Nanding to Ambing: Look who's talking?

COUNCILOR Reynaldo Advincula lashed at ex-mayor Pablo Magtajas, accusing the city’s former leader of ‘‘early politicking’’ in an effort to win market votes at his expense.

Magtajas has accused Advincula of maintaining stalls in city hall-owned markets in Cogon, Agora in Lapasan, Carmen and Bulua in violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials.

But Advincula said Magtajas was merely riding on what he called a smear campaign against him.

Before pointing an accusing finger, Advincula said Magtajas should first explain the release of P23 million supposedly to pay for a feasibility study for a bridge project shortly before the then mayor stepped down in 1998.

He said Magtajas released the fund on March 26, 1998, shortly before the 1998 deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy.

"Was that lawful? He (Magtajas) released it without a feasibility study," Advincula asked, adding that the city council, at that time, approved a build-operate-transfer scheme for the Magtajas administation-planned bridge.

Advincula was a member of the city council at that time but he claimed he did not vote in favor of the check’s release because some requirements were not complied with.

"I have a record and I have the details. The question is, where is the P23 million?" he asked. He said he even kept a photocopy of the P23-million check issued by city hall nearly a decade ago.

Which is why, said Advincula, Magtajas should not portray himself like an ‘‘innocent child’’ and like he is ‘‘clean as crystal.’’

He added: "I’m not saying that Magtajas pocketed the money... I’m just asking ‘where is now the money?’"

Denial

Advincula denied he was leasing stalls in any of the city’s public markets.
He said he used to be a stallholder but he waived his right in favor of his sister in 1992 when he became chair of the council’s economic enterprise committee. The stall which he had since 1970, he said, is now registered under the name of his son Reynaldo Jr.

Advincula said he had owed city hall less than P10 thousand in back rentals. But the debt was written off by city hall on the basis of Ordinance no. 10127-2006, he said. The city also wrote of all surcharges and penalties.

"The ordinance applies to all stallholders in the public markets of the city," said Advincula. ‘‘At present, I have no more stalls.’’

He said his sister suffered a stroke recently and her regular payments to city hall were affected.
Advincula said the stall had been awarded to him without political intervention. "It was purely own my own."

Earlier, Advincula admitted to owning coin-operated "videoke" and video game machines at the 3rd floor of Cogon market. The establishment, he said, is registered under the name of his business partner Rene Cordova and a relative.

Advincula said he yielded the business to Cordova after city legal officer Cancio Guibone questioned his business interests at Cogon market.

He said it was unfair of his critics to be accusing him of using his city hall position for his business interests.

Advincula said, ‘‘If that’s true, I would already own a house and a car like some politicians who have enriched themselves by having secret transactions.’’ He said he still lives in a ‘‘squatters’ area’’ near Agora market.

"I have been living with vendors, and I have been serving them for 16 years. I know their problems and I understand the masses,’’ said Advincula.

http://www.cagayandeorojournal.blogspot.com/ that can be read at Gold Syar Daily


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No COWD overpricing says Baldelovar

A DIRECTOR of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) yesterday denied any hand in the alleged overpricing of water meters and machines bought by the firm last year.

There was no overpricing, said former broadcast executive and COWD board secretary Joel Baldelovar.

Baldelovar, a former area manager of Bombo Radyo Philippines, and COWD chairperson Raymundo Java were linked to the alleged irregularities involving the purchase of water meters, a compressor and a welding machine.

But Baldelovar said he and Dr. Java did not decide on their own. He said the decision to buy devices and equipment was approved by the COWD board which is a ‘‘collegial body’’ composed of members with ‘‘independent minds.’’ It was, according to Baldelovar, ‘‘a collective decision."

He described the accusations as ‘‘foul and unfounded’’ and ‘‘fabricated,’’ adding that the COWD board’s decision in all the transactions ‘‘were all above board and legal."

He said the accusations were devoid of logic because the members of the COWD board include former city prosecutor Viviana Sarmiento and prominent Cagayan de Oro lawyer Frederico Gapuz. ‘‘It is illogical that they would concur and cast their votes on something that is illegal," said Baldelovar.

Councilor Zaldy Ocon, who received the complaint, said he would ask Java and Baldelovar to shed light on the matter before the city council.

Compressor

On the purchase of a compressor, Baldelovar said the firm Civic Merchandising had a "budgetary offer" of P984,500 for a brand new Ingersoll-Rand Compressor, Model P185WIR, as of March 30, 2005. But he explained that the offer was valid for 30 days only or until April 29.

On April 7, 2005, according to Baldelovar, a purchase requisition (PR) was made for a brand new air compressor. However, he said, the bidding was made by the COWD’s Bids and Awards Committee on Nov. 8, 2005 or seven months after the PR was issued.

"The ‘budgetary offer’ was for 30 days only so it lapsed," Baldelovar said.
Prior to the bidding or on Oct.17, 2005, he said COWD general manager Engr. Gaspar Gonzales Jr. received another price quotation from Civic Merchandising for the latest Ingersoll-Rand compressor model (P185 Platinum Series). He said it was priced at P1.8 million.
According to Baldelovar, the previous model was no longer available in the market as the "last inventory had already been disposed in Singapore."

"Obviously, it was no longer a ‘budgetary offer’," Baldelovar said.
He denied that he, Java and the supplier met shortly before the purchase.

Baldelovar said a failure of bidding was declared last Nov. 8 because the approved budget was only for P984,500. This prompted the COWD board to unanimously approve P1.8 million to buy the Ingersoll-Rand compressor, Model P185 Platinum Series, through "direct contracting."
"Direct contracting" is an alternative method of procurement if goods are sold by an exclusive dealer or manufacturer as provided for under R.A. 9184.

Welding Machine

He said ‘‘direct contracting’’ was also resorted to when the COWD board unanimously approved the purchase of a welding machine.

Baldelovar admitted that there was an offer for a Hobart Contractor 251D for P589 thousand plus a trailer amounting to P48,200 only. But Baldelovar said COWD considered it ‘‘disadvantageous in the long run’’ because spare parts were no longer available in the market.

"Should the board of directors be faulted and accused maliciously when they only acted and exercised their discretion according to what is legal and practical under the circumstances?" Baldelovar asked.

Water Meters

He also strongly denied that water meters bought by COWD were overpriced, saying the allegation was baseless.

In 1997, Baldelovar said, the COWD board passed a resolution to purchase Asahi Meters since it passed the tests conducted for accuracy and efficiency.

