A.ya.gan

RESIDENCY ISSUE: Group puzzled by Comelec inaction on case against Yap

2010-04-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TAGBILARAN CITY—AN ALLIANCE OF fishermen expressed bewilderment over the delay in the Commission on Elections’ action on the disqualification case it filed against former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who is running unopposed for congressman in Bohol’s third district.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), in the case it filed at the Comelec, said Yap was not qualified to represent Bohol’s third district because he does not reside there.

Pamalakaya said Yap continues to reside in Ortigas, Pasig City, and has never abandoned it as his domicile.

Election requirement

Election laws require candidates for congressmen to be residents of the district they want to represent for at least a year before the elections.

The group said Yap’s case was similar to that of actor Richard Gomez, who was declared by the Comelec’s Second Division not qualified to run for representative in Leyte for not being a resident there.

Pamalakaya said the Comelec has yet to tackle the case against Yap.

“We are puzzled by this development. The disqualification case we filed last March 9 should have been resolved in the soonest possible time or at least one week after we filed the disqualification case against Secretary Yap,” Pamalakaya chair Fernando Hicap said in a statement sent to the Inquirer.

Untouchable?

“Is Mr. Yap really untouchable according to political circles in and out of Comelec?” Hicap said.

At least 40 members of Pamalakaya and party-list group Anakpawis trooped to the Comelec national office on Thursday to ask Melo and the Comelec commissioners to tackle immediately the disqualification case against Yap.

The group filed a manifestation and motion urging the poll body to set the formal hearing for the disqualification case.

On March 9, the group also filed additional pieces of information before the Comelec to strengthen the disqualification case that the farmers filed against Yap.

The additional pieces of evidence include sworn statements signed by three officials of Barangay Buenavista in Loboc town disputing Yap’s claim that he was a resident of the far-flung barangay as he declared in his certificate of candidacy.

House on rough road

The supplemental information, which carried the signatures of former Barangay Buenavista secretary Corbino Cuhit, incumbent barangay councilor Basilio Balog and resident Mateo Ratonel, brother of incumbent barangay councilor Boy Ratonel, maintained that Yap has never been a resident of the barangay and that he just arrived in Buenavista at the start of the election season.

The three said the house and the address referred to by Yap as his official domicile in Buenavista, Loboc, was located in an area that was not passable by any motorized vehicle, except motorcycles, due to its rough roads and mountainous curves.

Pamalakaya maintained that Yap could not even speak the language of Boholanos. The group also said the former agriculture secretary and his family continue to stay in Metro Manila and that, in the concept of domicile under election laws, is at Alexandra Residence in Pasig City.

“His visits in Bohol are infrequent, short and transient,” Pamalakaya said.

Pamalakaya also cited the cases they filed against Yap in connection with the P455 million overpriced ice-making machines and the P7.14 billion in agriculture funds cited by the Commission on Audit in its 2008 report as missing, diverted or misspent.

“We filed this case not to spoil the political ambition of Secretary Yap. We filed this case because we want truth and justice to prevail over the narrow interest of the new breed of traditional and corrupt politicians,” the fisherman’s group added.

Erico-Cajes "war" erupts

2010-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The simmering animosity of two longtime allies finally exploded as Gov. Erico Aumentado and Second District Rep. Roberto Cajes lashed at each other with accusations of corruption and collusion with contractors to clinch local projects.

Aumentado took on the solon during his weekly media forum, "The Governor Reports" on Friday, blasting Cajes for allegedly benefiting from infrastructure projects through "favored contractors".

Cajes shot back yesterday challenging the governor to cull records from the Commission on Audit (COA) and compare how much of congressional "pork barrel" allocations were actually utilized and poured into the second district during each of their three terms as congressman.

Cajes unleashed his own offensive by citing the governor's failure to implement decent infrastructure projects in his nine years as congressman. "Aumentado is besieged with accusations of corruption since he was a congressman and up to this time that he is governor. No matter how hard he tries to project himself as a serious crusader against graft, people won't believe him," Cajes stressed.

Highly-placed sources revealed to the Chronicle that there have been at least two reconciliatory meetings brokered by the administration party's national executive committee between Aumentado and Cajes in Manila.

But the recent exchange of tirades between the governor and the solon may have flushed out chances of unifying once again the province's Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwarts, the sources said.

The word war was triggered when Cajes declared in an interview over "Inyong Alagad" program of Station dyRD that the reinstatement of the governor's Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (Cona) as Lakas-Kampi official congressional bet in the second district was just a "consuelo de bobo".

WIPE OUT CORRUPTION

Aumentado is projecting his bid to reclaim his old Congress seat as "a crusade to wipe out widespread corruption" prevailing in the second district.

The governor accused Cajes of giving preference to non-Boholano contractors to the dismay of the Bohol Builders and Contractors Association.

Aumentado said local contractors met with him Thursday to air their sentiments and that they find bids being rigged in favor of contractors outside Bohol.

"Local builders feel they are discriminated over non-local bidders no matter how qualified they are to undertake the projects in the district even if they strictly adhere to requirements of the bidding process," the governor bared.

He divulged that "the most influential official in the second district" is "using his influence" to corner most of the contracts for bidders not from Bohol.

Local builders purportedly told the governor that contractors from Cebu and Leyte are favored despite having observed their slow operations.

Aumentado likewise denounced the congressman's alleged connection to a "dummy-contractor" which has been awarded infrastructure projects in the district.

"This is shameful and I could not turn my back on something that has to be stopped.

My candidacy is also a campaign to stomp out corruption in the second district," he stressed.

WHO'S CORRUPT?

Cajes turned the tables on Aumentado saying it was the latter who brought in foreign contractors.

"He is accusing me now of what he was doing then. Who invited Hanjin and other Korean and Chinese contractors here?" Cajes asked.

The solon said the present situation is more favorable to local builders who can compete freely in bidding for projects, Cajes added.

Cajes explained that congressmen could not control the bidding process as it is open and competitive.

Reacting to the governor's insinuation of a "dummy contractor" that is closely associated to the solon, Cajes retorted that the governor knows that the owner of the batching plant being alluded to, is the latter's "kumpare".

"In fact, many people know the governor himself has given favors to this 'kumpare' by awarding him several projects. You have more reason to believe that he may be the co-owner of that batching plant, and just laying the blame on me," Cajes said.

ASPHALT OVER CEMENT

The governor accused Cajes of wasting government funds by causing the implementation of a P10-million road rehabilitation project in Talibon by overlaying asphalt over a concrete road that is still in good condition.

"Sourced out of the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC), the P10-million funding is shamefully wasted," Aumentado stressed.

He added that the asphalt overlay only covered 1,350 meters with a 6.10 meter width, and yet it costs P10-million.

"I have been informed that the asphalt is of substandard quality and awarded to a contractor that has no Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)," Aumentado disclosed.

"Why award it to a contractor that has not complied with government regulations? This project reeks of under the table arrangements," he added.

NATIONAL FUND

But Cajes shrugged off the issue saying the asphalt overlay is a national highway maintenance project and not sourced out of his PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund).

"Only DPWH can decide on what to do with that MVUC funding. My PDAF are utilized for barangay and municipal projects," he justified.

According to the solon, he was responsible for the re-blocking of portions of the governor's circumferential road project out of his PDAF.

UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION

Aumentado presented to media farm-to-market road projects funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the whole year of 2009 intended for the second district.

A total of 43 road rehabilitation and construction projects all went to the town of Trinidad, the hometown of Cajes.

"Trinidad is not the second district, but all farm-to-market road projects under the DA went to that single town," he pointed out.

The governor also disclosed that provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) Nestor Canda was allegedly "pressured" by Cajes to implement a P15-million upland development project funded by the DENR to the town of Trinidad.

However, Canda refused as the amount was intended to be distributed in the entire province and not just for one town, according to the governor.

CAJES STRIKES BACK

Defending himself against the allegation, Cajes said that if the governor believes he has done something illegal, then he should file a formal complaint in the proper forum.

"Nobody has ever sought an investigation against me until now that I am going to end my full three terms," Cajes said.

"I challenge him to account for his pork barrel funds and where it ended up as we do not see major projects during his three terms as the congressman of the second district," Cajes said.

The congressman vowed that he is "pushed by circumstances", he will uncover documents in public that would be a major bombshell against Aumentado.

A louder cry to save the tarsiers

2010-01-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:01:00 01/08/2010

SAVE THE TARSIER” has become the battle cry of environmentalists in Bohol.

The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), which is endemic to the forests of Bohol and extremely territorial, is being threatened to extinction by poachers, hunters and even wild predatory animals.

As conservationists struggle to protect the shy, cuddly little creatures that have been around for 45 million years, a booming local tourism industry has been unkind to its lot.

For almost a decade now, business establishments thriving along Bohol’s tourism corridor have opened up tarsier viewing spots as an added attraction to the island’s world-renowned tourist destinations—the Chocolate Hills, ecotourism adventure parks, beach resorts and the Loboc River cruise.

Snatched from the wild, the tarsiers are kept in cages for easy tourist viewing.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulates businesses in possession of tarsiers since the animals were classified as threatened species.

Permits

“[But] DENR permits, such as the Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR), are issued to those holding tarsiers in captivity without going through a stringent process of verification,” says lawyer Raul Barbarona of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (Elac).

A person or entity can operate a tarsier viewing business even without complying with guidelines contained in the CWR, such as proof of financial and technical capability and the presence of a facility to maintain the wildlife.

At least nine business establishments have been allowed by the DENR to possess tarsiers, mostly in the town of Loboc.

Tarsiers are nocturnal animals and should not be disturbed during daytime. The tarsier has one of the slowest fetal growth rates among mammals, taking six months to reach a birth weight of 23 grams.

Based on scientific studies, the primates commit suicide in captivity due to trauma from stress caused by human touching and loud noise.

Tarsier behavior and activities have been filmed by international documentary networks, such as National Geographic Channel and British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC)—proofs that the animal has become one of the country’s signature tourism mascots.

Carlito Pizarras, field supervisor of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation Inc. (PTFI), recalled that in the 1960s, there were so many tarsiers that he could easily spot a handful by simply looking around.

As a young boy, Pizarras used to catch tarsiers for his father, a taxidermist. They stuffed tarsiers and sold them to tourists. Demand for tarsiers grew among collectors and even scientists who used them for experiments.

For his skill in catching tarsiers, Pizarras became popular in his hometown of Corella. But his lifelong relationship with the tiny creatures earned him the moniker “Tarsier Man.”

He estimates the current number of tarsiers at 1,000.

Concerned with the dwindling figure, Carlito started working for tarsier protection. He collaborated with the PTFI, a nonstock, nonprofit organization, which put up an 8-hectare tarsier sanctuary in Corella.

With the help of the DENR, the PTFI center slowly expanded to cover 167 ha in the three municipalities of Corella, Sikatuna and Loboc.

Display ban

In February last year, the provincial board passed an ordinance prohibiting the possession of tarsiers for commercial use. The law mandated that all individuals and entities holding the tarsiers in captivity should turn these over to the PTFI sanctuary.

It was a landmark legislation that received praises from international wildlife charity group Born Free Foundation of the United Kingdom.

Yet, for almost a year now, business operators continue to display the animals in clear violation of the ordinance. They merely obtained wildlife registration permits from the DENR.

Government inaction on the commercial display of the tarsiers has caught public attention repeatedly.

Barbarona is urging the DENR to review its wildlife permits. “Since the issuance of the permits is legally binding on the part of the permittees, there should be a legal process for its revocation based on documented violations,” he says.

The environmental lawyer maintains that the DENR should check whether establishments holding tarsiers captive are observing the guidelines contained in the permits, such as technical capabilities.

Insensitive tourists

He cited one instance when a Cebu-based tour guide allowed his guests to poke and force-feed the tarsiers in one establishment in Loboc. One tourist caught it on video and uploaded in YouTube, generating hundreds of hits in a matter of days.

As a result of the online report, Bohol’s tourism industry suffered a big blow.

Barbarona received other reports that tourists at tarsier viewing sites in Loboc, despite warning signs, insisted on holding the primates and even used camera flashes for close-up souvenir shots with them.

Instead of correcting and monitoring these incidents, the DENR “seems to be paying no attention to this unrestrained abuse,” Barbarona said.

For his part, provincial board member Alfonso Damalerio II, principal author of the tarsier ordinance, called anew for the seizure of all commercially held tarsiers and turn them over to the PTFI.

Damalerio noted that the law had remained inutile as the provincial executive department had yet to issue its implementing rules and regulations.

Loboc municipal officials are against the closure of the tarsier viewing sites, saying these draw more tourists and offered an added attraction of the river cruise.

But the tarsier sanctuary is open to guests and tourists who are allowed to view the animals in their natural habitat with trained forest guides.

Groups ask Yap to quit Cabinet, House run, face plunder rap

2010-01-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:21:00 01/09/2010

Graft & Corruption, Government, Agriculture, Protest, Eleksyon 2010, Elections

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines—Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap was told by militant groups on Saturday to resign from his Cabinet post and abandon his bid for a Congress seat in Bohol following the plunder case filed against him.

The group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and Anakpawis party said Yap should resign from the Department of Agriculture and quit from running as candidate in the third district of Bohol because of the plunder case filed against him and 14 others over the purchase of P455 million in ice-making machines that were allegedly overpriced.

Yap should “exercise political delicadeza and instead focus on his defense against the plunder complaint and other criminal and administrative charges filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap and Anakpawis secretary general Cherry Clemente said in a joint statement.

“If we are in his shoes we will leave the agriculture portfolio and drop the dream of becoming a lawmaker,” their joint statement said.

Last week, leaders of Pamalakaya and Anakpawis Representatives Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod led the filing of a plunder complaint against President Macapagal-Arroyo, Yap and 13 others for the purchase of 98 ice-making machines which they claimed were overpriced by P2.3 million per unit.

Hicap and Clemente asked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to immediately place Yap and officials of the National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) under preventive suspension while the Office of the Ombudsman is evaluating the complaint.

Nabcor said all transactions in the purchase of ice-making machines were transparent and above board.

Nabcor spokesperson Kathyrin Pioquinto said the accusations were “without basis, far from the truth and perjurious.”

Pioquinto also said Yap had nothing to do with the process although Nabcor is a government-owned and -controlled corporation attached to the DA.

“Yap is neither an officer nor a director of Nabcor,” Pioquinto said.

However, the militant groups said “the COA findings reveal the exact opposite.”

The militant groups said DA, through Nabcor, awarded a government contract to a lone bidder—the Integrated Refrigeration System and Services (IRSS)—in September 2009 for ice-making units at P4,650,000 per unit, or about P2.3 million higher compared to prevailing industry prices for the ice-making machines.

The government, the complainants said, can obtain 98 units of ice-making machines for P225 million to P230 million, or half of the what the DA spent for them.

Plunder raps against Agriculture Sec. Yap

2010-01-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Two partylist solons and a militant fisherfolk group made true its threat against Secretary Arthur Yap as it filed plunder raps against him, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and six others in relation to the alleged overpriced procurement of ice-making machines under the principle of command responsibility.

However, Sec. Yap, who is unchallenged in his bid for Bohol’s third district congressional seat, debunked the charges as “pure harassment” saying he had “no direct participation in whatever capacity” over the purchase which was handled by the National Agribusiness Corporation (Nabcor).

Yap told the Chronicle the charges filed against him is just a publicity stunt fabricated by the militant group who are seeking media mileage to obtain votes needed to clinch sectoral seats in Congress.

The two main complainants of the plunder complaint filed at the Ombudsman on the first working day of 2010 are Anakpawis Partylist Representatives Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod and Pambansang Lakas ng mga Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) chair Fernando Hicap and vice chair Salvador France.

Pamalakaya, which provided a copy of its complaint to the Chronicle yesterday, said Pres. Arroyo and Sec. Yap should be held liable for the Department of Agriculture’s procurement of the ice-making machines.

It claimed that in September 2009, Integrated Refrigeration System and Services was awarded a contract to supply 98 ice-making units at P4.6 million a unit—about P2.3 million higher than the prevailing industry price.

Yap dismissed the allegations saying the Nabcor is distinct and separate from the DA. He said the Nabcor is a government owned and controlled corporation with its own officers and board of directors who handle transactions such as the acquisition of the refrigeration equipment.

The agriculture boss and Lakas-Kampi CMD candidate for congressman in the third district said he is optimistic the Ombudsman will drop the charges against him. Other than the absence of his participation in the purchase, the process went through an open competitive bidding, as explained by Nabcor officials.

