Cagayan de Oro City News January 2014

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

---

Cagayan de Oro City Photo Gallery

Cagayan de Oro City Realty

Philippine News

---

Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Cagayan de Oro City Public Market

The river of cagayan de oro city

St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City Buildings

Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro lawmakers propose international airport in Bukidnon

• Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/84557-Cagayan-de-Oro-lawmakers-propose-international-airport-in-Bukidnon.html
• Friday, January 31, 2014

By Jigs Nepomuceno

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Cagayan de Oro City Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd district) and brother,Maximo Rodriguez (Partylist-Abamin) are pushing for the establishment of an international airport in Central Mindanao to further boost the economic development in the area.

The proposal was contained in House Bill 3106 filed by the Rodriguez brothers last year seeking the putting up of an international airport -- to be known as the Mindanao Central International Airport -- in the area bounded by Damulog, Bukidnon, in the north; Antipas, North Cotabato, in the east; Carmen, North Cotabato, in the south; and Alamada, North Cotabato, in the west. “[This] will provide great opportunities for industries in which direct access to either air cargo or passenger flights is of importance,” the Cagayan de Oro lawmaker said in a statement on Thursday. HB 3106 was referred to the House Committee on Transportation on Oct. 14 for consideration. Rufus, the older of the two Rodriguez siblings, said that building the airport “would make it easy for farmers and producers of different produce to transport their products to anywhere in the country and would also provide additional business, investment and employment opportunities.” “Given its very strategic location, it would now be more accessible to nearby countries like Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, which allows it to establish trade relations,” he added. Rodriguez pointed out that Bukidnon -- a landlocked province in Northern Mindanao -- is considered the food basket of Mindanao and is a major producer of rice and corn in the region. However, he noted that there are no airports in the province. “For many of these provinces, the nearest airport is the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, which is considerably far from the center of Mindanao,” Rodriguez said. He added the island group’s major airports in Davao, General Santos and Cotabato Cities are coastal airports and quite far from Mindanao’s center. “Thus, it becomes difficult for tourists and would-be tourists to go to the various tourist sites and attractions that the region has to offer”. Central Mindanao, also known as Soccsksargen, is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani. The National Statistical Coordination Board lists Cotabato City as a component city, though it is physically located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)

The Oro budget circus (First of two parts

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/opinion/2014/01/30/ocio-oro-budget-circus-first-two-parts-325753
• Thursday, January 30, 2014

By Dr. Bob Ocio

THE City Council of Cagayan de Oro City deferred the approval of the city hall budget for 2014 and referred the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2014 to the city development council (CDC) insisting that the executive department submits the program of work for the AIP.

Meanwhile, the city mayor ordered the re-enactment of the 2013 budget pending approval of the same as public pressured mounts on the council to approve the 2014 Budget without delay.

What is wrong and what can be done? How did the Emano and city council deal with it under the Emano administration? What is the problem at the present time? How should any councilor deal with this budget? What should be done to break the deadlock?

Two things here need to be appreciated. One is the total budget of the city government which is in conflicting figures between of P3.2 billion and P2.6 billion which councilor Bacal pointed out (Sun.Star CDO, Jan 28 2014). Second is the AIP representing 20 per cent of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of the local government.

AIP

The conflict seems to focus on the AIP the delay of which necessarily, delayed the implementation of the development programs under the Moreno administration. The question is who is delaying what? What does the law say? The Department of Budget and Management (not the city council) requires local government units to produce their AIPs based on the expected IRA and which is also prepared for by the CDC.

Pursuant to the Local Government Code, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued guidelines mandating local government units to convene the local development council (LDC) chaired by the mayor himself and constituted by some members of the city council (which include the chairman of the city council committee on appropriation (Elipe) and representatives of the NGOs and civil society groups among others.

It also requires such investment plans to include feasibility studies, detailed cost estimates and the program of work necessary to support the same. The Local government Code requires the mayor to submit the AIP which form part of the annual budget to the city council for concurrence and approval.

Did the law, explicitly provide the city council to require the executive department to provide the city council the program of work, feasibility studies and detailed cost estimates prior to approval of the same? The answer is No. However, it does not also provide that the City Council approve the same without thinking and scrutiny.

The mandate of the city council is to scrutinize the budget proposed by the executive department and be equally liable should these funds be overstated and or used for other purposes otherwise required for by law. Hence, no sane and meticulous city councilor will approve the same without scrutinizing the Programs of Work, Detailed cost estimates and Feasibility studies which they should be able to study in advance before the hearings of the city council are being convened.

My experience as city councilor in 1998 to 2001

During the time of Emano, the city council is provided a proposed legislation 30 minutes before it is being adjourned on millions of projects supposedly taken from the IRA and therefore under the Annual Investment Plan without the necessary documentation (program of works, detailed cost estimates and feasibility Studies) to appraise the same.

I called it "railroaded legislations by a rubber stamp city council." Moreover, for the past 15 years, contracts entered into by Emano were authorized by the city council without even scrutinizing the specifications thereof. As a matter of fact, billions worth of records of these contracts which bind us to pay for debts incurred during Emano are even reported to be unavailable to the present administration.

That is why the City is loaded with loans, debts and is now in dire need of revenues to sustain its basic services, infrastructure and development needs. That is why we suspect Emano and this entire Council of crony capitalism and corruption. Thus the accusations that the failure to appreciate the necessity for the City Council under Emano to act as the officials mandated to safeguard public funds were relinquished and surrendered to one dictator who commands his Council like robots and morons. (To be continued)

Anti-porn task force to stamp out smut in Oro

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/29/anti-porn-task-force-stamp-out-smut-oro-325613#
• Wednesday, January 29, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

WITH Cagayan de Oro City tagged as one of the top producers of online child pornography, the anti-pornography task force (APTF) in the city has re-implemented a 29-year-old law purposely to stamp out smut in the city.

The report was recently revealed by the anti-transnational and cybercrime division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

On Tuesday, the APTF went around the public markets in the city and internet cafés to disseminate information and later impose penalty to violators of City Ordinance 1890 (CO 1890), the city’s anti-pornography law, passed in 1985.

The task force is headed by city councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr.

The ordinance prohibits the “commission of certain acts offensive to public view, moral and decency, and imposing penalty for violation therefor.”

In the ordinance, it defines “lewd,” “immoral” and “obscene” as an act(s) or things done that “incites or arouse lust, depravity, wickedness, sexual violence, or in any manner corrupt or derail morality, good customs and traditions.”

It furthered that acts such as undressing totally or partially as to expose the genital parts, showing or demonstrating sexual scenes in public falls under the terms defined above.

According to the ordinance, it is unlawful to “print, exhibit, circulate, distribute, sell, offer or expose for sale, or give or deliver to another, or cause the same to be done any lewd, indecent or obscene book, picture, film, article, pamphlet, card, print, paper, writing, mold, cast, figure, or any other thing…”

“It shall likewise be unlawful for any person to post or display to public view any bill, placard, billboard, or other advertisement continuing pictures or illustrations of an obscene or immoral character,” it further stated.

Punishment

Lao said after the massive information drive, they will continue with the campaign.

“But the next time, we will be confiscating pornographic items and penalizing violators,” said Lao.

Next week, it is possible that the task force will start with the punishments granting that they are already done with the information campaign.

In CO 1890, any violator to the ordinance shall suffer the following:

On first offense, the violator will be fined of P500.00 while getting caught again of the same offense means doubling the fine.

But on the third and subsequent offenses, a fine of P1,000 or an imprisonment for six months or both will be imposed in the discretion of the court.

Also, third and subsequent offenses could result to the revocation of business permits and license of an amusement place.

Moreover, part of the APTF is to disseminate information regarding the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775) that prohibits minors from participating in any immoral activities.

Internet cafés

Meanwhile, City Ordinance 10536-2007 that was also part of the information disseminated by the task force states that minors are prohibited from internet cafés and videogame shops during class hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

However, the ordinance furthered that if there is consent exhibited through a consent letter, a minor is allowed to enter the internet cafés for research and other class-related activities.

On the same ordinance, selling of liquor and cigarettes, and inhalants like Rugby, to minors is prohibited in the city especially in gambling places and cockpits.

Information dissemination

Lao said Tuesday that the Task Force conducted information dissemination in major markets in the city regarding the ordinance.

He added that the campaign was coordinated with other agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo).

Lao said the information drive was intended to inform the people especially vendors of pornographic digital versatile discs (DVDs) in the market.

“We are conducting this information campaign to let the vendors know that they should stop selling pornographic DVDs and obscene images because the city has an ordinance penalizing those who violate,” said Lao adding that obscene tabloids are also a violation.

Apart from DVDs, Lao said the task force will also include monitoring on internet cafés operating in the city.

He said the task force will check if the internet café operators have business permit, and if cybercrime like cyber pornography is not committed in these places.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Danildo Tumanda, Cocpo’s deputy city director for administration, said cyberporn is now considered as the no.1 crime in the country.

Tumanda said the city belongs to the top four sites for online pornography.

However, Tumanda clarified that although Cagayan de Oro is on the top four it does not follow that the operation is conducted in the city.

He said the report came from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) that was reported to Camp Crame’s anti-crime division.

Tumanda said based on the reports, the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses based on the subscriptions on websites came mostly from the city.

“It is possible that the IP address came from Cagayan de Oro City but without being in the area,” said Tumanda.

Oro city council defers mayor’s investment plan

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/28/oro-city-council-defers-mayor-s-investment-plan-325460
• Tuesday, January 28, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

THE Annual Investment Plan for 2014 (AIP-2014) of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno which contains the vital programs of the administration was deferred by the City Council during its 27th regular session Monday.

City councilor Alden Bacal, the chairman of the committee on public works, said the AIP-2014 is a slice of the annual budget for 2014 amounting to P2.6 billion.

Bacal pointed out that the AIP-2014 amounts to P3.2 billion did not coincide with the general budget which is P2.6 billion.

He added that the proposed 2014 Executive Budget should include the AIP-2014 and not the other way around, based on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) circular no. 67 released June last year.

Another reason why Bacal deferred the approval of the AIP-2014 is the absence of the program of work (POW), and the consultations from different sectors that were not conducted by the city development council (CDC).

During the session, the approval of AIP-2014 was halted through dividing the house with 11 council members favoring the deferment, and five opposing.

Councilor President Elipe added that the P70-million infrastructure project in the AIP-2014 should have enough details.

Invited guest

Meanwhile, City councilor Roger Abaday said during the session that it is not the right time to comment regarding the AIP-2014.

He said the “invited guest” should be given the time to explain the contents of the AIP-2014 before the council decided.

“We have to listen first to the invited guest of the City Council so we will be enlightened about the AIP-2014,” said Abaday.

City treasurer Glen Bañez was invited to the council.

Councilor Teodulfo Lao added it is best to ask first the members of the CDC so the City Council cannot delay the approval of the AIP-2014.

Lao said the AIP-2014 means delivering services to the people of the city.

He said the AIP-2014 will lure investors in the city and that would mean progress.

Lao added the AIP-2014 is a wish list of the administration that contains programs geared toward development.

