BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
MABALACAT, Pamp. --- A spokesman of incumbent Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales yesterday said that if John Sambo – husband of Nacionalista Party mayoral bet Marjorie Morales Sambo – has personal knowledge about the burning of ballots here after the 2007 polls, then he should face a probe in the proper court.
This came in the heels of a statement made by Sambo during a press conference yesterday that he would be forced to tell the truth in court should the other side of the political fence pinpoint him as the man behind the burning of the ballots in 2007.
“Mapipilitan po ako na magsabi ng aking nalalaman kung ako po ay iniuugnay sa pagkakasunog ng ballots noong nakaraang halalan sa Mabalacat,” Sambo said.
When asked about his knowledge on the issue, Sambo said he will only reveal the truth in proper court.
Deng Pangilinan, on the other hand, said it might be possible for Sambo to know the truth, because he was then a supporter of Gov. Eddie Panlilio, who may have allegedly benefited from the incident.
“Kaya nga si Baby Pineda nagsampa ng kaso dahil dapat ay mabilang iyong mga balota pero nasunog. Hindi na nangyari na pumabor naman sa kanya mga sinusuportahang kandidato na si Panlilio,” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said Morales has nothing to gain from the burning of the ballots, as he was already elected and proclaimed then as mayor of the town.
“Ano pang pakialam ni Mayor Morales doon sa insidente, e naproklama na siya bago nangyari ang sunog?” he said.
In a media interview, Morales said the issue being raised by John -- his son-in-law -- is just a figment of his imagination and is politically motivated as the May 10 polls draws near.
It can be recalled that more than half of the 399 ballot boxes were razed in a fire that broke out at a storage room of the Comelec here in 2007. The ballot boxes contained election returns and ballots cast during the last elections.
Then Pampanga gubernatorial bet and Board Member Lilia Pineda filed an election protest before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), claiming that there were irregularities in the canvassing of votes during the last elections, particularly in Mabalacat and other Pampanga towns.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Hizon leads poll survey in Bacolor
BACOLOR, Pamp. --- Mayoralty bet Jomar Hizon is leading the mayoralty race here with a wide margin, based on a recent survey in this town.
The survey result shows that Hizon obtained 38 percent against Lakas-Kampi bet Ron Dungca’s 28 percent; Diman Datu placed third with 20 percent in spite of the INC endorsement and Ferdinand Labung, with 14 percent as the tail-ender.
Out of the 12,000 respondents, 4,560 cast their ballots in favor of Hizon, the born-to-lead son of successful businesswoman Lolita Hizon.
Some 3,360 voted for Dungca, while Datu received 2,400 and Dinan with 1,680 respectively.
The survey, commissioned by a man who asked for anonymity, said he observed that the result of the elections in Bacolor would favor Hizon as the town needs a leader who can deliver real change and will work hard for the full rehabilitation of Bacolor.
During the survey, the people here even lauded Hizon for his perseverance in helping them uplift their lives.
They said that with Jomar as mayor, Bacolor will be transformed into a highly developed municipality.
With this, the supporters vowed to work hard to support Hizon and translate their support to votes that will take the son of the tocino magnate to the municipal hall as the duly elected mayor of the town.
The survey result shows that Hizon obtained 38 percent against Lakas-Kampi bet Ron Dungca’s 28 percent; Diman Datu placed third with 20 percent in spite of the INC endorsement and Ferdinand Labung, with 14 percent as the tail-ender.
Out of the 12,000 respondents, 4,560 cast their ballots in favor of Hizon, the born-to-lead son of successful businesswoman Lolita Hizon.
Some 3,360 voted for Dungca, while Datu received 2,400 and Dinan with 1,680 respectively.
The survey, commissioned by a man who asked for anonymity, said he observed that the result of the elections in Bacolor would favor Hizon as the town needs a leader who can deliver real change and will work hard for the full rehabilitation of Bacolor.
During the survey, the people here even lauded Hizon for his perseverance in helping them uplift their lives.
They said that with Jomar as mayor, Bacolor will be transformed into a highly developed municipality.
With this, the supporters vowed to work hard to support Hizon and translate their support to votes that will take the son of the tocino magnate to the municipal hall as the duly elected mayor of the town.
Comelec urges electorate Go out and vote
BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Attorney Temie Lambino, provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), is urging the more than 1 million voters of Pampanga to go out and fully exercise their right to suffrage.
The provincial election officer said that in exercising the right to suffrage, it’s not enough that the electorates are registered. The most important thing, he said, is their participation as voters in today’s national elections.
Lambino said his advice to the people is to vote wisely and conscientiously because their votes would spell the future of the country in the next years to come.
However, he reminded the electorate not to resort to selling their votes, because if this happens, it’s like selling the future of the country and their children’s future.
He also reminded the candidates not to engage in vote-buying because if they do so, they may face charges of violating the Omnibus Election Code.
Instead, Lambino said the electorates and the candidates should give their active participation in protecting the sanctity of ballots and help make the elections clean, peaceful orderly and with integrity.
Meanwhile, he said that yesterday was the last day of PCOS machine testing as the machines and CF cards were already delivered by eight forwarders in all polling centers through the assistance of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police who have been securing the polling centers since May 3.
Lambino said the Comelec is now ready for today’s elections, including the board of election inspectors and other personnel.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Attorney Temie Lambino, provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), is urging the more than 1 million voters of Pampanga to go out and fully exercise their right to suffrage.
The provincial election officer said that in exercising the right to suffrage, it’s not enough that the electorates are registered. The most important thing, he said, is their participation as voters in today’s national elections.
Lambino said his advice to the people is to vote wisely and conscientiously because their votes would spell the future of the country in the next years to come.
However, he reminded the electorate not to resort to selling their votes, because if this happens, it’s like selling the future of the country and their children’s future.
He also reminded the candidates not to engage in vote-buying because if they do so, they may face charges of violating the Omnibus Election Code.
Instead, Lambino said the electorates and the candidates should give their active participation in protecting the sanctity of ballots and help make the elections clean, peaceful orderly and with integrity.
Meanwhile, he said that yesterday was the last day of PCOS machine testing as the machines and CF cards were already delivered by eight forwarders in all polling centers through the assistance of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police who have been securing the polling centers since May 3.
Lambino said the Comelec is now ready for today’s elections, including the board of election inspectors and other personnel.
Pineda wins via landslide
BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Based on the 50% tallied precincts in the whole province, Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda will win via landslide over incumbent Governor Eddie Panlilio.
Partial and unofficial results as of 9:15 pm yesterday show that Pineda garnered 253,792 compared to Panlilio’s 116,833. For the vice gubernatorial race, incumbent Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is also winning with 204,383 as against Marco Lazatin’s 126,548.
In the City of San Fernando, incumbent City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez is expected to win over his rival Ely “Tiger” Lagman.
In Angeles City, comebacking Mayor Ed Pamintuan is leading heavily over incumbent Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno. Based on the 49% counted votes, Pamintuan had 43,867 votes while the first-term mayor had 22,644 votes.
In Mabalacat, incumbent Mayor Marino ‘Boking’ Morales scored a landslide victory over three opponents, including his daughter Marjorie Sambo.
In Candaba, incumbent Mayor Jerry Pelayo won via landslide over his two opponents.
Incumbent Sto. Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit is also winning via landslide over his lone opponent Regie Mallari.
In Arayat, incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino together with Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad also won the mayoralty and vice mayoralty race in this town.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Based on the 50% tallied precincts in the whole province, Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda will win via landslide over incumbent Governor Eddie Panlilio.
Partial and unofficial results as of 9:15 pm yesterday show that Pineda garnered 253,792 compared to Panlilio’s 116,833. For the vice gubernatorial race, incumbent Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is also winning with 204,383 as against Marco Lazatin’s 126,548.
In the City of San Fernando, incumbent City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez is expected to win over his rival Ely “Tiger” Lagman.
In Angeles City, comebacking Mayor Ed Pamintuan is leading heavily over incumbent Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno. Based on the 49% counted votes, Pamintuan had 43,867 votes while the first-term mayor had 22,644 votes.
In Mabalacat, incumbent Mayor Marino ‘Boking’ Morales scored a landslide victory over three opponents, including his daughter Marjorie Sambo.
In Candaba, incumbent Mayor Jerry Pelayo won via landslide over his two opponents.
Incumbent Sto. Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit is also winning via landslide over his lone opponent Regie Mallari.
In Arayat, incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino together with Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad also won the mayoralty and vice mayoralty race in this town.
Hizon proclaimed as Bacolor mayor
BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
BACOLOR, Pamp. ---- Mayor-elect Jose Maria “Jomar” Hizon was officially proclaimed as duly elected mayor of this town yesterday by the municipal board of canvassers together with Vice Mayor-elect Atty. Ananias “Jun” Canlas who got 9,288 votes, and newly-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon, concurrent Liga ng mga Barangay president, won the four-way mayoral race which include incumbent Vice Mayor Eduardo Datu who got 4,569 votes, former 3rd district Board Member Ferdinand Labung, 6,003 and Ron Earvin Dungca, son of three-term incumbent Mayor Buddy Dungca.
Official municipal canvass report shows that Hizon who got the highest vote of 12,302 over his closest rival Dungca who garnered 8,930 votes, with a margin of 3,372.
Let’s work
“Let’s work.”
This was the first message of Hizon, son of tocino magnate Lolita Hizon to the people of Bacolor and to his fellow newly-elected officials in the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon said victory in the mayoral race signaled the start of the “the greater challenge of his life” to work for the people whom they pledged to serve.
He said this significant chapter in his life will not happen without the full support and blessing of the people in Baculud.
The mayor-elect said through the fervent prayer and support of the people during the 45-day campaign period and their warm reception gave him a sweet victory.
In earlier interview, Hizon said he could handle and manage well Bacolor’s development plans by maximizing the use of the resources and logistics of the municipal government.
The mayor-elect said he would manage Bacolor like a businessman who makes things possible for the greater good of the communities and its people.
Upon his assumption to public office, his priority would be the upgrading and improvement of school buildings, dikes, streams, tributaries, canals and roads which would mitigate the perennial flooding in the town.
He also vowed to bring the local government closer to the communities as he plans to put municipal annexes or extensions that would cater to the needs of the people.
BACOLOR, Pamp. ---- Mayor-elect Jose Maria “Jomar” Hizon was officially proclaimed as duly elected mayor of this town yesterday by the municipal board of canvassers together with Vice Mayor-elect Atty. Ananias “Jun” Canlas who got 9,288 votes, and newly-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon, concurrent Liga ng mga Barangay president, won the four-way mayoral race which include incumbent Vice Mayor Eduardo Datu who got 4,569 votes, former 3rd district Board Member Ferdinand Labung, 6,003 and Ron Earvin Dungca, son of three-term incumbent Mayor Buddy Dungca.
Official municipal canvass report shows that Hizon who got the highest vote of 12,302 over his closest rival Dungca who garnered 8,930 votes, with a margin of 3,372.
Let’s work
“Let’s work.”
This was the first message of Hizon, son of tocino magnate Lolita Hizon to the people of Bacolor and to his fellow newly-elected officials in the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon said victory in the mayoral race signaled the start of the “the greater challenge of his life” to work for the people whom they pledged to serve.
He said this significant chapter in his life will not happen without the full support and blessing of the people in Baculud.
The mayor-elect said through the fervent prayer and support of the people during the 45-day campaign period and their warm reception gave him a sweet victory.
In earlier interview, Hizon said he could handle and manage well Bacolor’s development plans by maximizing the use of the resources and logistics of the municipal government.
The mayor-elect said he would manage Bacolor like a businessman who makes things possible for the greater good of the communities and its people.
Upon his assumption to public office, his priority would be the upgrading and improvement of school buildings, dikes, streams, tributaries, canals and roads which would mitigate the perennial flooding in the town.
He also vowed to bring the local government closer to the communities as he plans to put municipal annexes or extensions that would cater to the needs of the people.
Hizon proclaimed as Bacolor mayor
BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
BACOLOR, Pamp. ---- Mayor-elect Jose Maria “Jomar” Hizon was officially proclaimed as duly elected mayor of this town yesterday by the municipal board of canvassers together with Vice Mayor-elect Atty. Ananias “Jun” Canlas who got 9,288 votes, and newly-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon, concurrent Liga ng mga Barangay president, won the four-way mayoral race which include incumbent Vice Mayor Eduardo Datu who got 4,569 votes, former 3rd district Board Member Ferdinand Labung, 6,003 and Ron Earvin Dungca, son of three-term incumbent Mayor Buddy Dungca.
Official municipal canvass report shows that Hizon who got the highest vote of 12,302 over his closest rival Dungca who garnered 8,930 votes, with a margin of 3,372.
Let’s work
“Let’s work.”
This was the first message of Hizon, son of tocino magnate Lolita Hizon to the people of Bacolor and to his fellow newly-elected officials in the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon said victory in the mayoral race signaled the start of the “the greater challenge of his life” to work for the people whom they pledged to serve.
He said this significant chapter in his life will not happen without the full support and blessing of the people in Baculud.
The mayor-elect said through the fervent prayer and support of the people during the 45-day campaign period and their warm reception gave him a sweet victory.
In earlier interview, Hizon said he could handle and manage well Bacolor’s development plans by maximizing the use of the resources and logistics of the municipal government.
The mayor-elect said he would manage Bacolor like a businessman who makes things possible for the greater good of the communities and its people.
Upon his assumption to public office, his priority would be the upgrading and improvement of school buildings, dikes, streams, tributaries, canals and roads which would mitigate the perennial flooding in the town.
He also vowed to bring the local government closer to the communities as he plans to put municipal annexes or extensions that would cater to the needs of the people.
BACOLOR, Pamp. ---- Mayor-elect Jose Maria “Jomar” Hizon was officially proclaimed as duly elected mayor of this town yesterday by the municipal board of canvassers together with Vice Mayor-elect Atty. Ananias “Jun” Canlas who got 9,288 votes, and newly-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon, concurrent Liga ng mga Barangay president, won the four-way mayoral race which include incumbent Vice Mayor Eduardo Datu who got 4,569 votes, former 3rd district Board Member Ferdinand Labung, 6,003 and Ron Earvin Dungca, son of three-term incumbent Mayor Buddy Dungca.
Official municipal canvass report shows that Hizon who got the highest vote of 12,302 over his closest rival Dungca who garnered 8,930 votes, with a margin of 3,372.
Let’s work
“Let’s work.”
This was the first message of Hizon, son of tocino magnate Lolita Hizon to the people of Bacolor and to his fellow newly-elected officials in the Sangguniang Bayan.
Hizon said victory in the mayoral race signaled the start of the “the greater challenge of his life” to work for the people whom they pledged to serve.
He said this significant chapter in his life will not happen without the full support and blessing of the people in Baculud.
The mayor-elect said through the fervent prayer and support of the people during the 45-day campaign period and their warm reception gave him a sweet victory.
In earlier interview, Hizon said he could handle and manage well Bacolor’s development plans by maximizing the use of the resources and logistics of the municipal government.
The mayor-elect said he would manage Bacolor like a businessman who makes things possible for the greater good of the communities and its people.
Upon his assumption to public office, his priority would be the upgrading and improvement of school buildings, dikes, streams, tributaries, canals and roads which would mitigate the perennial flooding in the town.
He also vowed to bring the local government closer to the communities as he plans to put municipal annexes or extensions that would cater to the needs of the people.
Apalit mayor to file raps vs ‘flying voters’
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
APALIT, Pamp. -- Mayor-elect Oscar “Jun” Tetangco is determined to file appropriate charges against the apprehended “flying voters” who were allegedly members of the “Ang Dating Daan” sect.
The mayor said he has formed a fact-finding group to probe whether or not the said “flying voters” are bona fide residents of this town.
In fact, he said, the village folks and officials are willing to validate and confirm if those listed in the voters’ list are residents of their respective barangays or not.
“Iyong mismong mga Apaliteños ang magpapatunay na iyong iba na nakatala ang pangalan sa voters’ list ay hindi naman residente ng kani-kanilang barangay at tuwing halalan lang nakikita para bumoto,” Tetangco said.
The mayor said they are now in the process of gathering evidence and documents to prove their claim that there are more or less 4,000 flying voters who attempted to discredit the election in their town.
“Dati 1,800 lang ang flying voters pero ngayon nakakabahala dahil sa umabot na sa 4,000,” the mayor-elect said.
Earlier, Tetangco said he received several complaints from village chiefs that they caught more than 1,000 flying voters in Barangay Sampaloc, the center of Ang Dating Daan sect, and 200 each in barangays Cansinala and Capalangan.
Tetangco added that the flying voters were seen adjacent to the polling centers last May 10, waiting to cast their votes.
APALIT, Pamp. -- Mayor-elect Oscar “Jun” Tetangco is determined to file appropriate charges against the apprehended “flying voters” who were allegedly members of the “Ang Dating Daan” sect.
The mayor said he has formed a fact-finding group to probe whether or not the said “flying voters” are bona fide residents of this town.
In fact, he said, the village folks and officials are willing to validate and confirm if those listed in the voters’ list are residents of their respective barangays or not.
“Iyong mismong mga Apaliteños ang magpapatunay na iyong iba na nakatala ang pangalan sa voters’ list ay hindi naman residente ng kani-kanilang barangay at tuwing halalan lang nakikita para bumoto,” Tetangco said.