In an interview with radio station dyRD, Nabcor spokesperson Atty. Kathyrin Pioquinto pointed out that Yap was not even part of the bidding for the 98 ice-making machines which the militant groups alleged to be overpriced by P2.3 million each.

Pioquinto challenged the Pamalakaya to present its evidence in dragging the name of Yap and that of the President in the application of the principle of command responsibility.

DENR asked: Check display of Tarsiers

2010-01-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

The continued inaction of government authorities on the commercial display of the Tarsiers again caught public attention as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urged to review wildlife registration certificates issued to tourism establishments here.

As new reports surface on the maltreatment of caged and captive tarsiers, Environmental Legal Assistance Center (Elac) executive director Raul Barbarona called on the DENR to review all certificates of wildlife farm permits it issued to business establishments especially in the towns of Loboc and Loay.

“Since the issuance of the permits is legally binding on the part of the permittees, then there should be a legal process for its revocation based on documented violations,” Barbarona said.

The DENR should likewise check whether these establishments holding captive tarsiers are observing the guidelines contained in the DENR certifications, such as their technical capabilities to hold captive the threatened species.

After an incident occurred between a tourist and a Cebu-based tour guide who allowed his guests to poke and force-feed the tarsiers in one establishment in Loboc, the issue regarding the permittees’ capability to hold the tarsiers in its possession has died down without any recommendations coming from the DENR.

Barbarona received reports that tourists visiting tarsier viewing sites in Loboc continue to hold the tiny species and even use camera flash when taking pictures within a close distance from the tarsiers.

According to Barbarona, instead of correcting and monitoring these reported incidents, “the DENR seems to be paying no attention on this unrestrained abuse”.

For his part, provincial board member Alfonso Damalerio II, principal author of an ordinance prohibiting the display of tarsiers outside its natural habitat, said the implementation of the provincial measure is already an executive prerogative.

There have been reports that the ordinance remains inutile as the executive has not crafted its implementing rules and regulations.

Barbarona said, the provincial government should check whether the DENR has issued new wildlife farm permits and ensure that compliance with the permit’s guidelines is followed.

Rep. Cajes hits malicious news on road mishap

2010-01-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Second District Representative Roberto Cajes was an “unfortunate target of incorrect stories” of a road accident involving a sports utility vehicle registered to his daughter.

A story published last Sunday (not in the Chronicle) reported that the incumbent congressman and mayoralty candidate of Trinidad town survived the car crash in barangay Oy, Loboc after his driver lost control of the steering wheel.

The report continued that Rep. Cajes suffered contusions and limped as he got out of the wrecked vehicle after it smashed onto an electric post Friday last week.

The Chronicle reported that the vehicle, registered to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) national president Jane Censoria Cajes, the solon’s daughter, was driven by one of the family’s personal drivers together with one of the congressman's police escorts who were on their way to Trinidad.

The police security detail was identified as PO2 Dante del Rosario Jr. who escaped unhurt from the road mishap. The solon’s driver, Richard Cerio however suffered injuries and was rushed to a hospital.

A furious Rep. Cajes yesterday challenged those who “concocted the malicious stories to a tennis match, a feat which any injured person could not do”.

“I am in Trinidad right now, and anybody who has doubts can see for themselves whether I am injured or not,” the solon remarked.

A Boholano blog-site over the internet also reported the incident which said that the congressman was critically injured and airlifted to a hospital in Cebu City. The website likewise revealed that several high-powered firearms were recovered from the wrecked vehicle of Cajes.

Based on the account of PO2 Del Rosario, they were on the way to Trinidad town from Tagbilaran City when the driver lost control of the steering wheel after he tried to avoid collision with another vehicle.

Del Rosario said the road was narrow and slippery which made it hard for the driver to maneuver away from the other vehicle.

They rammed into an electrical post at the roadside wrecking the SUV.

‘Tardy’ lawmakers delay SP sessions

2010-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday again failed to convene on time for its regular session as some board members continue to be either tardy or absent.

For quite some time now, the provincial board has been besieged by tardiness and absenteeism among lawmakers causing its failure to reach a quorum and for sessions to formally commence on time.

Yesterday, in its first session for the year 2010, legislative staff and mediamen who cover the weekly assembly of the provincial lawmaking body could only wait in silent frustration as Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera called a pre-conference with board members who were present minutes before 12 noon.

Legislative aides constantly monitoring if a quorum could be reached for the regular session said “some board members could not report punctually”.

“Old bad habits are simply hard to break,” said one SP staff who observed the perennial delays in holding sessions.

Although Vice Gov. Herrera reported at his office on time (9 a.m.), he could not call the usual pre-conference meeting prior to the session proper due to the absence of several board members.

Some board members were already at the Capitol compound but were attending to appointments with constituents who flocked the legislative offices yesterday.

Even the office of the vice governor was packed with visitors who were waiting to seek audience with Herrera.

With a few months to go before the May 2010 Elections, tardiness and absences is expected to plague SP sessions with four board members running for mayor in their respective hometowns.

The issue of tardiness had been the object of a resolution adopted by the SP on July 2007, as Herrera was obviously irked by late comers among his colleagues. The SP had been the subject of attacks when its sessions, which supposedly starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., are delayed and usually held at 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In an effort to impose discipline among tardy lawmakers, the SP resolution which in effect changed its House Rules slapped fines of P500 for members who come late on session days after the roll call is made.

However, the continued frequent tardiness and absences of some members indicate that the resolution seeking to apply sanctions against its members is not being enforced.

“Clearly, the sessions are purposely delayed to accommodate board members who still come late,” said an SP staff who refused to be identified.

Carmen mayoralty race takes ugly turn

2010-01-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

The rivalry between two mayoralty candidates in Carmen deepens as both camps threw accusations that have encroached into their personal lives.

Reelectionist Mayor Manuel Molina and his challenger Conchita Toribio both made it big in the nation’s capital by establishing their own businesses, but later wanting to go back to their roots and serve the constituents of Carmen.

Mayor Molina yesterday challenged his election opponent to answer the issues concerning her “bigamous marriage” instead of launching an attack against his company.

According to Molina, Toribio should answer directly and explain to the people of said town her true marital status, bigamous marriage and her material representation on her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC), instead of attacking him and his own marital status.

But Toribio retorted saying her life is an open book. “I have nothing to hide and be ashamed of, be it regarding my marriage or my dealings in business,” Toribio told the Chronicle.

In his petition for disqualification filed at the Comelec Manila against Toribio, the mayor alleged that his rival is hiding under the family name of her second husband to evade arrest as she has three pending warrants of arrest resulting from cases of estafa and violations of the anti-bouncing check law.

Last week, the lady mayoralty aspirant bared Molina’s “first wife” is ready to “bare all” during the campaign period to refute the incumbent mayor’s claims that he has annulled his marriage with his first wife.

Toribio disclosed some former employees in Molina’s company will be suing the mayor after they found out that their monthly deductions for SSS contributions were never remitted.

The mayor however said, Toribio “exaggerated” the SSS contribution issue against his company.

“It is absolutely not true that employees are due to file a case against me,” Molina asserted.

What took place, he said, “was only some sort of a miscommunication between my company and the personnel of the SSS with respect to the correct data of employees”.

Molina explained that at present, the problem had already been resolved and the SSS contribution is already paid and accepted by the SSS.

According to Molina, the marriage of Toribio with Zosimo G. Ordoñez on May 14, 1978 is not null and void.

In her explanation, Toribio said that such marriage is null and void per se because she was only 17 years of age at the time.

“Toribio is lying to the people because at 17, in the year 1978 at the time of her marriage with Ordoñez, she was legally allowed under the New Civil Code to enter into marriage” Molina said.

It is only in 1988 upon the effectivity of the Family Code that the marriageable age was changed to 18, he added.

Consequently, Molina argued, the second marriage of Toribio with FRANCISCO S. DELOS REYES on January 8, 2002 without first obtaining a court order declaring her first marriage with Ordoñez null and void, is bigamous.

“Toribio is not only criminally liable for bigamy but also for Falsification of Public Document for having declared as single when she applied for marriage license to enter into marriage with FRANCISCO S. DELOS REYES on January 8, 2002 in San Juan City, “Molina added. “Bigamy and Falsification of Public Document are public crimes upon which anybody can file complaints against Toribio not necessarily her husband Ordoñez,” Molina warned.

Molina said, he is not intimidated by the threat of Toribio that his first wife will campaign against him in his bid for reelection for an alleged bigamy. That issue had been known already when he ran for the first time as Mayor of Carmen in 2007, he said.

“Before entering into my second marriage with my present wife, I had obtained a declaration of nullity of my first marriage.” Molina said.

“The papers are with my wife and anyone may request for a photocopy,” the mayor dared.

POLITICAL HARASSMENT

Called to comment on Molina’s statement, Toribio said the mayor’s camp is resorting to “political harassment” after she got a good following during her consultations in the barangays.

“Molina sees that his reelection bid is seriously threatened. I feel sorry for him that he is more interested in my past life when I am more interested in serving the people of Carmen,” she said.

Supporting her allegations regarding former employees of the mayor who will be filing a case for non remittance of their SSS contributions, Toribio said they will surface in due time.

“With regards my first marriage, I consider it a premature marriage. If there are legal questions, my lawyer can handle that,” she added.

On the issue of several pending cases of estafa and violations of the bouncing check law against her, Toribio said these were already settled.

“I would not have this freedom to move around, presenting myself as a mayoralty candidate if warrants for my arrest are out,” she said.

Toribio disclosed that last week, two people were murdered in Carmen and until now, the case remains unsolved.

While police and military assigned in the town are on a manhunt, Toribio said, “The mayor is out of town for several days already. In fact, he is not in Bohol”.

Anti-reclamation group forged

2010-01-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Fishermen and villagers opposed to the ambitious plan to reclaim some 500-hectares off Panglao Bay have found an ally in former mayor Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan who vowed to mount a strong protest against the multi-billion proposal.

Concerns raised by oppositors to the project have remained muted until the group organized into Panglaoanons Against Reclamation (Pare) last week.

“There is no need to add artificial islets through reclamation in Panglao. More than losing its stature as a renowned natural tourist attraction, hundreds of marine species found in the proposed reclamation site will be destroyed,” Dumaluan stressed.

Two proponents have signified interest in the reclamation project aiming to convert a huge portion of Panglao Bay into hectares of prime land that will become a center of commerce, resorts and coastal tourism activities.

If the project pushes through, it would be the biggest offshore reclamation in the country that would compete with world-class developments that are drawing tourists.

Of the two proponents, one is entering into a joint venture with the provincial government to organize a consortium of giant and reputable developers.

With the May elections drawing near, the proposal promises to be a hot issue in Panglao among reelectionist Mayor Benedicto Alcala and three other aspirants for the town’s top post.

MARINE SPECIES

But Dumaluan said he has no political agenda in waging war against the proponents of the project.

Unlike his opposition to the Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project, Dumaluan cited marine researches showing the rich biodiversity around Panglao Island, including the planned site.

Project proponents have identified Panglao Bay as an ideal site for the reclamation since there are no marine sanctuaries in the area and its maximum water depth reaches only 0.4 meters during high tide.

Dumaluan however disagrees saying Panglao Island itself is considered as a center of biodiversity.

In 2007, a marine research team has found up to 250 new species of crustacean and 2,500 previously unknown species of mollusk around the island, the former mayor noted.

The team - composed of 80 scientists, technicians, students and volunteers from 19 countries - also gathered specimens previously regarded as rare to very rare, including those previously thought not to exist in the Philippines.

The discoveries are considered the most comprehensive survey of deep-sea invertebrates in the tropics.

The new discoveries were the product of the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project, the most comprehensive survey of deep-sea invertebrates in the tropics conducted from 2004 to 2005.

The former mayor cited that holotypes of the rare and new species have found its way to the Philippine National Museum to be available to scientists worldwide.

“Scientists from other countries said that Panglao alone is higher in diversity compared to Japan and the Mediterranean,” he added.

Species found during the survey include crustacean - a group that includes crayfish, crabs, lobsters and shrimps - and some hundreds of species of mollusks

MORE DETAILED STUDY

One of the proponents negotiating with the provincial government for a joint venture undertaking, Oasis Leisure Islands Development Inc. (OLIDI), however said that they will still come out with a detailed mapping of the proposed project site.

Norris Oculam, OLIDI president, explained to the Chronicle that issues raised by environmental groups and so-called oppositors are premature.

“We have learned that the other proponent already conducted boring tests in the area even without clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but as far as our group is concerned, we still have to make consultations with stakeholders,” he said.

Oculam said, after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) authorized last week Gov. Erico Aumentado to enter into negotiations for a joint venture, their next step will be the environmental and social study.

“This will be our basis if the proposal is ‘a go or no go’, but right now, everything is in the drawing board,” he explained.

He added that the public should not be prejudiced with sweeping statements of self-styled environmentalist regarding possible destruction the project would inflict on marine life in the area.

Oculam’s group, backed by biologists and marine scientists, will map out and survey every single square meter of the area to obtain the real dimensions about its marine life.

“We have to see if there is actually biodiversity in the proposed site, identify the species, before making judgments. Right now, what we have heard so far from oppositors are highly speculative and doubtful.”

Oculam said the determinant factor is the outcome of the environmental study and its social acceptability.

LP: “Still anyone’s ballgame”

2010-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

The Liberal Party (LP) in the province remains confident that they can capture the hearts of voters when the campaign period starts officially.

Perceived as a “third force” and weaker in terms of political infrastructure and machinery compared to the leading Lakas-Kampi-CMD and the other dominant opposition Nacionalista Party (NP), Liberals in the province led by gubernatorial bet actor Cesar Montano is looking at a big surge in the coming months.

“Montano may be trailing in polls against two rivals, Rep. Edgar Chatto (Lakas) and Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, but other independent surveys also shows him (Montano) posting a lead,” said former schools division superintendent Dr. Elpidio Jala, LP candidate for vice governor.

“It’s still anybody’s ballgame at this stage as we still have over two months before the start of the campaign,” Jala said.

In the campaign trail, Jala said Montano is expected to lure the young voters seeking a role model instead of trapos traditional politicians,” he said.

Jala, also relying on his ties with public school teachers, said the power struggle within Lakas is crucial for LP and NP candidates since some administration party bets may no longer toe the party line due to infighting among its members.

Although five are running for governor, Chatto, Herrera and Montano have a strong showing in radio surveys.

Jala said, he and Montano remains optimistic of their chances even with only 14 mayoral candidates out of 47 towns and Tagbilaran City.

Most of young voters, according to Jala, are already vigilant and will eventually make up their minds to support candidates who are not tainted with dirty politics.

“We hope to capture the youth votes. Our opponents may be endorsed by majority of incumbent mayors, but they are not the ones who can deliver the votes,” Jala continued.

While he may belong to the LP, Jala has the support of his brother and Lakas stalwart, former congressman Eladio Jala who is now a commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Meanwhile, incumbent third district solon, Rep. Adam Relson Jala was also heard in an interview over Station dyRD that he will be supporting his uncle, as any family member would do.

“Adam’s support would be a big boost and he could still persuade voters especially in the third district being the incumbent congressman,” Jala said.

Montano is a natural crowd drawer, according to Jala, being a popular movie actor and many young people would want to relate with him.

HOTEL OWNER'S MURDER SUSPECT: Hired assassin or fall guy?

2009-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

• CIDG says documents on suspects in order

By KIT BAGAIPO

The alleged gun-for-hire tagged in the killing of the owner of Via Bohol Tourist Inn blasted police investigators yesterday claiming he is a "frame-up" victim.

As the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Camp Dagohoy prepares its nine witnesses for today's preliminary hearing at the City Prosecutor's Office, the alleged hired gunman said police operatives are just looking for fall guys to have an immediate closure on their investigation.

Via Bohol owner Victoriano Taray, 48, was gunned down by a lone suspect in the early morning of March 12, 2009 after hearing mass at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in barangay Ubujan, this city.

Named respondents in the murder case filed by the CIDG are Aurelia Taray alias Au-au, the wife of the victim; Arnaldo Sarto alias Bogs of barangay Atchila, Ubay; and Renato Sabalande alias Rene, a resident of Poblacion Dagohoy.

Based on corroborating statements of witnesses, Sarto was the alleged triggerman contracted for the slay job by the victim's wife through Sabalande for a sum of P150,000.

