The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Naga City Chapter (PICE-NAGA) has inducted its new set of officers for 2017 with the 20th Induction of Executive Officers, Board of Directors, and new members was held last February 25, 2017 at Don Mariano Hall, Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City with Mayor John G. Bongat of Naga City as guest of honor. Engr. Clemente Ibo, PICE National 1st Vice President was the inducting officer. The newly-elected executive officers are: PICE Naga President 2017 – Engr. Alex F. Cruz; Vice-President – Engr. Tito Simando; Secretary – Engr. Maricel Macaraig; Treasurer – Engr. Ermina Ma. P. Robredo; Auditor – Engr. Aris Abergos; P.R.O. – Engr. Ernie Rubio. The Board of Directors for 2017 are: Engr. Ruth Noleal; Engr. Francis Alarkon; Engr. Patrick Malagueno; Engr. Francisco Aguilar; Engr. Ferdinand Bien; Engr. Rodrigo Camarrote, Jr.; Engr. Danilo Garcia; Engr. Raul Carreras; and Engr. Gertrudo Regondola. Likewise inducted in the same occasion were the record 40 new members who were recruited and mostly new engineers from Ateneo de Naga University. In his valedictory speech, outgoing president Engr. Dominador Ragas challenged the incoming president to continue the construction and completion of the PICE Naga Headquarters building that was started during the 19th founding anniversary of the organization. Other attendees were representatives from PICE Camarines Sur, PICE Legazpi City and Albay, PICE Regional Coordinator Engr. Florida Nunez. Boysen Paints and Moldex Pipes generously sponsored the activity. JMTS/Jorechiii

QUEZON CITY --- Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from the service of 12 respondents in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam after they were found guilty of Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and Dishonesty. Ordered dismissed were Jessica Lucila ‘Gigi’ Reyes (Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile), Jose Antonio Evangelista II (Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Enrile), Victor Roman Cacal (Paralegal, National Agribusiness Corporation), Gondelina Amata (President, National Livelihood Development Corporation), Chita Jalandoni (Department Manager III, NLDC), Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal (Director IV, NLDC), Ofelia Ordoñez (Cashier, NLDC), Filipina Rodriguez (Budget Officer, NLDC), Sofia Cruz (Project Development Assistant IV), Dennis Cunanan (Director General, Technology Resource Center), Consuelo Lilian Espiritu (Budget Officer, TRC) and Marivic Jover (Chief Accountant, TRC). The dismissal order carries with it the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits. In the event of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s salary for one year. Reyes, et. al. are also being tried before the Sandiganbayan for their involvement in the anomalous utilization of the 2007 to 2009 PDAF of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. Investigation found that from 2004 to 2010, Senator Enrile, continuously endorsed the implementation of his PDAF-funded livelihood and agricultural production projects in different parts of the country to questionable Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) associated with or controlled by Janet Lim Napoles. From 2007 to 2009, a total of P345,000,000.00 was released by the Department of Budget and Management as part of Enrile’s PDAF. After the fund release, Enrile identified the NABCOR, NLDC and TRC as implementing agencies. To facilitate the scam, Enrile, through Reyes, authorized Evangelista, to act for the Senator, deal with the parties involved in the process and sign documents necessary for the immediate and timely implementation of his PDAF-funded projects. Enrile also endorsed the following NGO as project partners: (1) Agri and Economic Program for farmers Foundation Inc.; (2) Agricultura para sa Magbubukid Foundation, Inc.; (3) Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc.; (4) Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation; (5) People’s Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc.; and (6) Social Development Program for Farmer’s Foundation, Inc. The P345M fund was allegedly used to buy tools and implements, financial grants and subsidies, technical assistance technology transfer through video courses (VCDs), printed materials, vegetable seeds, hand tools, gloves, masks, vests, caps, garden tools, knapsack sprayers, fertilizer, gardening packages, rakes, agricultural livelihood packages, agricultural chemicals, and small scale agri-packages. Actual field validation conducted by the Ombudsman revealed that no deliveries were made to the supposed beneficiaries. Mayors and municipal agriculturists denied receiving any of the items from the office Senator Enrile, the implementing agencies or any of the NGOs. The Commission on Audit observed that (1) the NGOs that received the multi-million peso PDAF releases did not have the track record to implement the projects; (2) the selection of the NGOs, as well as the alleged procurement of goods for distribution of beneficiaries did not undergo public bidding; (3) the suppliers denied having dealt with any of the NGOs; and (4) the reported beneficiaries were unknown or could not be located at their given addresses. In addition, whistleblower Benhur Luy’s records showed that “Enrile received, through respondents Reyes and Ruby Tuason, total commissions, rebates or kickbacks amounting to at least P172,834,500.00.” In the Decision approved by Ombudsman Morales, she stated that “based on testimonial and documentary evidence presented, the widespread misuse of the PDAF allotted to a legislator was coursed through a complex scheme basically involving projects supposed to have been funded by said PDAF which turned out to be inexistent or “ghost projects.” According to Ombudsman Morales, “in most instances, the disbursement vouchers (DV) were accomplished, signed and approved on the same day. Certainly, the required careful examination of the transaction’s supporting documents could not have taken place if the DV was processed and approved in one day.”

