Drilon seeks presence of ConCom members to BBL hearing

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today urged the Senate panel hearing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to invite the members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission (ConCom) to weigh in on the constitutionality of the draft law – a piece of legislation so important to government’s goal of providing lasting and genuine peace and inclusive and social development in Mindanao.

“It is our belief that the framers of the 1987 Constitution are in the best position to assess the constitutionality of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and determine its conformity to the vision, spirit and core principles of the Constitution they had penned nearly three decades ago,” he said of the ConCom members, who include legal luminaries and respected public figures such as former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, former Justice Adolfo Azcuna, former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Christian Monsod, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, and former Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento.

Drilon said that it is of utmost importance that their opinion and insights are seriously considered in the crafting of the BBL in order to ensure that no provision in the Constitution will be violated and that the law will be able to fulfill the vision and spirit of the Constitution’s provision on autonomous regions.

“We want to hear their views and direct us to the weak points of the draft law, and tell us how we can rectify them. They can guide us on what needs to be done to strengthen the law against abuses,” stressed Drilon.

“Their insights and guidance is something we, legislators, need the most in order to perform our duties, most especially when it is about lasting and genuine peace and social and economic development for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” he emphasized.

The Senate leader said the 1986 ConCom members have already expressed their interest in taking part in the crafting of the BBL, making it easier for the Senate to invite them to the hearing.

In a January 9 statement, 14 of the members of the ConCom  said that “a new organic law is necessary to fulfill the vision and spirit that constitutional provisions on autonomous regions since RA 6734 and RA9054 have clearly not gone far enough to give life to the concept of autonomy for Muslim Mindanao as envisioned by the Constitution.”

They added: “The core principle of the 1987 Constitution mandating a special status for the autonomous regions is the human development of the people of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras. Hence, the public conversation should not be about semantics but about people – their needs, their aspirations, their choices – and about e powering them with the environment and institutional framework for social justice.”

The Senate leader said he agreed with the ConCom members’ views that the ultimate welfare and development of the people of Mindanao should be given more focus, saying further that this can be the guiding principle in the crafting of the law.

“The establishment of the Bangsamoro government will be a significant milestone in our nation’s history as it will be formed to serve and uphold the interests of the Bangsamoro people, culture, and history,” said Drilon.

He said the Senate is working towards the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by March 2015: “We have committed to the passage of the BBL within the prescribed timeline to ensure the creation of the Bangsamoro government by the time President Aquino steps down from office.”

“We are aware of the monumental weight of this responsibility, with time bearing upon us, on top of the need to ensure the constitutionality of the law’s final form. But rest assured that the legislature is committed to bringing the success of the Bangsamoro political entity to light,” Drilon assured.

Drilon also acknowledged a strong, bipartisan support from both houses of Congress, which speaks of the high level of commitment in the diligent and urgent passage of the BBL.

“The pursuit of this rests on our shoulders right now, and I assure that we in Congress will do everything to make sure that this opportunity to create and embed peace in Mindanao will not go to waste,” concluded Drilon. 

PH to Host First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) in Clark and Subic

BALER, Aurora-The Philippines will host the First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM1) from 26 January to 07 February 2015 at Clark and Subic Freeport Zones.

 

As the first comprehensive Senior Officials’ Meeting for the year, SOM1 begins with a series of more than thirty working group and committee-level meetings covering various topics such as Trade and Investment, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Anti-Corruption, Counter Terrorism, Competition Policy, Ocean and Fisheries, Customs, E-Commerce, Services, Life Sciences, Health, Illegal Logging, and Services.

 

Following from the outcomes of the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) held last 8-9 December 2014 in Manila, the various meetings will also discuss how each APEC working group can advance the APEC 2015 priorities and the overall theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”.

 

The series of working group and committee-level meetings (from 26 January to 05 February) will culminate in the Senior Officials’ Meeting to be held on 06-07 February 2015 in Fontana Leisure Park, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

 

As host, the Philippines will also hold a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), Creative Industries, and Research and Development Services on 03 February 2015. The PPD on Services is the first in a “Dialogue Series”, which aim to guide the APEC Senior Officials and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in promoting trade in services in the Asia-Pacific region. 

PNP- PRO3, SHOW OF FORCE

CAMP OLIVAS, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA- A total of 3, 740 PNP personnel will be deployed during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit –SOM1 which will start on January 21, 2015 with the conduct of the APEC Special Senior Finance Officials Meeting (SSFOM) to be followed by the First Senior Officials' Meeting and Retated Meeting (SOMI) on January 26 to February 7, 2015.