All three accused are still at large while the Bohol Police Provincial Office is said to be providing tight security to the witnesses during today's hearing at the Hall of Justice, this city.

"POLICE SET-UP"

Sarto, the suspected gun-for-hire, called up the Chronicle yesterday lambasting police investigators as he denied any involvement in Taray's murder.

He said the police should dig deeper into the case and correct the injustice of pointing to him as the fall guy.

According to Sarto, he does not know Aurelia or any plot perpetrated to kill the latter's husband.

The suspect disclosed he will be consulting a police official regarding his predicament but will remain in hiding until the CIDG will conduct an honest investigation.

PNP CHIEF'S ORDER

In an interview with the Chronicle, Chief Inspector Germano Mallari, CIDG-Bohol chief, said their investigation was in order.

Mallari pointed out that identifying the suspects through their witnesses was a result of diligent and careful police work.

The police official admitted that the case got the attention of PNP Director General Jesus Versoza after the mother of the victim wrote the former regarding the status of the case.

It was upon Versoza's direct orders that the investigation was turned over to the CIDG from the City PNP.

"STRONG CASE"

C/Insp. Mallari is confident that they have built a strong case against the three suspects.

The criminal complaint filed by the CIDG is buttressed by 11 affidavits of witnesses.

However, only three of which linked the wife of the victim with regards to her supposed participation in the crime.

The preliminary hearing will be conducted by City Prosecutor Alberto Rara this afternoon.

Parents of dead 2-month old girl seeks help of NBI

2009-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

By KIT BAGAIPO

Shortly after her death, 2-month old Creslyn Lamoste allegedly lost her heart at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital (GCGRH) during an autopsy even as the infant's parents claimed they did not allow it.

In an interview with the Chronicle, the child's father Cresencio Lamoste said they confined their daughter at the GCGRH last September 21 due to pneumonia. But she died two days later.

According to Cresencio, the attending physician she identified as a certain Dr. Nagulada allegedly informed them that the hospital will conduct an autopsy.

Knowing their child died of pneumonia, Cresencio and the child's mother Adeline Gonzales at first refused the doctor's request but eventually agreed after they were told it was the hospital's policy.

The doctor allegedly told the parents that the hospital will refuse to admit any other member of their family if they do not agree to the procedure.

Reporters of station dyRD tried to get the side of Dr. Nagulada the past two days but to no avail.

In a separate interview with Dr. Edgar Pizarras, information officer of GCGRH, he said the management of the hospital will verify the case and conduct an investigation.

Pizarras did not say whether it was indeed a policy at the said government hospital to conduct autopsies even when the patient's relatives did not request for such procedure.

The parents discovered that doctors at the GCGRH took the child's heart when they brought her lifeless body for embalming at the Rodan Funeral Homes in Poblacion Calape town.

The embalmer, Jelfon Dano, was the one who discovered that the organ was missing when he tried to re-stitch the opening at the chest of the infant.

Both Cresencio and Adeline were shocked and enraged to learn that the child's heart was taken by doctors without their knowledge.

The couple reported the incident at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional office in Cebu City.

They said, they just want to seek justice for what has been done to their daughter.

Dr. Pizarras said the GCGRH will issue a statement once investigation can be conducted.

Actor Montano declines Arroyo appointment to run for Bohol gov

2009-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY -- Actor-director Cesar Montano announced on Tuesday that he declined the position of film czar so that he could focus on his bid to run for governor in Bohol in the 2010 elections.

Montano has long been rumored to be eyeing the province’s top position but has not confirmed his political plans until Tuesday.

Montano, whose real name is Cesar Manhilot and a registered voter in the town of Baclayon, said he and his family felt honored by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s appointment of him as Presidential Special Envoy for Film and Digital Cinema.

“I am grateful … but I regret to say I could not accept it since this will sidetrack my preparations for a gubernatorial bid in May 2010,” Montano said in a telephone interview aired on radio station dyRD Tagbilaran.

Montano, who initiated the interview, said he wanted to bring in “change in Bohol politics,” which he said was being “used by politicians for business interests.”

The actor-director disclosed that he has the support of his family. Wife and actress Sunshine Cruz is actively involved in promoting tourism in this island-province.

Cruz, who talked briefly during the interview, said she fully supported her husband’s political plans.

Montano’s appointment, which was signed by Ms Arroyo on May 19, would have accorded Montano diplomatic status.

When asked if he would seek the support of Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, Montano only said that he did not “need the blessings” of the governor.

Bohol solon defends Con-Ass

2009-06-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Brushing aside strong public objections against the move of the House of Representatives of setting up a constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the Constitution, Third District Rep. Adam Relson Jala crushed criticisms pointing out that changes in the Charter is “needed for progress”.

The solon engaged in a two-hour debate over Station dyRD’s top-rated programs “Inyong Alagad” and “Pulso” yesterday with bar topnotcher and 1971 Constitutional Convention delegate former OIC governor Victor Dela Serna.

Dela Serna is one of the vocal critics of Charter Change who sounded off warnings that administration congressmen are in cahoots with President Arroyo to use constitutional amendments as a cover to stay in power beyond 2010.

Jala however lambasted this argument saying “extending term limits of the president or other elected officials is out of the picture” in the passage of House Resolution 1109.

The controversial measure empowers Congress to convene itself into a Constituent Assembly in which members of the House and the Senate would vote jointly – not separately – to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The neophyte solon stressed “the noble intentions” of House Resolution 1109 which is just the “initial step to deal with defects of the 22-year old Constitution”.

“I could not speak for my colleagues in the House who voted for the measure but I can assure you that I am against extending the term of the president beyond 2010,” the lawmaker said.

Jala added that he will be “the first one to stand against any move to include the lifting of term limits”.

The solon explained that the process of amending the Charter could not be rushed to be used as “a charade”, as perceived by its critics, allowing Pres. Arroyo to perpetuate in power.

“While I am also in favor of the shift to parliamentary form of government, I likewise agree that this should be done after 2010 to remove any doubts that Malacañang is behind the move to revise the Charter”, the solon said.

“Amending the Constitution is necessary to make it responsive to much needed reforms such as social, political and economic ills”, he stressed.

In House Resolution 1109, the provisions to be deliberated for amendments are not yet even stated yet, according to Jala.

“We are still on the stage of convening a Con-ass, and this has yet to be considered by the Supreme Court due to contradictory interpretations of this mode of amending the Charter,” the solon explained.

P20-M BRIBE?

Dela Serna cited reports that each of the congressmen who voted for House Resolution 1109 received P20-million from Malacañang.

Jala dismissed the allegations saying the report came from unnamed sources published by the national dailies.

The congressman in turn challenged Dela Serna to file a petition with him at the Supreme Court to resolve the debates on the legality of HR 1109.

According to Jala, even if majority of the congressmen approved the resolution, the amendments will still pass deliberations of the Con-ass which will eventually be submitted for approval of the electorate in a plebiscite.

Jala countered Dela Serna’s statement that about 80-percent of the country’s populace are opposed to Cha-cha as shown by nationwide independent surveys.

“There is a clear need to revise our Constitution, and if it is indeed true that so many people are against it, then there is only one way of confirming that – a plebiscite,” Jala said.

“We are going through changes in our electoral process to make it more efficient. Hence, I trust doubts that a plebiscite can be railroaded to serve the interest of a few is baseless”, Jala concluded.

Pregnant ‘swine flu’ victim recovers

2009-06-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

• 6 private schools defer class opening

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol –

The 33-year old pregnant woman who tested positive of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus is now into full recovery, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7.

Renan Cimafranca, of the DOH-7 Regional Epidemiology Services Unit (RESU) bared that result of the second swab sample taken from the woman rendered negative.

The second test was taken from the 2-month pregnant woman last June 4, the same day the Regional Institute of Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City confirmed she was afflicted with the A(H1N1) virus based on the first swab sample taken on May 28.

But due to her pregnancy, the DOH-7 advised the woman to still look after her health and continue her self-quarantine at her residence for the next few days.

Cimafranca said health officials are still monitoring the persons who came into contact with the woman since May 23 up to June 4.

“Based on our tracing so far, nobody has exhibited symptoms of flu or developed influenza-like illness,” he said.

The monitoring of those who came into contact with the woman will be done for a period of 10 days, Cimafranca said. Those who had contact with her on June 4 will be monitored until June 14, he added.

“There is no problem right now and we are in constant communication with the woman and her family to monitor their condition,” Cimafranca assured.

Cimafranca said that while they were not able to give antiviral medication to the woman, since she is in the first trimester of pregnancy, her condition kept improving the past days.

The woman arrived in Bohol from California last May 23 but developed flu symptoms two days later and decided to seek medical treatment.

Showing signs of recovery from fever, the woman was discharged from the hospital even before the DOH could confirm that she is stricken with the dreaded A(H1N1) virus. The confirmation came eight days after the swab sample was taken by a team from the DOH regional office (May 28).

“Their response was so delayed and I had to wait several days for the confirmatory results,” she said.

She said regional health officials were the ones who gave her clearance to leave the hospital on May 25.

The release of the woman from the hospital have been the subject of complaints by the public here as she was the first confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) case in the province.

Meanwhile, at least six private schools here have moved their opening of classes to June 15 due to the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

In separate advisories released to the media Monday morning, the officials of Bohol Wisdom School, Holy Name University, University of Bohol, Bohol Institute of Technology, VDT Learning Center and Holy Spirit School said they postponed the opening of classes as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus in the school’s campuses.

All personnel and enrolled students in these schools were advised of the deferment of class opening through radio announcements.

On the other hand, during Holy Masses yesterday, the Catholic clergy here announced that in order to prevent the spread of the A(H1N1) virus, the faithful could only receive communion by the hand while holding of hands during the praying of “Our Father” should not be done in the meantime.

Villar raids Bohol Lakas-Kampi •Herrera denies coalition split up

2009-06-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Political realignment in the province had just begun.

Shortly after the merger of Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) which dominates elective posts here in Bohol, presidential timber Senator Manuel Villar stormed its ranks.

As a result, 25 municipal mayors officially took their oaths under the re-organized Nacionalista Party of Villar during a grand political gathering at the Bohol Tropics Resort last May 31. Several vice mayors and municipal councilors also joined the party.

However, downplaying speculations that the dominant political coalition in the province is disintegrating, Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera expressed confidence that a majority of the mayors would still "tow the line" once Gov. Erico Aumentado issues his "marching orders".

The governor is currently out of the country for an official trip with President Arroyo and some members of her Cabinet.

While he did not disregard the possibility that the governor may also join Villar's Nacionalista Party, Herrera said he will stand by Aumentado's decision.

"We respect the decision of the mayors who have decided to join Villar's party but I don't really think our political alliance is splitting up," Herrera stressed.

The vice governor disclosed that he conferred with some of the mayors who joined Nacionalista and most, if not all, of them still believed in a united leadership for the province.

However, he said, each one has to consider what political party could carry them to victory in next year's polls.

According to Herrera, the mayors said that the formula of unity among Bohol's top officials led by Aumentado brought more gains in the province in terms of programs and projects.

Reports reaching the Chronicle revealed that aside from the 25 mayors who coalesced with the Nacionalista Party, there are eight other town executives who have signified their intention of joining Villar's group.

As the Nacionalista Party has admitted that it is on a massive recruitment of incumbent politicians to realize its dream of forming the biggest political party in the country, there is possibility that three other Lakas-Kampi stalwarts would jump ship - First District Rep. Edgar Chatto, Second District Rep. Roberto Cajes and former congressman Eladio Jala who has announced his bid to reclaim the Third District Congressional seat vice his son Rep. Adam Relson Jala.

Political observers see that the exodus of mayors, vice mayors and councilors to Nacionalista also pose a problem over choosing an official candidate for governor if Bohol's Big Five (Aumentado, Herrera, Chatto, Cajes and Jala) will opt to stick together and choose a common candidate for governor be it under the banner of Lakas-Kampi or Nacionalista.

Both Herrera and Chatto are eyeing the position. Herrera earlier declared he is open to talks with Chatto's camp just to keep the unified leadership in the province.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Carmen Mayor Manuel Molina bared that of those who took their oaths under the Nacionalista Party, six town mayors from the First Congressional District, seven from the Second Congressional District, and 12 from the Third Congressional District.

They were: Albur Mayor Cirilo Jalad, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy, Calape Mayor Simplicio Yu Jr., Corella Mayor Vito Rapal, Cortes Mayor Apolinaria Balistoy, Sikatuna Mayor Ireneo Calimpusan, Buenavista Mayor Elsa Tirol, Clarin Mayor Hermogenes Diezon, Dagohoy Mayor Herminio Relampagos, Getafe Mayor Theresa Camacho, San Isidro Mayor Apolinar Gumanid, San Miguel Mayor Claudio Bonior, Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, Sierra Bullones Mayor Simplicio Maestrado, Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, Candijay Mayor Sergio Amora Jr., Mabini Mayor Stephen Rances, Alicia Mayor Pedro Miasco, Anda Mayor Paulino Amper, Batuan Mayor Gregoria Pepito, Bilar Mayor Fanuel Cadelina, Duero Mayor Manuel Tan, Guindulman Mayor Ma. Fe Piezas and Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren.

Mayors Jose Jono Jumamoy (Inabanga), Juanario Item (Talibon) and Ceferino Digal (Sevilla) also expressed intent to join the group but failed to attend the meeting while Sagbayan Mayor Jimmy Torrefranca, a last termer, chose to stay with Lakas while allowing his daughter and Vice Mayor Valerie Ann Narona to join the Nacionalista group.

Molina, who is an original member of Nacionalista, added that he is confident other town mayors, vice mayors and councilors will join them in the next few months.

Although he cannot say that Gov. Aumentado will also support Villar, Molina said "it is likely [the governor] will support him".

Molina recalled that Aumentado has close ties with Villar, as the former served as Deputy Speaker for the Visayas at the House of Representatives when Villar was House Speaker. The governor was also chairman of the powerful House committee on appropriations under Villar's Speakership.

"Governor Aumentado is also originally a member of the Nacionalista Party," he said.
Speaking before his new party mates, Villar recalled "that Bohol has produced a president who was also a Nacionalista" referring to former President Carlos P. Garcia.
Five other Philippine presidents came from the Nacionalista Party, Villar said.

‘Swine flu’ victim hits health officials

2009-06-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

The slow and confusing response of health authorities literally put in a dilemma a 33-year old pregnant woman, who is the first confirmed case of the Influenza A(H1N1) in the province.

Meanwhile, health officials are now closely monitoring a second possible case in one of the coastal towns but assured that the person suspected to be afflicted of the virus has submitted to self-quarantine procedures.

The woman arrived in Bohol from California last May 23 but developed fever after she went swimming. She decided to seek medical treatment at a city hospital taking extra care as she is in her second month of pregnancy.

However, the balikbayan criticized the "lousy" response of health workers to her case.

She was admitted to a private hospital on May 25 but the Department of Health (DOH) regional office took respiratory swab samples from her only three days later (May 28).

The hospital management immediately informed the Provincial Health Office and the City health office on the day the balibayan-patient was admitted at the hospital.

The woman was discharged from the hospital at noontime of June 1 after the regional DOH representative authorized him to check out from the hospital even if she was not given the findings on whether she got inflicted with the virus. The patient recuperated from the fever when the DOH-7 representative, identified as Reinan Cimafranca issued her the clearance to checkout from the hospital on June 1 even if there was no result yet on the swab lab test.

The confirmation came eight days after the swab sample was taken by a team from the DOH regional office.

"Their response was so delayed and I had to wait several days for the confirmatory results," she said.

Although the fatality rate of this particular influenza virus is below one percent of recorded cases, the victim felt her life and that of her unborn child were unnecessarily put in danger.

What fueled her distress even more was the announcement of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot over the airlanes last Friday that health authorities have been trying to locate her to prevent the spread of the virus.

In an interview with the Chronicle, the woman said she did not expect she had A(H1N1) until she received the information from Renan Cimafranca of DOH-7 last Thursday.

This was confirmed by Cimafranca in a separate interview by the Chronicle that he received the laboratory results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on Thursday morning which showed that the pregnant woman tested positive of A(H1N1).

Cimafranca said he took a second swab sample from the victim on the same day as it is the standard procedure for confirmed cases in order to re-check if the victim is still positive of the virus. He added that the result of the second test will come out two to three days.