The Social Security System (SSS) gave relief packages to a total of 900 families from Brgy. Washington and San Juan in Surigao who were affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake which hit the area on February 10. During the relief operations held last February 23, 2017 at Barangay Washington Gym in Kaskag Village in Surigao, Senior Vice President for Mindanao Operations Group Eddie A. Jara told the beneficiaries to be strong and never lose hope because SSS is always ready to help. Above photo shows SVP Jara (4th from left) and SVP for Administration Group May Catherine C. Ciriaco (6th from left) giving a relief package to Ms. Betty Petalcorin, a 73-year old pensioner from Purok Candaba, Brgy. Washington. Also present during the relief operations were (from left) SSS Surigao Branch Head Jose Roel J. Herbieto, SSS Tandag Branch Head Benigno J. Dagani, Jr., VP for Management Services and Planning Division Eleonora Y. Cinco, VP for Northern Mindanao Division Edwin M. Alo, SVP for Information Technology Management Group Joel A. Layson, AVP for Branch Systems and Procedures Gloria Y. Cuisia, AVP for Engineering Facility and Management Department Edwin B. Maliwat, SSS Butuan Branch Head Antonio G. Fabia, OIC for Corporate Communications Department Sonia P. Guinto and AVP for Media Affairs Department Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian. SSS senior officials were in Surigao from February 23-24 for the regional visit in the area to extend help to the casualties of the earthquake and to meet with local media.

Mamumugtak sa luwas kan Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP) an power house kan Rangas River Mini Hydro Power Project na igwang distansya nin hasta dos kilometros sa protected area alagad an gagamiton iyo an nagbubulos na tubig sa bukid na bubugtakan nin weir o ulang nganing maglaog sa dakulang tubo na maderetso sa turbina nganing mag-ikot ini asin maproducer nin 1.5 megawatts na corriente na ipapabakal sa baratong presyo sa Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative (Casureco IV). ‘’Bako ining destructive sa Mt. Isarog mientras na an icoconstruhir na power house nasa puro kan bukid na may rayo nin hasta sa dos kilometros na binakal sa pribadong maysadiri nin mga lote na may hiwas nin 1.2 hektarya na may mga tax declaration’’. Ini an mga paliwanag sa Bicol Mail ni Jose Ilagan, presidente kan Clean and Green Energy Solutions Inc. na maconstruhir kan mini hydro sa Brgy. San Pedro, Goa, Camarines Sur na gagastosan nin P200 milyon. An junta directiva kan Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) asin iba pang sektores nagpaluwas kan saindang position paper na nacocontra sa mini hydro sa dahilan na madedestroso an bukid mantang an proyecto yaon sa laog kan protected area asin prohibido ini base sa Republic Act 7586 na mas midmid sa National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) of 1992. SA NIPAS LAW Sa isyu na prohibido sa NIPAS law alagad an katuyohan kaini iyo an development project, yaon an Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB), dai ulangon an ano man na progreso sa sarong lugar alagad i-regulate iyan base sa mga reglamento, kun igwa man na negativong lado resolveran asin ipaliwanag an proyecto na dakul an mga inagihan na proceso sa DENR asin PAMB na naghahanap nin medyos kun pano siyang tama sa mga reglamento asin madagos an dakulang proyecto asin malinaw na mayong pagbalga sa RA 7586 mantang harayo an ibubugtak na power house sa Mt. isarog, sabi pa ni Ilagan. Igwa na sindang Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) na pig-isyu kan DENR na limang taon na an nakakaagi alagad nagpaso na asin liwat sindang nagpoproceso kan papeles sa agencia nganing makakuang bagong ECC. Kaparejo man kan Bicol Mini Hydro sa Brgy. Panicuason, Ciudad nin Naga an proyecto sa Goa, CamSur na base sa saindang feasibility study pueding maglawig an buhay kaini sagcod sa cincuenta años. Sinabi pa ni Ilagan na an saindang compaña igwa nang kabatiran sa sinambit na proyecto mala ngani igwa na sinda duwang mini hydro sa Mindoro na nagpoproducer nin 2 asin 3 megawatts asin matatapos na an kaparejong proyecto sa saro pang lugar sa Mindoro na maproducer nin sampulong megawatts. RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMA KAN GOBIERNO An renewable