VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MIKE BAÑOS/Sept. 30) - Construction of the Mindanao coal-fired power plant is proceeding as scheduled and should be online by the end of the year, plant officials said.
"We are on the final stage of the power plant's commissioning. The first unit has passed the guarantee and efficiency test while the second unit is gearing-up for a reliability test in preparation for full operation by yearend," said Jerome Soldevilla, communications officer of Steag State Power Inc, (SPI), the project company of the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant.
"Commercial operations will begin as planned not later than 31 December 2006 and we will have our official inauguration in January 2007" he added. "As of 27 September 2006, the power plant project attained a weighted progress achievement of 99%. Based on this figure vis-à-vis the timelines, we are on track and confident that it will commence commercial operations as committed."
Oliver Brock, head of Steag's commissioning team, has been working closely with his counterpart Y. Onishi, head of the Kawasaki Plant Construction, Inc. (a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries) since the first quarter of the year for the commissioning of the first 105MW unit even as the second 105MW unit is being assembled nearby.
That may sound like good news for an island where demand is fast outstripping available power supply, but power supply in the island remains critical, as oil fired plants come down and repairs in its hydroelectric plants continue.
Emmanuel Abellanosa, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao, said they have been constrained to implement voluntary power curtailment or "power shedding" at various times last summer due to imbalances between the available power from National Power Corporation (NPC) and the demand from residential, commercial and industrial users.
"There's not enough spinning reserve in the Mindanao grid to address contingencies," Abellanosa said.
NPC figures show the system gross reserve in Mindanao from the latter half of 2005 to year end 2006 was already insufficient to meet the 11.9-percent load following/frequency and spinning reserve requirements.
NPC president Cyril C. del Callar, earlier warned that "recurring power shortages are expected especially during peak periods, when generators and or associated transmission lines are on forced outage."
Peak power demand in Mindanao last summer topped 1,100 megawatts but the NPC only managed to supply an average of 1,050 megawatts to the Mindanao Power Grid. As a result, whenever there's a glitch in the distribution system, power is cut in some areas as the grid seeks to balance the remaining available power throughout the delicately balanced system.
Abellanosa said NPC's total power generation was curtailed due to rehabilitation works in the 92MW Agus IV Hydro-Electric Power Plant at Iligan City, the 255-megawatt Pulangi IV Hydro Electric Plant in Bukidnon and the 25MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant in Ditucalan, Iligan City, turned over a few years back by independent power producer Northern Mindanao Power Corporation.
As a result, power supply to the Zamboanga peninsula and nearby areas was curtailed by 50MW causing up to three hour power outages although Cagayan de Oro city managed to get by thanks to the 18MW Mindanao Energy Systems (Minergy) power plant which augmented available power to the local utility (Cagayan de Oro Electric Power & Light Co. or CEPALCO).
Rufino T. Magbanua, communications officer for Transco NCMA, said at least 85 percent of Mindanao has already been tapping independent power producers (IPPs) and NPC power barges particularly in key areas.
That's for the short term. Over the medium and long term, even if only ongoing base load coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental comes online as scheduled by year end, it's merely going to patch things over but not fix it.
Although the grid is being weaned away from its traditional dependence on hydroelectric power plants, the bulk of generated power in the island is still being sourced from the Agus Hydroelectric Power Plants in Iligan City and Lanao del Sur and the Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plants in Maramag, Bukidnon.
The Regional Development Council in Region 10 (RDC-10) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating power situation in Mindanao.
Arsenio L. Sebastian III, RDC-10 vice-chairman and Dr. Modesto Babaylan, RDC 10 infrastructure committee co-chairman, disclosed recently that Pulangi is producing only 100-120MW of its 255MW rated capacity due to accumulated siltation in the Pulangi River feeding its catchment basin.
Besides the lack of available funds to dredge the Pulangi river, Sebastian said they also have no place to dump the dredged silt taken from it.
Sebastian is also concerned the Mindanao Coal –Fired Power Plant might not be sufficient to meet energy demand in the island, citing Department of Energy statistics show a rising demand for power that the present supply might be unable to meet even with the new base load plant online.
NPC President del Callar earlier said that from 2007 to 2008, power supply in Mindanao would be stable as the system gross reserve remains sufficient to meet the LFFR and spinning reserve with the scheduled commissioning of the 200 MW coal plant.
The average power supply reserve margin in the Mindanao grid from 2005 to 2008 is 7.26% with 2008 having the lowest projected power supply reserve margin of 3.93%. By 2009, peak demand for power in Mindanao will start to exceed the existing power capacity, with additional new capacity of about 57 MW to be needed for the year and an average of 116 MW every year thereafter.
But the environmental advocacy group Task Force Macajalar (TFC) has called on the NPC to review its projections.
TFM spokesperson BenCyrus Ellorin said Mindanao can sustain its power needs without resorting to fossil fuels like oil or coal because its existing hydropower plants are sufficient to meet the island's needs if their full potential of 12,000MW is tapped.
Latest NPC figures only show an existing power band of 982 –1,500 MW with independent power producers (IPPs) capable of another 543 MW.
NPC expects power demand in Mindanao to grow 11.8 percent from 2005-2011 and would need an installed capacity of 2,830MW by the end of this period with the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant filling the gap.
Ellorin believes Mindanao would be better off if it rehabilitates its present hydroelectric power plants and reforest the watersheds that support them or inter-connect with the rest of the Philippine grid with the Leyte-Mindanao Inter-connection project.
The Mindanao grid is divided into three sub-grids - North, West, and South Mindanao. Of these, only North Mindanao enjoys an excess capacity while the West and South Mindanao grids have to import from the North Mindanao sub-grid to sufficiently address peak power demand in their respective areas.
The country's Power Development Plan for 2005 to 2014 stresses the importance of putting up more power generating plants in order to avert a power shortfall in the major islands of the country, particularly in Mindanao since the previous surplus has been effectively erased with the reopening of the National Steel Corporation (NSC, now Global Steel International, Inc. or GSII) steel plant in Iligan City.
In a recent forum to determine just how real the Mindanao Power Crisis is, CEPALCO Sr. Vice President David Tauli said there's no large power plant (e.g.., 100MW or larger) scheduled for construction in Mindanao from 2007-2011 after STEAG State Power Inc's 210MW coal-fired power plant goes online this year end.
By 2009, Tauli's projections show Mindanao's energy demand at 9,150 gigawatt hours while dependable power supply, SPI's coal-fired power plant included, would only be 9,200 GWh, way below the 11.9-percent load following/frequency and spinning reserve requirements of Transco and a generating system that's no longer "N-1" reliable.
Tauli said this would result to widespread and lengthy brownouts when a section of the transmission system goes on the blink. A drought like the one expected to hit the island soon would worsen this situation.
In the same forum, former National Power Corp. President Guido Alfredo Delgado concurred with Tauli's observations, citing how energy prices in Mindanao are too low, hence the lack of an economic incentive to add new capacity to the island's power grid.
"There are no creditworthy off-takers and no long term market, hence no long term funds available in the local market for investments in power generation, which by its very nature calls for long-term funds," Delgado noted. "On top of that, there are the stranded costs of Napocor and distribution utilities Mindanao power consumers are mandated to pay under the EPIRA."
Tauli, Delgado and Ellorin all agree the passage of the Renewable Energy Bill which has been languishing in Congress to include a mandatory "renewable power supply portfolio" for distribution utilities should lead to investments in renewable sources of electricity, but chances of the bill's passage before Congress goes into recess next month look dim.
MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
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Sunday, October 01, 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Oro students criticize GMA’s re-take order
NURSING students from Northern Mindanao who passed the controversial June 2006 nursing board examinations from two universities in Cagayan de Oro cried foul yesterday criticizing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's order for a re-take of the said examinations.
“The order of the President is not equal for us here in Mindanao,” spokesman for Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students, Christopher Abellanosa, said. “Its unfair and unjust.”
Abellanosa added that the re-take order is not in principle only, since secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed it to media on Wednesday.
“The order is another burden not only to those who passed the board examinations but the entire family including their parents,” Abellanosa said.
Abellanosa said the leakage reportedly took place in Luzon. “Why are they including us here in Mindanao, when we were not party to the anomaly?, he asked.
According to Abellanosa, Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students who passed the nursing examination are contemplating to take necessary actions so that Arroyo would hear their side and their mental anguish. He adds, they will try to ask the President to reconsider her Order.
Earlier, Arroyo explained through Ermita that a re-take order of the June 2006 nursing board examinations would cover the entire batch of examinees .
Ermita noted that the Chief Executive reached such policy decision during the Cabinet meeting early this week, to reclaim the integrity of Filipino professionals and PRC-administered examinations.
“For us, the order remains unclear, whether the re-take examination will be selective or not, but still the order is an order to re-take and that order is very inimical on our part,” said Abellano.
Abellanosa also criticized the Arroyo administration of “inconsistency,”in its decision.
“The June 2006 nursing board passers already took their oath. How come Malacañang ordered for re-takes? It?s purely a form of harassment to those who honestly passed the examinations without any leakage ,” Abellanosa said.
Abellanosa also said that Malacañang should focus their investigation ongovernment agencies which took part in the alleged irregularities during nursing board examination.
“Why did Malacañang failed to immediately initiate an investigation of officials who administered the examinations? Including those floated to have been involved in the leakage?, he asked.
He said that until now no single official has been named and even punished. “The leakages they were talking about are baseless if no one is investigated or punished,” he commented.
Abellanosa also denied that students in Mindanao benefitted from the leakage, and that the accusation for cheating. should not be generalized. “Why have they not accused the examiners of cheating also?, he asked.
“This is foul. No leakage reached us here in Mindanao and it is not true that some of the students benefitted from it”, Abellanosa said adding that not even a single questionnaire was leaked to examinees here in Mindanao.
“The leakages reportedly started in Baguio and Manila. So the focus of investigation should be there,” Abellanosa lamented.
“The investigators themselves disclosed that based on their computerized investigations, no single questionnaire was used here in Mindanao,” Abellanosa said, adding that the re-take order is not as easy for them even if the government would shoulder the examination fees.
“The problem now is the expenses during the re-take like the board and lodging, especially for examinees who lived in distant places,” he concluded.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
“The order of the President is not equal for us here in Mindanao,” spokesman for Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students, Christopher Abellanosa, said. “Its unfair and unjust.”
Abellanosa added that the re-take order is not in principle only, since secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed it to media on Wednesday.
“The order is another burden not only to those who passed the board examinations but the entire family including their parents,” Abellanosa said.
Abellanosa said the leakage reportedly took place in Luzon. “Why are they including us here in Mindanao, when we were not party to the anomaly?, he asked.
According to Abellanosa, Capitol and Liceo de Cagayan nursing students who passed the nursing examination are contemplating to take necessary actions so that Arroyo would hear their side and their mental anguish. He adds, they will try to ask the President to reconsider her Order.
Earlier, Arroyo explained through Ermita that a re-take order of the June 2006 nursing board examinations would cover the entire batch of examinees .
Ermita noted that the Chief Executive reached such policy decision during the Cabinet meeting early this week, to reclaim the integrity of Filipino professionals and PRC-administered examinations.
“For us, the order remains unclear, whether the re-take examination will be selective or not, but still the order is an order to re-take and that order is very inimical on our part,” said Abellano.
Abellanosa also criticized the Arroyo administration of “inconsistency,”in its decision.
“The June 2006 nursing board passers already took their oath. How come Malacañang ordered for re-takes? It?s purely a form of harassment to those who honestly passed the examinations without any leakage ,” Abellanosa said.
Abellanosa also said that Malacañang should focus their investigation ongovernment agencies which took part in the alleged irregularities during nursing board examination.
