Legarda Welcomes Endorsement of Makabayan

MANILA, November 8, 2012-Stressing on the advocacies that she has been espousing, Senatorial topnotcher Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed the endorsement of the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan).

Legarda, who is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), her political party since 2007, said that she accepted the endorsement of Makabayan as she has also been working on the advocacies that the organizations under the coalition are advancing.

“I thank the leaders and members of Makabayan for their endorsement. The organizations under Makabayan and I have long been partners in our aim for a better society as seen in our respective works to improve the lives of the poor, workers, women, children, teachers, OFWs, and our indigenous people,” she said.

“The people’s interest has always been my priority as gleaned from the work I have done for the past 15 years, not only in legislation but also in ensuring that the laws I crafted are implemented effectively. Even outside the halls of the Senate, I actively work for the advancement of programs that would address the needs of the Filipino people,” Legarda stressed.

To provide new opportunities and promote better livelihood, Legarda pushed for the enactment of the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act.

To address the health needs of the Filipinos, she authored the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and is pushing for the approval of the Universal Healthcare Coverage bill.

To protect the rights of women and children, Legarda authored the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and the Anti-Child Labor Law. She is also ushering the passage of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons bill.

To enhance resilience to disasters of every community in the country, she authored the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, and sponsored the People’s Survival Fund Law.

To ensure the protection of Filipino workers including overseas Filipino workers, Legarda sponsored the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, while pushing for the approval of the Kasambahay Bill. She also authored the law that mandates the increase in the salary of teachers and other government employees.

To preserve the Filipino culture and protect the rights of IPs, the Senator supported various Schools of Living Traditions and the documentation of indigenous knowledge and traditions. Legarda also proposed measures to protect the traditional property rights of IPs and to penalize acts of discrimination against them.

JINGGOY HURT OVER JV’S RIVALRY REMARKS

MANILA, November 8, 2012-This refers to the numerous news reports and articles circulating over the print, broadcast and online media regarding the supposed sibling rivalry between me and San Juan Representative and senatorial aspirant Joseph Victor Ejercito.

 

I have never been a party to what others regard as a sibling rivalry nor considered our relationship as such. I believe that the nature of our tepid relationship is perhaps understandable considering our family’s circumstances. I am very upset and deeply hurt over some of the comments made by him and his efforts to generate publicity over a supposed competition or rivalry between us at my expense.

 

Any statement insinuating hostility much more creating public perception of antagonism stemming from such family setup, between two lawmakers possibly extending to the halls of the Senate is farfetched and very unfortunate. I admit that we may not agree and even argue on some social and political issues – much like the atmosphere in any deliberative body and the current Philippine Senate where free exchange of ideas is not only welcome but absolutely necessary. Again, this does not mean that we have to be at each other’s throat at all times, though it seems that my brother thinks otherwise.

 

If he happens to be elected as a Senator and there comes a time when there is something to point out with respect to legislative work or socio-political concerns, I will carry out the task as a seasoned legislator and as a statesman considering that my brother is a younger colleague.

 

I believe that I have done my best to prove that I can rise above any petty and unjust remarks against me from my own brother. I sincerely hope that as a senatorial aspirant who I look forward to being a colleague in the Senate, he can do the same.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Statement on President Obama’s Re-election

MANILA, November 8, 2012-“The re-election of President Barack Obama reflects the desire of the American people to extend his mandate in order that he may continue to move forward the agenda of change he committed to deliver to the American people. 

“As an ally and strategic partner of the United States, these developments signal a continuing effort to deepen our relationship with America. 

“President Obama, in his “pivot to Asia,” has shown his desire to engage more actively with the countries in the region.  We should respond accordingly by strengthening our alliance with the United States with the end-view of addressing the strategic interests of the Filipino people. 

“The region is facing enormous challenges in the face of territorial disputes in the area.  The last thing we need is unpredictability in our relationship with our strategic partners.  President Obama’s re-election also provides predictability in terms of America’s strategic focus in the region.”

