NOLCOM holds series of Basic Life Support and Disaster Preparedness Trainings

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac-Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) held a series of Basic Life Support and Disaster Preparedness Trainings that was meant to equip stakeholders in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera adequate knowledge and contingency plans in case a Yolanda-like typhoon or magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes.

 

“The trainings concentrated on the grounds of basic life support; pre, during and post disaster preparations; disaster response mechanism; relief distribution procedures; law and order; communications network and information dissemination in disaster occurrences; and family and community organization in calamity incidences,” NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said.

 

Among the topics given emphasis were survival techniques, military food and water cache approaches, food stockpiling, indigenous water filtration, distillation methods and processing indigenous edible materials.

 

The first leg transpired from February 10-12 at the 1^st Civil Relations Group Headquarters in Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac; second leg from February 14-16 in Sta. Ana, Cagayan with troops from the 21^st Infantry Battalion and Naval Forces Northern Luzon as participants and the third and final leg from February 17-19 also in Cagayan which was attended by teachers and barangay officials.

 

“We have a new enemy. That is climate change and the disasters it brings. We can only win, if we unite in preparing before these disasters strike,” Catapang underscored. (Lorie Gene C. Cruz)

'Solution to carmageddon just outside the window of PNoy's office'

MANILA-Malacanang was told to dip into President Aquino’s assorted standby funds in reviving the Pasig River ferry service as tapping 27-kilometer waterway is the only way to mitigate the “kahindik-hindik” traffic 15 big roads projects are expected to inflict on Metro Manila residents in the next two years.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said the solution to the impending “carmaggedon” in the capital region “is just outside the windows of Malacanang.”

Referring to the Pasig River, “we should now utilize this nautical road,” Recto said. “It is toll-free and ready to use.”

He said government should no longer wait for private investors to launch the ferry service. “Kung hihintayin natin ang private sector, baka tapos na ang mga road projects, ni isang anino ng ferry wala  pang lumulutang.” 

He justified government intervention by pointing out “that any monstrous traffic which inconveniences millions fits the definition of an emergency. If you’ll steam inside your car which moves in mere meters in hours, then in any book that is a calamity.”

Recto said  “exigencies which cause public injury like traffic can be solved through government intervention using discretionary funds under the disposal of the executive branch.”

He enumerated the P1 billion Contingent Fund and the P140 billion Unprogrammed Fund in the 2014  national budget as possible sources of funds  for projects, the Pasig River ferry service among them, which could  ease vehicular congestion during the road building spree.

In the case of the Pasig River ferry service, the government can buy boats, or rent the boats that the previous ferry operator owned, Recto said.

He argued that if the government can afford “to subsidize an MRT or LRT rider at a cost of P40 per trip,” then there is no reason why it cannot shell out a far lower amount for a Pasig River ferry rider.

However, for the ferry service to be launched immediately, it must be premised on the reality that it will not earn profit, Recto said. “It must be viewed as a public service  in  response to an  emergency which in this case is the  traffic gridlock.”

“Billions of pesos will be lost due to the projected traffic. So whatever amount will be invested by the government in the ferry, the people will reap economic benefits  even if the actual operating cost is not recouped from fare box collections, Recto said.

Before the 10-boat Pasig River ferry service stopped operations in 2011, it served 17  stations along  a 15 kilometer route from Plaza  Mexico in Intramuros, Manila to Nagpayong in Pasig City.

Another spur, using the Marikina River, from the Riverbanks in Marikina City to Guadalupe in Makati City, was planned, but except for trial runs, no regular service was launched.  

The last ferry operator deployed  twin-hulled  boats which seat  150 people in  air-conditioned cabins.

It was, however, discontinued due to lower passenger volume and navigational  hazards like the proliferation of water lily.

“Mas mabuti pang sa Pasig River ferry tayo mag-invest kasi hindi masalimuot dito, di tulad ng MRT na hanggang ngayon ang balak ng gobyerno bumili ng 48 coaches ay nakatali sa korte,” Recto said.

