Sandiganbayan denies motion of accused Samar governor, 2 others

By RAY P. GASPAY
October 30, 2008 | 12:20:00

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  The Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division in an October 17, 2008 promulgation denied the motion for reconsideration filed by accused Samar governor Milagrosa T. Tan and two others on the graft charges filed against them by the Ombudsman.

Penned by Associate Justice Jose R. Hernandez and concurred by two other Associate Justices, the 12-page resolution said “…ACCORDINGLY, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by accused Milagrosa T. Tan, Rolando B. Montejo and Maximo D. Sison are DENIED. The Resolution promulgated on 11 July 2008, stays.”

The Court’s resolution is an answer to the motion of reconsideration filed by the accused, questioning the validity of the 90-day suspension order issued by the Court against them on July 11, 2008.

The July 11 Sandiganbayan's Fourth Division resolution directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to immediately implement Tan's 90-day suspension, while Samar Vice-Governor Jesus Rejada was directed to enforce the suspension of the four other officials.

The implementation of the said suspension order was however delayed, after the Court issued a resolution on July 25, 2008 based on the motions filed by the accused.

The July 25 resolution states: “[1] The Court's Resolution of July 11, 2008 cannot yet be implemented at this time since it appears that some of the accused still have time to file motion for reconsideration, as in fact, two of them had already done so. Pending consideration, the suspension order issued against the accused should yet not be implemented.

[2] If this Court resolves said motion for reconsideration adversely against the accused, then the suspension order becomes ripe for immediate execution. Its implementation should not be held in abeyance, EXCEPT ONLY when there is an injunctive writ or retraining order issued against it by the Supreme Court. It is emphasized here that mere filing of a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the suspension order, in the absence of an injunctive writ or restraining order duly issued by the Supreme Court, will not warrant the deferral of its implementation."

As of press time, the suspension order has not been served yet. Various concerned groups in Samar are keenly monitoring for its immediate implementation, reports said.

Province of Leyte is now preparing for its hosting of the 2009 Palarong Pambansa

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 29, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The province of Leyte is now busy making the necessary preparations for its hosting of the Palarong Pambansa on April 26 to May 2, 2009.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said that in hosting the 2009 Palarong Pambansa, the province is bent on setting its best foot forward to present a progressive and thriving province with hospitable, friendly and hardworking people.

It is not everyday that the Province gets the chance to host such a big national event so the host province should present the best to encourage more similar events in the future, Governor Petilla added.

Todate, massive rehabilitation works are now being done at the Leyte Sports Development Center, in preparation for the big national summer games next year. The provincial government has allocated no less than P50 Million for the hosting of the 2009 Palarong Pambansa.

Rehabilitation works at the Leyte Sports Development Center was targeted to start in September and to be finished in December of this year.

The bulk of the allotted amount would be spent in improving the oval track, transforming the current rough-sand track into a rubberized track at the sports center’s oval that would mainly serve running and track and field events.

As host, the Province of Leyte must conform with the standards set for national and even international sports facilities as the Palaro is the country’s source for athletes being pitted in and out of the country in various international competitions.

The province, by mixing sports and tourism through Palaro would benefit a lot from visitor influx aside from the thousands of delegates to come from all over the country. At least 6,000 Palaro athletes, officials and chaperones plus other visitors and tourists are expected to come to the province to participate and witness the national sporting games.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education through DepEd Memo No. 390, series of 2008 has announced that the 2009 Palarong Pambansa will be hosted by the Province of Leyte from April 26 to May 2, 2009 with the Leyte Sports Development Center in Tacloban City as the main venue. The DepED Regional Office VIII and DepED Division Offices of Leyte and Tacloban City shall be the co-hosts.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations shall directly supervise the preparations and conduct of the 2009 Palarong Pambansa, in cooperation with the host Provincial Government of Leyte and DepED Regional Office VIII and field offices in the Region.

Likewise, all financial, administrative and operational matters relative to the holding of the Palarong Pambansa shall be handled by the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations and the Office of the Undersecretary for Finance and Administration with the Task Force on School Sports (TFSS) providing the technical management, secretariat, staff and operational services.

All regional offices are encouraged to participate in all events, with their delegations comprising of the best athletes and coaches identified from their regional meets.

Calbayog City mandates wearing of standard helmets by motorcycle drivers and back riders

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 29, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Motorcycle drivers or operators, beware! The City of Calbayog prohibits drivers or operators of motorcycles to operate the same within its territorial jurisdiction without using a helmet.

The City Council of Calbayog recently passed an ordinance mandating the wearing of standard motorcycle helmets by motorcycle drivers and back riders.