Hard-hitting broadcaster gunned down in NE

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 8, 2012–A hard-hitting, veteran broadcaster and radio commentator was killed in broad daylight by a lone gunman while on his way to work here early this morning.

          Police Superintendent Eli Depra, city police chief, identified the victim as Julius Caezar Cauzo, 52, of Barangay Sibul, Talavera, Nueva Ecija. He died from three gunshot wounds in the body.

          Cauzo is a news anchor of teleradyo DWJJ and is executive vice president of the Nueva Ecija Press Club, Inc. DWJJ is owned by the family of Mayor Julius Caezar Vergara.    

Depra said the attack was carried out at around 8:30 am in Barangay Aduas Norte. Cauzo was aboard his motorcycle cruising along Flowerlane St. in Aduas Norte when the gunman riding a motorcycle overtook him and fired from close range, hitting him in the body then fled.

          Cauzo was rushed to the Good Samaritan Hospital where attending physicians pronounced him dead-on-arrival.

         

Depra said they have yet to establish the motive behind the murder. He said he will provide an update on the killing.

         

Prior to his death, Cauzo has been locked up in a word war with broadcasters of the rival TV station TV 48 over the Highly Urbanized City being pushed by the city government and which is being opposed by the camp of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali.

         

        The Commission on Elections has set on December 1 the plebiscite to ratify Presidential Proclamation 418 issued last July 4 by President Aquino converting Cabanatuan into a HUC. (Manny Galvez)

       

            

Legarda Congratulates President Obama for Successful Re-election

MANILA, November 7, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, congratulated US President Barack Obama on his successful bid for a second term as the chief executive of the United States of America.

“I warmly congratulate President Obama for his re-election. The citizens of the United States have once again placed their trust in their incumbent leader to advance the causes of the nation and its people. As a leader of a powerful nation, other countries, including the Philippines, also hope that President Obama will champion vital global issues,” said Legarda.

The Senator also expressed optimism that President Obama’s second term will be more productive and beneficial not only for the people of the US but also for the whole world as the US is one of the most powerful nations.

“I trust that in the next four years, he will be at the forefront of disaster risk reduction politics by further strengthening the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not only to respond to disasters but also to enhance preparedness and build back more resilient communities. Disaster risk reduction agencies, such as FEMA, are important as the economic crisis that is experienced in many parts of the world is exacerbated by climate change, which leads to loss of lives, homes and livelihoods,” she said.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, stressed that President Obama should be a leader of the world and set an example by reducing USA’s fossil fuel consumption, promote use of renewable energy, provide better support for agricultural workers and vulnerable sectors, and assist developing nations who bear the brunt of disasters caused by climate change.

She also cited Obama’s commitment to provide affordable quality healthcare for all Americans and stressed that it is an inspiring flagship program that should be emulated by leaders worldwide.

KIKO URGES THE GOVT: BITE THE BULLET, ADDRESS FISHERIES SECTOR WOES

MANILA, November 7, 2012-Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan calls on the government to focus on arresting the slow decline of the output of the country's fisheries sector.

"The government needs to designate an Undersecretary for Fisheries as a crucial first step. It would be a waste of an immense natural bounty if we fail to address the issues that hound our fisheries sector."

Pangilinan, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, says that while the Department of Agriculture has made tremendous headway in modernizing the country's agriculture sector it cannot afford to leave behind the fisheries sector.

"Our national territory is 1/5 land and 4/5 water. We must ensure that we achieve a balancing of priorities and not leave fisheries behind. We must allocate a considerable amount of our resources both human and material to address the fisheries sector's many concerns."

Legarda: Inclusion of People’s Survival Fund in 2013 Nat’l Budget, Key in Improving Nation’s Resilience to Disasters

MANILA, November 7, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today stressed that it is important and urgent to include the one billion-peso People’s Survival Fund (PSF) in the 2013 National Budget as it will help ensure significant improvements in the disaster resilience of communities in the country.