He was referring to the DOTC award of  the P3.77-billion contract for MRT 3's expansion to Chinese firm Dailan Locomotive & Rolling Stock Company which has been met with legal challenges.

The 15 megaprojects are  the Skyway Stage 3 the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project,   the Gil Puyat-Makati-Avenue-Paseo de Roxas underpass, the Sta. Monica-Lawton Avenue bridge, CP Garcia Avenue-McKinley Hill ramp, repair  of Magallanes Interchange, EDSA-Taft Avenue flyover, MRT Line 3/ LRT Line 1 extension common station, LRT Line 2 East extension up to Masinag, LRT Line 1 Extension (Cavite), EDSA- Roosevelt Ave. interchange, Espana Avenue-Lacson Avenue interchange, repair of South Superhighway Makati, the NLEX-SLEX connector road,  and the EDSA-West Avenue-North Avenue interchange.

Another traffic-mitigating proposal of Recto is for government to encourage shippers, especially those based in south of Metro Manila, to use the underutilized but fully capable Batangas international port.

“Government should encourage more ships to call on that port.  Exporters and importers and their truckers will find it easier, faster to ship via Batangas.  There’s no truck ban there. And Metro Manilans will benefit, too, as it would mean fewer ten-wheelers on the road,” Recto said.

Employees association ask P-Noy : probe corruption at NIA

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The National Irrigation Administration Employees Association of the Philippines (NIAEASP) has asked President Aquino to investigate alleged corruption and other anomalies in the agency amid reports of irregularities in the bidding and implementation of irrigation projects and the purported meddling of the NIA Board of Directors (BOD) in the workings of NIA Administrator Claro Maranan.

          In a two-page February 6 letter-manifesto to Mr. Aquino, which was furnished Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, the NIAEASP lamented what it termed as the “very serious and alarming developments” in the agency, contrary to the President’s “Daang Matuwid” policy of governance.

          The strongly worded letter-manifesto was signed by NIAEASP national president Victorino Aron and national vice president Louella Mercado.

          The group alleged that a top official ordered the payment of 50 percent of the billing of a contractor who has a project in Sarangani province even if the concerned official is fully aware that the said contractor has no physical accomplishment. “This practice is going on in other provinces and COA (Commission on Audit) records will support our claim,” the group said.

          It added that another top official ordered the repackaging of projects from administration works to local minor contracts worth P105 million, purportedly to draw kickbacks.

          “It is a common knowledge in the agency that projects implemented by administration do not generate SOP (standard operating procedure), thus you can make your own conclusion as to why the official concerned did not allow it to be implemented that way,” the group told Aquino. SOP is a euphemism for kickbacks.

          The NIAEASP said one of the deputy administrators of the agency designated by Alcala is allegedly boasting that he will assume as Maranan’s successor next month. This, it said,  in spite of the fact that the said official has pending cases for graft and corruption in the Office of the Ombudsman.  

          At the same time, the group accused the BOD of arbitrarily and capriciously issuing policies that usurped the powers of Maranan by arrogating to itself the authority to approve the appointment of officials holding the position with salary Grade 24 and above.

          Worse, the BOD also changed the authority delegated to top officials that tend to favor and facilitate corruption in the agency, particularly in the bidding and implementation of projects.

          “The Board has likewise sown havoc and demoralization among the ranks of regional managers, project managers, department managers and irrigation management office managers through its indiscriminate reshuffling of officials who are not cooperative and are considered obstacles to the evil schemes of top Board and agency officials who are presently enriching themselves in office at the expense of poor farmers and the taxpayers’ money,” the group said.         

          The NIAEASP officials asked the President to order a formal investigation of the above-cited allegations. They said they are willing to cooperate in the investigation by furnishing his office with documents.

          “Mr. President, we can give you a litany of highly anomalous and irregular transactions in NIA that have been going on for sometime,” it added.

          In pressing for the investigation of the culture of corruption at NIA, the NIAEASP reminded the Chief Executive of his promise to closely monitor the agency’s activities when he graced its 50^th anniversary celebrations last June 25. “This is now the right time to closely examine the activities of the officials you entrusted to run NIA,” the document read.