"Do Java and I have a hand in the prices of Asahi Meters when the same has been there even before we entered the COWD?" asked Baldelovar, pointing out that the price has been set years before their appointment to the COWD.

Java rejoined the COWD board in January 2001 while Baldelovar was appointed director effective Jan. 1, 2005 by Mayor Vicente Emano.

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2 COWD execs linked to overpricing

TWO ranking officials of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) are facing an investigation over allegations that they were involved in the alleged overpricing of water meters and machines bought by the quasi-government company last year.

Councilor Zaldy Ocon said he would demand that the two COWD officials––Dr. Raymundo Java and Joel Baldelovar––be investigated on the basis of a complaint made by a group of employees of the company. Java is the chairperson of COWD while Baldelovar, a former broadcast executive, sits as a director of the board.

Java and Baldelovar were accused of having a hand in the alleged overpricing of water meters that were bought by the COWD for P1,900 each.

Ocon, citing the complaint, said the prevailing market price of a water meter like the ones bought by COWD is only P1,200, a difference of P700 each.

Ocon said the group of COWD employees have also linked Java and Baldelovar to the alleged overpricing of a compressor. The mechanical device costs some P900 thousand but COWD bought it for P1.8 million, according to the complaint, after a supposed meeting attended by Java and Baldelovar and the supplier.

The complaint, dated April 30, said the compressor supplier, Civic Merchandising, was given the go-ahead by the COWD board despite a declaration of a failure of bidding by the COWD’s Bids and Awards Committee last Nov. 10, 2005.

A day after Rey Tablan, the chair of the committee, declared the failure of bidding, the complaint said the same company priced the compressor at P1.8 million. Later, the complaint said, the COWD board approved a resolution in favor of Civic Merchandising.

Civic Merchandising’s first price quote for the compressor was P895 thousand but after the supposed meeting with Java and Baldelovar on Nov. 11, 2005, the price shot up to P1.8 million, the complainants alleged.

The signature of COWD technical assistant Leonarda Judith appeared in Nov. 11, 2005 resolution numbered 257, S-05, in favor of Civic Merchandising. On Nov. 17, a purchase order was made by COWD budget officer Marilou Ondap and this was approved by COWD manager Gaspar Gonzales.

Gonzales said he was on official travel and would discuss the matter with the COWD board on Monday.

Ocon said the complaint also showed that the COWD board approved a resolution that authorized the purchase of a welding machine without a proper bidding. The welding machine from Gemac Trading amounts to P984 thousand.

The complaining COWD employees alleged that welding machines with similar features can be bought for less than P500 thousand each.

Ocon said the complainants are regular workers of COWD but they requested anonymity for fear of harassment.

Ocon said he would ask the council to summon COWD officials so they could shed light on the complaint.

"I will ask that they be invited to explain the matter before the city council. There is a need to dig deeper into this issue in aid of legislation," said Ocon, adding that he feared that P905 thousand was pocketed in connection with the compressor deal alone.

Java sent this text message when Cagayan de Oro Journal tried to get his comment: ‘‘Sorry, I’m at a meeting.’’ He then asked that this paper get in touch with Baldelovar but the COWD director could not be located.

Ocon calculated that some P700 thousand could have likely been lost to corruption out of the water meter deal alone with Gemac Trading, a company owned by one Rey Zarate.

The water meters, according to the complaint, were inferior. (That can be read at Gold Star Daily)


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Mindanao Container Terminal Forges Forward

VILLANUEVA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL (MIKE BAÑOS / June 16) - Shipping traffic is finally picking up at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) after international shipping lines serving Northern Mindanao are slowly but surely moving their business to the multi-billion peso facility.

The Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA) which administers the MCT says they are now receiving regular port calls from three shipping lines: Maersk-Filipinas, NMC Container Lines and Hamburg-Sud.

Maersk calls on the port every Wednesday, while NMC ships drop in every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Hamburg-Sud calls only once every two months but will soon be joined by Lorenzo Container Shipping Corporation (Lorcon) which will be calling twice a week.

Container traffic in the MCT so far has been mostly contributed by NMC which regularly ships domestic cargo to Cebu and Manila.

PIA sources said they are still negotiating with American President Lines (APL), probably the largest volume shipper among the foreign shipping lines now calling on the region, since it primarily serves Del Monte Philippines Inc. which has its own port at its cannery in Bgy. Bugo, this city.

The MCT has been identified as a Mindanao flagship project of Mindanao, one of the key infrastructures needed to jump start the island's potential into reality. With a rated capacity of only 1.8 million metric tons (MT), the Cagayan de Oro base port at Macabalan already breached its maximum capacity

Considering the existing capacity of the Cagayan de Oro Baseport is only 1.8 million metric tons (MT), it is considered to have already breached its saturation point in 2002 when cargo throughput reached 2.79 million MT.

The MCT was conceived to fill the supply gap for an efficient cargo handling facility with its state of the art facilities and cargo handling equipment, capable of unloading one container van in about 2.5 minutes compared to 10 minutes for an ordinary port. It has been designed to be exclusively operated for fully-containered and semi-containerized domestic and foreign vessels and has an annual capacity of 270,000 TEUs for its first phase.

With the MCT, cargo can be efficiently shipped to and from its location at the Phividec Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, as well as those to and from other key growth centers in Mindanao, to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East-Asia Growth Area or the BIMP-EAGA Region, as well as the Asia-Pacific Region.

The bulk (85%) of the MCT's US$ 85.34 million (Php 3.24 Billion) capital cost was funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) with the balance financed by PIA.

Despite the increasing containerized cargo traffic at the MCT, data from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Northern Mindanao District Office shows total ship calls in region 10's public and private ports still fell 2.54 percent to 31,728 from 32,729 2004. Growth in cargo traffic last year was flat (22,667,638 metric tons in 2004 vs. 22,814,783 MT in 2005 while total passenger traffic shrunk 6.68 percent to 6,607,219 compared to 7,079,894.

This trend has been carried over to the first quarter of 2006, with total ship calls falling 2.09% to 7,116 compared to 7,268 for the same period last year. Overall cargo traffic for the first quarter dropped a hefty 20.96 percent to 4,508,960 MT, driven by the 26.65 percent drop in foreign cargo throughput (2,628,296 MT) and 11.36 percent decrease in domestic cargo traffic (1,880,664). Total passenger traffic likewise dropped 11.42 percent to 1,271,749 from 1,435,690 for the same period last year.

