observance of the Holy Week.
“Additional personnel will be deployed in crowded places in observance of the Holy Week,” said Capuyan.
POLICE Regional Office 10 regional director Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan talks to his men for the deployment of additional police personnel in churches, beach resorts and tourism spots in the entire Northern Mindanao during Holy Week.
Capuyan said a directive came from Camp Crame was also part of the 75-day summer security plan “Oplan-Bantay-Lakbay.”
Capuyan said he already instructed the directorate for operations to relay for immediate implementation the implementing guidelines of Oplan-Bantay to police provincial and city directors and heads of the PNP regional support units.
“This Holy Week, all policemen should be alert and visible at all times,” Capuyan said.Capuyan said that the said security plan of the PNP started nationwide since last week.
Deploying of additional police personnel in churches and venues during Holy Week already started since last week.
“We will deploy more men to air, sea and land transportation,” he said adding in anticipation of the heavy commuter and motorist traffic in the region.
The plan is to coincide with closing of the school year when the most students are expected to flock home to the provinces for the Holy Week and summer vacation.
The 75-day security plan covers the last week of March until the second week of June when regular classes resume.
As part of the security plan, Capuyan said police personnel will conduct security checks at air, sea ports and bus terminals to guard against criminals and terrorists who may take advantage of the holiday season.
ADDITIONAL police force in NorMin, shortly after PRO 10 regional director C/Supt. Capuyan deployed additional cops in the region for the observance of the Holy Week.
“Police units will conduct patrol operations, particularly in beach resorts and tourism spots in region 10,” Capuyan said.
Capuyan also instructed his men to coordinate with the ships owners and personnel in a move to impose additional security measures at the seaports in cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Ozamis.“Our men will be deployed also along national highways, primarily in places where the people want to observe Holy Week,” Capuyan said.
Meanwhile, Camp Alagar’s spokesman P/SSupt. Rolando Dela Vega said police assistance centers will be established along the highways.“During Lent, several police assistance will be seen including volunteer groups.
These centers will serve as quick reaction points for security and medical assistance,” Dela Vega said adding that the centers would also the advance command post for traffic and security operations.
Cagayan de Oro Journal / Home
“Additional personnel will be deployed in crowded places in observance of the Holy Week,” said Capuyan.
POLICE Regional Office 10 regional director Chief Supt. Teodorico B. Capuyan talks to his men for the deployment of additional police personnel in churches, beach resorts and tourism spots in the entire Northern Mindanao during Holy Week.
Capuyan said a directive came from Camp Crame was also part of the 75-day summer security plan “Oplan-Bantay-Lakbay.”
Capuyan said he already instructed the directorate for operations to relay for immediate implementation the implementing guidelines of Oplan-Bantay to police provincial and city directors and heads of the PNP regional support units.
“This Holy Week, all policemen should be alert and visible at all times,” Capuyan said.Capuyan said that the said security plan of the PNP started nationwide since last week.
Deploying of additional police personnel in churches and venues during Holy Week already started since last week.
“We will deploy more men to air, sea and land transportation,” he said adding in anticipation of the heavy commuter and motorist traffic in the region.
The plan is to coincide with closing of the school year when the most students are expected to flock home to the provinces for the Holy Week and summer vacation.
The 75-day security plan covers the last week of March until the second week of June when regular classes resume.
As part of the security plan, Capuyan said police personnel will conduct security checks at air, sea ports and bus terminals to guard against criminals and terrorists who may take advantage of the holiday season.
ADDITIONAL police force in NorMin, shortly after PRO 10 regional director C/Supt. Capuyan deployed additional cops in the region for the observance of the Holy Week.
“Police units will conduct patrol operations, particularly in beach resorts and tourism spots in region 10,” Capuyan said.
Capuyan also instructed his men to coordinate with the ships owners and personnel in a move to impose additional security measures at the seaports in cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Ozamis.“Our men will be deployed also along national highways, primarily in places where the people want to observe Holy Week,” Capuyan said.
Meanwhile, Camp Alagar’s spokesman P/SSupt. Rolando Dela Vega said police assistance centers will be established along the highways.“During Lent, several police assistance will be seen including volunteer groups.
These centers will serve as quick reaction points for security and medical assistance,” Dela Vega said adding that the centers would also the advance command post for traffic and security operations.