The lack of coordination between the regional health team and the provincial health office was noted when Cabagnot announced that the victim's whereabouts was still unknown even as the regional team was already in contact with her.

Even Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera (presently the acting governor), called out for an emergency meeting with provincial health officers, the Bohol Provincial Police Office and municipal mayors to locate the balikbayan.

The victim said that at the onset of a fever, she went out for swimming and thought she just developed a fever out of being exhausted from the summer heat at the beach.

The release of the patient without being declared as H1N1-free became the subject of complaints by the public who were monitoring over dyRD the first confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) case in the province.

CASE NO. 2?

Reports are verified on another suspected case of A(H1N1) who is reportedly residing in one of the eastern coastal towns.

Dr. Cabagnot disclosed that swab samples have been taken from the suspected case but the laboratory findings from RITM is still pending.

The provincial health officer declined to disclose more information about the patient who has exhibited flu-like symptoms but assured it is under control.

DOH APOLOGY

In a press conference last Friday, regional health officials apologized for "the inconvenience we have caused" to the 2-month pregnant suspected to have the virus.

The DOH pointed to the problem with shipping out the swab samples to the RITM in Muntinlupa City and the numerous samples that its laboratory had to test. After samples test positive, the laboratory technicians have still to re-run tests for verification.

Health authorities said they are taking the case "with caution" in order not to compromise pregnancy.

According to Cimafranca, contact tracing of all those who had contact with the pregnant woman is still ongoing and they are given medication.

CONDITION IMPROVING

Cimafranca disclosed that since the woman was admitted last May 25, her condition is constantly improving.

"There is no problem right now and we are in constant communication with her and her family to monitor their condition," Cimafranca assured.

He said they could not give an antiviral medication to the woman since she is in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Cimafranca said it is not necessary to confine her to a hospital. Aside from her improving condition, her residence is ideal for containment of the virus.

In fact, Cimafranca added, the balikbayan agreed for self-quarantine in her home and she is also limiting her visitors.

The DOH is coordinating with the Tagbilaran City Health Office and Dauis Rural Health Unit for the "thorough monitoring" of the woman's contacts since her arrival here last May 23.

"But based on our tracing so far, nobody has exhibited symptoms of flu or developed influenza-like illness," he said.

VOLUNTARY TESTING

Vice Gov. Herrera urged all those who may have come into contact with the woman to voluntarily submit to medical tests.

Asked regarding another suspected case of A(H1N1) in the province, Herrera assured that the person has already submitted to self-quarantine measures.

The acting governor advised Boholanos to take precautions such as frequent hand-washing saying the Influenza A(H1N1) virus could spread easily.

DENGUE MORE DANGEROUS

In trying to allay public fears over the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, Dr. Cabagnot said the public must also be equally vigilant against dengue fever which is more deadly.

Cabagnot said dengue is more fatal and that cases continue to be recorded in the province since January this year.

Although cases are lower than the preceding year, dengue prevention remains a top priority of health officials.

WHAT TO DO

As the Department of Health (DoH) already appropriately handled Bohol's index AH1N1 case, the provincial health officer turned to strengthening public awareness to allay fears and unnecessary panic among the Boholanos who are afraid that they might also catch the infection.

Cabagnot clarified that AH1N1 is spread through droplet infection. He said this calls for the covering of the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, frequent washing of the hands, taking a bath once or even twice daily and general personal hygiene.

He also strongly urges for the meantime social distancing - less beso-beso (cheek-to-cheek kisses or smacks), handshakes and bear hugs with relatives and friends coming in from countries with confirmed AH1N1 cases.

He likewise suggests to persons developing flu-like symptoms with diarrhea, especially those who made contacts with relatives and friends from AH1N1 positive countries to submit to medical check ups.

He said the swine flu virus is less fearsome or dreadful than rabies, dengue or pneumonia. Mortality of AH1N1 remains at 0.8 or less than one for every 1,000 population affected.

Just like any other opportunistic disease however AH1N1 is fatal to a person with lowered immune system and those with lesser resistance like the elderly and the very young children.

He asks for the full cooperation of the mayors, local officials and municipal health officers for the widest dissemination of the suggested steps to take to avoid the infection.

"I will also suggest to Gov. Erico Aumentado the issuance of an executive order adopting the national technical guidelines, standards and other interactions for reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A(H1N1) that Sec. Duque has released, with modifications to make them more suited to the Bohol situation," he said.

Asked if he will suggest that the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) or the global conference of Boholanos in July ought to be postponed because of the virus threat, Herrera said the task force and the Sandugo festival organizers are in a better position to decide and announce the decision thereafter.

Group keeps watch on P25-M DepEd purchase

2009-05-29T15:09:00.001-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TAGBILARAN CITY – An anti-graft group has teamed up with the Department of Education (DepEd) to keep corruption as far away as possible from a DepEd project to buy P25 million worth of furniture for public schools in Bohol province.

Elpidio Jala, DepEd Bohol schools division superintendent, said the DepEd has coordinated with Procurement Watch Inc. (PWI) to keep watch over the process to purchase the pieces of school furniture.

The PWI is a civil society organization formed by a group of concerned citizens with the goal of reducing, if not eliminating, graft and corruption in government through procurement reforms.

The DepEd-PWI watch, also known nationwide as “Bantay Eskwela,” was launched at the Manga High School in Tagbilaran City.

Jala said the partnership was a “timely response” to a Commission on Audit report saying at least P33.8 million of public funds were laid to waste last year due to substandard pieces of furniture bought for public schools in several provinces.

Last year, the DepEd allotted P1 billion for school furniture nationwide. Many of the pieces of furniture were to be delivered this year.

The PWI will keep watch over the ongoing delivery of P10 million worth of furniture, mostly classroom desks and chairs, to different schools in Bohol.

The pieces of furniture were being bought with funds allotted last year and P15 million allotted for school year 2009-2010.

The ongoing procurement program for Bohol schools will buy 5,817 classroom tables, 11,534 chairs, 230 teachers’ tables and 230 teachers’ chairs.

DepEd officials and representatives of PWI and various other groups attended the launching of the monitoring team-up.

Jala said the DepEd welcomed the partnership with PWI as the government lost hundreds of millions of pesos in the past to substandard pieces of furniture made from inferior quality wood.

The Bantay Eskwela project also seeks to keep watch over the other procurement programs of the DepEd.

Bohol police chief opposes STL entry

2009-05-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines—Bohol’s top police officer opposed the entry of small town lottery (STL) in the province, saying it will just promote, not wipe out, illegal numbers games.

“I don’t honestly believe STL will help eliminate the existing illegal numbers game such as ‘swertres’,” said Senior Supt. Edgardo Inking, Bohol police chief. “Instead, this will only worsen illegal gambling.”

Ingking said he has submitted a position paper to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) expressing opposition to the entry of STL here.

He said illegal gambling financiers and operators would only exploit the legalized STL and use this as a cover for an illegal version.

He said in Bohol, at least 27 financiers operate the illegal numbers game called ‘swertres.’

Winning numbers in swertres were once dictated by results of jai-alai, but with jai-alai gone, swertres was transformed into the Visayas version of jueteng, which bases its winning numbers on clandestine lottery draws.

On May 15, police arrested Barangay Captain Manolo Blanco of Barangay Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.

Blanco was caught in possession of illegal gambling paraphernalia and P534,880 in cash believed to be bets on swertres.

Police said Blanco was a “big fish” in illegal gambling in the city.
“We cannot succeed (against) these gambling financiers if the community does not cooperate and if STL outlets are allowed to operate,” Ingking said.

But town mayors in the province remain divided over whether to allow STL to operate in their towns.

Several mayors have already declared their support for STL citing its benefits to local government units (LGUs) which are entitled to shares in STL income.

Of total STL revenues, 55 percent are supposed to be for prizes, 30 percent for charity and 15 percent for operations.

Of the 30 percent for charity, 10 percent is for the LGU in the area where STL operates, 5 percent for the province and 5 percent for the congressional district.

Bohol town targets ‘longest’ handwoven raffia

2009-05-25T16:23:00.001-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo, Chito A. Fuentes
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol—To gain recognition for its century-old raffia weaving tradition, the town of Inabanga, once the cradle of the Philippines’ longest revolt against the Spaniards, will soon roll out the longest handwoven raffia and secure its claim as the home of highly skilled and artistic raffia weavers.

Locally known as “buli,” raffia weaving was introduced to Inabanga in the early 1800s during the time of the revolutionary Francisco Dagohoy. The woven fabrics were then used as sleeping mats and guerrilla uniforms.

On May 19, Inabanga launched its bid for the world’s longest continuous woven raffia fabric—a project that costs P300,000. The completion of the 1.6-kilometer product is expected by June 29, a day before its annual feast, Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy said.

Anatolio Hugo, 35, said the project unofficially began on February 9 when he started weaving the first three meters. The raffia spool now laid out at the gym is nearly 200 meters long.

Jumamoy said he felt confident that the weavers would beat the deadline although he acknowledged that the weaving had slowed down a bit because tourists and visitors had been allowed to try their hand at weaving.

Inabanga launched the project because the industry could help provide livelihood to its residents. With a population of 40,000, it is primarily agricultural, with its coastal and island villages dependent on fishing.

The launching also highlighted impressive designs, showing the creativity and unique craftsmanship of the weavers. Home and lifestyle products, such as personal accessories, place mats, table runners, pillow cases, decorative rolls, handbags, and fashion accessories were made from raffia.

Governor Erico Aumentado, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera, Board Members Ma. Fe Lejos, Ester Corazon Galbreath, and Jumamoy attended the opening ceremony.

“Inabanga intends to inform the consumer sector—institutional buyers, exporters, and subcontractors—that we have the production capacity and variety of product lines of excellent quality,” Jumamoy said.

Last year, the town presented a fashion show with models sporting raffia fabrics.

Inabanga has been known as the loom weaving capital of Bohol as its inhabitants became proficient in raffia weaving with buli palms, which are abundant.

Uniting a nation

2009-05-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, our very own boxing hero Manny Pacquiao will once again take on the dreams and ambitions of a nation – a nation where millions of people wallow in utter poverty, a nation so divided, a nation beleaguered by corruption.

When the “Pacman” faces Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas this Sunday, he’s not just fighting for himself as a boxer, but for the Filipino people and the country as a whole.

As BBC News describes it: If Hatton loses, many thousands will sigh. If Pacquiao loses, a nation’s heart will break.

Millions of us Filipinos see in Pacquiao something to aspire to, because we see in him our hopes and dreams.

In his early years, Pacquiao toiled in the streets to earn a living and to survive. This is why people can relate with the boxing superstar.

As our “Pambansang Kamao” climbs the ring on Sunday, we will see once more the Army (the Philippine Army and the New Peoples Army) to lay down their arms and call for a truce, even the Muslim insurgents in Mindanao. Crime will almost cease in the towns and cities across the country.

Every human activity practically grinds to a halt as thousands gather around their television sets and movie houses to witness their hero carry their hopes and dreams. This phenomenon does not only occur in the Philippines. Filipinos all around the world always gather in anticipation of a big Pacquiao fight.

As promoter Bob Arum said, “Pacquiao is a symbol of his people”.

President Arroyo calls Pacquiao “truly one of our nation’s heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness”.

“The Filipino people are the real source of my strength. My utmost intention is to unite the Filipino people through my efforts in boxing,” Pacquiao proudly declared once.

Recently named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine (officially outpolling US President Barack Obama), Pacquiao could become president of our country.

After the Pacquiao fight, however, can we stay united as a nation? Will the “great unifying force” personified by the “Pacman” dwell among us?

Truths that every Filipino should know

2009-05-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

By Patricia Evangelista

Today I will write a manifesto. I would like to correct the perception that my generation is apathetic to the state of the nation. I am told we neither know nor care about issues of policy, of poverty, of the national economy. It is not true, but such is our inexperience that we look towards the obvious superiority of our elders to determine how to go about our lives, to set our moral and ethical standards, to fix upon our minds the path of truth and virtue in a society in constant battle with sin.

I am, after all, only twenty-three, and brought up to have the highest respect for authority and government. Let me tell you what I’ve learned, from the events of the past week, from headlines and interviews and the decisions made by men and women in power. Let me share with you the truths I have concluded from the wisdom of my elders.

I have learned, first, that a man accused of torture, perjury, and the wholesale murder of dozens—by no less than the Supreme Court and the United Nations—is precisely the sort of man fit to sit in the House of Representatives.

This is the man whom testimonies of escaped political prisoners Oscar Leuterio and Raymond Manalo held responsible for the disappearances and subsequent rapes of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno, as decided by the Supreme Court in 2008. This is the man the Melo Commission-- established to look into the rash of political disappearances—recommended for investigation. This is the same man that Justice Jose Melo, of that same Commission, permitted to represent the party list group “Bantay”—also known as True Marcos Loyalists, whose sworn duty is to stand for “the marginalized and underrepresented sector” of the military in Congress “to implement the government’s national security program.” Bantay was accepted with knowledge that the military has never been more represented in government since martial law, with the administration actively distributing plum leadership positions to retired military men, and with the certain conviction that the group will be lead by the gentleman lovingly called Butcher by his men.

No matter the protests, the reams of investigative reports, the witnesses, the small girl named Sugar who lost her daddy—Jovito Palaparan’s inclusion into the House of Representatives establishes that killers—for as long as they have powerful friends—are not only excepted from the rule of law, they are ushered into Congress and are called Honorable.

I’ll tell what else I learned, this time from the behavior of the police over the death of Abs-cbn anchor Ted Failon’s wife. I have learned that it is unnecessary to have a warrant for arrest if there are enough members of the police to physically cart away whomever they consider a suspect. I have also learned that it is acceptable for police chiefs to feed false information to journalists to report to the public in order to establish that a man is guilty of killing his wife—as was in the case of Police Superintendent Mabanag in telling members of the Philippine media that Ted Failon was found with scratches on his person (to indicate a fight with his wife) and that there is evidence her body was moved from his car to the bathroom (now found without basis). I am also now aware that it is appropriate to drag possible witnesses from the deathbeds of relatives if the cause is justice—with support of the good secretary of Justice.

I’ll tell you the last lesson I learned, from the ladies of the Court of Appeals in their decision in favor of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith against the young woman we now know as “Nicole.” I have learned that rape is only rape if the woman is a “demure provinciana lass,” and not If she has engaged in “undecorous behavior,” which may include going away for a weekend “to enjoy” with two American friends, and accepting free hotel accommodations after knowing them for the shamefully short period of “only about three months.” And if she did protest, it is only due to sudden and delayed guilt over her behavior, not because she was actually raped.

I have also discovered, from the learned ladies of the CA, that a girl cannot possibly be too drunk to refuse sexual intercourse when “she danced non-stop to the urgent beat of rock and hip-hop music” for a total of 15 minutes “without stumbling clumsily on the floor.” The court of course referred to a previously unreferred-to nugget of jurisprudence: that it is a known fact that “when a woman is drunk, she can hardly rise, much more stand up and dance, or she would just drop. This is a common experience among Filipino girls.” And because of all this, it is logical to conclude that any vaginal contusions a young woman may have acquired consistent with rape are in all probability not due to rape but may in fact be due to “finger grabs.”

It is an important lesson to learn at this time, and one that every young Filipino woman should learn—that if one is raped, one must not speak of it unless one is a farmer’s virgin daughter, and one must not claim to have been drunk and taken advantage of if she has succumbed to the “urgent beat” of hip hop and rock and roll. I am not certain how this jurisprudence applies to reggae or house music, and will assume that R & B is an exception, because the beat is not urgent enough for a drunken girl to sprawl on the ground.

And so I express my gratitude to the men and women who determine law and order in this country, for leading by example and insisting on only what is right and proper. I am glad it was made clear that the gentlemen of this country are permitted to continue in the business of raping and murdering. I intend to take steps to ensure I am never in the presence of gentlemen, alcohol and hiphop music for more than fourteen minutes, on the off-chance I find myself suddenly involved in a “spontaneous romantic encounter.”

If it does happen that I am raped, disappeared, or invited for questioning, in spite of my diligence, it is a relief to know that I and the rest of my generation will be in good hands.

Stronger drive vs illegal numbers game ordered

2009-04-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:01:00 04/27/2009

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol—The Central Visayas Police Regional Office (PRO-7) has ordered provincial commanders in the region to launch a stronger campaign against the illegal numbers game called “Swertres.”