energy saro sa mga programa kan gobierno sa pag-engkaminar sa pribadong sektor nganing dai na maka-contribuir pa nin problema sa global warming mientras na dai ini makakaraot sa kapalibotan. An watershed sa laog kan Bukid Isarog garo man sana sarong plang-gana na pag-naguuran iyo an nagsasalod kan tubig uran asin si canal pababa na iyo an Rangas river kaya dagos-dagos na may tubig. Kun panahon na dai aro-aldaw an pag-uran alagad dagos-dagos an salog, igwang mga kahoy sa watershed na iyo an nagpupugol kan tubig. Digdi maheheling na an mini hydro mahalaga huli ta dai nahahalian tubig, yaon an kagayonan kan kahoy sa watershed. Huli kaini, kamawotan kan Clean and Green Solutions Inc. na dagdagan an reforestation nganing macierto na dagos-dagos an tubig, sabi pa. CORRIENTE GIKAN SA MINI HYDRO PERMANENTE AN PRESYO Igwa na sindang kasundoan sa Casureco IV na iyo an mabakal kan mapoproducer na enerhia sa mas baratong presyo na nagcacantidad nin P5.89 alagad ano man na presyo kaipuhan pang rikisahon kan Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Sinabi pa kan compaña na mas estable an presyo kan corriente kun gikan sa mini-hydro huli ta dai nag-dedefende sa mga imported fuel, diesel asin oring na an afecto kaini nagkakaigwang mga paglangkaw kan presyo nin corriente. Saindang pighalimbawa an Hanopol Hydro sa provincia nin Bohol puon pa kan 1992 padagos na estable an saindang pagpabakal nin corriente sa presyong P2.10 mientras na si ibang compaña na nag-uusar nin imported fuel nag-aabot sa P4.50 hasta P4.80. An dahilan kaini, an tubig gikan sa bukid dai ninda binabakal na iyo man an iimplementar kan compana an permanenteng tarifa sa Partido area. Dinagdag pa kan compaña na sa isyu sa mapuputol nindang 77 mga kahoy, pighahanapan nindang paagi na mabawasan ini alagad an karibay kaini iyo an sangatos na puon nin kahoy na saindang itatanum. Saindang pigcierto na mayong mangyayaring pagraot sa kapalibotan mientras na kaipuhan ngani ninda an watershed sa multi million pesos na proyecto. BENEPISYO SA COMUNIDAD On por cientong special tax kan saindang ingreso; Pagpakarhay kan access road sa ibaba kan Bukid Isarog; magkakaigwa nin lokal na empleayo sa mga taga Goa, CamSur sa icoconstruir na planta sagcod sa operasyon kaini; mga livelihood sa indigenous communities sa saindang programa sa watershed preservation, mabugtak nin brgy. multi purpose hall asin iba pang programa pang kabuhayan; mahuros an singil sa tarifa sa corriente asin makakasuplay tolos nin corriente sa panahon nin mga calamidad. (DPA)

Mayoria kan mga constituentes sa tercer distrito kan Camarines Sur nagcocontra sa pigtutulod ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte na ibuelta kan congreso an castigong bitay sa mga makangirat na krimen . Si dating Alcalde Abang Mabulo kan San Fernando, CamSur asin Chief of Staff ni Congresista Gabby Bordado nagsabi na an representante kan tercer distrito nagconducir nin mga consultasyon sa manlaen-laen na sektores sa laog nin duwang semana asin an resulta nagpapaboran na dapat isikwal kan congreso an House Bill 4727 na nagtulod na buhayon an death penalty sa nacion. ‘’An satuyang congresista nanindugan base sa saiyang paghapot sa pagconsulta sa saiyang consituentes sa paglibot sa laog nin duwang semana nganing maatid-atid niya an pagmate kan saiyang kahimanwa, saiyang nadiscobre na 80 por ciento contra sa pagbuelta kan death penalty’’ Kabale sa saiyang mga pigconsulta iyo an senior citizens, kababaehan, jovenes, paratukdo, paraoma, kapitanes de barangay asin iba pang sektor. Gulpi an naogma huli ta sabi ninda ngonian sinda nakamate na an saindang congresista hinahapot sinda kun ano an saindang panindugan sa mga isyu na saiyang ipinaglalaban. Gustong sabihon ‘’pro life’’ an mga taga tercer distrito kan CamSur, sabi pa ni Mabulo. Bilang congresista, saiyang papanindugan kun ano an gusto kan mga tawo sa saiyang distrito, bakong personal an saiyang desisyon envez bilang representante kan tawo. Saiyang ipinaglalaban duman sa congreso an panindugan kan namamanuan na saiyang pigrere-presentaran. An death penalty bill padagos pang pigdedebatehan sa congreso na sakop sa bill iyo an mga caso sa treason, piracy, bribery, parricide, murder, rape, kidnapping, illegal detention, robbery, destructive arson asin sa ilegal na droga alagad hinale na an plunder case na kadakle envuelto digdi si mga kuraptong oficial kan gobierno. An Filipinas igwang international treaties na may kasundoan na hinahale ta an death penalty, ini si kadaklan na advance countries na tinanggal na an sinambit na penalidad. Sabi ninda dapat isikwal na an castigong bitay na inaprobaran sa Oslo Norway. Kan nakaaging Miercules nin Pangurus (ask Wednesday), pagpuon kan kuaresma, dakul an nagpasiring sa mga simbahan sa Via Crusis na sulot an t-shirt na itom na nakalaag contra sa EJK o extra judicial killing asin death penalty. (DPA)