Participants to the Quarterly Regional Economic Situationer (QRES) hosted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 10 office last June 8 noted foreign ship calls and trade in the government-owned base ports of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Ozamiz have decreased mainly due to the transfer of Maersk to the MCT.

Other factors attributed to the decrease in foreign cargo traffic included the significant drop in imported dairy products and absence of any scrap metal exports during the period. Although two additional inter-island vessels now call regularly on Iligan port, there are still no foreign vessels calling on it.

In contrast, inbound and outbound foreign cargo throughput in private corporate ports within the jurisdiction of the Port Management Offices (PMOs) of Iligan and Ozamiz were attributed to the increased exports of coconut oil and copra pellets from the ports of Granexport Manufacturing Corp. and San Miguel Corporation and copra cake from TMOMI.

There were no exports of cold rolled steel sheets, however, from Global Steel Works International, Inc. (formerly National Steel Corporation or NSC) for January and March, 2005. This commodity accounted for 11.33 percent of the region's US$541.424-million total exports in 2005, ranking third among the region's top ten exports behind crude coconut oil ( 23.92%) and canned pineapple products (15.78%).

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"Branding" change for Bike for Hope recommended

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / April 15) – Newsmen from this city have recommended that Sen. Pia Cayetano change the moniker "Bike for Hope" to something more relevant without hinting at commercialism.

"When we think of Hope, it's the cigarette which instantly comes to mind," said Vic Cabanag of DXIM Radyo ng Bayan . "Maybe it's better for the senator to change it into something more local or vernacular like say, Pajak para sa Pag-Asa instead of Bike for Hope because it gives people the impression the cigarette company is sponsoring the event and that runs counter to supposed aim of this project in the first place."

With the Marlboro already sponsoring the Tour ng Pilipinas bicycle race, Cabanag said it naturally follows that people will connect Hope cigarette to Bike for Hope which is not good.

Cabanag and other newsmen joined the Cagayan de Oro Press Club's weekly media forum "Media Konek" where Cayetano's "5th Bike for Hope" project was the featured topic.

However, Jun Morante, one of Cayetano's media staff, clarified that Hope in the case of the project stands for "Health of the People, Exercise is Best".

Mike Ac-ac, Cayetano's media relations officer, said some 500 bicycle enthusiasts are expected to join the "5th Bike for Hope" advocacy ride led by Cayetano on June 17. The four-hour, 100 kilometer ride will pass through the Misamis Oriental towns of Tagoloan, Villanueva, Jasaan, Balingasag and Lagonglong before returning by the same route for a culminating program at the provincial capitol.

Mailet Bonoan, Bike for Hope consultant, said the project started three years ago when Cayetano challenged her siblings to bike uphill to Baguio in memory of her late father, Sen. Rene "Companyero" Cayetano. It would also advocate for the improvement of people's quality of life through physical fitness, and biking is one of them, Bonoan added.

The 5th Bike for Hope is a project of the Companyero Rene Cayetano Foundation in cooperation with Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno and the Misamis Oriental League of Municipalities led by Tagoloan Mayor Yevgeny "Bambi" Emano.

It is also sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Coca Cola Foundation, Nestle Philippines, Pilipinas Shell, Cebu Pacific, Universal Robina Corp., Pryce Pharmaceuticals, Promax, Endurox and Accelerade.

Bonoan said proceeds from the event would be used to support various health projects of the foundation, which aims to put up the country's first national liver center.

In addition to the advocacy ride, Bike for Hope community seminars will also be held from June 15-16 in the Misamis Oriental towns of Balingasag, Villanueva, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Salay, Balingoan, Tagoloan, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon and Talisayan on topics like solid waste management, prevention of violence against women and breastfeeding.

A fitness clinic will also be conducted for female students in Jasaan and Tagoloan by 2006 Asian Duathlon Champion Ryan "Bad Boy" Mendoza, national women's triathlon champion Ani de Leon and three-time national triathlon champion George Vilog. The seminar aim to empower women by teaching young girls about running and fitness, Bonoan said.

" mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com>Link

U.S. Embassy Statement:U.S. Cooperation Continues with Testimony of NCIS at Alleged Rape Trial of U.S. Marines Investigators

Consistent with our commitment to seeing that justice is served in a fair and impartial trial, the Government of the United States has agreed to allow several U.S. Government employees to testify at the trial of four U.S. Marines accused of rape.

Included are two officials of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) posted to the U.S. Embassy in Manila whose diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention the U.S. Government has waived for the limited purpose of testifying at this trial. The U.S. Government will also seek to bring back to the Philippines two additional NCIS employees who participated in the investigation of this case.

This decision was made following discussions with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and upon completion of the appropriate steps for requesting court testimony from persons covered by the Vienna Convention.

NCIS had provided the entirety of its preliminary written reports beginning in November 2005 to both the Office of the City Prosecutor in Olongapo and the defense counsels.

The U.S. Government has worked with Philippine authorities under the precepts of the Visiting Forces Agreement throughout the investigation of this alleged incident, and will continue to do so through the completion of the judicial proceedings.

The U.S. remains committed to seeing that justice is served, and looks forward to a fair and impartial process that can provide for a just outcome.

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Bugo's 2 'chairs' sue each other

THE warring leaders of Bugo, Nerio Obliosca and Perseverando Araña Jr., yesterday filed charges against each other in hopes of quickly breaking a standoff that stemmed from a power struggle last Monday.

The two village politicians have each claimed to be the legal chair of Bugo, one of the biggest and vote-rich barangays of Cagayan de Oro. Since Monday afternoon, Obliosca and Arana have been separately holding office in their houses.

Obliosca was appointed chairperson of the barangay by Mayor Vicente Emano after Arana submitted a letter of resignation last February.
But on Monday, Arana attempted to reclaim Bugo’s top post, arguing that President Arroyo failed to accept his resignation.

Jose Alejandro Pallugna, Obliosca’s lawyer, filed a petition to prohibit Araña from exercising the powers of the barangay chair. Pallugna filed a petition for mandamus and a petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

Pallugna said the petition was aimed at protecting Obliosca’s post from being contested by anyone.

Pallugna said Obliosca would step down only if the court says so.‘‘You cannot take the law into your own hands,’’ said Pallugna, referring to Arana.

But Araña through his lawyer, Rogelio Bagabuyo, filed a petition for quo-warranto to prevent Obliosca from continuing to serve as Bugo’s barangay chair.

Obliosca is facing an uphill battle because none of the barangay councilors are supporting him. Despite this, Obliosca is clinging on to the post, maintaining that he is had the legal edge.