Cagayan de Oro Journal / Home
Monday, April 02, 2007
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE RAMPANT EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, COMMENDING THE SUPREME COURT FOR ITS QUICK AND DECISIVE ACTION, AND DEMANDING CONCRETE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, occurrence of extrajudicial killings, of lawyers, judges, political activists, and journalists all over the Philippines has reached condemnable proportions as blatant examples of utter disregard for human rights and due process of law.
WHEREAS, this fact has been confirmed by findings of international bodies and even by the government-initiated commission headed by retired Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Jose Melo;
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court, under the leadership of the Chief Justice, Hon. Reynato S. Puno, has acted immediately and decisively to address the problem by designating nearly a hundred Regional Trial Courts as Special Courts hear, try, and decide cases of extrajudicial killings particularly of political activists and members of the media;
WHEREAS, the Executive Branch of the government, is widely perceived to be doing little to effectively act on the problem. On the contrary, representatives of the administration have publicly brushed the matter aside by generalizing the spate of killings as products of a purge in the ranks of the communist insurgency, by giving a blanket denial of perceived military and state involvement in the killing, and, even worse, by casting aspersions upon the those who brought the matter to light;
WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies, in particular, have been reported to be citing the trite and unacceptable excuse of having no witnesses or the absence of complainants to justify their marked inability to produce a resolution of these killings;
WHEREAS, the continued failure of the state to address the matter and cause an end to this problem will have grave and dire consequences as it seriously undermines the rule of law, exemplifies the government’s inability to maintain peace and order, and seriously degrades the general public’s trust in the justice system.
NOW THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, it is HEREBY RESOLVED as IT IS RESOLVED in this Plenary Session of the 11th National Convention of Lawyers in Cagayan de Oro City, as follows:
a. THAT the Integrated Bar of the Philippines condemns in the strongest possible terms, the blatant and wanton disregard of the value of human life, of the most basic of human rights, and of the rule of law exemplified by the unabated wave of extrajudicial killings of lawyers, judges, political activists, and journalists all over the country;
b. THAT the Supreme Court of the Philippines be HIGHLY COMMENDED for it’s exemplary leadership in immediately recognizing and responding to the gravity of situation by designating Special Courts and promulgating special rules mandating the speedy resolution of cases involving extrajudicial killings;
c. THAT the Integrated Bar of the Philippines CALLS upon the Executive Branch of government to put a stop to the perceived indifference of it’s agents and representatives to the plight of the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families and, further, to cause the resolution of these so-called “UNSOLVED KILLINGS” with accountability on the part of the leadership of law enforcement agencies and other state forces who are shown to be unable to perform their duties and functions; and
d. THAT all chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines be enjoined to assist the families of victims of extrajudicial killings by providing needed legal assistance and, further, to closely monitor the actions taken by law enforcement and other government agencies in addressing such cases;
Let a copy of this resolution be furnished the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines and all chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines .
Done this 31st day of March, 2007 at Cagayan de Oro , Philippines
PROPONENT:
ATTY. CAESAR S. EUROPA
President
IBP – Davao City Chapter
Friday, March 30, 2007
Acosta sister faces off with ‘Hello Garci’
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Nelson Constantino and Ben Balce / March 30) - Bukidnon’s first district has become an interesting battleground between a virtual political neophyte and one with quite a reputation.
Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Acosta, the youngest daughter of former congresswoman and now the incumbent Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta filed her certificate of candidacy under the Liberal Party (LP) Wednesday afternoon, shortly after her opponent, former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, was officially registered before the Provincial Comelec Office in Malaybalay City earlier in the day.
Her older brother and three-termer Rep. Nerius Acosta who is running for governor of the province would leave the seat vacant.
Relatively unknown despite the Acostas’ political stronghold in the province’s 1st District, Malou Acosta, at the University of the Philippines, was mobbed by both local and national media right after her certificate of candidacy was officially received by provincial election assistant Felicitas Adiong.
Asked for readiness, to slug it out with the man allegedly behind the controversial “Hello Garci” scandal, the young Acosta blurted out: “Ako’y handang handa na.”
Running for public office for the first time, she said she is aware of Garcillano’s reputation as the alleged architect of the so-called “Dagdag-Bawas” operations and other elections frauds in the past.