Nakasunad na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod kan Ciudad nin Naga an propuestong ordinansa na mabilog nin task force na iyo an ma-monitor kan mga caso sa Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) asin Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) huli kan padagos na paglangkaw kan caso kaini. Si Consejal Sonny Rañola, pamayo kan Committee on Health iyo an nagpapadreno kan ordinansa na pigpunan nang tukaron sa regular session kan Martes, Febrero 28 asin yaon na sa committee level. Katuyohan kan consejal nganing macierto an proteksyon sa mga menor de edad na kaakian contra sa HIV/AIDS na posibleng maging envuelto sa amay na pakikipag-sex. An Department of Health asin an City Health Office kan City nagkunpirmar na padagos na naglalangkaw an mga caso sa HIV-AIDS asin iba pang sexually transmitted diseases sa ciudad na dapat mag-aksyon na an LGU, sabi ni Rañola. Sa saiyang privilege speech sa ginibong regular session kan SP saiyang pigluwas an datus sa mga caso puon kan 1984 hasta kan 2016 na padagos na naglalangkaw. Kinua niya an oras sa sesyon bako sa pag-panic, bako lang bilang sarong doctor alagad bilang namamanan na nagtataong patanid sa publico contra sa nakakagadan na helang. Sa mga provincia sa Bikol, an Ciudad nin Naga asin Camarines Sur iyo an may halangkaw na caso sa HIV/AIDS puon kan 1984 hasta 2016. Sa Camarines Sur kan 2016 nagsakat sa 54 caso mientras na sa Naga igwang 17 caso, alagad puon kan 1984 hasta 2016 an satong provincia igwa nang 192 na caso mantang sa satong ciudad nag-abot na sa 71 caso, sabi pa ni Rañola. An City Health Office, sa pamamayo ni Dr. Vito ‘Butch’ Borja padagos an saindang mga ginigibong advocacia asin iba pang programa kan lokal na gobierno kan ciudad nganing mapugolan an paglakop kan delicadong helang alagad envez na maghuros an numero padagos na naglalangkaw. Naglalaoman an consejal na susuportaran kan saiyang mga pag-iriba sa SP an propuestong ordinansa alagad kaipuhan niya man giraray an suporta kan iba pang mga sektor asin cooperasyon kan magurang nganing pakusogon magbaba an caso. Base sa datus kan City hall asin kan National Youth Commission nagkukumpirmar na nag-abot na sa 62 por ciento an bagong caso sa HIV sa nacion kan 2016 mantang igwa nang mga victimang jovenes puon sa 15 hasta 24 años. (DPA)

Kun dai pa suyoon kan Commission an Elections an mga barangay sa saindang ginigibong satellite registration padagos na magiging hababa an por cientaje kan nagpapalista sa Comelec nganing makaparticipar sa sarabay na pirilian kan Barangay asin SK sa Octubre 23, 2017. Sa Ciudad nin Naga, sinabi ni Election Officer Maico Julia Jr. na sampulo na sa viente sieteng barangay kan ciudad an sainda nang nalibot sa paagi kan satellite registration puon kan Febrero 3 hasta Febrero 25, 2017 na halangkaw an numero kan mga nagpapalista kun itatampad sa mga nagpapalista sa saindang oficina. Sa datus kan Comelec Naga sa mga nagpalista sa SK voters igwa pa sanang 195, regular voters - 1,115, PWD’S – 13, Senior Citizens – 88, na igwa nang total na 1,411 hasta kan Febrero 25. Puon kan Noviembre 7, 2016 kan bukasan kan Comelec an continuing registration inaabot sana nin treinta hasta cincuenta an nagpapa-rehistro aroaldaw, alagad kun sa satellite registration nagsasakat sa 62 hasta 165 an nagpapalista, sabi ni Julia. Inagihan na kan saindang satellite registration iyo an mga barangay kan Lerma, Caluag, Santa Cruz, Bagumbayan Norte, Concepcion Pequenqa, Peñafrancia, Concepcion Grande, Balatas, Abella, Concepcion Pequeña, High School asin Igualdad. Sa mga SK voters kun sa oficina kan Comelec bibihira an nagpipila alagad kun igwa naabot sana sa saro hasta sa apat na jovenes. Sinabi ni Julia, an pagpalista abot sana sa Abril 29, 2017 mantang magpapadagos pa