THREE BOARD MEMBERS BACK SPECIAL POLLS

Gaston Park Fountain, Cagayan de Oro City.

3 Misor board members back special polls move

Lito Rulona

Three of the five Provincial Board Members from the Misamis Oriental’s 1st District are supporting Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez push for a special elections in the area.

Provincial Board Member Wayne Militante, Peter Unabia and Jimmy Caina are in favor of choosing a replacement for the late Rep. Danilo Lagbas through special balloting before 2010.

 

A “DAVAOENO” CARETAKER FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL

This is rather repugnant to the senses. In a report in Mindanao Gold Star Daily, House Speaker Prospero Nograles will act as “caretaker” of the First Congressional District of Misamis Oriental. The same news also announced that the late Congressman Lagbas daughter, Atty. Jennifer Lagbas is appointed as Chief of Staff for the Congressional District.

As this developed, the happiest men will be Governor Oscar Moreno and Vice Governor Norris Babiera whose dream of a intact administration party has become a reality. That unity was in danger of being shattered after Cagayan de Oro 2nd Dist. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a resolution to declare vacant the seat left by the late Danilo Lagbas. Oca and Norris are happy because there will be unity in their party, Lakas CMD,  never mind if this means that the people of the 1st District do not have an elected representative and worse, assigned with a person who is not elected by them and who will assume the functions of the Congressman extra constitutionally.

Accordingly, there can be no special elections unless there is a declaration of vacancy. Thus, even if it is of public knowledge that the congressional seat is vacant, there is still a need to declare its vacancy. The worst part of it is that the declaration of vacancy will be left to the discretion of house leadership. Thus even if there is actual vacancy, the House may or may not declare it vacant. Stupid and absurd!

On the other hand, where can you find a provision of law that designates a caretaker for a congressional seat left by a deceased Congressman? The welfare and interest of Misamisnons are subordinated by the interest of one party. No special elections to fill the vacancy just to preserve party unity. How is that?

With the appointment of Lagbas daughter as Chief of Staff, its still as if the seat is still occupied by them. Looks like the seat has been treated as some sort of an inheritance. This is another aberration of our political setup under the administration of Gloria Arroyo and her ally Speaker Prospero Nograles. The “caretaker” capacity is bereft of basis. This is another twisting of our laws, as twisted as the revival of Charter Change to prolong Gloria Arroyo’s stay in power.

 

WHY BOO CONG. RUFUS RODRIGUEZ RESOLUTION?

First,

RODRIGUEZ FILES RESO FOR MISOR SPECIAL POLLS

Susan Palmes

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District) pushed for a resolution that seeks a special election in Misamis Oriental’s 1st District before 2010. A special election will alow easter Misamis Oriental to choose a replacement for Rep. Danilo Lagbas who died of cancer a month ago.

Rodriguez filed his resolution the same day Congress opened its session on Monday. It was filed around 11:30 am at the Lower House, a few hours before President Arroyo certifies the existence of a vacancy in the House of Representatives. It then calls a delivered her eight State of the Nation address at the Batasan. The Rodriguez resolution special election in the 1st District of Misamis Oriental.

Rodriguez said he filed the resolution in order “to uphold the system of democratic representation in the government and to ensure that the people of Misamis Oriental are not denied proper representation in Congress.” He said there was an urgent need to fill the vacancy in Misamis Oriental and in the Lower House.

Then…

WHY BOO CONG. RUFUS RODRIGUEZ RESOLUTION

The July 31, 2008 headline entitled “Misor officials boo Rufus’ resolution” of the Mindanao Gold Star Daily is a big letdown. Governor Oscar Moreno and Vice Governor were quoted to voice out dislike on the said resolution calling for a special elections in the 1st District left by the deceased Danilo Lagbas. Moreno said the move was a tactic to divide Misamis Oriental politicians and revitalizing a dormant opposition in the province.

“I can’t blame him, it’s a legitimate political strategy.”

Vice Governor Babiera echoed Moreno’s observation.

“Its an opposition strategy to open crack our unity.

“The people of Misamis Oriental would not like disunity in the province. We have yet to receive a resolution asking for a special election from any of the town councils. In my own opinion, its better to wait for 2010.”

Rodriguez defended his move saying he only did it “for the best interest of Misamis Oriental.”

“An elected congressman can get more projects for the district. I have nothing to do with Misamis Oriental politics and I am not endorsing any candidate.”

From the legal point of view, I see nothing wrong of Cong. Rufus’ move. The Constitution provides it, our election law also provides for it. To look at it objectively, Congressman Rodriguez was only following the law with regard to vacancy of congressional posts. In contrast, the contention of Moreno and Babiera saying that Rep. Bambi Emano of the 2nd District and Speaker Prospero Nograles act as caretaker of the 1st District has no basis in law. Rep. Emano and Speaker Nograles are elected in their respective district and are not elected to represent the constituents of the 1st District of Misamis Oriental, from the town of Balingasag to Magsaysay in the east.