“I know what he’s capable of doing,” Acosta said, but quickly pointed out that the people’s vigilance would make it difficult for Garcillano to succeed.
Garcillano filed his candidacy as an independent, but many believe he is being backed by the Malacañang.
Garcillano launched his bid for the congressional seat of Bukidnon’s 1st District with much fanfare in Malaybaly City. In his motorcade were members of the famous Viva Hot Babes.
It was a show of force as some 50 vans and luxury vehicles lined up in a parade to the Comelec office in Malaybalay City. On the vehicles were placards with the markings: “We love Garci.”
Garcillano denied that Malacañang behind his candidacy.
“I am running on my own as an independent candidate and I am not supported by the president,” said Garcillano adding the President has not even called him since the Garci scandal broke out.
He said it was his right to run for public office and he did not need to ask the permission of anyone.
Cagayan de Oro Journal
Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Acosta, the youngest daughter of former congresswoman and now the incumbent Manolo Fortich Mayor Socorro Acosta filed her certificate of candidacy under the Liberal Party (LP) Wednesday afternoon, shortly after her opponent, former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, was officially registered before the Provincial Comelec Office in Malaybalay City earlier in the day.
Her older brother and three-termer Rep. Nerius Acosta who is running for governor of the province would leave the seat vacant.
Relatively unknown despite the Acostas’ political stronghold in the province’s 1st District, Malou Acosta, at the University of the Philippines, was mobbed by both local and national media right after her certificate of candidacy was officially received by provincial election assistant Felicitas Adiong.
Asked for readiness, to slug it out with the man allegedly behind the controversial “Hello Garci” scandal, the young Acosta blurted out: “Ako’y handang handa na.”
Running for public office for the first time, she said she is aware of Garcillano’s reputation as the alleged architect of the so-called “Dagdag-Bawas” operations and other elections frauds in the past.
“I know what he’s capable of doing,” Acosta said, but quickly pointed out that the people’s vigilance would make it difficult for Garcillano to succeed.
Garcillano filed his candidacy as an independent, but many believe he is being backed by the Malacañang.
Garcillano launched his bid for the congressional seat of Bukidnon’s 1st District with much fanfare in Malaybaly City. In his motorcade were members of the famous Viva Hot Babes.
It was a show of force as some 50 vans and luxury vehicles lined up in a parade to the Comelec office in Malaybalay City. On the vehicles were placards with the markings: “We love Garci.”
Garcillano denied that Malacañang behind his candidacy.
“I am running on my own as an independent candidate and I am not supported by the president,” said Garcillano adding the President has not even called him since the Garci scandal broke out.
He said it was his right to run for public office and he did not need to ask the permission of anyone.
Cagayan de Oro Journal
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Administration bets increasing forward momentum
MORE TEAM UNITY BETS NOW IN 'WINNING CIRCLE'
TEAM Unity is sustaining the forward momentum midway through the campaign season as the latest tracking polls indicate that five of its candidates are statistically in the Magic 12 list and four more are within striking distance of the winning circle. 
Unity team candidates Kiram and Magsaysay.
According to Tourism Secretary and Team Unity Spokesman Ace Durano, who voiced optimism of a high probability that most, if not all, of the Team Unity bets will make it come May 14, said the results of the latest SWS poll show that "Team Unity is increasing its momentum as Election Day draws closer. The solid economic performance of the Arroyo administration and the formidable grassroots network supporting the slate nationwide are definite positive factors in this development."
The latest survey conducted by SWS last 15 – 18 March showed TU bets Ralph Recto, Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Tito Sotto landing in the winning circle. Mike Defensor, in 15th place, is also considered to be statistically in the winning column with the survey's margin of error.
Juan Miguel Zubiri, Vicente Magsaysay Jr., Cesar Montano and Prospero Pichay are within striking distance of the Top 12 list, according to the latest SWS poll, while the rankings of Tessie Aquino Oreta and Jamalul Kiram have gone up by one to three rungs.
Durano noted that other surveys show that Chavit Singson is on the winning list, such as the one conducted recently among the academics in Pangasinan, where 8 of the Team Unity bets were on the Magic 12, including the Ilocos Sur governor.
