MULCTERS STALKS TRENTO (AGUSAN DEL SUR) - BUTUAN CITY HIGHWAY

I have heard stories about this before. Now its confirmed. Mulcters have become brazen to the point that bribery reached an unprecedented scale in Trento to Butuan City highway. Read the following article.

AGSUR TREE FARMERS POINT OUT OPEN CORRUPTION IN HIGHWAY

Edwin S. Fuentes

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur- The Alliance of Non Government Organizations, Tree Farmers, Log Traders and the Crusade Against Corruption officials reported to the Office of Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza the supposed blatant corruption at the checkpoint supposedly manned by a composite team of government employees

A report said, “open corruption on the highway from Trento to Butuan City done by some government personnl supposedly under the guise of controlling illegal logging is not only disgusting but also a shame to the province and smacks of economic sabotage.”

The Province of Agusan del Sur has already an exisiting Ordinance No. 12 limiting the checkpoints to three: One at Cuevas of Trento town, one in Cubo of Esperanza and one also in Tabontabon of Sibagat town. These checkpoints are to ensure that only collection of verification fees of P35.00 a cubic meter with the Ordinance.

But a Sectoral Coalition Report said that during nighttime, “checkpoints are mushrooming in several places allegedly asking for SOPs”

Moreover, the tree farmers, truckers and log traders revealed that all checkpoints in Alegia in San Francisco town, Sta. Irene in Prosperidad, DENR/PNP checkpoints of Bayugan City and the municipality of Sibagat are likewise allegedly collecting. They supposedly added that the worst are the mobile LTO, DOT and PNP in Tiniwisan and Ampayon in Butuan City and most likely the personnel manning the weighbridge are supposedly collecting P300.00 per truckload without issuing Official Receipt (OR).

A complaint allegedly passed on to the Land Transportation Office through the Regional Director in Butuan City, supposedly said tree farmers have spent a minimum of P2,500.00 for the “leeches” of the road alone, reports said.

Based on official records it was supposedly revealed that in Tabontabon checkpoint, some 30 trucks loaded with logs supposedly pass going to Butuan City or to Cagayan de Oro City everyday.

This would mean that at the weighbridge alone, a minimum of P9,000 daily or P270,000 monmthly or P3,285,000.00 yearly collected by these scalawags depriving the government of revenue.

Chair of the People’s Law Enforcement Coordination g Committee (PLECC) PS/Inspector Samson Arendain with Gov. Tina Plaza called for a speculative meeting earlier with the Tree Planters, Truckers and the Log Traders. The Governor appealed to the said complainants to comply with all the requirements as mandated by the law for she promised to protect them by providing with task force to escort their transported falcatta, gmelina and other planted tree species for them not to be abused by those what they called “leeches of the road.”

On the other hand, PLECC Chairman Col. Arendain dated the aforesaid complainants to name names and he would not hesitate to enforce the rule of law if he finds any violator and scalawag PNP Personnel performing illegal acts under his command.

Meanwhile, the PNP reported 23 trucks were apprehended just for the month of May 2008 alone due to overloading violations and two others for driving without license cases. (with reports from Avel Galorio)

The same news even reached in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Read “Traders slam LTO extortion in weigh bridge in Butuan.”

 

SAN ISIDRO DE LABRADOR: “A WORKER’S LIFE ANCHORED IN CHRIST.”

May 15. Today is the fiesta of St. Isidore the Labourer. I have observed that no other saint in this country who is widely adopted as patron saint of the parishes than Saint Isidore the Labourer. That is why, fiesta goers are at a loss where to go this day considering the number of parishes that are celebrating the fiesta in honor of St. Isidore the Labourer. Fiesta invitations are coming left and right. Most of all, I have observed that it is on this day that most of mountain barangays are celebrating their fiesta. And for that, I can call St. Isidore’s fiesta as the “people’s fiesta” or the “poor man’s fiesta.”

Saint Isidore the Labourer was a Spanish tenant. He is usually depicted carrying shovel, sometimes with a cow.   He was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. It was an interesting date for canonization as the day mark the canonization of some “heavyweights (bigatin)” of the Catholic Church such as Jesuits St. Ignatius Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier, St. Philip Neri and St Therese of Lisieux. Can you just imagine that? All of those are either founders of big congregations or Doctors of the Church. Canonized along with them is this humble farmer from Madrid, Spain, St. Isidore the Labourer.