an saindang satellite registration nganing maubos an viente seite barangay kan ciudad, alagad nag-aapelo an Comelec sa mga votantes na dai na maghalat nin ultimo diya nganing dai na tikapohan sa panahon. An saindang actividades sa ngonian iyo an pag-andam kan pirilian sa Barangay asin Sangguniang Kabataan na pigtalaan kan commission sa Octubre 23, 2017. An pirilian enot nang pigtalaan kan Octubre 30, 2016 alagad pig-uktaba kan congreso ngonian na taon. Nagdududa an ibang kapitanes de barangay na posibleng i-uktaba naman an pirilian sa masunod na taon mientras na pigtatawan nin prioridad kan administrasyon ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte iyo an pigtutulodad na federalismo, alagad mayo paman nin kumpirmasyon kaini an Comelec. (DPA)

IT IS conceded – based on visitors’ feedback -- that Naga City is one of the few cities in the country whose streets are relatively clean and its garbage collection system fairly passable despite its burgeoning commerce and ballooning population (and the open dumpsite with its offensive smell at certain hours when sprays of deodorizers fail, which is a serious problem that everybody thinks needs to be resolved immediately). And it cannot be denied that among the key players in Naga’s little successes in local governance and delivery of services are the barangays and the residents themselves who have learned to become active participants in community development. But of course, much has yet to be done in order that we may finally achieve the higher goal of sustaining our city as a “maogmang lugar.” We do not pretend to create a paradise here on earth, but building a livable city should be everyone’s paramount concern by doing our part in ensuring a better and environmentally-sound future for the next generations to come. While we have noticed that the quality of water in Naga River may have somehow improved following the rehabilitation of the riverbanks where some amounts of desilting were also undertaken as a flood control component of the river restoration project, many of the creeks or smaller tributaries that naturally lead to the river are sadly left abandoned and neglected that at the soonest time will bring to naught the nobler intent of reviving the Naga River as a habitable body of water where fishes thrive and birds glide low to hunt. As early as now, every barangay in the city, through its local officials, should be called upon to take the extra mile of keeping the rivers and creeks in their respective territories clean and free from pollution and usurpation by illegal settlers. While on a prowl, our team here at Bicol Mail noticed that the creek almost facing the barangay hall in Tabuco appears stagnant, if not dead, because of the pile of wastes, mostly plastics, oil wastes and other non-biodegradable materials that apparently have been dumped there for years and there is no sign that someone else will clean it, or salvage the garbage, so that water may flow freely and give the creek a new lease of life. The Mangga creek near the Ojeda property in Dayangdang, whose little middle island had been lately cleared of squatters, has been seen dumped with plastic wastes and styrofoam throwaways, apparently coming from its southern end of the storm drainages constructed in Balatas and Magsaysay avenue, which means that residents along the route had been indiscriminately disposing their wastes into that river line. And has anybody seen how polluted the creek is that snakes through Bgys. Lerma and Tabuco and ALDP Commercial Center down the Bicol River facing Milaor town? The river that parallels Bgy. Del Rosario and runs along Concepcion Grande and Concepcion Pequena also needs to be taken care of because of the uncontrolled encroaching by illegal settlers who throw their waste down the waterway leading to the Naga River, with the plastic wastes suffocating the drainage system along the way. There are more creeks within the city’s 27 barangays, and all of them, together with the accumulated piles of plastic, toxic waste materials, and non-degradable garbage, discharge dirty water into the Naga River that we otherwise envisioned to be a living body of water, a source of rich marine life, an alternative route for transportation, and a barometer of our civic maturity, character and cultural heritage.