The mayor said they are now in the process of gathering evidence and documents to prove their claim that there are more or less 4,000 flying voters who attempted to discredit the election in their town.
“Dati 1,800 lang ang flying voters pero ngayon nakakabahala dahil sa umabot na sa 4,000,” the mayor-elect said.
Earlier, Tetangco said he received several complaints from village chiefs that they caught more than 1,000 flying voters in Barangay Sampaloc, the center of Ang Dating Daan sect, and 200 each in barangays Cansinala and Capalangan.
Tetangco added that the flying voters were seen adjacent to the polling centers last May 10, waiting to cast their votes.
Panlilio: Pineda voters ‘bought’ …including his relatives in Minalin
BY: JOEL P. MAPILES
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Outgoing Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio claimed that the almost half a million (488,521) Kapampangans -- including his relatives -- who cast their votes in favor of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda were “paid.”
Meanwhile, the 242,367 people who favored his candidacy were “reformed citizens.”
Panlilio said that he felt “a little pain” in his heart because even his close kin in his hometown fell prey to alleged vote buyers.
“Pati ring kamag-anak ku, mesali lang tia P1,500 per head and P4,000 per bubong (Even my close kin were sold, P1,500 per head and P4,000 per household),” he alleged.
The outgoing governor believes that the 242,367 voters who believed in him definitely were not bought.
“They are those who believe in good governance,” he said.
Panlilio said that while he respects the proclamation of Pineda by the Comelec, he does not believe that Pineda really won the gubernatorial race. He branded those who voted in favor of the governor-elect as “sold voters.”
Panlilio said for now, they have no plans of filing an electoral protest regarding the results of the gubernatorial race, as he claimed that he has no money to do so.
Asked by Central Luzon Daily about political reconciliation for the sake of the Kapampangans, Panlilio said he is very much open for reconciliation in terms of cooperation. However, he said he is not a hypocrite or “plastic” to do so much as a “beso-beso” with Pineda and her allies.
Panlilio said the transition team to be formed by Pineda will not have a hard time cooperating with his staff, as they are bent on giving their full cooperation for the smooth turn-over of obligations and responsibilities to the incoming administration.
Pineda’s reaction
Pineda said majority of the Kapampangans have already spoken through their votes, noting that Panlilio should respect the rights of the people in choosing the candidates they want to lead them in the next three years.
The governor-elect asked Panlilio to give the Kapampangans who voted or her some sort of dignity and decency, as they deserve utmost respect whether they are rich or poor or whatever their status in life is.
“Huwag naman pong ipalagay ni Governor Panlilio na nabibili ang mga Kapampangang ayaw na sa kanya tulad ng mga nasa business sectors at iyong mga maralitang mga Kapampangan. Bigyan naman niya ng respeto at huwag siyang magkaroon ng mababang pagtingin sa mga kamag-anak niya at mga Kapampangang bumoto at naniniwala sa akin,” Pineda said.
Pineda claimed that on the night of May 9, before the elections, she asked the local police in the province to apprehend supporters of candidates who would resort to vote-buying, making sure that no one among her supporters would do so.
Pineda said Panlilio should stop sour-graping and blaming her and the Kapampangans for his shortcomings in the delivery of basic services.
Pineda said as a true Christian, she still respects the former priest and outgoing governor, even as Panlilio had badmouthed her and her family.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Outgoing Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio claimed that the almost half a million (488,521) Kapampangans -- including his relatives -- who cast their votes in favor of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda were “paid.”
Meanwhile, the 242,367 people who favored his candidacy were “reformed citizens.”
Panlilio said that he felt “a little pain” in his heart because even his close kin in his hometown fell prey to alleged vote buyers.
“Pati ring kamag-anak ku, mesali lang tia P1,500 per head and P4,000 per bubong (Even my close kin were sold, P1,500 per head and P4,000 per household),” he alleged.
The outgoing governor believes that the 242,367 voters who believed in him definitely were not bought.
“They are those who believe in good governance,” he said.
Panlilio said that while he respects the proclamation of Pineda by the Comelec, he does not believe that Pineda really won the gubernatorial race. He branded those who voted in favor of the governor-elect as “sold voters.”
Panlilio said for now, they have no plans of filing an electoral protest regarding the results of the gubernatorial race, as he claimed that he has no money to do so.
Asked by Central Luzon Daily about political reconciliation for the sake of the Kapampangans, Panlilio said he is very much open for reconciliation in terms of cooperation. However, he said he is not a hypocrite or “plastic” to do so much as a “beso-beso” with Pineda and her allies.
Panlilio said the transition team to be formed by Pineda will not have a hard time cooperating with his staff, as they are bent on giving their full cooperation for the smooth turn-over of obligations and responsibilities to the incoming administration.
Pineda’s reaction
Pineda said majority of the Kapampangans have already spoken through their votes, noting that Panlilio should respect the rights of the people in choosing the candidates they want to lead them in the next three years.
The governor-elect asked Panlilio to give the Kapampangans who voted or her some sort of dignity and decency, as they deserve utmost respect whether they are rich or poor or whatever their status in life is.
“Huwag naman pong ipalagay ni Governor Panlilio na nabibili ang mga Kapampangang ayaw na sa kanya tulad ng mga nasa business sectors at iyong mga maralitang mga Kapampangan. Bigyan naman niya ng respeto at huwag siyang magkaroon ng mababang pagtingin sa mga kamag-anak niya at mga Kapampangang bumoto at naniniwala sa akin,” Pineda said.
Pineda claimed that on the night of May 9, before the elections, she asked the local police in the province to apprehend supporters of candidates who would resort to vote-buying, making sure that no one among her supporters would do so.
Pineda said Panlilio should stop sour-graping and blaming her and the Kapampangans for his shortcomings in the delivery of basic services.
Pineda said as a true Christian, she still respects the former priest and outgoing governor, even as Panlilio had badmouthed her and her family.
Panlilio can no longer be a priest – Apu Ceto
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Archbishop Paciano Aniceto yesterday said outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio can no longer return to priesthood.
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the archdiocese would reassign him to the University of the Assumption when his term ends on June 30.
In an interview, however, Panlilio said his options are open when he steps down from office -- either to return to priesthood or be an active organizer of a people’s organization.
Panlilio, who lost to Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda in the 2007 and 2010 gubernatorial races based on the recent decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said his priority right now is to return to his priestly vows.
But Aniceto said the governor earlier wrote him a petition addressed to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI requesting that he be dismissed from the clerical state.
“He told the media he’s returning to his ministry if his bishops would permit him but he already wrote a letter addressed to me which I have already sent to the Holy Father,” said the 73-year-old Archbishop.
It would take about a year for the Vatican to grant the priest-turned-politician’s petition.
Panlilio also said he would ask the advice Aniceto on his returning to his original ministry.
But the prelate had already advised the suspended priest to discern his vow to run for governor for a single term “until finally he decided to seek re-election.”
“I told him you broke your two promises to me, the first of which was he would only run for a single term and second, he would look for a layman to succeed him and prepare the laity to look for a credible successor,” he added.
Panlilio said should he be given the chance, it would not be possible for him to return as parish priest of Betis in Guagua town but may be given another responsibility, such as being a priest active in socio-civic activities and organizations.
If he yet again fails to go back to priesthood, Panlilio said he would become active in forming a peoples’ organization which spells for change, reforms in society and even in government.
“I will start organizing the more than 242,000 Kapampangans who cast their votes in my favor, as an advocate of good governance and reformed citizens,” he said.
Asked if he wants to work with incoming President Noy-Noy Aquino, Panlilio said Noy-Noy has not asked his help, yet.
Asked again if it would be okay if Pineda asks his assistance in governing the province, he said he will just think about it, if and when it happens.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Archbishop Paciano Aniceto yesterday said outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio can no longer return to priesthood.
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the archdiocese would reassign him to the University of the Assumption when his term ends on June 30.
In an interview, however, Panlilio said his options are open when he steps down from office -- either to return to priesthood or be an active organizer of a people’s organization.
Panlilio, who lost to Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda in the 2007 and 2010 gubernatorial races based on the recent decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said his priority right now is to return to his priestly vows.
But Aniceto said the governor earlier wrote him a petition addressed to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI requesting that he be dismissed from the clerical state.
“He told the media he’s returning to his ministry if his bishops would permit him but he already wrote a letter addressed to me which I have already sent to the Holy Father,” said the 73-year-old Archbishop.
It would take about a year for the Vatican to grant the priest-turned-politician’s petition.
Panlilio also said he would ask the advice Aniceto on his returning to his original ministry.
But the prelate had already advised the suspended priest to discern his vow to run for governor for a single term “until finally he decided to seek re-election.”
“I told him you broke your two promises to me, the first of which was he would only run for a single term and second, he would look for a layman to succeed him and prepare the laity to look for a credible successor,” he added.
Panlilio said should he be given the chance, it would not be possible for him to return as parish priest of Betis in Guagua town but may be given another responsibility, such as being a priest active in socio-civic activities and organizations.
If he yet again fails to go back to priesthood, Panlilio said he would become active in forming a peoples’ organization which spells for change, reforms in society and even in government.
“I will start organizing the more than 242,000 Kapampangans who cast their votes in my favor, as an advocate of good governance and reformed citizens,” he said.
Asked if he wants to work with incoming President Noy-Noy Aquino, Panlilio said Noy-Noy has not asked his help, yet.
Asked again if it would be okay if Pineda asks his assistance in governing the province, he said he will just think about it, if and when it happens.
Mayors vow full support to Pineda
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA, Pamp. -- The Pampanga mayors, at this early, have vowed 100 percent support and cooperation to the incoming administration of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda.
The mayors explicitly said that a healthy and active partnership with the provincial leadership will spell fast development for the province.
With this expression of support of the newly elected mayors and other officials, Pineda said she is very happy and elated with her new mandate to serve the province and her beloved kabalens to the best of her ability.
Pineda said she cannot govern the province alone and needs the support of all sectors such as her fellow local officials in the province from the municipal down to the barangay level. Even the help of businessmen, farmers and all sectors of the society, she said, are very welcome.
Pineda said that within 45 days after the elections and before her assumption to office on June 30, she has made herself busy on studying the vast responsibilities and obligations that she would shoulder as the newly elected governor.
According to Pineda, she wants herself physically, mentally, spiritually, politically and socially prepared before she takes over the capitol leadership on June 30.
She added that she is also in the period of forming a transition team which would negotiate with the staff of outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio on the transfer of obligations and responsibilities, as they want to know the inventory of resources, finances, properties and even personnel.
In an interview, Pineda said she wants to know the ongoing projects and programs of Panlilio for possible continuity and sustainability.
Mayor Jerry Pelayo, current spokesman of the Pampanga mayors, said that during the time of Panlilio, the mayors have initiated cooperation and dialogue with him through the Pampanga Development Council (PDC).
However, Pelayo said the outgoing governor did not bother to listen to his fellow elected officials and forgot that success and development in governance cannot be achieved without the spirit of teamwork among all stakeholders.
The incumbent officials at the municipal level, including all marginalized sectors, have campaigned hard for the candidacy of Pineda who they believe is the only Kapampangan leader who can unite the province towards its ultimate goal for total and full development.
They said that with the assumption of Pineda into office on June 30, Pampanga will rise as one family that works together for the betterment of each and every municipality.
The mayors said they are excited because at this early, Pineda wants to convene them for a dialogue about the prevailing problems and issues confronting the province and find out how could this be addressed and be given the right solutions.
They cited among Pineda’s priority the provision of the basic necessities of the poor families – answers to livelihood, education and health problems of the Kapampangans.
The local officials said this time, Pampanga has a governor who knows how to listen and discern.
CANDABA, Pamp. -- The Pampanga mayors, at this early, have vowed 100 percent support and cooperation to the incoming administration of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda.
The mayors explicitly said that a healthy and active partnership with the provincial leadership will spell fast development for the province.
With this expression of support of the newly elected mayors and other officials, Pineda said she is very happy and elated with her new mandate to serve the province and her beloved kabalens to the best of her ability.
Pineda said she cannot govern the province alone and needs the support of all sectors such as her fellow local officials in the province from the municipal down to the barangay level. Even the help of businessmen, farmers and all sectors of the society, she said, are very welcome.
Pineda said that within 45 days after the elections and before her assumption to office on June 30, she has made herself busy on studying the vast responsibilities and obligations that she would shoulder as the newly elected governor.
According to Pineda, she wants herself physically, mentally, spiritually, politically and socially prepared before she takes over the capitol leadership on June 30.
She added that she is also in the period of forming a transition team which would negotiate with the staff of outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio on the transfer of obligations and responsibilities, as they want to know the inventory of resources, finances, properties and even personnel.
In an interview, Pineda said she wants to know the ongoing projects and programs of Panlilio for possible continuity and sustainability.
Mayor Jerry Pelayo, current spokesman of the Pampanga mayors, said that during the time of Panlilio, the mayors have initiated cooperation and dialogue with him through the Pampanga Development Council (PDC).
However, Pelayo said the outgoing governor did not bother to listen to his fellow elected officials and forgot that success and development in governance cannot be achieved without the spirit of teamwork among all stakeholders.
The incumbent officials at the municipal level, including all marginalized sectors, have campaigned hard for the candidacy of Pineda who they believe is the only Kapampangan leader who can unite the province towards its ultimate goal for total and full development.
They said that with the assumption of Pineda into office on June 30, Pampanga will rise as one family that works together for the betterment of each and every municipality.
The mayors said they are excited because at this early, Pineda wants to convene them for a dialogue about the prevailing problems and issues confronting the province and find out how could this be addressed and be given the right solutions.
They cited among Pineda’s priority the provision of the basic necessities of the poor families – answers to livelihood, education and health problems of the Kapampangans.
The local officials said this time, Pampanga has a governor who knows how to listen and discern.
Warm welcome for Pineda transition team at Capitol
BY: JOEL MAPILES
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The transition team of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda was warmly welcomed by representatives of outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio, led by Attorney Vivian Dabu, and the capitol’s department and unit heads during their initial meeting last Friday.
The 15-member transition team headed by Engineer Rosve Henson was composed of accountants, doctors, engineers and other technical people who were personally chosen by Pineda.
Henson said they were very thankful to Panlilio and his staff for the very cordial and professional way of treating the transition team of Governor-elect Pineda.
Henson lauded the group of Panlilio for their show of full cooperation and smooth flow of presentation during their first meeting.
Dabu and the heads of each unit and department presented their respective mandates, programs, projects, services and accomplishments. They were given five minutes each for their presentation.
It was agreed that the group of Panlilio would submit and provide the transition team with hard copies of the status of each and every department, for the perusal of the incoming administration.
The 15-member team was tasked to receive documents, evaluate and make recommendations to Pineda on what programs and services would conform to the priorities and development agenda of the governor-elect.
During the meeting, both groups agreed that the transition team would be allowed to visit each department for more information and proper orientation.
Asked if questions were raised by the transition team, Henson said the presentations were clear and their only task is to meet and receive documents from the staff of the outgoing governor.
"So far so good," Henson said as they have tentatively set their next meeting on June 15.
Henson said they are optimistic that the initial meeting will pave the way for the smooth turnover of responsibilities and obligations at the provincial government.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The transition team of Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda was warmly welcomed by representatives of outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio, led by Attorney Vivian Dabu, and the capitol’s department and unit heads during their initial meeting last Friday.
The 15-member transition team headed by Engineer Rosve Henson was composed of accountants, doctors, engineers and other technical people who were personally chosen by Pineda.
Henson said they were very thankful to Panlilio and his staff for the very cordial and professional way of treating the transition team of Governor-elect Pineda.
Henson lauded the group of Panlilio for their show of full cooperation and smooth flow of presentation during their first meeting.
Dabu and the heads of each unit and department presented their respective mandates, programs, projects, services and accomplishments. They were given five minutes each for their presentation.
It was agreed that the group of Panlilio would submit and provide the transition team with hard copies of the status of each and every department, for the perusal of the incoming administration.
The 15-member team was tasked to receive documents, evaluate and make recommendations to Pineda on what programs and services would conform to the priorities and development agenda of the governor-elect.
During the meeting, both groups agreed that the transition team would be allowed to visit each department for more information and proper orientation.
Asked if questions were raised by the transition team, Henson said the presentations were clear and their only task is to meet and receive documents from the staff of the outgoing governor.
"So far so good," Henson said as they have tentatively set their next meeting on June 15.
Henson said they are optimistic that the initial meeting will pave the way for the smooth turnover of responsibilities and obligations at the provincial government.
AUF honors Apung Dadong
ANGELES CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of "The Life and Times of President Diosdado P. Macapagal: A Photo Exhibit" at the Angeles University Foundation here yesterday.
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) president Joseph Emmanuel Angeles, a lawyer, said AUF is honoring the late President Macapagal, or Apung Dadong, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on Sept. 28.
“This event also coincides with the 48th founding anniversary of AUF,” he added.
Angeles said that other members of the Macapagal family, including former Pampanga Vice Gov. Cielo Macapagal-Salgado, her brothers Arturo and Diosdado Jr., also graced the event.
Through the exhibit, AUF aims to perpetuate the legacy of Apung Dadong as a statesman imbued with untainted integrity, extraordinary honesty and unquestionable commitment to duty.
The exhibit also marks the beginning of a series of AUF events commemorating Apung Dadong’s centenary.
Angeles said Apung Dadong is dear to AUF because he served as chairman of its Board of Trustees from December 4, 1988 until the time of his death on April 21, 1997.