Other signatories were national secretary Antonio Esquivel Jr., national treasurer Cecilia Layug, national press relations officer Eduardo Yu, national business manager Carlos dela Cruz, sectoral representatives Lourdes Amurao and Moises Batocabe, Balog-Balog Multi-purpose Project president Cresencio Magbag, Agno River Irrigation Project president Susan Zambrano, Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project presidents Alberto Samson and Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems president Ernesto Ponce and district presidents Paulita Yagyagan (Cordillera Administrative Region), Placido Duldulao (Region 1), Avelino Tuazon (region 2), Alvin Roberto David (Region 3), Bienvenido Anterola (Region 4B); Arthur Sanico (Region 6), Elvira Alvarado (Region 7), Erlinda Superable (Region 8), Albine Jubilado (Region 9), Arlene Sumayo (Region 10), Ryan Pichon (Region 11), Willie Ablan (Region 12) and Joel Culejara (Region 13). (Manny Galvez)     

Legarda Supports Promotion of Non-Motorized Transpo

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed her support to the cause of the Share the Road Movement towards safer and cleaner roads through the promotion of non-motorized transportation.

“As I convey my support to this campaign, I congratulate Atty. Tony Oposa and the Share the Road Movement for championing environmental causes as well as the right of Filipinos for a healthier society,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change.

“Among the advocacies I have been promoting is the shift to a low-carbon lifestyle and rethinking our mode of transportation is one of the crucial steps towards this initiative,” she added.

The Share the Road Movement led by Atty. Oposa filed a petition for a writ of kalikasan and mandamus before the Supreme Court compelling government to “divide the roads in half: half for cars and half for collective transport systems, like all-weather bike lanes and sidewalks, bus rapid transit, and public trains.”

The group, which noted a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that the transport sector contributes 27% of the greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, proceeded to the Senate for the ceremonial turnover of the draft bill on Sustainable Transportation.

In supporting the group’s cause, Legarda, author of various environmental laws including the Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Air Act, stressed on the need to shift to mass rail, human-powered transport and pedestrianization. 

“We should start venturing into transport electrification and energy efficiency. Walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling are energy and cost-efficient transport modes that we should always consider whenever possible,” she said.

She explained that local government units should make roads walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes should also be built to encourage use of these modes of transport.

“It may take time before we see this coming into fruition but with political will to faithfully implement our laws and the active campaign of advocacy groups, especially those behind the Share the Road Movement, we can make this happen,” Legarda concluded.

Drilon: SC verdict on RH law "urgently needed"

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon urged the Supreme Court to finally render a judgment on the Reproductive Health Act case, arguing that the prolonged debacle on the law has“stymied government efforts addressing the need for much-needed maternal and infant care throughout the nation.”  

“More than 14 months since the historic passage of the reproductive health law, the government’s hands are still tied when it comes to attending fully to the needs for maternal care of millions of mothers, most especially those living in the far-flung areas who barely had access to health services,” said Drilon.  

The Senate chief said the highest court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the law “is vital in freeing the government to act on maternal deaths and other health complications affecting women, wives and mothers in the country.”

“The implementation of the RH law has been hanged in a state of limbo pending a court decision, leaving the government temporarily incapacitated on its legitimate goal of removing the stumbling blocks to providing maximum maternal and infant care throughout the country,” Drilon explained.

He noted that addressing maternal deaths is a commitment under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, where the country is woefully lagging behind.

“Whatever the verdict of the Supreme Court, only then will be the government freed to either continue with the RH law, or proceed to formulate another national policy on this issue,” he then added.

However, Drilon said that as he is calling for increased decisiveness by the high court, he also concurs on the issue with fellow Congressional leaders, such as House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who had earlier called on the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the RH law.

“The fact that the RH bill underwent more than thirteen years’ worth of debates, studies and consultations before it was approved is an undeniable proof that its passage went through an arduous and highly-publicized process, where it was subjected to the full rigors of the Philippine legislative system, and where all views –whether for or against its passage- were fully observed and taken into account,” Drilon said.
 