“Why did Malacañang failed to immediately initiate an investigation of officials who administered the examinations? Including those floated to have been involved in the leakage?, he asked.
He said that until now no single official has been named and even punished. “The leakages they were talking about are baseless if no one is investigated or punished,” he commented.
Abellanosa also denied that students in Mindanao benefitted from the leakage, and that the accusation for cheating. should not be generalized. “Why have they not accused the examiners of cheating also?, he asked.
“This is foul. No leakage reached us here in Mindanao and it is not true that some of the students benefitted from it”, Abellanosa said adding that not even a single questionnaire was leaked to examinees here in Mindanao.
“The leakages reportedly started in Baguio and Manila. So the focus of investigation should be there,” Abellanosa lamented.
“The investigators themselves disclosed that based on their computerized investigations, no single questionnaire was used here in Mindanao,” Abellanosa said, adding that the re-take order is not as easy for them even if the government would shoulder the examination fees.
“The problem now is the expenses during the re-take like the board and lodging, especially for examinees who lived in distant places,” he concluded.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Lanao cops nab suspects of Rtmi bus robbery
POLICE authorities in Bacolod town arrested two of the six (6) suspects in the highway robbery at Sitio Lawian,in said town of, Lanao del Norte, police officials said yesterday.
Police said the suspects were the ones responsible in the robbing of Rural Transit bus number 1134 on September 12, this year.
Regional Police Community Relation's Division chief Police Senior Supt. Rolando Dela Vega identified the suspects as Rodel Labigan, 25, of Brgy Paiton, Tangub City and Cesar Estabas, 20, of Brgy Rebocon, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
"The immediate arrest of the two suspects would be a great help to our policemen in looking for the four remaining suspects," Dela Vega said.
Dela Vega said they already increased their personnel securing bus and jeepney terminals in the region to avoid another possible higway robberies.
"Personnel of Regional Traffic Management Group are now guarding highways by tightening their checkpoints," Dela Vega said adding that even management and personnel of bus companies are now cooperating for the immediate arrest of the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Florante Baguio said the suspects were arrested at Sitio Lawian, Brgy Esperanza, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte by the elements of Bacolod Municipal Police led by SPO3 Candido Briones.
Baguio said the suspects were arrested while they were on board a jeepney where one of the passengers named Richelle Hajiula who was likewise one of the victims during the said RTMI robbery, was present.
“The suspects were positively identified by our policemen as among the robbers that robbed the RTMI bus,” Baguio said adding that a hot pursuit operation is still being conducted for the arrest of other suspects.
Baguio has previously ordered Lanao del Norte provincial director PSSupt. Linog Bagul to conduct investigation right after the incident to identify and file appropriate charges in court against the suspects in order to facilitate their immediate arrest.
Baguio also said that they are still conducting operations for the immediate arrest of suspects in a separate highway robbery incident which victimized a bank in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro. The robbers got P4- million supposedly to be deposited for Ficco, a cooperative.
“We’re still investigating if the suspects arrested in Lanao have some connection to the Gusa highway robbery,” Baguio said.
Baguio said a cellphone, Nokia 6610 which turned-out to be the cellphone of Ritchelle Hajiula was seized from the possession of the suspects during their arrest.
Police said a case for highway Robbery/Brigandage was filed against the suspects docketed as Criminal Case number 12729 dated September 18, 2006 at the 12th RTC, Iligan City with a P30,000.00 bail recommended for their temporary liberty.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Police said the suspects were the ones responsible in the robbing of Rural Transit bus number 1134 on September 12, this year.
Regional Police Community Relation's Division chief Police Senior Supt. Rolando Dela Vega identified the suspects as Rodel Labigan, 25, of Brgy Paiton, Tangub City and Cesar Estabas, 20, of Brgy Rebocon, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
"The immediate arrest of the two suspects would be a great help to our policemen in looking for the four remaining suspects," Dela Vega said.
Dela Vega said they already increased their personnel securing bus and jeepney terminals in the region to avoid another possible higway robberies.
"Personnel of Regional Traffic Management Group are now guarding highways by tightening their checkpoints," Dela Vega said adding that even management and personnel of bus companies are now cooperating for the immediate arrest of the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao police head Chief Supt. Florante Baguio said the suspects were arrested at Sitio Lawian, Brgy Esperanza, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte by the elements of Bacolod Municipal Police led by SPO3 Candido Briones.
Baguio said the suspects were arrested while they were on board a jeepney where one of the passengers named Richelle Hajiula who was likewise one of the victims during the said RTMI robbery, was present.
“The suspects were positively identified by our policemen as among the robbers that robbed the RTMI bus,” Baguio said adding that a hot pursuit operation is still being conducted for the arrest of other suspects.
Baguio has previously ordered Lanao del Norte provincial director PSSupt. Linog Bagul to conduct investigation right after the incident to identify and file appropriate charges in court against the suspects in order to facilitate their immediate arrest.
Baguio also said that they are still conducting operations for the immediate arrest of suspects in a separate highway robbery incident which victimized a bank in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro. The robbers got P4- million supposedly to be deposited for Ficco, a cooperative.
“We’re still investigating if the suspects arrested in Lanao have some connection to the Gusa highway robbery,” Baguio said.
Baguio said a cellphone, Nokia 6610 which turned-out to be the cellphone of Ritchelle Hajiula was seized from the possession of the suspects during their arrest.
Police said a case for highway Robbery/Brigandage was filed against the suspects docketed as Criminal Case number 12729 dated September 18, 2006 at the 12th RTC, Iligan City with a P30,000.00 bail recommended for their temporary liberty.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "MAYAMAN" AND "MAHIRAP"
Kung mayaman ka, meron kang "allergy"
Kung mahirap ka, ang tawag dyan ay "galis" o "bakokang"
Sa mayaman, "nervous breakdown" dahil sa "tension and stress"
Sa mahirap, "sira ang ulo"
Sa mayamang "malikot ang kamay", ang tawag ay "kleptomaniac"
Sa mahirap, ang tawag ay "magnanakaw" o "kawatan"
Pag mayaman ka, you're "eccentric"
Kung mahirap ka, "may toyo ka sa ulo" o "may topak" o "may sayad"
Kung mayaman ka at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay may "migraine"
Kung mahirap ka naman at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay "nalipasan ng gutom"
Kung mayaman ka, you are referred to as someone who is "scoliotic"
Pero kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "kuba"
Kung ang señorita mo ay maitim, ang tawag ay "morena" o "kayumanggi"
Pero kung isa kang domestic na maitim, ikaw ay "ita" o "negrita" o "baluga" o "tsimay
Kung nasa high society ka at ikaw ay maliit, ang tawag sa iyo ay "petite"
Kung mahirap ka lang, ikaw ay "pandak" o "bansot" o "unano" o "jabbar"
Kung socialite ka, ikaw ay "pleasingly plump"
Kapag mahirap ka at ika'y mataba, "tabatsoy" o "lumba-lumba"... pagminamalas ka, "baboy"
Kung well-off ka at date ka rito, date ka roon, ang tawag sa iyo ay "game"
Kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "pakawala" o "pam-pam"
Kung mayamang alembong ka, ang tawag sa iyo ay "liberated"
Pero kung isa kang dukha, ang tawag sa iyo "malandi"
Kung may pera ka, ang tawag sa iyo "single parent"
Pero kung wala kang trabaho, ang tawag sa iyo "disgrasyada"
Ang tawag sa mayayamang puro gulay ang kinakain, "vegetarian"
Habang kakaawa ang mahirap na " kumakain ng damo."
Sa exclusive school, "assertive" ang mga batang sumasagot sa mga guro
Pero pag ang mga mahihirap na bata ang sumasagot sa mga guro, ang tawag sa kanila ay "walang hiya"
Ang mayamang tumatanda, "are graduating gracefully into senior citizenhood"
Ang mga mahihirap ay "gumugurang"
Ang anak ng mayaman ay "slow learner"
Ang anak ng mahirap ay "bobo" o "gung-gong"
Kung mayaman ka at marami kang kumain, you flatter your host who says, "masarap kang kumain and I like you, you do justice to my cooking"
Kung ghastly peasant ka eating the same amount in the same house, your host will say to himself na ikaw ay "patay-gutom" o "hampaslupa" o "masiba"
Kung boss ka at binabasa mo ito sa PC mo, "okay lang"
Pero kung ikaw ay hamak na empleyado lamang, ikaw ay" nagbubulakbol"... kaya forward mo na agad ito dahil nasa likod mo ang boss mo!
HOME (Jacnet)
Kung mahirap ka, ang tawag dyan ay "galis" o "bakokang"
Sa mayaman, "nervous breakdown" dahil sa "tension and stress"
Sa mahirap, "sira ang ulo"
Sa mayamang "malikot ang kamay", ang tawag ay "kleptomaniac"
Sa mahirap, ang tawag ay "magnanakaw" o "kawatan"
Pag mayaman ka, you're "eccentric"
Kung mahirap ka, "may toyo ka sa ulo" o "may topak" o "may sayad"
Kung mayaman ka at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay may "migraine"
Kung mahirap ka naman at sumakit ang ulo mo, ikaw ay "nalipasan ng gutom"
Kung mayaman ka, you are referred to as someone who is "scoliotic"
Pero kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "kuba"
Kung ang señorita mo ay maitim, ang tawag ay "morena" o "kayumanggi"
Pero kung isa kang domestic na maitim, ikaw ay "ita" o "negrita" o "baluga" o "tsimay
Kung nasa high society ka at ikaw ay maliit, ang tawag sa iyo ay "petite"
Kung mahirap ka lang, ikaw ay "pandak" o "bansot" o "unano" o "jabbar"
Kung socialite ka, ikaw ay "pleasingly plump"
Kapag mahirap ka at ika'y mataba, "tabatsoy" o "lumba-lumba"... pagminamalas ka, "baboy"
Kung well-off ka at date ka rito, date ka roon, ang tawag sa iyo ay "game"
Kung mahirap ka, ikaw ay "pakawala" o "pam-pam"
Kung mayamang alembong ka, ang tawag sa iyo ay "liberated"
Pero kung isa kang dukha, ang tawag sa iyo "malandi"
Kung may pera ka, ang tawag sa iyo "single parent"
Pero kung wala kang trabaho, ang tawag sa iyo "disgrasyada"
Ang tawag sa mayayamang puro gulay ang kinakain, "vegetarian"
Habang kakaawa ang mahirap na " kumakain ng damo."
Sa exclusive school, "assertive" ang mga batang sumasagot sa mga guro
Pero pag ang mga mahihirap na bata ang sumasagot sa mga guro, ang tawag sa kanila ay "walang hiya"
Ang mayamang tumatanda, "are graduating gracefully into senior citizenhood"
Ang mga mahihirap ay "gumugurang"
Ang anak ng mayaman ay "slow learner"
Ang anak ng mahirap ay "bobo" o "gung-gong"
Kung mayaman ka at marami kang kumain, you flatter your host who says, "masarap kang kumain and I like you, you do justice to my cooking"
Kung ghastly peasant ka eating the same amount in the same house, your host will say to himself na ikaw ay "patay-gutom" o "hampaslupa" o "masiba"
Kung boss ka at binabasa mo ito sa PC mo, "okay lang"
Pero kung ikaw ay hamak na empleyado lamang, ikaw ay" nagbubulakbol"... kaya forward mo na agad ito dahil nasa likod mo ang boss mo!
HOME (Jacnet)
Saturday, September 23, 2006
‘Pryce takes care of Moreno’s bills’
MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno has virtually turned Pryce Plaza Hotel into a home away from home and the hotel’s sister company has long been footing the bill, the governor’s accusers alleged on Wednesday.