 

The accounting of personnel prior to their deployment was held at Salakot, Angeles City near Clark main gate on January 20, 2015, 7:00AM.

 

After the accounting of personnel, augmentation troops marched from Salakot to the different venues of the meetings.

 

PSSUPT MELVIN RAMON G BUENAFE, DRDO/Sub Task Group Commander “Clark” said, “We have conducted this activity to showcase that the PNP-PRO3 is geared up and fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of APEC delegates during the entire duration of the summit here in Region 3.”  

 

He further stated that despite PRO3’s maximum deployment for the APEC Summit, it will continue to carry out its mandated tasks of fighting lawless elements and maintaining peace and order in the communities.

PRO3 ALL SET FOR APEC SUMMIT 2015, DEPLOYS 3, 740

CAMP OLIVAS, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA- With less than a week before the holding of the 1^st Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and Related Meetings (SOM1) relative to the APEC SUMMIT 2015, Police Regional Office 3 is already geared up to ensure the security and safety of all the participants at Clarkfield, Pampanga.

 

SOM is the main policy-making body within APEC and at least 1,700 delegates composed of 1,600 foreign delegates and 100 local delegates are expected to attend.  

 

           PRO3 Officer-in-Charge, PCSUPT RONALD V SANTOS said that, “We have organized a Regional Task Group to ensure effective and efficient delivery of security coverage during the 2015 APEC Summit- SOM1. Series of coordinating conferences with other law enforcement agencies have also been conducted to guarantee the safety and security of all the delegates participating in the SOM1.We will also deploy a total of 3,740 PNP personnel within the summit venues and areas where the delegates will be billeted”

          

Meanwhile, to maximize deployment, police personnel assigned to do desk work  will be sent out to the different venues to increase the number of those tasked to ensure safety and security during said meetings.

 

Relatedly, PRO3 has been conducting related trainings such as Close Protection Orientation, Hostage Negotiation Course, Proper Etiquette and Protocol, Radio Operation and Procedures Course, Pistol Proficiency Training, Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Training, EOD Refresher Course to ensure the readiness of PRO3 personnel during the APEC SOM1.

 

A Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) to test the security preparation, operational readiness and resources of PRO3 is set to be conducted today, January 17 at Clarkfield, Pampanga while the accounting and deployment of personnel for the APEC Summit-SOM1 will be held on January 20,2015, Tuesday at Salakot, Angeles City.  

 

PCSUPT SANTOS also encourages the public to provide relevant and timely information and other unscrupulous activities to the police through social media (Twitter – @rpio_pro3, Facebook Page – PioRegionthree) or through PRO3 hotline 0998-9980003 andireportmosapulis@yahoo.com/ireportmosapulis@gmail.com

PNP SCORES ANEW ON MEMBERS MOTORCYCLE RIDING CRIMINALS

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga- Through the directives of PCSUPT RONALD V SANTOS, OIC PRO 3 to all City/Provincial Directors from the different Police Provincial/City Police Offices to continuously implement “OPLAN NO MeRCy” to eradicate carnappers and motorcycle riding criminals, two (2) unidentified armed suspects riding in tandem were neutralized by elements of Llanera Police Station  in a brief encounter on January 16, 2015.  

             

At around 12:40 PM, a robbery hold-up incident perpetrated by two (2) unidentified malefactors on board a single black Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle without plate victimizing Harvinder Singh, Indian National transpired at Brgy Sta Barbara, Llanera, Nueva Ecija.  

Upon receipt of report, elements of LLanera Police Station immediately conducted follow-up operation for the possible identification and apprehension of the suspects. Thereafter, after reaching Brgy Plaridel of said town, they chanced upon said suspected malefactors who tried to evade arrest but bumped with the front right side of the mobile patrol. One of the suspects alighted and drew his firearm which prompted the responding personnel to shoot the suspect and a brief shootout ensued which caused his instantaneous death while the other suspect was injured.

The injured suspect was brought to Cabanatuan City Hospital for medical treatment.

One (1) Caliber 38 pistol revolver with two (2) live ammos was recovered from the injured suspect while one (1) Cal. 22 revolver without ammo and one (1) black Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle without license plate were recovered in the crime scene.

   Recovered from the dead suspect were: one (1) unit of OPPO mobile phone, cash money amounting to Php 2,500.00, black bonnet and a pair of gloves.