The RH Law was passed by the 15thCongress in December 2012, and at the same month was signed into law by President Aquino. However, its constitutionality was brought to the Supreme Court, who in March 2013 issued a status quo ante order against the law. 

Ecija’s oldest private university turns 68

CABANATUAN CITY – Nueva Ecija’s first-ever private university has turned 68th, surviving through roller-coaster years, including a turbulent past year which saw a sitting president taking an indefinite leave of absence amid graft allegations.

          The Methodist-run Wesleyan University of the Philippines observed its 68^th founding anniversary at its Main Campus along Mabini Extension through a six-day festivity which kicked off last February 10 with a thanksgiving and worship service, motorcade, film showing and the opening of college booths and tiangge.

          WUP president Pacifico Aniag said this year’s anniversary rites, which have as its theme : “Sustaining Excellence at 68,” were also marked by medical and dental mission, blood-letting, the “my teacher and I got talent” competitions, jingle and digital photography competitions, the search for Mr. and Miss Wesleyan 2014, beach volleyball tournament, sportsfest, the Run for Kids 2014 fun run and the Grand Alumni homecoming Saturday.

          Aniag, a former three-term provincial board member of Bulacan, said this year’s festivities represent a high-water mark for the university which has been offering high-quality education for the past 68 years.

He said WUP has become synonymous with lofty academic standards, broad course offerings, highly competent faculty and personnel, wide range of facilities and excellent record of community service.

          Described as a non-stock, non-profit, Methodist-related but non-sectarian institution, WUP started in 1946 as the Philippine Wesleyan College (PWC) after it was founded by a group of Methodist religious and lay persons who saw the need to provide Novo Ecijanos the opportunity to receive college education without going to Manila.

          In 1978, it was granted university status and renamed WUP, in the process becoming the first private university in the province in recognition of its role as a credible institution of higher learning in the province.

          In 2009, WUP was given a five-year autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (Ched), thus, becoming the first and only autonomous private university in the province. With the accolade, WUP also joined the elite list of best private universities in the country.

The festivities also came at a time when the university was on a transition from a potential leadership crisis owing to a power struggle involving factions loyal to his predecessor and the Board of Trustees (BOT).

          Aniag’s predecessor was facing corruption allegations and was given a graceful exit by the BOT by allowing him to go on an indefinite leave. The Board later named Aniag as new president to steer the school to new heights.

          Aniag said the school has gone a long way, with its student population now at 8,200. Of these, some 5,700 are college students while 1,500 are primary and secondary students. It also has 1,000 students at its extension campus in Maria Aurora, Aurora.

          Aniag said the students from the Cushman campus have been availing of the school’s state-of-the-art facilities that include the university hospital, library, auditorium and chapel, computer center, radio station, function hall, food court, the Wesley Park and Plaza Acacia among others.   

          WUP has eight colleges offering 17 baccalaureate degrees. The colleges are arts and sciences, business and accountancy, education, engineering, computer studies, criminal justice education, hotel restaurant and institution management and nursing and allied medical sciences.

          These colleges offer bachelor of science degrees in arts, accountancy, accounting technology, business administration, secondary education, elementary education, social work, electronics engineering, computer engineering, information technology, criminology, hotel and restaurant management, tourism management, nursing, physical therapy, medical technology and radiation technology.

          It also hands over a diploma for midwifery courses.

          For its graduate school, WUP has a doctorate degree in education and business administration and masteral degrees in education, sociology, business administration, nursing and criminal justice education. – Manny Galvez 

Octogenarian murder witness murdered on Valentine’s Day in NE

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – An octogenarian witness in a murder case 18 years ago was shot dead right on Valentine’s Day by a long assassin in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, three days before he was to take the witness stand against an accused in the case.

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the victim as Alfredo Manawis, 82, of Purok Sampaguita, Barangay Calabasa, Gabaldon.

          The killing was perpetrated at around 12:30 pm Friday when Manawis, a widower, was watching television inside his house.