"He (Moreno) has a very extravagant lifestyle and this does not speak well of his call for austerity measures in the provincial government,’’ said Ronnie Waniwan, one of the radio blocktimers who filed two complaints for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Eddie Dangcal, another Moreno accuser, said he and Waniwan can support their claims with documents.
Waniwan said the documents would show that Moreno has been receiving favors from Pryce Gases, a sister company of the city’s premier hotel. The firm operates a plant in Barangay Baliwagan, Balingasag, Moreno’s hometown.
He said documents he and Dangcal have show that Moreno’s hotel bills reached some P200 thousand and that Pryce Gases was supposed to shoulder it.
Waniwan said he and Dangcal scrutinized the documents, and discovered that Moreno has been frequenting if not, staying in the hotel for quite some time already.
‘‘He usually stays at Room 202," said Waniwan, citing the alleged documents he and Dangcal unearthed.
Moreno’s press officer Maricel Casiño-Rivera said the capitol has yet to release an official statement.
‘‘It’s not clear what documents they (Waniwan and Dangcal) are referring to. Unless they make it clear, it would be difficult for us to comment,’’ said Rivera in a phone interview.
Rivera said Moreno has not discussed the matter with her.
‘‘Personally, I don’t know anything about it so it’s really hard to comment,’’ said Rivera.
Rivera however said she was certain that neither Pryce Gases nor any of its sister companies was doing business in the capitol and therefore, no conflicts of interest.
No one from Pryce Plaza Hotel agreed to be interviewed by this paper yesterday.
Waniwan said Moreno should explain this in public.
‘‘Even if he (Moreno) says that he is paying for it from his own pocket, still it doesn’t look good because he is a public official who should have a simple lifestyle,’’ said Waniwan.
He said he and Dangcal were studying the possibility of pressing another charge against Moreno based on the documents they recently discovered.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
"He (Moreno) has a very extravagant lifestyle and this does not speak well of his call for austerity measures in the provincial government,’’ said Ronnie Waniwan, one of the radio blocktimers who filed two complaints for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Eddie Dangcal, another Moreno accuser, said he and Waniwan can support their claims with documents.
Waniwan said the documents would show that Moreno has been receiving favors from Pryce Gases, a sister company of the city’s premier hotel. The firm operates a plant in Barangay Baliwagan, Balingasag, Moreno’s hometown.
He said documents he and Dangcal have show that Moreno’s hotel bills reached some P200 thousand and that Pryce Gases was supposed to shoulder it.
Waniwan said he and Dangcal scrutinized the documents, and discovered that Moreno has been frequenting if not, staying in the hotel for quite some time already.
‘‘He usually stays at Room 202," said Waniwan, citing the alleged documents he and Dangcal unearthed.
Moreno’s press officer Maricel Casiño-Rivera said the capitol has yet to release an official statement.
‘‘It’s not clear what documents they (Waniwan and Dangcal) are referring to. Unless they make it clear, it would be difficult for us to comment,’’ said Rivera in a phone interview.
Rivera said Moreno has not discussed the matter with her.
‘‘Personally, I don’t know anything about it so it’s really hard to comment,’’ said Rivera.
Rivera however said she was certain that neither Pryce Gases nor any of its sister companies was doing business in the capitol and therefore, no conflicts of interest.
No one from Pryce Plaza Hotel agreed to be interviewed by this paper yesterday.
Waniwan said Moreno should explain this in public.
‘‘Even if he (Moreno) says that he is paying for it from his own pocket, still it doesn’t look good because he is a public official who should have a simple lifestyle,’’ said Waniwan.
He said he and Dangcal were studying the possibility of pressing another charge against Moreno based on the documents they recently discovered.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Friday, September 22, 2006
JACnet's back online
By MIKE BAÑOS
THE Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet) website is back online! The URL is http://www.jacnet.blogspot.com/ featuring Allan Mediante's "Lord of the Flies", the first ever investigative story approved by the JACNet Editorial Board for publication way back in 2004.
Jacnet was originally conceived to be the "virtual newspaper" for investigative stories of the Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet). The original site received financial and technical assistance from the Phil. Australian Governance Facility (PAGF) project but failed to sustain itself after it was hit with a couple of shutdowns by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) hosting the site. As a result, all the materials collated at both sites were lost and the project languished in the doldrums.
Early this year, the new Board of Directors took another look at the project and appointed yours truly to head the committee to see if the project could be resuscitated. With materials provided by past president Herbie Gomez, the remaining hard copy of the Jacnet materials were painstakingly encoded back into the computer by my kids Miguel and Leon at our residence during their free time.
Next, I recruited newly installed director Ben Balce to remake the Jacnet site which was originally designed and constructed by COPC member Ruel Pelone. The site is still under construction and more materials are lined up for inclusion.
With the new site up and running, the Board will consider in its next meeting to reorganize the Jacnet editorial board. Ben and I have already significed to COPC Pres. Uriel Quilinguing and the Board of Directors our willingness to continue serving as the Board representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board, at the same time acting as its Online Management Team.
The PAGF project report recognizes the efforts of Ruel as the the web developer and first administrator of the Jacnet website. It says "He was particularly effective, not only in constructing the website, but working closely with the website subcommittee of Jacnet. He was open to suggestions and at the same time maintained the design and structural integrity of the site.
One pleasing side-effect of the training and Mr. Pelone's management of the process is that a number of the training participants have started to develop their own sites. He was happy to support them in this."
Jacnet also previously extended an invitation to Sangga Kagayanon to host the SG website on the Jacnet website until they are able to go 'independent'. The invitation was accepted and the project funded the additional costs for developing the site and for the additional domain name www.sanggakagayanon.com.ph . This was done to preserve the independence of the organization's identity. The resuscitation of the Sangga website will also be taken up during our next board meeting to complete the original foundation for Jacnet.
Good governance principles were used as a guide in all the considerations that led to the formation, structure and rules for JACnet. The key considerations in organizing the Editorial Board were to ensure an editorially mature and legally aware Board to guide JACnet; ensure quality stories are produced without putting the COPC at unreasonable risk of legal action, and at the same time, to ensure that JACnet is editorially free from any editorial or other inappropriate pressures from the COPC Board or from outside.
There is a separation of powers between the COPC Board of Directors and the Jacnet Editorial Board. Legal guidelines and protocols are in the process of being drafted by the Project lawyers to minimize the possible legal risks top the COPC as well as the Editorial Board and the contributing journalists.
The COPC Board of Directors has been mandated to automatically set aside a budget for Jacnet at the start of their office, even if the new Jacnet Editorial Board members have not been elected yet.
The Editorial Board will also administer the budget to take care of the Website.
Income generating activities will be pursued by COPC to sustain the grants for investigating stories. This will be done through the Business and Marketing Plan.
Jacnet is governed by a seven-member Editorial Board. The roles of the Editorial Board have been defined and documented with the assistance of the legal advisors. This was deemed necessary in the light of the Jacnet commitment to fund and encourage publication of investigative stories, especially against corruption, on their own website.
The Editorial Board members take an oath of commitment to uphold the COPC Code of Ethics. It reviews and approves story proposals based on set criteria. The Board meets as the need arises – regular meetings, review and approval of story proposals, monitoring the progress of an investigative story, and review and approval of stories for publishing.
Board members are bound by oath to keep any information gained from the investigative stories confidential until Jacnet approves the stories for release. The members take their oath of commitment before the COPC Board of Directors.
The Editorial Board appoints the members of the Online Management Team for the Jacnet website. As of the moment, Director Ben Balce and myself are also serving in the capacity.
The Editorial Board is accountable to the COPC General Assembly. Its members are appointed by the COPC Board of Directors each year, three months after the COPC' elections.
The Editorial Board appointments will be based on the following criteria:
Four senior journalists – three to represent each of the print, radio and television media, one to be a senior journalist either from print, radio and television;
Two COPC Directors to be the COPC Board's representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board;
A lawyer who may or may not be a COPC member, and
The COPC President may sit in the Jacnet Editorial Board but shall have no voting powers
Criteria for membership
PRINT JOURNALIST – Regular journalist of a newspaper, whether employed or not, as long as he/she is a regular columnist/ contributor; at least five (5) years experience in print media; must be a member of the COPC.
RADIO JOURNALIST –Regular radio broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or commentator; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TV JOURNALIST –Regular TV broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or newscaster; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TWO (2) REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COPC BOARD OF DIRECTORS –Appointed by the COPC President or the Board of Directors.
LAWYER –Must have an understanding and knowledge of media and journalism and its dynamics; does not necessarily have an experience in media practice; may or may not be a COPC member.
JOURNALIST –May be from the print, radio or TV industry; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
COPC PRESIDENT –Must be the elected incumbent President. The Press Club President is an immediate member of the Editorial Board. The President is an ex-officio and will not exercise any voting powers in the Editorial Board.
Comments to mike_banos@walla.com
THE Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet) website is back online! The URL is http://www.jacnet.blogspot.com/ featuring Allan Mediante's "Lord of the Flies", the first ever investigative story approved by the JACNet Editorial Board for publication way back in 2004.
Jacnet was originally conceived to be the "virtual newspaper" for investigative stories of the Journalists Against Corruption Network (Jacnet). The original site received financial and technical assistance from the Phil. Australian Governance Facility (PAGF) project but failed to sustain itself after it was hit with a couple of shutdowns by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) hosting the site. As a result, all the materials collated at both sites were lost and the project languished in the doldrums.
Early this year, the new Board of Directors took another look at the project and appointed yours truly to head the committee to see if the project could be resuscitated. With materials provided by past president Herbie Gomez, the remaining hard copy of the Jacnet materials were painstakingly encoded back into the computer by my kids Miguel and Leon at our residence during their free time.
Next, I recruited newly installed director Ben Balce to remake the Jacnet site which was originally designed and constructed by COPC member Ruel Pelone. The site is still under construction and more materials are lined up for inclusion.
With the new site up and running, the Board will consider in its next meeting to reorganize the Jacnet editorial board. Ben and I have already significed to COPC Pres. Uriel Quilinguing and the Board of Directors our willingness to continue serving as the Board representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board, at the same time acting as its Online Management Team.
The PAGF project report recognizes the efforts of Ruel as the the web developer and first administrator of the Jacnet website. It says "He was particularly effective, not only in constructing the website, but working closely with the website subcommittee of Jacnet. He was open to suggestions and at the same time maintained the design and structural integrity of the site.
One pleasing side-effect of the training and Mr. Pelone's management of the process is that a number of the training participants have started to develop their own sites. He was happy to support them in this."
Jacnet also previously extended an invitation to Sangga Kagayanon to host the SG website on the Jacnet website until they are able to go 'independent'. The invitation was accepted and the project funded the additional costs for developing the site and for the additional domain name www.sanggakagayanon.com.ph . This was done to preserve the independence of the organization's identity. The resuscitation of the Sangga website will also be taken up during our next board meeting to complete the original foundation for Jacnet.
Good governance principles were used as a guide in all the considerations that led to the formation, structure and rules for JACnet. The key considerations in organizing the Editorial Board were to ensure an editorially mature and legally aware Board to guide JACnet; ensure quality stories are produced without putting the COPC at unreasonable risk of legal action, and at the same time, to ensure that JACnet is editorially free from any editorial or other inappropriate pressures from the COPC Board or from outside.
There is a separation of powers between the COPC Board of Directors and the Jacnet Editorial Board. Legal guidelines and protocols are in the process of being drafted by the Project lawyers to minimize the possible legal risks top the COPC as well as the Editorial Board and the contributing journalists.
The COPC Board of Directors has been mandated to automatically set aside a budget for Jacnet at the start of their office, even if the new Jacnet Editorial Board members have not been elected yet.
The Editorial Board will also administer the budget to take care of the Website.
Income generating activities will be pursued by COPC to sustain the grants for investigating stories. This will be done through the Business and Marketing Plan.