             Verification of the identity of the suspects is being conducted by LLanera Police Station in order to determine if they are also involved in series of hold-ups involving Indian Nationals.   

            PCSUPT SANTOS commended the operating troopsfor a job well done. He also assured the public that PRO 3 will continue its campaign to eradicate all forms of criminality within the region.

POLICE, PDEA NABBED NOTORIOUS DRUG PUSHERS

CAMP OLIVAS, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA- Police Regional Office 3 under the stint of PCSUPT RONALD V SANTOS, OIC, PRO3 once again proved that PRO3 is stern in its campaign against illegal drugs. Another accomplishment on drug- supply reduction strategy was attained by PRO3 through a buy bust operation conducted by joint police operatives and members of PDEA which yielded positive outcomes.

         

          On January 14, 2015 at around 1:45 in the afternoon, personnel of NEPPO CISOG together with personnel PDEA3 conducted buy bust operation at Lucy’s Restaurant located along Maharlika Hi-way, Brgy San Miguel na Munti, Talavera, Nueva Ecija which  resulted to the arrest of suspected drug pushers identified as Nasser MASSORONG y Pipino, 32 years old;  Noraina HADJI-AMEN y Pipino, 28 years old, both residents Valle Cruz, Cabantuan City; Marilyn ESPEJO y Sarmiento, 33 years old; Eligio Agustin y Dimaplis, 49 years old, both residents of Bangad, Cabanatuan City. Suspects were caught in the act of selling suspected shabu to poseur buyers.

          Arrested suspects are high value targets in the list of drug personalities. Confiscated from their possession were more or less 100gms of suspected shabu and other illegal drug paraphernalia.

          Suspects were brought to PDEA RO3 for proper disposition.

 

            PCSUPT SANTOS lauded the operating troops for their successful anti- illegal drug operations.

Parts of Tarlac City to experience five-hour power interruption on Saturday

TARLAC CITY-Parts of Tarlac City will experience up to five hours of power interruption on Saturday, January 17.

 

Affected with the brownout from 7:15AM to 12:00NN are Allied City Estates Subdivision and St. Raphael Executive Villas in barangay San Rafael as well as portions of San Sebastian including LHD Subdivision, Rowland Subdivision, Ninas Ville Phase 1 & 2, La Puerta Del Sol Subdivision, and Getha Subdivision.

 

“The outage is due to the need for re-configuration of primary poles and upgrading of 15KV distribution lines and facilitation of a maintenance check to replace and upgrade the wooden 15KV distribution and primary line poles from San Sebastian Village Phase 3 to Getha Subd,” Tarlac Electric Inc. said in a statement.

 

Moreover, Sitio Pangulo in barangay Carangian shall experience up to four hours of brownout on the same day from 8:30AM to 12:00NN.

 

This is due to the re-configuration and replacement of wooden 15KV distribution lines in the village. (Lorie Gene C. Cruz)

500 Army soldiers at Fort Magsaysay on standby to augment security in Papal visit, 7th ID under “red alert”

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – Some 500 soldiers comprising a full battalion have been put on standby by military authorities inside this sprawling reservation to serve as emergency augmentation for troopers providing security to visiting Pope Francis.

          Maj. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, 7^th ID commander, said the battalion-size augmentation troop can be dispatched anytime even as the whole reservation has been out on “red alert” for the five-day Papal visit starting today.

          “We have a full contingent of one  battalion ready to move anytime when the need arises,” Miranda said, 

          Miranda added that the entire 6,000-strong soldier population inside the reservation have been under strict orders not to go out unless they have a special mission.

          He said all leaves have been suspended to ensure that there is ca maximum number of troops on duty.

          Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. said that the red alert status was raised in all military camps to ensure that “no enemy of the state” can take advantage of the country’s preparations for the papal visit. 

                Army Capt. Mark Anthony Ruelos, chief of the 7^th ID’s public affairs office, said that Miranda has instructed to subordinate officials the constant accounting of troops to make sure they are all present unless they are on official mission.

PNoy declares January 20 as special non-working holiday in Tarlac City

TARLAC CITY-President Benigno Aquino III has declared January 20, a Tuesday, as special non-working holiday in Tarlac City in line with its celebration of the 4^thMelting Pot Festival.

 

Aquino issued Proclamation No. 940 “to give the people of Tarlac City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,”

 

This year’s festival carries the theme “Tuloy ang Pag-Unlad sa Masiglang Lungsod.”