Thankful

Bañez said: “I am thankful that I was able to attend the session although I was not given the chance to speak.”

Bañez said the AIP-2014 contains the vital programs of the administration including projects like road concreting and new roads to address the congested traffic in the city, and the improvement of J.R. Borja Memorial Hospital. READ: Council lags on Oro 2014 budget deliberation

As to the suggestion that the AIP-2014 be referred to the city council, he said it is the discretion of the City Council to do so.

Citing the P70-million infrastructure project, Bañez said it should have been discussed to the committee on public works because the discussions have been referred to the committees.

“We are just praying that the approval will go faster, so the P2.6 billion budget can go through,” said Bañez.

NorMin indie films compete in 6th Cinemagis film festival

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2611390786825
• Monday, January 27, 2014

By JASPER MARIE OBLINA-RUCAT

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 27 (PIA) – A total of 13 entries from student to professional category competed in the 6th Cinemagis film festival, a digital short film festival in Northern Mindanao on January 23 to 25.

Through the partnership of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA), Research Institute for Mindanao Cultures (RIMCU) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cinemagis ensures that film making programs are sustained and talents here are nurtured. Further, it aims to harvest and complement filmmaking frontiers that capture the voices, aspirations, stories and lore of Northern Mindanao.

According to Hobart P. Savior, director of XCCA that films, like any other forms of art, are essential media for learning and for liberal education.

He added that this year, Cinemagis curate films that have social relevance. There are films that reflect on climate, women, gender, peace and development, food health and sanitation, social prejudice, self-awareness and respect, he said.

Official entries to this festival for professional category include “Panamilit” by Tat Soriano, “Lugdang” by Gray-em Erezo, “Estrella” by Mark Gio Amoguis, “Hello” by Kevin Nico Surposa and “Ika-3 Putahi” by Joeromer Bacus.

Meanwhile student category entries include “Lugos” by Christine Pulgo of Mindanao University of Science and Technology, “Perla” by Angel Frances Borres of Xavier University High School, “Wa Ko Kakita” by Eastine Charles P. Taneo of Liceo de Cagayan University, “Kaon Ta” by Richard Mars Caberte of Xavier University, “Ceasefire” by Jamela Bato of MSU-IIT, “Unawa” by Kristel Hypa Magallanes of MSU-IIT, “The Perfect Girl” by Janine Banday of Xavier University and “Binibining Kanser” by JS Legara of Xavier University.

Nominations included Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Story, Best Editing, Best in Sound Scoring, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Short Film.

On January 25, winners were declared at SM City Cagayan de Oro.

“Ika-3 Putahi” (Recipe No. 3) was declared Best Short Film- Professional Category. It also garnered six other awards: Best Art Direction, Best Story, Best Editing, Best Sound Scoring, Best Director for Joeromer Bacus and Best Actor for Rusty Quintana.

On the other hand, the Best Student Short Film went to “Wa Ko Kakita” (I Haven’t Seen It) by Eastine Charles Taneo from Liceo de Cagayan University (LdeCU). It also won three other awards: Best Story, Best Director for Taneo and Best Actor for Ray Anthony Vacalares.

These winners will represent region 10 to Cinema Rehiyon, a national film festival organized by NCCA on February 18-22. (JMOR/PIA10)

Runners pooh-pooh chilly morning, join Sunday’s Manila fun run

• Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/148705/runners-pooh-pooh-chilly-morning-join-sundays-manila-fun-run
• Sunday, January 26, 2014

By Bong Lozada

MANILA, Philippines—Just before the first glimmer of sunshine, in chilly early dawn, families, friends, couples, kids and runners laced up their sneakers. Multinational company Amway has launched 1k@Amway Fun Run 2014 Sunday at the Mall of Asia grounds in support of its independent business owners and would feature three such events, the first in Manila, second in Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 9 and the culmination in Davao City on Feb. 16. “We want to tap into the love for running by the Filipinos, because running has become into a passion and a sport and you know it comes very well with family business opportunities because anybody can participate in a fun run,” said Lemi Olmedo, country manager of Amway. Olmedo said that the three cities, where fun runs would be held, have the biggest distribution centers of Amway in the country. The runs would have three divisions, one-kilometer, five-kilometer and eight-kilometer events. She added that 1k@Amway Fun Run represents the P1,000 that is required to start a business with Amway and the eight-kilometer division represents the 80th year of Amway. “Actually Amway businesses typically start as husband and wife, most of our distributors are husband and wife, and we decided to do it on a Sunday because we want to cater to the families,” said Olmedo.

BOC seizes 10,000 bags of rice

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/25/1282800/boc-seizes-10000-bags-rice
• Saturday, January 25, 2014

By Gerry Lee Gorit

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Twenty-seven 20-foot shipping containers loaded with more than 10,000 bags of rice imported from Thailand were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Northern Mindanao following the discovery of the misdeclared cargo.

Acting Customs district collector Ruby Claudia Alameda issued the warrant of seizure and detention after a spot check revealed that each container was loaded with 520 bags of rice instead of the declared quantity of 400 rice bags.

Alameda said the shipment came from Thailand and was consigned to the Malingas Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The concessionaire had declared that the containers had 10,800 bags of Thai white rice.

But after examination by BOC officials and a representative of the consignee, one container van was found to have an excess of 120 bags.

Alameda said the 30 percent excess constitutes a violation of the Tariffs and Customs Code.

Child pornography cases in Oro ‘very strong’

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/24/child-pornography-cases-oro-very-strong-324805
• Friday, January 24, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

BARANGAY Carmen in Cagayan de Oro City has “very strong” cases of child pornography according to an officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao Region.

Unit head of DSWD’s community based programs, Gloria Mosqueda, said even the barangay officials of Carmen reported that children are being used as materials for pornography.

“The village council members know the situation -- there are child trafficking and pornography cases reported in the area,” said Mosqueda.

She said in Carmen, just by mere exposure of (private parts) in video cameras online, the actors of child pornography can generate money.

Mosqueda said two Carmen village officials reported the said pornography in an activity at the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) where issues and concerns on child labor were tackled sometime in the last quarter of 2013.

However, Sheila Lumbatan, barangay secretary of Carmen, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that there were no reported cases of child pornography in the village.

“But we have records of child abuse though,” added Lumbatan.

However, Lumbatan did not discount the possibility that child pornography could be happening in Carmen.

Lumbatan also thought that if such activities are happening in the village it must have been done privately.

“The police officers can hardly detect these cases because they are done inside the houses,” said Mosqueda.

She said some parents would consent their children to pornography to earn.

Nida Paña, social welfare officer IV of the city social welfare and development (CSWD), confirmed that some couples allow this to happen for income.

She heard that some parents are aware but they are not directly involved in child trafficking or pornography online.

Mosqueda also believes that operators of child pornography have links abroad since most of the customers are foreigners.

“It is possible that there are organized activities on child pornography and there are some that operate privately in their homes,” said Mosqueda.

Paña added they are only limited to “hearsays” because there is no way to prove the cases.

Mosqueda said that in the region there are very limited cases that were reported in DSWD.

She added that cases of child pornography are often associated with child trafficking based on their records.

Mosqueda furthered there was a case before where the victims came from Gingoog City but were apprehended in Butuan City. There was also a case recorded in Ozamiz city.

Paña also said there are cases of child trafficking five years ago.

Biz tax rate hike 'merely stories’

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/23/biz-tax-rate-hike-merely-stories-324626
• Thursday, January 23, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

WITH the recent talks on business tax rate increases, Cagayan de Oro City Treasurer Glenn Bañez said those are just purely “stories,” and that the buzz about tax rates increase is just a misconception.

Bañez said the business community should not believe in ‘stories’ that there is a rate increase in the business taxes because his office only follows the local government code.

Bañez furthered they (businessmen) should not go to radio stations to report.

“They should go to the city treasurer’s office for clarifications and adjustments,” said Bañez.

Meanwhile, city councilor President Elipe accused the collection of business tax of the present administration as “illegal and immoral.”

Elipe said it is illegal because the tax code doesn’t require businessmen to submit documents like the annual income tax return (ITR) and the value added tax (VAT) returns.

He added that the previous administration based the tax rates on the assessment of the City Hall and not the ITR.

“Way back in 2003 up to 2013, the capacity of a businessman to pay is one of the top considerations,” Elipe said adding that the present ‘increase’ has a great effect to the businessmen.

He added the present tax rates do not consider the capacity of the businessmen to pay.

Elipe accused the city hall immoral since taxpayers are not consulted on the effects of the tax collection method.

“They should be morally obliged to at least tell the tax payers about the effect of the collection,” Elipe said.

Increase?

Bañez cited that the inconsistency between the business tax declaration records and gross receipts could have been misinterpreted by the businessmen as an increase.

“When we use the annual income tax return as the basis for their business tax, the businessmen thought there is an increase,” said Bañez.

He added that in the previous administration they computed the business tax solely from the income declarations of the businessmen.

Bañez said gross receipts are the basis for the business tax rates according to taxation section in the Local Government Code of 1991.

He added the submission of businessmen of documents like the annual income tax return (ITR), financial statement and VAT returns are supported by the local government code.

Bañez said that through the documents the gross receipts are included which determines their business tax rate.

He added that with the ITR the city treasurer’s office can check the consistency of a businessmen’s tax declaration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“The city treasurer is not allowed to implement increases in the business tax,” said Bañez adding that increases should be approved by the city council.

Bañez added that not declaring what is in the gross receipt is tantamount to fooling the local government which could surely affect its revenues.

Meanwhile, Maria Childie Capul, a business tax payer said her taxes increased to almost P1,000.

Capul owns a convenience store in Macahambus-Capistrano streets, this city.

She added although it is hard for the businessmen who are working hard to gain profit, but they were expecting it.

Capul said that amid the “increase” her views regarding the present administration did not change because they are just following what is in the guidelines.

However, she noticed the business registration and renewal process is disorganized.

Capul suggested that the renewal for big businesses should be separated from small businesses to make it even better.

Tax rates

Bañez said the percentage of taxes based on the gross receipts depends on the industry a businessman is engaged in.

He said if one is a lessor or a retailer, two percent from his gross receipt will be the business tax rate.

Bañez furthered if the gross receipt exceeds P400,000, one per cent of it will be the business tax rate.

He also urged the businessmen who have questions to visit the city treasurer’s office for consultation and reassessment.

“I am also thankful to councilor Elipe for the extension of the business registration and renewal schedule,” said Bañez.

Hundreds flee homes in Oro, MisOr due to floods

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/22/hundreds-flee-homes-oro-misor-due-floods-324434
• Wednesday, January 22, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

AROUND 3,500 families evacuated in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro due to the incessant rains that caused swelling of rivers resulting in floods and landslides.

The non-stop rains were spawned by Tropical Depression Agaton, which turned into a low pressure area Monday but still lingers in Mindanao.

In Cagayan de Oro, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) reported around 2,234 families or 9,517 individuals who are seeking refuge in the evacuation centers in the city’s villages.

Barangay Bonbon recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 283 families who stayed at the Bonbon Elementary School and SM Car Park.