Jacnet is governed by a seven-member Editorial Board. The roles of the Editorial Board have been defined and documented with the assistance of the legal advisors. This was deemed necessary in the light of the Jacnet commitment to fund and encourage publication of investigative stories, especially against corruption, on their own website.
The Editorial Board members take an oath of commitment to uphold the COPC Code of Ethics. It reviews and approves story proposals based on set criteria. The Board meets as the need arises – regular meetings, review and approval of story proposals, monitoring the progress of an investigative story, and review and approval of stories for publishing.
Board members are bound by oath to keep any information gained from the investigative stories confidential until Jacnet approves the stories for release. The members take their oath of commitment before the COPC Board of Directors.
The Editorial Board appoints the members of the Online Management Team for the Jacnet website. As of the moment, Director Ben Balce and myself are also serving in the capacity.
The Editorial Board is accountable to the COPC General Assembly. Its members are appointed by the COPC Board of Directors each year, three months after the COPC' elections.
The Editorial Board appointments will be based on the following criteria:
Four senior journalists – three to represent each of the print, radio and television media, one to be a senior journalist either from print, radio and television;
Two COPC Directors to be the COPC Board's representatives in the Jacnet Editorial Board;
A lawyer who may or may not be a COPC member, and
The COPC President may sit in the Jacnet Editorial Board but shall have no voting powers
Criteria for membership
PRINT JOURNALIST – Regular journalist of a newspaper, whether employed or not, as long as he/she is a regular columnist/ contributor; at least five (5) years experience in print media; must be a member of the COPC.
RADIO JOURNALIST –Regular radio broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or commentator; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TV JOURNALIST –Regular TV broadcaster, whether news editor, reporter or newscaster; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
TWO (2) REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COPC BOARD OF DIRECTORS –Appointed by the COPC President or the Board of Directors.
LAWYER –Must have an understanding and knowledge of media and journalism and its dynamics; does not necessarily have an experience in media practice; may or may not be a COPC member.
JOURNALIST –May be from the print, radio or TV industry; with at least five (5) years experience in broadcast media; must be a member of the COPC.
COPC PRESIDENT –Must be the elected incumbent President. The Press Club President is an immediate member of the Editorial Board. The President is an ex-officio and will not exercise any voting powers in the Editorial Board.
Comments to mike_banos@walla.com
Enteria body trashes anti-Emano motion
THE city council’s committee on laws and rules on Wednesday rejected opposition Councilor Zaldy Ocon’s proposal to declare Mayor Vicente Emano persona non grata.
Ocon’s proposal was thrown out despite the documents he brought with him to support the proposal before the committee chaired by Emano ally Councilor Mary-anne Enteria. The committee’s members include councilors Edgardo Cabanlas, Reynaldo Advincula and Jerico Goldmar Ebabacol, all closely identified with the mayor.
The committee declared the proposed resolution to be baseless.
The rejection would mean the proposal would not be endorsed by the committee for discussion in the plenary.
Cabanlas said the proposed resolution was unfair to Emano.
It was impossible because Emano is the city’s chief executive. "We can’t declare him (Emano) persona non grata because he has the immunity as ambassador of this city," Cabanlas said.
"How can we declare the chief executive persona non grata?" Enteria said.
Advincula said Ocon’s proposal was "unfair" to Cagayanons who voted to make Emano their mayor.
Ocon lashed at the committee, saying its members only showed the extent by which they were willing to defend Emano.
Without elaborating, he said the committee on rules ‘‘exploited the rules.’’
He said the move to reject his proposal was without basis.
Ocon said he would prusue a signature campaign in the city so the public would declare Emano persona non grata.
His proposal stemmed from Emano’s memorandum that prevented city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without his green light. Ocon has long been accusing Emano of keeping the public in the dark in regard to city hall’s finances and multimillion-peso transactions.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon’s proposal was thrown out despite the documents he brought with him to support the proposal before the committee chaired by Emano ally Councilor Mary-anne Enteria. The committee’s members include councilors Edgardo Cabanlas, Reynaldo Advincula and Jerico Goldmar Ebabacol, all closely identified with the mayor.
The committee declared the proposed resolution to be baseless.
The rejection would mean the proposal would not be endorsed by the committee for discussion in the plenary.
Cabanlas said the proposed resolution was unfair to Emano.
It was impossible because Emano is the city’s chief executive. "We can’t declare him (Emano) persona non grata because he has the immunity as ambassador of this city," Cabanlas said.
"How can we declare the chief executive persona non grata?" Enteria said.
Advincula said Ocon’s proposal was "unfair" to Cagayanons who voted to make Emano their mayor.
Ocon lashed at the committee, saying its members only showed the extent by which they were willing to defend Emano.
Without elaborating, he said the committee on rules ‘‘exploited the rules.’’
He said the move to reject his proposal was without basis.
Ocon said he would prusue a signature campaign in the city so the public would declare Emano persona non grata.
His proposal stemmed from Emano’s memorandum that prevented city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without his green light. Ocon has long been accusing Emano of keeping the public in the dark in regard to city hall’s finances and multimillion-peso transactions.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fresh docs show guv got favors: Moreno accusers
RADIO blocktimer Ronnie Waniwan yesterday claimed to have uncovered damning evidence that Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno violated the anti-graft law by allegedly receiving favors from a group of companies that has been running a famous hotel in the city.
Waniwan also said he and another radio blocktimer, Eddie Dangcal, are preparing to file four more graft charges against the Misamis Oriental governor.
Waniwan confirmed his and Dangcal’s plan to file more complaints yesterday, a day after the duo lodged a second graft complaint against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Waniwan said new documents he and Dangcal supposedly uncovered were ‘‘damaging.’’
The documents, said Waniwan, would show that the Moreno violated a law that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or favors.
Waniwan did not elaborate.
But the four additional complaints, he said, would be based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) which looked into the finances of the capitol as of 2005.
On Monday, Waniwan and Dangcal filed a second complaint against Moreno for allowing the capitol purchase of medicines allegedly without a bidding.
The complaint came a week after the two accused Moreno of graft in connection with the COA’s findings that the capitol spent some P12.6 million for fuel provided to private vehicles in 2005.
Last Monday, they accused Moreno of ‘‘shopping’’ for medicines allegedly to avoid biddings.
The complaint was filed before the ombudsman around 4 pm on Monday.
Charged with Moreno were acting provincial budget officer Elmer Wabe, acting provincial accountant Divina Bade and provincial treasurer Amelita Pacuribot.
Waniwan and Dangcal, registered residents of Gingoog City and El Salvador town, respectively, alleged that Moreno conspired with Wabe, Bade and Pacuribot in purchasing medicines and other medical supplies through ‘‘shopping’’ without competitive biddings.
In a three-page complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal alleged that the officials violated Republic Act 9184 that requires for competitive biddings and released payments to suppliers to the the detriment of the province.
They said the act was also a violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Reads a portion of the Waniwan-Dangcal complaint: "In order to get away from public bidding, the province of Misamis Oriental purchased the medicines and medical supplies by splitting the purchase requests and purchase orders in order to reduce the amount per purchase order to below P250,000 in order to avail the alternative mode of shopping.’’
To avoid biddings, Waniwan said the capitol officials limited the purchase of medicines to P50 thousand a day.
But this was done daily, he said.
In one instance, they said, the capitol made several purchase requests and orders. Collectively, the medicines would cost P250 thousand.
"The only logical conclusion for this is because they were trying to evade competitive public biddings," said Waniwan.
He also said the capitol should have bought the medicines in bulk after a bidding so the prices would be advantageous to the province.
In their complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal asked the ombudsman to suspend Moreno and the other officials to ensure a no-nonsense investigation into the alleged irregularities.
This paper tried to ask capitol officials for their comment in regard to the complaint but to no avail.
Bade declined to comment, saying she was leaving matters to the office of the governor.
Moreno was not in his office when this paper tried to ask him to comment.
Moreno’s press office chief, Maricel Casiño Rivera, told reporters earlier that the governor welcomed any complaint against him and that the official was ready to defend himself before any court.
Moreno, in earlier interviews, claimed the accusations hurled at him by Waniwan and Dangcal were part of a demolition job launched by his political enemies.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Waniwan also said he and another radio blocktimer, Eddie Dangcal, are preparing to file four more graft charges against the Misamis Oriental governor.
Waniwan confirmed his and Dangcal’s plan to file more complaints yesterday, a day after the duo lodged a second graft complaint against Moreno before the ombudsman.
Waniwan said new documents he and Dangcal supposedly uncovered were ‘‘damaging.’’
The documents, said Waniwan, would show that the Moreno violated a law that prohibits public officials from receiving gifts or favors.
Waniwan did not elaborate.
But the four additional complaints, he said, would be based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) which looked into the finances of the capitol as of 2005.
On Monday, Waniwan and Dangcal filed a second complaint against Moreno for allowing the capitol purchase of medicines allegedly without a bidding.
The complaint came a week after the two accused Moreno of graft in connection with the COA’s findings that the capitol spent some P12.6 million for fuel provided to private vehicles in 2005.
Last Monday, they accused Moreno of ‘‘shopping’’ for medicines allegedly to avoid biddings.
The complaint was filed before the ombudsman around 4 pm on Monday.
Charged with Moreno were acting provincial budget officer Elmer Wabe, acting provincial accountant Divina Bade and provincial treasurer Amelita Pacuribot.
Waniwan and Dangcal, registered residents of Gingoog City and El Salvador town, respectively, alleged that Moreno conspired with Wabe, Bade and Pacuribot in purchasing medicines and other medical supplies through ‘‘shopping’’ without competitive biddings.
In a three-page complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal alleged that the officials violated Republic Act 9184 that requires for competitive biddings and released payments to suppliers to the the detriment of the province.
They said the act was also a violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Reads a portion of the Waniwan-Dangcal complaint: "In order to get away from public bidding, the province of Misamis Oriental purchased the medicines and medical supplies by splitting the purchase requests and purchase orders in order to reduce the amount per purchase order to below P250,000 in order to avail the alternative mode of shopping.’’
To avoid biddings, Waniwan said the capitol officials limited the purchase of medicines to P50 thousand a day.
But this was done daily, he said.
In one instance, they said, the capitol made several purchase requests and orders. Collectively, the medicines would cost P250 thousand.
"The only logical conclusion for this is because they were trying to evade competitive public biddings," said Waniwan.
He also said the capitol should have bought the medicines in bulk after a bidding so the prices would be advantageous to the province.
In their complaint, Waniwan and Dangcal asked the ombudsman to suspend Moreno and the other officials to ensure a no-nonsense investigation into the alleged irregularities.
This paper tried to ask capitol officials for their comment in regard to the complaint but to no avail.
Bade declined to comment, saying she was leaving matters to the office of the governor.
Moreno was not in his office when this paper tried to ask him to comment.
Moreno’s press office chief, Maricel Casiño Rivera, told reporters earlier that the governor welcomed any complaint against him and that the official was ready to defend himself before any court.
Moreno, in earlier interviews, claimed the accusations hurled at him by Waniwan and Dangcal were part of a demolition job launched by his political enemies.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon starts sign drive to declare Emano persona non grata
OPPOSITION Councilor Zaldy Ocon yesterday said he would launch a citywide signature campaign to declare Mayor Vicente Emano persona non grata due to his failure to win the support of the PaDayon Pilipino-dominated city council.
Ocon has moved to declare the mayor persona non grata because of a controversial memorandum that prohibits city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without the mayor’s green light. Ocon’s motion has been referred to a city council committee.
But Ocon said he was certain the motion would be rejected because pro-Emano councilors like Councilor Edgar Cabanlas were against it from the beginning.
"There are only two of us fighting. We would be lucky to get three votes,’’ said Ocon.