People might ask, why he became a saint? He is just a tenant, farmer, and labourer. According to stories about his life, St. Isidore never fails to visit the church before going and after working from the fields for prayer. Simple. But that simple thing makes it significant. There is spirituality even in work.

San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Madrid, Surigao del Sur

St. Isidore’s work is not easy. His is a manual job, plowing the fields, and tending it. At that time,  there were no tractors, and no modern harvesting and post harvesting facilities. He didn’t even own the land he is working because he is just a peasant. Yet in his difficult and manual job, he still finds time to pray to God. How many of us, working in airconditioned offices, provided with the best amenities and facilities the modern world can offer, can still find a time to pray before and after work? How many of us who claims to be very busy in our lives still finds time to pray and thank the Lord.

It is said that when his master verified reports that he is late on his job, he wnt to the fields to catch St. Isidore. But lo and behold!, he instead saw St. Isidore either assisted by the Angels or the Angels working the fields in his stead while St. Isidore is still in the Church praying. With him getting help from angels, St. Isidore’s work equalled to 3 workers. His working time spent in prayer is compensated several folds because the angels helped him accomplish his work for the day. Pray and God will do the rest.

St. Isidore became a Saint because in his simple life of a worker, his life was constantly anchored to God. A simple work done with great love and devotion is a prayer and an act of Holiness in itself. In the end, St. Isidore became a saint for being a model of worker in prayer and in constant communication with God.

Since most of our country, particularly in Mindanao is agricultural, it is not surprising that many parishes are patronizing St. Isidore. Here farming communities appropriately chose St. Isidore as their model by making him their patron saint. One diocese even make him its titular, the Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon which is presently administered by Bishop Honesto Pacana.

Diocese and Parishes where St. Isidore is the patron saint and which is celebrating its fiesta today.

Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon

San Isidro Parish Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City

San Isidro Parish (Medina, Misamis Oriental

San Isidro Labrador Parish Naawan, Misamis Oriental

San Isidro Labrador Parish Rizal, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

St. Isidore the Farmer Parish RTR, Agusan del Norte

San Isidro Labrador Parish Salvacion, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur

St. Isidore The Farmer Parish Loreto, Agusan del Sur

San Isidro Labrador Parish Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur

San Isidro Labarador Parish, Madrid, Surigao del Sur

San Isidro Labrador Parish Malimono, Surigao del Norte

San Isidro Labrador Parish Alegria, Surigao del Norte

San Isidro Labrador Parish Loreto, 8415 Surigao del Norte

 

And countless chapels around the country.

 

To all of the faithful celebrating the day of St. Isidore the Labourer, Maayong Pyesta kaninyong tanan.

P.S. Reminders to all fiestagoers. Please before going to any house to eat, visit first the Church. Pamistahi una ang patron. If you failed to attend mass, at least, you can light a candle. Its the patron’s day, a homage to him or her is just appropriate. Thanks. Happy eating.

 

 

POLITICAL REALITIES IN CARAGA REGION

A bridge in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur

Columnist Bert Gorgonio Sr., of Periodico News made an assessment on the present political reality in Caraga Region after the recent visit of Gloria Arroyo in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte last week. It’s a primer on the political alignment in the region.

“MAKA ADIK ANG GAHOM (POWER IS ADDICTIVE)

Originally written in Cebuano (my translation in English)

In my assessment, it looks like the opposition is non existent in Caraga Region. At present, if there are people or politicians who are opposed to the administration, they are the so called “Way G” and “Way N” which means Way Gahum (No power), and Way Nahot (No Wealth). All the veterans and the strong already kissed the hand of Madam, including the Church!

Let us begin with the political leaders of Surigao del Norte. If in the past there is someone who is against President Gloria Arroyo, now it is ZERO. Despite the numerous issues in the national capital, including the expose of the so called CORRUPTION OF THOSE IN POWER, not one political leader in Surigao del Norte can speak against it.

But former Governor, now Congressman, Francisco “Lalo” Matugas cannot be blamed if he is now under the banner of the President. Cong. Lalo’s candidacy under the KAMPI party is a logical decision so that the people of Siargao Island can readily avail government projects. Its just right for Cong. Matugas to bless the hand of Malacanang to assure that Siargao Island cannot be left behind. Look, projects are promised left and right by Presidet Gloria Arroyo for the upliftment of Siargao Island which is now called the surfing and fish gaming capital of the Philippines.