Barangay Carmen had 265 evacuees who temporarily moved to West City Central School.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) downgraded the code red alert to orange Tuesday afternoon as the weather improved with intermittent showers and overcast skies.

In Misamis Oriental, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that around 1,332 families or 6,207 individuals took shelter in the province’s 49 evacuation centers for safety.

PDRRMC recorded three casualties in the province, while four persons went missing until at present. Two persons were injured and eight individuals were rescued by the PDRRMC rescue team.

Houses and landslides

The PDRRMC also recorded 14 houses destroyed, while 62 damaged in 41 villages.

Meanwhile, the CDRRMC noted six landslides while PDRRMC recorded seven.

The CDRRMC noted 30 families of 118 individuals who are affected by the landslides.

The PDRRMC noted the first landslide in Barangay Libon, Gingoog City last Sunday, while the second happened in Barangay Rosario, Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental.

Another landslide took place Monday in Gingoog affecting barangays Pangasihan and Anakan.

Impassable

The Provincial Government listed seven bridges damaged while some roads in the city’s hinterland communities are impassable.

Christine Cabiasa, provincial information officer, said four-wheeled vehicles still cannot pass the Mambayaan Bridge in Balingasag town whose approach or abutment broke, rendering the bridge impassable until Tuesday.

However, Cabiasa said the provincial engineering office is doing its best to remedy the situation so people and motorcycles can pass through.

Sandra Flores, information officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Mindanao, said that as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, four-wheeled vehicles cannot pass through the bridge.

Flores added that an alternate route via the municipalities of Villanueva, Claveria and Gingoog City is also impassable because of the landslides.

Cabiasa added that a bridge in Gingoog, Magsaysay, Manticao and the Mandangwa bridge, all in Misamis Oriental, were either destroyed or damaged.

In Cagayan de Oro City, the road from Barangay Pigsan-an to Tumpagon and a road in Dansolihon leading to sitio Macupa, Eba, Botay, Bato, Pulang Lupa and Balungkot remained impassable as of Tuesday.

Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City declared resumption of classes in all levels today, January 22.

Landslides, river swelling displace residents as rains drench Mindanao

• Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/344822/news/regions/landslides-river-swelling-displace-residents-as-rains-drench-mindanao
• Tuesday, January 21, 2014

By Amita O. Legaspi/KG, GMA News

Consolador Baldoz can only look at his wooden house now floating in floodwater as rescuers took him to a safer place after Ibong River in Agusan del Sur overflowed due to incessant rains.

“Wala na akong kasama sa bahay. 'Yung mga alaga ko naanod na,” said 92-year-old Baldoz of Brgy. Tagabua, San Francisco.

He is among 203,022 people or 43,417 families displaced and are staying in 565 evacuation centers due to the low-pressure area (LPA).

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tropical Depression Agaton, which now weakened to a low pressure area, destroyed 739 houses and damaged 1,278.

Baldoz's neighbors heaved a sigh of relief as rescuers finally came to bring them to higher grounds. Rescuers took the children and senior citizens first. They were brought to a chapel which was used as an evacuation center.

As of 6 a.m., January 21, a total of 168,492 families or 809,686 people were affected in 804 barangays in 103 municipalities in Mindanao. Fifteen provinces in Mindanao were affected.

A total of 27 cities and municipalities have been placed under state of calamity. These were: Lanao del Norte province Iligan City Kapalong, Carmen, Asuncion, New Corella, and Tagum City in Davao del Norte Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, and Boston in Davao Oriental Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Bunawan, San Francisco, Esperanza, Veruela, Trento, and Rosario in Agusan del Sur Butuan City Agusan del Norte province Lianga, Tago, San Miguel, and Bislig in Surigao del Sur.

The NDRRMC said the death toll remained at 42, with 65 injured and eight missing.

Iligan, Lanao del Norte

In Sitio Kabangahan, Brgy. Rogongon, Iligan City in Lanao del Norte, heavy rains caused the Bayog River to swell to 50 meters, GMA News TV's News To Go reported Tuesday. The strong current prevented even 10-wheeler trucks to pass the river.

The local government has yet to clear a road which connects Iligan and Bukidnon, where a landslide happened around 2 a.m., Tuesday, causing heavy traffic in the area.

Local officials are also monitoring Maria Cristina for possible landslide because of incessant rains.

In Brgy. Digkilaan, a national highway was passable due to landslide and overflowing of river. At least 19,000 residents were evacuated, the television report said.

Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental

Meanwhile, authorities placed Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental under red alert due to floods and landslides. At least 1,100 families living near coastal areas, rivers and low-lying areas were evacuated.

Thirteen barangays were flooded, including Bugo, Puerto, Agusan, Carmen, Kauswagan, Bonbon, Nazareth, Macasandig, FS Catanico, Camaman-an, Canitoan, Brgy 26, and Bulua.

There were also landslides recorded in Brgys. Carmen, Camaman-an and Kugman.

In Brgy. Lasang, Davao City, a part of a road eroded due to strong rains. A barangay official assured that they have fund to rehabilitate the road and will repair it once the rains stopped, the television report said.

The rains will still come, though.

PAGASA said Tuesday the LPA—formerly Tropical Depression Agaton before it weakened—is moving at a snail's pace away from Davao.

It will bring occasionally heavy rain to Eastern Visayas, the Caraga region, northern Mindanao, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental, according to the data from Weather Central.

PAGASA advised residents to watch out for flash floods and landslides.

WORM’S EYEVIEW: Corruption rises to the top

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2014/01/20/worms-eyeview-corruption-rises-to-the-top/
• Monday, January 20, 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/20 January) — Old-style politics and its adherents—the traditional politicos or trapos—condition and shape the political culture of our grassroots, and thus of Philippine society as a whole. This is so because trapos are the dominant presence among the poor and less-educated (who outnumber other sectors) in barangays.

Trapos look upon the barangays as their bailiwick, much as they view poor people as their natural constituency—meaning, voters whose support and loyalty can be bought. This is the reason trapos are attentive to barangay neighborhoods and are always ready with gimmicks, favors, and handouts to keep them supportive.

Epal

One indicator of the trapo conditioning of our grassroots culture is their success in making people believe they (trapos) are the source of every benefit or service provided by government. As preposterous as this may seem, people actually believe them, especially the impressionable or naïve ones.

Moreover, trapos take further advantage of the people’s naiveté by suggesting that voters owe a “debt of gratitude” to their benefactors (trapos) for the projects and services to the community. And they have the gumption to go so far as to suggest that the “debt” should be repaid at election time. This is the reason why notices claiming credit for projects are posted practically everywhere—to remind voters of their “debt”.

It is credit-grabbing, to say the least, and it is supposedly being outlawed. But it continues with impunity. Tagalogs have a term for this shameless practice: “Epal”—short for nagpapapel or showing off, a new word formed by inverting syllables as in Erap (pare) or yosi (sigarilyo).

Epal refers to the illegal habit of reminding people about a non-existent “debt of gratitude” the people “owe” the trapos. This shameless practice is on billboards, streamers, posters, newspaper ads, radio-TV “praise releases,” etc. It is brazen propaganda that should be stopped.

Patronage, Handouts

Another effect of trapo conditioning is the unethical mentality among simple folk that as long as they’re paid, it’s all right to do what amounts to pimping or drug pushing for candidates–like vote buying, cheating, or cowboying the roundup of rent-a-crowds for campaign rallies.

There’s no point telling them to resist patronage or bribery because “it’s their taxes that’s being given away, wasted, or stolen.” In the first place, they don’t pay income taxes and own very little. They know that what’s being squandered is not theirs but money from the rich who pay tax, or from others who evade paying by bribing bureaucrats or by keeping offshore accounts.

The reality is, all that matters to simple-minded voters is what they can get no matter how paltry. It’s what poverty or ignorance does to otherwise decent people.

To such folks, sycophancy is the name of the game—Sipsip in street parlance or sucking up to the rich and powerful, it is the tried and tested technique of siphoning off goodies from the Horn of Plenty on top, whether the “horn” be vice dens, drug lords, or the keepers and dispensers of pork barrel.

This mindset plays into the hand of the trapo and his allies—political entrepreneurs who invest big on campaigns in hopes of big post-election payoffs.

Winnability, Piracy

A trapo looks at politics the same way he views cockfights and sports-fests. His yardstick is “winnability”—a concept having less to do with competence or character as with name-recall, wealth, popularity, or connections. Never mind if he’s a crook or lives a scandalous life; if his name rings a bell and he has deep pockets, he’s my candidate!

It’s his “generosity,” connections, or skill in prying the public coffers loose that makes him a winnable candidate. Bet on him and earn lots of balato! Remember Erap with Atong Ang, Mark Jimenez, and the rest of the gang that made his candidacy bankable? Or think of the “Balato Twins” John Osmena and Tessie Oreta, both senators, who admitted receiving one million pesos each (!) from Erap when the latter won big in a casino in Cebu.

As with the buccaneers of yore or today’s pirates in Somalia, a share of the loot is the reward for sycophancy.

Patronage and sycophancy are the Gemini twins in the political firmament. Like Mafia or Yakuza enforcers, these twins prowl the barangays to ensure that local officials are loyal and keep the neighborhood votes captive. This is the way big-time trapos control the grassroots votes.

Through imaginative deployment of public works contracts, they enable the locals to avail of kickbacks, grants, and gifts from contractors, outright skimming from their local budgets, and other sleight of hand financial tricks. Serving as conduits for big-time patronage is hugely profitable for the locals. As they say: it pays to be malakas with the bigwigs.

Political Capital

In turn, the bigwigs use the loyalty owed them by the locals as capital in their power games. Ferdinand Marcos was a consummate practitioner of the art of sowing patronage in order to harvest sycophancy—which he then converted into political capital. It was the sycophancy of the bogus “citizens assemblies” and the KBL’s Kabataang Barangay which enabled him to simulate public support for Martial Law, the conjugal dictatorship, and “constitutional authoritarianism.”

Since many of the trapos in congress today were incubated in the Marcos political hatchery, they are unbeatable in the game of patronage. They have the confidence of gaming operators who know that gambling odds always favor the house. They know they can’t lose as long as the grassroots votes are secure in their pockets. And they’re right… unless sensible citizens in barangays, the ones with integrity, rein in their officials and make their influence felt in the neighborhoods.

Bargaining Chips

Like proxy votes in stockholders’ meetings, captive votes in the barangay provide leverage to the power players at the top. These votes are as bargaining chips in the trapo’s version of the game of “Monopoly.”

Those who do nothing about this non-stop pampering of captive votes in their barangay in effect allow their own community’s votes to end up on the trading floor upstairs where the proxy-holders wheel and deal. Captive votes enable the big-time trapos to bargain away chunks of the public trust to support flunkies on all levels.

It’s these votes that enable big-time grafters like Jocjoc Bolante, influence-peddlers like Benjamin Abalos, and charlatans like Mark Jimenez to horse-trade their way to Malacanang, Congress, the Courts, and the rest of the bureaucracy.

Be careful therefore about who gets to lead your community or barangay, controlling its votes. They play a big role in determining who shall rise to fill the high positions of our state structure. To be indifferent about who manages our community is to be indifferent about who governs Philippine society on all levels all the way to the top.