“We must immediately implement the People’s Survival Fund Act as it will help local governments’ adaptation activities, such as in the areas of land and water resources management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development, and natural ecosystems,” said Legarda, sponsor of the PSF Act (Republic Act 10174).

“The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should take the lead, because as specified in R.A. 10174, undertaking the formulation of the annual national budget in a way that ensures the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support climate change-related programs and projects in the annual program of government is their responsibility,” she added.

The Senator explained that the PSF will also support the improvement of monitoring, controlling and prevention of diseases triggered by climate change, establishment of forecasting and early warning systems, and strengthening institutional development, for local governments, for preventive measures, planning, preparedness and management of impacts relating to climate change.

In a related matter, Legarda, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, has co-sponsored the 2013 Alternative Budget Senate Presentation Forum by the Social Watch Philippines.

In the alternative budget proposal, the Senator highlighted the proposed climate-sensitive and disaster risk reduction-proofed budget priorities amounting to Php 31 billion.

The proposed budget items shall be allocated for disaster risk reduction and management; biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry; renewable and sustainable energy systems; and, ecological waste management.

“We must have a climate-sensitive national budget because as we experience extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and prolonged droughts, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize actions that would enhance communities' resilience to disasters and climate change impacts. We have to build up our defenses against disasters to free us from the costly and exhausting cycle of rebuilding our communities every time nature unleashes its wrath,” Legarda concluded.

Infra projects in Pampanga since 2010 amount to P1.2B

CLARK FREEPORT, November 6, 2012-The provincial government has spent at least P1.2 billion for a number of infrastructure projects in Pampanga since 2010.

This was announced by Governor Lilia Pineda during the oath-taking of the officers of Provincial Federation of Barangay Health Workers dubbed as “Bayanihan Para Sa Kalusugan Ng Mga Kapampangan” held recently at Stotsenberg Hotel inside Clark Freeport.

“Since we assumed as governor of Pampanga, we have funded major infrastructure projects like construction and renovation of district hospitals, construction of classroom buildings in different public schools and provincial, municipal and barangay farm to market roads,” Pineda said.

The provincial government has started the general renovation and improvement of all existing district hospital buildings in the province including facilities and medical equipment.

“In the improvement of our district hospitals, we are 85 percent completed," the governor said.

The Capitol has also funded the establishment of dialysis centers in selected district hospitals aimed at providing cheaper treatment for dialysis patients.

These were realized through partnership with private individuals and companies who are helping the governor through the provision of dialysis machines under a co-management agreement.

As of this month, at least 182 newly classrooms and six covered courts in various public schools in the province had been constructed with an estimated amount of P176 million.

For 2011 alone, records from the provincial engineering office show that Pampanga released P50, 083, 216 for the construction of 45 new rooms, repair and improvement of 32 classrooms, and building of five covered courts.

This year, P54, 149,836 was allocated to finance the construction of 28 new classrooms, repair and improve 77 classrooms and one covered court.

At least 35 classrooms amounting to P62.5 million and another P9.7 million for the construction of boys and girls comfort rooms for 26 public schools are still on-going.

The provincial government, through the engineering office had facilitated the reconstruction several provincial roads in flood hit municipalities that were damaged by recent calamities.

Other infrastructure projects finished were the improvement of dikes particularly in Mandili, Candaba, and in San Sebastian, San Luis town.

Pampanga River Dike road Batasan-Candating section in Arayat, San Nicolas 1st barangay road in Sasmuan, Phase 11 of Guagua-Sta.

Rita-Porac road San Matias and Becuran section, Phase IV Dila-dila section both in Sta. Rita, and Phase V Dila-dila-Pulong Santol section in Sta.Rita-Porac were also completed.

The widening of San Miguel-Sta.Cruz barangay road in San Simon and reblocking and asphalt overlay of Sto. Domingo-Lourdes-San Isidro-Telacsan-Colgante provincial road from Minalin to Apalit and Macabebe.