He said he has an oath of office to prove that he legally assumed as the village chief after Arana resigned early this year.

However, Araña maintained that he has remained as the barangay chair of Bugo because President Arroyo did not sign his resignation papers. He said his resignation letter only reached Mayor Emano.

Araña and Bugo councilors questioned the legality of the Obliosca’s "oath of office.""The proper authority to confirm or approve the resignation of the government officials is the office of the President and not that of the city mayor’s," Araña said.

Bagabuyo said only the President has the authority to accept the resignation of any member of the barangay council, including the chair, based on Republic Act 9340.

A provision in RA 9340 states that "all incumbent barangay officials shall remain in office unless soonest removed or suspended for cause until their successors shall have been elected and qualified."

With the terms of the Sangguniang Barangay extended until 2007, Araña said he had opted not to take advantage of the holdover capacity rule, hence his February resignation.

But Arana said the political crisis in Bugo prompted him to stage a comeback last Monday. He said he could not ignore the calls of his fellow barangay councilors for him to reassume.

Thus, at the height of Independence Day celebrations last Monday, Araña tried to retake the barangay hall with the full support of Bugo’s councilors.

"I am still the barangay captain of Bugo and I will not step down unless the court will says so," said Obliosca as he filed three cases against Arana.

"Araña is now coming back like an intruder," said Pallugna.

Araña, a lawyer by professon, said he would sign transactions on behalf of Bugo because he is "still the legitimate barangay chairperson." He reiterated that he did not receive any document that
would show that President Arroyo accepted his resignation.

"I did not even receive an order or an approval in regard to my resignation from the office of Mayor Emano," Araña said.

Pallugna warned that Araña could be charged with "usurpation of authority" if he forces the issue.

"He became an ordinary citizen of Bugo after he resigned," Pallugna said.

Obliosca sharply criticized Araña, saying he created ‘‘chaos’’ in Bugo.

"He has been deceiving people. He resigned and then he wants to return just because councilors want him to," said Obliosca.

Obliosca called Arana a "man with no words."

Bagabuyo, Arana’s lawyer, disagreed. He said Obliosca was the one who has been usurping on the powers of village chief because he was ‘‘not properly elected.’’

‘‘The assumption of Obliosca is unlawful,’’ said Bagabuyo.

Bugo’s councilors dislike Obliosca. They have accused Obliosca of forging signatures of villagers for the "People’s Initiative" campaign for Charter change early this year. They have also accused him of bypassing the barangay council in some of decisions like the termination of workers’ services.

Tension has been gripping Bugo since councilors and villagers padlocked the barangay hall last month. Anti-Obliosca rallies were staged in Bugo prior to Arana’s attempt to retake the chairmanship of Bugo last Monday.

Obliosca is facing charges of illegal dismissal and misconduct before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). (That can be read at Gold Star Daily)


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Sue me, Nanding challenges critics

EMBATTLED Councilor Reynaldo Advincula has lashed back at his critics and dared them to sue him in connection with his business interests at the city hall-owned Cogon public market.

Advincula also dared his critics, including opposition Councilor Zaldy Ocon, to show proof that he broke laws.

He challenged Ocon to a debate before the city council’s blue ribbon committee or anywhere in the city.

"I can prove in public that I have not committed any illegal act," said Advincula.

Advincula was fuming over Ocon’s stinging commentaries over DxCC, a station of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) where the opposition councilor is program director and commentator.

"If Ocon believes that he is correct, he should sue me," said Advincula, adding that he wants to answer the issues at the ‘‘proper forum and proper time.’’

On separate occasions, Ocon and prominent Cagayan de Oro lawyer Frederico Gapuz have accused Advincula of violating the government’s code of ethics for public officials and employees by doing business at Cogon public market. They said Advincula also violated a provision of the Local Government Code.

Advincula denied conflicts of interest on his part, insisting that his business at the 3rd level of the city hall-owned market was legal.

Over DxCC, Ocon accused Advincula of taking advantage of his position in city hall to do business at Cogon public market. He said Advincula has been using his influence for his and his family’s interests.

"He (Advincula) is taking advantage of the people, he is anti-people," Ocon said.

He also accused Advincula of monopolizing the 3rd level of the public market for his business when hundreds of vendors have complained of not being awarded stalls at the city hall-owned property.

Advincula said there was nothing wrong with the ‘‘videoke’’ and video game machine business because all government requirements were complied with. He said the business is supported with business permit, clearances and other government papers.

Advincula hurled brickbats at Ocon, accusing the broadcaster cum councilor of being unfair.
"Where is balanced of reporting? He (Ocon) did not call me so I can air my side. His reports are always one-sided," Advincula said.

"Why is Ocon always attacking me over the radio? He should face me. I think he does not know what he is saying," Advincula said.

Advincula said Ocon and his other critics should immediately file charges against him if they are really serious in their accusations.

‘‘Prove that the business is illegal,’’ he said.

Advincula has argued that, technically, he has no lease contract with city hall because the market’s 3rd level is being ran by UKC Builders under a build-operate-transfer scheme contract with the local government. It was UKC that redeveloped the Cogon public market.

Meanwhile, Advincula said he has asked the Cogon police precinct to guard the 3rd level establishments and keep unwanted persons from the place.

He said he asked the police precinct chief to launch a ‘‘saturation drive’’ at the upper levels of the market to make the places safe for the public.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Emano leaves Trampe's fate to Alagar

CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano said he would leave the decision to replace or retain embattled city police director Aurelio Trampe in the hands of Camp Alagar.

‘‘The decision will be up to (Chief Supt. Florante Baguio),’’ said Emano on the call of councilors to oust Senior Supt. Aurelio Trampe.

Emano said he recognized the right of Baguio to make decisions in regard to the appointment of Cagayan de Oro’s police director.

He said he and Baguio talked about Trampe but the mayor did not elaborate.

It was Councilor Reynaldo Advincula who first called for the ouster of Trampe due to an apparent breakdown in law enforcement in the city. He said Trampe should quit as a result of the rising cases of petty crimes, including cable thefts, in the city.

Two Mondays ago, the council passed a resolution expressing dismay over Trampe’s performance.

Over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, Emano said he did not initiate the moves to oust Trampe. He strongly denied reports he was behind the city council’s moves to have Trampe replaced.

"The issue is being politicized. If you ask me, I don’t want him (Trampe) to resign but if he really has problems facing criminals, it’s now up to him," Emano said.