Floods, landslides persist in Northern Mindanao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/19/floods-landslides-persist-northern-mindanao-324060
• Sunday, January 19, 2014

By Loui S. Maliza

WITH the torrential rains, floods and landslides have turned extensive in the city and in some municipalities in Misamis Oriental.

The prevailing weather condition on Sunday evening compelled the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend classes in preschool and elementary levels in public and private schools today, January 20.

Around 35 teachers and students were reported stranded at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) along C.M. Recto Avenue as the nearby Bitan-ag Creek continued to overflow past 2 p.m. Sunday, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) said.

The last time the area experienced flooding was during the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

Flooding also caused vehicles to bog down in the middle of major thoroughfares in the city, the CDRRMC reported.

Landslides at barangays Carmen, Camaman-an, and Calaanan were reported on Sunday.

The city put up 17 evacuation centers that now shelter around 783 families or 3,303 individuals.

Maricel Casiño-Rivera, city information officer, posted on CDO Infonet page on a social networking site warning residents to avoid floodwaters as leptospirosis may infect them.

She said the city health office is giving out doses of doxycycline at the evacuation centers and advised that residents may also check out the nearest health center in their areas once the following symptoms are observed: high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash.

Increased income

The weather may have hampered many people from their usual activities but to Bobong Buta, as ‘trisikad’ drivers call him, he considered the days of incessant rains and the arrival of Agaton as a blessing in disguise.

Bobong, 39, a resident of Villarin Street in Carmen, has four children.

For more than a week of continuous rains, Buta’s daily earnings reached to almost a thousand pesos, as more people take the ‘trisikads.’

“Dili naman gud sila makabaklay bisan duol ra sa dalan kay sige baya ulan. Hayahay na hinuon kaayo mi kay pirme lang dunay pasahero,” Bobong related.

Although he constantly fears and worries, he said the rains bring him more income.

It is his first time to drive a trisikad since he stopped doing labor due to health issues.

In Misamis Oriental, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) noted more flooding in Gingoog City. It has prompted the province to activate its second PDRRMC monitoring team there while the other one is holding operations at the provincial capitol office.

A bridge in Barangay Casinglot in the municipality of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental collapsed on Sunday causing heavy traffic there.

PDRRMC also reported damages on agriculture and properties in the municipalities of Tagoloan, Lugait and Naawan.

FDA warns vs 'Sehat Badan' food supplement

• Source:http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/344378/news/nation/fda-warns-vs-sehat-badan-food-supplement
• Saturday, January 18, 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

Health authorities on Friday warned the public against buying and taking an unregistered food supplement being sold in areas like Cagayan de Oro City.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health warning against the "Sehat Badan" food supplement after it was alerted by a consumer.

"As advertised online, Sehat Badan is [a] herbal drink that 'promotes and enhance general well-being and treat various diseases' such as asthma, urinary stones, allergy, impotence, rheumatism, toothache and ulcer. These claims are not approved by the FDA as the subject product is not registered with this Office," FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said in FDA Advisory 2014-006.

He said an initial evaluation of the product showed its label had no English translation, violating Administrative Order 88-B series of 1984.

Under the order, imported food products where the label is in a foreign language must have a corresponding English translation, before the product can be allowed for local distribution.

"Products marketed as food supplement without English translation pose harm to the consumers since consumers will have no better understanding of the true nature of the health product they purchased.

"These products definitely did not pass the FDA standard of safety and quality, therefore, public health is at stake," Hartigan-Go said.

Because of this, he said FDA field officers have instructions to seize these unregistered food supplements. He also asked local government units and law enforcement agencies' help. — LBG, GMA News

WORM’S EYEVIEW: Addressing corruption in the barangay, Part 4

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2014/01/17/worms-eyeview-addressing-corruption-in-the-barangay-part-4/
• Friday, January 17, 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/17 January) — Considering the level of development we have attained as a people, the portrait of corruption in our respective localities—our barangay, the grassroots level—is unsightly and unbecoming. It needs to be reformed or made right so we can have a proper and true democracy.

By “proper and true democracy,” I mean one in which honesty and decency during elections has a fighting chance against greedy trapos, while competence and integrity can challenge selfish dynasties—and win honorably.

By “win honorably,” I mean being able to vie for public office, campaign on one’s merits or track record, and have an even chance of winning without resorting to guns, goons, or gold.

Defaulting Citizens

But none of this can happen unless leading citizens of the community stake their claim on government, assert their right to good governance, and zealously (jealously!) see to it that in their own barangay no one dares to break the law and get away with it.

By “leading citizens” I refer to the upper crust of society whose education, social awareness, and integrity are above average but who lack sense-of-community and are in default of their citizen duty by not participating in local governing processes.

By “above average” I refer to professionals and degreed practitioners including educators and church functionaries—citizens with ethical values higher than the level of voters who view elections either as a popularity contest, as a chance to cadge a day’s meal from corrupt candidates, or as a lotto draw that can win a reward.

The Unreliable

It’s sad that we cannot rely on the good sense of “average citizens” (who seem to think only of themselves or their family) to establish a responsible government for their own community, much less for the nation.

Their reckless values keep the level of civilization in their neighborhood very low and the quality of its governance very poor. Their irresponsible attitude towards politics and politicians has caused the deterioration of democracy to an untenable level.

With no qualms or compunction about selling a vote, supporting corruptors or criminals like drug lords, siding with gambling or immorality, or rewarding low-life with high office, these “average citizens” overload the political system with opportunists that pander to their misguided expectations.

It is they who fill the halls of congress and the different levels of government with spoiled soldiers-turned-coup plotters, do-nothing demagogues who thrive on patronage and nepotism, ill-motivated-leftists with dubious loyalties, and assorted political parasites and hangers-on.

Something needs to be done to neutralize the dominance of their distorted values and wrongful political practices.

Wake-up Time

No less than the nation’s integrity is at stake here. Unless grassroots democracy is cleansed and rid of its aberrations, we cannot hope to develop self-respect as a people, much less attain respectability in the eyes of others.

That Philippine Democracy is a put on is a perception that gives foreigners a reason to be patronizing or condescending towards Filipinos. It is bad enough that the term “Filipino” has entered the lexicon as meaning “domestic servant” – with emphasis on its negative connotations. That we are viewed as a nation of sheep ruled by wolves pretending to be statesmen debases the memory of Rizal, Bonifacio, and the rest in our pantheon of heroes

We must wake up. We must shake off the apathy and cynicism that make our community tolerate corruption. It is for us to arrest the corruption that festers in our dysfunctional political system.

And we must do it community by community, barangay by barangay, until a new ethos at the grassroots transforms our political culture.

It can be done if enough of us get involved in our respective barangays. Everyone of us lives in a barangay, but we leave the task of governance to others—who then take advantage of their monopoly on local leadership.

Affirmative Action

Those who truly care about the fate of our society should pay attention to his community and help govern it. Reform needs affirmative action in every neighborhood, especially by citizens who are not perceived as activists but who command respect by virtue of their station or calling.

The initiative need not be spectacular or entail extraordinary means. Sometimes it suffices to just be visible or present in community affairs. Simply showing concern about local governance and its problems makes society sit up and take notice. It alerts neighbors that something important is afoot, that something momentous could happen.

The visibility of the middle and upper classes is very important. They are looked up to as the movers and shakers of society, its pace-setters. They can do a lot to improve local standards of service and prevent corruption—subtly and gently maybe, but persistently.

Let Others Know

It is very important for decent people (unhappy about corruption in our society) to know they are not alone. There are many out there who feel the same or worse, and wish they could do something, to apply the brakes, or even just to sound the warning bell.

But they may not know how to go about it. Others who do may be too timid, too discouraged or too intimidated as to even try. Perhaps they are paralyzed by the enormity of the task. But they will act if shown the way by a credible leadership.

To participate in the governing processes of the community is one way to provide leadership—leadership by example. It doesn’t even have to be the up-front, take-charge kind of leadership. Just quiet, low key, affirmative presence.

The unaccustomed presence of one who is not ordinarily in on community’s affairs gives a clear signal that this is serious business, not business as usual, that it is time for change, time for crossing over from indifference to involvement.

It will encourage others who are not used to seeing principles or convictions acted out to stand up and be counted. It may even embolden them to be assertive and insist on good governance.

Or it will drive them to challenge the status quo, to stake their claim to decency and good government…. perhaps, because no one can guarantee they will. But the first step needed to break the cycle of corruption would have been made.

City’s scholars fear ‘dropping studies’ amid budget row

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/16/city-s-scholars-fear-dropping-studies-amid-budget-row-323502
• Thursday, January 16, 2014

By Nicole J. Managbanag

WITH the further delay of the approval of this year’s executive budget, the possibility that hundreds of Cagayan de Oro City Government’s academic scholars will not finish their studies continues to hound them.

Samaria Macalabang and Desiree Pamin, who are recipients of the city college scholarship program (CCSP), are apprehensive that they may have to stop their studies if the City Council will further prolong the deliberation of the executive budget.

Macabalang is a 3rd year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Education at Xavier University, while Pamin is a senior Business Administration student at Liceo de Cagayan University. They are among the 627 city scholars currently enrolled in various tertiary schools in the city.

City council data shows that tuition fees to beneficiaries regardless of school will be shouldered by the City Government plus a monthly allowance of P1,000 for the 518 beneficiaries from the rural villages, while the 109 from the urban barangays are receiving P500 a month.

Both Macalabang and Pamin come from low income families and are banking only on their scholarship in order to graduate and land better paying jobs.

Macalabang’s father is a passenger ‘barker’ at the westbound terminal in Bulua and her mother doesn’t work.

She considers the scholarship a big help since she gets to study in a prestigious school.

The third among seven siblings, she considers finishing her degree to help her family to live a little better and send siblings to school.

Should the 2014 executive budget be disapproved, Macalabang fears she might not be able to graduate next year.

Macalabang also heard from their scholarship adviser the possibility that their scholarship might be cut next school year.

She hopes that the city council will consider the plight of the city scholars.

Pamin whose father is a carpenter while her mother is a household help expressed the same sentiments of Macalabang and other scholars.

Pamin is fortunate that she will graduate this March, but she is worried for the other scholars who may or may not be able to make it, especially those who just started school.

Pamin pities her fellow scholars knowing that they are also banking on the city scholarship grant, which is very difficult to avail.

Pamin is grateful of her scholarship as her dream to finish school is already within reach. Soon, as she graduates, she will put up an eatery for her mother who is good at cooking.

“With the eatery, my mother will no longer take care of other people’s house, focus na lang siya sa amo,” Pamin added.

P25-M 2014 scholarship budget

According to Gilda Takiang, the CCSP coordinator for this year, the present administration allotted P25 million for the 627 scholars.

The students are enrolled in 12 colleges and universities in the city.

Takiang said the CCSP also enrolled 111 beneficiaries for vocational courses at the various branches of the Asian Business Cabletow Cooperative Academy (ABCCA), Vineyard International Polytechnic College, Golden Heritage, STI and SPC.

However, only 130 will graduate this March as others are taking up five-year engineering courses.