          Senior Inspector Rodolfo Racho, Gabaldon police chief, said the suspect shot him point-blank in the head in an unknown firearm then fled towards the south direction in nearby Dingalan, Aurora aboard an unlicensed black Mio Yamaha motorcycle.

          Racho said the gunman was described as 5’ 8” in height, medium built, wearing long sleeves, maong pants and a ball cap.

Manawis was rushed to the Gabaldon Community Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Racho said the killing may have been triggered by the murder case involving a certain Apolinario Lazaro who was shot dead on February 20,1996. Lazaro’s nephew Orlando Lazaro Jr. was tagged for the killing which motive was reportedly due to a land dispute.

Orlando was later detained at the provincial jail in Barangay Caalibangbangan this city in connection with the crime.

SP01 Arnold B Barrogo, officer-on-case,  said Manawis is a witness in Apolinario’s killing. He said Manawis was to take the witness stand on Monday to testify  against Orlando.

He added that Orlando was also being linked to the September 20,2012 killing of Apolinario’s brother Feliciano. – Manny Galvez

Ecija fun run for victims of sex abuse, ‘Yolanda’ lures 1,000 runners

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A fun run organized by the students’ organization of the Wesleyan University of the Philippines to raise funds for victims of sexual abuse and those displaced by typhoon “Yolanda” kicked off before dawn here yesterday, participated in by 1,000 runners.

Dubbed “Run for Kids 2014,” the event started at 4 am at Plaza Acacia inside the Cushman Campus of the WUP - Nueva Ecija’s oldest private university - along Mabini Extension here.

The run-for-a-cause activity was organized by the university’s supreme student council (SSC) led by its president Juan Rolando Dizon, the event’s overall chairman and council vice president and co-project head Amira Panginen.

Ian Javier, council secretary and project head, said the 1,000 participants came from all walks of life, the youngest of whom was a seven-year-old kid. The event was categorized into three, one involving a three-kilometer run, another for five kilometers and the third for a distance of 10 kilometers.

The 5km run was for runners 12 years and above while the 10kkm for adults. The first placer stands to receive P2,000 plus medal, the second placer P1,500 and the third P1,000.

Emmanuel Cleto, SSC adviser, said they expect the fun run to be a resounding success since all the jerseys were almost sold out three days before the actual event.

 Javier said they expect to raise P300,000 from the three events, proceeds of which will go to victims of sexual abuses at the Home for Girls in Palayan City and those affected by Yolanda in Tacloban City.

He said that last year, a similar fun run benefited 30 cancer-stricken children where they were able to procure machine for bone marrow transplant.

The sponsors for the fun run were such firms as SaveMore, Robinson’s, Smart Communications, Jollibee, Kia, BanKo, Towncall, Chevrolet, Peugot, Red Logo, Philippine National Police, Cabanatuan Electric Corp., Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC), BDO, Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), Cakeland, NE Pacific, Coffee La Tea, Vicentico’s, 14M, Toyota, Mercury Drug, Manson Drug, M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Slice & Dice, Blue Copy, Medlinks and Maybank. – Manny Galvez 

Drilon, Angkla Partylist, maritime workers groups, hail quick passage of bill addressing seafarers’ welfare

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Angkla partylist Rep. Jesulito A. Manalo, and various maritime workers’ groups hailed the Congress for its “decisive legislative action,” following the passage of a bill designating the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to watch over the welfare of 400,000 seafarers across the globe.

“I commend my colleagues from both houses, especially the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization headed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and and Angkla Rep. Manalo, who painstakingly worked hard to ensure that the bill would be passed without delay,” said Drilon.

Similarly, Drilon and Manalo thanked House Committee on Transportation chairman Rep. Cesar Sarmiento “for showing genuine concern to the thousands of Filipinos who have made their livelihood at the seas of the world."

“Their great prudence and resolve led to the passage of the measure which protects the employment of 80,000 Filipino seafarers based in Europe from losing their jobs,” added Drilon.

Senate Bill 2043 filed by Drilon and House Bill 3766 filed by Manalo were both approved on third and final reading last February 10.