If Cong. Lalo did not choose to join the umbrella of the President, it’s a cinch that only the Barbers’ (led by Governor Robert Ace Barbers) will be known by Malacanang. Oh well, there is the “graduating” Mayor Pons Cassura (of Surigao City) who is also a favorite of the Palace being an official of the League of Cities.

Well, there was a time when former Congressman and now Governor Robert Ace Barbers attempted to challenge the power of the President when the Hello Garci (issue) was still the craze. But Ace realized that like the undercurrent in Nonoc during northerlies, it is very difficult to counter flow the power of Malacanang. That’s why Gov. Ace consolidated his position in the Lakas party, which enabled the Barbers to retain the reins of power in the Provincial Capitol.

Its also a good thing that Congressman Jun Romarate in District 2 sing allelujah to Malacanang otherwise he would have a difficult time challenging the Barbers camp.

In Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Butuan City, it seems that there is no well known opposition group that exists. What I mean of being well known is that which has a member occupying a present elective position. From the Amantes of Agusan del Norte to Joboy Aquino and Mayor Boy Daku Plaza in Butuan City and to the Plaza’s of Agusan del Sur, it seems no creature is working against the President nowadays. Well, Congressman Ompong Plaza tried to play as an oppositionist, who has no qualms about his pro impeachment stand against Mrs. Arroyo because of the numerous issues. But like Governor Ace Barbers, Cong. Ompong realized its very difficult to meet head on the current.

 

“FUNDING NA POD.”

Looks like Gloria Arroyo will cough up more taxpayers money again in the knee jerk reaction to the rice crisis by converting Mindanao into a “swift” food basket. Exactly what it meant, I had no idea.

The suggestion was made by Speaker Nograles which was duly seconded by other Mindanao legislators such as Davao del Norte Representative Anton Lagdameo, Agusan del Norte Representative Joboy Aquino, Agusan del Sur Representative Rodolfo Plaza, Davao del Sur Representative Marc Douglas Cagas, Davao del Norte Representative Arrel Olano, and Sulu Representative Munir Arbison.

We don’t know how they would turn Mindanao into a food basket. The last thing I know, a so called Senator from Bukidnon promoted the conversion of farmlands to planting jathropa to support his advocacy on Biofuels. The so called Senator turned silent about his jathropa when the rice crisis exploded. Where to Mr. Biofuels?

Back to the food basket, what is sure is that money will be released again. Havent we learned? The fertilizer scam, the swine scam and all? Funding were released but suddenly all went unaccounted for?

I can only shake my head in resignation and sigh, ‘funding na pod.”

 

“THE LAND IS MINE”

Group urges probe on politicians dipping dirty finger to monopolize mining, logging in Caraga Region.

Ben Serrano

Butuan City- Environmental watcgroup Ugnayan sa Kalikasan have urged investigation on some politicians in Caraga Region dipping its dirty finger by allegedly influencing, coddling, bribing sometimes threatening government entities boasting political influence to monopolize mining and logging in today’s top money maker in the region.

The surging of mineral ores trading came into wake following influx of foreign and local ore traders mostly Chinese who tied up with Filipino trader counterpart searching for nickel, copper, chromite and other metallic ores as the demand for local and world markets soar.

The rising prices of gold that reach more than 1,000 per gram have also increase alleged smuggling activities of the precious stone depriving government of millions worth of revenues in alleged connivance with some personnel of some government agencies who are supposedly to implement laws.

Alicia Reyes and Christopher Angayan, Ugnaya Sa kalikasan officials cited discovery of many illegal mini gold processing plants sprouting like mushrooms in different areas in the region which do not only endanger environment due to toxic emissions but also human lives.

The two said they wondered why concerned government agencies failed to detect the existence of the illegal constructed mini ores and gold processing plants in Rosario, Agusan del Sur and some towns in the province, in Agusan del Norte and prominently in Placer, Surigao and some areas in Surigao del Sur.

“They surely do not pay due taxes to the government and this is tantamount to economic sabotage because finish products of gold were undetected where it is sold and where it will go.” Ugnayan officials alleged.