Takiang said the budget for the scholars is a big help in the tuition and other fees of the beneficiaries and for the incoming scholars.

Since there will be around 130 graduating scholars in March 2014, part of the budget will be allotted for incoming scholars.

Takiang said it is her job to ensure that scholars come from a low income family with an average grade of 85 percent.

“These existing scholars have undergone series of profiling and background investigation before they became beneficiaries of the city government,” Takiang said.

The scholars plan to visit the City Council and urge them to consider the approval of the 2014 executive budget.

LPA unleashes fury in Northern Mindanao

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/15/lpa-unleashes-fury-northern-mindanao-323300
• Wednesday, January 15, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas, Nicole J. Managbanag and Richel V. Umel

AS THE low pressure area (LPA) unleashes its fury since last week, many parts of Mindanao and other areas in the Visayas are bracing up with the widespread destruction it has brought including deaths and damages to properties.

All classes in Misamis Oriental were suspended on Tuesday as the LPA continues to hover above Mindanao and the Visayas.

Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano ordered the suspension of classes to secure the safety of all students in the province.

“With the occurrence of the LPA, we must not be complacent of the situation as the province is prone to landslides and flood,” Emano said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) activated the disaster risk reduction management protocols at the municipal levels to prepare for possible disasters as the heavy downpour continues.

Misamis Oriental environmental consultant Josefino Bascug said Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro are experiencing heavy downpour citing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather advisory as of Tuesday that there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The LPA was estimated at 70 kilometers (km) southwest of Cagayan de Oro City.

Incidents

Provincial administrator Edmundo Pacamalan Jr. said a total of six incidents were reported: two landslide incidents in Pampangon, Talisayan and Mimbolo, Medina; and four flooding incidents in Alubijid, Medina, Manticao and El Salvador.

Pacamalan said a total of 216 persons or 31 families are affected in barangays Baybay and Loguilo, Alubijid and 23 persons or nine families in Manticao.

Pacamalan said the affected families have occupied two evacuation sites in barangays Duka, Medina and Alubijid.

He said a road in Medina was covered with dirt resulting from a landslide but was already cleared. A bridge in Kamanaga, Manticao collapsed and has become impassable.

In barangay Bobontugan, Jasaan, a house was damaged while in Kamanga, Manticao, a bridge collapsed due to the heavy rainfall.

No casualty

Emano was thankful that there were no casualties reported.

“As the rain continues to pour, we have reactivated the PDRRMC secretariat to monitor status reports and situation around the province,” Emano said.

He said the PDRRMC will be receiving incident reports for processing and documentation and for recommendation for action.

As of Tuesday, Emano did not order evacuation in some parts of Misamis Oriental, “but we are closely coordinating in some areas of the province that are prone to flash floods and landslides.”

Emano ordered for the deployment of personnel and heavy equipment like dump trucks, backhoes, grader at four strategic locations in the province identified as flood zones and rain-induced landslide-prone areas for immediate repairs and clearing operations.

Emano also ordered the provincial social welfare and development (PSWD) for deployment of food packs and water at strategic locations within the evacuation centers to support the MSWD office of each LGU. The provincial health office has also alerted its trauma and emergency teams.

Cagayan de Oro

City information officer Maricel Rivera told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Tuesday that 21 families with a total of 95 individuals from barangay Canitoan evacuated to the school and covered court there.

“Some residents in Iponan started evacuating as rescue team assisted them,” said Rivera.

Rivera added the city social welfare and development (CSWD) office has been attending to the basic needs of the evacuees, like food and other basic support while members of the city disaster risk reduction management council (CDRRMC) were already in the area to attend to the evacuees.

Keisha Redoble, officer of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Sub-region, said classes in the city were suspended because of flooding.

“So far it is still raining here and some of the bridges were deemed impassable,” Redoble told this paper Tuesday.

Lanao del Norte

The 1957 Napo–Lapayan bridge that links the two coastal towns of Linamon and Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte collapsed around 8:30 in the evening Monday.

Master Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammad, detachment commander of 5th Infantry CAFGU Battalion told the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that as the middle part of the bridge lowered, the debris from the mountains like logs and coconut trees rammed the foundation resulting to the collapse of the bridge.

Houses below the detachment were totally damaged as the river water overflowed, Mohammad added.

Hundreds of vehicles and commuters have been stranded.

On Tuesday morning, fishermen who have motorized banca ferried commuters at P20 per passenger while cargoes have higher rates.

Motorcycles-for-hire or “habal-habal" also waits for passengers at the entrance of Larapan river in Kauswagan town and in nearby Napo bridge junction in Linamon town, Mohammad added.

Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia who came from his hometown in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte was among the stranded commuters on Tuesday. Regencia took the paddle boat to cross the swollen river to get to Iligan City.

Lt. Col. Danilo Ibon, commanding officer of 4th Mechanize Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army deployed troops and provided rescue assistance to residents affected by flash flood in various barangays in Iligan City and Linamon town in Lanao del Norte.

"We directed the vehicles entering Linamon town not to proceed to Napo after the bridge had collapsed to prevent or minimize traffic congestion," Ibon said.

There was total darkness and the water supply was cut off from the upper portion of sitio Tinago of barangay Robocon in Iligan City.

Linamon Mayor Noel Deano said: “We utilize the fire truck to provide water supply while the local water district personnel are fixing the damage portion of the main line.”

"There are no casualties but more on damages of properties have been reported. We are still consolidating the total damages," Deano said.

The LPA hit eight barangays in Linamon but heavy damages occurred in barangays Napo, Samburon and Magoong, Deano added.

Napo barangay chairman Ambrosio de Asis said that 40 houses are partially damaged and 27 houses totally damaged.

Sandra Flores, information officer of the the Department of Public Works and Highways in Northern Mindanao (DPWH), in an interview with TV Patrol Mindanao Tuesday, said the maintenance crew of DPWH has been dispatched to install steel bailey panels to provide temporary pathways for the commuters.

Flores said it would take almost a year to reconstruct and rebuild the Napo Bridge. DPWH-10 has also requested the funding of P85 million for Napo bridge reconstruction.

Flights cancelled

Engineer Jose Budiongan, Laguindingan Airport manager, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that flights have been cancelled since Friday until Sunday. Regular operations resumed on Monday, however, the heavy rainfall since Monday evening until Tuesday prompted the airlines to cancel the flights due to the inclement weather.

Around 13 flights were cancelled Tuesday. The airport doesn't have the complete navigational aids, but Budiongan added the said facilities don't warrant planes to land on inclement weather like these days, though they can help.

"If clouds are too thick and low and the complete runway lights are available, but the instrument approach procedure doesn't warrant any landing, no plane can land," Budiongan said.

He said that compared to June 2012 to August 2012 and June 2013 to August 2013, Lumbia airport registered more flight cancellations than Laguindingan.

Solon calls on internet cafes to comply with ordinanc

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2601389685139
• Wednesday, January 14, 2014

By pia.gov.ph

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 14 (PIA) – The Cagayan de Oro City Council committee on education enjoins all operators of internet cafés to review, study and follow all the provisions stated in Ordinance No. 7820-2001. Councilor Adrian Barba, chair of the committee, explained the ordinance prohibits owners or persons in-charge of internet cafes from allowing minors to play computer or video games inside their establishments from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during school days. Barba recalled that when he conducted spot inspections at some internet cafes, operators found violating the ordinance simply reasoned out that they were not informed of such law. The councilor said during the ongoing renewal of business permits, operators should also be reminded of their social responsibility to their clients, especially those in the elementary school levels. According to Barba, operators are also required to provide fire exits and comfort rooms in their respective establishments. Operators of internet cafes have to seek clearance from the Regulatory and Complaint Board (RCB) before securing business permits. A copy of the ordinance is provided to operators upon securing business permits. (ELB/CdeOSP/RTP/PIA10)

Lawmaker: Laguindingan Airport ‘dangerous’

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/13/lawmaker-laguindingan-airport-dangerous-322948
• Monday, January 13, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

A LAWMAKER who visited Cagayan de Oro City on Saturday deemed the Laguindingan Airport as dangerous due to lack of facilities like the navigational equipment, runway lights and its own control tower.

At present, the new airport relies on the control tower at the old Lumbia airport.

Representative of Buhay Party-list Lito Atienza said the administration of President Benigno Aquino III should upgrade the airport to make it functional and safe, especially in bad weather conditions like what is currently persisting in the last five days.

“They should add facilities to the airport and extend the public area,” said Atienza.

He added the airport became congested with stranded passengers when the flights were cancelled due to the inclement weather.

Atienza has observed that the airport’s facilities simply lack amenities to the detriment of the public.

“Like now (on Saturday), there are no lights. It poses a danger to the people when the facilities are not enough,” Atienza said.

He said the airport lacks modern facilities.

Atienza also denounced the handling of the present administration on social services.

He added the people in Cagayan de Oro should not let this pass and demand a concrete action regarding this matter.

“The people should ask for an action from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in particular,” Atienza said.

Millions lost

Meanwhile, one of the city’s business groups estimated that the deficiencies in Laguindingan Airport could cost millions of pesos.

“Economic losses (could be in the) millions annually,” said Efren Uy, chairman of Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber).

Uy said the airport is not at par with other airports because it has no landing lights and lacks the navigational aid and equipment.

Uy added that in the last five days, due to cloudy skies almost all flights from Manila, Cebu and Davao were cancelled because landing lights are unavailable.

“These things happen every time there is bad weather,” said Uy referring to the cancelled flights due to inadequate equipment and facilities.

Uy added that during fine weathers, the airport can only accommodate 14 to 18 flights whereas the Lumbia Airport before can take as much as 28 flights per day.

Charlotte Brananola, a passenger from the city who frequents Cebu city for schooling, said the airport in Laguindingan is too small compared to other airports.

She said the land area is too wide to have a "cute" airport and it is an awful waste of space.

“They also do not have an x-ray machine for inspection and you have to open your baggage for checking,” said Brananola.

Brananola added the lack of facilities prompt flight cancellations during bad weather condition -- cloudy and rainy seasons.

She said the airport has no flights at night because it needs more light on its runway.

Amid the imperfection, she said the Laguindingan airport is clean especially the comfort rooms.

Cancelled flights

According to an article posted in Sun.Star Philippines, the DOTC cancelled flights going to Cagayan de Oro and other neighboring cities and provinces since January 11 by airlines due to the potential storm approaching the areas.

Cancelled flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro are: Z2-348, 5J-383 and Z2-340 while the cancelled flights from Laguindingan airport to Manila are Z2-349, 5J-384 and Z2-341. Manila-Butuan-Manila: 5J-785 and 5J-786. Manila-Surigao: 5J-767 and 2P-065. Surigao-Manila: 5J-768 and 2P-066. Manila-Dipolog: 5J-703 and 2P-587. Dipolog-Manila: 5J-704 and 2P-588.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported a potential storm that was spotted at 200 kilometers (km) southeast of General Santos City.

As of 4 a.m. on January 12, the potential storm is still on a low pressure area.