The provincial government also completed the improvement and concreting of the provincial road in San Juan-San Jose-Natividad-Lambac-Pulong Masle road Lambac section in Guagua, San
Matias-San Simon road San Matias section in Sto. Tomas, and Del Rosario-Bacolor road in the City of San Fernando, Sta. Ana Magalang along San Agustin section and in San Sebastian San Luis.

Last year, after typhoon Pedring devastated the province, Pineda provided at least P80 million for the priority development projects of each of the 20 municipalities in the province.

This is intended to jump start the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure facilities and their projects highly needed in the municipality.

Recently, the provincial government has given all local government units P100 million to finance different priority development projects.

Each municipality received at least P5 million to ensure the continuity of infrastructure development down to the barangay level. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu with reports from Joel Mapiles of Pampanga PIO)

Angeles City mall hosts NorthPhil Expo 2012

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, November 5, 2012-The 2012 edition of the annual exposition that showcases the rich culture and tradition, distinctive products and picturesque locations of Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera is slated from November 9-11 at Marquee Mall in Angeles City.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Luzon, the 3rd North Philippines (NorthPhil) Tourism and Travel Expo will be bannered by the pavilions of the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac; Clark Development Corporation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; DOT Regional Offices 1,2,3 and CAR; and corporate booths of various tourism-related businesses such as hotels, resorts and airlines.

Aside from the expo, the three-day affair will also have theatrical cultural presentations, corporate game shows, product presentations, raffle draws, and crafts and culinary demonstrations.

In a statement, DOT Central Luzon director Ronnie Tiotuico said “the annual expo was conceived to solidify North Philippines as an international tourism hub.”

Tiotuico disclosed “our major destinations alone accounted for 14 percent of the country’s total foreign and domestic tourist volume last year.”

Its top spots are Ilocos Norte, Cagayan province, Zambales and Baguio city.

Tiotuico attributed the surge in tourist arrivals to the construction of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Trillanes seeks to increase benefits for athletes

MANILA, November 4, 2012-Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV is seeking to expand a law giving benefits and incentives to national athletes, coaches and trainers by including athletes with disabilities and those who won in international sports competitions, not sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other quadrennial meet.

Trillanes put forward Senate Bill No. 3313 to amend Republic Act 9064, or the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2011, to give “athletes with disabilities the same opportunities and incentives afforded to regular athletes who win in international competitions through the grant of the same cash and non-monetary benefits and incentives given to regular national athletes.”

Trillanes, who chairs the Senate Committee on Amateur Sports Competitiveness, also wants to increase the incentives given to winning national athletes, athletes with disabilities, coaches and trainers.

Among the benefits the young senator is seeking for winning olympians are lifetime exemption from income tax and other taxes that may be imposed relevant to the sports, and a monthly pension of P10,000 commencing five years after winning the Olympics until he/she reaches the age of 60.

“With this measure, we will be able to promote fairness and equality in our effort to provide recognition, incentives and encouragement for our athletes. It is through this measure that we can manifest our sincere appreciation for the valiant efforts they have displayed in recent competitions, as well as for the pride and honor they have brought to our country,” Trillanessaid.

The proposed legislation is the consolidated version of the filed bills of Senators Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Lito Lapid and Vicento Sotto III on the same subject.

Legarda Hails 2012 Yogyakarta Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia and the Pacific

MANILA, November 4, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the 2012 Yogyakarta Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia and the Pacific as another concrete step towards mainstreaming disaster resiliency efforts in the region.

Legarda, the United Nations (UN) Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, noted that the Declaration is a product of the Fifth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from 22 to 25 October 2012.

“The Yogyakarta Declaration calls on all DRR stakeholders to fully participate in consultations worldwide. It calls for the integration of local level DRR and CCA into national development planning, support for local communities in obtaining sufficient financing, improved local risk governance and partnership, and replicating DRR and CCA best practices, among others,” she explained.

The 2012 Yogyakarta Declaration also calls for ways by which DRR and CCA efforts can be enhanced through accountability measures, greater political commitment and improved governance. It further identifies steps to reduce underlying risk factors and to implement cross-cutting issues in the Hyogo Framework of Action.