After Apung Dadong's death, then Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the chairmanship until her resignation when she was elected as vice president of the Philippines in 1998.
The people of Pampanga are proud of Apung Dadong’s incorruptible brand of leadership and will always remember him as the champion of the poor, Angeles said.
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) president Joseph Emmanuel Angeles, a lawyer, said AUF is honoring the late President Macapagal, or Apung Dadong, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on Sept. 28.
“This event also coincides with the 48th founding anniversary of AUF,” he added.
Angeles said that other members of the Macapagal family, including former Pampanga Vice Gov. Cielo Macapagal-Salgado, her brothers Arturo and Diosdado Jr., also graced the event.
Through the exhibit, AUF aims to perpetuate the legacy of Apung Dadong as a statesman imbued with untainted integrity, extraordinary honesty and unquestionable commitment to duty.
The exhibit also marks the beginning of a series of AUF events commemorating Apung Dadong’s centenary.
Angeles said Apung Dadong is dear to AUF because he served as chairman of its Board of Trustees from December 4, 1988 until the time of his death on April 21, 1997.
After Apung Dadong's death, then Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the chairmanship until her resignation when she was elected as vice president of the Philippines in 1998.
The people of Pampanga are proud of Apung Dadong’s incorruptible brand of leadership and will always remember him as the champion of the poor, Angeles said.
Ex-mayor: Candaba poll results ‘pre-programmed’
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Former town Mayor Normita “Babes” Evangelista, a candidate for vice mayor, has filed an election protest against Vice Mayor-elect Daniel Gallardo, proclaimed winner for the vice mayoralty post last May 10 polls.
This came in the heels of the proclamation of Gallardo who garnered 15,388 votes as against the 15,262 votes of Evangelista, a margin of 126 votes.
The election protest was filed before Regional Trial Court Branch 48 Judge Serafin B. David in the City of San Fernando on the grounds that the results of the election for vice mayor were “pre-programmed”.
Evangelista alleged that the delay in the testing and sealing of the compact flash cards gave a window of time for the culprits to pre-program the results of the elections, particularly in the contested precincts.
The former mayor, who ran for vice mayor, has also questioned the authenticity of the election results printed on ordinary thermal paper.
She alleged that ordinary thermal paper is accessible to anyone and the probability of cheating is high.
Evangelista also claimed that Gallardo has resorted to massive vote buying in the last elections, as she also alleged that the municipal board of canvassers has “committed irregularities”.
The losing vice mayor has contested the election results in the clustered precincts in Barangays Bambang, Buas, Cuayang Bugtong, Mandili, Paralaya, Pasig, Pescadores and Tagulod.
With this, Gallardo has filed an answer with compulsory counterclaim before Judge David the other day, specifically denying all the allegations of Evangelista.
Gallardo said it is clear that the electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities baselessly and irresponsibly averred by Evangelista in her protest are simply the common fabrications to be expected of a losing candidate.
Contrary to the allegations of Evangelista, Gallardo said he did not engage in massive vote buying.
Gallardo said his victory in the May 10 polls was the expression of the true will of the people and was not the product of electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities.
The vice mayor-elect said the town elections went through keen public scrutiny, which included the presence of concerned citizens’ groups and poll watchers of the competing candidates for the local and national elective offices – including those of Evangelista- which, he added, precludes the latter’s general and baseless allegations of electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities.
He added that the elections in this town were generally and relatively free, honest, peaceful and orderly.
He claimed that the protest is insufficient in form and content and must therefore be summarily dismissed in accordance with the 2010 Rules of Procedures for Municipal Election Contests.
The elected vice mayor has also filed a compulsory claim as a result of the reckless filing of the protest as he said that he was constrained to engage the services of counsel and had incurred and will be incurring future expenses to defend his victory in the recent elections.
With this, Gallardo stated that Evangelista should be adjudged liable to pay him attorney’s fees and litigation expenses in the amount of P200,000 in addition to incurring costs of the suit.
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Former town Mayor Normita “Babes” Evangelista, a candidate for vice mayor, has filed an election protest against Vice Mayor-elect Daniel Gallardo, proclaimed winner for the vice mayoralty post last May 10 polls.
This came in the heels of the proclamation of Gallardo who garnered 15,388 votes as against the 15,262 votes of Evangelista, a margin of 126 votes.
The election protest was filed before Regional Trial Court Branch 48 Judge Serafin B. David in the City of San Fernando on the grounds that the results of the election for vice mayor were “pre-programmed”.
Evangelista alleged that the delay in the testing and sealing of the compact flash cards gave a window of time for the culprits to pre-program the results of the elections, particularly in the contested precincts.
The former mayor, who ran for vice mayor, has also questioned the authenticity of the election results printed on ordinary thermal paper.
She alleged that ordinary thermal paper is accessible to anyone and the probability of cheating is high.
Evangelista also claimed that Gallardo has resorted to massive vote buying in the last elections, as she also alleged that the municipal board of canvassers has “committed irregularities”.
The losing vice mayor has contested the election results in the clustered precincts in Barangays Bambang, Buas, Cuayang Bugtong, Mandili, Paralaya, Pasig, Pescadores and Tagulod.
With this, Gallardo has filed an answer with compulsory counterclaim before Judge David the other day, specifically denying all the allegations of Evangelista.
Gallardo said it is clear that the electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities baselessly and irresponsibly averred by Evangelista in her protest are simply the common fabrications to be expected of a losing candidate.
Contrary to the allegations of Evangelista, Gallardo said he did not engage in massive vote buying.
Gallardo said his victory in the May 10 polls was the expression of the true will of the people and was not the product of electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities.
The vice mayor-elect said the town elections went through keen public scrutiny, which included the presence of concerned citizens’ groups and poll watchers of the competing candidates for the local and national elective offices – including those of Evangelista- which, he added, precludes the latter’s general and baseless allegations of electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities.
He added that the elections in this town were generally and relatively free, honest, peaceful and orderly.
He claimed that the protest is insufficient in form and content and must therefore be summarily dismissed in accordance with the 2010 Rules of Procedures for Municipal Election Contests.
The elected vice mayor has also filed a compulsory claim as a result of the reckless filing of the protest as he said that he was constrained to engage the services of counsel and had incurred and will be incurring future expenses to defend his victory in the recent elections.
With this, Gallardo stated that Evangelista should be adjudged liable to pay him attorney’s fees and litigation expenses in the amount of P200,000 in addition to incurring costs of the suit.
Another Arayat landslide feared
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
ARAYAT, Pamp. – Landslide-affected families in this town fear that the fast approaching rainy season may trigger yet another mud slide in their relocation site at the Arayat National Park, which is only a few meters away from the original landslide site.
The village folks expressed alarm because their tent site is located within the danger zone declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
It can be recalled that 12 individuals died and a total of 78 houses were totally wrecked due to what they called as a “man-made” landslide which the village folks blamed on the alleged illegal mining activity at the upper level of the mountains.
Reports show that the local government under the leadership of incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino has given P150,000 financial assistance to the surviving families of those who died in the tragedy.
This, aside from the P10,000 provided by the President which she took from the President’s social fund.
But affected folks lamented that up to now, they have yet to receive the promised livelihood assistance promised to them by government authorities.
It can be recalled that 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and the town’s local officials in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development has committed for the establishment of a relocation site outside the landslide danger zone.
However, in spite of the reported millions of pesos in allocation, the beleaguered families are still living within the danger zone under their makeshift tents given by non-government organizations.
Talks about their resettlement took place last year in cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to approve and determine whether the several proposed sites are within the danger zone or not.
But up to this time, the affected families said they are living in despair under their tents. Emily Manalili, a local, said they have been living in misery for several months now.
“An individual tent is occupied by more or less two families,” she said in the dialect.
Manalili also said they have no comfort rooms to answer the “call of nature”, forcing them to throw their “excesses” in their surroundings.
“Makalunus pu ing kabilyan mi keni, sana malunus la reng keka tang manungkulan,” Manalili said.
A village folk who introduced herself as Aling Rosita, 70, revealed that the government has given them P10,000 for each family as initial assistance.
She said up to this time, however, they have been no developments about the proposed resettlement project.
ARAYAT, Pamp. – Landslide-affected families in this town fear that the fast approaching rainy season may trigger yet another mud slide in their relocation site at the Arayat National Park, which is only a few meters away from the original landslide site.
The village folks expressed alarm because their tent site is located within the danger zone declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
It can be recalled that 12 individuals died and a total of 78 houses were totally wrecked due to what they called as a “man-made” landslide which the village folks blamed on the alleged illegal mining activity at the upper level of the mountains.
Reports show that the local government under the leadership of incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino has given P150,000 financial assistance to the surviving families of those who died in the tragedy.
This, aside from the P10,000 provided by the President which she took from the President’s social fund.
But affected folks lamented that up to now, they have yet to receive the promised livelihood assistance promised to them by government authorities.
It can be recalled that 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and the town’s local officials in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development has committed for the establishment of a relocation site outside the landslide danger zone.
However, in spite of the reported millions of pesos in allocation, the beleaguered families are still living within the danger zone under their makeshift tents given by non-government organizations.
Talks about their resettlement took place last year in cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to approve and determine whether the several proposed sites are within the danger zone or not.
But up to this time, the affected families said they are living in despair under their tents. Emily Manalili, a local, said they have been living in misery for several months now.
“An individual tent is occupied by more or less two families,” she said in the dialect.
Manalili also said they have no comfort rooms to answer the “call of nature”, forcing them to throw their “excesses” in their surroundings.
“Makalunus pu ing kabilyan mi keni, sana malunus la reng keka tang manungkulan,” Manalili said.
A village folk who introduced herself as Aling Rosita, 70, revealed that the government has given them P10,000 for each family as initial assistance.
She said up to this time, however, they have been no developments about the proposed resettlement project.
Another Arayat landslide feared
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
ARAYAT, Pamp. – Landslide-affected families in this town fear that the fast approaching rainy season may trigger yet another mud slide in their relocation site at the Arayat National Park, which is only a few meters away from the original landslide site.
The village folks expressed alarm because their tent site is located within the danger zone declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
It can be recalled that 12 individuals died and a total of 78 houses were totally wrecked due to what they called as a “man-made” landslide which the village folks blamed on the alleged illegal mining activity at the upper level of the mountains.
Reports show that the local government under the leadership of incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino has given P150,000 financial assistance to the surviving families of those who died in the tragedy.
This, aside from the P10,000 provided by the President which she took from the President’s social fund.
But affected folks lamented that up to now, they have yet to receive the promised livelihood assistance promised to them by government authorities.
It can be recalled that 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and the town’s local officials in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development has committed for the establishment of a relocation site outside the landslide danger zone.
However, in spite of the reported millions of pesos in allocation, the beleaguered families are still living within the danger zone under their makeshift tents given by non-government organizations.
Talks about their resettlement took place last year in cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to approve and determine whether the several proposed sites are within the danger zone or not.
But up to this time, the affected families said they are living in despair under their tents. Emily Manalili, a local, said they have been living in misery for several months now.
“An individual tent is occupied by more or less two families,” she said in the dialect.
Manalili also said they have no comfort rooms to answer the “call of nature”, forcing them to throw their “excesses” in their surroundings.
“Makalunus pu ing kabilyan mi keni, sana malunus la reng keka tang manungkulan,” Manalili said.
A village folk who introduced herself as Aling Rosita, 70, revealed that the government has given them P10,000 for each family as initial assistance.
She said up to this time, however, they have been no developments about the proposed resettlement project.
ARAYAT, Pamp. – Landslide-affected families in this town fear that the fast approaching rainy season may trigger yet another mud slide in their relocation site at the Arayat National Park, which is only a few meters away from the original landslide site.
The village folks expressed alarm because their tent site is located within the danger zone declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
It can be recalled that 12 individuals died and a total of 78 houses were totally wrecked due to what they called as a “man-made” landslide which the village folks blamed on the alleged illegal mining activity at the upper level of the mountains.
Reports show that the local government under the leadership of incumbent Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino has given P150,000 financial assistance to the surviving families of those who died in the tragedy.
This, aside from the P10,000 provided by the President which she took from the President’s social fund.
But affected folks lamented that up to now, they have yet to receive the promised livelihood assistance promised to them by government authorities.
It can be recalled that 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and the town’s local officials in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development has committed for the establishment of a relocation site outside the landslide danger zone.
However, in spite of the reported millions of pesos in allocation, the beleaguered families are still living within the danger zone under their makeshift tents given by non-government organizations.
Talks about their resettlement took place last year in cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to approve and determine whether the several proposed sites are within the danger zone or not.
But up to this time, the affected families said they are living in despair under their tents. Emily Manalili, a local, said they have been living in misery for several months now.
“An individual tent is occupied by more or less two families,” she said in the dialect.
Manalili also said they have no comfort rooms to answer the “call of nature”, forcing them to throw their “excesses” in their surroundings.
“Makalunus pu ing kabilyan mi keni, sana malunus la reng keka tang manungkulan,” Manalili said.
A village folk who introduced herself as Aling Rosita, 70, revealed that the government has given them P10,000 for each family as initial assistance.
She said up to this time, however, they have been no developments about the proposed resettlement project.
CIAC exec using ‘influence’ on Aquinos to retain post?
CLARK FREEPORT --- A high-ranking official at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport has allegedly been using his influence to push for the proposal of an international consortium, led by a Philippine-based company, a major stockholder of who is a close relative of well-known personality in the camp of President-apparent Noynoy Aquino.
An insider from the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), who refused to be named, claimed that the said official has reportedly tried to “manipulate” the recommendation of CIAC’s Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC) to push for the proposal of the said international consortium.
The CIAC insider said the official is now mustering favor with people close to the perceived administration of Aquino, in the hope of being retained at his present post.
This high-ranking official, according to the insider, had managed to convince one other official with a promise of being retained at CIAC along with him.
“He eventually convinced the majority of the Board to have approved the said International Consortium’s proposal for further negotiations during CIAC’s Board Meeting on May 17, no matter how ‘inferior’ the proposal is, no matter how many required documents are yet to be submitted by the said International Consortium, no matter how disadvantageous to the government the proposal is,” the CIAC insider said.
There have been reports that two directors at CIAC issued a memo addressed to the Board’s Chairman, questioning the conduct of the May 17 Board Meeting and that, accordingly, another director resigned as a motion of protest.
The said International Consortium’s lead proponent is a Philippine-based company owned and managed by a brother of a former Secretary in the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.
This proponent served the former president for 23 years and is married to a likewise former Cabinet Secretary of the former lady President, who is now in the list of personalities being considered in the Cabinet of President-apparent Aquino, the insider claimed.
“Is there already a deal between this high-ranking CIAC official and the said brother of a closed associate of the Aquinos?”, the CIAC insider asked.
The insider said this high ranking official will probably push for the said International Consortium’s proposal in exchange for his retention at CIAC.
“There are even talks and rumors already circulating inside the Clark Freeport Zone that the said high-ranking official will even be promoted to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO, and from there on, he and the said brother of a close associate of the Aquinos will work out the merger of CDC and CIAC into one corporation under the said CIAC official and his agenda,” the insider speculated.
An insider from the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), who refused to be named, claimed that the said official has reportedly tried to “manipulate” the recommendation of CIAC’s Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC) to push for the proposal of the said international consortium.
The CIAC insider said the official is now mustering favor with people close to the perceived administration of Aquino, in the hope of being retained at his present post.
This high-ranking official, according to the insider, had managed to convince one other official with a promise of being retained at CIAC along with him.
“He eventually convinced the majority of the Board to have approved the said International Consortium’s proposal for further negotiations during CIAC’s Board Meeting on May 17, no matter how ‘inferior’ the proposal is, no matter how many required documents are yet to be submitted by the said International Consortium, no matter how disadvantageous to the government the proposal is,” the CIAC insider said.
There have been reports that two directors at CIAC issued a memo addressed to the Board’s Chairman, questioning the conduct of the May 17 Board Meeting and that, accordingly, another director resigned as a motion of protest.
The said International Consortium’s lead proponent is a Philippine-based company owned and managed by a brother of a former Secretary in the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.
This proponent served the former president for 23 years and is married to a likewise former Cabinet Secretary of the former lady President, who is now in the list of personalities being considered in the Cabinet of President-apparent Aquino, the insider claimed.
“Is there already a deal between this high-ranking CIAC official and the said brother of a closed associate of the Aquinos?”, the CIAC insider asked.
The insider said this high ranking official will probably push for the said International Consortium’s proposal in exchange for his retention at CIAC.
“There are even talks and rumors already circulating inside the Clark Freeport Zone that the said high-ranking official will even be promoted to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO, and from there on, he and the said brother of a close associate of the Aquinos will work out the merger of CDC and CIAC into one corporation under the said CIAC official and his agenda,” the insider speculated.
Ima at Arti to stage musical in CSF
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – After the smashing success of their shows “Ima, a Capampangan Musical” and “Beauty Parlor, the Musical” at the Holy Angel University Theatre in Angeles City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Teatru Ima at Arti (MaArti) will be going on stage, for the first time, in the City of San Fernando.
Due to public clamor, “Beauty Parlor, the Musical” will have its repeat performance on June 4 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
This second musical is an all-original comedy written by Randy del Rosario and Andy Alviz, who also composed the music. It focuses on women whose lives get intertwined while visiting their favorite beauty parlor.