Hon. Noel G. Sarmense, the sponsor of the ordinance said that it is aimed at protecting the driver and rider of motorcycle from accidents and to prevent the aggravation of vehicular accidents. The ordinance covers all persons operating a motorcycle within the territorial jurisdiction of Calbayog City.

Drivers and backriders who violate the same who violate the provision of the ordinance shall be fined separately or individually.

For the first offense, the violator will pay a fine of P200 or imprisonment of one day or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. For the second offense, the violator will pay a fine of P300 or one week imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. For the third and succeeding offenses, the violator will pay a fine of P500.00 or two weeks imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

The ordinance was signed by Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento on October 8 and will take effect one month after completion of publication requirements.

The World Health Organization is considering deaths and injuries from motorcycle accidents as a “public health epidemic” in many countries in Asia, including the Philippines.

In its report, the WHO said nearly 1.2 million persons die of road traffic accidents every year, of which 40 percent are under the age of 25. Between 20 million and 50 million are injured every year.

The WHO reported that "most motorcycle deaths are a result of head injuries. While wearing a helmet correctly can cut the risk of death by almost 40 percent, many countries do not strictly enforce laws covering the use of helmets.

PNP 8 operatives nab top 9 most wanted persons in EV

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 29, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Police Chief Superintendent Abner D. Cabalquinto, Philippine National Police Regional Director disclosed that police operatives nabbed the Top 9 Most Wanted Person on October 24, 2008.

PCSupt Cabalquinto said that at around 6:30 in the evening, the trackers team of Almeria Police Station arrested one Randy Garciano who is accuse of the crime of attempted rape under Criminal Case Number 2650.

The arrest was led by SPO1 Ismael Corzon, Jr., together with PO3 Margie Abrigo, PO2 Ricardo Casakit and PO1 Retzel Pestolante, at Barangay Caucab, Almeria, Biliran by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by RTC 8 Judicial Branch 16 Acting Presiding Judge Hon. Rogelio Joboco dated October 22, 2008. The suspect is now detained at the Almeria Municipal Lock-up Cell.

Meanwhile, another wanted person was apprehended at Barangay 3 Poblacion, Calbiga, Samar on October 23, about 11:00 o’clock in the morning, by the elements of Calbiga Municipal Police Station.

Apprehended was Danilo Nablo, 19 years old, single, houseboy, and a resident of Barangay Pulangi in the municipality of Calbiga.

He was arrested by police operatives composed of PO1 Melchor Arroyo and PO1 Oliver Sobito by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Qualified Theft docketed under Criminal Case Number 2007-1642 issued by Judge Yulando Dagandan, Acting Presiding Judge of RTC Br 33, Calbiga, Samar.  Subject is currently detained at Calbiga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

PCSupt Cabalquinto called for the assistance of the people in the communities, the barangay tanods and the force multipliers in locating the wanted persons in Eastern Visayas who are with numerous charges including identity theft, forgery, and numerous other related charges.

He also urged the people who have information that might be useful to the police to please call the Police Hotline any time of the day and night, 323-7267 or 323-3023.

Leyte is one of the country’s Most Business Friendly Province

By Provincial Media Relations Center (PMRC Leyte)
October 27, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently awarded the province of Leyte as the Most Business Friendly Province in the whole country while Tanauan town, also in Leyte province was chosen as the Most Business Friendly Municipality.

These awards given PCCI to local government units focus on LGU practices that promotes the growth of businesses, including investment promotion and streamlining of procedures for issuance of business permits in the most expedient, efficient and friendly manner.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said after the awarding rites held at the Manila Hotel, this is one big promotion for the province as it continuously advances its promotions for possible investors and businesses to locate and open here in the province.

“This is indeed a very good indication that we are in the right direction in as far as business promotions and encouraging businesses to come in,” Gov. Petilla said.

The governor likewise expressed his appreciation for recognizing Leyte’s business efforts particularly in implementing acceptable policies and programs for existing and potential investors and businessmen, both local and foreign.

To recall, Leyte’s formulation and implementation of the Leyte Business and Investment Code and the institutionalization of the Leyte Provincial Business Month every October month of the year, have been among those cited by the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI) when it nominated Leyte province in the Most Friendly province category.

Also cited in Leyte’s nomination was the province’s effort in promotion and grooming of the province as an IT destination through the PEZA declared Leyte ICT Park and the launching of the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) that provides initial assistance to starting entrepreneurs in the IT field.

Meanwhile, the governor sees this new conferment as a boost to the province’s effort in bringing more businesses and investors to the province and thereby creating more job opportunities for its people.