Legarda highlighted the importance of the Declaration especially with the recent study by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction entitled "Reducing Vulnerability and Exposure to Disasters", which showed that between 1970 and 2011, 75% of all deaths worldwide that were caused by disasters occurred in Asia Pacific, and that the average number of people exposed to yearly flooding in the region has increased by more than 50% from 29.5 million to 63.8 million in the last forty years, from 1970 to 2010.

“The 2012 Yogyakarta Declaration will help our aim to increase the understanding of disaster and climate science, impacts, and policy responses, encourage disaster and climate-proofing of development plans and possibly enable us to learn from successful experiences of other countries,” Legarda said.

She added that the Philippines already has the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan which serve as blueprints in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the government's plans and programs, from the national down to the local level.

Furthermore, the Philippines also has the People's Survival Fund Law, which Legarda sponsored, that mandates the appropriation of one billion pesos annually for the financing of climate change adaptation projects of local governments and organizations.

Legarda, in her capacity as both Senator and UN Champion, has spearheaded DRR collaboration workshops for local government units covering the Greater Metro Manila Area, the Pampanga, Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, and Agusan river basins, and in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“It is evident that reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change have become the greatest humanitarian and development challenges of our time. With overwhelming international attention, we will be able to rise as one human community towards a safer, more resilient society,” Legarda concluded.

Archbishop Tagle laments ‘practical atheism’

MANILA, November 3, 2012— Fresh from the Vatican, new Cardinal-designate Luis Antonio Tagle lamented ‘practical atheism’ as one of the major obstacles to evangelization.

The leader of the Manila’s Catholic Church stressed in his homily before a throng of churchgoers at a parish church in Paco that some Filipinos’ faith are better said than done.

Cardinal-designate Luis Antonio Tagle presides the launching of the Year of Faith at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish, 3 November 2012.

He said that some Catholics are calm in conscience convincing their selves that they believe in God, but then their actions have nothing to do with that belief.

“There is atheism which they openly said that they don’t believe in God and there are also those who claim that they are faithful but live as if God doesn’t exist,” Tagle said.

“During Sundays, we profess our faith to God. But starting Monday, cheating happens because of money… we take advantage of other people for our own interests,” he said.

The archbishop’s sermon set the tone as the Manila Archdiocese embarked on the Year of Faith on Saturday.

Thousands of priests, nuns and churchgoers attended the event at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church in Paco, Manila.

With the occasion, the archdiocese joined the universal Church in the observing the Year of Faith as declared by Pope Benedict XVI.

Tagle, who just arrived in Manila on Thursday after almost a month in Rome for the Synod of Bishops, said that the occasion seeks to bring the faithful back to the fundamental tenet of the Christian faith.

“The Year of Faith is for all of us. Like what a theologian said, there is an unbeliever in every believer,” the archbishop said.

“We are all invited to renew our faith. We shouldn’t be ashamed of knowing God. Let’s show it because we are called to share his message with everyone,” he added.

In his pastoral letter, Tagle said that the Year of Faith is an invitation for Catholics to “study again the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church that is its fruit in order to rediscover the vitality of the faith we have inherited.”

“Aside from celebrating Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Year of Faith invites us to look closely at the contemporary world, its beauty and wounds,” he added.

“The continuity of the Church through ages allows various forms of renewal. The Church receives, celebrates and lives the faith in different historical settings with their unique demands and challenges,” Tagle also said.

Benedict XVI has recently named Tagle along with five others from Lebanon, Nigeria, Colombia, India and the United States as new cardinals.

The prelates are scheduled to be elevated to the College of Cardinals during a consistory on Nov. 24, at the Vatican. Aged 55, Tagle is presently the world’s second youngest cardinal. (RL/CBCPNews)

Mayoral wannabe Rianne leads charge Women bets take Ecija politics by storm; 140 lady pols eye seats in 2013

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 2, 2012–Women power is taking Nueva Ecija politics by storm, with over 140 lady politicians throwing their hats in the political arena in the May 2013 elections.