During his DxCC program, Ocon started calling on residents to support his cause. He said he would work to win the support of at least half of the city’s population for his signature campaign.
Ocon said barangay-based leaders who are disappointed with the Emano administration would help him carry out the citywide signature campaign.
For starters, Ocon’s campaign centers would be at radio station DxCC and the capitol grounds near the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Building on Apolinar Velez St..
On Monday, Ocon moved to declare Emano persona non grata because of the administration’s policy which the councilor said was against transparency and good governance. He alleged that the alleged graft and corrupt practices in city hall have become ‘‘uncontrollable.’’
Ocon reiterated his call for Emano to explain and show documents in regard to multimillion-peso projects, including the market and terminal construction projects in Bulua and Gusa, and the build-operate-transfer scheme for the Cogon and Carmen markets.
Ocon also called for transparency in regard to the construction of the Pelaez Bridge and the multimillion-peso road projects.
Ocon’s motion is set for discussion in the council’s committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Maryanne Enteria, another Emano ally.
Councilor Cabanlas said the proposed resolution is tainted with political motives. He argued that Emano cannot be declared persona non grata because he was elected mayor of the city.
Ocon’s motion would be the main agenda of the Enteria committee this afternoon.
"The resolution filed by councilor Ocon will be deliberated Wednesday," Enteria confirmed.
Enteria said members of the committee would focus on the legitimacy of the proposed resolution.
If approved, the motion would be discussed by the council on Monday.
But earlier, Enteria called the proposed resolution "baseless." She said it was an ‘‘accusation’’ and not a ‘‘resolution.’’
Enteria said the committee would determine if the Ocon proposal should be calendared for council discussion.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ocon has moved to declare the mayor persona non grata because of a controversial memorandum that prohibits city hall’s department heads and employees from appearing in investigations without the mayor’s green light. Ocon’s motion has been referred to a city council committee.
But Ocon said he was certain the motion would be rejected because pro-Emano councilors like Councilor Edgar Cabanlas were against it from the beginning.
"There are only two of us fighting. We would be lucky to get three votes,’’ said Ocon.
During his DxCC program, Ocon started calling on residents to support his cause. He said he would work to win the support of at least half of the city’s population for his signature campaign.
Ocon said barangay-based leaders who are disappointed with the Emano administration would help him carry out the citywide signature campaign.
For starters, Ocon’s campaign centers would be at radio station DxCC and the capitol grounds near the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Building on Apolinar Velez St..
On Monday, Ocon moved to declare Emano persona non grata because of the administration’s policy which the councilor said was against transparency and good governance. He alleged that the alleged graft and corrupt practices in city hall have become ‘‘uncontrollable.’’
Ocon reiterated his call for Emano to explain and show documents in regard to multimillion-peso projects, including the market and terminal construction projects in Bulua and Gusa, and the build-operate-transfer scheme for the Cogon and Carmen markets.
Ocon also called for transparency in regard to the construction of the Pelaez Bridge and the multimillion-peso road projects.
Ocon’s motion is set for discussion in the council’s committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Maryanne Enteria, another Emano ally.
Councilor Cabanlas said the proposed resolution is tainted with political motives. He argued that Emano cannot be declared persona non grata because he was elected mayor of the city.
Ocon’s motion would be the main agenda of the Enteria committee this afternoon.
"The resolution filed by councilor Ocon will be deliberated Wednesday," Enteria confirmed.
Enteria said members of the committee would focus on the legitimacy of the proposed resolution.
If approved, the motion would be discussed by the council on Monday.
But earlier, Enteria called the proposed resolution "baseless." She said it was an ‘‘accusation’’ and not a ‘‘resolution.’’
Enteria said the committee would determine if the Ocon proposal should be calendared for council discussion.
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Presumption of innocence favors judge, says Villaroya
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Susan Palmes and Ben Balce / Sep 18) - A prominent Cagayan de Oro lawyer who caught the ire of judges when he publicly expressed his concern over allegations of corruption in the city’s courts several months ago said the accuser of regional Judge Gregorio Pantanosas would need to work harder to substantiate his claim that the magistrate asked a P1-million bribe.
‘‘The presumption of innocence favors the judge more so as the complainant is a publicity seeker,’’ said lawyer Roderico Villaroya.
Pantanosas’ accuser, Elly Pamatong, has been described by some lawyers here as ‘‘sharp’’ but ‘‘weird.’’
Pamatong is the same lawyer who was barred by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from running for President in 2004 because he was a ‘‘nuisance candidate.’’ That same year, he was linked to a group that scattered metal spikes on the streets and roads of Manila.
Pamatong is also known to be advocating to make the Philippines one of the states of the US.
Villaroya said he witnessed when Pantanosas ordered Pamatong to remove his fez inside the courtroom. He said he did not find the incident ‘‘alarming.’’
‘‘What transpired after is beyond my knowledge,’’ said Villaroya.
He added: ‘‘If a judge accepts a bribe, the lawyer is the bigger thief. Lawyers should not offer bribes as normally judges do not demand unless tempted."
Former vice mayor Antonio Soriano, a lawyer by profession, said he doubted if Pantanosas did what Pamatong claimed the judge did.
"I don’t think judge Pantanosas would do that," Soriano said.
"I know Judge Pantanosas personally, he is a good judge," Soriano said.
As for Pamatong, Soriano said, "I really don’t know him. It’s hard to describe him. I don’t even know if Pamatong is really a Muslim or a Christian."
But at the end of the day, Soriano said the question of who is really telling the truth would be decided by the Supreme Court.
The case against Pantanosas has become the talk of the town insofar as the city’s legal community is concerned. But most lawyers have opted not to speak on the record.
Even at the Hall of Justice, court employees opted to keep mum.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Let's take lie-detector test, Waniwan dares Moreno
ONE of the accusers of Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno has dared the province’s leader to take a lie-detector test.
Ronnie Waniwan, who was among those who filed a complaint for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman, also threatened to file libel charges against the governor for accusing him and two other complainants––Eddie Dangcal and Rey Abaca-hin––of being used by his (Moreno’s) political enemies.
Waniwan and Dangcal are known to be television and radio blocktimers while Abacahin is a TV program segment producer. Yesterday, media groups in the city said the act of Wani-wan, Dangcal and Abaca-hin in suing Moreno is not a media function. But the groups said the three complainants have the right to do what they did as citizens.
Waniwan called More-no’s statements over a radio station last week ‘‘irresponsible.’’
"Oca (Moreno), as lawyer, should stick to the issues, and he should not drag the names of other politicians," said Waniwan even as he accused the governor of trying to divert the issue on graft to partisan politics.
Waniwan said he was willing to take the lie-detector test together with Moreno ‘‘so we will know who is really telling the truth.’’
Moreno has accused Waniwan and company of taking part in a ‘‘demolition job’’ against him. He said it was clear to him that his accusers were being backed and funded by his political enemies.
Waniwan was accused of trying to ask P30 thousand in exchange for a news blackout on the Commission on Audit’s 2005 annual audit report. He was also accused of asking for an endorsement in preparation for his likely bid for a city council seat in Gingoog next year.
Waniwan denied all these, including the claim that he was merely sourgraping because Moreno did not help him when he (Waniwan) was arrested and detained in a Gingoog prison in connection with a libel case.
"Personally, I filed the case to right the wrong. There are extravagant expenses and Oca should realize that he does not own the money of the people of Misamis Oriental," said Waniwan, denying that he had ‘‘handlers’’ and ‘‘financiers.’’
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Ronnie Waniwan, who was among those who filed a complaint for graft against Moreno before the ombudsman, also threatened to file libel charges against the governor for accusing him and two other complainants––Eddie Dangcal and Rey Abaca-hin––of being used by his (Moreno’s) political enemies.
Waniwan and Dangcal are known to be television and radio blocktimers while Abacahin is a TV program segment producer. Yesterday, media groups in the city said the act of Wani-wan, Dangcal and Abaca-hin in suing Moreno is not a media function. But the groups said the three complainants have the right to do what they did as citizens.
Waniwan called More-no’s statements over a radio station last week ‘‘irresponsible.’’
"Oca (Moreno), as lawyer, should stick to the issues, and he should not drag the names of other politicians," said Waniwan even as he accused the governor of trying to divert the issue on graft to partisan politics.
Waniwan said he was willing to take the lie-detector test together with Moreno ‘‘so we will know who is really telling the truth.’’
Moreno has accused Waniwan and company of taking part in a ‘‘demolition job’’ against him. He said it was clear to him that his accusers were being backed and funded by his political enemies.
Waniwan was accused of trying to ask P30 thousand in exchange for a news blackout on the Commission on Audit’s 2005 annual audit report. He was also accused of asking for an endorsement in preparation for his likely bid for a city council seat in Gingoog next year.
Waniwan denied all these, including the claim that he was merely sourgraping because Moreno did not help him when he (Waniwan) was arrested and detained in a Gingoog prison in connection with a libel case.
"Personally, I filed the case to right the wrong. There are extravagant expenses and Oca should realize that he does not own the money of the people of Misamis Oriental," said Waniwan, denying that he had ‘‘handlers’’ and ‘‘financiers.’’
Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Capitol fuel recipients face charges
ONE of the three accusers of Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno has threatened to file charges against the owners of private vehicles who allegedly received fuel from the capitol last year.
‘‘They have no right to get a supply of fuel from the government,’’ said RMN TV-8 segment producer Rey Abacahin who was the first to press charges against Moreno in connection with the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA).
The COA, in a report, questioned the capitol’s P12.6-million fuel expenses in 2005. It said the capitol provided fuel to private vehicles. Capitol officials later claimed they were able to justify the fuel expenses, and that the provincial auditor was satisfied with their explanation.
But Abacahin said he was not satisfied with the capitol’s claim and that its officials need to be held accountable.
He said he was looking into the COA report and was contemplating on filing more charges, this time against those who received fuel from the capitol.
Abacahin said a broadcaster is one of the fuel recipients. He however declined to identify the broadcaster, saying he was still gathering more evidence against him. He said he was still discussing the matter with his lawyer.
He claimed the broadcaster’s name surfaced when capitol documents were leaked as a result of the 2005 audit.
Based on the information he gathered, Abacahin said the broadcaster received a supply of fuel from the capitol ‘‘quarterly.’’
Abacahin and two others––television and radio ‘‘blocktimers’’ Eddie Dangcal and Ronnie Waniwan––have accused Moreno of graft and technical malversation of funds before the ombudsman on separate occassions a week ago. The three strongly denied Moreno’s accusations that they were being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ and that the complaints were part of a supposed smear campaign.
"If Moreno is telling the truth and if he has committed no wrongdoing, then he should prove that he is, in the proper forum. If he is on the side of truth, then the truth would set him free," Abacahin said.
Moreno, over DxIF-Bombo Radyo late last week, strongly denied any wrongdoing on his part. He said his accusers were being used by his political enemies who supposedly launched a demolition campaign against him.
Moreno alleged that his accusers were being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ who are supposedly out to carry out a demolition job against him.
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job.
"All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Fire destroys 50 houses in Oro
OVER 50 houses were destroyed and no less than P5 million in property went up in smoke when a fire broke out in an urban barangay shortly after 9 am here yesterday.
It all started with an argument, said investigators, quoting witnesses.
Authorities are looking for Taroy Saluaga, 43, because witnesses said he threw a gas stove at his brother at the height of a fight.
Investigators said the gas stove may have caused the fire that struck the thickly populated community in Barangay 15, between Kalambaguhan and Burgos, this city.
Cagayan de Oro fire marshall Oscar Abecia said the fire razed to the ground over 50 houses and other establishments. At least 200 families were left homeless.
Badly hit areas were the interior areas of Makahambus, Kalambaguhan, Burgos and Capistrano streets.