 

Activities include a provincial trade fair, Zumba sa Piyesta, Miss Melting Pot Festival coronation night, Dance Battle, Mega Job Fair, Street Dancing competition, and Balikbayan night. (Lorie Gene C. Cruz)

Ecija lady trader visits dead pa, gets shot dead in cemetery

TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija – A 49-year-old businesswoman visited the cemetery here Monday night to pay respects to her dead father, only to end up dead herself after a lone gunman fired at her and her companion Monday night.

          Police Superintendent Wilson Santos II, Talavera police chief, identified 

The slain businesswoman as Julieta Santos of Barangay San Ricardo here. She died from gunshot wounds. Her companion,  Maricel Hipolito, 39, was wounded but survived the attack.

The motive for the attack is not yet known.

SPO2 Rodrigo Valdez, investigator of the Talavera police, said the shooting incident broke out at around 6:15 pm Monday inside the cemetery in Purok 7, Barangay San Ricardo here.

Valdez said Santos and Hipolito entered the cemetery to visit the tomb of the former’s father. The two were chatting inside the mausoleum when the still unidentified gunman surfaced  and fired at them then fled. 

          A bloodied Hipolito managed to cry out for help. She was brought to the nearby extension hospital of the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC) while Santos was brought to the Eduardo L Joson Memorial Hospital (ELJMH) in Cabanatuan City. They were transferred to another hospital  but Santos was declared dead-on-arrival.

          A team from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) led by Chief Inspector Jebie Timario later recovered seven empty shells from a caliber 45 revolver.

Young Ecija mother flees from sex trafficking gang in Surigao

GABALDON, Nueva Ecija – A 23-year-old mother of three has escaped from the clutches of a suspected sex-trafficking syndicate in Surigao Islands which has reportedly been recruiting young women for supposed high-paying jobs only to end up as entertainers and prostitutes.

          Socorro (not her real name) managed to sneak out of a brothel in Surigao Wednesday back into the waiting arms of her grieving mother Veronica Lacandoza of Barangay Calabasa in this town. She and a dozen others have been forced into white slavery in a restaurant used as fronts for prostitution in Surigao.

          The woman, a high school drop-out, showed contusions and bruises in both arms reportedly after she was repeatedly beaten up by three burly bouncers of the restaurant which, she said, was owned by a Japanese national. It was her punishment for refusing to entertain customers, mostly foreigners in the faraway island.

          Lacandoza told reporters that her daughter’s misfortunes started when the latter applied for a job as a waitress in San Pedro, Laguna last October 22. The victim said she was lured by the promise of a high salary amounting to P150 per hour. She identified her employer as a certain Santos.

          “I got interested in the job because it was my way of survival and it would ensure food for my family,” the dusky victim, who has three children aged six, five and three, said.

          The victim has long been estranged from her husband who works as a jeepney conductor in the town. They have not seen each other for nine months.

          The victim added that after a week in her job, she and her two other companions were herded into a van by the employer who said they are going to haul some stuff to be brought to their place of work. While on their way, they fell asleep.

          She said that when they woke up, they found themselves in the company of 11 other women. They were later told by their companions that they were in a mountain island in Surigao. “All you could see outside were mountains,” she said.

          The woman said that in Surigao, they were treated like prisoners as they were not allowed to go outside.

They were also deprived of enough food to eat, making them weak. “Sometimes, we get to eat twice a day and there were times when we ate only once a day,” she said.

          She said they were forced to entertain customers, most of whom were Indian nationals.

          The woman said they may have been drugged by their “Mama Sang” who injected fluids into their body, causing them to lose consciousness. Their employer was described as an elderly, ugly long-haired and burly lady.  

          “For about four times a week, I got dizzy,” she said, recalling that the drugs were injected during the night. She said at times, they were made to sniff something which emits a fragrant then a putrid smell.

          She said that on a number of occasions, she would refuse to entertain customers and in the process, she would be mauled by the bouncers who would only let up when she has lost consciousness.

          The woman said that her employer’s sister, identified only as Jo, took pity on her and her two other companions and plotted her escape.

On January 7 at around 3:30 pm, Jo managed to persuade the employer to allow the woman and her two other companions to go out on the pretext that customers are supposedly waiting for them. “Mama Sang allowed Jo to accompany us because she thought we won’t be allowed to escape. Jo was very much trusted,” the victim said.

Outside, they boarded the trip bound for Matlog, Sorsogon . There, they transferred to another ferry which took them to Manila, using the fare sent to her by her mother.