What is clear is that the administration is insecure because the special election for sure will divide their fragile unity. For sure, at least 3 of its Provincial Board members are set to go on separate ways, namely Board Members Jimmy Caiña, Peter “Señor Pedro” Unabia and Benedict Lagbas, not to mention town mayors who are interested for the post. While the fear on the administration side is legitimate, it is not enough to prevent the holding of special elections so that the people of the 1st District will have a new representative again.

Can anyone imagine for the people of Misamis Oriental to be without representation for two years until 2010? How cruel is that?

 

YOU HAVE TO BE IMPOVERISHED AND MARGINALIZED TO AVAIL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

Resisting and dumping clamors to remove VAT from petroleum products, Gloria Arroyo is again deceiving the people into believing that her government is out to help to hurdle the present economic crisis.

Gloria Arroyo will again hoodwink the Filipino into accepting “doleouts. She unveiled her latest doleouts.

1. P1 billion for “Pangtawid Kuryente” program for lifeline users
2. P5 million for senior citizens
3. P1 billion for the repair of infrastructure damaged by Typhoon “Frank,”
4. P5 million for the upgrading of government hospitals,
5. P1 billion for microfinance assistance for the families of drivers and operators of public utility vehicles.

Which means for Gloria Arroyo to help you, you have to be a lifeline energy user, a senior citizen, a typhoon victim, a sickly person and a child or a spouse of a jeepney driver and a public utility operator.

If you are not one of the above, then sorry, no assistance. On the other hand, had GMA and her illegitimate government have the political will to suspend VAT, then not only those mentioned above will be benefitted but all of the Filipinos since all of us, after all, are feeling the pinch of economic and financial crisis.

But VAT is the one that is feeding the engine of this administration. Not so much of assistance to the people but for its survival. An administration that is devoid of public support and has doubtful mandate is in constant threat of legitimacy issues. And so it has to buy out so many people such as the elites, the Congressmen, the Governors, the Mayors and other power brokers. Without VAT there is no clear source of money to spend and to pocket.

The government has to sustain VAT, never mind the hardships of its people. Anyway, people will be willing to just settle for the crumbs. To borrow the line of Archbishop Oscar Cruz, the Arroyo government have low regard on its citizens.

“Bumababa ang tingin sa sarili kung inaabutan, parang umaasa. Masyadong mababa ang tingin ng pangulo yata sa mga Pilipino, aabutan na lang ng aabutan (People have low self-esteem if they just get dole-outs. It seems this president has very low regard for poor Filipinos because she just wants them to depend on dole-outs).

“Ang nagbabayad ng buwis mula sa pobre sa mga nagpapalimos, nagbabayad ng VAT lahat yan. Pagkatapos ang katas ng VAT isasauli nang konti. Sabi ko isauli lahat, lahatin na (Everyone pays taxes, even the poor. Even beggars will pay taxes if they buy goods covered by VAT. Yet this government makes it appear it is giving back the VAT proceeds when in reality it is giving back a very small portion of it. So I say give back all the VAT by repealing VAT).”

That is the present mindset of the illegitimate Arroyo government.

***

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. One of the biggest and widely observed Marian feast in the Catholic world. Here in our locality the following parishes are celebrating their fiestas today.

1. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (F-1963) Carmen, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City
2. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Talisayan, Misamis Oriental
3. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (F-1961) Bobontugan, Jasa-an, Misamis Oriental
4. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (F-1959) Carmen, Agusan del Norte
5. OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL PARISH (F 1876) Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte
6. OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL PARISH ( F 1635) Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte
7. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur

Happy Fiesta Kaninyong tanan! Kaon na sad!

 

POSSIBILITIES

Misor Provincial Capitol

Joe Pallugna

I am making here a scenario of sorts.

I am looking not the scenario of the expected elections because of the vacuum caused by the death of Rep. Danilo Lagbas in the 1st District of Misamis Oriental.

I am looking at the 2010 elections because I personally believe that a special election would not be called to replace my good friend.

So what gives?

Let me tell you a not so absurd but realistic situation. The present Governor, Oca Moreno, my good friend also, may not run for Governor anymore. He could very well run for Congressman. The position which he held before would increase his chances of becoming a “senatoriable”. Oscar Moreno hails from Balingasag town of the same district of Misamis Oriental as that of Sugbongcogon town where the late Congressman Lagbas hailed from.