PRO-7 acting director Chief Superintendent Federico Terte also warned on Thursday that he would remove from their posts the police officers who fail to stop the illegal numbers game.

Terte and Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa visited Bohol Thursday to inaugurate the new police headquarters in Batuan town and to attend the groundbreaking of the police headquarters in Balilihan town.

Terte said the PRO-7 would send a team to different provinces in the region to help enforce the anti-Swertres campaign.

The apprehension of two Swertres operators in the same area by a police team from another town or unit would mean the removal of the station commander, Terte said.

The relief of two police chiefs in a province would result in the removal of the provincial police director while the relief of three provincial directors would also mean that the regional director would be axed, Terte added.

He directed the provincial directors in Central Visayas to submit within the month an update on the anti-Swertres campaign.

Terte also directed the police chiefs to coordinate with local government officials to make the campaign against illegal gambling a priority in their respective localities.

He called on all sectors, including some members of the media who have been giving tips and results of “Swertres” over the radio programs, to help in the efforts to minimize illegal gambling.

3 OFWs forced into prostitution in Malaysia

2009-04-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Victims seek repatriation

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines -- Three female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who alleged that the owner of a reflexology center in Malaysia forced them to take drugs and have sex with clients, have sought the help of a Bohol lawmaker for their repatriation.

Through text messages sent to the office of Bohol First District Representative Edgar Chatto, the three OFWs said they wanted be repatriated "as soon as possible" as they feared that they "might not be able to return home alive" because of their dangerous situation in Malaysia.

They claimed that their well-connected employer threatened to torture them if they refused to take drugs or have sex with clients.

In her latest text message, one of the OFWs disclosed that they had not received their salary.

One of the three OFWs also recalled that she and her two friends entered Malaysia as "tourists" although they were assured that they could work there.

However, the owner of the reflexology center did not process their working permits when they entered Malaysia.

They gave their full names and addresses in the Philippines but they asked that their identities be kept confidential to protect their honor and that of their respective families. They also gave their roaming mobile numbers.

They also gave the full name of their Malaysian boss and his business address but they also asked that the information be kept off the record for now.

Chatto, who is currently in the United States, has started contacting the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the families of the three migrant workers.

He said he would check with the Department of Labor and Employment to trace the deployment of the three OFWs.

Chatto authored House Bill 5649, a measure seeking to improve standards of protection and assistance for migrant workers, and House Bill 4898, a legislation creating an OFW pension fund.

P150M investment in Legacy from Boholanos

2009-04-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Money claims of Boholano investors against the bankrupt pre-need firm Legacy Group could reach up to P150 million.

This was bared by the legal counsel of the Bohol Investors Group, Atty. Salvador Grupo, as insolvency claims against the pre-need companies of Legacy will be filed on Monday, April 20.

Grupo originally set the deadline for investors to submit their claims today but decided to extend it five more days as the number of claimants has reached 300.

The Bohol Investors Group has also requested a meeting with Legacy owner Celso delos Angeles before filing its notice claims at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 56 next week.

According to Grupo, the local investors will be intervening in the insolvency proceedings in court as a group, not as individuals.

With investments ranging from P200,000 to P2 million, the total consolidated claims of the group handled by Grupo could reach roughly P150 million.

There are other investors who opted to personally submit their investment claims at the Makati RTC.

Boholano investors were among those victimized by Legacy Group's promise of huge returns.

The Pilipino Rural Bank-Tagbilaran Branch which closed down last December also victimized hundreds of Boholanos who were lured by the high interest rate offers of the bank.

Some 14,000 Boholanos are said to be depositors of the rural bank which is an affiliate of the Legacy Group.

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is currently processing insured deposit claims from the rural bank's clients.

Public warned on buying "hot cars"

2009-04-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Stolen vehicles that are smuggled into the province continue to sell, victimizing unsuspecting car buyers.

The Traffic Management Group-Bohol Highway Patrol Team based at Camp Dagohoy, this city, is again warning the public of buying second hand cars to check first the records of the vehicle they want to buy to ensure that these are not marked as stolen based on records.

TMG S/Insp. Eduardo Mara told the Chronicle that buyers of second hand cars must be cautious so they would not fall victims of syndicates selling carnapped vehicles.

With the growing tour business in Bohol, Mara said smuggled vans have found their way to Bohol as many tourism operators are investing into the van-for-hire business.

Despite ongoing operations against stolen vehicles, the TMG-Bohol continue to apprehend and seize vehicles that are flagged stolen.

"There are still a lot of 'hot cars' in Bohol, this is because buyers here in the province are more vulnerable compared to the ones in the big cities who are more meticulous in buying vehicles," Mara disclosed.

Last Friday, the highway patrol group seized during an operation in Loboc town a white Nissan Urvan, owned by a certain Rodrigo Balaba, which had been reported stolen on July 14, 2005 in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Mara said, Balaba purchased the van through a financing agency in Cebu City that acted as agent to a certain Dulce Corazon Diasanta, with residence address at Camia Street, Pembo, Makati City.

Although the Nissan van was registered to Diasanta, the TMG believes the name is fictitious as the vehicle was registered at the Land Transportation Office in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.

METICULOUS CHECKS

Mara explained that car buyers and even second-hand car display centers must have a vehicle macro-etched first to determine if it is not flagged as stolen in the TMG list of hot cars.

"The buyer should take extra caution and determine the records of the vehicle they want to buy," he said.

Car buyers must first go to the TMG office before buying a unit and ensure that the vehicle is not carnapped, otherwise, the buyer may also be held liable, if the unit is apprehended, for buying a stolen vehicle, Mara said.

Tampered chassis or engine numbers can be checked by macro-etching, according to Mara.

Documents of vehicles can be checked at the LTO as smuggled or stolen cars will have registration problems.

Agents of the TMG regional office confiscated at least eight alleged stolen vehicles during an operation here in 2007. The seized cars are now impounded at the TMG regional office in Cebu City.

"A particular vehicle sold by a dealer must bear registration papers from the nearest LTO office," Mara explained.

Mara added that LTO Visayas and Mindanao field offices have become the registration haven for carnappers and smugglers.

The Tagbilaran City LTO office is listed among the main sources of license plates and registration papers for stolen vehicles.

Shipment of hot cars to the provinces have become easier ever since the Anti-Carnapping Clearance have been abolished as a requirement to transport vehicles, Mara concluded.

Bohol politics sizzles: Jala says “No deal” with Sec. Yap

2009-04-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The battle for the Third District congressional seat will be a virtual clash of the titans - between two administration figures holding national posts in the Arroyo government.

As reports arise that Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap is maneuvering to cut a compromise deal for a single term in Congress, former congressman and now Transportation and Communication Assistant Secretary Eladio Jala, who has bared his plans of staging a comeback in the 3rd district, says no such agreement was reached between him and the agriculture boss.

In fact, the two officials have evaded discussing their own political agenda during chance encounters and sorties in the 3rd district, said Jala in an interview with the Chronicle yesterday.

The rumors on Sec. Yap's intention to run in the 3rd congressional district was confirmed after he filed for voter's registration in barangay Buenavista, Loboc town, two weeks ago.

Originally registered as voter in Manila, Yap is a Boholano by affinity due to his marriage to the daughter of Annie Gow, a native of Loboc.

According to reports, the camp of Yap is striking a deal with Jala in order to be given the opportunity to represent the 3rd district in Congress. The congressional mandate will purportedly be Yap's stepping stone for a senatorial bid in the 2013 elections.

The 3rd congressional district will be tendered to Yap "on a silver platter", according to the report, with the assurance that Yap will vacate it after one term in office and run for senator in the 2013 polls.

When asked to comment on such negotiation, Yap in a text message to the Chronicle last night said, "I have not been informed or aware of such arrangement".

Jala will not totally sit it out in the next three years as he will retain his cabinet portfolio in the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) or may be given an even higher position by President Arroyo, according to the report.

Jala however brushed aside any likelihood for such a scenario.

"Such a deal is the surest way to alienate your supporters," said Jala who declared his intention of reclaiming his old congressional seat presently held by son Adam Relson Jala.

"If somebody has to withdraw from this race, it should be him (Yap), not me," Jala stressed.

Jala said his desire to serve again the people in the 3rd district gained momentum as supporters and leaders have persuaded him to seek re-election.

Jala was first elected as provincial board member representing the 3rd district for six years before his three terms in Congress.

The former lawmaker's dominance was put to test in the last election following his son's slim victory over former governor Rene Relampagos. Jala got 65,081 votes over Relampagos' 62,106 votes.

Despite allegations of vote-padding and vote-shaving, the Jalas persevered keeping the congressional post within the family.

"The voters will be the ultimate judge. But as I see it now, I still have the warm support of my constituents in the 3rd district," he added.

"While forging such an agreement allows us to form alliances and ensure that the top leaders of Bohol remain a cohesive force, I don't think I can turn my back to my supporters who have been intact for more than 15 years," Jala pointed out.

GMA'S NOD?

Asked whether Pres. Arroyo would intercede to iron out hitches within the administration bloc especially the looming collision with Sec. Yap, former congressman Jala admitted there has been no official statement from the president on the matter.

In fact, Pres. Arroyo was very cautious to comment on Bohol political positioning during a recent meeting at the Palace with Gov. Erico Aumentado, Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, Rep. Edgar Chatto, Rep. Roberto Cajes, and the Jalas.

"Even before we met with the president in Malacañang, I already informed the other Bohol leaders that in the event Pres. Arroyo would ask me to give way for Sec. Yap, I would readily turn down such proposal," Jala disclosed.

He said Aumentado, Herrera, Chatto and Cajes all agreed to respect his decision but each expressed their intention for party unity.

"I was honestly worried that the president would ask me to yield in favor of Yap, but I'm glad she did not," Jala said.

Arroyo went on to discuss about ongoing projects in the province and simply listened to the Bohol political situationer.

YAP'S VISIBILITY

The DA secretary is always visible in Bohol, especially in the towns of the 3rd district where he had been rumored to run since last year.

One of Pres. Arroyo's designated stewards in implementing the Comprehensive Livelihood Employment Program (CLEEP), Yap has at his disposal some P50-million in DA funds to help farmers.

In another interview, Yap had said his visits to Bohol "must not be injected with political color" as this is in line with his job to implement agri-related production program especially that he was assigned by the President to coordinate the projects in the province

Asked to comment about the use of agriculture funds and Yap's political positioning in the 3rd district, Jala said he is just thankful to the secretary for bringing projects to the district which is represented by his son.

One of the youngest to be appointed to the Arroyo cabinet, Yap, who is a lawyer by profession, held at least five positions in government since 2001.

He first entered government as president of the Philippine International Trading Corporation of the Department of Trade and Industry. He later served as administrator of the National Food Authority for two years. Yap was also designated director general of the Presidential Management Staff.

Pres. Arroyo became the secretary's economics professor when he took management and economics in college.

Other suspects in slaying of British national still at large

2009-04-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
First posted by The Bohol Chronicle

"I am worth more dead than alive."

These were the words of slain British national Martin Williams to his lawyer days before he was murdered as he sensed somebody was out to try to kill him.

The lifeless body of Williams, 43 years old, was discovered stripped to his underwear beside Boloc-boloc Spring in barangay Mansasa, this city, with multiple stab wounds to the chest, abdomen, head and other parts of the body on the morning of March 24.

Two suspects have been arrested by the police and are being charged for the brutal crime - one Christian Gulle, 22, and a female teenage companion, 19-year old Irene Borja, both residents of barangay Mansasa.

Gulle confessed to investigators that he stabbed Williams several times after the Briton allegedly tried to rape and hurt his friend Borja on the night of March 23.

However, Williams' family and his counsel Atty. Alexander Lim said the British man could not have been killed by one person alone.

"We have reason to believe that the murder suspect did not do it on his own but had help from others," Lim said.

Williams had 14 stab wounds and several injuries on the head and different parts of the body.

"The way the stab wounds and injuries were positioned raises doubts on Gulle's confession," according to Lim.

The victim's counsel added that his own fact-finding of the murder revealed that there were several motor-riding men who were seen going near Boloc-boloc Spring on the night Williams was killed.

"It appears that there are still others who know of the crime and the police should go after them," Lim stressed.

The family of Williams told Lim of a few instances that the victim purportedly received threats to his life. In fact, sometime in January, an unidentified gunman tried to kill him while he was talking to customers at his bar in barangay Tawala, Panglao.

According to Lim, earlier this year the British man had authorized him to sell his P10-million house in Panglao as he was planning to fly back to the United Kingdom.

Williams had been separated from his Filipino wife and their only child since last year.

Lim said, forensic evidence should come out soon from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that was requested by the British Embassy to conduct its own full inquiry of the incident.

Initially, police operatives found an identification card of Gulle at the crime scene which led to the suspect's arrest.

According to the account of the suspect, he met Williams on the night of March 23 at Bojol Grill where they had drinks. The drinking session continued until around 10 p.m. at the spring, just about a hundred meters from the Bohol Mangrove KTV Bar and Lodging house where the Briton was checked in.

Gulle said he stood a few meters on the shore away from Williams and Borja when he heard the latter shout for help. The girl was reportedly on the ground lying in pain when he approached them as Williams started shouting at him.

He admitted stabbing Williams several times and helped the girl run away from the crime scene.

Williams was discovered beside Boloc-boloc Spring at around 6 a.m. the following day.

Police believed he was attacked in the spring and then dragged out to shore.

Williams operated his own luxury car business in the United Kingdom before coming to the Philippines to marry a local woman.

First gentleman issues warning against swindlers

2009-04-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas Bureau

TAGBILARAN CITY – First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo warned Bohol town mayors against falling prey to a swindler offering to facilitate the immediate release of funding assistance for a fee.

Arroyo issued the warning through his chief of staff, Juris Umali-Soliman, who communicated with Gov. Erico Aumentado and Mayors Telesforo Balagosa of Lila, Roberto Salinas of Catigbian, Simplicio Maestrado Jr. of Sierra-Bullones, Fanuel Cadelinia of Bilar, Gregoria Pepito of Batuan and Dan Lim of Tagbilaran City.

He said a certain Jericho Gamulo had tried to convince some mayors that he could facilitate the speedy release of their special allotment release order for a fee.

Gamulo allegedly claimed to be a close aide of the First Gentleman.
Arroyo denied having known Gamulo and maintained that he “never authorized anyone to represent him in any government or nongovernment transactions.”

Soliman furnished the National Bureau of Investigation Director Nestor Mantaring and Assistant Director Pedro Bulaong with copies of the communication.

“The First Gentleman reiterates his strong statement in 2001 that he does not meddle in governance nor does he authorize any person to make any transaction in his behalf,” Soliman said.

She said Arroyo had “repeatedly requested the heads of various government agencies, as well as government-owned and -controlled corporations to arrest people who use his name in any dealings or transactions.”

Visayas gets brief power rate hike breather

2009-04-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo & Carla Gomez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Regulatory Commission (ERC) reduced on Wednesday a temporary power rate increase it granted to the National Power Corp. (Napocor) for the Visayas grid from P1.1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 83 centavos, a drop of about 30 centavos.

ERC Executive Director Francis Saturnino Juan said the commission issued the new rate order after it received testimony on the rate hike at hearings conducted in Cebu City Thursday and Friday last week.

However, Juan said the ERC would still hold a hearing in Cebu City on April 21 on the petition of Napocor and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) for an increase of P1.38 per kWh in the basic generation charge in the Visayas, or an increase of nearly 50 percent from existing rates.

Last week, the Negros Occidental and Bacolod City governments filed their formal opposition to the rate increase at the ERC hearings.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco said on Wednesday that the provincial government would support Joemax Ortiz, a lawyer crusading against the rate increase, in filing a petition at the Court of Appeals (CA) to prevent the implementation of the provisional power rate while the hearings on the Napocor petition are being held.

“I will draft the petition to be filed by the provincial government before the CA and sign as collaborating counsel,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz and Romeo Lavilla, a former councilor of Silay City, represented the Negros Occidental provincial government at the ERC hearing in Cebu last week.

They have also started a signature campaign against the power rate hike in the Central Negros Electric Cooperative coverage area. “We hope to gather from 5,000 to 10,000 signatures,” Ortiz said.

The Bohol provincial government and the Bohol Electric Cooperative (Boheco) also expressed opposition to the proposed power rate hike.

In a resolution adopted on Tuesday, the provincial board called the power rate hike “untimely” because consumers are already suffering from the global recession.