For his part, Manalo said “the bill is of global importance, as it re-affirms the commitment of the Philippines, to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).” The IMO is a United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping, effectively serving as the overall governing body for world maritime affairs.

The European Union (EU) has earlier expressed its inclination to ban Filipino seafarers from EU-flagged vessels due to the country’s continued failure to demonstrate compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended (STCW Convention) –which the bill addresses and rectifies.

Meanwhile, the heads of various maritime institutions have expressed their gratefulness to the Senate President and Angkla Rep. Manalo “for what they consider a landmark event.” 

Capt. Gaudencio Morales, president of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, in a statement, stated that they are fully supportive of the bill and are grateful to Manalo and Drilon “in assisting the Filipino seafarers, particularly through proper implementation of the vital provisions of the STCW Convention.”

“We give our wholehearted support to Drilon’s and Angkla’s bill. This will certainly help Filipino seafarers to further advance their knowledge, expertise, and competency,” Capt. Hernando Eusebio, President of the Society of Filipino Ship Captains, said when asked for a comment.

The collective support from Congress and the industry resulted in the swift passage of the parallel bills in both the House of Representatives and Senate. “Once passed, this law ultimately ensures that the Filipinos remain the seafarers of choice in the world and will continue to move the world,” Manalo said.  

“The enactment of this law however, is merely an initial step towards the transformation envisioned by Angkla for the maritime industry,” the first-time lawmaker firmly remarked, “Rest assured that when the law is enacted, ANGKLA will be looking at MARINA more intently and make sure that they see that this is now an opportunity for them to rise up to the challenge of making the lives of our seafarers easier.”

This valentine's day CL farmers plea against “dead heart” of Cojuangco-Aquinos and Ayala Land

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga-The militant regional farmers group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (Amgl, Farmers' Alliance in Central Luzon) and its affiliate organizations Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (Amc), Aniban ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan sa Hacienda Dolores (Aniban), Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala) and Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Tarlak (Amt)  appeal to different sectors for support their struggle against big and rich landlords such as the Cojuangco-Aquino family and Ayala Land.  The groups said that the former attempts to preserve their control over the vast lands of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac city, while the latter plans to convert about 1,000-hectares of land in Hacienda Dolores in Porac town, Pampanga province.

“This valentine's day, we appeal not to the big and rich landlords as their hearts are hopelessly dead, but to the people of Central Luzon who adhere to the principles of nationalism and democracy.  The very interests of the Cojuangco-Aquinos and Ayala Land are the negation of these historic and valued ideals,” Joseph Canlas said, Amgl chairperson.

The groups are appealing to the so-called middle sectors such as the local businesses, church, professionals, institutions, cultural groups and more.  They claimed that feudal control of big landlords such as the Cojuangco-Aquinos and Ayala Land is a big stumbling block to development, affecting not just the peasant class, but also the middle classes.

The groups said that the Cojuangco-Aquino family is planning to convert Hacienda Luisita into an economic zone, as insinuated by the signage put up by their controlled firm, Tarlac Dev't. Corp. (Tadeco) in brgy. Balete, while Ayala Land plans the Alvierra project, similar to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa city in Laguna province.  They added that these plans totally disregard the interests of poor farmers and only serve their greed and interests of big, foreign and local investors.  This type of projects offer no room to local businesses but big and foreign such as what is taking place in Clark freeport zone in Angeles city and worse become competition.  Big landlords also enjoys monopoly control, dictating prices and distribution of agricultural would-be raw materials for local businesses.

“If Ayala Land pushes through with their project, this is another blow to the poor farmers and also the middle sector, as obviously this would result competition,” Canlas said.

The groups are citing the planned construction of residential and commercial establishments, including educational institutions.  They learned that well-known private schools in Manila are reportedly being asked to construct satellite campus in Alvierra.  Commercial establishments would clearly draw in the market similar to what is taking place in Angeles city, consequently affecting low-capital businesses.