A woman, Irene Miranda, was hurt when the 25-year-old jumped from the 2nd level of a burning house.
A two-door apartment owned by ex-vice mayor Antonio Soriano was destroyed.
Fe Licayan, a witness, said she saw the Saluaga brothers exchanging blows. Shortly after, she said she heard an explosion and then the fire spread.
Others said the fire started from the house of Joaquin Saluaga.
Abecia ordered arson investigators to dig deeper and see if the Saluaga brothers were really responsible. He said the local fire bureau would press charges if a case is established against the Saluagas.
"We are still verifying the reports. But this early, it really looks like an arson case based on what residents are saying," Abecia said.
It took more than two hours for firefighters to extinguish the fire. Abecia said the absence of protective gears such as gas masks made it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire that quickly spread because the houses were mostly made of wood.
Abecia said firefighters could not penetrate because of the absence of a pathway.
Curious onlookers and affected residents also gave firefighters a difficult time because it took time before they cleared the streets.
The fire alarm reached 4th level, prompting fire volunteers from private companies and from M
Misamis Oriental towns to respond.
Moreno says accusers backed by 'handlers, financiers'
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (BEN BALCE / Sept. 9) - MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno yesterday accused his accusers of being backed by ‘‘handlers and financiers’’ who are supposedly out to carry out a demolition job against him.
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers––Eddie Dangcal, Ronnie Waniwan and Rey Abacahin––were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job. "All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Moreno said it was unlikely that his accusers––Eddie Dangcal, Ronnie Waniwan and Rey Abacahin––were acting on their own when they field complaints for graft against him before the ombudsman on separate occasions.
"Their intentions are very obvious," said Moreno over DxIF-Bombo Radyo, adding that the complainants were merely being used.
Moreno said he feared the image of the province would be adversely affected by the accusations. ‘‘It’s not me, it’s the province that will really suffer.’’
He faulted his political opponents, saying they resorted to using ‘‘dummies’’ to press charges against him because they were supposedly running out of issues for the alleged demolition job. "All they are after is to demolish me, even to the extent of using dummies."
Abacahin, a local TV segment producer who is one of the complainants, strongly denied Moreno’s accusation.
"I filed the complaint against the governor because of principles. I have no financiers or handlers,’’ Abacahin said.
Abacahin, the first to press charges against Moreno, said he filed the complaint with the intention of knowing the truth and to pressure the governor to be accountable for the use of P12.6 million of capitol funds to provide private vehicles fuel last year.
Abacahin said the owners of all the private vehicles who were given fuel by the capitol in 2005 should also be investigated and subsequently charged in court, too.
Flood Waters Wash Away Family of 4 in Misamis Oriental
VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MIKE BAÑOS / Sept. 9) – A FAMILY of four was washed away early Saturday morning when a flash flood hit their riverside dwelling in this municipality, barely a month after rampaging flash floods and storm tides brought by the southwest monsoon lashed ten towns of the province.
Ma. Cecilia Casino-Rivera, provincial information officer, identified the victims as the Yacona family of Ernesto Yacuna of San Roque Village, Relocation Site, Barangay Dayawan,. Their dwelling was washed away by raging flood waters which hit the area around 2:00AM Saturday, 09 September 2006.
Rescuers have already recovered the bodies of two children Marylose, eight (8) years old, and Jessabel, three (3) months old but the remains of the mother, Annalyn and youngest child Jessamie, two (2) year old have still not been found.
An unidentified number of other dwellings have also been reportedly swept away by the flash flood.
Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro Sabuga-a has mobilized the PDCC Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and Bombo Radyo's Philippines 2000 Rescue Team to recover the remains of the missing mother and her child as well as bring relief goods to affected households in the area.
Earlier last month, Sabug-a appealed to the respective Sangguniang Bayans (municipal councils) of towns recently hit by similar flash floods and storm tides to pass an ordinance prohibiting the construction of human dwellings in vulnerable areas such as shorelines and riverbanks.
mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Karapatan links military to another slay
A HUMAN rights group un northern Mindanao yesterday linked the military to Sunday night’s killing of an urban poor organization leader in Valencia city.
The victim was identified as Candelario Ayuda, 42, chair of the Kilusan ng Mamamayan in Valencia.
Ayuda was shot dead while driving a "motorela" at the Valencia city proper around 10 pm, Sunday. He was on his way home.
Karapatan regional coordinator Beverly Musni alleged that the assailants were members of the Military Intelligence Company (Mico) based in Bukidnon.
Musni said Ayuda was an organizer of the party-list group Bayan Muna.
The army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, Maj. Nathan Sagun, strongly denied Karapatan’s allegation.
"That is a hasty conclusion by Karapatan, a fallacy," said Sagun.
Sagun then lashed at Karapatan. ‘‘When the NPA (New People’s Army) carries out a killing spree, they are silent.’’
However, Musni said the denial aired by Sagun would be measured against the unsolved killings of 745 other militants, activists and journalists in the country.
"Witnesses can prove that it was the military," Musni said.
Police said Ayuda’s killers used a caliber .45 pistol. They said two gunshot wounds in the back killed the militant leader.
"He died on the spot," police said.
Investigators reportedly recovered six slugs at the crime scene.
Police said they were still looking into the case and were trying to identify the suspects. They did not rule out the possibility that he was killed because of his involvement in militant activities. But they said there were other factors to be considered.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
The victim was identified as Candelario Ayuda, 42, chair of the Kilusan ng Mamamayan in Valencia.
Ayuda was shot dead while driving a "motorela" at the Valencia city proper around 10 pm, Sunday. He was on his way home.
Karapatan regional coordinator Beverly Musni alleged that the assailants were members of the Military Intelligence Company (Mico) based in Bukidnon.
Musni said Ayuda was an organizer of the party-list group Bayan Muna.
The army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, Maj. Nathan Sagun, strongly denied Karapatan’s allegation.
"That is a hasty conclusion by Karapatan, a fallacy," said Sagun.
Sagun then lashed at Karapatan. ‘‘When the NPA (New People’s Army) carries out a killing spree, they are silent.’’
However, Musni said the denial aired by Sagun would be measured against the unsolved killings of 745 other militants, activists and journalists in the country.
"Witnesses can prove that it was the military," Musni said.
Police said Ayuda’s killers used a caliber .45 pistol. They said two gunshot wounds in the back killed the militant leader.
"He died on the spot," police said.
Investigators reportedly recovered six slugs at the crime scene.
Police said they were still looking into the case and were trying to identify the suspects. They did not rule out the possibility that he was killed because of his involvement in militant activities. But they said there were other factors to be considered.
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Misamis Oriental New Battleground of RP "Liquor War"
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 3) - The "Liquor War" for control of the country's alcohol market has found a new battleground in the province of Misamis Oriental.
Bitter corporate rivals Tanduay Distillers Inc. (Tanduay) and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) are both putting up new plants in this Northern Mindanao province to consolidate their forces for control of the lucrative hard liquor market in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as nearby markets in Asean.
GSMI drew first blood when it took an option for 30 hectares of the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental on August 27, 2004. Company sources said a P1.4-billion alcohol distillery with a capacity of 75,000 liters of hard liquor a day will be built on what will eventually be a 100-hectare property.
SMC said production from the distillery will primarily be used to support its export operations. GSMI is 79.6-percent owned by food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) is a diversified alcohol-based beverage company owned by San Miguel Corporation . Originally known as La Tondeňa Distilleries, Inc., it was founded by the late Carlos Palanca, its main products are basically hard liquor.
It claims to be the largest producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages in the Philippines. In each of its product categories, Ginebra San Miguel is the market leader, with over 70% share of the gin market.
The company supports these brands through a nationwide distribution network that includes 500 beer distributors owned by San Miguel Corporation, a leading multinational in Asia that is the largest food and beverage producer in the Philippines.(orchidasia.com)
GSMI said its net income fell 40 percent to P331.9 million in the first half, from P552.8 million in the same period last year.
But Tanduay now appears to have taken the initiative from GSMI when taipan Lucio Tan announced Saturday at the 15th Mindanao Business Conference in Zamboanga City that the wholly-owned subsidiary of Tanduay Holdings, Inc. has already started construction for a P1-billion Tanduay factory besides Asia Brewery Inc.'s existing brewery in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.
"Seeing the great potential in Mindanao as a growth area, we are expanding our presence here by investing P1 billion for Tanduay's facility beside Asia Brewery's plant and another P250-million for a soft drinks facility also in Cagayan de Oro," Tan said.
The tycoon said the liquor facility would be one of his company's biggest investments in Mindanao. "Our group's (Lucio Tan Group of Companies) biggest exposure in Mindanao is the state-of-the-art brewing facility of Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) in Cagayan de Oro, and it is the first brewery to invest in Mindanao," he said.
What Tan was referring to was actually the ABI brewery in the town of El Salvador, some 20 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental and the first ever brewery in Mindanao.
Rated to produce approximately 2 million hectoliters of beer per annum, the brewery boasts of fully computerized state-of-the-art brewing facilities and fills ABI's need to supply the growing demand for its products in Mindanao and the Visayas.
The new Tanduay plant will produce 400,000 cases of rum a month, which together with its other plants in Manila, Laguna and Bacolod , would give Tanduay a combined monthly output of 1.3 million cases.
The new facility will be constructed on a two hectares lot within the ABI complex in El Salvador and would include a warehouse, packing facility, distillery and aging plant. It will be built in a year with mostly internally generated funds.
Sources from the ABI plant in El Salvador conform construction has already been going on for two months on the Tanduay plant as well as an adjacent factory for ABI's Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water.
Absolute goes through state-of-the-art distillation process employing vapor compression and ozonation and is the first bottled water company to receive NSF certification.
However, there is still no company information available on when construction would start for a P250-million soft drinks factory (also announced by Tan) which will reportedly manufacture the branded Virgin Cola within the same ABI complex.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno welcomed the entry of the two rival liquor companies in the province and believes the intense competition between the two firms would serve as a catalyst for further growth and development in the region.
"We would like to stress laissez faire or free enterprise in Misamis Oriental, and allow the investor to go about his businessman with a minimum of interference but maximum support from local government," Moreno said.
Besides the ABI brewery and the upcoming Tanduay, Absolute, Virgin Cola and GSMI plants, Misamis Oriental also hosts other fruit and other beverage plants in Cagayan de Oro City like Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Nature's Spring and Del Monte.
" mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com >Link
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Transco Transition: Abellanosa promoted, Sanchez takes over NCMA
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (By MIKE BAÑOS / Sep 1) The National Transmission Corporation's (Transco) Mindanao Operations and Maintenance in Bgy. Ditucalan, Iligan City has a new boss.
He's Engr. Emmanuel M. Abellanosa, erstwhile North Central Mindanao Area Manager for Transco, formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City. Abellanosa has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao. He is charged with the operations and maintenance of all Transco's transmission facilities in Mindanao, including its power lines, power pylons and substations.
Abellanosa has been serving as NCMA Manager since 1992. A native of Cagayan de Oro City, he is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and passed the board for electrical engineers in 1974, and the professional electrical engineering board in 1987.
He will be replaced by Engr. Virgilio P. Sanchez, who previously served as corporate staff officer in the Transco Office of the Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance.
Gil, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to Cagayan de Oro, having served here previously under Abellanosa as a Technical Staff in 1992-2001. He also served briefly in the same capacity in Transco's North Western Mindanao Area based in Pagadian City, before moving to Cebu in 2002 prior to this assignment.
Sanchez is an electrical engineering graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Class '83 and passed the board for electrical engineers in the same year. He hurdled the professional electrical engineering board in 1988.
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He's Engr. Emmanuel M. Abellanosa, erstwhile North Central Mindanao Area Manager for Transco, formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City. Abellanosa has been appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Mindanao. He is charged with the operations and maintenance of all Transco's transmission facilities in Mindanao, including its power lines, power pylons and substations.