“Yet government officials are sleeping on it and in both ways somebody made money out of it because they continue to proliferate despite pronouncements of government agencies (that) they have acted on it.”

Ugnayan alleged that President Arroyo’s promise to five Caraga bishops who held closed door meeting with her at Almont Inland Resort remained to be seen saying it maybe superficial considering that most Caraga politicians, majority (are) her allies, are dipping its dirty finger to monopolize mining.

 

LIKE TOM AND JERRY

Caraga LAKAS-KAMPI merger impossible, says former party leader

By Ben Serrano 

Butuan City- A former top local party leader of Lakas CMD who is semi retired in politics today claimed the proposal of President Arroyo and House Speaker now Lakas President, Davao Rep. Prospero Nograles is not only a kiss of death but its “like shooting the moon with a sling shot.”

The former politician turned entrepreneur speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid “sourgraping” tag said animosities between local Lakas and Kampi party leaders that is like a volcano waiting to erupt violently is one of the reason why party merger is impossible.

The semi retired politician who once occupied top position in Lakas Caraga regional hierarchy added that President Arroyo and Nograles knew all along that their proposal was impossible, “because most of KAMPI leaders in Caraga region today were once with Lakas holding key positions but quit when their rivals moved in and formed KAMPI,” the former politician said. “They are like Tom and Jerry fighting for a single bone,” the ex politician explained.

When asked what the single bone means, the ex politician added,

“although very hard to substantiate it is public knowledge that politicians get kickbacks or commissions from millions of government projects either loan, grant, official development assistance and other sources, that’s what politicians die for, plus the honor and power we get.” 

The ex politician claimed that what politicians get more than honor, power and kickback from projects is that it can influenced corridors of power who among regional directors or head of government offices will be removed or not according to their political interest.

But the former politician blamed the voters in Caraga region who it claimed are also corrupt and like parasites suck politicians’ blood dry claiming corrupt political system of the country impossible to cure.

 “Unlike in the U.S. where people support politicians here in the Philippines it is the other way around and at one time, I tried to test loyalty of my supporters by cutting temporarily my money support to them and then almost all of them deserted me and went to my rivals,”

the ex politician laughed and chuckling recalling political days. The ex politician also clamored drastic reforms at the bureaucracy complaining rampant alleged cheating done by some unenlightened teachers and COMELEC officials manning voting precincts totally paralyzed vital democratic processes in the Philippines.  “The mother of all corruptions in this country is in the corrupt electoral exercises where rampant vote buying seems to be accepted by society in general as regular moral norms as if an S.O.P. or standard operating procedures”, the ex-politician said.  

 

SURSUR, AGSUR GRADUATE NA SA “POOREST PROVINCE,” SURIGAO DEL NORTE NA LANG ANG NAGPABILING POBRE

 Source: Periodicosurigao.blogspot.com

 

Pasado na (graduate na gyud) ang Surigao del Sur ug ang Agusan del Sur gikan sa talaan sa Labing Pobre nga mga Lalawigan sa nasod sa Filipinas. Apan nagpabiling nagapos sa grabeng kapobrehon ang probinsya sa Surigao del Norte.

Gikumpirma kini mismo sa talaan sa National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) alang sa tuig 2006, nga mibatbat pod sa padayong pag-usbaw sa kaso sa pagka-pobre sa daghang mga Pilipino.

Matud sa report, sa gihimong pagtala sa kahimtang sa pilipinas sa tuig 2006, nalampasan na sa Surigao del Sur ug Agusan del Sur ang lista nga nagtimaan sa LABING POBRE NGA LUGAR SA PILIPINAS.

Gawas sa Agusan del Sur ug Surigao del Sur, nahaw-as pod gikan sa 2003 POOREST PROVINCE LIST ang mga lalawigan sa Mountain Province, Biliran ug Lanao del Norte.

Sa bag-ong talaan sa LABING POBRE NGA LALAWIGAN, nag-una ang probinsya sa Tawi-Tawi, diin nahibaw-an nga 8 sa kada 10 ka pamilya ang matawag nga pobre.

Apil gihapon sa Ten poorest provinces 2006 gawas sa Tawi-Tawi, ang lalawigan sa Lanao del Sur, Apayao, Northern Samar, ug ang dapit sa Abra, nagpabiling pobre gihapon ang Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Masbate ug Misamis Occidental.