Executive dictatorship and a blindfolded City Council

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/opinion/2014/01/12/ocio-executive-dictatorship-and-blindfolded-city-council-322800
• Sunday, January 12, 2014

By Dr. Bob Ocio

"EXAMINATION of program of works is definitely within the sphere of execution and thus already outside of the legislative power and function of the Sanggunian Panglunsod. Any UNDUE INTERFRENCE is a ground to discipline." - CDO Info Network.

Kinsay nagsulat ani? Ang Mayor? o si Maricel? Undue interference ba diay ang pagscrutinize sa Konseho sa budget? Trabaho ug obligasyon kana sa Konseho, obligasyon nila sa katawhan ug dili puede pakgangon tungod lang kay si Moreno na ang mayor ug mga sakup ni Dongkoy pa ang konsehal. All programs of work are matters of public record and as such, the City Council has to have access to it if it does not want to approve public spending blinfolded.

Section 106 of the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates each local government unit to prepare a comprehensive multi-sectoral development plan to be initiated by its local development council and approved by its Sanggunian. Pursuant thereto, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG) has developed the Enhanced Guide to Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for the Local Government Units. Is City Hall following? The answer is NO.

The Department of Budget Management (DBM) requires the local government to convene the Local Development Council (LDC) which shall formulate the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) to be funded out of the 20 percent IRA, consistent with the said priority concerns. The LDC will evaluate the projects based on the needs of the community; feasibility study; status of existing projects; implementation of capacity of the LGUs; and maintenance requirement of the proposed programs.

Duna ba niini ang City hall? The answer is NO. Ang buot ipasabut mao nga dili lang Program of Works ang kinahanglan matag proyekto kundili apil niaa and FEASIBILITY STUDY sa matag milyon milyon nga gastohon nga kuarta sa katawhan.

It is noteworthy to remember that not too long ago, just after the new local administration came into power, projects worth over P70 million were undertaken. Moreno claimed it was derived from a continuing appropriation. Really? The project at Gaston Park was justified that way. However, the "works initially attributed to the project upon inquiry was charged to a continuing program of the Jaraula administration" Hahhaha. How can that be? They were certainly unable to justify why there was already the initiation of the project despite the absence of bidding and the supplemental budget and concurrence of the City Council.

In fact they stopped the works pending the bidding which was obviously still ongoing. Where else will that funds be charged to except but from the AIP which is supposed to be formulated by the city development council, the constitution of which included the chairman of the committee on finance of the city council and the approval of which from the Sangguniang Panglunsod. THAT IS THE CITY MAYOR acting as a city executive, city development council and Sanggunian all by himself. If that is not a dictatorship, then what is not?

Let me recall that during my incumbency as city councilor, I was a member of the majority in the Council dominated by the same majority now in the company of Elipe. The executive department headed by Emano would always want us (majority council members to be present in a weekly meeting after flag ceremonies on Mondays and in executive sessions an hour before the regular council session. Then I found out that some items wanted by the mayor for approval involved millions in public spending. Cautious about my job to protect public funds, the minority always asked for the program of works which the majority would deny.

Then, I thought I cannot go with the thinking of the majority and as such, I declared myself independent. From there on, I was resolved never to be a party to any ordinance which involves millions in public funds from the 20% development fund without proper discussion and documentation. Yet, that council would approve all of it 20 minutes before the council is adjourned and only on first reading, thereby making those ordinances railroaded in the process.

Elipe is objecting. His problem however, is that his group convened for the deliberation of the budget by January. He should have raised his objections and put them on record properly last year with the council in session without waiting for this year. Hence, that council muddled the whole thing with a suspicion of making a wholesale sabotage of the process because there are items in the budget which needed immediate approval like fixed expenditures.

How can a democracy work if the people are not involved in a process of determining their needs, want and desire in a participatory process? You don’t convene a city development council. You don't involve the city council and the people in an informed public hearing and consultation process because you refused furnish them the feasibility studies and program of works of the city development agenda.

How will I describe that leadership? Transparency demands that every act of government should include access to information and that is why we do not want Congress and the Executive department to exercise sole prerogative in public spending.

Transparency demands that we the people should have the right to public information and so we wanted the freedom of Information Bill approved. Why can't the city council have access to the program of works of development projects of the city?

Now, the Moreno administration wants it done the same way Dongkoy did it. I called Dongkoy a dictator and his council a rubber stamp. That is why we suspected corruption of mounting degrees from the past administration. Now, we are acting the same simply because Moreno is already the mayor and that Elipe and company are still councilors. We wanted a vibrant government and "undue interference' is not healthy. It smacks of dishonesty, and a corruption of the democratic processes which we hold dear for this nation and city.

I believe that in participatory democracy and invoking "undue interference" on matters of public record and spending smacks of executive dictatorship.

Mindanao commander eyed as next Army chief

• Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/01/11/mindanao-commander-eyed-as-next-army-chief-/
• Thursday, January 11, 2014

By Florante S. Solmerin

A “dark horse” is likely to emerge as the next commanding general of the Army to replace Lieutenant General Noel Coballes who will retire on February 7.

Sources at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City who are knowledgeable of the promotion told Manila Standard that Malacañang was eyeing Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya, present commander of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, to appoint him to the coveted Army position.

When contacted through his mobile phone, he said, “It’s (Army position) the prerogative of the President”.

Visaya is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. He will retire in December 2016.

A ranking military officer said Visaya’s name was not in the “final shortlist” of contenders recommended by the Board of Generals.

“As of now, all indications point to him as the next Army chief,” the general said.

Early birds whose names had cropped up as contenders include Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang (PMA “Dimalupig” Class 1981) and 7th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, classmate of Visaya.

Some interviewed field commanders have favored the appointment of Visaya rather than Catapang or Iriberri.

“He (Visaya) does not play with politics. That’s the good thing we liked him so much. In fact, majority of field commanders silently vote for him than anybody else,” one battalion commander said.

Visaya, among other generals, wass recently promoted to two-star general.

He suceeded Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo as division commander after the ambush that nearly killed 79-year-old Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona, mother of Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, by communist rebels.

Visaya commanded the 69th Infantry Battalion covering Tarlac and Pampanga at the time authorities dispersed a rally of thousands of Luisita farmers that went violent and resulted in the death of a protester.

City Hall lashes at councilor on 2014 budget delay

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/10/city-hall-lashes-councilor-2014-budget-delay-322484
• Friday, January 10, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

THE Cagayan de Oro City Hall maintained that councilor President Elipe has caused the delay of the proposed Executive Budget for 2014.

City information officer Maricel Casino told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday that the council should have started the committee meetings after the deliberation was halted on December 5 last year.

Despite the complete documents including the program of works that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented during the last deliberation, the council halted it.

DILG city director Jane Docallos confirmed the stoppage of the deliberation last year because the council referred the discussion back to the committees involved.

During the deliberation, Docallos appealed to the council to continue the deliberation because all the councilors were present.

When asked why the deliberation was halted, Docallos said: “Maybe we’re just unfortunate, or maybe because of the timing.”

‘Delaying tactics’

Rivera and city councilor Eric Salcedo accused Elipe of resorting to delaying tactics. He said that if the council is serious with the deliberation, they could have resumed it after it was discontinued last year.

Rivera said if the council wanted the committee hearings they could have started them after December 5 last year when the last budget deliberation happened.

“Why wait for January 15 this year?” Rivera asked.

Docallos said that while the deliberation for the proposed 2014 budget is ongoing and has not been approved yet, the council should not take “other agendas in their discussions.”

“The budget is their priority. They should deliberate until the approval,” said Docallos.

She added that the program of works will help with the deliberation but it is not necessary.

Salcedo accused Elipe for delaying the deliberation to give the impression that Moreno’s administration is inefficient, so that his ‘boss’ – former mayor Vicente Emano who is his father-in-law, can come back to power in 2016.

Continue to serve

Amid the deliberation delay on the proposed Executive Budget for 2014, the City Hall continues to serve the people using the re-enacted 2013 budget.

Through Memorandum Order No. 005-14 on January 2, 2014, the City Hall has been using the re-enacted Executive Budget from 2013.

The memorandum stated that “any and all releases and disbursements shall require the final written clearance of the City Mayor.”

It furthered that all releases should have a written recommendation from the department heads “unless such recommendation is dispensed with by the City Mayor in exceptional cases.”

Rivera said the local government will continue to operate using the re-enacted Executive Budget while the deliberation for the proposed budget continues.

However, Rivera added that the deliberation for the 2014 executive budget should follow the process according to the law.

She added that if possible a session should be conducted on a daily basis until the approval of the proposed budget for 2014.

Moreno blamed for delayed city budget deliberation

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/09/moreno-blamed-delayed-city-budget-deliberation-322310
• Thursday, January 9, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor President Elipe blamed Mayor Oscar Moreno for the delayed deliberation of the proposed budget for 2014.

Elipe said that the deliberation has lagged because some departments and committees lack the program of work (POW) that is mandated by the General Appropriation Act (GAA).

“If the budget deliberation is delayed, the mayor should be blamed on this,” said Elipe adding that it is his command responsibility as the chief executive to urge the department heads to submit their respective POW before the City Council.

Elipe challenged Moreno to employ disciplinary actions to those department or committee heads who failed to submit a POW.

Elipe reiterated that the department in-charge of social services did not submit a POW to the City Council.

“Even Eric Salcedo admitted on air that the people in-charge on social services did not submit their POW to the city council,” Elipe said.

POW unnecessary

However, the city’s information officer, Maricel Casiño-Rivera cited the Local Government Code as stated “the insistence of the Sangguniang Panglunsod (City Government) for the submission of the program of work is an encroachment to the executive power of the mayor.”

Rivera said: “The law does not require that the proposed executive budget must already contain the program of work.”

She added: “the simple reason that the program of work pertains already to the details of operationalization of the budget which, incidentally, is lodged by the local government code solely to the mayor per section 320.”

“I don’t know about my colleagues but I will never vote for a program that has no program of work,” Elipe said.

Elipe added that even Moreno submitted a program of work for his sports development program worth P15 million.

He said the POWs should have been submitted in November along with other documents including the annual investment plan for 2014.

Meanwhile, Rivera said the insistence of the City Council for the submission of the POWs is an encroachment to the executive power of the city mayor.

She added that according to section 319 of the local government code, the authority of the City Council regarding the proposed budget for 2014 is limited to the legislative authorization of such.

“It is contrary to law and the separation of powers,” said Rivera citing sections 318, 319 and 320 from the local government code.

Delay

Rivera said the City Council’s deliberation of the proposed 2014 budget was halted December 5 last year.

“During the budget deliberation for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), it was halted,” said Rivera.

She said the DILG budget was the last that the council deliberated before it referred the discussions on the proposed budgets to their respective committees.

Rivera added the departments that are scheduled for deliberation in the city council have POWs although the latter are unnecessary.

Officer-in-charge of City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), Teodoro Sabugaa, said his office has a POW.

He added that they presented their program of works because they wanted to cooperate so the proposed budget for 2014 will be approved.

If the schedule was followed without referring the discussions back to the committees, Rivera said Elipe would not be telling the things he is saying recently.

But Elipe said the discussions on the proposed budget should be referred back to the committees to hasten the process.