As I perceive Oca Moreno, he is a good material to represent Mindanao as a Senator. Oca is an experienced lawyer, a past Congressman and an incumbent governor, a leader in his own right and a proven darling of the electorate. Certainly, whatever elective position that Oca seeks, he will always win. And the congressional seat of Danilo Lagbas is a welcome place for him. And why so? Because we really need a Congressman of the same and even better quality and ability as the previous Congressmen of the Province.

But who should be governor then of Misamis Oriental? I propose the incumbent Vice Governor Norris Babiera. He is very qualified and capable candidate for governor. So who will be the next vice governor to replace Norris Babiera? It is no other than Kagawad Peter Unabia of the Señor Pedro Lechon Manok chain of barbecue stands. He is a self made man and he is humble and sincere and true to public service. He has provided livelihood to thousands of families in Misamis Oriental with his chicken outgrower program and he will easily overcome any political candidate for Vice Governor come 2010.

And where will the Lagbas family come in? The possibilities are endless. We have as present Kagawad Benedict Lagbas. HE was a former mayor of Sugbongcogon and an undefeated politician. He is also humble and sincere in his profession for public service. He could continue as provincial Kagawad and let one of the children of Danilo Lagbas come in as a kagawad of the same district by direct vote or as a councilor’s league representative in the procince by being elected first as kagawad of Sugbongcogon.

 

FREE FOR ALL IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL FIRST DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

If there will be special elections held to fill the seat of the late Congressman Danilo Lagbas, the following are the contenders:

1. Jimmy Caina - Board Member
2. Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia - Board Member
3. Jeremy “Jigjag” Pelaez - Baord Member
4. Benedict Lagbas - Board Member and brother of Danilo Lagbas
5. Marie Guingona - daughter of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona
6. Danilo Lagbas Jr. - son of Congressman Lagbas
7. Rommel Maslog - Mayor of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental
8. Michael Paderanga - lawyer and son of former Gingoog City Mayor Miguel Paderanga

According to Governor Oscar Moreno, “Not so fast.” The good Governor prefers that the seat should remain vacant as a special election would only cause disunity among partymates. Four of the abovementioned contenders, Caina, Unabia, Lagbas and Pelaez belong to the ruling PaDayon Pilipino Party of the Governor.

Columnist Cris Diaz of Mindanao Gold Star Daily made some assessment of the prospects of some candidates in his column June 20, 2008 column “Probable Candidates”

First, Jimmy Caina, a self made man and a “favored” contractor. Caina already expressed apprehension in running because acording to him he has no election money to spend…

Unabia, touted to be the richest among the Provincial Board Members and a fraternal brother of the late Danilo Lagbas may like to run but he does not want to flaunt it…

Benedict Lagbas, a former town Mayor of Sugbongcogon is also being prodded by the late Congressman’s political leaders to consider the congressional seat. Will Benedict accept the challenge? It remains to be seen…

Jeremy “Jigjag” Pelaez may also join the political fracas if only to regain the Pelaez political legacy in the province…

Michael Paderanga, is likely to run to regain his lost political ground. Michael is a worthy candidate. Yet Michael should learn from his mistakes and not stick to the traditional campaign strategy.

Marie Guingona is considered a dark horse. But I find her a hesitant candidate who could not make up her mind. I think she would prefer to run only in Gingoog City since her mother Ruthie will end her term in 2010…

Meanwhile, Maslog thought of running for the mayor’s league in preparation for his Congressional debut come 2010. However after abandoning his intention of running for the Mayor’s league shortly after the 2007 local polls, I doubt Maslog’s interest…

However in other news reports, Maslog’s interest on the Congressional seat has not wavered. Accordingly, Maslog has already informed Mayor Dixon Yasay of Opol, the President of Misamis Oriental Mayor’s League of Municipalities about his plan to run for congressman. Maslog, who is serving his last office term as Mayor of Talisayan, is banking on the support of the seven town mayors in Eastern Misamis Oriental.

Meanwhile, Danilo “Junjun” Lagbas Jr, claimed to have been getting the endorsements from barangay chairpersons and town officials of the 1st District who supposedly want him to replace his father. Lagbas who said his father asked him to help in implementing infrastructure and livelihood projects in the 1st Distirct, said he and his family want to pursue what the late Congressman started.

This is going to be fun.

(With reports from Lito Rulona and Nilo Abroguena of the Mindanao Gold Star Daily)

 

HANJIN ORDERED SHUT FOR TOO MANY DEATHS

I guess this another blackeye to the sympathizers of Hanjin Heavy Industries. To our officials in Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro and neighboring provinces, is this the kind of investor you want to have business with in the area? With its alarming safety record, we might be sending our workers to their deaths.

Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 22:56:00 06/21/2008

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT–(UPDATE) The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) ordered a stop to the operations of the construction arm of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. (HHIC-Phil) on Friday after another worker had died.