But in the event that Camp Alagar decides to replace Trampe, Emano said he would also leave the appointment of a new police director in the hands of Baguio.

Emano said he was told that Trampe was willing to resign if ordered by Baguio. "Trampe is willing to relinquish his post."

Meanwhile, Camp Alagar said it was evaluating the performance of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) to determine if there was a basis for the call to replace Trampe.

But Baguio said the city police has intensified its efforts to solve crimes and in arresting criminals.

Baguio said a rise in the city’s crime rate is not enough reason for any police official to resign.

Meanwhile, former vice mayor Antonio Soriano has expressed disgust over what he described as
‘‘malicious accusations’’ against Trampe due to his alleged negligence.

‘‘Trampe is the most qualified and abled police chief the city ever got. He is a PMA graduate and a lawyer at that,’’ said Soriano in a statement sent to Cagayan de Oro Journal.

Soriano said that even if the crime rate has accelerated, Trampe ‘‘must be given the chance to prove himself and I believe he has made measures to counter all of these.’’

Soriano said Trampe should also be given full support by the local government. ‘‘Otherwise, he cannot move as expected of him.’’

"Can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

A Ray of Hope for the forgotten Katipunan Revolt of Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / June 13) – There are now two initiatives underway in the Philippine Senate to recognize the forgotten Katipunan revolt of Mindanao and recognize it by altering how the present Philippine flag looks like, one which has been continuing for some time now and another more recent.

Senator Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr., a native son of Cagayan de Oro, has long been advocating for a ninth ray in the Philippine flag in recognition of the Moros indefatigable struggle for independence against the Spaniards.

"I have delivered speeches on it but I do not know whether I still have copies of the speeches," he wrote in reply to an email last Monday. "Today at the Pinaglaban Independence Day Rites, I reiterated it. I said that the Moros of Mindanao deserve a 9th ray in the Flag."

More recently, Senator Richard Gordon has been laying the ground work for the petition to add a ninth ray to the sun depicted in the Philippine flag, (which as every schoolboy and schoolgirl knows, represents the first eight provinces in Luzon which rose in the fight for freedom against Spain in 1896) in recognition of the "Mutiny at Calaganan" as the first Katipunan instigated revolt in Mindanao.

In fact, it was not only the Moros as represented by a group of Maranaos from Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, but in fact all three of Mindanao's tri-people who joined in the revolt: the Christian immigrants, the indigenous natives in the person of 50 Higaonons from Bukidnon, and a group of Moros from Lanao, making it not only a Katipunan revolt, but one in which all three of Mindanao's tri-people joined in as well.

Antonio J. Montalvan II, a local historian of note and a former member of the Cagayan de Oro City Historical and Cultural Commission, says that what local history has heretofore named as the "Calaganan Mutiny" was apparently not a mutiny at all, but a true-blue revolucion sparked by the Katipuneros of Luzon.

Montalvan admits a direct link between the Katipunan uprising in Luzon and the Calaganan Mutiny has yet to be established 'beyond a reasonable doubt', but there appears to be extant sources which appear to indicate that such a link did exist, and that Pio Valenzuela did indeed come to Mindanao on the instructions of Andres Bonifacio to foment a revolt against the Spaniards.

"Should a direct link be established between Bonifacio's Katipunan revolt in Luzon and the Calaganan Mutiny, then the people of Mindanao can rightfully petition the national government to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag," Montalvan said.

What needs to be done at this point is to verify primary sources such as the Consular Letters of the French Embassy in Manila to Paris where the Calaganan Mutiny is described in detail, Montalvan added.

The letters are now in the archives of the National Museum in Manila, as are other extant documents like the historical account of the Jesuit historian Pablo Pastells in which the "Calaganan Mutiny" is also described in detail.

The Calaganan Mutiny is also detailed in the letters of Vicente Elio y Sanchez of Camiguin to the Manila-based Spanish newspaper La Oceania Española and two other historical sources but has never been linked to the "First Cry of Balintawak" led by Andres Bonifacio. One reason for this could be that Elio's letters never got past Spanish censors anxious to douse the flickering flames of revolution which had broken out in Luzon.

In late August of 1896, the Katipunan uprising against Spain had broken out in Luzon. Exactly a month later, or September 29, 1896, the mutiny exploded among the so-called Disciplinarios, a group of Filipinos from Luzon deported to the Spanish fort in Calaganan for training in military discipline to fight against the Moros of Lanao. Upon receiving instructions from the Katipunan in Manila, they raided the Spanish armory and proceeded to Cagayan to attack the town, being joined by some Moros (Some oral accounts claim that most of the Disciplinarios were in fact Katipuneros who were arrested by the Spaniards after the first salvo in Pugad Lawin or covertly sent to Mindanao to start another uprising there).

On the way, they ransacked convents and homes of Spanish peninsulars. However, a joint force of Spanish soldiers led by the Gobernadorcillo Juan de Pratts and Tercio de Voluntarios de Cagayan (volunteers, among them local hero Apolinar Velez) repulsed the Disciplinarios in Sta. Ana, Tagoloan.

From Cagayan, the rebeldes proceeded to Sumilao, Bukidnon where they were joined by a band of 50 Higa-onons. They next attacked Balingasag, and raided the outpost of Gingoog on January 1897. By that time, news of Rizal's execution had reached Cagayan and Misamis, and this further stoked the anger of the town folk, fanning the flames of the local Katipuneros. It took the Spanish gunboat Mariveles, recalled from the Tercio Distrito de Surigao, to finally subdue the resistance in Gingoog.

This was the only known Katipunan revolt in the whole of Mindanao which occurred at about the same time as the general uprising in Luzon, but two-time Palanca-award grand prize winner Antonio Enriquez says there was one other which occurred later (1898) in Zamboanga which successfully ousted the Spaniards and established the Zamboanga Republic under General Vicente Alvarez in that rinconcito de España, only to sputter later against the superior firepower of invading U.S. forces.

What appears to be remarkable about the 'Calaganan Mutiny' is that besides happening at approximately the same time as the Katipunan revolt in Luzon, there is apparently a direct link between it and the Katipunan revolt in the person of Pio Valenzuela, a cousin of the woman amazon Arcadia Valenzuela of Lapasan, Cagayan de Misamis (as Cagayan de Oro was then known) who visited Mindanao during this period (ostensibly on instructions from Andres Bonifacio himself!) to instigate a similar revolt in Mindanao.