Ben dela Cruz, one of Lacandoza’s advisers who helped fetched the victim in Manila and back to their home in Calabasa,  called on authorities to investigate and track down the syndicate which has been victimizing unsuspecting women and feeding them to sex-starved customers.

He advised women job-seekers to be wary of advertisements posted in public places promising of high-paying jobs which actually were a modus operandi to lure them and later turn them into sex workers in far-flung places.

           “At first, padadamahin lang sila (they would be entrapped) and afterwards, they would be turned into GROs for the flesh trade,” he said. – Manny Galvez

Once-sizzling Cabanatuan now chilly at 20°C

CABANATUAN CITY - This city - which historically has been notoriously hot and sizzles particularly during the summer months - is now recording cold temperatures over the past nine days, including a 19.3° Celsius last Saturday, the state bureau reported.

          Dominador Campo, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)-Cabanatuan, said that the January 10 temperature is the coldest so far this year in this city, eclipsing the 19.4° Celsius posted on January 4. 

This city has been experiencing relatively cold spell since January 1 and 2 where it recorded identical temperature of 22.5° C.

It also recorded temperatures of 19.6° Celsius on January 3, 21.9 degrees Celsius on January 5, 21.2° Celsius on January 6 and 23° Celsius on January 8.

Campo said the lowest recorded temperature in the city last year was 15.8° Celsius on January 25, 2014.

Temperatures have been dropping in various places of the country since the onset of the northeast monsoon or amihan last October, with Baguio City, the country’s summer capital posting a temperature of 10.6° Celsius Sunday.

           Its lowest recorded temperature was at 6.3° Celsius on January 18,1961. 

Legarda Hopes Pope’s Visit Will Inspire Climate Action, Foster Peace In Mindanao

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said she looks forward to Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the Philippines, noting that the Pope has been very vocal about the need for man to act against environmental degradation and climate change.

She also expressed hope that the Pope’s visit will breathe new life into the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

“I look forward to the statements of Pope Francis about climate change and how it affects the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society. The Pope’s visit to the Philippines, especially in Tacloban which was greatly devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan, signifies not only his concern for Filipinos and the survivors of the typhoon but also his stance on climate change and humanity’s role in protecting the environment,” said Legarda, United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

The Senator said that Pope Francis has been calling upon humanity to be the ‘protectors of the environment’. Moreover, the Pope is expected to issue an encyclical on climate change after his visit to the Philippines.

“Pope Francis understands that the poorest citizens of the world are the most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation. The Earth that we live in provides us with our needs, and even if we have all the money in the world, we will not survive in a deteriorating environment. I hope this will be among his messages to the Filipinos so that we would be more mindful of our environment by respecting our environmental laws, veering away from a consumptive lifestyle, and working towards sustainability and resilience,” she stressed.

“Protecting and preserving our environment is a moral responsibility for everyone. The impact of nature’s forces on vulnerable communities must be reduced to prevent disasters and alleviate poverty. Inaction to reduce risk is a ‘social sin’, an injustice to the poor,” she added.

Meanwhile, Legarda said she is also optimistic that the Pope’s visit will help advance the attainment of peace and stability in the country, especially in Mindanao.

“We all know how much Pope Francis values peace and inter-religious friendship.  He actively promotes respect and solidarity among men and women of different religions and traditions as he believes that all of us are children of God,” she stressed.

Legarda has been incredibly supportive of the government’s programs for the Bangsamoro people. She said that the ongoing peace talks, accompanied by a genuine dialogue between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is a significant step in gaining the trust and faith of the Bangsamoro people and of the whole nation in the government's efforts for peace and reconciliation.

She added that the issues of cultural and religious biases and prejudices, human rights violations, corruption, land conflict and poverty—the root causes of conflict in Mindanao—must be addressed to finally put an end to this longstanding conflict.

“We are immensely blessed to receive His Holiness. I believe that he will open the minds of both Christians and Muslims and bring Filipinos of different religions and cultures closer together.”

In his 2013 apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis noted that the Church’s relationship with the followers of Islam has become of great importance, since they are now significantly present in many traditionally Christian countries, where they can freely worship and become fully a part of society.

POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECT IN NEWS CORRESPONDENT’S KILLING

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – As a result of its commitment to eradicate all forms of criminality in the region and to quickly resolve crimes, the suspect in the shooting to death of Nerlita LEDESMA, Abante news correspondent was arrested  a day after the incident in Samal, Bataan on January 9, 2015.