“If these projects proliferate in the region, this would threaten our food supply, putting the people into deep poverty and hunger.  Poor farmers who actually cultivated food products are usual victims of hunger as their harvests immediately go to land rent and other costs.  If supply is depressed further, aside from the poor farmers, this would affect the workers, urban poor and other sectors,” Canlas said.

The groups claimed that these projects are holistic consequences.  It primarily affects poor farmers through seizure of their lands and ejectment, subsequently, other sectors and even the environment.  Thus, these projects are negate prioritizing national welfare and democracy.

“Let us not forget that love is not just romantic love.  Patriotism is love to one's people and we urge sectors to concretize this historical ideal into practice by supporting the struggle of Hacienda Luisita and Hacienda Dolores farmers,” Canlas ended. 

Legarda: Sustainable Development, Resilience Help Address Unemployment

MANILA-Amid statistics showing an increase in the country’s unemployment rate, Senator Loren Legarda today said that gearing towards sustainable development and resilience will help address the lingering problem of joblessness.

The Senator noted that a recent SWS survey showed that unemployment rose to 27.5%, or an additional 12.1 million Filipinos jobless, in the last quarter of 2013.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said that the disasters that struck the country in the last quarter of 2013, particularly the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol and typhoon Yolanda, were among the likely factors that led to the hike in unemployment rate.

“In order to address the increasing rate of unemployment, sustainable development and disaster resilience must be embedded in the government’s efforts. We need to be disaster resilient not only to protect lives and homes, but also to safeguard our schools, hospitals, malls, buildings, farms, plantations and factories, which all provide employment for Filipinos,” she said.

“Gearing towards sustainable development will also help improve our employment statistics. For instance, renewable energy projects can generate jobs that are badly needed. A study by the Greenpeace shows that 650,000 jobs have been generated by renewable energy in Europe alone,” she stressed.

The Senator also pushed for the promotion of green jobs and green skills in the country, noting that other nations encourage their citizens to engage in management in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental information technology, and other careers that contribute to environmental preservation.

“All these efforts would complement our existing job generation strategies such as strengthened employment creation and facilitation by local governments, bringing in direct foreign investments to spur local labor demand, and promotion of self-employment, particularly on micro enterprise activities,” said Legarda.

“As a fundamental development strategy, building resilience would help our government sustain the country’s socio-economic gains, make a difference in poverty reduction, and eventually ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals,” she concluded.

Congress wants Sandiganbayan to focus on most significant graft cases, assign minor issues to RTCs, says Drilon

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon wants the Sandiganbayan to concentrate its resources in trying the most significant graft cases, and to transfer jurisdiction to hear and decide “minor cases” to the Regional Trial Courts (RTC).

Drilon emphasized that the proposal is aimed “at decongesting the clogged dockets of the Sandiganbayan.”

“The list of pending cases at the country’s anti-graft court is not getting any shorter, given the strong resolve of the administration to purge the government of corrupt individuals and finally halt the culture of corruption in the bureaucracy,” said Drilon.

He said that about 50 percent of the pending cases in the Sandiganbayan are considered minor cases “which can actually be heard faster by the regional trial courts.”

The Senate chief pointed to some provisions of the law that “only contribute to the backlog” even if the men and women of the Sandiganbayan are trying their best to fast-track the judicial process.  

Drilon was referring to the existing law vesting in the Sandiganbayan the jurisdiction over all graft cases involving public officials occupying Salary Grade 27 and above regardless of the “nature and gravity” of the offense.

“As a consequence, the country’s anti-graft court has to deal with even the most minor of cases, thus further aggravating its workload,” said Drilon.

He added that it takes five years or even more for the Sandiganbayan to try and decide an average case.

The Senate chief thus said he will propose another amendment in the Sandiganbayan’s charter to allow the transfer of minor cases to the RTCs. Minor cases, he said, “are those where the information does not allege any damages or bribes, alleges damages or bribes that are either unquantifiable or not quantified, or alleges quantified damages or bribes amounting to P1 million only or less.”

He said the expertise and competence of a trial court judge is “more than sufficient to hear such kind of cases.”