Augustinian Recollect chronicles confirm that this revolt was in fact instigated by a communication from Katipuneros in Luzon, making Mindanao the ninth province to join the Katipunan revolt, albeit not included in the eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag which represent the eight provinces which first rose in revolt against Spanish tyranny.

mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com>Link

Ambassador Kenney visits in Oro; helps Green Bank's 30,000th microloan client

(LEFT PHOTO) Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney (second from left) during her June 8 visit to Cagayan de Oro strikes a pose with Omar Andaya (1st left), President, Green Bank; Rosie Bilog (center); Ismael Andaya, Chairman Emeritus, Green Bank; and John Owens USAID (3rd and 4th from left). Kenney attended a ceremony at Green Bank to recognize the bank's 30,000th microloan client. Bilog (center), who started a home-based business processing cashew nuts for sale to retailers and wholesalers. Green Bank participates in a USAID program that helps banks provide loans to microenterprise customers, creating economic growth and prosperity for families in Cagayan de Oro. (RIGHT PHOTO) Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney talks with microenterprise owners who are recipients of micro-loans from Green Bank, a Cagayan de Oro bank that participates in a USAID program that helps banks provide loans to microenterprise customers. These women have all started small businesses thanks to these micro-loans. Also pictured are Ismael Andaya, Chairman Emeritus, Green Bank (partially hidden) and Omar Andaya, President, Green Bank (far right). (Photo supply by MIKE BAÑOS)

" mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com, mikebanos@zamboanga.com>Link

Transport group demands LTFRB action on Super 5 case

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A TRANSPORT group yesterday warned it would paralyze much of the public transportation in this part of the country unless the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) acts on a complaint against a bus company for undercharging.

The group, calling itself Bonded and United Members of Provincial Endangered Route (Bumper), gave LTFRB officials in Manila until this month to act on its problem with the bus company Super 5.

The LTFRB has set a pre-hearing of the case against Super 5 on June 30.
"The workers are getting hungry day by day," said Bumper lawyer Her-nan Tabalba as he decried the practice of undercharging.

The group said many operators and drivers of public vehicles have long been complaining about the ‘‘unfair competition’’ from Super 5.

Tabalba has accused Super 5 and the firm’s owner, Paul Padayhag, of defying a LTFRB order against the illegal fare reduction.

‘‘It’s killing the drivers and their families,’’ said Tabalba.

Unless Super 5 is stopped, Tabalba said he feared Padayhag would soon monopolize the public transport business in this part of the country by ‘‘sabotaging the industry."

On May 11, LTFRB suspended the operations of Super 5 for one month due to violations. The Board even warned that defiance would mean the seizure of the firm’s buses.

But Tabalba said Super 5 merely ignored the order and continued to operate under the noses of authorities.

"Padayhag received the order on May 2 but Super 5 continued to operate until May 20 and only stopped on May 21.

This means they stopped operating for 12 days only and not 30 days. The 30-day suspension order was ignored," said Tabalba.

Tabalba said he could not understand the inaction of concerned government agencies in regard to the Super 5 problem when several cases have been filed against the company.

"If nothing happens during the June 30 pre-hearing, we will be forced to stage a demonstration. We need immediate action. To delay the cases would be to delay justice," he said.

Bumper, is the umbrella organization of nine transport groups that include the Iligan Drivers’ Association, Iligan Cooperative Jeepney Operators Inc., Iligan Transport Services Cooperative), West Misamis Oriental Operators, Drivers and Dispatchers’ Cooperative Association, Iligan-Lugait Drivers’ Association;
Iligan, Kulambugan, Kapatagan Operators and Drivers’ Association; and the Iligan, Kauswagan, Operators and Drivers’ Association.

The biggest bus company in this part of the country, Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI), will be joining Bumper’s cause, according to Tabalba.

RTMI, he said, has also been complaining about Super 5’s ‘‘unfair’’ business practices. (With a report from AMOR BARLISAN)

"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Envoy : Nothing Underhand in Bounty for Terror Tipsters

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Deal was with UKC, not with city hall says Advincula

COUNCILOR Reynaldo Advincula yesterday admitted being the owner of ‘‘videoke’’ and video game machines at Cogon public market but he strongly denied breaking laws.

Advincula called this paper yesterday to point out that the 3rd floor of the Cogon public market is being ran by UKC Builders, the firm that undertook the multimillion-peso redevelopment of Cogon public market under a build-operate-transfer scheme.

The agreement was for city hall to operate the first two floors of Cogon market. Based on the agreement, UKC takes charge of the 3rd floor.

Advincula argued that, technically, he has no contract with city hall. ‘‘The contract is with UKC and not with the city government.’’

Advincula admitted owning a few coin-operated video machines at the public market but he stressed out that he has no contract with UKC.

The contract with UKC, he said, was signed by Renie Cordova, his business ‘‘partner.’’

Advincula said he decided to yield the business to Cordova when city legal officer Cancio Guibone raised some legal issues about his business interests at Cogon market.

Advincula also denied an allegation made by Barangay 33 chairperson Pelagio Nambatac that the Cogon ‘‘amusement center’’ has no business license from city hall and a clearance from the barangay.

Advincula called Nambatac a "teller of lies." He said the allegations were ‘‘erroneous’’ and ‘‘inaccurate.’’

"It’s an old story... [the issue] was already resolved by the RCB last year," said Advincula. ‘‘It’s purely a political issue to discredit me.’’

The councilor showed this paper a city hall permit and a clearance for the business.

Advincula said Nambatac himself issued the barangay clearance.
‘‘And now he (Nambatac) would deny?’’ he sarcastically asked.

The barangay clearance, according to Advincula, was issued ‘‘under my name.’’
The required papers from city hall was issued early this year, said Advincula.

Advincula said the issuance of a permit from the treasurer’s office was only delayed due to the complaint filed by Nambatac last year.

Nambatac has complained about the noise coming from the market’s 3rd floor.

Nambatac was out of his office when this paper tried to get his comment. But Nambatac’s staff told the Cagayan de Oro Journal that the videoke and video machine operators, and Nambatac already settled the issue in 2005.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Montalba identifies six of 11 small-time crime groups in Oro

POLICE identified six of 11 crime groups specializing on burglary and robbery as they continued a crackdown of suspected petty crime suspects in the city.

"They are enemies of peace and order," said deputy city police director Antonio Montalba.

Montalba identified some of the crime groups as Lipat Bahay, Akyat Bahay, Buray-Buklay group, Pukot Gang, Salisi Gang, Tiempo Gang.