Elipe said the committees will discuss and review their programs and suggest the results during the budget deliberation of the City Council.

“The committees know best on reviewing the programs on their departments,” Elipe said.

Elipe furthered it is best to submit the POWs early so he can study them and raise appropriate questions during deliberation.

He said he cannot “cram” on studying the POWs because it involves millions.

Apart from that, Elipe furthered it is important to know where the people’s money should be spent by the local government this year.

Meanwhile, Sabugaa said the funds for a project will not be disbursed without the program of work.

He said that reading the Local Ordinance No 12482-2012 Section 7: “Policies on Lump sum Allocations and on Fund Reversions.—(a) All lump sum appropriations in the 2013 Annual Budget shall be disbursed upon the approval of the Program of Work by the city mayor.”

He added that based on the ordinance the discussion on the POWs should not be included in the deliberation of the City Council.

City Hall: Councilor Elipe lies

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/08/city-hall-councilor-elipe-lies-322135
• Wednesday, January 8, 2014

By Anjo Bacarisas

CITY Hall has accused Cagayan de Oro City Councilor President Elipe of “lying” for citing the failure of some departments to submit programs of work to have caused the delay of the 2014 budget deliberation.

City Information Officer Maricel Casiño-Rivera told Sun.Star that Elipe is using the excuse to delay, if not hinder, Mayor Oscar Moreno’s plans for the city.

When asked if the departments were able to submit the programs of work, Rivera maintained the departments have already submitted them, and added: “He (Elipe) is lying!”

During the City Council’s session on January 6, Elipe insisted the council could not approve the budget because of the absence of the programs of work from some departments, like the committee on public works and urban poor.

But Rivera belied and claimed those offices have program of works that could have already been tackled by the council during the budget deliberations.

“Any questions they would like to ask to the departments are possible during budget deliberations,” Rivera said.

She said that every department or office has schedules to discuss the proposed budget for this year.

However, Rivera added that Emano’s political allies in the City Council halted the budget hearing even if the proposed budget of all departments were not yet deliberated.

Elipe chairs the committee on local finance. He is also the husband of fellow Councilor Nadya Emano-Elipe, who is the daughter of former mayor Vicente Emano.

Majority of the City Council members are members of PaDayon Pilipino, a local political party founded and chaired by Emano.

Political

With this, Rivera said the reason behind the delay is “political.”

“The political allies of former mayor Emano want to hostage the people because they feared the people would see that Moreno can perform better,” she said.

Rivera said there are a lot of projects that the present administration would like to pursue, however they are not included in the 2013 city budget.

If the proposed budget for 2014 will not be approved, Rivera said the budget for 2013 will be re-enacted, and this will not include vital projects that could help poor families in the city.

PhilHealth

Elipe, in a newspaper report, said the City Hall could continue serving PhilHealth coverage to families because the 2013 budget allocated P40 million for it.

However, the 2014 proposed budget intends to give insurance coverage to additional 50,000 individuals and renew the 50,000 members from the previous administration.

Elipe refuted the P200-million proposed budget, calling it “too much,” and the City Council has to scrutinize the new administration’s plan to add new members and renew membership.

He said that although the 2014 budget intends to enroll new members, P200 million is a huge amount for it.

However, Marlon Arrabaca, head of local health insurance office, said the rate per family amounts to P2,400 per year.

Arrabaca added that enrolling 100,000 individuals would cost the City Hall P240 million. “P240 million is just right. That is what the City Hall needs to avail (of) our premium.”

Arrabaca said that previously, the premium was pegged at P1,800, but on the first day of 2014, the premium increased to P2,400.

He added that the increase has been justified because the insurance coverage broadened -- there is a fix amount for all cases that covers almost all illness.

He said the PhilHealth members under the sponsored programs, like the indigents the City Hall has shouldered, do not have to pay anything on their hospital bills in public hospitals.

Affect scholars

Rivera said the city scholars will be affected if the proposed 2014 budget will not be approved.

She said the funds for the scholars were not covered by the 2013 budget because it was deemed illegal by the Commission on Audit (COA) since the former administration took the money from the Special Education Fund (SEF).

“COA said it was illegal to get the scholars’ fund from the SEF, so Mayor Moreno took it from the general fund to correct what the mistake of the previous administration,” she said.

Rivera added there are some Tropical Storm Sendong survivors who are not yet relocated because the 2013 budget did not cover their relocation.

She said if the proposed budget will not be approved, it is likely that these projects will not be implemented.

“So be it,” Elipe said, referring to the problems raised as the hindrance why the proposed 2014 budget might not be approved.

GUSTO MO MAG PULIS? Police office in Northern Mindanao bares 450 vacant positions

• Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78153/gusto-mo-mag-pulis-police-office-in-northern-mindanao-bares-450-vacant-positions
• Tuesday, January 7, 2014

By Philippines News Agency

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City -- The Regional Office of the Philippine National Police in Northern Mindanao on Monday announced the opening of 450 vacant positions for “non-uniformed personnel” for the PNP.

Police Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez Jr., PNP-10 regional director, said that positions are Administrative Assistants 1 and III, and Administrative Aids IV and VI.

The applicants should write a letter of application addressed to Police Chief Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez, Regional Director, PNP PRO-10, Camp Alagar, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Except for the Administrative Aid positions, all other positions require First Level Civil Service Eligibilities.

Other requirements for all vacant positions are duly accomplished biodata, original and authenticated NBI clearance, transcript of records, NSO Birth Certificate, the NSO marriage certificate for marriage applicants, and certificate of employment, if any.

Cops to file raps vs men in P10-M jewelry heist

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/06/cops-file-raps-vs-men-p10-m-jewelry-heist-321788
• Monday, January 6, 2014

By Loui S. Maliza

THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) is set to file charges against the four suspects identified as allegedly behind the New Year break-in of a pawnshop and who carted away at least P10 million worth of jewelry.

A robbery case is expected to be filed today, Monday, before the City Prosecutor’s Office against suspects Arnel Bagudang, Rico Patungay, Arvis Colon alias Rocky, and a certain “Pablo.”

Chief Inspector Lemuel Gonda, Cocpo’s operations and plans branch chief, said the suspects are alleged members of the “Acetylene Gang,” a group believed to be operating nationwide.

Gonda said the suspects were identified through the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) of Alsons Pawnshop located at J.R. Borja Street in Cogon area.

In a recent Sun.Star Superbalita report, the police alleged that a certain Dennis Faisan is the leader of the gang.

He said the suspects checked in at an inn in Yacapin Street since December 28, and started the heist on the 29th.

The inn is located at the back of Alsons.

He said the suspects were arrested in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Sur, also for the same modus operandi. But they were able to post bail. They were identified also through a CCTV in the establishment they broke in.

Gonda said the group is not from the city and believed to base in Benguet Provnce but has conducted illegal activities in other parts of the country.

Senior Inspector Ariel Philip Pontillas, chief of Cocpo’s crime against persons and properties division, said the group had been operating in Valencia City in Bukidnon and Davao areas in the past. Ultimately, it weakens society and government even more. Like the proverbial last straw that breaks a camel’s back, withdrawing our support may well break down our civilization.

Negative/Positive Involvement

There are variations to being involved, however. Positive or negative. For instance, one can be involved in corrupt activities; in which case, one causes collateral damage or moral decay at the grassroots. This weakens the foundation of society and government by that much.

Many Filipinos are doing this even now—like the officials misusing or stealing funds meant for local development. Examples: pilfering pork barrel funds (PDAF) or internal revenue allotment shares (IRA) of the barangay, municipality, city, or province.

Another Example: powerful officials (cabinet secretaries, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors) who implant their relatives or cronies in choice government positions. They impair the wellbeing of government and society at large as they deepen the penetration of corruption and impunity into the bureaucracy and political system.

Moreover, these political predators threaten the entire body politic with a more virulent strain of social contamination, namely: dynastic succession. Political dynasties are today’s greatest threat to our social and political development as a nation.

The fact that more than 90% of our provinces and cities, even barangays, are ruled by patriarchs, matriarchs, or scions of political dynasties manifest the seriousness and gravity of the problem.

Thoughtlessly they turn our fledgling democracy into a howling oligarchy, clamping a ruthless hammerlock on our politics and economics.

Selfishly they exploit our society’s weaknesses and indulge their insatiable ambition to satisfy their lust for power and fame.

Shamelessly they betray an attitude of social irresponsibility, unmindful of the consequences of their vanity and greed as they aggrandize literal and virtual wealth.

Tragic

What is tragic in all this is how little most of us realize how this dynasty-building binge across our archipelago reverses our people’s gains from a century of heroic striving and development.

Political dynasties, redolent of the doctrine of Divine Right of Kings, roll back society’s political maturity, stunt the growth of a fledgling democracy, and hold back the progress of human rights.

WORM’S EYEVIEW: Good Governance Is Citizen Power

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2014/01/05/worms-eyeview-good-governance-is-citizen-power/
• Sunday, January 5th, 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/05 January) –If you believe that the essence of democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it follows that you believe in autonomy or self-governance.

To be true to this belief, you would be a dutiful citizen with a keen interest in public affairs. You would be involved in matters of governance—the decisions and actions entailed in managing community affairs.

Being a dutiful citizen, you would be concerned not only with your personal welfare, or your family’s, but also with the wellbeing of your community or barangay, which requires good governance.

This concern for local welfare is essential to the overall interests of government, for it is the level closest to individual citizens and their neighborhood on which our republic is anchored.

To be Meaningful, all the Way to the Grassroots!

If autonomy or self-governance is not operative at the base, it would be meaningless; if operative down to the municipal level only, it is one level removed from the people or the community. It would anchor government and the political system on elected officials who merely represent the people but are not the people themselves.

It would not tap into the reservoir of people power, the barangay, in which reside the sovereignty of the republic and all authority wielded by its functionaries or officials.

Being the wellspring of political power and authority, on this level (grassroots) hinges the legitimacy, strength, and stability of our republic.

So What?

It is important to be involved in the governing process of our community or barangay. If we’re not involved—meaning, we don’t participate—in effect we deprive government of our ideas, convictions, energy, and the moral support it needs from its power source (citizens).

In other words, we are withdrawing our support from the overall force that drives our society and government.

Though one may think lowly of one’s self, or believe one’s self to be socially or politically insignificant, one’s sovereignty matters as much as every other citizen’s and exerts its own influence on others — who will then subtract their own support from the pool, and so on around their circle of influence.

Ultimately, it weakens society and government even more. Like the proverbial last straw that breaks a camel’s back, withdrawing our support may well break down our civilization.

Negative/Positive Involvement

There are variations to being involved, however. Positive or negative. For instance, one can be involved in corrupt activities; in which case, one causes collateral damage or moral decay at the grassroots. This weakens the foundation of society and government by that much.

Many Filipinos are doing this even now—like the officials misusing or stealing funds meant for local development. Examples: pilfering pork barrel funds (PDAF) or internal revenue allotment shares (IRA) of the barangay, municipality, city, or province.