“We guarantee you a night of fun and laughter from start to finish. You will laugh until your jaws harden and your tummies ache,” Rhina Ocampo Alarcon, Teatru Ima Arti president, said.
Tickets are available at popular prices of P100, P200, P300 and P500 and are available at all Maarti women, leading establishments and beauty parlors in Pampanga, CLTV 36, ABS-CBN Pampanga, SCN and ACCTN Office.
Due to public clamor, “Beauty Parlor, the Musical” will have its repeat performance on June 4 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
This second musical is an all-original comedy written by Randy del Rosario and Andy Alviz, who also composed the music. It focuses on women whose lives get intertwined while visiting their favorite beauty parlor.
“We guarantee you a night of fun and laughter from start to finish. You will laugh until your jaws harden and your tummies ache,” Rhina Ocampo Alarcon, Teatru Ima Arti president, said.
Tickets are available at popular prices of P100, P200, P300 and P500 and are available at all Maarti women, leading establishments and beauty parlors in Pampanga, CLTV 36, ABS-CBN Pampanga, SCN and ACCTN Office.
Blueboy’s midnight donations ‘illegal’
ANGELES CITY – The campaign manager of City Mayor-elect Edgardo “Edpam” Pamintuan claimed that the “midnight donation” allegedly made by outgoing Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno and his cohorts are illegal and immoral.
Granting without accepting that the donation is legal, Attorney Dennis Albert
Pamintuan said Nepomuceno’s move was highly immoral, as the donation was made only after the election in which the incumbent was declared loser in the mayoral race.
He added that it was done in bad faith, aiming to paralyze the incoming administration.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with outgoing city administrator Mark Allen Sison, he said there was nothing illegal about the donation as it was duly supported by a city council resolution.
Edpam’s campaign manager belied Sison’s explanation as he stressed that only surplus and condemned government properties of no value could be donated as stipulated in the local government code of 1991.
It was learned that the approved resolution of the majority of the city council authorizes the city mayor to dispose/donate city government properties, including 25 almost brand new, serviceable vehicles, office equipments and appliances to various individuals and government agencies.
Pamintuan said four of the city lawmakers who approved the resolution authorizing Nepomuceno to donate vehicles to his political allies have no “delicadeza”.
He stressed that “out of delicadeza” these lawmakers should have first inhibited themselves in approving the resolution as they were named as direct beneficiaries of some of the vehicles owned by the city government.
Pamintuan divulged that some of the beneficiaries who were highly favored were Barangay Cutcut village chief Robin Nepomuceno (Blueboy’s brother) and SK President Carl John Mirada, ex-officio members of the city council including Councilors Dan Lacson and Suller.
Attorney Pamintuan said they received text message from some of the employees of the city hall saying that “midnight mysteries” are taking place at the city hall from 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning.
He said that some of the city government properties were taken away by some supporters of Nepomuceno during this time.
Hence, Pamintuan said the mayor-elect has already sought the assistance of Sr. Supt. Danilo Bautista to secure and protect the properties of the city hall.
Edpam reiterates transition talk
Mayor-elect Edgardo "Edpam"Pamintuan has reiterated his request for an audience with the transition team of Nepomuceno to enable them to work hand in hand for a smooth transition upon assumption into office of the new administration on June 30.
However, in his letter reply dated May 19, Nepomuceno denied the request of Pamintuan dated May 17, citing the local governance transition team’s ongoing process of conducting inventories and assembling of documents.
Pamintuan noted that more than one week has elapsed and they have not received any subsequent reply from the office of Nepomuceno to allow the smooth local governance transition team as required by the DILG.
The DILG circular provides that the transition team of the incumbent should be formed not later than April 15, 2010. Presumably, the deadline is intended to enable the incumbent administration to prepare ahead of the elections.
He added that the DILG has directed all local government units to cooperate with the incoming administration to ensure continuity and avoid in the delivery of services and undertaking of the government.
“This is the very reason why most of the incumbents have allowed the transition team counterparts to look into all the properties and matter of their respective local government units,” he said.
With this, Pamintuan said he is reiterating his request for his transition team to have an audience with their counterpart at the city hall on the first week of June.
“Time is of the essence and we cannot wait until June 30 before the audience can be granted,” Pamintuan added.
Granting without accepting that the donation is legal, Attorney Dennis Albert
Pamintuan said Nepomuceno’s move was highly immoral, as the donation was made only after the election in which the incumbent was declared loser in the mayoral race.
He added that it was done in bad faith, aiming to paralyze the incoming administration.
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with outgoing city administrator Mark Allen Sison, he said there was nothing illegal about the donation as it was duly supported by a city council resolution.
Edpam’s campaign manager belied Sison’s explanation as he stressed that only surplus and condemned government properties of no value could be donated as stipulated in the local government code of 1991.
It was learned that the approved resolution of the majority of the city council authorizes the city mayor to dispose/donate city government properties, including 25 almost brand new, serviceable vehicles, office equipments and appliances to various individuals and government agencies.
Pamintuan said four of the city lawmakers who approved the resolution authorizing Nepomuceno to donate vehicles to his political allies have no “delicadeza”.
He stressed that “out of delicadeza” these lawmakers should have first inhibited themselves in approving the resolution as they were named as direct beneficiaries of some of the vehicles owned by the city government.
Pamintuan divulged that some of the beneficiaries who were highly favored were Barangay Cutcut village chief Robin Nepomuceno (Blueboy’s brother) and SK President Carl John Mirada, ex-officio members of the city council including Councilors Dan Lacson and Suller.
Attorney Pamintuan said they received text message from some of the employees of the city hall saying that “midnight mysteries” are taking place at the city hall from 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning.
He said that some of the city government properties were taken away by some supporters of Nepomuceno during this time.
Hence, Pamintuan said the mayor-elect has already sought the assistance of Sr. Supt. Danilo Bautista to secure and protect the properties of the city hall.
Edpam reiterates transition talk
Mayor-elect Edgardo "Edpam"Pamintuan has reiterated his request for an audience with the transition team of Nepomuceno to enable them to work hand in hand for a smooth transition upon assumption into office of the new administration on June 30.
However, in his letter reply dated May 19, Nepomuceno denied the request of Pamintuan dated May 17, citing the local governance transition team’s ongoing process of conducting inventories and assembling of documents.
Pamintuan noted that more than one week has elapsed and they have not received any subsequent reply from the office of Nepomuceno to allow the smooth local governance transition team as required by the DILG.
The DILG circular provides that the transition team of the incumbent should be formed not later than April 15, 2010. Presumably, the deadline is intended to enable the incumbent administration to prepare ahead of the elections.
He added that the DILG has directed all local government units to cooperate with the incoming administration to ensure continuity and avoid in the delivery of services and undertaking of the government.
“This is the very reason why most of the incumbents have allowed the transition team counterparts to look into all the properties and matter of their respective local government units,” he said.
With this, Pamintuan said he is reiterating his request for his transition team to have an audience with their counterpart at the city hall on the first week of June.
“Time is of the essence and we cannot wait until June 30 before the audience can be granted,” Pamintuan added.
Macabebe to mark martyr’s anniversary
ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies will lead provincial celebrations marking the 439th death anniversary of the first Filipino martyr for freedom on Thursday, June 3, in the town of Macabebe.
Tarik Soliman, often mistaken for Rajah Soliman of Manila, is mentioned in ancient Spanish chronicles as “the brave youth from Macabebe” who lost his life in the Battle of Bangkusay on June 3, 1571.
Tarik Soliman (not his real name), a Kapampangan datu, organized a fleet of 40 caracoas (warships) bearing more than 2000 warriors from Macabebe, Hagonoy and other villages and sailed to Tondo to persuade Lakandula to join his fight against the invading Spaniards led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
When Legazpi sent emissaries to Tondo to talk peace, Tarik Soliman drew his sword and cried, “May the sun cut my body in two and may I be disgraced in the eyes of women if I ever became a friend to these Spaniards!” He then jumped out of the window, went to his caracoa and told the emissaries that he and his fleet would be expecting the Spaniards at the mouth of Bangkusay channel in Tondo.
Legazpi sent 80 Spanish soldiers and an unspecified number of Visayan warriors led by Martin de Goiti to what is now known as the Battle of Bangkusay. Unfortunately, Tarik Soliman was killed by a bullet and his soldiers either fled or were taken prisoners. On June 24, Legazpi founded the City of Manila and shortly thereafter, the Province of Pampanga.
“Tarik Soliman should be declared a national hero,” said Robby Tantingco, Director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies. “It was he, and not Lapu-Lapu, who first gave up his life to defend the freedom of this country. The Battle of Bangkusay has more historical significance than the Battle of Mactan.”
The Center has partnered with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the Municipality of Macabebe, the San Nicolas Tolentino Parish of Macabebe and the Heritage Committee of San Nicolas Parish to make the celebration more meaningful on June 3.
Macabebe outgoing Mayor Leonardo Flores and incoming Mayor Annette Balgan and their respective councilors are expected to grace the occasion. Officials from the Municipality of Masantol and the Municipality of Hagonoy are also expected to come.
According to Tantingco, the martyrdom of Tarik Soliman in 1571 “inspired generations of Kapampangan freedom fighters, from Francisco Maniago who led the Kapampangan Revolt of 1660 to Luis Taruc who led the Huk movement in the 1950s.”
“Tarik Soliman chided the Tagalog chieftains of Manila for allowing the Spaniards to enter Luzon,” Tantingco added. “It was Tarik alone who refused to kowtow to white men, who was smart enough to discern the foreigners’ real motives, and who was brave enough to resist them. He was actually the first Filipino to show that freedom was worth dying for.”
The celebration will start with a Holy Mass at the Macabebe parish church at 9:00 am, to be followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tarik Soliman monument in front of the Macabebe municipal hall.
Tarik Soliman, often mistaken for Rajah Soliman of Manila, is mentioned in ancient Spanish chronicles as “the brave youth from Macabebe” who lost his life in the Battle of Bangkusay on June 3, 1571.
Tarik Soliman (not his real name), a Kapampangan datu, organized a fleet of 40 caracoas (warships) bearing more than 2000 warriors from Macabebe, Hagonoy and other villages and sailed to Tondo to persuade Lakandula to join his fight against the invading Spaniards led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
When Legazpi sent emissaries to Tondo to talk peace, Tarik Soliman drew his sword and cried, “May the sun cut my body in two and may I be disgraced in the eyes of women if I ever became a friend to these Spaniards!” He then jumped out of the window, went to his caracoa and told the emissaries that he and his fleet would be expecting the Spaniards at the mouth of Bangkusay channel in Tondo.
Legazpi sent 80 Spanish soldiers and an unspecified number of Visayan warriors led by Martin de Goiti to what is now known as the Battle of Bangkusay. Unfortunately, Tarik Soliman was killed by a bullet and his soldiers either fled or were taken prisoners. On June 24, Legazpi founded the City of Manila and shortly thereafter, the Province of Pampanga.
“Tarik Soliman should be declared a national hero,” said Robby Tantingco, Director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies. “It was he, and not Lapu-Lapu, who first gave up his life to defend the freedom of this country. The Battle of Bangkusay has more historical significance than the Battle of Mactan.”
The Center has partnered with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the Municipality of Macabebe, the San Nicolas Tolentino Parish of Macabebe and the Heritage Committee of San Nicolas Parish to make the celebration more meaningful on June 3.
Macabebe outgoing Mayor Leonardo Flores and incoming Mayor Annette Balgan and their respective councilors are expected to grace the occasion. Officials from the Municipality of Masantol and the Municipality of Hagonoy are also expected to come.
According to Tantingco, the martyrdom of Tarik Soliman in 1571 “inspired generations of Kapampangan freedom fighters, from Francisco Maniago who led the Kapampangan Revolt of 1660 to Luis Taruc who led the Huk movement in the 1950s.”
“Tarik Soliman chided the Tagalog chieftains of Manila for allowing the Spaniards to enter Luzon,” Tantingco added. “It was Tarik alone who refused to kowtow to white men, who was smart enough to discern the foreigners’ real motives, and who was brave enough to resist them. He was actually the first Filipino to show that freedom was worth dying for.”
The celebration will start with a Holy Mass at the Macabebe parish church at 9:00 am, to be followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tarik Soliman monument in front of the Macabebe municipal hall.
Pelayo hits CIAC mgmt on ‘unauthorized’ demolition
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT -- Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo claimed that heads should roll if the demolition of several buildings inside the aviation complex of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) was done in the absence of an approved resolution by the Board of Directors.
Pelayo said if proven that they acted outside of an approved resolution, concerned officials should be held accountable for bidding, demolishing and donating the buildings in question.
The Candaba mayor is referring to several buildings that his group had renovated for use as a one-stop shop for farmers to expand the Farm Fresh 25 project.
He said that in 2008, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved in principle Farm Fresh 25, which will utilize dilapidated buildings in the vicinity as a processing plant, kimchi factory, food exchange center, bagsakan for flowers, training centers and dormitories for farmers.
On September 17, 2008, the group of Pelayo wrote a letter to CIAC president Victor Luciano stipulating a request to lease and make use of the buildings and facilities for the said projects.
“We started doing these works, believing that our request has already been approved as he previously expressed to us in many occasions,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo and his group have since then started renovating the dilapidated buildings, spending over P1-million.
However, starting May 2009 and all throughout the year, Pelayo said he was surprised to find out that half of the buildings where Farm Fresh 25 is located were being demolished.
“It was sold to the same contractors that demolished the Farm Fresh 25 building, justifying that the scrap would be donated to the Aeta village,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo said the demolition contractor represented by one Josie Gomez called up his son Patrick for several times, offering P450,000 for the other building.
“My son said no and got really mad, saying that the building was intended for the use of the Food Hub Project,” Pelayo said.
This prompted Pelayo to call up Luciano to inform him of the incident and the previous demolition, but the latter allegedly told him that the building was intended as donation to the Aetas.
Another demolition took place July 2009, prompting Pelayo to report the incident to CDC President Benigno Ricafort and Chairman Nestor Mangio.
CLARK FREEPORT -- Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo claimed that heads should roll if the demolition of several buildings inside the aviation complex of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) was done in the absence of an approved resolution by the Board of Directors.
Pelayo said if proven that they acted outside of an approved resolution, concerned officials should be held accountable for bidding, demolishing and donating the buildings in question.
The Candaba mayor is referring to several buildings that his group had renovated for use as a one-stop shop for farmers to expand the Farm Fresh 25 project.
He said that in 2008, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved in principle Farm Fresh 25, which will utilize dilapidated buildings in the vicinity as a processing plant, kimchi factory, food exchange center, bagsakan for flowers, training centers and dormitories for farmers.
On September 17, 2008, the group of Pelayo wrote a letter to CIAC president Victor Luciano stipulating a request to lease and make use of the buildings and facilities for the said projects.
“We started doing these works, believing that our request has already been approved as he previously expressed to us in many occasions,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo and his group have since then started renovating the dilapidated buildings, spending over P1-million.
However, starting May 2009 and all throughout the year, Pelayo said he was surprised to find out that half of the buildings where Farm Fresh 25 is located were being demolished.
“It was sold to the same contractors that demolished the Farm Fresh 25 building, justifying that the scrap would be donated to the Aeta village,” Pelayo said.
Pelayo said the demolition contractor represented by one Josie Gomez called up his son Patrick for several times, offering P450,000 for the other building.
“My son said no and got really mad, saying that the building was intended for the use of the Food Hub Project,” Pelayo said.
This prompted Pelayo to call up Luciano to inform him of the incident and the previous demolition, but the latter allegedly told him that the building was intended as donation to the Aetas.
Another demolition took place July 2009, prompting Pelayo to report the incident to CDC President Benigno Ricafort and Chairman Nestor Mangio.
Caylao: No housing
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- City administrator Fer Caylao branded as baseless and unfounded the claim of ABS-CBN program “The Correspondents” that there is a local government housing project in Barangay San Pedro Cutud.
Caylao said that in fact, some of the “professional squatters” in the village have been encouraged by the city government to vacate the land owned by the provincial government and relocate at the Northville Resettlement Center in Barangay Calulut, this city.
Unfortunately, Caylao said some of those who were resettled in Northville had managed to return to San Pedro Cutud.
For quite sometime, he said the city government has been helping the squatters, but the city is not inclined to help them permanently by letting them stay in the said provincial government property.
He said the city was copy furnished a letter of the provincial government asking the squatters to vacate its property in Cutud.
Comfort Rooms
After the television program had been aired, the city received a call from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) informing them that the national government would provide comfort room units to the concerned squatters through the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Caylao expressed apprehension, because the provision of comfort room units to residents means that the government is legitimizing their stay in the provincial government property.
Asked what would be the best thing to do for what he called “professional squatters,” he said the incoming administration might be forced to award the property.
However, he said, the property is already intended for a housing project of capitol employees.
In an exclusive interview with Ernesto Punzalan who introduced himself as the caretaker of the said provincial government property in Cutud, he said the village folks interviewed in the program “The Correspondents” are not residents of Cutud homesite.
Caylao said that in fact, some of the “professional squatters” in the village have been encouraged by the city government to vacate the land owned by the provincial government and relocate at the Northville Resettlement Center in Barangay Calulut, this city.
Unfortunately, Caylao said some of those who were resettled in Northville had managed to return to San Pedro Cutud.
For quite sometime, he said the city government has been helping the squatters, but the city is not inclined to help them permanently by letting them stay in the said provincial government property.