"A bigger surge is expected in the weeks ahead," Durano said as he expressed confidence that the administration candidates will be able to gain substantial ground against the opposition with the start on Friday (March 30) of the official campaign for local posts, which will likely be dominated by candidates belonging to the ruling coalition.
"We still have one-and-a-half months to go before Election Day. Rankings may variably change depending on the dynamics of the political situation, especially when the local candidates begin their campaign," Durano said. "We expect a sure and steady climb of all our candidates with the strength and cohesiveness of our local network."
He noted that the significant five percent jump in the satisfaction rating of President Arroyo, from 34 percent last November to 39 percent in February "will translate into immeasurable gains for Tam Unity's 12 administration candidates" whose "platform of government seeks to sustain and even accelerate the pace of economic growth—so that she can make good on her promise of social payback for the marginalized sector."
TEAM Unity is sustaining the forward momentum midway through the campaign season as the latest tracking polls indicate that five of its candidates are statistically in the Magic 12 list and four more are within striking distance of the winning circle.
Unity team candidates Kiram and Magsaysay.
According to Tourism Secretary and Team Unity Spokesman Ace Durano, who voiced optimism of a high probability that most, if not all, of the Team Unity bets will make it come May 14, said the results of the latest SWS poll show that "Team Unity is increasing its momentum as Election Day draws closer. The solid economic performance of the Arroyo administration and the formidable grassroots network supporting the slate nationwide are definite positive factors in this development."
The latest survey conducted by SWS last 15 – 18 March showed TU bets Ralph Recto, Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Tito Sotto landing in the winning circle. Mike Defensor, in 15th place, is also considered to be statistically in the winning column with the survey's margin of error.
Juan Miguel Zubiri, Vicente Magsaysay Jr., Cesar Montano and Prospero Pichay are within striking distance of the Top 12 list, according to the latest SWS poll, while the rankings of Tessie Aquino Oreta and Jamalul Kiram have gone up by one to three rungs.
Durano noted that other surveys show that Chavit Singson is on the winning list, such as the one conducted recently among the academics in Pangasinan, where 8 of the Team Unity bets were on the Magic 12, including the Ilocos Sur governor.
"A bigger surge is expected in the weeks ahead," Durano said as he expressed confidence that the administration candidates will be able to gain substantial ground against the opposition with the start on Friday (March 30) of the official campaign for local posts, which will likely be dominated by candidates belonging to the ruling coalition.
"We still have one-and-a-half months to go before Election Day. Rankings may variably change depending on the dynamics of the political situation, especially when the local candidates begin their campaign," Durano said. "We expect a sure and steady climb of all our candidates with the strength and cohesiveness of our local network."
He noted that the significant five percent jump in the satisfaction rating of President Arroyo, from 34 percent last November to 39 percent in February "will translate into immeasurable gains for Tam Unity's 12 administration candidates" whose "platform of government seeks to sustain and even accelerate the pace of economic growth—so that she can make good on her promise of social payback for the marginalized sector."
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
MNLF consolidates for Misuari candidacy
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Ben Balce/March 27) — Over a hundred former leaders and members of the Moro National Liberation Front Saturday launched a National Unified Command under which all MNLF forces in Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were placed.
"MNLF as strong as before." Hundreds of armed supporters of Misuari gather at Lanao camp.
The NUC said it is backing the Sulu gubernatorial bid of former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari.
"The MNLF soldiers always back Nur’s principles and leadership until now," said Alexander Marohombsar Lagawa, NUC commanding general and a close aide of Misuari.
Misuari, former ARMM governor, was allowed out of detention on March 20 to file his candidacy.
MNLF field commanders mounted a show of force during the NUC launching at the 3rd MNLF Mobile Army at Camp Jabal Nur in Madamba, Lanao del Sur.
"The NUC is not waging war against the government but on poverty and the need for meaningful and sustainable development for Mindanao," said Lagawa.
The MNLF’s armed regulars composed of hundreds of reformists and splinter groups converged at Camp Jabal Nur with their high-powered firearms, including .50 and .30 caliber machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
In a press conference attended by mediamen from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the MNLF commanders presented a manifesto demanding that government grant full liberty to Misuari.
"No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations," Lagawa told MNLF leaders at the tightly secured Camp Jabal Nur, one of the group’s active camps in Mindanao.
"The MNLF is as strong as before," Lagawa also said.