The death of Mario Atrero, 52, an employee of Hanjin Construction Corp. Ltd. (HCCL), was the third at the Korean shipbuilding site in nine days.

It brought to 12 the number of work-related deaths at the facility since it began operations in 2006.

Hanjin officials said most of the casualties in the earlier accidents had been hired by subcontractors. But Atrero was said to be in the direct employ of HCCL.

“The [safety] situation at the shipyard has become alarming,” SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said.

He said HCCL was served the cease-and-desist order at 6 p.m. on Friday, two hours after Atrero was hit and killed by a steel frame that collapsed due to strong winds.

Four other workers–identified by the SBMA as Joel Alido, Darvin Silva, David Alcayaga and Leody Abad, all residents of Zambales–were injured.

more on this

 

WORK SAFETY IN HANJIN SHIPYARD “DEPLORABLE”

A report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer underscored the security and safety concerns of the Hanjin Industries Corporation in the operation of their business. While this reputation of Hanjin caused concern in Northern Luzon, in Northern Mindanao, political and business leaders are moving heaven and earth and even fighting for the right of Hanjin to operate its shipyard and possibly “transport” its no so admirable safety record. As the saying goes, caveat emptor.

I didnt say I totally disfavor the operations of Hanjin in Northern Mindanao. But all I ask for is that our local officials must see to it that Hanjin must comply certain safety regulations to ensure that what is happening in Luzon will not happen in Mindanao otherwise people’s lives will be in jeopardy. Heres an excerpt of the article.

“With the record of deaths, you can imagine how dangerous the working environment is and how irresponsible Hanjin is when it comes to occupational health and safety,” she said. “With more than 10,000 employees, the Hanjin facility does not have a medical facility. The wanton disregard for safety of workers (by Hanjin) is deplorable and gravely scandalous.”

It further added,

“…Tack welded metal support located at the ground gave in causing the plate to collapse” because “some metal supports were not welded well. Hanjin had no control record for the finished welding materials to ensure its quality and safety.”

The report also said Hanjin does not provide SBMA with a job safety analysis of tasks considered to be dangerous to its workers.

As usual, Hanjin would always pass the buck to its subcontractors. Jeong Sup Shim, HHIC-Philippines Inc. president said,

“In every accident, Hanjin takes final responsibility even though it was done by our supplier or subcontractor.”

 

REP. DANILO LAGBAS (1ST DIST. MISAMIS ORIENTAL), 56.

Misamis Oriental First District Representative Danilo Lagbas passed away early sunday morning of cancer. Lagbas was born on January 25, 1952 in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental. He finished his elementary school in Sugbongcogon Elementary School, and his high school at the Fatima College of Camiguin. He finished his college degree at the Liceo de Cagayan in 1975 where he was more popular as a member of the senior varsity basketball team.

He served as vice governor of Misamis Oriental for two office terms. Lagbas is survived by his wife Purita Lagbas and children. He is the brother of Misamis Oriental Provincial Board member Benedict Lagbas and is the father of Roldan Lagbas, a court sheriff in the regional trial court branch 41 and Jennifer Lagbas, a lawyer with the Public Attorney’s Office of Misamis Oriental.

At the time of his passing, Lagbas was the vice chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises and a member for the majority in the committees on Mindanao affairs, agriculture and food, appropriations, natural resources, agrarian reform, games and amusements, government enterprises and privatization, higher and technical education, national cultural communities, people participation, public works and highways, rural development and social services.

with reports from Mike Baños, correspondent of Mindanao Gold Star Daily

 

RUTHIE GUINGONA DECLARES WAR VS. GINGOOG LOGGERS

Lito Rulona

Gingoog city hall has declared an all out war on illegal logging even as it threatened to slap environment officials with charges in connection with the illegal logging operations. Speaking before the provincial board on Monday, Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona confirmed the massive illegal logging operations in the woods of the Misamis Oriental component city and its neighboring areas. Guingona faced the province’s legislature which started an investigation into the logging operations after three trukloads of illegal logs were seized in Magsaysay, the last eastern town of Misamis Oriental after Gingoog City.” Guingona said.

Guingona said the Gingoog government was preparing charges against ranking environment officials in Northern Mindanao, including former Gingoog City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Julito Fabre, for the proliferation and unabated logging operations in the Misamis Oriental City.

Officials said charges were also being prepared against one Roger Edman, alleged owner of the confiscated logs.

“Dili lang si Edma but also the other loggers who operated in the area.”

She said.

The Gingoog government she said would bring the matter to the attention of President Arroyo and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza. Guingona said illegal logging operations cost Gingoog City half of Mt. Lumot, a forest reservation in Barangay Lunotan.