Abellanosa has been serving as NCMA Manager since 1992. A native of Cagayan de Oro City, he is an Electrical Engineering graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and passed the board for electrical engineers in 1974, and the professional electrical engineering board in 1987.
He will be replaced by Engr. Virgilio P. Sanchez, who previously served as corporate staff officer in the Transco Office of the Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance.
Gil, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to Cagayan de Oro, having served here previously under Abellanosa as a Technical Staff in 1992-2001. He also served briefly in the same capacity in Transco's North Western Mindanao Area based in Pagadian City, before moving to Cebu in 2002 prior to this assignment.
Sanchez is an electrical engineering graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) Class '83 and passed the board for electrical engineers in the same year. He hurdled the professional electrical engineering board in 1988.
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Friday, September 01, 2006
Cabanlas says judge has an ax to grind against him
COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas yesterday risked catching the ire of regional Judge Anita Lucagbo when he attacked her––and her decision––in declaring him and other local officials guilty of deceiving the court in connection with a case that stemmed from the redevelopment of Cogon market.
Cabanlas, one of those who served as city hall’s lawyers in the case, said a personal grudge made Lucagbo decide against him and his clients.
"Dunay kami’y personal nga away sa piskal pa siya (We had a personal misunderstanding back when she was still a prosecutor)," said Cabanlas without elaborating.
He called Lucagbo’s order ‘‘unfair and biased" and added that the judge took matters personally.
This was not the first time Lucagbo ruled against him. He said the judge has not been fair in her decisions in many, if not all of the cases he handled in her courtroom.
"For a long time, all my cases were not given a single merit in that branch," Cabanlas said.
Cabanlas described Lucagbo’s recent decision as ‘‘unjust, cruel and unfair,’’ adding that the judge should have first decided on his group’s motion for reconsideration in connection with a case for the annulment of City Ordinance no. 8931-2003 before she cited them for indirect contempt.
"She has no respect for the members of the city council," said Cabanlas.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Cabanlas, one of those who served as city hall’s lawyers in the case, said a personal grudge made Lucagbo decide against him and his clients.
"Dunay kami’y personal nga away sa piskal pa siya (We had a personal misunderstanding back when she was still a prosecutor)," said Cabanlas without elaborating.
He called Lucagbo’s order ‘‘unfair and biased" and added that the judge took matters personally.
This was not the first time Lucagbo ruled against him. He said the judge has not been fair in her decisions in many, if not all of the cases he handled in her courtroom.
"For a long time, all my cases were not given a single merit in that branch," Cabanlas said.
Cabanlas described Lucagbo’s recent decision as ‘‘unjust, cruel and unfair,’’ adding that the judge should have first decided on his group’s motion for reconsideration in connection with a case for the annulment of City Ordinance no. 8931-2003 before she cited them for indirect contempt.
"She has no respect for the members of the city council," said Cabanlas.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Who will pay the fines?
LOCAL legislators met behind closed doors late Tuesday afternoon to discuss if the payment of fines imposed on them by Judge Anita Lucagbo would come from their own pockets or from city hall’s coffers, sources said.
Insiders said some councilors were insisting that it was city hall’s duty to pay because the case was a result of their official functions.
For indirect contempt, Mayor Vicente Emano, Spiers, councilors, contractor Yian Ping of UKC Builders and their lawyers, were fined. The fines range from P20 thousand to P30 thouand each.
The local legislators immediately met at the office of Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers right after the council session.
Councilor Maryanne Enteria said the officials failed to meet with Emano as scheduled because the mayor was resting.
Enteria said the officials cited for indirect contempt cannot do anything but pay the fine although an appeal would likely be made.
"Ingon ana man gyud na ang kaso. Kung pabayron mobayad kita," said Enteria, herself a lawyer.
Enteria said cut short the interview, saying she opted not to say more about the case. She said
she was leaving matters in the hands of Cabanlas and another lawyer, Damian Mart Maandig.
Councilor Juan Sia agreed with Enteria. He said Lucagbo’s order was ‘‘fair enough.’’
"We have to respect the court’s order," Sia said.
Other councilors like Edgar Cabanlas, Jose Benjamin Benaldo and Caesar Ian Acenas said they were willing to be sent to prison by Lucagbo.
"Willing kami nga magpa-priso kung iyang gi-order. Andam kami niana nga panghitabo," said Cabanlas.
Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya declined to comment. "I will reply at the proper time."
His father-in-law, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, said local officials agreed to bring their case before the Court of Appeals.
Cabanlas said he and the other officials would file appeal their case before the appellate court next week.
"We’re still working on it," Cabanlas said.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Insiders said some councilors were insisting that it was city hall’s duty to pay because the case was a result of their official functions.
For indirect contempt, Mayor Vicente Emano, Spiers, councilors, contractor Yian Ping of UKC Builders and their lawyers, were fined. The fines range from P20 thousand to P30 thouand each.
The local legislators immediately met at the office of Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers right after the council session.
Councilor Maryanne Enteria said the officials failed to meet with Emano as scheduled because the mayor was resting.
Enteria said the officials cited for indirect contempt cannot do anything but pay the fine although an appeal would likely be made.
"Ingon ana man gyud na ang kaso. Kung pabayron mobayad kita," said Enteria, herself a lawyer.
Enteria said cut short the interview, saying she opted not to say more about the case. She said
she was leaving matters in the hands of Cabanlas and another lawyer, Damian Mart Maandig.
Councilor Juan Sia agreed with Enteria. He said Lucagbo’s order was ‘‘fair enough.’’
"We have to respect the court’s order," Sia said.
Other councilors like Edgar Cabanlas, Jose Benjamin Benaldo and Caesar Ian Acenas said they were willing to be sent to prison by Lucagbo.
"Willing kami nga magpa-priso kung iyang gi-order. Andam kami niana nga panghitabo," said Cabanlas.
Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya declined to comment. "I will reply at the proper time."
His father-in-law, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, said local officials agreed to bring their case before the Court of Appeals.
Cabanlas said he and the other officials would file appeal their case before the appellate court next week.
"We’re still working on it," Cabanlas said.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Photos courtesy of the Army's 4th Infantry Division
(Left photo) Recovered detonating wire and switch.
Personnel from Explosives, Ordnance & Demolition
(EOD) unit recovering the improvised landmines.
Talacogon, Agusan del Sur was wounded during an ambush
last 25 August 2006 at KM 5, Marbon, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Email at: mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com, alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
Email at: mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com, alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Emano issues gag order
CAGAYAN de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano has issued an order that prevents city hall’s department heads or employees from attending official meetings intended for investigation without his go-ahead, shows a document uncovered by Councilor Zaldy Ocon.
The document, Memorandum no. 374-06, reads: "xxx any communication to summon any department head, chief of office or employee of the city government... to attend meetings shall be forwarded to the office of the city mayor for approval."
The memo also reads: "xxx any invitation for attendance to meetings or investigation must be forwarded to the office of the city mayor at least three days before the scheduled date...’’
Supposedly, the policy is aimed at giving Emano enought time ‘‘to act on the said invitation."
Emano issued the memorandum last Aug. 22 to ‘‘remind’’ the offices of the vice mayor and the city council not to send summons or invitations to department heads in regard to official matters, ‘‘except [to] the undersigned (Emano).’’
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
The document, Memorandum no. 374-06, reads: "xxx any communication to summon any department head, chief of office or employee of the city government... to attend meetings shall be forwarded to the office of the city mayor for approval."
The memo also reads: "xxx any invitation for attendance to meetings or investigation must be forwarded to the office of the city mayor at least three days before the scheduled date...’’
Supposedly, the policy is aimed at giving Emano enought time ‘‘to act on the said invitation."
Emano issued the memorandum last Aug. 22 to ‘‘remind’’ the offices of the vice mayor and the city council not to send summons or invitations to department heads in regard to official matters, ‘‘except [to] the undersigned (Emano).’’
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sabotage, says Transco of B'non power outage
THE National Transmission Corp. (Transco) yesterday said the power outage in Bukidnon the other day was a result of sabotage.
Officials said the power transmission lines of five steel towers of Transco in Bukidnon were loosened. The towers are located within the Montalvan Farm in Barangay Botong, Quezon town, a place where the New People’s Army is known to be active.
Transco officials declined to point to any group responsible for the alleged sabotage.
As a result, over half of Bukidnon, including Malay-balay and Valencia cities, were left without electricity. In some areas, the Transco service resumed at dawn.
"In some areas, the outage lasted 20 hours," said Rufino Magbanua, a Transco spokesperson.
Based on Transco’s investigation, the culprits loosened the volts and clamps connecting the transmission lines to the towers.
The task was difficult, said Magbanua, adding the group responsible for the sabotage had enough men and were well-equipped.
It took five Tranco teams to repair the damage. Each team, called ‘‘line gangs,’’ is composed of seven people.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Officials said the power transmission lines of five steel towers of Transco in Bukidnon were loosened. The towers are located within the Montalvan Farm in Barangay Botong, Quezon town, a place where the New People’s Army is known to be active.
Transco officials declined to point to any group responsible for the alleged sabotage.
As a result, over half of Bukidnon, including Malay-balay and Valencia cities, were left without electricity. In some areas, the Transco service resumed at dawn.
"In some areas, the outage lasted 20 hours," said Rufino Magbanua, a Transco spokesperson.
Based on Transco’s investigation, the culprits loosened the volts and clamps connecting the transmission lines to the towers.
The task was difficult, said Magbanua, adding the group responsible for the sabotage had enough men and were well-equipped.
It took five Tranco teams to repair the damage. Each team, called ‘‘line gangs,’’ is composed of seven people.
The Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Laguindingan Airport Update: Bidding Process for Access Road Starts, Construction slated for January 2007
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 19) No less than ten companies have signified their intention to participate in the bidding for the access road to the soon-to-be constructed Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
Engr. Della P. Capicenio, manager of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LAPD) said the invitation to bid has already been published as mandated by law, and the evaluation and actual bidding set for the next 60 days.
The 4.3 kilometer access road's entry point will be the Bgy. Poblacion in Laguindingan with its exit point in Bgy. Kibaghot, also in the same municipality.
"Since it is a national road, it will be a four-lane highway which shall form part of the airport complex and will be constructed and maintained by the Dept. of Transportation and Communication's Air Transportation Office (ATO)," Capicenio said.
The budget for the P188-million project is already part of the line item included by the DOTC for the duration of the construction phase of the LAPD from 2007-2010, she added.
"So far, President Arroyo has already released P530-million to the LAPD for this year," Capicenio said.
At present, the LAPD project office is focusing on land acquisition, specifically the administrative and judicial titling of lots which have already been acquired and still to be acquired under the project.
"We have already completed acquisition of 90% of the 265 hectares (has.) needed for the project," Capicenio said. "The balance to be acquired consists mostly of lots belonging to Ayala Corporation."
Although they have asked Ayala Corp. to donate the additional 94 has. for the airport and 1.7 has for the access road to the government, the Ayala Board of Directors has reportedly expressed its preference to have the DOTC secure it by expropriation, Capicenio said.
The company has previously donated 88 hectares to the LAPD but the additional 96.7 has. of its property which covers Laguindingan and Alubijid municipalities are now needed after the total area for the LAPD was expanded from the previous 167 hectares.
"mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com
alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Engr. Della P. Capicenio, manager of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LAPD) said the invitation to bid has already been published as mandated by law, and the evaluation and actual bidding set for the next 60 days.
The 4.3 kilometer access road's entry point will be the Bgy. Poblacion in Laguindingan with its exit point in Bgy. Kibaghot, also in the same municipality.