He said the city was copy furnished a letter of the provincial government asking the squatters to vacate its property in Cutud.
Comfort Rooms
After the television program had been aired, the city received a call from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) informing them that the national government would provide comfort room units to the concerned squatters through the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Caylao expressed apprehension, because the provision of comfort room units to residents means that the government is legitimizing their stay in the provincial government property.
Asked what would be the best thing to do for what he called “professional squatters,” he said the incoming administration might be forced to award the property.
However, he said, the property is already intended for a housing project of capitol employees.
In an exclusive interview with Ernesto Punzalan who introduced himself as the caretaker of the said provincial government property in Cutud, he said the village folks interviewed in the program “The Correspondents” are not residents of Cutud homesite.
City hall’s deficit reaches P53-M
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
ANGELES CITY – Based on the admission of the city account, it was found out that as of May 13, the city has already incurred a deficit of P53-million -- and it's all on record.
“Iyon daw kasing annual budget ng 2010, ipinambayad ng mga utang ng city hall noon pang 2009 hanggang 2010 kaya ayon, negative na P53-million na ang buget ng city hall,” Attorney Dennis Albert Pamintuan, campaign manager of Mayor-elect Edgardo Pamintuan, told this reporter.
Pamintuan lashed back at city administrator Mark Allen Sison when the latter stated in an interview that the incoming administration is having “chronic hunger”.
He said the outgoing administration may be the one having chronic hunger.
“Especially since they will be leaving the city with a massive amount of unpaid debts consisting of P63-million for basura; P8-million for power; thousands of job orders na ang iba ay ghosts employees,” the young lawyer stated in his text messages.
He noted that the incumbent administration has already appropriated 28 vehicles owned by the city government, and allegedly donated these to their proven allies.
“We are closely monitoring and silently investigating these unpaid debts of public record running to millions as well as the number of people getting salaries as fictitious job order workers,” he said.
Pamintuan said he highly doubts the claim of Sison that what were carted off from the city hall were personal properties of their men.
“A very reliable source of concerned city hall employees clearly alleged that the so-called 'clean up' in preparation for the turn-over was done at 2:00 to 3:00 am,” he reiterated.
He said that if one has clean intentions, why do it at these ungodly hours and not right after office hours?
Pamintuan stressed that ultimately, this would have been easily ironed out if the Nepomuceno administration would just coordinate with them as mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“We have written them twice (May 17 and 27) requesting for a meeting of our respective transition teams but our requests had been blatantly ignored,” he added.
ANGELES CITY – Based on the admission of the city account, it was found out that as of May 13, the city has already incurred a deficit of P53-million -- and it's all on record.
“Iyon daw kasing annual budget ng 2010, ipinambayad ng mga utang ng city hall noon pang 2009 hanggang 2010 kaya ayon, negative na P53-million na ang buget ng city hall,” Attorney Dennis Albert Pamintuan, campaign manager of Mayor-elect Edgardo Pamintuan, told this reporter.
Pamintuan lashed back at city administrator Mark Allen Sison when the latter stated in an interview that the incoming administration is having “chronic hunger”.
He said the outgoing administration may be the one having chronic hunger.
“Especially since they will be leaving the city with a massive amount of unpaid debts consisting of P63-million for basura; P8-million for power; thousands of job orders na ang iba ay ghosts employees,” the young lawyer stated in his text messages.
He noted that the incumbent administration has already appropriated 28 vehicles owned by the city government, and allegedly donated these to their proven allies.
“We are closely monitoring and silently investigating these unpaid debts of public record running to millions as well as the number of people getting salaries as fictitious job order workers,” he said.
Pamintuan said he highly doubts the claim of Sison that what were carted off from the city hall were personal properties of their men.
“A very reliable source of concerned city hall employees clearly alleged that the so-called 'clean up' in preparation for the turn-over was done at 2:00 to 3:00 am,” he reiterated.
He said that if one has clean intentions, why do it at these ungodly hours and not right after office hours?
Pamintuan stressed that ultimately, this would have been easily ironed out if the Nepomuceno administration would just coordinate with them as mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“We have written them twice (May 17 and 27) requesting for a meeting of our respective transition teams but our requests had been blatantly ignored,” he added.
Court orders arrest of Panlilio’s ex-men
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The warrants of arrest against former members of the Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) or Balas Boys, in connection with separate libel cases filed by outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio and provincial administrator Attorney Vivian Dabu against them, were reportedly released by the Regional Trial Court Branch 46.
It can be recalled that the outgoing governor and his administrator filed separate cases of libel, grave slander and oral defamation, alarm and scandal, and unjust vexation against the Balas boys, a quarry monitoring Task Force created by Panlilio.
Identified as principal respondents in the said libel case are former Capitol chief-of-staff Archimedes "Archie" Reyes, former social services officer Roperlee Syquia, heads of Balas boys Alex Pineda, Eduard De Leon, Christopher Ramil Ocampo and Filologo Rodriguez, and 39 other members of Balas.
With the issuance of the warrants of arrest, the respondents expect that they would be arrested anytime.
Based on an interview with lawyers on what could be the respondents’ next move, they suggested that they study the charges, file a motion to reduce bail and subsequently file a motion to reinvestigate the charges filed against the former members of the quarry monitoring team created by Panlilio.
It was learned that the 45 respondents would need to post P10,000 bail for each of the two counts of libel, equivalent to a total of P900,000, if their motion would be turned down by the court.
The respondents said they have not officially received any information charge sheets or any summons in their respective houses. They said they were surprised with the reported issuance of their warrants of arrest.
Reyes said he only knew about the libel charges against them in the newspapers.
But in a report, city Prosecutor Felizardo Montero has sent summons to the accused, commanding and requiring them under the law to submit to his office counter-affidavits and similar documents and to appear before his office together with their witnesses.
Asked how they knew about the warrant, Reyes said an insider from the office of the governor informed them about it. He added that a reliable source from the court also confirmed the said warrants.
Reyes said after that fateful experience in the initial year of administration of Panlilio, he, Siquia and the former Balas Boys already managed to move on.
But up to now, the “ghost” of their past is reminding them of their dreadful experience working with the administration of Panlilio as governor, according to Reyes.
“Pero ngayon eto, minumulto pa rin kami ng aming naging karanasan sa pangangasiwa at konrobersiya na kinasangkutan ng papaalis na governor at ng kanyang administradora,” Reyes added.
Unsung Heroes
The former Balas boys were said to be unsung heroes behind the initial success and achievement of Panlilio in increasing the quarry collection by the millions during his first months in office.
De Leon said he did not realize that after doing their best in helping the administration of Panlilio in excelling the quarry operations, the governor and his administrator pushed through with their libel charges against them.
De Leon lamented that the governor even promised them of reinstatement but broke their agreement during their meeting at the Sacop office.
The charges stemmed from a misunderstanding which resulted to protest rallies held in front of the capitol.
Panlilio and Dabu filed charges, accusing them of libel after posting scandalous protest streamers and posters, and expressing speeches in front of the Capitol.
But the former Balas Boys claimed that the Arnedo Park where they held the protest rallies is a freedom park.
It can be recalled that Reyes resigned as chief of staff of Panlilio after having a disagreement with Dabu, and after and the latter’s failure to comply with their agreement during a dialogue with the former Balas Boys over certain administrative and personal issues.
After his resignation, Reyes attended the protest rallies during the night and expressed his sympathies and support to the Balas boys and even gave statements calling for the resignation of Dabu.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The warrants of arrest against former members of the Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) or Balas Boys, in connection with separate libel cases filed by outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio and provincial administrator Attorney Vivian Dabu against them, were reportedly released by the Regional Trial Court Branch 46.
It can be recalled that the outgoing governor and his administrator filed separate cases of libel, grave slander and oral defamation, alarm and scandal, and unjust vexation against the Balas boys, a quarry monitoring Task Force created by Panlilio.
Identified as principal respondents in the said libel case are former Capitol chief-of-staff Archimedes "Archie" Reyes, former social services officer Roperlee Syquia, heads of Balas boys Alex Pineda, Eduard De Leon, Christopher Ramil Ocampo and Filologo Rodriguez, and 39 other members of Balas.
With the issuance of the warrants of arrest, the respondents expect that they would be arrested anytime.
Based on an interview with lawyers on what could be the respondents’ next move, they suggested that they study the charges, file a motion to reduce bail and subsequently file a motion to reinvestigate the charges filed against the former members of the quarry monitoring team created by Panlilio.
It was learned that the 45 respondents would need to post P10,000 bail for each of the two counts of libel, equivalent to a total of P900,000, if their motion would be turned down by the court.
The respondents said they have not officially received any information charge sheets or any summons in their respective houses. They said they were surprised with the reported issuance of their warrants of arrest.
Reyes said he only knew about the libel charges against them in the newspapers.
But in a report, city Prosecutor Felizardo Montero has sent summons to the accused, commanding and requiring them under the law to submit to his office counter-affidavits and similar documents and to appear before his office together with their witnesses.
Asked how they knew about the warrant, Reyes said an insider from the office of the governor informed them about it. He added that a reliable source from the court also confirmed the said warrants.
Reyes said after that fateful experience in the initial year of administration of Panlilio, he, Siquia and the former Balas Boys already managed to move on.
But up to now, the “ghost” of their past is reminding them of their dreadful experience working with the administration of Panlilio as governor, according to Reyes.
“Pero ngayon eto, minumulto pa rin kami ng aming naging karanasan sa pangangasiwa at konrobersiya na kinasangkutan ng papaalis na governor at ng kanyang administradora,” Reyes added.
Unsung Heroes
The former Balas boys were said to be unsung heroes behind the initial success and achievement of Panlilio in increasing the quarry collection by the millions during his first months in office.
De Leon said he did not realize that after doing their best in helping the administration of Panlilio in excelling the quarry operations, the governor and his administrator pushed through with their libel charges against them.
De Leon lamented that the governor even promised them of reinstatement but broke their agreement during their meeting at the Sacop office.
The charges stemmed from a misunderstanding which resulted to protest rallies held in front of the capitol.
Panlilio and Dabu filed charges, accusing them of libel after posting scandalous protest streamers and posters, and expressing speeches in front of the Capitol.
But the former Balas Boys claimed that the Arnedo Park where they held the protest rallies is a freedom park.
It can be recalled that Reyes resigned as chief of staff of Panlilio after having a disagreement with Dabu, and after and the latter’s failure to comply with their agreement during a dialogue with the former Balas Boys over certain administrative and personal issues.
After his resignation, Reyes attended the protest rallies during the night and expressed his sympathies and support to the Balas boys and even gave statements calling for the resignation of Dabu.
Panlilio’s ex-men post bail
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Former members of the Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) Boys have posted their respective bails at the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 with regard the libel cases filed against them by outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio and provincial administrator Vivian Dabu.
This developed as the said court approved the motion of the respondents – former capitol chief-of-staff Archimedes "Archie" Reyes, former social services officer Roperlee Syquia, heads of Balas boys Alex Pineda, Eduard De Leon, Christopher Ramil Ocampo and Filologo Rodriguez -- to reduce bail from P10,000 each to P5,000 or from P900,000 to P450,000 for all the former Balas Boys.
Earlier, the respondents said they would consult their lawyers if they could file a motion for reinvestigation, lamenting that they were not accorded due process by not being properly informed about the charges filed.
They claimed to have not received any summons or subpoena at their respective houses.
It can be recalled that prior to the posting of bail Branch 46 issued a warrant of arrest against the respondents.
The respondents said they have not officially received any information charge sheets or any summons in their respective houses. They said they were surprised with the reported issuance of their warrants of arrest.
Reyes said he only knew about the libel charges against them in the newspapers.
But in a report, city Prosecutor Felizardo Montero has sent summons to the accused, commanding and requiring them under the law to submit to his office counter-affidavits and similar documents and to appear before his office together with their witnesses.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Former members of the Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) Boys have posted their respective bails at the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 with regard the libel cases filed against them by outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio and provincial administrator Vivian Dabu.
This developed as the said court approved the motion of the respondents – former capitol chief-of-staff Archimedes "Archie" Reyes, former social services officer Roperlee Syquia, heads of Balas boys Alex Pineda, Eduard De Leon, Christopher Ramil Ocampo and Filologo Rodriguez -- to reduce bail from P10,000 each to P5,000 or from P900,000 to P450,000 for all the former Balas Boys.
Earlier, the respondents said they would consult their lawyers if they could file a motion for reinvestigation, lamenting that they were not accorded due process by not being properly informed about the charges filed.
They claimed to have not received any summons or subpoena at their respective houses.
It can be recalled that prior to the posting of bail Branch 46 issued a warrant of arrest against the respondents.
The respondents said they have not officially received any information charge sheets or any summons in their respective houses. They said they were surprised with the reported issuance of their warrants of arrest.
Reyes said he only knew about the libel charges against them in the newspapers.
But in a report, city Prosecutor Felizardo Montero has sent summons to the accused, commanding and requiring them under the law to submit to his office counter-affidavits and similar documents and to appear before his office together with their witnesses.
Pelayo to file raps vs Luciano
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Mayor Jerry Pelayo is bent on filing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Victor Luciano, president of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), on the alleged unauthorized demolition of old warehouses inside the CIAC property.
Pelayo said that if Luciano fails to shed light on his complaint to the CIAC board of directors headed by chairman Nestor Mangio -- who also heads the fact-finding committee on the alleged demolition -- he has no option but to file a complaint with the support of 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin whom Pelayo said is willing to testify and become a co-complainant.
Pelayo asked that if the old buildings were demolished into pieces of scrap, did the proceeds go to the coffers of the corporation and to the intended beneficiaries?
Pelayo even challenged Luciano to have a friendly debate if only to clarify the issues hounding the recent demolition of several buildings within the jurisdiction of CIAC.
Pelayo said he was surprised about the news that at least 16 buildings were already turned into scrap by contractors within the civil aviation complex.
In a media interview over RW 95.1 FM, Luciano was heard as saying that the said buildings that have been demolished were categorized as ransacked, condemned and unserviceable, meaning they have no value.
Luciano even said that the concerned Aetas from Bamban, Tarlac had managed to secure a clearance and approval from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to demolish and donate the scrap materials of the “condemned” building to the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association (BATA).
However, Luciano admitted that it was the demolition contractors who actually managed the demolition, as the Aetas have no implements to do so.
Pelayo insisted that only one building has been granted to the Aetas for demolition and donation, as claimed by former PMS head Hermogenes Esperon.
Pelayo even said he was told by Esperon that the scrap materials of the said building will be sold, proceeds of which will be given to the BATA members to augment their daily living.
In his investigation, however, Pelayo revealed that the Aetas were only given rice allocation.
If this is the case, Pelayo asked actually benefited from the demolition and why the supposed Aeta beneficiaries did not really receive the proceeds from the scrap.
Pelayo said the buildings, prior to their demolition, were still serviceable and could have been used as training centers if given enough maintenance.
However, Luciano said the condemned buildings -- including the building where Pelayo is holding his Farm Fresh 25 project – are an eyesore.
With this, the mayor said to put things clear, he is set to attend the CIAC board meeting anytime soon to shed light on his complaint about the demolished buildings.
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Mayor Jerry Pelayo is bent on filing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Victor Luciano, president of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), on the alleged unauthorized demolition of old warehouses inside the CIAC property.
Pelayo said that if Luciano fails to shed light on his complaint to the CIAC board of directors headed by chairman Nestor Mangio -- who also heads the fact-finding committee on the alleged demolition -- he has no option but to file a complaint with the support of 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin whom Pelayo said is willing to testify and become a co-complainant.
Pelayo asked that if the old buildings were demolished into pieces of scrap, did the proceeds go to the coffers of the corporation and to the intended beneficiaries?
Pelayo even challenged Luciano to have a friendly debate if only to clarify the issues hounding the recent demolition of several buildings within the jurisdiction of CIAC.
Pelayo said he was surprised about the news that at least 16 buildings were already turned into scrap by contractors within the civil aviation complex.
In a media interview over RW 95.1 FM, Luciano was heard as saying that the said buildings that have been demolished were categorized as ransacked, condemned and unserviceable, meaning they have no value.
Luciano even said that the concerned Aetas from Bamban, Tarlac had managed to secure a clearance and approval from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) to demolish and donate the scrap materials of the “condemned” building to the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association (BATA).
However, Luciano admitted that it was the demolition contractors who actually managed the demolition, as the Aetas have no implements to do so.
Pelayo insisted that only one building has been granted to the Aetas for demolition and donation, as claimed by former PMS head Hermogenes Esperon.
Pelayo even said he was told by Esperon that the scrap materials of the said building will be sold, proceeds of which will be given to the BATA members to augment their daily living.
In his investigation, however, Pelayo revealed that the Aetas were only given rice allocation.
If this is the case, Pelayo asked actually benefited from the demolition and why the supposed Aeta beneficiaries did not really receive the proceeds from the scrap.
Pelayo said the buildings, prior to their demolition, were still serviceable and could have been used as training centers if given enough maintenance.
However, Luciano said the condemned buildings -- including the building where Pelayo is holding his Farm Fresh 25 project – are an eyesore.
With this, the mayor said to put things clear, he is set to attend the CIAC board meeting anytime soon to shed light on his complaint about the demolished buildings.