“This is a good promotion for the province. This can influence other would-be investors to choose us as their new location with the nationwide business community recognizing the province as a good and business friendly destination,” Gov. Petilla added.

PCCI’s criteria in giving this award is based on leadership and dynamism of the LGU and its contribution to business growth and development in the community, as shown in its active involvement in advocacy to provide a suitable environment for the growth and expansion of commerce and industry, and its implementation of programs, holding of activities and rendering services for its members to promote trade and investments.

PCCI has selected Leyte, besting out other provincial contenders in demonstrating leadership through continued and sustained efforts to promote trade, investment and tourism in the locality as well as fostering close relationship not only with the private sector but also with other local government units within the province.

Calbayog City declares Brgy. Tinaplacan-Bangon Falls Junction as tourism cum power source

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 27, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The Calbayog City legislators passed on October 13, 2008, an ordinance, which was approved by Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento on October 22, declaring Barangay Tinaplacan-Bangon Falls Junction as “Tourism cum Power Sources” of the City of Calbayog. In the same ordinance, the City legislators provided for the institution of measures for the protection of the road, its environment and providing penalties for violations thereof.

The City Ordinance which was sponsored by Honorable Susano D. Salurio, regulated the use of barangay roads such as the Tinambacan-Bangon Falls Junction, by strictly prohibiting vehicles that weigh more than eight tons from passing through said barangay roads.

Only light vehicles to include multicab and habal-habal are allowed to enter or pass through the name road if the purpose is to haul agricultural products such as copra, rootcrops, fruits and vegetable.

However, heavy equipments used for the construction of government projects are exempted from the said rule.

Meanwhile, for the purpose of protecting the source of power for Calbayog City, the Ordinance strictly prohibits the cutting of trees of any variety, specie and size, within the perimeter of Bangon Falls.

Furthermore, the Ordinance made it unlawful to conduct slash and burn farming or kaingin, in any part, section or tributaries leading to the Falls as these will spell a tremendous effect on the volume of water that may prejudice the source of power (Mini-Hydro) and destroy the beauty of the Falls.

The Barangay Officials of Barangay Tinaplacan, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, were deputized to supervise and enforce the provision of the Ordinance.

Any driver or operator who violates the provision of the Ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P1,000 for the first offense or an imprisonment of one month; a fine of P3,000 for the second offense or imprisonment of two months; a fine of P5,000 for the third and succeeding offenses or imprisonment of three months or both at the discretion of the court. Also, the driver or operator shall indemnify whatever damage caused to the road and the environment.

One hundred percent of the fines collected shall accrue to the general funds of the barangay. However, report of collection must be submitted to the City Treasurer on a quarterly basis.

The said ordinance sprang from the move of the Barangay Council of Tinaplacan which urgently passed Barangay Ordinance No.6 series of 2008 in order to protect, preserve and save the resources for the welfare of their inhabitants and for the conservation of the environment.

The Barangay Council took note of the eminent threat to the environment and the devastation brought about by massive quarrying of boulders, sand and gravel and the destruction of roads leading to the tourist spot and the source of indigenous energy of Calbayog City.

Poor Palay production linked to lack of irrigation

By ALICE NICART (PIA Eastern Samar)
October 27, 2008

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar  –  Eastern Samar in years have not been producing enough rice for its citizens.

This report of Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO) Henry Afable alarmed the participants of the second church-initiated Peace and Development Forum at the Provincial Capitol recently. Afable’s data revealed also, that in truth, the province is the 6th Palay producing province in the entire region with nearly 44,000 metric tons production only in a year time.  As compared to Leyte province, the former pales in comparison because the latter usually hits the 582,840 metric tons.

The PPDO added that of the 18,000 hectares of irrigable lands, only about 2,000 had been irrigated, most of which are found in Jicontol Valley, an upstream of Dolores town.

Reverend Father Dongdong Solidon, Parish Priest of Dolores town succinctly expressed his shock at the bare truth. Apparently, he had thought that his area being the famous rice granary of the province had been supplying quietly enough. But talks rather of some misspending of irrigation funds reminded him. Particularly, the priest cited an irrigation in San Pascual which was washed out by heavy rains.

With the priest’s report, Afable seemed to suggest an intensive monitoring of all government infrastructure projects.  He said that our designs may be good but the implementation might just be defective.

For his part, Governor Ben Evardone disclaimed the provincial government’s involvement in the implementation of the irrigation project in question.

As to Jicontol Valley Irrigation, Congressman Doloy Coquilla was quiet dissatisfied with the nine small dams and nine small canals which cost previous administrations a whooping P400M to construct, yet, reliable source in Dolores said, Mayor Emiliana Villacarillo have herself discovered a very defective irrigation.