The board also noted in its resolution that the increase comes at a time when fuel prices are dropping.

In a statement, the Boheco also questioned the power rate increase, saying the basis for the increase was “questionable.”

Boheco said the Napocor claimed to be in financial distress but had a P136.07-billion income in 2007.

“P168-M bid above board”

2009-03-31T04:35:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
First posted in The Bohol Chronicle

There is “no irregularity or substantial error” in the P168-million bidding for the purchase of a fleet of brand new heavy equipment of the provincial government.

This was the finding of the review panel led by Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera looking into the bidding controversy, the biggest single purchase of the province in recent years.

The result of the bid review did not come as a surprise as anti-graft watchdog Boholanos Against Corruption and Social Harassment (Bacos) already cast doubts on the integrity of the review committee which was formed by Gov. Erico Aumentado.

Two other Capitol officials, provincial legal officer Atty. Handel Lagunay and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chair Engr. Rosalinda Yu, also strongly held confidence that the bidding was “procedurally and legally above-board”.

In an interview with the Chronicle yesterday, Herrera said the review team “meticulously reviewed the procedures outlined under RA 9184 (the Government Procurement Law) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) vis-à-vis the bidding process undertaken by the BAC.”

The finding was already submitted to the governor who will decide on whether to proceed with the award of the contract to qualified suppliers.

The BAC is still in the process of post-qualifying bids for 2 units of backhoe/hydraulic excavators with breakers; 2 units of bulldozers with ripper; 2 units payloaders; 10 units of 6-wheeler dump trucks; 4 units motor road grader; 4 units road roller/vibratory compactor; 1 unit 6-wheeler water truck with pump; and a 6-wheeler fuel tanker with pump.

On the question raised by protesting Japanese heavy equipment supplier Kowa Tsusho Ltd. that the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB) did not observe the required advertisement, the review committee said the BAC is not required that the advertisement should be in a newspaper with the widest distribution and readership.

The review panel considers Sun Star Daily with national distribution for general readership, which is already a sufficient compliance with law, since the newspaper is circulated not only in Cebu but also in Metro Manila and Davao City.

According to the committee, the advertisement was likewise posted in three conspicuous places and the provincial government’s website www.bohol.gov.ph.

As far as the availability of bid documents the committee found that it was already presented on the first day of advertisement.

“The BAC was prepared to issue the bid documents should any prospective buyer desire to purchase it at the rate prescribed under Provincial Ordinance No. 2004-21” the finding stated.

An investigation with the BAC revealed that it was only on January 23, 2009, after the pre-bid conference, that two suppliers purchased the bid documents.

The submission of bids, the receipt and opening of eligibility and bid envelopes up to the post-qualification stage all complied with the procedures mandated in the procurement law.

The review committee said it cannot act on the protest filed by Kowa Tsusho and the appeal for reconsideration of Pasajero Motors Corporation since the panel’s task is only to review the bidding process and find out if it conformed to the procedure provided under the procurement law.

The review committee, composed of Herrera, provincial administrator Tomas Abapo Jr., Atty. Mitchell John Boiser and internal audit service head Jerome Maniwang, affirmed an earlier finding of provincial attorney Lagunay.

However, a separate inquiry and monitoring is being conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) on the bidding. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on public accountability headed by Board Member Asther Piollo is also conducting its own probe.

3 kids die, trapped in fire

2009-03-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Three children had to endure their violent deaths on Monday after they were trapped inside the house as it was partly razed down by fire in barangay Progreso, Alicia town.

Charlie Maite, 6 years old; Chris John, 4 years old; and 4-month-old Christopher Ayunan were left by their parents locked-up in their house on Monday afternoon.

Trying to make ends meet, the mother, Zenith Ayunan, 28, had to attend a food handling seminar while his husband Alberto Ayunan, 32, a food trader at the Alicia Public Market. The husband used to work abroad as a seaman.

Fire officials believed the house may have been set ablaze by a safety match played around by the kids or an overloaded electrical system.

The parents could not accept the tragedy upon learning that their three children were already dead.

Neighbors told firemen that they heard shouts from the children who tried to reach out for the door lock which was on the topmost portion of the doorframe.

The neighbors also tried to rescue the children but the fire swiftly engulfed the house.

The fire alarm was received by the Ubay Fire Station at around 2 p.m. but the blaze was already uncontrollable and some parts of the house had already collapsed with the children inside.

According to the Alicia PNP, the house was built mostly on concrete and hard wood making it hard for neighbors to rescue the Ayunan children.

Initial investigation of fire officials estimated property damage at P200,000.

12-year old boy sees his parents murdered

2009-03-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

A dispute among relatives over a piece of inherited land led to the slaying of a couple on Friday in the town of Inabanga .

The slain couple’s 12-year old son saw the violent killing of his father Francisco Piadora y Roxas, 59, and mother Leonita Piadora y Sentinales, 48, around 4:30 p.m. along the barangay road in Baguhan, Inabanga.

Based on the boy’s account, his parents were on their way home when the suspects identified as Ramon Bustamante and Constaniani Sentinales accosted them.

Bustamante and Sentinales, who are close relatives of the victims, were said to have been waiting for the Piadora couple.

Leonita sustained two bullet wounds on her forehead and was also stabbed on the chest.

Ramon, on the other hand, was stabbed on the neck, according to the victims’ son who is now in the custody of relatives after the incident.

The couple died on the spot, police said, as the two suspects fled.

Sentinales was later arrested by the Inabanga PNP in a hot pursuit operation. She is currently detained at the Inabanga Police Station. Bustamante remains at large.

PRBank depositors have to wait until March 18

2009-03-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas Bureau
First Posted 06:46:00 03/09/2009

Filed Under: Banking, Legacy banking group

TAGBILARAN CITY—Depositors of the closed Pilipino Rural Bank (PRBank) whose insurance claims are not yet processed by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) will again have to wait until March 18.

The deposit insurer ended on Friday its initial claims servicing operations but hundreds of depositors were unable to get their insurance claims.

Although the PDIC representatives did not reveal the number of claims already paid, they admitted that not all regular savings accounts with deposit balances of P100,000 and below were serviced.

The PRBank Tagbilaran had over 14,000 clients when the bank shut down last Dec. 12, following the collapse of its affiliate rural banks across the country belonging to the Legacy Group.

In an advisory, the PDIC said they would start distributing numbered claim forms at the premises of PRBank on March 18 for depositors with regular savings accounts, time deposits, special savings accounts and current/demand deposits.

The date on the claim form should correspond to a particular filing date, the advisory said.

Depositors are required to personally file their claims except those who are below 7 years old.

According to the PDIC advisory, claims they receive will be processed through its home office in Manila. Valid claims will be paid through registered mail to the depositor’s address indicated in the claim form.

No fees are charged for the processing and payment of all deposit insurance claims, the PDIC reminds depositors of the closed rural bank.

Herrera leads investigation on P168-M bid

2009-03-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Following persistent calls for transparency in the P168-million bidding for the purchase of heavy equipment of the provincial government, no less than Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera was designated to head the review of the bid process.
In a memorandum issued by Gov. Erico Aumentado dated March 4, 2009, the Review Committee was created composed of Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. as vice chairman, Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter President Atty. John Mitchell Boiser and Internal Audit Service (IAS) chief Jerome Maniwang, as members.
The committee was requested by the governor to complete its inquiry until March 16 and submit its recommendation for appropriate action.
"It must be remembered that the provincial government is racing against time in order to avail of the summer season to work on the provincial roads that need immediate repair and improvement," Aumentado said.
In an interview with the Chronicle, Herrera said the alleged giving of "undue advantage to preferred suppliers" has to be looked into without delaying further the procurement of much-needed heavy equipment.
"We will work on this expeditiously without encroaching on another investigation being conducted by the newly-formed Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) committee on public accountability," the vice governor stressed.
During its regular session on Tuesday, provincial lawmakers approved en masse the creation of the new committee chaired by Board Member Asther Piollo.
"The urgency of this matter however will not be at the expense of coming up with a credible finding that will also deal with possible lapses in the procurement process," Herrera added.
The vice governor assured that the committee review will also tackle aspects raised by the complaining disenfranchised supplier Kowa Tsusho Ltd.
"The supplier had declared some very serious allegations that cast doubts not only on the integrity of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) but the entire provincial government," according to Herrera.
The vice governor said the controversy would eventually implicate provincial leaders if there were indeed violations of the bidding rules and regulations and these are not corrected.

Bohol bans tarsiers display

2009-02-27T01:20:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:13:00 02/26/2009

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — An international wildlife foundation has lauded Bohol lawmakers for its landmark legislation banning the viewing of tarsiers outside of their natural habitats.

The praises from the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity group based in the United Kingdom, came even as local businessmen who had been displaying tarsiers for tourist viewing lobbied for the scrapping of the provincial ordinance.

Despite the ordinance's passage by the provincial board last February 3, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado had not signed the measure as of Thursday.

The Born Free Foundation thanked the Bohol provincial board for introducing the ordinance, which they called "forward thinking" and a "compassionate decision."

The letter from BFF senior scientific researcher Chris Draper was received by Board Members Alfonso Damalerio II and Esther Corazon Galbreath.

"The Philippines can be justifiably proud of this legislation, and it is our hope that other regions and countries may look to your example when considering similar legislation," Draper said.

The foundation is working throughout the world to stop individual wild animal suffering and to protect threatened species in the wild.

In a visit to Bohol last January, a television crew of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) featured the tarsiers in one of its documentary that will be shown all over the world.

The BBC crew, headed by celebrated British TV presenter and author Simon Reeve highlighted the need for rescue and care of the endangered species that are caged and displayed outside its natural habitat.

The provincial ordinance was adopted after calls to rescue the vulnerable tarsiers from its misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care at spacious sanctuaries such as the 8-hectare sanctuary of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella town.

However, Damalerio also expressed disappointment over moves of some business establishments to block the implementation of the new ordinance.

"Instead of cooperating to return the tarsiers to the wild, most of the businesses engaged in the display of tarsiers are lobbying for the scrapping of the law," said Damalerio who is the principal author of the ordinance.

Another supplier files protest against bidding

2009-02-26T22:55:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Another disenfranchised supplier filed a protest at the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday in connection with the questioned P168-million bidding for the purcahse of brand new fleet of heavy equipment.
In the face of denials by BAC chair Engr. Rosalinda Yu and a finding by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay that there is no basis on allegations of a rigged bidding, Cebu-based Pasajero Motors Corp. (Pamocor) complained it was wrongly disqualified in the bidding.
This despite having submitted the lowest calculated bid for the supply of 10 units of dump-trucks with an approved budget of the contract (ABC) of P40,800,000 among three declared eligible bidders.
Last February 18, Yu informed Pamocor through a letter that its bid failed the post qualification process on the ground that the submitted "experience of relevant/similar projects do not conform with a value of at least 50-percent of the ABC" which is P20,400,000.
In its letter to the BAC, Pamocor noted that in the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB) that appeared in at least three publications, it was cited that "Prospective bidders should have experienced in undertaking a similar project within the last 5 years with an amount of at least 50-percent of the proposed project for bidding."
According to Pamocor, the bid documents issued and the recent letter of the BAC notifying Pamocor of its failure to pass the post qualification process "uniformly used the phrase 'experienced in undertaking a similar project'".
The supplier added that there was no instance that the term "largest single contract" was mentioned in the said communications.
With the absence of such specification, Pamocor argued that this indicates the "unqualified intention of the BAC to entertain and admit aggregate similar contracts costing at least 50-percent of the ABC", and not only of a largest single contract.
Pamocor said what was published and made known to the public should be observed and followed, or else, the intention of achieving transparency in the public bidding will be defeated.
Pamocor claims it has submitted a list of similar projects it had previously undertaken costing more than the required 50-percent of the ABC.
The supplier likewise informed the BAC of an amendment on the rule issued by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) which states that when a failure of bidding has resulted because no single bidder has complied with the said requirement, or imposing the same will likely result to a monopoly that will defeat the purpose of public bidding, the procuring entity may qualify a prospective bidder that has qualified at least three similar contracts, with the aggregate contract amounting to at least 50-percent of the ABC.
During the post qualification of bids, the BAC concluded that three items out of the 8 heavy equipment bid out failed. This included the bidding for 2 units of backhoe/hydraulic excavator with breaker with an ABC of P16,236,000; 2 units of bulldozers with ripper with an ABC of P36,372,000; and 10 units of dumptrucks with an ABC of P40,800,000.
The BAC also revealed that four suppliers already passed on the four items bidded out.
The qualifying bidders include JVF Commercial (Quezon City) to supply 4 units of brand new articulated motor road grader with an approved budget for contract (ABC) of P34,000,000; Civic Merchandising (Mandaue City) to supply 4 units of brand new road roller/vibratory compactor with an approved budget of P14,432,000; Isuzu Cebu Inc. (Mandaue City) to supply a brand new 6-wheeler water truck with pump with an approved budget of P4,720,000; and RDAK Transport Equipment (Cebu City) to supply a brand new 6-wheeler fuel tanker with pump.
The BAC will conduct "further post qualification" proceeding on the tendered bid of JVF Commercial to supply 2 units of brand new payloader with an ABC of P17,136,000 in order to conduct "technical inspection and testing" of Holland, the firm's offered brand.
According to Pamocor, the rule's amendment should be observed by the BAC and award the supply for 10 dump trucks to them.
OTHER LAPSES
Lawyer Salvador Grupo, who represents protesting Japanese heavy equipment dealer Kowa Tsusho Ltd., said Capitol's denial of a rigged bidding based on findings by Atty. Lagunay is "just a mere scrap of paper" as this was meant for review of the governor.
According to Grupo, the BAC's admission that two suppliers obtained bid documents while Kowa Tsusho did not, only heightened suspicions that there were indeed favored contractors.
He said the presence during the bidding process representatives of the Commission on Audit, a non-government organization and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also not observed by the BAC.
In a letter to Board Member Bienvenido Molina, Grupo urged the SP to "take appropriate action, including a formal investigation" into the proceedings of the heavy equipment bidding.