DA’s outstanding corn farmer is Kapampangan
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Outstanding achievers in the agriculture and fisheries sector in the region, including two Kapampangans, were named as this year’s regional winners of the prestigious Gawad Saka Awards of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a simple awarding ceremonies held at the provincial capitol grounds here over the weekend, DA Regional Director Redentor Gatus awarded the plagues to kabalens Noel Sunga and Arnel Santos for their valuable contribution in the development of agriculture in the country.
Sunga and Santos bagged the outstanding corn farmer award and the outstanding fisher folk award for the year 2010, respectively.
Sunga, a barangay captain of San Pablo, Magalang town, has been in corn farming for six years now.
Because of his remarkable record in the area of corn farming, Sunga is also the Best Magsasaka Siyentista of the Central Luzon Agricultural Resource and Research Development Consortium (Clarrdec) in December 2008 and presently, the Magsasaka Siyentista ng Pampanga.
Santos, on the other hand, was able to register amazing harvest results through innovative farming practices that he has implemented through the help of the DA.
Other awardees were Ricardo Buenaventura, Enrico Batungbakal, Ken Duron and Armanda Battad.
Buenaventura, who hails from Nueva Ecija, was named as the outstanding hybrid rice farmer in the region. Batungbakal and Duron, who are both from Zambales, won as the outstanding high value commercial crops (HVCC) farmer and outstanding young farmer, respectively.
Battad, who is from the province of Bataan, was adjudged as the region’s outstanding agri-entrepreneur.
Also awarded during the event are the top five performing municipalities on hybrid commercialization, which included the municipalities of Llanera, Talavera, San Antonio and the cities of Cabanatuan and Munoz all in Nueva Ecija province.
Gatus said the Gawad Saka is an annual search for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries who represent the various stakeholders of the community – farmers, fisher folks, farm communities, scientists and organizations, as well as DA and local government employees.
In a simple awarding ceremonies held at the provincial capitol grounds here over the weekend, DA Regional Director Redentor Gatus awarded the plagues to kabalens Noel Sunga and Arnel Santos for their valuable contribution in the development of agriculture in the country.
Sunga and Santos bagged the outstanding corn farmer award and the outstanding fisher folk award for the year 2010, respectively.
Sunga, a barangay captain of San Pablo, Magalang town, has been in corn farming for six years now.
Because of his remarkable record in the area of corn farming, Sunga is also the Best Magsasaka Siyentista of the Central Luzon Agricultural Resource and Research Development Consortium (Clarrdec) in December 2008 and presently, the Magsasaka Siyentista ng Pampanga.
Santos, on the other hand, was able to register amazing harvest results through innovative farming practices that he has implemented through the help of the DA.
Other awardees were Ricardo Buenaventura, Enrico Batungbakal, Ken Duron and Armanda Battad.
Buenaventura, who hails from Nueva Ecija, was named as the outstanding hybrid rice farmer in the region. Batungbakal and Duron, who are both from Zambales, won as the outstanding high value commercial crops (HVCC) farmer and outstanding young farmer, respectively.
Battad, who is from the province of Bataan, was adjudged as the region’s outstanding agri-entrepreneur.
Also awarded during the event are the top five performing municipalities on hybrid commercialization, which included the municipalities of Llanera, Talavera, San Antonio and the cities of Cabanatuan and Munoz all in Nueva Ecija province.
Gatus said the Gawad Saka is an annual search for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries who represent the various stakeholders of the community – farmers, fisher folks, farm communities, scientists and organizations, as well as DA and local government employees.
Traders urge PNP: Curb criminalities
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) has reiterated their appeal to the Philippine National Police, particularly to Sr. Supt. Petronilo Retirado, to show his worth in bringing back peace and order in the midst of several killings in the province.
The business group also expressed alarm over the number of killings in the province. However, they are still hoping and praying that these criminal cases would be resolved, claiming the incidents gravely affects their businesses.
Rene Romero, president of PamCham, said the spate of killings in the province affect the flow of businesses, as most of traders are frightened to go out even for rest and recreation with friends and relatives. This also means decrease in sales, as few are spending money.
“This is not good in business flow,” Romero said.
With this, the group also appealed to the local government units to strengthen the programs and services of the local police and support them in terms of logistics, such as gasoline allowance and other expenses that would be incurred in the line of duty.
To the incoming provincial leadership, they appealed that he should assist police authorities in putting up CCTV cameras along the major thoroughfares in the whole province that would serve as crime deterrent.
According to Romero, there is also a need for more police visibility and augmentation of more officers on duty in every outpost for easy access.
PamCham believes that through the leadership of the PNP, LGUs -- plus with the cooperation and support of the business sectors, concerned citizens and other stakeholders -- the peace and order would remain.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) has reiterated their appeal to the Philippine National Police, particularly to Sr. Supt. Petronilo Retirado, to show his worth in bringing back peace and order in the midst of several killings in the province.
The business group also expressed alarm over the number of killings in the province. However, they are still hoping and praying that these criminal cases would be resolved, claiming the incidents gravely affects their businesses.
Rene Romero, president of PamCham, said the spate of killings in the province affect the flow of businesses, as most of traders are frightened to go out even for rest and recreation with friends and relatives. This also means decrease in sales, as few are spending money.
“This is not good in business flow,” Romero said.
With this, the group also appealed to the local government units to strengthen the programs and services of the local police and support them in terms of logistics, such as gasoline allowance and other expenses that would be incurred in the line of duty.
To the incoming provincial leadership, they appealed that he should assist police authorities in putting up CCTV cameras along the major thoroughfares in the whole province that would serve as crime deterrent.
According to Romero, there is also a need for more police visibility and augmentation of more officers on duty in every outpost for easy access.
PamCham believes that through the leadership of the PNP, LGUs -- plus with the cooperation and support of the business sectors, concerned citizens and other stakeholders -- the peace and order would remain.
Demolition probe at CIAC: Dead or alive?
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT – Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano cleared himself before the local media by saying that the fact-finding committee investigating the alleged “unauthorized demolition” of old buildings inside Clark is “virtually dead”.
Luciano stressed that during a recent meeting, the board found that the demolition of 16 ”unserviceable” buildings was done in good faith and according to procedure.
The donation, he said, is part of CIAC’s corporate social responsibility.
According to Luciano, the demolition issue has been dropped after explaining his side on the matter and stressing that he has followed the regular process.
Luciano said he has documents showing that the said demolition and donation to the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association had been authorized and allowed by the Presidential Management Staff as stipulated in their series of letters addressed to him.
He clarified that the Commission on Audit has also advised him to pursue the demolition and subsequent donation to Aetas, provided that it should be done at no cost to the government.
Luciano noted that the 16 demolished buildings were of no value in the books of CIAC and were considered condemned, ransacked and in the terms of the American, “derelics”.
The CIAC president said that based on the CIAC matrix, he has the authority to donate “unserviceable” buildings and scraps being part of the management’s call. This, he said, can be done without the approval and authority from the board.
Fact-Finding Committee ‘still alive’
In an interview, Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC, told this reporter that the fact-finding committee they have created is “still alive”. He added that in fact, the committee is set to submit a recommendation by tomorrow on whether to clear or not the CIAC president on the issue.
Mangio also denied that the CIAC board has already come to a conclusion regarding the alleged irregularities in the said unauthorized demolition, which is the subject of a complaint lodged by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.
Mangio specifically mentioned that Luciano was out of the meeting when the board decided the probe body would submit on June 22 (tomorrow) their final recommendation and conclusion on the investigation.
Mangio said the CIAC board has also instructed the fact-finding committee to interview the Aeta beneficiaries from Bamban, Tarlac to ask whether or not they received any proceeds derived from the scrap materials of the 16 demolished buildings.
The fact-finding committee will also ask the demolition contractors about the exact amount involved in the demolition and how much went to the Aetas.
Mangio said the probe body will also determine whether or not Luciano has followed the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) manual on the disposal of government property.
Mangio said that while it’s true that Luciano based his actions on the CIAC matrix, he said there is a gray area on the matter.
Hence, he said they have to determine the minimum and maximum amount of donations lodged under the management call of the president.
“The president should also indicate the value of the donations made,” Mangio said.
Mangio said he understands that the president is allowed to donate without board consent if it involves a minimal amount such as donations to churches and buying of raffle tickets during fiestas, but when it involves millions, the president has no option but to ask first the approval of the board.
“The DBM manual, he said, requires the government-donor to accredit first the communities asking for a donation, after which, a memorandum of understanding should be signed by both parties plus the determination of the value of the donation involved if approved. Compliance and monitoring are also needed whether the donation activity has met its purpose. However, all of these things cannot be done without the approval of the board,” Mangio explained.
Mangio said they have assessed the value of the remaining old buildings not yet demolished in the light of their ongoing investigation. These old buildings are found to be still serviceable and have quality steel trashes that can be repaired or remodeled and are of significant cash value.
He said the significant value of the demolished buildings can be testified by Pelayo, as he has already expressed his intention to lease or rent the said buildings for his agri-production and marketing activities for the benefit of the farmers.
CLARK FREEPORT – Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano cleared himself before the local media by saying that the fact-finding committee investigating the alleged “unauthorized demolition” of old buildings inside Clark is “virtually dead”.
Luciano stressed that during a recent meeting, the board found that the demolition of 16 ”unserviceable” buildings was done in good faith and according to procedure.
The donation, he said, is part of CIAC’s corporate social responsibility.
According to Luciano, the demolition issue has been dropped after explaining his side on the matter and stressing that he has followed the regular process.
Luciano said he has documents showing that the said demolition and donation to the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association had been authorized and allowed by the Presidential Management Staff as stipulated in their series of letters addressed to him.
He clarified that the Commission on Audit has also advised him to pursue the demolition and subsequent donation to Aetas, provided that it should be done at no cost to the government.
Luciano noted that the 16 demolished buildings were of no value in the books of CIAC and were considered condemned, ransacked and in the terms of the American, “derelics”.
The CIAC president said that based on the CIAC matrix, he has the authority to donate “unserviceable” buildings and scraps being part of the management’s call. This, he said, can be done without the approval and authority from the board.
Fact-Finding Committee ‘still alive’
In an interview, Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC, told this reporter that the fact-finding committee they have created is “still alive”. He added that in fact, the committee is set to submit a recommendation by tomorrow on whether to clear or not the CIAC president on the issue.
Mangio also denied that the CIAC board has already come to a conclusion regarding the alleged irregularities in the said unauthorized demolition, which is the subject of a complaint lodged by Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo.
Mangio specifically mentioned that Luciano was out of the meeting when the board decided the probe body would submit on June 22 (tomorrow) their final recommendation and conclusion on the investigation.
Mangio said the CIAC board has also instructed the fact-finding committee to interview the Aeta beneficiaries from Bamban, Tarlac to ask whether or not they received any proceeds derived from the scrap materials of the 16 demolished buildings.
The fact-finding committee will also ask the demolition contractors about the exact amount involved in the demolition and how much went to the Aetas.
Mangio said the probe body will also determine whether or not Luciano has followed the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) manual on the disposal of government property.
Mangio said that while it’s true that Luciano based his actions on the CIAC matrix, he said there is a gray area on the matter.
Hence, he said they have to determine the minimum and maximum amount of donations lodged under the management call of the president.
“The president should also indicate the value of the donations made,” Mangio said.
Mangio said he understands that the president is allowed to donate without board consent if it involves a minimal amount such as donations to churches and buying of raffle tickets during fiestas, but when it involves millions, the president has no option but to ask first the approval of the board.
“The DBM manual, he said, requires the government-donor to accredit first the communities asking for a donation, after which, a memorandum of understanding should be signed by both parties plus the determination of the value of the donation involved if approved. Compliance and monitoring are also needed whether the donation activity has met its purpose. However, all of these things cannot be done without the approval of the board,” Mangio explained.
Mangio said they have assessed the value of the remaining old buildings not yet demolished in the light of their ongoing investigation. These old buildings are found to be still serviceable and have quality steel trashes that can be repaired or remodeled and are of significant cash value.
He said the significant value of the demolished buildings can be testified by Pelayo, as he has already expressed his intention to lease or rent the said buildings for his agri-production and marketing activities for the benefit of the farmers.
Pelayo orders crackdown on Candaba local sex trade
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Due to the clamor of parents in this town, Mayor Jerry Pelayo has ordered the local police and the municipal social welfare office to crack down the culprits behind the rising sex trade in this town, which has resulted in the rescue of the five minor-victims of prostitution.
Pelayo said there is a need to neutralize this local form of prostitution and help the victims to recover before it’s too late. He said more minors are enticed to engage in the sex trade due to various problems besetting their families.
Last Sunday, Myline Biccay, acting municipal social welfare and development (MSWD) officer and the local police, presented to the mayor the five minor-victims of sex trade identified as Priscilla, 16; Maricel, 17; Rosanna, 17; Jenny, 17 and Joyce, 16 (not their real names).
They were residents of this town but most of their sex-customers are from barangays Paralaya, Gulap, San Agustin, Buas, Pescadores, Pasig, among others.
Joyce bared that most of the time, she used to go to Angeles City to meet her sex-clients through her friend, while Rosanna -- who was neglected by her parents -- is five months pregnant.
Biccay said the MSWD has already filed a child prostitution case in relation to Child Abuse Law or RA 7610 against one Linda Paguinto, who acted as their pimp and had used her own house in Sitio Tangaran, Barangay Buas, this town as a prostitution den.
Pelayo said he felt sad upon learning that these teenagers were being used in the sex trade, just to put food in their families’ tables.
As this developed, Pelayo has given the MSWDO a marching order to monitor the minor-victims and make them busy by engaging them in worthwhile activities like livelihood trainings such as soap making, candle making, “atsara” making, among others.
He also urged the parents of the victims to act responsibly and help their children recover from prostitution.
He urged the minor-victims to stop from engaging in prostitution and instead undergo livelihood trainings with their parents to augment the meager income of their families.
Pelayo said the victims should be given stressed debriefing and be given right orientation and break to move on as reformed teenagers.
He said it’s not too late for the victims to change into productive citizens and become partners in community building through the provision of livelihood and community projects.
He added that the fight against sex trade needs the participation of all sectors, not just the government and law enforcers alone.
CANDABA, Pamp. --- Due to the clamor of parents in this town, Mayor Jerry Pelayo has ordered the local police and the municipal social welfare office to crack down the culprits behind the rising sex trade in this town, which has resulted in the rescue of the five minor-victims of prostitution.
Pelayo said there is a need to neutralize this local form of prostitution and help the victims to recover before it’s too late. He said more minors are enticed to engage in the sex trade due to various problems besetting their families.
Last Sunday, Myline Biccay, acting municipal social welfare and development (MSWD) officer and the local police, presented to the mayor the five minor-victims of sex trade identified as Priscilla, 16; Maricel, 17; Rosanna, 17; Jenny, 17 and Joyce, 16 (not their real names).
They were residents of this town but most of their sex-customers are from barangays Paralaya, Gulap, San Agustin, Buas, Pescadores, Pasig, among others.
Joyce bared that most of the time, she used to go to Angeles City to meet her sex-clients through her friend, while Rosanna -- who was neglected by her parents -- is five months pregnant.
Biccay said the MSWD has already filed a child prostitution case in relation to Child Abuse Law or RA 7610 against one Linda Paguinto, who acted as their pimp and had used her own house in Sitio Tangaran, Barangay Buas, this town as a prostitution den.
Pelayo said he felt sad upon learning that these teenagers were being used in the sex trade, just to put food in their families’ tables.
As this developed, Pelayo has given the MSWDO a marching order to monitor the minor-victims and make them busy by engaging them in worthwhile activities like livelihood trainings such as soap making, candle making, “atsara” making, among others.
He also urged the parents of the victims to act responsibly and help their children recover from prostitution.
He urged the minor-victims to stop from engaging in prostitution and instead undergo livelihood trainings with their parents to augment the meager income of their families.
Pelayo said the victims should be given stressed debriefing and be given right orientation and break to move on as reformed teenagers.
He said it’s not too late for the victims to change into productive citizens and become partners in community building through the provision of livelihood and community projects.
He added that the fight against sex trade needs the participation of all sectors, not just the government and law enforcers alone.
Transition teams meet; comes up with ‘nada’
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
ANGELES CITY --- After more than a month, the transition teams of both outgoing Mayor Francis “Blue Boy” Nepomuceno and Mayor-elect Ed Pamintuan have finally met only to exchange pleasantries, cell phone numbers -- and nothing more.
Attorney Dennis Albert Pamintuan, who heads the team of the mayor-elect, said their group is composed of almost 15 members while only five department heads represented Nepomuceno during the 30-minute meeting at the city hall.
Pamintuan said City Administrator Mark Allen Sison was a no-show during the transition talk.
He said their group was expecting a more comprehensive presentation from each of the department, considering that they were given more than a month to prepare.
However, no presentation of accomplishments, strengths, financial statement and capabilities had taken place.
“We expected more, but we were given no information about the status of the city government during the first transition meeting,” Attorney Pamintuan said.
“Sa ibang transition meeting tulad ng sa probinsiya, may power point presentation pa. Pero sa city hall, pagkatapos ng matagal na paghihintay walang naibigay na anumang information except their phone numbers,” he added.
The five department heads vowed to submit official documents and accomplishments on July when Mayor-elect Pamintuan has already assumed office.
ANGELES CITY --- After more than a month, the transition teams of both outgoing Mayor Francis “Blue Boy” Nepomuceno and Mayor-elect Ed Pamintuan have finally met only to exchange pleasantries, cell phone numbers -- and nothing more.