With these facts and figures, the Forum is likely bent on working closely with the local government units of Eastern Samar.  According to Bishop Varquez, primarily the forum was conceived for the sake of an increased value of “our” people.  In closing, he appealed to all concerned officials to pursue, unite and reconcile all of their development agenda for the benefit of all.

Samar farmers flock to DA's FIELDS info Caravan

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
October 26, 2008

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  More than a thousand farmers from all over Samar province flocked to the Samar provincial gymnasium on Wednesday, to partake of the massive information brought about by PGMA’s Fertilizer, Irrigation, Extension, Education and Training, Loans, Dryers and other Post Harvest Facilities, and Seeds (FIELDS).

Personnel from the Department of Agriculture (DA), DA Regional Field Unit (RFU) 8, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), PhilRice, Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) the Bureau of Fertilizers and the Land Bank of the Philippines set their booths for the farmers.

Director Frisco Malabanan recognized the contribution of Samar farmers to the rice production during the first and second quarter of this year which increased to 30.2%.

There was still an increase, he said despite the onslaught of calamities in Samar. The data he said comes from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

The FIELDS program said Malabanan has an ample fund to implement projects that are essential to farmers and productivity to be able to attain rice self sufficiency by 2013.

He added that in 2007 rice production grew to 16.24 MT; for 2008 the target is pegged at 17.3 MT; 18.9MT for year 2009 and 19.7MT by 2010.

Some farmers from Calbiga felt that some of their concerns were not addressed properly due to the limited time allotted to the open forum.

One farmer from Daram raised that the fertilizer coupon seems to benefit businessmen more than them because he said that before the coupon was given, fertilizer then costs P1,200 but when the coupons were given, fertilizer price shoot up to P2,180.

The Regional Manager of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority appeased the farmer saying that because of the Fertilizer Standardization Law, the government can not regulate the price increase.

Besides, he added that almost all basic goods have increased in price because of the high cost of petroleum products that despite the going down of the price of crude oil per barrel, it would be a while before significant reduction in goods can be effected.

On the other hand, Director Paulino Cabajit of the ATI said that farmers should resort to using organic fertilizer and offered the technology in Modified Rapid Composting.

Other concerns raised include irrigation, e-learning for techno gabay and where to get farm inputs for the next cropping season. Farmers also mentioned the unavailability of Samar Governor Mila Tan to appoint a provincial agriculturist which to them is a relevant post that could make a difference in agricultural productivity.

One farmer however was satisfied when he raised his concern over the absence of dryers which he needed. A panelist offered that he has given flatbed dryers to Calbayog City and Gandara, and that he still has 29 units for takers with the proper documents.

Basey Mayor Didi Estorninos on the other hand thanked the panelists that finally their dream of irrigating Basey’s 4000-6000 hectares will be soon realized as funding, he said is now in the pipeline. This was seconded by NIA Provincial Engineer Amadeo Montejo.

Mayor Nancy Grey of San Jorge sought the help of the panelists about the non-implementation of a P10M irrigation project for her town, Malabanan and company vowed to look into the matter.

Malabanan proudly said that all these major infrastructure and the funding for agriculture was made possible because of the VAT.

Finally Malabanan said that FIELDS is one concrete strategy to fight poverty through agricultural productivity.

Parish team ministry spearheads “Prison Awareness Week celebration” inside Samar’s Provincial jail

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
October 26, 2008

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  Believing in the adage that even prisoners have rights, the Samar Provincial Jail assisted by the Catbalogan City Parish Team Ministry usher the celebration of Prison Awareness week from October 24 to October 29, 2008.

Mr. Alberto Floretes, Parish Prisons Coordinator said that they have lined up activities for the 243 inmates and even their relatives to a Family Day on October 29, the final day of the Prison Week. Entertainers like the Catbalogan famous “Magsarangkay” managed by Ben Sabenecio will be giving a free concert to the inmates and their families on that day.

The Most Reverend Isabelo Abarquez, Bishop of Calbayog will be saying mass for the prisoners. Different religious organizations will also render free concert during the week.

On October 24, a motorcade was prepared around the city and an opening of a basketball tournament inside the prison compound.

The prisoners will also showcase their talents in the Doble Kara Singing Contest and Gaya-Gaya Puto Maya contest to be hosted by “Johnny Pusong “Anchor Steve Leyson.

A medical and dental mission will troop to the prison compound to give services to the inmates courtesy of the Samar Provincial Hospital physicians and the Commission on health Care of the Diocese of Calbayog.