Zainoding Dimalutang, NUC spokesman and deputy commander, said the Organization of Islamic Conference has asked government to free Misuari.
NUC spokesman and deputy commander Zainoding Dimalutang (left) exchanging words with Cagayan de Oro Journal editor Ben Balce (right) during NUC launching in Camp Jabal Nur in Lanao del Sur.
He said the MNLF, which signed a peace pact with government in 1996, was the first Moro organization to gain observer status in the OIC through the efforts of Misuari.
"As we renew our camaraderie and alliances, we also celebrate the continuing friendship of the MNLF with the stakeholders of Mindanao, with the government and media," Dimalutang also said.
Misuari was charged with rebellion for allegedly leading an MILF uprising in 2002. He fled to Malaysia but was arrested and repatriated.
Cagayan de Oro Journal
"MNLF as strong as before." Hundreds of armed supporters of Misuari gather at Lanao camp.The NUC said it is backing the Sulu gubernatorial bid of former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari.
"The MNLF soldiers always back Nur’s principles and leadership until now," said Alexander Marohombsar Lagawa, NUC commanding general and a close aide of Misuari.
Misuari, former ARMM governor, was allowed out of detention on March 20 to file his candidacy.
MNLF field commanders mounted a show of force during the NUC launching at the 3rd MNLF Mobile Army at Camp Jabal Nur in Madamba, Lanao del Sur.
"The NUC is not waging war against the government but on poverty and the need for meaningful and sustainable development for Mindanao," said Lagawa.
The MNLF’s armed regulars composed of hundreds of reformists and splinter groups converged at Camp Jabal Nur with their high-powered firearms, including .50 and .30 caliber machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
In a press conference attended by mediamen from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the MNLF commanders presented a manifesto demanding that government grant full liberty to Misuari.
"No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations," Lagawa told MNLF leaders at the tightly secured Camp Jabal Nur, one of the group’s active camps in Mindanao.
"The MNLF is as strong as before," Lagawa also said.
Zainoding Dimalutang, NUC spokesman and deputy commander, said the Organization of Islamic Conference has asked government to free Misuari.
NUC spokesman and deputy commander Zainoding Dimalutang (left) exchanging words with Cagayan de Oro Journal editor Ben Balce (right) during NUC launching in Camp Jabal Nur in Lanao del Sur.He said the MNLF, which signed a peace pact with government in 1996, was the first Moro organization to gain observer status in the OIC through the efforts of Misuari.
"As we renew our camaraderie and alliances, we also celebrate the continuing friendship of the MNLF with the stakeholders of Mindanao, with the government and media," Dimalutang also said.
Misuari was charged with rebellion for allegedly leading an MILF uprising in 2002. He fled to Malaysia but was arrested and repatriated.
Cagayan de Oro Journal
Monday, March 26, 2007
Team Unity 'cagers' play for a win
WEARING bright yellow uniform, three Team Unity senatorial bets – Vic Magsaysay, Ralph Recto and Sultan Jamalul Kiram -- take on the hardcourt of Libmanan Sports Complex in Libmanan, Camarines Sur, to play basketball during their campaign swing to Bicol and southern Tagalog provinces over the weekend. (Team Unity Photo Release)Sunday, March 25, 2007
MNLF's unified command 'NUC' made public; Mindanao media men visit Camp Jabal Nur
NATIONAL UNIFIED COMMAND (NUC) of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as they strike a pose with mediamen from cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan after a press conference with NUC commanding general Alexander Marohombsar Lagawa and Zainoding Dimalutang, NUC deputy commander and spokesman, both Nur Misuari's close and loyal aides. The unification of forces was held Saturday at Camp Jabal Nur General Command in Cabasaran, Madamba, Lanao del Sur as calling for immediate implementation of Phase II of the GRP-MNLF peace talks signed in 1996. Also shown in photo is the Cagayan de Oro Journal editor Ben Balce (standing wearing black hat, 6th from left). (Abel Moya).
Saturday, March 24, 2007
CDO, Iligan accredited as retirement havens
CAGAYAN DE ORO JOURNAL (Ben Balce/March 24) - CAGAYAN de Oro and Iligan Cities have been accredited by the Philippine Retirement Authority Inc. (PRAI) as retirement havens.