Attorney Dennis Albert Pamintuan, who heads the team of the mayor-elect, said their group is composed of almost 15 members while only five department heads represented Nepomuceno during the 30-minute meeting at the city hall.
Pamintuan said City Administrator Mark Allen Sison was a no-show during the transition talk.
He said their group was expecting a more comprehensive presentation from each of the department, considering that they were given more than a month to prepare.
However, no presentation of accomplishments, strengths, financial statement and capabilities had taken place.
“We expected more, but we were given no information about the status of the city government during the first transition meeting,” Attorney Pamintuan said.
“Sa ibang transition meeting tulad ng sa probinsiya, may power point presentation pa. Pero sa city hall, pagkatapos ng matagal na paghihintay walang naibigay na anumang information except their phone numbers,” he added.
The five department heads vowed to submit official documents and accomplishments on July when Mayor-elect Pamintuan has already assumed office.
CIAC Board: Reprimand Luciano as penalty
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT --- The Fact-Finding Committee of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) finds president Victor Luciano liable for violation of the rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit on the disposal of government properties.
This is with regard the unauthorized demolition of 17 old buildings at the civil aviation complex, Architect Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC board said.
With this development, Mangio -- who also heads the probe body -- disclosed to this reporter that the board of directors will come up with a resolution to reprimand Luciano as penalty.
It can be recalled that last week, Luciano denied any irregularity in the said demolition of old buildings as he said that it was done in good faith and he has followed the process.
The CIAC board, the chair said, would also recommend the conduct of more formal investigations that would be filed before the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC).
The chair disclosed that the fact-finding committee has also proven that there was no complete accounting of the proceeds of the 17 demolished buildings and its scrap materials.
Mangio also said based on their investigation and study, these demolished buildings still have commercial and economic value as they would still be serviceable if they were not demolished.
Investigation
In an in-depth investigation, this reporter went to Guagua town to meet some of the second-hand lumber businessmen involved in the said demolition.
An informant from Guagua town who asked not to be named said a trader engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business allegedly gave a certain “Josie” -- who acted as agent -- an amount of more or less P3-million as cash advance for the demolition of the old buildings.
This is aside from the car of a sibling which served as a “reservation” for the said demolition, and its subsequent conversion into scrap materials.
It was learned that the trader failed to demolish the “promised” buildings, as these were allegedly awarded to other contractors. This resulted to the breakdown of his second-hand lumber business.
Reports have it that certain siblings, who were also engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business, also gave cash advances of more or less P800,000 to “Josie”.
Another businessman also gave a certain “Noli” -- who acted as sub-agent -- an amount of P500,000 which was subsequently turned over to “Josie”.
The informant also bared that Oscar Rivera, chairman of the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association, received some cash and 100 cavans of rice.
The informant said all transactions on the demolition of the old buildings can be traced to “Josie”.
In line with this ongoing controversy, the involved businessmen who invested their money but failed to get the old buildings for demolition want their money back.
The source also said that few days from now, more demolition contractors will come to the open to shed more light on the said unauthorized demolition at CIAC.
CLARK FREEPORT --- The Fact-Finding Committee of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) finds president Victor Luciano liable for violation of the rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit on the disposal of government properties.
This is with regard the unauthorized demolition of 17 old buildings at the civil aviation complex, Architect Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC board said.
With this development, Mangio -- who also heads the probe body -- disclosed to this reporter that the board of directors will come up with a resolution to reprimand Luciano as penalty.
It can be recalled that last week, Luciano denied any irregularity in the said demolition of old buildings as he said that it was done in good faith and he has followed the process.
The CIAC board, the chair said, would also recommend the conduct of more formal investigations that would be filed before the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC).
The chair disclosed that the fact-finding committee has also proven that there was no complete accounting of the proceeds of the 17 demolished buildings and its scrap materials.
Mangio also said based on their investigation and study, these demolished buildings still have commercial and economic value as they would still be serviceable if they were not demolished.
Investigation
In an in-depth investigation, this reporter went to Guagua town to meet some of the second-hand lumber businessmen involved in the said demolition.
An informant from Guagua town who asked not to be named said a trader engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business allegedly gave a certain “Josie” -- who acted as agent -- an amount of more or less P3-million as cash advance for the demolition of the old buildings.
This is aside from the car of a sibling which served as a “reservation” for the said demolition, and its subsequent conversion into scrap materials.
It was learned that the trader failed to demolish the “promised” buildings, as these were allegedly awarded to other contractors. This resulted to the breakdown of his second-hand lumber business.
Reports have it that certain siblings, who were also engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business, also gave cash advances of more or less P800,000 to “Josie”.
Another businessman also gave a certain “Noli” -- who acted as sub-agent -- an amount of P500,000 which was subsequently turned over to “Josie”.
The informant also bared that Oscar Rivera, chairman of the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association, received some cash and 100 cavans of rice.
The informant said all transactions on the demolition of the old buildings can be traced to “Josie”.
In line with this ongoing controversy, the involved businessmen who invested their money but failed to get the old buildings for demolition want their money back.
The source also said that few days from now, more demolition contractors will come to the open to shed more light on the said unauthorized demolition at CIAC.
CIAC Board: Reprimand Luciano as penalty
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT --- The Fact-Finding Committee of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) finds president Victor Luciano liable for violation of the rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit on the disposal of government properties.
This is with regard the unauthorized demolition of 17 old buildings at the civil aviation complex, Architect Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC board said.
With this development, Mangio -- who also heads the probe body -- disclosed to this reporter that the board of directors will come up with a resolution to reprimand Luciano as penalty.
It can be recalled that last week, Luciano denied any irregularity in the said demolition of old buildings as he said that it was done in good faith and he has followed the process.
The CIAC board, the chair said, would also recommend the conduct of more formal investigations that would be filed before the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC).
The chair disclosed that the fact-finding committee has also proven that there was no complete accounting of the proceeds of the 17 demolished buildings and its scrap materials.
Mangio also said based on their investigation and study, these demolished buildings still have commercial and economic value as they would still be serviceable if they were not demolished.
Investigation
In an in-depth investigation, this reporter went to Guagua town to meet some of the second-hand lumber businessmen involved in the said demolition.
An informant from Guagua town who asked not to be named said a trader engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business allegedly gave a certain “Josie” -- who acted as agent -- an amount of more or less P3-million as cash advance for the demolition of the old buildings.
This is aside from the car of a sibling which served as a “reservation” for the said demolition, and its subsequent conversion into scrap materials.
It was learned that the trader failed to demolish the “promised” buildings, as these were allegedly awarded to other contractors. This resulted to the breakdown of his second-hand lumber business.
Reports have it that certain siblings, who were also engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business, also gave cash advances of more or less P800,000 to “Josie”.
Another businessman also gave a certain “Noli” -- who acted as sub-agent -- an amount of P500,000 which was subsequently turned over to “Josie”.
The informant also bared that Oscar Rivera, chairman of the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association, received some cash and 100 cavans of rice.
The informant said all transactions on the demolition of the old buildings can be traced to “Josie”.
In line with this ongoing controversy, the involved businessmen who invested their money but failed to get the old buildings for demolition want their money back.
The source also said that few days from now, more demolition contractors will come to the open to shed more light on the said unauthorized demolition at CIAC.
CLARK FREEPORT --- The Fact-Finding Committee of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) finds president Victor Luciano liable for violation of the rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit on the disposal of government properties.
This is with regard the unauthorized demolition of 17 old buildings at the civil aviation complex, Architect Nestor Mangio, chair of CIAC board said.
With this development, Mangio -- who also heads the probe body -- disclosed to this reporter that the board of directors will come up with a resolution to reprimand Luciano as penalty.
It can be recalled that last week, Luciano denied any irregularity in the said demolition of old buildings as he said that it was done in good faith and he has followed the process.
The CIAC board, the chair said, would also recommend the conduct of more formal investigations that would be filed before the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC).
The chair disclosed that the fact-finding committee has also proven that there was no complete accounting of the proceeds of the 17 demolished buildings and its scrap materials.
Mangio also said based on their investigation and study, these demolished buildings still have commercial and economic value as they would still be serviceable if they were not demolished.
Investigation
In an in-depth investigation, this reporter went to Guagua town to meet some of the second-hand lumber businessmen involved in the said demolition.
An informant from Guagua town who asked not to be named said a trader engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business allegedly gave a certain “Josie” -- who acted as agent -- an amount of more or less P3-million as cash advance for the demolition of the old buildings.
This is aside from the car of a sibling which served as a “reservation” for the said demolition, and its subsequent conversion into scrap materials.
It was learned that the trader failed to demolish the “promised” buildings, as these were allegedly awarded to other contractors. This resulted to the breakdown of his second-hand lumber business.
Reports have it that certain siblings, who were also engaged in the 2nd hand lumber business, also gave cash advances of more or less P800,000 to “Josie”.
Another businessman also gave a certain “Noli” -- who acted as sub-agent -- an amount of P500,000 which was subsequently turned over to “Josie”.
The informant also bared that Oscar Rivera, chairman of the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association, received some cash and 100 cavans of rice.
The informant said all transactions on the demolition of the old buildings can be traced to “Josie”.
In line with this ongoing controversy, the involved businessmen who invested their money but failed to get the old buildings for demolition want their money back.
The source also said that few days from now, more demolition contractors will come to the open to shed more light on the said unauthorized demolition at CIAC.
Pineda, PamCham vow mutual support for good governance
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT ---- Mutual support for good and effective governance.
This was the mutual vow of incoming Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda and Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), that will pave the way for the improved quality of life of the Kapampangans for the next three years.
Pineda, in her message during the 30th General Membership Meeting of PamCham held at Holiday Inn at Clark Freeport Zone yesterday, urged the support of everybody, particularly the business sector, in her pursuit of carrying out effectively and efficiently her overwhelming mandate as governor.
On the part of the business sector, Rene Romero said PamCham members have declared their full support to the leaders of the incoming administration who they believe will not fail the Kapampangans in their mandate.
“This early, I would like to convey our sincerest appreciation to the gestures of unity and cooperation extended not only to the business sector but to all the stakeholders in the province,” Romero said.
He said will continue to be partners with the local government in as far as they are able to contribute in accordance with the principles and ideals of good and effective governance.
Pineda, however, said she believes that the success of her administration will depend on the full support of all stakeholders particularly in the aspect of health, education, livelihood and agriculture.
On the same occasion, the incoming governor told PamCham members that she will introduce “power sharing” at the capitol, with Guiao as in charge on infrastructure, quarry collection, investment and business, among others.
Pineda said they would maintain a consultative relationship with their partners and assured the business sector that their lines of communication will remain open for the next three years.
Pineda said all Kapampangans have high expectations on her administration but she emphasized that she and Guiao cannot make it alone. She said they need the full cooperation of all sectors in order to achieve their goal of sustainable development.
Romero said they seek integrity and transparency in government as they shall commend excellent and efficient administration and in the same breath shall not hesitate to criticize and censure actions countering what they have now declared and defined as good and effective governance.
Pineda has also announced that Attorney Jun Pangilinan will serve as her provincial administrator, while Rosve Henson will take the post of a chief of staff in the office of the governor.
CLARK FREEPORT ---- Mutual support for good and effective governance.
This was the mutual vow of incoming Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda and Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), that will pave the way for the improved quality of life of the Kapampangans for the next three years.
Pineda, in her message during the 30th General Membership Meeting of PamCham held at Holiday Inn at Clark Freeport Zone yesterday, urged the support of everybody, particularly the business sector, in her pursuit of carrying out effectively and efficiently her overwhelming mandate as governor.
On the part of the business sector, Rene Romero said PamCham members have declared their full support to the leaders of the incoming administration who they believe will not fail the Kapampangans in their mandate.
“This early, I would like to convey our sincerest appreciation to the gestures of unity and cooperation extended not only to the business sector but to all the stakeholders in the province,” Romero said.
He said will continue to be partners with the local government in as far as they are able to contribute in accordance with the principles and ideals of good and effective governance.
Pineda, however, said she believes that the success of her administration will depend on the full support of all stakeholders particularly in the aspect of health, education, livelihood and agriculture.
On the same occasion, the incoming governor told PamCham members that she will introduce “power sharing” at the capitol, with Guiao as in charge on infrastructure, quarry collection, investment and business, among others.
Pineda said they would maintain a consultative relationship with their partners and assured the business sector that their lines of communication will remain open for the next three years.
Pineda said all Kapampangans have high expectations on her administration but she emphasized that she and Guiao cannot make it alone. She said they need the full cooperation of all sectors in order to achieve their goal of sustainable development.
Romero said they seek integrity and transparency in government as they shall commend excellent and efficient administration and in the same breath shall not hesitate to criticize and censure actions countering what they have now declared and defined as good and effective governance.
Pineda has also announced that Attorney Jun Pangilinan will serve as her provincial administrator, while Rosve Henson will take the post of a chief of staff in the office of the governor.
Pineda to earmark P20M annual intel fund vs crime
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT --- Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda said she is bent on solving the spate of killings and other form of crimes in the province, vowing to provide the intelligence fund of the capitol some P20-million every year to empower and strengthen the Pampanga Police Office.
This developed as Pineda allayed the fears of the business sector, particularly the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), due to the recent killings of some businessmen and innocent individuals in the province.
Pineda was guest speaker during the 30th general membership meeting of PamCham last Thursday held at the Holiday Inn here.
Pineda learned that the supposed ratio of population per police is 1:1500, but with Pampanga’s present population of 1.9 million, the ratio is 1:1800.
She said there is a scarcity of police officers in the province, primarily due to lack of funds.
But she hopes that through the 100-percent support and cooperation of all stakeholders including the business sectors in her administration, the rising number of criminalities will be cut short.
“Dapat po kayong mga nasa business sector ay kasama ko po kayong lahat para po tayo magtagumpay laban sa kriminalidad (For me to achieve success in my incoming administration, people in the business sector should always be on my side)," she said.
Upon assumption to office, she said she will earmark a P20-million intelligence fund as support in resolving the peace and order problem.
She said her administration will also fully cooperate with the local police, all elected officials from the province, municipalities down to the barangay level to synchronize and unify their efforts in curbing criminalities despite their minimal budget they could give for the local police.
Provincial Budget per year
Pineda said her transition team reported that the provincial budget per year is P1.2-billion. However, most of the budget goes to personal services and capital outlay, which reached to P815 million.
Meaning, minus the P815-million, the provincial government only has P600 million, including the quarry collection of more or less P200 million that will be used for her program on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and order.
Pineda said she is optimistic that she could deliver her campaign promise with the support of the business sector and all stakeholders.
“Masayang masaya po ako ngayon dahil lahat kayo ay gustong tumulong sa akin. Inaamin ko po na walang mangyayari sa ating probinsiya kung wala kayo (I am very happy that you are all willing to help me, I know that nothing can be done for the province without you),” she added.
CLARK FREEPORT --- Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda said she is bent on solving the spate of killings and other form of crimes in the province, vowing to provide the intelligence fund of the capitol some P20-million every year to empower and strengthen the Pampanga Police Office.
This developed as Pineda allayed the fears of the business sector, particularly the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), due to the recent killings of some businessmen and innocent individuals in the province.
Pineda was guest speaker during the 30th general membership meeting of PamCham last Thursday held at the Holiday Inn here.
Pineda learned that the supposed ratio of population per police is 1:1500, but with Pampanga’s present population of 1.9 million, the ratio is 1:1800.
She said there is a scarcity of police officers in the province, primarily due to lack of funds.
But she hopes that through the 100-percent support and cooperation of all stakeholders including the business sectors in her administration, the rising number of criminalities will be cut short.
“Dapat po kayong mga nasa business sector ay kasama ko po kayong lahat para po tayo magtagumpay laban sa kriminalidad (For me to achieve success in my incoming administration, people in the business sector should always be on my side)," she said.
Upon assumption to office, she said she will earmark a P20-million intelligence fund as support in resolving the peace and order problem.
She said her administration will also fully cooperate with the local police, all elected officials from the province, municipalities down to the barangay level to synchronize and unify their efforts in curbing criminalities despite their minimal budget they could give for the local police.
Provincial Budget per year
Pineda said her transition team reported that the provincial budget per year is P1.2-billion. However, most of the budget goes to personal services and capital outlay, which reached to P815 million.
Meaning, minus the P815-million, the provincial government only has P600 million, including the quarry collection of more or less P200 million that will be used for her program on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and order.
Pineda said she is optimistic that she could deliver her campaign promise with the support of the business sector and all stakeholders.
“Masayang masaya po ako ngayon dahil lahat kayo ay gustong tumulong sa akin. Inaamin ko po na walang mangyayari sa ating probinsiya kung wala kayo (I am very happy that you are all willing to help me, I know that nothing can be done for the province without you),” she added.
Pineda: Unity for Pampanga
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- “I cannot do it alone.”
The province’s new governor, who took her oath of office at the jam-packed Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday, is asking unity and cooperation among all Kapampangans.
She said that she needs the active participation of all sectors from the barangays, municipal, provincial board, business sector and even marginalized families in meeting the challenges ahead.
Pineda said she expects more challenges await her, but expressed confidence that she could pass all of them through the help of all sectors.
In her inaugural speech, the new governor lauded former governor Eddie Panlilio in his efforts for the good of the province.
For the first one hundred days in office, Pineda stressed that her priority would be addressing the health problems of her constituents and the peace and order situation of the province.