There are other groups specializing on snatching, robbery and the sale of Rugby (solvent).

"Many of them are operating in the villages and subdivisions," said Montalba.

He said many of the suspects are from nearby towns.

"The operations would continue,’’ said Montalba.
On Monday night, police carried out another ‘‘saturation drive,’’ rounding up six suspects in the process.

The group of police officers who raided Isla Delta last week were responsible for Monday’s operation.

Monday’s raid, carried out around 7:30 p.m. in Barangay Lapasan, came only a few hours after the city council passed a resolution expressing dismay over the performance of city police director Senior
Supt. Aurelio Trampe.

Anti-Theft and Robbery Section chief Mario Pelaez said the six suspects yielded items that are believed to have been stolen.

Pelaez identified the suspects as Ello Sambas, 19; Leonardo Atencio, 30; Danilo Pardillo, 32; and Jannette Gabatan, 24. The names of the two others are being withheld because they are minors.

Cases were already filed in court against most of those who were arrested last Friday.

Some of those invited for questioning last Friday were already released because there was insufficient evidence against them.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily >Link

Oro traffic back to 'normal' as firm opens bridge

ADHI Karya-VT Lao Construction surprised Cagayan de Oro and gave motorists relief when it fully opened the Ysalina Bridge on Monday.

The half-a-century old bridge has been undergoing major repairs for a month already. It was closed to traffic last May 7 and was supposed to be fully opened on June 15.

But to the contractors and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), it didn’t come as a surprise.

Deputy project engineer Ricky Galera and DPWH northern Mindanao assistant director Norma Gironella earlier told councilors that only the reasphalting of the bridge’s pavement was the hindrance to its reopening.

The reasphalting was completed on Sunday night.

While the rest of the city was preparing for the opening of classes, the firm’s workers started dismantling their tents, equipment, barricades and other makeshift facilities from the bridge’s pavement in the wee hours of Sunday night.

Even jeepney and motorela drivers as well as the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) personnel assigned at both sides of the bridge were caught unaware when they discovered that the bridge was fully opened early Monday morning.

RTA personnel hurriedly went back to their pre-June 8 assigned posts both at the Gaston park and Carmen areas to guide the flow of traffic there.

Meanwhile, the Carmen rerouting was implemented again.

Thus, the overall traffic flow in urban Cagayan de Oro was back to the pre-June 8 level with a few instances of traffic jams because of the 30,000 public elementary and high school students trooping back to their respective campuses.

June 8 was the starting date that Ysalina bridge was closed to traffic.

Still, councilors who conducted their weekly plenary Monday afternoon at the fourth level of the City Hall Executive Building which has an overlooking view of the bridge could not help but be amazed.

They were the same councilors who earlier sternly reminded the project contractors that they would go after the P17.3-million security bond of the bridge repair if they could not completely reopen it on June 15.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya lauded the company, saying the bridge was fully opened 10 days ahead of schedule. "We commend the contractor for a job well done."

Councilors said they had expected only one of the two-lane bridge to be opened last Monday. It’s full opening was therefore a big surprise, they said.

On Monday, the council passed a resolution commending the contractor for the full opening of the Ysalina Bridge.

Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said the city engineer was tasked to check the bridge retrofitting project just to make sure it is safe for use.

Councilor Maryanne Enteria said she was glad because the opening of the bridge decongested the city’s roads.

Its closure had resulted in traffic jams the likes of which have never been seen before in the city.
‘‘It’s a relief," said Enteria.

The project is not finished yet though. The firm said the project would continue until September.
The retrofitting work would be focused on the bridge’s columns, said the project engineer.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily >Link

Exec Advises Oro Chamber: Benchmark Opposition for Increased Competitiveness

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / June 7)– Asked what Cagayan de Oro needed to do to further increase its competitiveness as the leading economy in Mindanao, the chairman of one of the city's real estate development firms replied : "Benchmark the opposition."

Speaking at the 2nd Quarter General Membership Meeting of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber), Guillermo D. Luchangco, chairman of Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation, outlined a five-point program which included benchmarking the opposition, being proactive in making the city attractive and friendly to potential investors, organize teams to personally share first hand experience with visitors, brief "champions" in government on Cagayan de Oro's potentials by personally inviting them to experience the city, and more pragmatically, tempering the city's vaunted 'opposition" stance so as not to make it a deterrent to potential investors.

"Few people may actually come to you just because your team exists," Luchangco cautioned. "You may have to work at becoming the organization to which investors are automatically referred if they are looking at Cagayan de Oro."

To make that possible, Luchangco turned over a lot at the Pueblo de Oro Business Park which will house the Oro Chamber Business Development Center (OC-BDC) in groundbreaking rites yesterday afternoon attended by City Mayor Vicente Emano, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno and Romeo Serra, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council.

"We are very pleased with the fact that the dream f the board of directors and the general membership, even that of the past chamber officers is finally seeing fruition," said Oro chamber president Ruben Vegafria. "With the support of corporate partners like Pueblo de Oro, our business development and investment promotion undertakings are slowly but surely materializing."
The future business office of the Oro Chamber, OC-BDC will offer business advisory and information services, events management, investment promotion, policy advocacy, market development and entrepreneurial and marketing trainings for its clients and Oro Chamber members. Construction is slated to start in two months.

Luchangco said the latest Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Survey of Competitiveness of Philippine Cities in which to do business, shows Davao city among the top five for Metro Cities and Iligan City among mid-sized cities.

"Maybe the chamber can take upon itself to study what enabled Davao and Iligan to qualify for this ranking," Luchangco said. "I suggest that the chamber set a goal for itself, and that is, to put Cagayan de Oro among the Top 5 next year! I believe that if you can do this, you will be making a real contribution to the economic expansion of the city. And it will also be good for your business!"
Perhaps equally important, albeit sensitive, was the frequent comments regarding Cagay-anons' "chip-on-the-shoulder".

Luchangco related how he heard about the survey of the attitude of the potential work force commissioned by a foreign company for its call center which eventually decided not to locate here due to the survey results which showed that "employees would likely have a tendency to be difficult to deal with, to often clash with management, rather than cooperate, to be defiant."

Although he indicated that the recent decision of Pueblo de Oro IT park call center locator Link2Support to double its work force appears to debunk this finding, Luchangco said it is incumbent upon business leaders "to exert influence to temper that tendency in appropriate degrees whenever you see the problem arising."