Sa tibuok Caraga Region, ang probinsya na lang sa mga Matugas ug Barbers-ang Surigao del Norte, maoy nahabilin sa listan sa labing kabus nga lugar sa nasod.

Matud sa report, sa survey sa 2006, 27 na sa matag 100 ka pamilyang Pinoy ang matawag nga pobre, nga mas labaw sa 24 sa matag 100 ka pamilyang pinoy nga pobre sa tuig 2006.

Matud sa rekord sa NSCB, sa matag 100 ka mga Pilipinong individual, nasuta pod nga 33 niini ang labing pobre, subay sa 2006 survey. Niadtong tuig 2003, dunay 30 lang sa matag 100 ka individual nga pinoy ang pobre.

Sa pagkakaron, ang matag pamilyang pinoy, nagkinahangkan ug P6,274 nga binulang kita aron mahaw-as sa kapobrehon.

Ug ang matag pamilya nga may lima ka mga miembro, kinahanglan may kita nga P4,177 kada bulan aron masustenihan ang minimum nasic needs niini alang sa pagkakaron.

Ang mga dapit nga diyutay lang ug pobre, halos nahimutang sa Luzon. Ang probinsya sa Batanes mao ang giilang lugar nga 0% ang poverty incidente.

Kining maong poverty survey estimates matud sa report, tipik sa laing ulahing official poverty statistics nga gipagawas sa National Statistical Coordination Board(NSCB) subay pod sa final results sa 2006 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES), nga gihimo sa National Statistics Office (NSO) kada tulo ka tuig.

 

REP. OMPONG PLAZA BLAST SENATOR JAMBY MADRIGAL

Calls the Senator “has mouth faster than her brains.”  

MANILA, Philippines — A senior lawmaker and member of the Commission on Appointments on Friday took exception to Senator Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal’s allegations that the House contingent to the bicameral body was a mafia that may be bribed to support nominations.  Agusan del Sur Representative Rodolfo Plaza, a member of the House minority, said Madrigal may be playing dumb or actually is.

“That accusation is very irresponsible. Either she is just playing dumb so that she can have an excuse to pick a fight with the other members of the Commission on Appointments and get media attention,” said Plaza.

“Otherwise, she simply lacks the comprehension to understand what went on last Wednesday which is understandable for slow learners,” he added.Plaza said he was dismayed by Madrigal’s allegations aired over radio that the House contingent to the CA is acting like a mafia and its support for officials’ confirmations are “on a pay-per-promotion” basis.

“Her mouth works faster than her brain. Before making such accusations, she should make sure that she has evidence to prove her claims,” Plaza said.

On Wednesday, Madrigal blocked the confirmation of the 24 military officers by invoking Section 20 of the CA rules which allow a CA member to move for the suspension of the CA’s action on any appointment. 

 

LESS IRA FORCING MINDANAO CITIES TO CUT DOWN ON SERVICES, WORKERS

Less IRA Forcing Mindanao Cities to Cut Down on Services, Workers

Budgets for education, health, peace and order to be reduced by as much as 40 percent

By Jesus Llanto

City governments in Mindanao are set to cut down on basic services and contractual employees to cope with the unexpected decrease in their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share this year.Cities nationwide were expecting huge increases in their IRA this year, and thus programmed their expenditures based on those amounts. However, the national government–upon Congress’s initiative and the President’s approval–created 16 cities in 2007 that didn’t meet the requirements set by law. This slashed the old cities’ expected IRA increase by tens of millions each.Earlier, existing cities launched a series of protest actions by threatening to halt operations or withholding tax remittances and government insurance payments. Six of the 16 municipalities that gained cityhood status in 2007 are from Mindanao, and most of them missed not just one but two of the requirements for conversion–locallly generated income (from fees and taxes collected) and population size. Under the Local Government Code, a municipality or cluster of barangays can be converted into a city if it has a minimum local income of P100 million, a population of 150,000 inhabitants, and a contiguous territory of 100 square kilometers. The League of Cities in the Philippines (LCP) has questioned the conversion of the 16 cities before the Supreme Court as soon as the laws creating them were passed last year. However, since the tribunal had not decided on the case, plebiscites were conducted and affirmed the conversion of those cities.Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, executive vice president of the LCP, said they are planning to reduce spending for basic services like education, health, and peace and order by as much as 40 percent.“It’s our way of making up with the cut,” said Casurra, who added that they could not make adjustments with the budget for personnel services or employees salaries because it is already fixed.