          Records from the provincial office of the Commission on Elections here showed that at least 140 women candidates filed their certificates of candidacy for the various elective positions up for grabs in next year’s mid-term polls, some of whom are neophytes.

          Leading the roster of new aspirants is businesswoman Arianne Cuevas who is running for mayor of Palayan City under the banner of the Liberal Party against comebacking former three-term congressman and ex-Light Railways Transit Authority administrator Pacifico Fajardo.  

          Cuevas, more commonly known as Rianne, is an executive of at least six companies. She is said to be the political patron of outgoing three-term mayor Romeo Capinpin who is her running mate in the 2013 polls.

          Cuevas said her priority is to provide employment to residents of Palayan where the unemployment rate reportedly stands at 12% based on a recently commissioned survey of the city labor and employment office. This involves 5,000 individuals with no jobs at all.

          Based on Comelec records, there is one lady aspirant for governor, five for Congress, five for board members, four for the position of city mayor, five for city vice mayor, 13 for municipal mayor and 10 for municipal vice mayor and over 100 more for the post of city and municipal councilor.

          Outgoing three-term first district Rep. Josie Manuel-Joson is challenging the reelection bid of Gov. Aurelio Umali who is on his third and last term. Manuel-Joson is the wife of Quezon Mayor Mariano Cristino Joson.

          Those eyeing congressional seats are the governor’s wife, third district Rep.  Czarina who is seeking a third and last term against human rights lawyer J.V. Bautista; Senior Board Member Estrellita Suansing, former San Isidro mayor Sonia Lorenzo, former two-term fourth district congresswoman Julita Villareal and Magnolia Antonino, daughter of outgoing fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino.

          Suansing, wife of Bureau of Customs deputy commissioner Horacio, is slugging it out in the first district against Mariano Cristino and former two-term congressman Renato Diaz.

          Lorenzo, executive director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, is running against her estranged sister-in-law Villareal, the younger Antonino and San Leonardo Mayor Froilan Nagano.

          Those aspiring for board member are reelectionist Teresita Patiag and Belinda Panlilio, ex-board members Bella Aurora Dulay and Solita Santos and Nene Galvez who is running as an independent.

          Running for city mayors are Maricel Gatus Natividad of Gapan City, Vice Mayor Ester Lazaro of Munoz Science City, reelectionist Mayor Marivic Belena of San Jose City and Cuevas.

          Natividad is challenging the reelection bid of Mayor Christian Tinio, Lazaro is running against comebacking former three-term mayor Nestor Alvarez and Belena is facing former vice mayor Mario Salvador in a grudge rematch of the 2010 polls.

          Lady aspirants for city vice mayors are Councilor Glenda Felimon of San Jose City and Bibiana Abesamis of Palayan City.    

           The lady bets for municipal mayors are outgoing three-term Vice Mayor Elizabeth Vargas of Aliaga who is facing businesswoman Lucita Moreno; reelectionist Mayors Lovella Belmonte-Espiritu of Zaragoza, Gloria Crespo-Congco of Cabiao and Lorna Mae Vero of Llanera; Mary Abad of Carranglan, Floria Esteban of Cuyapo, lawyer Emily Padilla of Gabaldon, Areli Grace Santos and Luz Cruz of Gen. Natividad, Marivic Bajet of Lupao, Ophelia Cabico of Nampicuan and Nerivi Martinez of Talavera.

          For vice mayors, those running are reelectionist Vice Mayors Cinderella Ramos of Cuyapo, Ma. Lourdes Lahom of Quezon and Irene Bernardo of Sta. Rosa; ex-mayor Lydia Pagaduan of Zaragoza, Cora Villanueva of Nampicuan, Erlinda Abad of Gabaldon and Arsenia Javate of Jaen.