Edgardo Aglipay, PRAI chair, said they have been intensifying the campaign to lure in retirees from all over the world. He said by 2010, their target would be 900,000 retirees both foreign and local.
He said Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are two areas in Northern Mindanao that will be promoted as sites suited for retirees because of their facilities.
Both are considered high-end locations with their high elevation and beaches.
"Foreign national retirees, particularly from the Middle East countries, will be the most suited in these two cities," said Aglipay.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Team Unity gets Ilongo votes
Team Unity candidates in Ilo-Ilo – (from left) Prospero Pichay, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Tito Sotto, Chavit Singson and Migz Zubiri – raise their arms to acknowledge the cheers of their supporters after holding a Pulong-Sulong as part of their campaign sortie in Iloilo City last week. (Team Unity Photo Supply)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Mis Or guv turns over P3.8 million worth of medical equipment
TURN-OVER OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT. Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar S. Moreno recently turned over a P3.8 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to the seven district hospitals funded by the Philhealth Capitation Fund. These include an anesthesia machine, nebulizer sets, bedside pulse oximeter, glucometer, centrifuge machine, basic surgical sets, banmanometer, ECG machine, among others. The seven district hospitals in Misamis Oriental are located in Gingoog City , Balingasag, Talisayan, Initao, Claveria, Manticao, and Magsaysay. Revenues of these hospitals have so far increased brought about by the much improved quality of service. 
This can be partly attributed to the huge number of Philhealth enrollees all over the province. For 2007, the capitol has enrolled 100,000 indigent families at the Philhealth Indigency Insurance Program benefiting at least 500 thousand individuals. (MISOR PRESS OFFICE)MILF: "We respect the supremacy of the ongoing talks with RP"
CAGAYAN DE ORO (Teng Datu/March 21) - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officials yesterday emphasized that they respect the supremacy of the ongoing peace agreement as they reply to the press statement of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over the weekend.
In an interview with the MILF Chief aired over a local radio station here, Chairman Murad Ebrahim mentioned that the MILF leadership respects the impasse peace process and existing ceasefire agreement despite of the latest skirmishes in town Midsayap, Cotabato and some boundaries of Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan provinces.
“We are always committed to the ongoing peace talks with the Philippine government,” said Ebrahim.
He said, the MILF is continuing to adhere whatever the agreement given by the International Monitoring Team and Government of Republic of the Philippines in order to guard the sanctity of the peace process.
The MILF Chairman said that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has no intention to neither quarrel its own nest nor violate the existing ceasefire so as to preserve the significance of peace accord,
The Bangsamoro person is tired to move to one place to another, which is resulted to the on going clashes in the area, he added.
Chairman Ebrahim, claimed that there some groups who took advantage the situation who do not want peace in Mindanao may be due to their vested interest such as economic and political interest.
He said, there is no other solution to the Mindanao problem except to conduct comprehensive negotiation, the solution to the century old problem is must be anchored to the culture and certain belief of the Bangsamoro people which will absolutely foreign from the Constitution of the Philippine Government.
He said in a press statement that reached in the Cagayan de Oro Journal that the Bangsamoro people would only exercise their own culture and religious law through to Right to Self Determination (RSD).
Right to Self Determination is being recognized not only by the Philippine Government but in international law. except the provision that contradict to the Philippine constitution. He added.
In the last of statement, the MILF chief stressed that Development and infrastructure projects of the conflict-affected areas by the foreign donors is the off shoot of the peace agreement to fully support the on going peace talks between the MILF and GRP.
Cagayan de Oro Journal
Friday, March 16, 2007
Another Transco Power Pylon toppled in Marawi
Cagayan de Oro City (Mike Banos/Mar 16) – Another transmission pylon of the National Transmission Corporation has been toppled near Marawi City.
Engr. Emmanuel Abellanosa, Transco assistant vice president for Mindanao operations and maintenance, confirmed that another Transco power pylon was toppled in Bgy. Sogod, Marawi City around 11:30PM Tuesday when all four legs were ripped off by an improvised explosive device.
This follows two earlier attacks Sunday evening on Tower No. 7 located in Buenavista, Upper Abaga , Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and Tower No. 39 in the hinterland barangay of Bagtik, Puga-an Iligan City which were similarly attacked with the use of improvised explosive devices, though the latter failed to topple.