In 2007, the IRA accounted for 84 percent of Surigao City’s total tax revenue. It’s expected IRA increase for 2008 has been reduced by P31 million.

In Caraga region, where Surigao City is located, three new cities have been created.

For its part, Panabo City plans to reorganize and lay off at least 100 contractual workers from various offices. Panabo, whose 2007 IRA share accounted for 87 percent of its total tax revenue, will see its original IRA increase of P48 million reduced to just P8 million.

“We cannot provide the budget for personnel services of all departments,” Panabo City Mayor Jose Silvosa said.

Silvosa added that if the city is not going to reduce its workforce, they would be forced to cut their spending for basic services. He said that their budget for this year was computed using income estimates and the expected IRA increases.

Other cities in Mindanao are also facing huge IRA share cuts. Highly urbanized cities, like Davao and Zamboanga, will have IRA cuts of P194.5 million and P114.97 million, respectively. Iligan City will be facing a P68.83-million cut, and Butuan, P68.1 million. The six Mindanao cities whose cityhood are being challenged by LCP are Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Mati in Davao Oriental, Lamitan in Basilan, and El Salvador in Misamis Oriental.

Casurra said some of the towns converted last year become a city even if they did not achieve first-class income status as municipalities. Mati and El Salvador were third-class municipalities before the conversion, while Cabadbaran and Tandag were second-class municipalities.

The league is also opposing House Bill 24 filed by Rep. Dulce Ann Hofer (2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay). The bill seeks to automatically convert into cities 27 capital towns—14 in Luzon, 9 in Mindanao, and 5 in the Visayas—of provinces with no existing cities even if they do not meet the income requirement.

Among the Mindanao capital towns included in Hofer’s bill are Mambajao in Camiguin, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley, San Jose in Dinagat Islands, Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao, Alabel in Saranggani, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Shariff Kabunsuan, Jolo in Sulu, Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, and Hofer’s bailiwick—Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Most of these Mindanao capital towns earn less than the minimum P100 million required for cityhood. Mambajao, Jolo, and Bongao are third-class municipalities with annual incomes ranging from P30 million to P40 million. San Jose, the capital of the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, is a fourth-class city with an average annual income of P20 million to P30 million.

Casurra said that existing cities are not against the conversion of towns into cities as long as they meet the requirements. “We are only against creation of cities by exemption.”

Casurra added that if Hofer’s bill is passed, they are afraid that other lawmakers will file similar bills to accelerate conversion of cities. “What will prevent from making other exemptions?”

Editor’s Note: This story is part of the Mindanao Online Reporting Project funded by the Australian Embassy.

 

 

“PALAKASAN (PATRONAGE)” SYSTEM RAMPANT IN GOVERNMENT

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Councilor Virgilio “Billy” Zoilo delivered a privilege speech expressing alarm over rising incidents of theft and robbery in the municipality. He is calling the PNP officials of the town to submit any progress report of investigation concerning the issue in order that the council can lay down measures to assist the law enforcers in arresting those responsible and eventually licked the crime spread.  San Francisco has been a booming town and has been the home of some businesses among them food giant Jollibee (oi, may Jollibee na pala sa San Franz!) and the town councilor feared that with the rising incidents of theft and robbery, investors might relocate their businesses in other areas where the peace and order situation is better. Mayor Carl Lademora immediately convened an emergency meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MOPC). 

According to the PNP, a syndicate is behind the string of robberies which is based in Barobo, Surigao del Sur (hala ka).  These groups were part of big syndicate in Manila which formed their own local group to engage in the said activity (oi, that’s what you call “transfer of technology”). 

Im thinking, if investors would run away from San Franz, where would they go to? Almost everywhere, the problem of theft and robbery is widespread due to poverty and drug addiction. “You can run but you can’t hide.” 

***

Looks like the authorities have a difficult time licking the problem of petty crimes like theft and robbery. Aside that these criminals are slippery some are even bribing members of the police force.  I am not referring to a particular locality but in general. There are police scalawags out there who instead of protecting the interest of the citizenry are protecting the criminals.  Now as the crime rate rises and the inability of the police to curb it is evident, what comes next? You are right! Summary executions. People so fed up of criminality would turn to instant justice. That’s why its not uncommon in some parts of Mindanao, that dead bodies just turn up in the streets. The question is, would this violent trend here to stay? Only when the people’s faith in law enforcement will be restored, that “salvaging” will cease to become the preferred mode of dispensing justice.