In the morning of January 9, 2015, joint personnel of Special Investigation Task Group “LEDESMA” conducted follow-up operation in Sitio Torres, Brgy San Juan, Samal, Bataan which led to the arrest of the suspect identified as Inocencio BENDO y Dela Cruz @ Bandio, 39 years old, single and a resident of said place after he was positively identified thru photograph by a witness.

Arrested suspect was brought to Bataan Police Provincial Office for documentation prior his temporary detention at Balanga City Jail.  

Police authorities continue to delve on the motive of the killing and are now focused on whether the arrested suspect is connected to a group of whom the victim had squabbled over the management of five (5) hectares of land arising from the collection of monthly dues and Tagnai land mortgage or a member of a gun –for-hire group paid to neutralized the victim.

Police Chief Supt. Ronald V Santos, OIC, PRO3 lauded the operating troops for the quick resolution of the case and further remarked that one criminal off the street accords citizens with a sound sleep. Moreover, he directed all Police Provincial Offices to conduct an obstinate, efficient campaign and advocacy by implementing a wide-ranging pro-active approach/strategy on its campaign against lawless elements in coordination with various law enforcement and other concerned government agencies. 

 

      

New town hall rises in NE to replace old town hall ravaged by fire

SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija – A brand-new municipal hall was unveiled here Thursday, over a year after a fire burned down the old town hall, allegedly by the camp of the losing mayoral candidate.

          Gov. Aurelio Umali led the inauguration of the new municipal building along with his wife, gubernatorial aspirant Rep. Czarina and close allies led by her running mate, Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos, Mayor Antonino Lustre, Vice Mayor Jose Balagtas and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office director Joe Taruc V.

          The two-story new town hall was funded by the provincial government at a cost of P17 million sourced from the governor’s intelligence funds.

          The town hall replaced the former municipal building which was razed to the ground in a fire that broke out before dawn on June 7,2013, destroying equipment and election materials. It broke out two days after ballot boxes stored there after the 2013 polls were ordered transferred to the Regional Trial Court in Gapan City after former mayor Arvin Salonga filed an election protest against Lustre.

          The Bureau of Fire Protection has filed charges of arson against Salonga in connection with the incident in this town, the hometown of famed broadcaster Anthony “Ka Tunying” Taberna. 

          In his speech, Umali said the project is his administration’s gift to the people of San Antonio, not just to its political leaders and will serve them irrespective of their political color and leaning.

          He recalled that when the old town hall was burned down, townsfolk expressed outrage over the incident. “You could feel the anger and the wrath,” he said.

“It’s time for the people to move on and open their hearts to forgiveness, to forgive themselves,” said.

“It’s time for San Antonio to become known as a zone of peace, adding the people should not allow its dark past to overwhelm them and divide them, referring to the town’s history of political turbulence. He talked of how Balagtas experienced being harassed under the previous administration.

Congresswoman Umali, for her part, said the new town hall speaks of a new house, new government, renewed enthusiasm and new services to the people. – (Manny Galvez) 

Ecija board member says a Duterte on politics : “handa akong mamatay at magpapatay”

CABANATUAN CITY – A close ally of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos has become a scene-stealer, stealing the thunder from the two top officials of the province by saying a mouthful ala Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, declaring she is ready to die and to order a killing because these are necessary evils in politics.

          Speaking during the inauguration of the new municipal hall of San Antonio town Thursday, an outspoken Board Member Tess Patiag minced no words, creating a stir when she said she is willing to sacrifice her life and take life in return as a politician.

          “Handa akong mamatay at magpapatay (I’m willing to die and to order killing myself), Patiag said without batting an eyelash before a flustered audience that includes Umali and Padiernos.    

          She said anyone should be prepared for anything that comes once he or she entered politics. “Kung gusto mong maglingkod, harangan ka man ng sibat (If you want to serve, even if your path is blocked with a spear, you can’t be deterred),” she added.

          Patiag then told the people not to fear and that they should be fearless.

        However, Patiag, who is supporting the gubernatorial bid of Umali’s wife, third district Rep. Czarina, later contradicted herself,  saying public servants should be pro-people and should not resort to violence to achieve political ends.

“Politicians should order nobody killed,” she said.

        

        Reacting to Patiag’s pronouncements, Umali who is chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) said he himself was surprised.

          He said no one has the right to take the life of anyone. Nobody is above the law,” he said. (Manny Galvez)