          Eyeing seats in the Sangguning Panlunsod or city councils are Cristina Paulino and reelectionist Councilor Jean Cruz in Cabanatuan City, Gemma Pangilinan, Susan Hernandez and Maria Erlinda Ordonez of Gapan City, Marinelia Coronel and Erlinda Jimenez of Munoz; Rosalia Merez, Annette Quiddam and Gloria Santos of Palayan City and Gloria Munar, Jennifer Salvador, Marivic Adawag, Rizza Mendoza and Susan Corpuz of San Jose City.

          Those running for seats in the Sangguniang Bayan or municipal councils are Susana Ramos, Donna Gonzales and Juanita de Leon of Aliaga, Teresita del Mundo, Edelwina Gonzales, Anita Legaspi and Sylvia Macalino of Cabiao; Rosalie Cabungcal, Elvira Codilana, Elizabeth Espinosa, Stephanie Joaquin, Rosemarie Miguel and Remedios Valdez (Gabaldon), Anita Arocena, Jenneth Diaz, Emelita Manahan and Evangeline Tampengco (Gen. Natividad), Ma. Lina Bulacan, Anna Busalpa and Belen Francisco (Gen. Tinio), Jesusa Samano (Laur);

          Myrna Ilagan, Leny Ogrimen and Noraida Rivera (Licab), Daisy Arocena, Cielito Bugayong, Elsa de Guzman, Lea Lagasca, Felicidad Matias and Soledad Roy (Llanera), Marilou Flores, Levie Ladia and Aurora Vendivil (Lupao), Gemma Guzman, Virgie Isidro and Zenaida Papilla (Nampicuan), Patricia Gaboy, Olivia Jardiel, Ofelia Manayao, Josefina Ortega and Michelle Santiago (Penaranda).

          Leticia Ramirez, Vita Salvacion and Anastacia Sison (Quezon), Teodora Agustin, Sofia Capia, Susana Dumlao, Rowena Palattao, Jeyanne Poblete, Marlyn Santos, Marilyn Villajuan and Theresa Wysthroff (Pantabangan), Rosalinda de Guzman, Lovely Sadama, Marivic Zapanta, Josephine dela Vega and Felomina Castelo (Rizal), Dominga Cruz, Daisy Santos, Iriz Torres and Angelyn Reyes (San Antonio), Vivian Tumacay (San Isidro), Diana Santos and Lizette Simbulan (Sta. Rosa), Eliza Bravo, Mira Espiritu, Armi Garcia and Teresita Torres (Sto. Domingo), Marlyn Aloya, Elvie Caparangca, Narcisa Camagas, Flora Cinense and Pia Sapla (Talugtug).

          Ginalyn Catambing, Corazon dela Cruz, Elsa Mesde, Annabel Ramos and Angelina Soleta (Talavera) and Erlinda Gasapos, Donabel Manucduc, Floremy Regunan, Winnie Annani, Jo Ann Palapal and Maria Kristine Regalado (Zaragoza). (Manny Galvez)      

Legarda: Climate Change Will Define the Political Future of the World’s Greatest Leaders

MANILA, November 2, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, today renewed her call for world leaders to take on bold and decisive actions to combat climate change, stressing that climate change has become a humanitarian challenge that will define the political future of the world’s greatest leaders.

“As I have always said many years ago, climate change is the greatest development and humanitarian challenge of our times. It has become a defining political issue too in America, especially with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsing President Obama because of the steps he has taken to address climate change and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie commending President Obama’s actions during Superstorm Sandy’s wrath,” Legarda said.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg cited President Obama’s efforts in pushing for regulations that will cut down emissions from cars and power plants. Meanwhile, Governor Christie expressed appreciation to President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency officials for working in close coordination with the State government during the disaster.

“Even in the Philippines, climate change is a defining political issue because it means livelihood, jobs, homes, and our very survival,” Legarda added.

“World leaders must not allow people to continuously suffer from floods, hunger, displacement, and economic setbacks. This is “disaster risk reduction politics”. The aftermath of Superstorm Sandy presents an opportunity to remind world leaders of their great responsibility to lead people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by unsustainable development, worsening disasters and climate change,” Legarda concluded.