***

Hanjin Heavy Industries got into the headlines last week not because that it is launching another multi million investment but in figuring in industrial accident in its shipyard in Subic. A week ago, Cagayan de Oro officials and media sing high praises to Hanjin for investing in another shipyard in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental which according to the sources would employ 45,000 workers. Now that’s a great figure which will solve the unemployment problem in Northern Mindanao.  Then came the Subic accident that cost the lives of two workers and the serious injury of scores of them. Now, safety concerns are raised against Hanjin Heavy Industries. There is this unsafe working conditions in its shipyard which make it an accident waiting to happen.  Then, there’s this allegation of inhuman treatment of workers according to the victims.  People are treated roughly by supervisors, subjecting to regular verbal abuse which caused their humiliation.  Is this the kind of company that MisOr officials would be proud to offer to its constituents?  It seems Misamisnon workers for Hanjin is in for a rough time. But since there is no other alternative, then they just have to bite the bullet.

 
*** 

An article in the PIA website mentioned the sub standard state of vessels plying the Balingoan-Camiguin route. The article mentioned about unsanitary vessel conditions, lack of safety devices and unprofessional crew. The Balingoan(Misamis Oriental) – Camiguin have experienced increased tourist traffic due to good publicity as a tourist destination, especially during summer vacation when many opted to visit Camiguin for leisure and to attend town fiestas. Indeed its now time to improve the service and at least professionalize the crew. Looks like this important thing about boat safety and able crew is being overlooked as the ferry service business is just being considered as routine. Iba na ang handa, mga boys.

 ***

The Department of Agrarian Reform is still on the business of launching ARC or Agrarian Reform Communities even if it’s on the verge of being disbanded. Speaking of ARC’s, these are group of communities whose inhabitants are mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries.  These communities are banded together and this is where the different agrarian support services are channeled to.  These ARC launching business, however, is one area of CARP which is prone to abuse.  Not a few of those ARCs were launched at the behest of local politicians to avail of the projects offered by DAR even though there is no significant number of agrarian reform beneficiaries in the area. This is another reason for the non extension of CARP. 

***

Speaking of CARP extension, I don’t understand why DAR seems to be hesitant in granting the demands of the Sumilao farmers. Ironically, these Sumilao farmers are batting for CARP’s extension. DAR officials should realize that the Sumilao case is a make or break for them. If they botch this, then it will have a negative impact on their quest for extension.  If they play this well, they could gain a good reason for their existence and eventually extension as they will be viewed as true to their mandate of helping the farmers. They should realize this.

 ***

The Civil Service Commission made a statement that “Palakasan” system is widespread in the government. According to CSC Chair Karina Constantino David, with the passage of the Career Executive Service Bill, it will limit the President’s to appoint officials especially those which are not qualified for the position.

“The present law allows the president to appoint officials to the bureaucracy, even if he or she is not career-service eligible. While it is not entirely the president’s fault, the situation allows people near him or her to whisper their recommendations. So the bata-bata system thrives. Kaya ang suspicion, may palakasan. Huwag mo apakan ang powerful na tao. Natatakot ang career officials gawin ang trabaho kung may nahuli kang malakas pala, patay ang career mo,” she added.

In a related statement Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz, cited four government agencies which had the worst case of pakasanan system. These are the DILG, DAR, DENR and DND

“It is bad enough that national, regional and local officials are by and large elected not really by reason of competence but by popularity cum money. It becomes even worse when those thus elected into public offices as public trusts, exercise their authority to appoint individuals to administrative entities—definitely not by reason of integrity and competence—usually on account of transactional politics, beneficial arrangements, partisan affiliation if not due to blood and/or affinity relationships and similar factors of convenience.

“No wonder that as the farmers cry for justice and as the drivers cry for the high price of fuel, as the OFWs lament the poor exchange of their hard earned dollars and as the general public complain about the weak buying power of the peso, their reigning leader with family and friends and appointees and loyal followers are traveling in style, in comfort, in a chartered plane. Guess, who pay?”