Capitol denies "bid rigging"

2009-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

Tagbilaran City, BOHOL-

Two Capitol officials found no improprieties in the conduct of bidding for P168-million worth of heavy equipment to be purchased by the provincial government.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay conducted an assessment on how the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) carried out the procurement process upon orders issued by Gov. Erico Aumentado who earlier declared a war against corruption at the Capitol.
Said to be the biggest single purchase of heavy equipment in recent years, the bidding took the spotlight after a disenfranchised Japanese supplier filed protests to the BAC for allegedly giving “undue advantage to preferred suppliers”.
Meanwhile, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) session last Tuesday, provincial Board Member Cesar Tomas Lopez lashed out at the committee for its “failure to comply” with key provisions of the procurement law that again placed the provincial government “in a bad light due to the fact that the manner by which goods [are purchased] cannot face up to public scrutiny”.
However, Lagunay stressed there is “no basis to the allegation that the bidding for the P168-million heavy equipment is rigged”.
“The BAC followed the rules and procedures under RA 9184 (Government Procurement Law) and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR),” Lagunay said.
Speaking during the weekly radio program “The Governor Reports” on Friday, the provincial attorney recommended to the governor that the BAC should proceed as “there is no basis” to conclude that the bidding is a failure.
Lagunay also recommended that the protest filed by Japanese supplier Kowa Tsusho Ltd. be resolved first before the procurement contract is awarded to winning bidders.
Likewise, Provincial Administrator Atty. Tomas Abapo Jr. also believed that the BAC and its technical working group (TWG) “have done what is right and the bidding process had been done right since the start”.
Abapo recalled how he reminded BAC chair and General Services Officer Engr. Rosalindo Yu that “the bidding should be above board” considering the huge amount involved, and “there will be pressures along the way”.
4 SUPPLIERS PASS
During the post-qualification of bids, the BAC revealed that four suppliers already passed on the four items bidded out.
The qualifying bidders include JVF Commercial (Quezon City) to supply 4 units of brand new articulated motor road grader with an approved budget for contract (ABC) of P34,000,000; Civic Merchandising (Mandaue City) to supply 4 units of brand new road roller/vibratory compactor with an approved budget of P14,432,000; Isuzu Cebu Inc. (Mandaue City) to supply a brand new 6-wheeler water truck with pump with an approved budget of P4,720,000; and RDAK Transport Equipment (Cebu City) to supply a brand new 6-wheeler fuel tanker with pump.
The BAC’s post-qualification marked the other 3 items bid out as “failed” which includes the bidding for 2 units of backhoe/hydraulic excavator with breaker with an ABC of P16,236,000; 2 units of bulldozers with ripper with an ABC of P36,372,000; and 10 units of dumptrucks with an ABC of P40,800,000.
The BAC will conduct “further post qualification” proceeding on the tendered bid of JVF Commercial to supply 2 units of brand new payloader with an ABC of P17,136,000 in order to conduct “technical inspection and testing” of Holland, the firm’s offered brand.
ONLY 28 DAYS REQUIRED
In the complaint of Kowa Tsusho, the company alleged that considering the amount and nature of the project, Sec. 21.2.2 of the IRR-A of RA 9184 should have been observed before opening of bids, which is a maximum of 50 calendar days from the date of advertisement or posting of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB).
According to Kowa Tsusho, there was no ample time to prepare the bid because they only had 16 days to comply with requirements since the pre-bid conference on January 23, 2009 up to the deadline of submission of bids on February 9.
Lagunay clarified that the 50-day period does not apply to the procurement of heavy equipment as it is clearly a purchase of goods needed in the pursuit of a government undertaking, project or activity.
Thus, under the IRR-A of RA 9184, to complete the entire bidding process only 28 calendar days is required, he explained.
NO POSTPONEMENT ALLOWED
Lagunay continued that there is “no provision in the IRR-A which allows the BAC to postpone the bidding at a request of a prospective bidder”.
He said that this would only be perceived as “giving of undue favor to the disadvantage of the other bidders [who] managed to submit their bids as scheduled”.
The provincial attorney also noted that it was precisely requested by the equipment end-user that they expect to “take advantage of favorable weather conditions during which the heavy equipment will be used in the repair and improvement of provincial roads”.
Moreover, Lagunay did not find any deviation of the BAC from the IRR-A with regards to the publication of the IAEB in newspapers based in Cebu City that are being circulated in other parts of the country.
“In fact, we had participating bidders coming from Quezon City [which] bolsters the fact that the said newspapers are of nationwide circulation,” he stressed.
ABSENCE OF DOCUMENTS
On the allegation by the prospective bidder that bid documents were not provided at the time the IAEB was first published and posted nor at the time of the pre-bid conference, Lagunay said that this allegation was denied by the BAC.
According to the BAC, even as the issuance of bid documents was set on January 23, 2009, it does not mean that the documents were not available to the bidders right after the IAEB was first posted or published.
The BAC said that two bidders were able to get bid documents immediately after the pre-bid conference.
“After carefully reading letters of the counsel of the prospective bidder (Kowa Tsusho), it was found out that there was no allegation or statement that the prospective bidder ever asked for copies of the bids documents…”
Meanwhile, clarifications on some specifications of the heavy equipment to be purchased would naturally crop up during the pre-bid conference as this is the time where details of the equipment are discussed whether it is responsive to the needs of the procuring entity.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
According to Lagunay, the BAC and the TWG stressed that the specifications were only minimum requirements of the heavy equipment.
“The preferences on specifications are only descriptive but not restrictive,” he said. “Any bidder who can offer equipment with specifications which are above the minimum requirement is not precluded from participating the bid and can be ultimately awarded the contract.”
“There should be no confusion between preferred specifications on one hand and a preferred brand or bidder in the other,” Lagunay explained.
The preferred specification of an equipment is a vital factor in awarding the project, Lagunay concluded.

War vets warned of fixers

2009-02-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol -

Aging and sickly Boholano World War II veterans are warned by their post commanders to be cautious of fixers as the American government starts processing their money claims amounting to almost half-a-million pesos each.
In a meeting held yesterday at the JJ’s Seafoods Village, war veteran post commanders were advised to personally process their claims at the AFP Central Command, Camp Lapu-lapu, Lahug, Cebu City, Feb. 24 to 26, to avoid syndicates of fixers and to fast track the issuance of their checks.
The benefits provide a tax-free, one-time $9,000 (roughly P430,000) non-service connected compensation for veterans who are not US citizens, and $15,000 (roughly P717,000) for veterans who are US citizens.
All war veterans must receive their individual’s claim not later than February 16, 2010.
Rafael Bon, 86, the post commander of Panglao told the Chronicle that each veteran will be interviewed personally at the PVAO office at Centcom.
This is to ensure that they are not victimized by fixers who ask as much as a 50-percent cut with the assurance that money claims are released easily.
According to Bon, veterans who are already bedridden and physically unable to travel to Cebu City will be interviewed at the PVAO office here by representatives of the US Embassy on a later date this month.
He added that the compensation will be paid out in lump sum as soon as a claimant can present the required information and documentation upon filing their claims.
Each veteran are required to bring: two forms of identification (such as passport, driver’s license, Senior Citizen ID, Postal ID, Voter’s ID, etc.), VA Claim Number, Service Number, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office claim number, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Pension bank account number, and US Passport (if a US citizen).
Claims from spouses, widows and children of Filipino WWII veterans will not be accepted.
The US estimates about 18,000 Filipino veterans are still alive and eligible.

“P168M heavy equipment bidding a failure”

2009-02-17T23:55:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo

Condemning the latest scandal befalling the provincial government’s P168-million bidding of a brand new fleet of heavy equipment, Board Member Cesar Tomas Lopez yesterday said the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) “failed to comply” with key provisions of the procurement law.
Rising on a privileged speech during yesterday’s session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), the lawmaker stressed the provincial government is “again put in a bad light due to the fact that the manner by which goods [are purchased] cannot face up to public scrutiny”.
“Every transaction by the government, may it be P168 or P168-million, must pass public scrutiny and the probing eye of the Boholano,” Lopez said.
Waving a copy of the Chronicle which bannered the alleged bid rigging last Sunday, Lopez said he is “shamed” by insinuations of corruption at the Capitol.
Lopez is the only member of the provincial board who is not a member of the Lakas-CMD-Kampi slate of Gov. Erico Aumentado and Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera.
According to Lopez, the bidding process conducted by the BAC practically indicated in the technical specifications of the equipment to be purchased “the description of preferred brands”.
The board member said he likewise received text messages insulting the Capitol officialdom while others pointed out that the provincial government may save money if the BAC adheres to appropriate bidding procedures.
“I do not question the wisdom of rehabilitating our dilapidating provincial road network [as] I recognize the need to modernize our fleet of equipment,” Lopez said.
He urged his fellow lawmakers to act, whether the accusations against the BAC are unfounded or not, to make sure that its transactions are always “beyond reproach”.
According to Lopez, a personal evaluation of the documents involving the heavy equipment bidding, he came up with the observation that the BAC failed to comply with Section 17.5 of Rule IV of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 9184, the Government Procurement Law.
This provision requires the BAC to “give ample time” to prospective bidders to examine bidding documents and to prepare their respective bids.
The law’s provision states that in order to provide ample time, “the BAC shall promptly issue the bidding documents for the contract at the time the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB) is first advertised”.
Lopez presented documents pertaining to the bidding as he noted some irregular points that were also raised by the complaining supplier Kowa Tsusho Ltd, a Japanese heavy equipment dealer.
Kowa Tsusho has formally filed its protests with the BAC, chaired by General Services Officer Engr. Rosalinda Yu, and asked for a re-bidding even as the the bids committee is still on the post bid conference stage.
The Japanese firm alleged that they were disenfranchised from the multi-million bidding as the procurement process “gave undue advantage to preferred suppliers”.
Kowa Tsusho failed to beat the deadline set by the BAC as they were not given enough time to comply with “voluminous requirements”.
The provincial government will purchase an all brand new fleet of heavy equipment that includes 2 units of backhoe/hydraulic excavators with breakers; 2 units of bulldozers with ripper; 2 units of payloaders; 10 units of 6-wheeler dump trucks; 4 units motor road grader; 4 units of road roller/vibratory compactor; 1 unit 6-wheeler water truck with pump; and a 6-wheeler fuel tanker with pump.
These heavy equipment has an overall approved budget contract (ABC) of P168,296,000, as indicated in the IAEB.
In an interview with the Chronicle yesterday, Kowa Tsusho legal counsel Atty. Salvador Grupo said they will file appropriate charges in court as they have exhausted administrative remedies in trying to settle the issues with the BAC.

BAC TO RE-CONVENE

The BAC is on the post qualification stage after opening the bids last week.
According to Engr. Yu, she will still re-convene the committee this week as previous scheduled meetings did not push through due to conflicting schedules among members.
Yu had categorically denied the accusations of the Japanese heavy equipment supplier that the bidding was rigged and favored particular suppliers.
She also said that the BAC followed the maximum period of 30 days in bidding out the heavy equipment purchase.

Couple nabbed for drugs

2009-02-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

A team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) based in the province arrested a couple engaged in selling the illegal substance methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” during a raid yesterday in Poblacion Norte, Carmen town.
The raid in the house of Eric Manayagan, 32, and wife Ma. Socorro Manayagan, 26, yielded 29 sachets of suspected shabu granules with an estimated street value of P80,000, PDEA Intelligence Officer 3 Felimon Ruiz said.
The PDEA agents who conducted the raid with police operatives based in Camp Dagohoy this city, obtained a search warrant from Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Fernando Fuentes III.
The couple was long suspected of pushing illegal drugs in the town of Carmen.
The raiding team brought the suspected shabu granules at the PNP crime laboratory for examination as charges for illegal possession of illegal drugs will be filed against the Managayan couple.

1 killed in warehouse robbery

2009-02-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

A warehouseman was shot dead when robbers hit a softdrinks warehouse in barangay Cabulihan, Tubigon town Monday morning taking some P400,000 in cash and P70,000 worth of checks.
The unidentified armed assailants barged into the warehouse around 10 a.m. ordering the workers to get down on the floor.
According to warehouse employees, the lone casualty, Ranilo Bongcales, 27, a native of San Miguel town, was shot in the forehead by one of the suspects as he stood up from a stool.
Police said the Coca-Cola warehouse, owned by Atty. Antonino Jumawid, had 23 workers.
A team from the Bohol Police Provincial Office in Camp Dagohoy are in Tubigon to investigate the incident, as the angle of an inside job surfaced.
PSupt. Abner Catalla talked with warehouse employees yesterday and met with the Tubigon PNP.

BSP opens 3rd credit surety fund in Bohol

2009-02-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo

Tagbilaran City , BOHOL - -

Finding the right formula to fuel the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) where 70-percent of the country’s workforce depend, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) launched on Sunday the third and biggest cooperative credit surety fund here.

With an initial membership of 18 cooperatives that pooled its fund resources with a counterpart of P5-million each from the provincial government, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the International Loan Guarantee Fund (IGLF), the Bohol Coopreneurs Credit Surety Fund (BC-CSF) seeks to expand and simplify access to credit among member-cooperatives.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and Monetary Board Members Juanita Amatong and Ignacio Bunye signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) formally creating the BC-CSF with Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) president Reynaldo David and cooperative representatives at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island.

A brainchild of the BSP, the credit surety fund or CSF is a program that involves the creation of a trust fund contributed by cooperatives from a province and its provincial government intended primarily to make MSMEs (that are relying on cooperative fund support) bankable by giving them access to formal sources of financing by means of a surety cover.

“In effect, MSMEs who cannot get financing due to the absence of collaterals can now do so using the surety cover as substitute through their respective cooperatives,” Tetangco said in his speech during the MOA signing.

“As most of the country’s workers belong to the MSME sector, we can look forward to a sustained growth in the economy despite the global crisis,” the BSP official stressed.

Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office head Antonieto Pernia said the BC-CSF membership will reach 30 cooperatives before the end of the first quarter with a P20-million collective fund.

The central bank first introduced the CSF concept in the province of Cavite with the launching of the Cavite Coopreneurs Surety Fund back in August 2008 followed by the Aurora Province Coopreneurs Surety Fund last January.

“The BC-CSF is the first credit surety fund to be organized outside of Luzon and boasts of having the shortest gestation from conceptualization to actual launch,” claims Gov. Aumentado in his speech.

The CSF program received overwhelming reception from cooperatives from both Cavite and Aurora Province as it opened a wider source of financing for their member MSMEs.

DBP president David said the credit surety fund is a welcome development for the banking sector as the program makes it more comfortable for them to lend even in the absence of collaterals.

Even with the government’s requisite that banks and lending institutions allocate 10-percent of its loan portfolio to MSMEs, the sector still finds it difficult to obtain loans due to lack of acceptable collaterals, unstable income or cash flows, lack of business experience or track record and low paying capacity.

“This is the right formula and effective tool for countryside development - by energizing cooperatives to become agents of progress in its own communities by creating more jobs and livelihood,” adds David.

Adelia Ajoc of the Carmen Credit Cooperative Inc. said that through the credit surety fund, their need for additional capital is addressed while it is now much easier for their cooperative to extend loans to members for livelihood without resorting to usurers and loan sharks.

“Our cooperatives are small but we look forward to becoming partners in the development of MSMEs with the guidance of the central bank and the banking sector,” says Dr. Cerina Bolos, chair of the BC-CSF oversight committee.

According to Aumentado, the launching of the BC-CSF is a “defining moment for Bohol which once belonged to the ‘Club 20’ of poorest provinces in the country and a hotbed of the communist insurgency”.

“This will further bolster the province’s growth with our food sufficiency hitting a record of 113-percent,” the governor said.

The central bank hopes to cascade the CSF concept to all key areas of the country.

Bohol Capitol P168-M equipment bidding rigged?

2009-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Posted: The Bohol Chronicle

A Japanese heavy equipment dealer complains on the alleged rigged bidding for the purchase of some P168-milllion worth of heavy equipment conducted by the provincial government recently.

International heavy equipment trader Kowa Tsusho Ltd. failed to qualify in the multi-million bidding but said the procurement process “gave undue advantage to preferred suppliers” which threatens to explode into another anomaly bigger than Capitol’s alleged overpriced purchase of a backhoe and air-conditioning units two years ago.

Atty. Salvador Grupo, counsel of the Japanese firm, has formally filed a protest action to the chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the provincial government, General Services Officer Engr. Rosalinda Yu.

According to Grupo, his client was unable to beat the deadline for the submission of bids as the BAC conducted the bidding process with haste contrary to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184, the Government Procurement Act.

Under Sec. 17, Rule VI of the law’s IRR, prospective bidders should be given ample time to examine bidding documents and prepare its respective bids.

“To provide ample time, the concerned BAC shall promptly issue the bidding documents for the contract to be bid out at the time the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB) is first advertised,” Grupo cited.

The provincial government will purchase an all brand new fleet of heavy equipment that includes 2 units of backhoe/hydraulic excavators with breakers; 2 units of bulldozers with ripper; 2 units payloaders; 10 units of 6-wheeler dump trucks; 4 units motor road grader; 4 units road roller/vibratory compactor; 1 unit 6-wheeler water truck with pump; and a 6-wheeler fuel tanker with pump.

These heavy equipment has an overall approved budget contract (ABC) of P168,296,000.

Based on records, Grupo said that the bidding was advertised on January 7, 2009 but bid documents were made available only on January 23 “which is contrary to the provisions of the law.

The dropping of the bids, Grupo added, was done last February 9 which did not gave enough time to Kowa Tsusho to comply with all the “voluminous requirements”.

“As a result, my client has been disenfranchised and suffered because of the failure of the BAC to observe the appropriate bidding procedures,” the lawyer said.

In a letter to Yu last February 4, the supplier requested for the dropping, screening and opening of bids to be deferred.

In its letter to Yu, the Japanese supplier noted “defects in the manner” the bidding has been conducted by the BAC.

Aside from the unavailability of bid documents, the amount to be paid for the said requirement was not stated for the reason that the technical working group of the bids committee “still needed to come up with the final and definite specifications”.

As shown in the minutes of the pre-bidding conference, “the BAC secretariat could not furnish the interested bidders at that time any of the required documents,” Grupo disclosed.

He said there were “serious concerns and questions raised by participating suppliers and interested bidders” that were not completely resolved by the BAC and that it “needed further time to deliberate and settle” the issues.

PREFERRED BIDDER?

During the said pre-bid conference, Grupo bared that the BAC “openly admitted they already had preferred brands” which is improper under the procurement law.

“Due to the unresolved issued that surfaced during the conference, the time frame for the submission of the required documents by the interested bidders, were now very much shortened, and there was hardly enough time for the interested bidders to comply,” he explained.