Next week, Pineda said she would start visiting the province’s 10 district hospitals, including the provincial hospital, to hold a consultation among medical personnel there.
That way, they would assess the immediate and long term needs of each and every public hospital under the management of the provincial government.
Pineda said she would also order the local police to work hard for the maintenance of peace and order, even as she said she would consult the men in uniform on their operational needs and how she could be of help using the remaining intelligence fund of her office this year.
She also clarified that no reshuffle would be done among employees and department heads at the capitol.
One thing she would ask from the employees of the capitol is “to work hard and do well the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.”
Also taking their oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura were Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, Reps. Carmelo Lazatin (1st District), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District), Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales (3rd District) and Anna York Bondoc (4th district); around 168 newly elected municipal councilors, 20 mayors, 20 vice mayors, one city mayor and 10 board members.
Before the mass oath taking, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Archdiocese of San Fernando led a concelebrated mass which was also attended by some 5,000 supporters inside the said convention center.
In his homily, Aniceto challenged the newly elected officers to be true to their vow of serving the Kapampangans, and work for the upliftment of the common tao.
Gonzales gave the opening remarks, citing the power of unity and oneness in working actively for the good of the province as he emphasized that good government cannot be done by only one but can be achieved through everyone’s collective effort.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- “I cannot do it alone.”
The province’s new governor, who took her oath of office at the jam-packed Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday, is asking unity and cooperation among all Kapampangans.
She said that she needs the active participation of all sectors from the barangays, municipal, provincial board, business sector and even marginalized families in meeting the challenges ahead.
Pineda said she expects more challenges await her, but expressed confidence that she could pass all of them through the help of all sectors.
In her inaugural speech, the new governor lauded former governor Eddie Panlilio in his efforts for the good of the province.
For the first one hundred days in office, Pineda stressed that her priority would be addressing the health problems of her constituents and the peace and order situation of the province.
Next week, Pineda said she would start visiting the province’s 10 district hospitals, including the provincial hospital, to hold a consultation among medical personnel there.
That way, they would assess the immediate and long term needs of each and every public hospital under the management of the provincial government.
Pineda said she would also order the local police to work hard for the maintenance of peace and order, even as she said she would consult the men in uniform on their operational needs and how she could be of help using the remaining intelligence fund of her office this year.
She also clarified that no reshuffle would be done among employees and department heads at the capitol.
One thing she would ask from the employees of the capitol is “to work hard and do well the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.”
Also taking their oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura were Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, Reps. Carmelo Lazatin (1st District), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District), Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales (3rd District) and Anna York Bondoc (4th district); around 168 newly elected municipal councilors, 20 mayors, 20 vice mayors, one city mayor and 10 board members.
Before the mass oath taking, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Archdiocese of San Fernando led a concelebrated mass which was also attended by some 5,000 supporters inside the said convention center.
In his homily, Aniceto challenged the newly elected officers to be true to their vow of serving the Kapampangans, and work for the upliftment of the common tao.
Gonzales gave the opening remarks, citing the power of unity and oneness in working actively for the good of the province as he emphasized that good government cannot be done by only one but can be achieved through everyone’s collective effort.
Pineda: Unity for Pampanga
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- “I cannot do it alone.”
The province’s new governor, who took her oath of office at the jam-packed Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday, is asking unity and cooperation among all Kapampangans.
She said that she needs the active participation of all sectors from the barangays, municipal, provincial board, business sector and even marginalized families in meeting the challenges ahead.
Pineda said she expects more challenges await her, but expressed confidence that she could pass all of them through the help of all sectors.
In her inaugural speech, the new governor lauded former governor Eddie Panlilio in his efforts for the good of the province.
For the first one hundred days in office, Pineda stressed that her priority would be addressing the health problems of her constituents and the peace and order situation of the province.
Next week, Pineda said she would start visiting the province’s 10 district hospitals, including the provincial hospital, to hold a consultation among medical personnel there.
That way, they would assess the immediate and long term needs of each and every public hospital under the management of the provincial government.
Pineda said she would also order the local police to work hard for the maintenance of peace and order, even as she said she would consult the men in uniform on their operational needs and how she could be of help using the remaining intelligence fund of her office this year.
She also clarified that no reshuffle would be done among employees and department heads at the capitol.
One thing she would ask from the employees of the capitol is “to work hard and do well the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.”
Also taking their oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura were Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, Reps. Carmelo Lazatin (1st District), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District), Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales (3rd District) and Anna York Bondoc (4th district); around 168 newly elected municipal councilors, 20 mayors, 20 vice mayors, one city mayor and 10 board members.
Before the mass oath taking, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Archdiocese of San Fernando led a concelebrated mass which was also attended by some 5,000 supporters inside the said convention center.
In his homily, Aniceto challenged the newly elected officers to be true to their vow of serving the Kapampangans, and work for the upliftment of the common tao.
Gonzales gave the opening remarks, citing the power of unity and oneness in working actively for the good of the province as he emphasized that good government cannot be done by only one but can be achieved through everyone’s collective effort.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- “I cannot do it alone.”
The province’s new governor, who took her oath of office at the jam-packed Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday, is asking unity and cooperation among all Kapampangans.
She said that she needs the active participation of all sectors from the barangays, municipal, provincial board, business sector and even marginalized families in meeting the challenges ahead.
Pineda said she expects more challenges await her, but expressed confidence that she could pass all of them through the help of all sectors.
In her inaugural speech, the new governor lauded former governor Eddie Panlilio in his efforts for the good of the province.
For the first one hundred days in office, Pineda stressed that her priority would be addressing the health problems of her constituents and the peace and order situation of the province.
Next week, Pineda said she would start visiting the province’s 10 district hospitals, including the provincial hospital, to hold a consultation among medical personnel there.
That way, they would assess the immediate and long term needs of each and every public hospital under the management of the provincial government.
Pineda said she would also order the local police to work hard for the maintenance of peace and order, even as she said she would consult the men in uniform on their operational needs and how she could be of help using the remaining intelligence fund of her office this year.
She also clarified that no reshuffle would be done among employees and department heads at the capitol.
One thing she would ask from the employees of the capitol is “to work hard and do well the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.”
Also taking their oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura were Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, Reps. Carmelo Lazatin (1st District), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District), Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales (3rd District) and Anna York Bondoc (4th district); around 168 newly elected municipal councilors, 20 mayors, 20 vice mayors, one city mayor and 10 board members.
Before the mass oath taking, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Archdiocese of San Fernando led a concelebrated mass which was also attended by some 5,000 supporters inside the said convention center.
In his homily, Aniceto challenged the newly elected officers to be true to their vow of serving the Kapampangans, and work for the upliftment of the common tao.
Gonzales gave the opening remarks, citing the power of unity and oneness in working actively for the good of the province as he emphasized that good government cannot be done by only one but can be achieved through everyone’s collective effort.
Luciano’s case ‘high profile’
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CLARK FREEPORT --- The alleged involvement of Victor Luciano, president and CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) on the anomalies behind the demolition of 17 old warehouses inside the civil aviation complex, is a “high profile” case.
This was the initial assessment of an investigating team headed by Atty. Wilbert Candelaria, director at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon, who also heads the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO) in-charge on the investigation of informal and formal complaints and conduct corruption prevention initiatives and rendering public assistance.
In an exclusive interview, Candelaria told this reporter that Luciano's case is high profile because he has a government salary grade of more than 27, and could be charged at the Sandiganbayan if found that he has violated the law on government disposal of property.
This came as the Team of Candelaria conducted an initial investigation on their own yesterday, on the basis of newspaper reports asking the Ombudsman to conduct a probe on the demolition anomalies here.
However, Candelaria said they have only learned that the CIAC board has already written a letter to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez requesting for a formal investigation on alleged anomalies in the demolition and donation of 17 old warehouses to the Aeta tribal communities.
Candelaria said it appears there was a violation committed in the demolition and subsequent donation of the proceeds of the old buildings, as the CIAC board members were saying that it did not undergo the regular process in the disposal of government properties as stipulated in the guidelines of the Department of Budget and Management including the Commission on Audit.
He said the case is serious if it’s true that DBM and COA guidelines were not followed, and the CIAC board did not authorize him to proceed with the demolition and enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the recipients.
Candelaria said they have learned that Luciano did not sign and enter into a MOA or deed of donation to the concerned Aetas, as it was done verbally on the basis of the letters coming from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in 2009 allowing the demolition of a certain number of buildings.
CLARK FREEPORT --- The alleged involvement of Victor Luciano, president and CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) on the anomalies behind the demolition of 17 old warehouses inside the civil aviation complex, is a “high profile” case.
This was the initial assessment of an investigating team headed by Atty. Wilbert Candelaria, director at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon, who also heads the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO) in-charge on the investigation of informal and formal complaints and conduct corruption prevention initiatives and rendering public assistance.
In an exclusive interview, Candelaria told this reporter that Luciano's case is high profile because he has a government salary grade of more than 27, and could be charged at the Sandiganbayan if found that he has violated the law on government disposal of property.
This came as the Team of Candelaria conducted an initial investigation on their own yesterday, on the basis of newspaper reports asking the Ombudsman to conduct a probe on the demolition anomalies here.
However, Candelaria said they have only learned that the CIAC board has already written a letter to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez requesting for a formal investigation on alleged anomalies in the demolition and donation of 17 old warehouses to the Aeta tribal communities.
Candelaria said it appears there was a violation committed in the demolition and subsequent donation of the proceeds of the old buildings, as the CIAC board members were saying that it did not undergo the regular process in the disposal of government properties as stipulated in the guidelines of the Department of Budget and Management including the Commission on Audit.
He said the case is serious if it’s true that DBM and COA guidelines were not followed, and the CIAC board did not authorize him to proceed with the demolition and enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the recipients.
Candelaria said they have learned that Luciano did not sign and enter into a MOA or deed of donation to the concerned Aetas, as it was done verbally on the basis of the letters coming from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in 2009 allowing the demolition of a certain number of buildings.
Probe team imposes ‘no contact policy’ with Luciano
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The team tasked to probe the demolition anomaly at the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) will impose a “no contact policy” with CIAC president and CEO Victor Luciano during the evidence gathering to avoid any doubt on their investigation.
This was bared by director Wilbert Candelaria, head of the Office of the Deputy for Omubudsman for Luzon’s Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO), as they started their probe last Tuesday.
Candelaria, who is in-charge on the investigation of informal and formal complaints and conduct corruption prevention initiatives and rendering public assistance, said they were instructed by the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni to conduct an in depth-investigation on the alleged demolition anomaly at the CIAC aviation complex.
He approximated that within two weeks, his team of three can be able make a fact-finding report.
He explained that if they find an irregularity committed in the demolition and donation of 17 old warehouses and it is material and substantive, they would recommend to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez the conduct of a preliminary investigation.
Candelaria said this would be the time that charges would be docketed at the Ombudsman and it would have two aspects – criminal for the preliminary investigation and administrative for adjudication.
During the preliminary investigation, he furthered, the Ombudsman will determine whether they would dismiss or proceed with the filing of charges against Luciano before the Sandiganbayan.
In the preliminary investigation, Candelaria said their office will summon and ask Luciano to air and defend his side, which would be contained in his counter affidavit.
Asked if the case or the investigation is moot and academic considering the fact that Luciano has already filed his courtesy resignation with President Noynoy Aquino, he said that it will not affect anything.
He told this reporter that the point of the investigation will be based on his action at the time when he was still acting as president of CIAC.
Candelaria explained that if Luciano is still working as president of CIAC, he may be suspended administratively from office to avoid any suspicion that he may use his office for undue influence or may tamper with any related pertinent documents.
He said that if Luciano is not anymore connected with CIAC during the preliminary investigation, the suspension or reprimand order is moot and academic but his benefits as former government official maybe put on hold.
If the Ombudsman finds there is probable cause on the case, the Special Prosecutor’s Office will file charges before the Sandiganbayan.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The team tasked to probe the demolition anomaly at the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) will impose a “no contact policy” with CIAC president and CEO Victor Luciano during the evidence gathering to avoid any doubt on their investigation.
This was bared by director Wilbert Candelaria, head of the Office of the Deputy for Omubudsman for Luzon’s Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO), as they started their probe last Tuesday.
Candelaria, who is in-charge on the investigation of informal and formal complaints and conduct corruption prevention initiatives and rendering public assistance, said they were instructed by the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni to conduct an in depth-investigation on the alleged demolition anomaly at the CIAC aviation complex.
He approximated that within two weeks, his team of three can be able make a fact-finding report.
He explained that if they find an irregularity committed in the demolition and donation of 17 old warehouses and it is material and substantive, they would recommend to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez the conduct of a preliminary investigation.
Candelaria said this would be the time that charges would be docketed at the Ombudsman and it would have two aspects – criminal for the preliminary investigation and administrative for adjudication.
During the preliminary investigation, he furthered, the Ombudsman will determine whether they would dismiss or proceed with the filing of charges against Luciano before the Sandiganbayan.
In the preliminary investigation, Candelaria said their office will summon and ask Luciano to air and defend his side, which would be contained in his counter affidavit.
Asked if the case or the investigation is moot and academic considering the fact that Luciano has already filed his courtesy resignation with President Noynoy Aquino, he said that it will not affect anything.
He told this reporter that the point of the investigation will be based on his action at the time when he was still acting as president of CIAC.
Candelaria explained that if Luciano is still working as president of CIAC, he may be suspended administratively from office to avoid any suspicion that he may use his office for undue influence or may tamper with any related pertinent documents.
He said that if Luciano is not anymore connected with CIAC during the preliminary investigation, the suspension or reprimand order is moot and academic but his benefits as former government official maybe put on hold.
If the Ombudsman finds there is probable cause on the case, the Special Prosecutor’s Office will file charges before the Sandiganbayan.
Tug-of-war looms for Arayat Nat’l Park mgmt
BY: Joel P. Mapiles
ARAYAT, Pamp. -- Apparently, a tug-of-war between the provincial and the municipal government here looms, both expressing separate intents to supervise, manage and control the Arayat National Park.
The national park has become a virtual ghost town after it was neglected by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) due to lack of resources and personnel.
Vice Gov. Joseller Yeng Guiao announced to members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) that the provincial board will approve a resolution requesting the DENR to get the management of the once-flourishing Arayat National Park.
“The park is not properly managed. This is a tourist attraction with a lot of potentials. Why not acquire management and develop it into a tourist attraction here in Pampanga? Again that will be good not just for all of us, but for the whole of Central Luzon including Metro Manila,” Guiao said.
As this developed, Municipal Councilor Ramon Changcoco told this reporter that Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino is already negotiating with DENR Regional executive director Ricardo Calderon for the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) transferring the supervision and management of the Arayat National Park to the local government of Arayat.
Changcoco claimed that the MOA to be entered into between the DENR and the municipal government is now “approved in principle.”
Upon learning the development, Guiao said the provincial government will immediately coordinate with the DENR and to the municipal government of Arayat on how they could intervene.
Guiao said it’s good that they have talked about the management of the park as it is in bad taste and totally neglected.
Guiao claimed that the provincial government is more capable in terms of funds and resources for the operation and management of the park. However, he is optimistic that they could come up with a win-win solution.
In the past, Guiao said the park has been a place of leisure and relaxation among Kapampangans.
“Years ago, the National Park at the foot of Mount Arayat is a summer destination among hundreds of thousands of locals in Central Luzon including those in Metro Manila,” Guiao added.
However, the national park is totally neglected by the concerned agencies of the government as looting activity is evidently happening without let-up.
Earlier, Calderon said they are very much willing and open to the idea of co-managing the park with the local government unit, saying that DENR has limitations with regard to the management of the park.
ARAYAT, Pamp. -- Apparently, a tug-of-war between the provincial and the municipal government here looms, both expressing separate intents to supervise, manage and control the Arayat National Park.
The national park has become a virtual ghost town after it was neglected by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) due to lack of resources and personnel.
Vice Gov. Joseller Yeng Guiao announced to members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) that the provincial board will approve a resolution requesting the DENR to get the management of the once-flourishing Arayat National Park.
“The park is not properly managed. This is a tourist attraction with a lot of potentials. Why not acquire management and develop it into a tourist attraction here in Pampanga? Again that will be good not just for all of us, but for the whole of Central Luzon including Metro Manila,” Guiao said.
As this developed, Municipal Councilor Ramon Changcoco told this reporter that Mayor Luis “Chito” Espino is already negotiating with DENR Regional executive director Ricardo Calderon for the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) transferring the supervision and management of the Arayat National Park to the local government of Arayat.
Changcoco claimed that the MOA to be entered into between the DENR and the municipal government is now “approved in principle.”
Upon learning the development, Guiao said the provincial government will immediately coordinate with the DENR and to the municipal government of Arayat on how they could intervene.
Guiao said it’s good that they have talked about the management of the park as it is in bad taste and totally neglected.
Guiao claimed that the provincial government is more capable in terms of funds and resources for the operation and management of the park. However, he is optimistic that they could come up with a win-win solution.
In the past, Guiao said the park has been a place of leisure and relaxation among Kapampangans.
“Years ago, the National Park at the foot of Mount Arayat is a summer destination among hundreds of thousands of locals in Central Luzon including those in Metro Manila,” Guiao added.
However, the national park is totally neglected by the concerned agencies of the government as looting activity is evidently happening without let-up.
Earlier, Calderon said they are very much willing and open to the idea of co-managing the park with the local government unit, saying that DENR has limitations with regard to the management of the park.
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