Another Example: powerful officials (cabinet secretaries, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors) who implant their relatives or cronies in choice government positions. They impair the wellbeing of government and society at large as they deepen the penetration of corruption and impunity into the bureaucracy and political system.

Moreover, these political predators threaten the entire body politic with a more virulent strain of social contamination, namely: dynastic succession. Political dynasties are today’s greatest threat to our social and political development as a nation.

The fact that more than 90% of our provinces and cities, even barangays, are ruled by patriarchs, matriarchs, or scions of political dynasties manifest the seriousness and gravity of the problem.

Thoughtlessly they turn our fledgling democracy into a howling oligarchy, clamping a ruthless hammerlock on our politics and economics.

Selfishly they exploit our society’s weaknesses and indulge their insatiable ambition to satisfy their lust for power and fame.

Shamelessly they betray an attitude of social irresponsibility, unmindful of the consequences of their vanity and greed as they aggrandize literal and virtual wealth.

Tragic

What is tragic in all this is how little most of us realize how this dynasty-building binge across our archipelago reverses our people’s gains from a century of heroic striving and development.

Political dynasties, redolent of the doctrine of Divine Right of Kings, roll back society’s political maturity, stunt the growth of a fledgling democracy, and hold back the progress of human rights.

WORM’S EYEVIEW: Now is a good time for reforms

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2014/01/04/worms-eyeview-now-is-a-good-time-for-reforms/
• Saturday, January 4, 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/4 January)—This is a good time to start reforms, which to be effective should start at the grassroots, meaning at the barangay level. It is at this level where the rite and duties of citizenship are enacted and it’s a good idea to take the initiative close on the heels of the elections last October. There’s a new set of officials in place; there’s a need to remind them of their duties to the community; and it’s important to make them know the people’s expectations.

Electoral Reform

Although the elections this past October were focused on barangay leaders only, it’s important to keep in mind that all other leaders on all levels including the president are also voted on in the barangay. Barangays and their neighborhoods are the decisive arena for the election campaign of all candidates —house-to-house or recorrida, posters mounted in its common areas, and in places where no one bothers to remove them even if they’re illegal.

On election day, sample ballots are distributed in barangay neighborhoods and precincts, the hakot of captive votes originate and end there, and also the vote-buying and selling. In other words, whether elections at any level are honest or not depends on what the barangay allows to happen. And what the barangay allows to happen depends on two factors: its officials and its citizenry.

If the officials are corrupt, anomalies will be committed—like illegal posters and hakot or vote-buying; if the citizens disapprove and are vigilant, they can stop the corruption.

Now is a good time to review how the last election took place, what anomalies happened in the barangay (like partisan campaigning) that shouldn’t be repeated during the next election, and what the community should do even now to ensure they won’t be repeated. This would be an excellent topic for discussion and resolution in the Barangay Assembly (which the people should convene even without notice or clearance from tbe DILG).

Good Governance

New Year is a good time to review the conduct of every local government—barangay, city, or province. Has it issued a report on the status of its operations? They were supposed to have done that during the opening session of the sanggunian.

The chief executive was supposed to have outlined his proposed program of government, especially his priorities, before the sanggunian. Chief executives who don’t bother with these formalities keep the people in the dark about their plans, if any, and their aims or intentions.

Failure to inform the community results in making the people ignorant and apathetic about their right to know and to be informed of their own government’s initiatives and priorities. Keeping them ignorant or uninformed effectively allows officials to abuse their power, engage in corruption, and get away with it.

One glaring instance of the effect of this failure to report is the huge amount congressmen are been able to steal from their pork barrel. This has happened because their constituents don’t bother to require them to report. They can simply ignore the principle of consent-of-the-governed. There is nothing constituents can consent to if they are not informed.

The failure of constituents to convene their Barangay Assembly regularly has also served to keep them in the dark about their community government’s operations. They don’t know millions are being incurred on their behalf by their barangay officials. They don’t even know about the millions being received and deposited in their barangay’s account. Their ignorance makes it possible for rampant corruption to be committed at the grassroots. One important role their Barangay Assembly is supposed to play is to serve as the community’s parliament—to be informed of proposed programs and projects, to review them, then approve or disapprove them.

After all these years, since 1991 when the Local Government Code was enacted, it is doubtful whether any Barangay Assembly is being informed or consulted of such initiatives on a regular basis. Consent-of-the-governed is violated even at the most elemental level of the republic—where the people, the source of its sovereignty, reside!

It is time barangay constituents insist on being consulted. And this a good time to start getting the official to comply!

Another aspect of local governance that the community should insist on is the formation of the Barangay Development Council—which is concerned with planning and implementing programs and projects, then mobilize community participation, and involve the people through the creation of functional committees. The barangay budget and annual investment plan are also supposed to be prepared in a participatory manner.

Those who refuse to comply with these requirements, or who defy such expectations from their constituents should be recalled and replaced for loss of confidence.

But sad to say, even this power (of Initiative and Recall) is unknown to the constituents. It’s another instance of ignorance abetting corruption and bad governance.

WORM’S EYEVIEW: Those selfish, power-greedy dynasties

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/02/oro-pianist-hangs-self-dies-321294
• Friday, January 3 2014

By Manny Valdehuesa

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/03 Jan.) — Ours is supposed to be a Democracy. It means we are equal as to rights and opportunities; that we believe in the Rule of Law.

It means we must strive to be law-abiding, standing by our Constitution, respecting its provisions. It is important to keep this in mind because the Constitution embodies the Social Contract that binds us as citizens of a republic.

Moreover, our citizenry is predominantly Christian, the faith which professes to be founded on love. This means we are compassionate, God-fearing, and strive to live by the truth, which makes us free.

It also means we should be thoughtful, caring, fair, and charitable in our relationships. These are the underpinnings of our culture.

Our culture also binds us to acknowledge that as we journey in faith through life we also cherish, enjoy and respect the companionship of believers of other religions peace.

A Proud, Honorable Republic

We are a young nation but it is a great source of pride that we were the first in all of Asia to proclaim ourselves a republic, even fought that great colonial power, America, to assert ourselves.

Like other heroic nations, we went through the throes of colonial domination, exploitation, and control.

For three centuries and more, we withstood the test of colonialism and emerged with honor intact and tradition upheld. Thus are we known the world over as people with an open society, caring, generous, hospitable.

In all, we are 98 Million strong, a society second to none in talent, education, and renown for our hardworking and generous ethic, with an amiable disposition.

Our women are among the world’s most liberated and best respected, who enjoy parity with the men socially, politically, and in the professions.

Our achievements are emblematic of our multi-faceted capability in a host of human endeavors including politics, governance, and public service.

Unseemly Opportunism

But given such large human resources to draw from, anchored on 20 million forbearing families with a diverse talent pool, it is perplexing that we allow a few opportunistic families or clans to determine who gets to be our political leader at any level of government.

It does not occur to us that in letting political dynasties dominate governance, we reward greed, selfishness, or nepotism with public office. We sully what should be an open, free, and fair electoral regime, giving rise to a corrupt culture that even now is preventing us from truly democratizing our political system.

Dynastic politics are antithetical to the idea of a proud, people-powered republic.

For let’s face it: it is a travesty and a shameful display to the world that leadership at any level of our society must alternate between patriarchs, matriarchs, and scions of only about 100 entrenched political dynasties.

The members of these political dynasties are also Filipinos except that they managed early on to gain entry into politics, kept a hammerlock on positions they gained, and sought by hook or by crook to hang on to their power and privilege at all costs.

Oro pianist hangs self, dies

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/01/02/oro-pianist-hangs-self-dies-321294
• Thursday, January 2, 2014

By Loui S. Maliza

A 57-YEAR-OLD pianist hanged himself on a tree Thursday noon near the riverside in Barangay 15, a village official said.

Barangay 15 councilor Claro Banahan identified the victim as Milo Dangga, a resident of the said barangay.

Banahan said Dangga was a popular and an in-demand pianist who performed in various events of high-profile organizations in Cagayan de Oro City.

Elmer, Dangga’s younger brother, said their family has no idea why their sibling committed suicide, as the latter was not vocal of his problems and concerns in life.

The victim is single and has no children, his brother said.

But Elmer said that Dangga was diagnosed with having a spot in one of his lungs and was advised by his doctor to stay at home and rest.

The victim’s younger brother suspected Dangga must have been exasperated with his doctor’s advice, as he was used to work late at night due to the nature of his job.

Dangga was said to have been taking medication for his illness.

Elmer said his brother must have felt bad with his doctor’s advice in December, the month when his demand for piano performance was high.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) saw no foul play of the incident.

Soco’s Dr. Christian Caballes said forensics saw no signs of struggles and the incident site showed no proof of any foul play.

Caballes said Dangga tried to end his life by cutting a nerve on his hand, but when he did not die from the cut, he hanged himself on the tree using a water hose instead.

He said Dangga died approximately six hours before he was discovered by young boys who did some quarrying beside the river in Barangay Carmen.

Dangga was found hanging on the tree with the hose on his neck, wearing nothing but his underwear.

Caballes suspected Dangga could have undressed himself before he committed suicide.

Elmer also said some of their neighbors saw his older brother at a hanging bridge in the area, as if surveying where to hold the suicide two days ago.

Seizure of banned firecrackers leads to fewer casualties in CdeO

• Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/01/01/seizure-of-banned-firecrackers-leads-to-fewer-casualties-in-cdeo/
• Wednesday, January 1, 2014

By Froilan Gallardo

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 01 January) — Frequent raids and confiscation of prohibited firecrackers have resulted to fewer casualties in Cagayan de Oro on New Year’s Eve, according to records at two major hospitals here.

But 26-year old Jonas Alaman was rushed to the JR Borja Memorial Hospital evening of Decmeber 31 due to injuries from a stray bullet.

Alaman said he was enjoying drinks with his friends in Xavier Heights, Upper Carmen in Cagayan de Oro City when he felt a pain on his left thigh.

“I thought a small ball hit me until I saw blood,” Alaman said.

Alaman’s friend, Gina Balvar, 30, was also hit but the injury was minor.

Dr. Charles Marquez said he was not able to dislodge the shotgun pellet from the thigh of Alaman. “I will just give him a strong dosage of antibiotics. Hopefully the body will reject the pellet and the bullet will just come out. If I try to get it out, I am afraid it will do more damage on the tissues, “ Marquez said.

The expected bloodbath during the merrymaking did not come, thanks to relentless raids and confiscations conducted by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Health.

Only four persons were wounded, according to records of the J. R. Borja Memorial Hospital and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center as of 3 a.m. January 1.

Injured were Roel Edrote, 46, who was hit by a baby rocket; Juliet

Villarcal, 11 and four-year old Angel Ubanan who were hit by a kwitis; and 8-year old Reyman Cuadra, who was hit by a piccolo.

Doctors at the JR Borja Memorial Hospital were not as busy attending to patients complaining of firecracker-related injuries. In fact, they broke into applause when Marissa Prejillana, wife of Army soldier, Pfc. Benjamin Prejillana, delivered a healthy baby girl at around 12:35 a.m. on January 1.

Nurse Nathia Gundran said the baby weighed 3.5 kilos and was the first recorded birth in Cagayan de Oro for 2014. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)