Personnel of the 8th Judicial Region RTC, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Clerk of Court and Parole and Probation will also visit the prisoners to offer any assistance to expedite hearing of their cases.

Floretes who is also instrumental in bringing Alternative Learning System (ALS) education to the inmates said that his ministry said that, restorative justice moves beyond punishment. He also thanks his donors who have donated generously to his cause for the inmates.

He urges free people to understand the inmates and calls on to seek humanity in the wrongdoers!

Malacanang threatened by OFWs "Zero remittance" Campaign

OFWs "Zero remittance" Day is legitimate and fair act of protest – Migrante Middle East

Press Release
By MIGRANTE MIDDLE EAST
October 22, 2008

Migrante-Middle East, an alliance of OFW organizations in the Middle East has defended its "no remittance" campaign as a legitimate and fair protest action to the gross negligence to OFWs and their families committed by the most-anti OFW Arroyo administration.

"We have a government which is irresponsible and have long been committing economic plunder to our nation at the expense of the millions of OFWs huge remittances. OFWs who were forced to work abroad due to the failure of Arroyo administration to create jobs locally with decent wages and rightful benefits," said John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-ME.

Migrante-ME said in no way OFWs could be accused of being economic saboteurs by acting collectively not to remit even in just a single day, and that is on October 29, a Wednesday.

"The Arroyo administration and its minions are the real economic saboteur as we have seen unto the numerous cases of corruptions in the past including this ZTE broadband anomalous deal," Monterona added.

Migrante further said that this administration is used to make money out of their position and political influence making the bureaucracy nest of plunderer.

"Arroyo's and political lackeys are all but bureaucrat-capitalists. They are the very cause of our nations' poverty by allowing their greed to overpriced government projects so that they could have share on their big pockets. Then, right after, this government will impose additional taxes again and again putting burden the costs of an overpriced projects into our own shoulder especially us overseas worker," Monterona added.

Migrante has listed down some of Arroyo's "sins" as follows which it said justified its campaign for "Zero remittance" on October 29.

Plunging the country into worse poverty while corruption intensifies, bribery gets more widespread and human rights violations increase.

Criminal neglect of distressed OFWs as shown on the cases of beheaded OFWs like Jenifer Bedoya, and scores of others who are on death row in the Middle East such as of Dondon Lanuza and the Gonzales brothers.

Keeping OFWs milking cows through various government fees charged in the Philippines and even more charges paid in Philippine posts abroad;

Implementation of the POEA Guidelines for Filipino domestic workers abroad that paved the way for worse overcharging of recruitment agencies;

Implementation of the OWWA Omnibus Policies that took away many of the already limited assistance of the said agency to OFWs and family while giving a freer rein for Mrs. Arroyo and his minions to plunder the fund;

Inaction on issues that will at least alleviate the situation of Filipinos abroad including the call for wage increase, improvement of labor situation and protection of the rights of undocumented migrants.

"These were enough reasons for OFWs and their families to completely withdraw their trust and confidence in the Arroyo government task by its imperialist masters to host the most anti-migrants gathering, the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development," Monterona ended.

For reference:
John Leonard Monterona
Migrante Middle East regional coordinator
Mobile No.: 00966 564 97 8012

Southern Leyte is National Crown Awardee in Nutrition

By REBECCA CADAVOS (PIA Southern Leyte)
October 25, 2008

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  The Province of Southern Leyte will receive a Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) after winning the Outstanding Province throughout Eastern Visayas Region, Nilda M. Rich, Provincial Nutritionist announced earlier.

In a letter dated October 13, 2008, NNC Executive Director Maria Bernardita T. Flores cited that the province won three consecutive years as Green Banner Awardee, from 2005, 2006 and 2007.  This is based on the recommendations made by the interagency Regional Evaluation Team (RET) which was approved by the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC), she noted.

On the awarding ceremony, which as of this writing has not yet confirmed the venue and date, the NNC requested the provincial counterpart to submit a two-page write-up and at least 5 colored action pictures of the innovative nutrition activities that were implemented in 2007 to be handed through Nutrition Program Coordinator Carina Santiago based in Tacloban City. The documents will be included in the souvenir program of the awarding ceremony.

The Provincial Nutrition Committee members were also invited to witness the event. List of delegates who will attend the affair was also required to be forwarded to the NNC, it was noted.

Meanwhile, Rich also reported that the municipality of Limasawa will also received the same award, CROWN in Manila, for winning three consecutive years the Green Banner Award at the provincial level, from 2005, 2006 and 2007.  The other two municipalities which was randomly selected by the evaluating team were the towns of Hinunangan and Tomas Oppus, she added.