"Since it is a national road, it will be a four-lane highway which shall form part of the airport complex and will be constructed and maintained by the Dept. of Transportation and Communication's Air Transportation Office (ATO)," Capicenio said.
The budget for the P188-million project is already part of the line item included by the DOTC for the duration of the construction phase of the LAPD from 2007-2010, she added.
"So far, President Arroyo has already released P530-million to the LAPD for this year," Capicenio said.
At present, the LAPD project office is focusing on land acquisition, specifically the administrative and judicial titling of lots which have already been acquired and still to be acquired under the project.
"We have already completed acquisition of 90% of the 265 hectares (has.) needed for the project," Capicenio said. "The balance to be acquired consists mostly of lots belonging to Ayala Corporation."
Although they have asked Ayala Corp. to donate the additional 94 has. for the airport and 1.7 has for the access road to the government, the Ayala Board of Directors has reportedly expressed its preference to have the DOTC secure it by expropriation, Capicenio said.
The company has previously donated 88 hectares to the LAPD but the additional 96.7 has. of its property which covers Laguindingan and Alubijid municipalities are now needed after the total area for the LAPD was expanded from the previous 167 hectares.
"mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com
alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Friday, August 18, 2006
BLGF Restores Misamis Oriental as First Class Province
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MIKE BAÑOS / Aug 17) The Bureau of Local Government Finance has restored the status of Misamis Oriental as a First (1st) Class province after it was earlier downgraded to Second (2 nd ) Class Status following its reduced incomes for the fiscal years 2000 to 2003.
Records show that Capitol had earned an average annual income of P384 million for 2000-2003, well above the benchmark of P350-M for first-class provinces.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno immediately wrote a letter to BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa questioning to the downgrading of the province to second class status.
"The downgrade was based on the 2000-2003 income, before my term started in 2004," Moreno said. "But we had to find why and look for ways to rectify it and restore the province to 1 st Class Status."
The BLGF based the recommendation for the downgrade on the reduced income of the Capitol during the preceding administration.
After the income data of the province was reconciled by the Commission on Audit (COA), the BLGF-Central Office restored Misamis Oriental to its first-class status.
"The exercise was part of our rebuilding process," Moreno commented with regards to the experience. "Thanks to the support of our financial managers."
He identified the capitol financial managers as Elmer Wabe (Budget), Amy Pacuribot (Treasury), Nene Bade (Accounting) and Cynthia Abanil (Planning).
In July 2005, the Department of Finance prescribed new income brackets for the reclassification of provinces, cities and municipalities.
These brackets now serve as the basis for the determining the financial capability of local government units (LGUs) to provide in full or in part the funding requirements of its priority developmental projects and other priority needs in their respective localities.
The Department order states that "in the preparation of project studies and proposals, the income class of LGUs is used as the factor in the allocation of national or other financial grants."
It is likewise used "to determine the maximum amount expendable for salaries and wages as well as the salary scales and rates of allowances, per diems and other emoluments that local government officials and employees may be entitled to."
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision, Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Records show that Capitol had earned an average annual income of P384 million for 2000-2003, well above the benchmark of P350-M for first-class provinces.
Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno immediately wrote a letter to BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa questioning to the downgrading of the province to second class status.
"The downgrade was based on the 2000-2003 income, before my term started in 2004," Moreno said. "But we had to find why and look for ways to rectify it and restore the province to 1 st Class Status."
The BLGF based the recommendation for the downgrade on the reduced income of the Capitol during the preceding administration.
After the income data of the province was reconciled by the Commission on Audit (COA), the BLGF-Central Office restored Misamis Oriental to its first-class status.
"The exercise was part of our rebuilding process," Moreno commented with regards to the experience. "Thanks to the support of our financial managers."
He identified the capitol financial managers as Elmer Wabe (Budget), Amy Pacuribot (Treasury), Nene Bade (Accounting) and Cynthia Abanil (Planning).
In July 2005, the Department of Finance prescribed new income brackets for the reclassification of provinces, cities and municipalities.
These brackets now serve as the basis for the determining the financial capability of local government units (LGUs) to provide in full or in part the funding requirements of its priority developmental projects and other priority needs in their respective localities.
The Department order states that "in the preparation of project studies and proposals, the income class of LGUs is used as the factor in the allocation of national or other financial grants."
It is likewise used "to determine the maximum amount expendable for salaries and wages as well as the salary scales and rates of allowances, per diems and other emoluments that local government officials and employees may be entitled to."
"MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision, Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityPhilippinesPrimary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile)Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.com alternate email : mike_banos@walla.com>Link
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Jaraula to critics: Dissociate fertilizer funds, impeachment
CAGAYAN de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula has called on a group that is pushing for the ouster of President Arroyo to dissociate the impeachment complaint from the alleged fertilizer scam.
"The complaint will be treated on its merits independent from the fertilizer (issue)," said Jaraula in reaction to the local Black and White Movement’s call for him and Rep. Augusto Baculio of Misamis Oriental to inhibit from the impeachment proceedings.
Earlier, ex-vice mayor and local Black and White leade convenor Antonio Soriano criticized Jaraula and Baculio and said the two congressmen should inhibit from committee discussions for the sake of delicadeza. Soriano said Jaraula, Baculio and over 30 other congressmen were recipients of the controversial fertilizer fund.
"The issue is understandable, I have nothing to do to those who don’t understand," said Jaraula.
Jaraula said the justice committee "does not have the power and authority to require any member to inhibit..."
To do this, he said, would be to "disenfranchise our constituents," Jaraula said.
The 8th and last complaint was filed by some 60 people. Forty-four of the complainants are from Cagayan de Oro, including Soriano.
Jaraula also said he wanted the impeachment complaint dismissed because it is "against the interest of the national leadership and the President."
But he said the justice committee, chaired by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, would not railroad the proceedings.
He said Soriano’s group and other opposition groups should rely on the "intellect and wisdom" of the members of the House committee on justice.
Jaraula said congressmen whose districts reportedly benefited from the P728-million fertilizer fund, would refuse to inhibit because the ‘‘fertilizers issue is much different from the impeachment.’’
"Soriano should ask first the three of the four endorsers of the 8th complaint if they would inhibit or not," Jaraula.
He said at least three endorsers of the complaint also received fertilizer funds for their respective districts. He identified them: Reps. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon, Henedina Abad of Batanes and Manuel Mamba of Cagayan.
Jaraula said Bukidnon’s first district received P3 million based on documents.
"The motion to inhibit is not proper," Jaraula said adding if this would be the rule, then no one would be left to endorse the 8th complaint .
Jaraula also appealed to his critics to be patient enough. "If we accept the argument to inhibit, meaning is this an admission of guilt? It’s unfair to them (Acosta, Mamba, Abad). That’s wrong."
Jaraula added: "More than 100 congressional districts benefited from the funds and I believe it is purely a support to the local governments, and not to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections."
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
"The complaint will be treated on its merits independent from the fertilizer (issue)," said Jaraula in reaction to the local Black and White Movement’s call for him and Rep. Augusto Baculio of Misamis Oriental to inhibit from the impeachment proceedings.
Earlier, ex-vice mayor and local Black and White leade convenor Antonio Soriano criticized Jaraula and Baculio and said the two congressmen should inhibit from committee discussions for the sake of delicadeza. Soriano said Jaraula, Baculio and over 30 other congressmen were recipients of the controversial fertilizer fund.
"The issue is understandable, I have nothing to do to those who don’t understand," said Jaraula.
Jaraula said the justice committee "does not have the power and authority to require any member to inhibit..."
To do this, he said, would be to "disenfranchise our constituents," Jaraula said.
The 8th and last complaint was filed by some 60 people. Forty-four of the complainants are from Cagayan de Oro, including Soriano.
Jaraula also said he wanted the impeachment complaint dismissed because it is "against the interest of the national leadership and the President."
But he said the justice committee, chaired by Rep. Simeon Datumanong, would not railroad the proceedings.
He said Soriano’s group and other opposition groups should rely on the "intellect and wisdom" of the members of the House committee on justice.
Jaraula said congressmen whose districts reportedly benefited from the P728-million fertilizer fund, would refuse to inhibit because the ‘‘fertilizers issue is much different from the impeachment.’’
"Soriano should ask first the three of the four endorsers of the 8th complaint if they would inhibit or not," Jaraula.
He said at least three endorsers of the complaint also received fertilizer funds for their respective districts. He identified them: Reps. Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon, Henedina Abad of Batanes and Manuel Mamba of Cagayan.
Jaraula said Bukidnon’s first district received P3 million based on documents.
"The motion to inhibit is not proper," Jaraula said adding if this would be the rule, then no one would be left to endorse the 8th complaint .
Jaraula also appealed to his critics to be patient enough. "If we accept the argument to inhibit, meaning is this an admission of guilt? It’s unfair to them (Acosta, Mamba, Abad). That’s wrong."
Jaraula added: "More than 100 congressional districts benefited from the funds and I believe it is purely a support to the local governments, and not to ensure President Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections."
That can be read at Gold Star Daily
Friday, August 11, 2006
Two dead as huge waves batter Misamis Oriental coastal towns
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- (Aug 10 / MIKE BAÑOS) Two person are dead and over 900 families affected as huge waves pounded the coastal towns of Misamis Oriental last Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9.
Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro A. Sabuga-a, Jr. identified the fatalities as Lilibeth Roa, 46, and her two-year old son Christian Swind Roa. They were hit by a falling coconut tree in Barangay Poblacion of Libertad town.
Sabuga-a said nine municipalities, four in the west coast (Laguindingan, Libertad, Naawan, Manticao) and five in the east coast (Tagoloan, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay) were adversely affected by the huge waves.
Initial estimates released by the PDCC revealed a total of 928 families affected in thirty barangays with 31 houses totally damaged and 51 partially. Four families were rendered homeless in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon Balingasag.
So far, damage to infrastructure appear to have been confined to a concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon, Balingasag which was totally damaged (28 meters)
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is now undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.
The huge waves struck at about the same time as similar giant waves swept away over a thousand houses in the island province of Tawi-Tawi Tuesday evening, leaving four persons missing and feared dead.
Earlier last week, flash floods also rampaged through four eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, killing an entire family of four and leaving over P30 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The local office of the Pagasa said the floods may have been triggered by a cloudburst which breached a dike, sending floodwaters raging downstream.
Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council Executive Officer Teodoro A. Sabuga-a, Jr. identified the fatalities as Lilibeth Roa, 46, and her two-year old son Christian Swind Roa. They were hit by a falling coconut tree in Barangay Poblacion of Libertad town.
Sabuga-a said nine municipalities, four in the west coast (Laguindingan, Libertad, Naawan, Manticao) and five in the east coast (Tagoloan, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay) were adversely affected by the huge waves.
Initial estimates released by the PDCC revealed a total of 928 families affected in thirty barangays with 31 houses totally damaged and 51 partially. Four families were rendered homeless in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon Balingasag.
So far, damage to infrastructure appear to have been confined to a concrete farm-to-market road in Sitio Calacala, Brgy. Cogon, Balingasag which was totally damaged (28 meters)
The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is now undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.
The huge waves struck at about the same time as similar giant waves swept away over a thousand houses in the island province of Tawi-Tawi Tuesday evening, leaving four persons missing and feared dead.
Earlier last week, flash floods also rampaged through four eastern towns of Misamis Oriental, killing an entire family of four and leaving over P30 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure. The local office of the Pagasa said the floods may have been triggered by a cloudburst which breached a dike, sending floodwaters raging downstream.
MIKE BAÑOS501 V. F. Cabaraban St., Cabaraban Subdivision,Puntod, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City Philippines Primary Mobile 0906-889-8484 (Touch Mobile) Secondary Mobile 0921-469-6305 (Smart)IM mike_banos_2000@yahoo.comalternate email : mike_banos@walla.com
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