"Do not just seek back and watch such events transpire," he urged. "Get involved and try to intercede and explain to your people where they are too quick or too negative in reacting."
Not the least, he cited the key role played by meticulous preparation.

"In the case of Pueblo de Oro, when we set about to attract a call center to locate here, we studied what was important to operators of call centers. We prepared a presentation that addressed the facts they wanted to know, from power rates to supply, to telecommunications availability to supply of the types of people they would want to hire," Luchangco stressed. "One call center company told us this was the most impressive and comprehensive presentation they had see.

"And of course, do your homework. Don't expect to just sit down with the visiting businessman and talk small talk. Know your statistics and facts about Cagayan de Oro versus the rest of the Philippines."

"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St.,

Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City

PhilippinesMobile 0921-469-6305IM

mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com, mikebanos@zamboanga.com>Link

Maya tries to rebut DBM findings on city hall overspending

CAGAYAN de Oro Councilor Maryanne Enteria on Saturday criticized the budget department, describing its call on city hall to go slow on its spendings as ‘‘unfair.’’

The department’s call ‘‘is not fair to the city since there is no legal basis," Enteria said.

Enteria referred to the result of the review of the Department of Budget and Management which thumbed down city hall’s 2006 budget because of ‘‘excess in expenditures.’’

In a gist, the DBM’s findings show that city hall plans to spend more than what it would earn this year. Also, the budget does not jibe with the city government’s internal revenue allotment (IRA), the department said.

Enteria, an ally of Mayor Vicente Emano, said the finding that city hall was bound to overspend based on the 2006 budget ‘‘is purely [an] observation and projection.’’

"That’s not true,’’ said Enteria. ‘‘DBM’s assessments are mostly projections. They just give an estimated amount."

Enteria also said it would be ‘‘too early’’ for DBM to conclude that the budget approved by the city council for this year is illegal.

The councilor, a lawyer by profession, also questioned the basis for the DBM’s rejection of the granting of personnel economic relief allowances (Pera) to city hall’s non-regular employees.

The 2006 budget of city hall shows a P96 thousand excess in the Pera, said DBM.
The department disallowed the granting of the Pera to Emano, Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers and the councilors.

Budget Circular No. 12 dated April 7, 1997 provides the updated rules and regulations on the grant of Pera. It is based on the General Provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The GAA General provisions states that the Pera is to be given to "all appointive national and local government employees occupying itemized plantilla positions."

Since the law explicitly specified "appointive" officials, those elected are not entitled to the Pera, the DBM said.

Enteria argued that any excess in the budget, especially on the personnel services, ‘‘can be justified since allowances and bonuses given to employees are within the mandate of the law.’’

Enteria said allowances and other perks, while set by law, can be augmented by way of an Executive Order from Malacañang. She said the Palace has issued a dozen EOs in the previous years.

Enteria said city budget officer Creselda Joson assured that no new expenditure was added to city hall’s personnel services fund. The fund set aside for this in the 2006 budget is P476,496,119.

According to Enteria, the city budget office would disallow the creation of new city hall positions this year to comply with government budget regulations on fixed expenditures ceiling.

Enteria said city hall’s technical working group, composed of officials from the budget, finance and accounting offices, cited a law that states that any excess in the budget could only be determined at the end of the year.

"We’ve just ended our second quarter and we’re about to start the third quarter... we can’t make conclusions [in regard to] excess allocations," she said.

It was DBM director for northern Mindanao Romeo Melad who called the attention of Mayor Emano in regard to "excess in expenditures" in city hall’s 2006 budget.

City hall’s 2006 budget simply exceeded government guidelines, according to Melad.
The DBM earlier thumbed down the granting of incentives to some 2,588 city hall employees. It said to do so would be illegal.

"The same cannot be allowed for lack of legal basis and considering that there is an excess in the personnel services limitation," Melad said in a letter, a copy of which was furnished Gold Star Daily.

In the 2006 budget, city hall set aside bonuses amounting to P15,528,000 for all regular and casual employees.

But in the letter, dated March 6, the DBM said city hall has been overspending for salaries, way above a 45-percent ceiling.

In 2004, city hall had an income of P874,989,478.73. Forty-five percent of this––P393,745,265.43––is the salary cap.

City hall however set aside P476,496,119 for personnel services in the 2006 budget or P82,750,853.57 above the salary cap.

Melad said the budget for the City Economic and Enterprise Department (CEED) alone exceeded by over P10 million. The CEED is the department that handles the operations of the city’s public markets and terminals.

Melad also called Emano’s attention in regard to his P9-million intelligence fund. He asked the mayor to go slow on the fund. The intelligence fund is not subject to strict auditing and can be used at the local executive’s discretion.

"[Budget officer] Joson assured that Mayor Emano has complied with all auditing rules in disbursing his intelligence fund," Enteria said.

The DBM also called city hall’s attention in regard to its budget for representation and traveling allowances (Rata) which it said exceeded by P1,378,000.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link

Oro cops arrest 22 robbery members; recovered stolen bikes, clothes

ACTING Cagayan de Oro City director police Superintendent Antonio Montalba (right) as he exchanging words to the suppose owner of one stolen bike, while City's Anti-Theft and Robbery Section chief SPO1 Mario Pelaez looks on. Other photos below are shoes, clothes, and other personal belongings inluding 28 mountain bikes that allegedly were all stolen by the suspected theives arrested on Friday during police joint hot pursuit operation at barangay Consolacion, in this city. (Photo by Cagayan de Oro Journal) Link">"email me at celaben96@yahoo.com>Link

Bridge will be safe for public use June 5

THE regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Adhi Karya-VT Lao Construction on Wednesday assured that the Ysalina Bridge would be safe for motorists’ use on June 5, the day half of the bridge would be opened to traffic.

The firm would continue repairing the bridge on that day but officials said the public need not worry.

Northern Mindanao Public Works and Highways assistant regional director Norma Geronilla said the bridge would be fully opened to traffic 10 days later or on June 15.

"We always monitor their work 24 hours a day. The bridge will be the same as it was," Geronilla said.

VT Lao deputy project engineer Rick Galera also made the same assurance after Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said many people were afraid that the bridge might give in if it is opened before the retrofitting work is finished.

But Galera said the firm would put in place equipment to support the bridge. He said even trucks can use one lane of the bridge starting on June 5.

"The support is sturdy and well made, and cannot be easily damaged," Galera said.
Over local radio, Mayor Vicente Emano he would leave matters in the hands of engineers

"The consequences will be on the contractor," Emano said.

"can be read at Gold Star Daily>Link