Grupo denounced how the BAC proceeded with the opening of bids despite the protests of his client.

He added the guideline on publicizing the IAEB was not followed as the BAC only advertised the items for bidding in two local newspapers. The procurement law requires the invitation for bids to a local and a national newspaper of general circulation.

“Dates of publication and the newspapers were carefully chosen and the specifications for the equipment were tailor-suited to favor a particular brand or model,” Grupo added further.

“This situation creates the impression that there are favored parties who have given advantages in this bidding,” the lawyer stressed.

SUPPLIERS

As of February 4, six suppliers were already listed by the BAC to participate in the bidding. These were Camec JCB Corporation, JVF Commercial, Civic Merchandising, RDAK Transport Equipment, Pasahero Motors Corporation and Isuzu Cebu, Inc.

Of the six bid participants, only RDAK could supply all the 8 items stated in the contract.

Moreover, Kowa Tsusho also questioned the BAC for allowing the other seven contractors to supply only some of the items to be bidded out instead of the 8 items specified in the IAEB. This was confirmed in the amounts paid by said suppliers which were based on a per item basis.

A provincial ordinance sets the amount to be paid for the purchase of bid documents on contracts over P10-million at P10,000. However, each of the eight suppliers paid separately for each of the items offered for bidding.

Grupo likewise revealed that the maximum period to be given to prospective bidders from the time of publication of the invitation for bids should have been 50 calendar days instead of just 30 days.

“Infrastructure projects involving P50 million and above should allow suppliers and contractors at least 50 days from the last publication of the invitation to submit their bid requisites,” he said.

According to Grupo, the dropping of bids last February 9 was illegal since it did not comply with the prescribed period in the procurement law.

BAC EXPLAINS

In her reply, Engr. Yu said the accusations of the Japanese heavy equipment supplier that the bidding was “rigged and craftily manipulated” is “totally unfounded, baseless and unfair”.

Yu clarified that the invitation for bids was published not only in the Bohol Chronicleon January 15, 2009 but also in the Sun Star Daily on January 8, 2009 and in the Cebu Daily News on January 15.

Moreover, the IAEB was also posted in the website of the provincial government and in three conspicuous places in the province, according to Yu.

The BAC chair also disproved the claim of the supplier that the maximum period to be allowed should be 50 days saying that the said provision in the procurement law applies only to infrastructure projects and not to the procurement of goods.

“Quite obviously, the procurement of various heavy equipment falls under the category of goods and not infrastructure project,” she added.

Yu justified that “the inability of Kowa Tsusho to submit its bid documents on time” cannot be given consideration as it would “unduly put the bidding process in bad light”.

“We cannot give special treatment to [Kowa Tsusho] because this would be unfair to the other bidders who dutifully labored to submit their bid documents on time,” Yu concluded.

FLAWED FROM THE START

However, Grupo, who said he personally attended the pre-bid conference, stressed the multi-million peso purchase by the provincial government, the biggest single purchase by far, has led some sectors to question its timing.

“This is not an issue of an interested bidder asking for a special consideration and not being granted such accommodation,” according to Grupo stressing that provisions of the procurement law and its IRR are violated.

“The BAC despite our vehement protests continued its conclusion to the bidding process by conducting a post-qualification on the submitted bids,” he said.

According to Grupo, this serves to bolster suspicions that “the transaction from the very beginning stinks”.

“The purchase from the start of the advertisement to the schedule of activities was done in haste,” he stressed.

It can be recalled that two years ago, a similar purchase of heavy equipment (backhoe) also generated controversy which ended in the supplier offering a donation to the province “as a gesture of goodwill” for bagging the contract.

PRBank clients process claims

2009-02-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Posted: The Bohol Chronicle

Depositors of the closed Pilipino Rural Bank (PRBank) Tagbilaran City branch with deposit account balance of P100,000 and below are the first ones to get paid.

Representatives from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) began processing claims of the rural bank’s clients of with 40 regular savings depositors serviced daily starting last Wednesday.

The initial claims servicing operations of PDIC here will run until March 6 which targets up to 600 depositors out of the 14,670 clients of the bank in the province.

PRBank declared a bank holiday last December 12, 2008 after the collapse of its affiliate banks under the Legacy Group.

PDIC said they initially distributed numbered claim forms last Wednesday at the closed bank’s branch office at the Asian Lending Building along CPG North Avenue, this city.

The actual claims servicing will be done in the order based on the numbers printed in the claim forms to ensure an orderly payout processing.

In order to get a claim form, depositors must present their original regular savings passbook to the PDIC representatives at the rural bank’s premises. This will be done on a first come, first served basis.

After filling out the claim form, the bank client will verify the corresponding “appointment date” as indicated by the number in the form that is when the depositor will go back to the bank and submit the claim form.

The PDIC is prioritizing claims of depositors with regular savings accounts of P100,000 and below in keeping with its mandate to protect small, unsophisticated depositors.

According to PDIC representatives, the second batch of claims processing will start next month for regular savings accounts with balances of P100,000 and above, special savings accounts and current accounts.

Loon Ex-mayor cleared of graft charges

2009-02-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

By Kit Bagaipo
Posted:The Bohol Chronicle

The Sandiganbayan, through its 5th Division, recently cleared former Loon mayor Wilfredo Caresosa and five co-accused of charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In a decision penned on July 18, 2008 and promulgated on January 30, 2009, the graft court found that “the prosecution failed to discharge its burden of proof, hence, the acquittal of the accused is inevitable”.

Earlier, a corollary case arising from the same incident and prosecuted at the instance of the same complaint against Caresosa, also found the accused not guilty. The verdict was handed down by the 3rd Division of the Sandiganbayan.

A seventh accused, Rosalio Sierras, had his case dismissed after he died while the case was on trial.

The defense of the case was handled by lawyers Artemio Cabatos and Amado Caballero.

The prosecution stemmed from the purchase of PVC pipes on credit from E. Butalid Store sometime in 1998. The purchase, being undertaken on “emergency” was made without benefit of public bidding.

The evidence showed that the improvement project for the Loon Waterworks System, using the questioned PVC pipes, was actually completed. The project raised the annual income of the municipal waterworks system from P1.6 million to P3 million and later propelled to P5 million as more consumers were served.

The prosecution claimed overprice in the purchase of the PVC pipes, as well as irregularity by the absence of public bidding, both constituting violations of RA 3019, the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

But the court ruled otherwise. There was no convincing evidence of overprice, as the Commission on Audit (COA), through Atty. Charlita Leopoldo, compared the quotation of E. Butalid Store in 1998 with those of Cebu suppliers in 1999.

The absence of public bidding was justified by the presence of the “El Nino” phenomenon during the time when the project was undertaken.

Further, the court found no injury to the government or any private party, noting the increase in revenues from the waterworks system after its completion.

The Sandiganbayan said, “Atty. Leopoldo’s conclusion that the goods delivered by E. Butalid Store were overpriced is rather inaccurate… the prosecution’s claim that the cost paid by the Municipality of Loon to E. Butalid Store for the said goods was overpriced is totally baseless.”

The two cases were leveled against Caresosa and company after he lost the mayoralty seat of Loon in 1998 to Cesar Tomas Lopez. The latter is now member of the Bohol Provincial Board.

PDIC to start payout of deposit claims next week

2009-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Tagbilaran City, BOHOL - -

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will start paying out claims on insured deposits of closed rural banks on February 13.

PDIC vice president for Comptrollership Geronimo Ambe made this assurance this morning during a meeting with over 1,000 depositors of Pilipino Rural Bank (PRBank) Tagbilaran Branch here at the Bohol Cultural Center, this city.

According to Ambe the first batch of payout will run until March 6 starting with insured deposits below P250,000.

Based on PDIC records, there are 14,762 depositors of PRBank Tagbilaran, according to Ambe. The list of depositors includes prominent businessmen, retirees, overseas workers, politicians and even two alleged “swertres” financiers.

The deposit insurer will also distribute claim forms next week here in Tagbilaran for other claimants, Ambe said.

PRBank Tagbilaran, an affiliate of the bankrupt Legacy Group, declared a bank holiday last December 12, 2008.

The meeting with Ambe and Boholano depositors came after Gov. Erico Aumentado requested PDIC to resolve complaints of local depositors who were annoyed by the delay in processing of their claims.

Ambe appealed to depositors to be patient as there are 28 other rural banks that the PDIC had to attend to.

Claims will be processed on a first come, first served basis after the PDIC have completed paying out claims below P250,000, Ambe added.

Last week another rural bank here in Bohol also declared a holiday after depositors started withdrawing their deposits following apprehensions on the closure of PRBank.

The Rural Bank of Maribojoc, Inc. (RBM) had been operating smoothly for the past 31 years until its depositors lost confidence on its stability, according to the rural bank’s chairman Restituto Tan.

RBM has already applied for a P20-million emergency loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to revitalize its operations.

Last Monday officials of the BSP scrutinized bank records and transactions to assess if a loan can be granted, according to Tan.
Until now, the Monetary Board has not placed RBM under receivership.

Domino effect: Another rural bank declares holiday

2009-01-29T01:02:00.000-08:00

Domino effect:
Another rural bank declares holiday
By Kit Bagaipo
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 00:18:00 01/29/2009

Filed Under: Banking, Legacy banking group

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A rural bank in Bohol province, in central Philippines, declared a bank holiday Wednesday after heavy withdrawals by depositors following the closure of a rural bank in this city last month.

The depositors were surprised to see the Rural Bank of Maribojoc Inc. branch in Maribojoc town closed on Wednesday morning with a posted notice saying the bank was temporarily closed while awaiting a loan from the central bank and that its depositors should "beware of swindlers."

The rural bank's chairman, Restituto Tan, he declined to comment Wednesday morning but promised to issue a statement. He said he had to meet with the bank's board. Other bank officers could not be reached for comment.

Antonieto Pernia, the chief of staff at the office of the provincial governor, said the rural bank had asked for a loan from the central bank as early as December to cope with massive withdrawals.

Pernia said he introduced Tan to central bank officials who came to Bohol last month to supervise the convergence of local cooperatives in the province. He said it was at that meeting that Tan asked the central bank officials to approve the rural bank's application for cash infusion before its cash reserves became depleted.

The Rural Bank of Maribojoc had been offering depositors annual interest of 20 percent.

Last December 12, the Pilipino Rural Bank Tagbilaran City branch declared a bank holiday. It was one of 12 rural banks affiliated with the Legacy Group.

Hundreds of Pilipino Rural Bank depositors are still waiting for the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. to process their claims on their deposits.

Rescue endangered tarsiers

2009-01-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

Bohol officials rescue caged tarsiers

By Kit Bagaipo

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:07:00 12/06/2008

TAGBILARAN CITY – Aside from the Chocolate Hills, Bohol has the endangered tarsiers as a popular attraction.

The tarsiers – cuddly-looking creatures with soft, grayish fur, four to five inches high, with tails like rats’ and ears like bats’ – are endemic to the towns of Corella, Loboc, Sevilla and Bilar, but tourist-related businesses in other areas have taken them out of their habitats into their own display rooms to attract visitors.

This practice has prodded the provincial government to call for a ban on the showing of the tarsier for commercial purposes outside their natural environment.

Locked up for tourists

On Wednesday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved unanimously Resolution No. 002-2008, urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through Secretary Jose Atienza, to stop the issuance of wildlife farm permits that allow possession and display of tarsiers for business or commercial purposes.

It blamed the DENR for the proliferation of permits in Panglao, Loay, Albur, Anda and Sagbayan.

“While these towns are not considered natural habitats of the tarsiers, the plight of the primates is also critical since they are locked up in cages for easy viewing,” says Board Member Alfonso Damalerio II, chair of the committee on natural resources and environment.

The board also approved on first reading the proposed Ordinance 015-2008, which prohibits the possession and display of the tarsier and imposes penalties on violators.

The legislative measures came amid concerns by provincial officials and tourism industry stakeholders who had pushed for stronger steps to protect the tarsier, which has been classified as an endangered species by the DENR.

For an individual or entity to possess a tarsier, a wildlife farm permit must first be secured from the DENR. But the board members were bothered because the department had yet to conduct an inventory of the tarsiers that are increasingly being traded and brought outside their habitats.

Based on scientific studies, tarsiers, being nocturnal animals, rest during daytime and hunt for food at night. Damalerio said the presence of humans could shorten the tarsiers’ life span since they are subjected to stress.

Wildlife farm permits

“The DENR should stop issuing permits allowing the tarsiers to be held in captivity,” he said.

In October, a floating restaurant and river cruise business in the town of Loay obtained another wildlife farm permit from the DENR regional office to hold 10 tarsiers, including two macaques (monkey species).

Nestor Canda, provincial environment and natural resources officer, said in an interview that his office did not process the permit applications and that he did not issue any official recommendation or assessment for the issuance of the permits.

“Even with the absence of solid and strict guidelines regarding the issuance of permits, several private businesses were able to acquire a wildlife farm permit from the DENR regional office,” the joint committee report said.

“Each new permittee will put more tarsiers in danger,” Damalerio pointed out.

Sanctuary

In 1997, then President Fidel V. Ramos issued Proclamation No. 1030 declaring the Philippine tarsiers especially protected faunal species. The law prohibits the hunting, killing, wounding and taking possession of the primates and mandates the DENR to establish “appropriate sanctuaries” for its preservation.

It also states that the breeding or propagation of the tarsier can only be granted to persons or entities with technical and financial capacity to maintain its existence.

Canda promised to conduct a province-wide inventory of the people, entities or businesses who are in possession of the tarsier, whether legal or illegal.

The board resolution and proposed ordinance acknowledged the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella as the center of the tarsier conservation program and its natural habitat. Possession and viewing for commercial and related purposes outside of the sanctuary will be penalized under the proposed ordinance.

Tarsier foundation

In 1996, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation Inc. (PTFI) set up the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary at Canapnapan, Corella, in order to protect the animal from extinction through increased awareness, researches and the establishment of protected areas in Bohol.

The program also provides economic and social development opportunities to residents through ecotourism-related livelihood projects.

The foundation, headed by hotelier Anos Fonacier, acquired 170 hectares of forested area as sanctuary site. Through a P5-million assistance extended recently by Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto, the sanctuary’s facilities and landscape are being improved.

The project also gets a yearly allocation of P1.5 million from the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Filipino cab driver returns $17,000 to passenger

2009-01-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Tricycle driver returns $17,000 to passenger
By Kit Bagaipo
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 07:31pm (Mla time) 07/01/2007

Filed Under: Good news, Charity

TAGBILARAN CITY -- It could have been an easy answer to his financial woes, but tricycle driver Iluminado Boc felt he had to let it pass.

The 45-year old driver, a resident of Habitat Village in Bool, this city, turned over to the local police a pouch containing $17,000 (approximately P800,000), which was left by its owner in the passenger seat of his tricycle on June 23.

On the same day Boc found the bag containing so much cash, his wife was hospitalized due to a lingering ailment.

Boc, whom the Philippine Daily Inquirer was able to interview on Saturday, said it was not the first time he returned items left in his motorcab.

There were instances when he returned valuable items such as cellular phones, he said.

The tricycle driver admitted his monthly payments for his house in Habitat Village were long overdue. He is also paying monthly installments for his tricycle unit. Then came his wife's hospitalization.

But he said he was never tempted to keep the money. "It was not mine," was his simple answer when asked why he did not keep the money.

Boc said that at around 1 p.m. last June 23, a woman took a ride on his tricycle from the city airport to the Integrated Bus Terminal in Dao, this city.

He said it was not until he stopped for a break at around 3 p.m. that he noticed the pouch bag in the passenger seat and found it contained dollar bills. He remembered that it belonged to the woman who rode from the airport.

Boc said he was surprised that other passengers who took his motorcab from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., did not tell him about the pouch.

Boc said he immediately drove to the city police station and delivered the pouch to the lost-and-found section.

He said it was only there that he learned that the pouch contained $17,000 and that the woman who owned it arrived at the same police precinct a few minutes earlier and had started describing her lost item to the police.

Boc said he immediately recognized the woman as the person who left the pouch in his motorcab.

He said the woman gave him P1,500 as a reward. He said he was initially hesistant to accept the money but upon the prodding of the grateful passenger and the police officers at the station, he did.

Boc said he was not able to get the name of the woman.

The city police has no record of the name of the woman because her lost item was recovered before the incident could be recorded in the police blotter.