Drilon has previously filed a bill which seeks to amend the proceedings of the Sandiganbayan, which will authorize a justice-designate to hear and receive evidence on behalf of a division. Presently, the Sandiganbayan is composed of five divisions, with three justices each; and the presence of the three justices is required to receive evidence and try a case, and there must be a unanimous vote to secure an acquittal or a conviction.

The Senate leader said he expects Senate Bill No. 470 to be sponsored on the floor by March.

"The most potent deterrent against the spread of corruption is the certainty of punishment. We must therefore strengthen current procedures and mechanisms to ensure the swift prosecution and resolution of anti-graft cases,” stressed Drilon.

“The speedy trial and disposition of graft cases would certainly erase any delusions by anyone that stealing from public funds is a crime that they can get away with," he added. 

Lastly, the Senate leader said the current Congress is committed to pass various legislation aimed at tightening anti-corruption safeguards, enshrining transparency and ensuring prompt delivery of justice. The package includes, among others, the Freedom of Information Law, Whistleblower Protection Act, amendments to the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program Act. 

Recto: Probe sorry state of P12-B fund made possible by rice imports

MANILA-Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto has called for a probe into the “sorry state” of a P12 billion agriculture fund pooled from tariff payments on rice and other agricultural imports which were later loaned to groups most of whom have defaulted on their repayment.

Recto filed Senate Res. 495 directing the Senate committee on agriculture to inquire on the ACEF and evaluate its status.

Recto said audit reports on the Agriculture Competitive Enhancement Fund (ACEF) are littered with adverse findings like  “dismally low repayment rate”, “double recording of loan releases”, “return to sender of demand letters”, and “loans without collateral.”       

Some grantees, Recto said, “have done a Houdini and can no longer be found.”

He said P2.5 billion worth of loans were covered by letters of confirmation whose addressees could not be found or who did not reply at all.

Conceived as a safety net when the country joined the World Trade Organization, the ACEF was created by RA 8178 in 1996  to assist farmers affected when tariff walls came crashing  down  as a result of  the  Philippine ratification of the  General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

It was to be funded by “in-quota tariffs” collected from imported commodities, such as rice, placed under the restricted Minimum Access Volumes (MAV) which the Philippines imposed.

By May 15, 2013, total actual collections of ACEF has reached P11.8 billion, of which P10.3 billion was from “MAV” quotas and P1.2 billion was from so-called sugar conversion fees.

Of the P11.8 billion, almost P8.9 billion was released by the Department of Budget and Management to ACEF Executive Committee  which administers the fund.

The said body in turn released P2.6 billion as grants to local governments, government corporations and state colleges, and P5.9 billion as loans to 304 groups which, except for 10, were private corporations.

Almost a billion pesos of the grant portion went to the National Agribusiness Corp. (NABCOR), a DA-subsidiary President Aquino recently ordered abolished.

Quoting audit reports, Recto said the loan portion of the ACEF fund  suffered from low collection rate. “For every one peso lent, only 14 centavos were collected.”

The amount in arrears is P5.1 billion, he said. “For that amount, we can repair 5,000 kilometers of farm roads.”    

Recto said that while 294 private parties were granted a total of P4.4 billion in loans, only 23 had fully paid as of December 2011.   

Of the remaining 271 private borrowers, only 15, or 5 percent of the total, had no arrears. 

As a result, P2.2 billion in loans were already due and demandable two years ago.

Recto said all ACEF transactions audited by the CoA in 2010 and 2011 transpired before the Aquino administration.

He said current agriculture officials have implemented “remedial management” on ACEF utilization as spelled out in Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 12–2013.

Among these are loan restructuring, the suspension of some surcharges and penalties, and the demand for more collateral cover.

“In spite of these, we have to study the present state of ACEF,  draw lessons from how it was used, so that if it will be retained as a mechanism of using imported rice duties  to promote farm productivity, we avoid the shortcomings of the past,” Recto said.

“If we are going to import more rice in the future, then we must see to it that the original intent of plowing back to farmers the taxes levied on these imports is honored,” he said.

As of May last year, ACEF has an available balance of P3 billion.