Although the three attacks failed to interrupt electric power service in Mindanao, Abellanosa said power service to the Picop plant in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and Mindanao Silicon in Manticao, Misamis Oriental have been curtailed. Up to this time, Mr. Abellanosa said no threats or demand letters of any kind have been received by Transco.
"We need more fresh troops to patrol our lines," Abellanosa said. "Kulang kayo."
The area is under the jurisdiction of the 103rd Infantry Brigade under Col. Raynard Ronnie Y. Javier, an organic unit of the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division based in Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an, Bgy. Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur under the command of Maj. Gen. Raymund Ferrer.
In an earlier interview by a local ABS CBN here, PNP Region 10 Director Chief Supt. Teodorico Capuyan said the bombers may have been motivated by revenge following the pullout of the Philippine Marines from the area of the attacks.
Although there were no attacks on Transco power pylons while the Marines were assigned in Lanao, Capuyan said there were a number of incidents involving the Marines and various armed groups from the area which may have triggered the present spate of attacks.
The series of attacks recall the February 28, 2003 incident when alleged Muslim rebels bombed a power station and toppled five Transco power pylons in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, cutting off electricity to almost all of Mindanao for several hours and costing the National Power Corporation P10-million in repairs to its 138-kilovolt Abaga-Lugait transmission line at Transco tower 5 which took almost a week to complete.
Reports from Camp Aguinaldo said the alleged rebels initially attacked a Napocor transmission tower with an IED at Tuminado, Lanao del Sur, causing the relay station in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte to trip and plunging the whole Mindanao grid into darkness.
Homemade bombs were also used earlier to topple five other transmission towers in Lanao del Norte and Maguindanao, including the only remaining power link between the northeast and southeast of the island.
The MILF subsequently denied responsibility for the bombings saying it has never been their policy to attack civilian centers or power lines. So far, the MILF has not commented on the present series of attacks.
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Engr. Emmanuel Abellanosa, Transco assistant vice president for Mindanao operations and maintenance, confirmed that another Transco power pylon was toppled in Bgy. Sogod, Marawi City around 11:30PM Tuesday when all four legs were ripped off by an improvised explosive device.
This follows two earlier attacks Sunday evening on Tower No. 7 located in Buenavista, Upper Abaga , Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and Tower No. 39 in the hinterland barangay of Bagtik, Puga-an Iligan City which were similarly attacked with the use of improvised explosive devices, though the latter failed to topple.
Although the three attacks failed to interrupt electric power service in Mindanao, Abellanosa said power service to the Picop plant in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and Mindanao Silicon in Manticao, Misamis Oriental have been curtailed. Up to this time, Mr. Abellanosa said no threats or demand letters of any kind have been received by Transco.
"We need more fresh troops to patrol our lines," Abellanosa said. "Kulang kayo."
The area is under the jurisdiction of the 103rd Infantry Brigade under Col. Raynard Ronnie Y. Javier, an organic unit of the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division based in Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an, Bgy. Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur under the command of Maj. Gen. Raymund Ferrer.
In an earlier interview by a local ABS CBN here, PNP Region 10 Director Chief Supt. Teodorico Capuyan said the bombers may have been motivated by revenge following the pullout of the Philippine Marines from the area of the attacks.
Although there were no attacks on Transco power pylons while the Marines were assigned in Lanao, Capuyan said there were a number of incidents involving the Marines and various armed groups from the area which may have triggered the present spate of attacks.
The series of attacks recall the February 28, 2003 incident when alleged Muslim rebels bombed a power station and toppled five Transco power pylons in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, cutting off electricity to almost all of Mindanao for several hours and costing the National Power Corporation P10-million in repairs to its 138-kilovolt Abaga-Lugait transmission line at Transco tower 5 which took almost a week to complete.
Reports from Camp Aguinaldo said the alleged rebels initially attacked a Napocor transmission tower with an IED at Tuminado, Lanao del Sur, causing the relay station in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte to trip and plunging the whole Mindanao grid into darkness.
Homemade bombs were also used earlier to topple five other transmission towers in Lanao del Norte and Maguindanao, including the only remaining power link between the northeast and southeast of the island.
The MILF subsequently denied responsibility for the bombings saying it has never been their policy to attack civilian centers or power lines. So far, the MILF has not commented on the present series of attacks.
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