I know I already had a piece about the EDSA Revolution anniversary last issue; but I just couldn’t help it. If memory serves me right, the concern last year was that then President Noynoy Aquino and then Vice President Binay were not together in the celebration ceremonies, supposedly due to political differences. And back then I thought it was rather improper for the second man in command to beg off attendance in commemoration of a historic occasion which had become, well, honestly, boring and taken for granted. Now, we have 2017 EDSA Day Celebration. What on earth is happening? Did some airborne virus blow with the wind? Was the water supply somehow contaminated? Is it just me? Am I being too idealistic? Am I rightist? Or has deference to history gone on a disappointing decline? The Pro-Duterte rally at Luneta last Saturday, according to Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Council (MRRD-NECC) spokesperson, Bobby Brillante, was a fight “for the continuation of the freedom and democracy that EDSA fought for,” an assurance and preservation of freedom, a strengthening of democracy and “should not be lessened as we go on.” He further adds, that “the only guarantee for freedom and democracy to remain stronger is for people to be vigilant.” (www.philstar.com) Come on. Any individual or organization has the right to do so, but does it really have to be on the Saturday of February 25? Isn’t there any other day in a week? Are there no other days in a month? Does it really have to be on a February? On the 25th? The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has traditionally held the simultaneous nationwide “Angel’s Walk” in celebration of Autism Consciousness Week by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 711 which actually declares for the events to be set every third week of January. However, this year, it was moved on the first week of February to make way for the Miss Universe beauty pageant which was hosted by the nation. Mind you, the consciousness week, for years had been observed, based on a legal mandate. But it had to make way. Now, that is what we call “delicadeza.” Now, that is Filipino. Filipino folklore is replete with legends and folktales in which the simple male protagonist would in the utmost humility initially stay by the sidelines, and make way, letting his arrogant competitors strut their stuff, and in the end, in the simplest of efforts, this prince would demonstrate unassuming and unpretentious feats of heroics to ultimately win the hand of the dayang-dayang. (That means princess; if you’re more familiar with the European counterpart.) The ultimate Filipino action hero, Fernando Poe Jr. has had his name become synonymous to staying last on a queue to make way for others. As far as I know, as far as I have been brought up, this is a component of what I thought as highly honored Filipino values. This is Filipino. The tradition and culture of simplicity, modesty, sacrifice. This is our version of the European concept of knightly chivalry which transcends in the modern age in Filipino males offering seats for women, for the elderly. Now, where have these gone? Oh yes, democracy provides for freedom of speech, of expression, of political affiliation. But its tenets do not protect mockery of history. The administration advocates can downplay and legitimize the rallies all they want; but the efforts have been a spit on the face of Philippine history. When the Filipino values would direct us to render the highest respect for the elderly, the bereaved, to our ancestors, that as far as I know, we would set aside any grudge, any ill feeling, when remembering those who have gone before us in time. We would simply set aside resentments of our lolo’s painful butt spanking (if there were any), and just remember all the good about him, when his death anniversary comes around the corner (Northern Filipino tribes would even mummify their grandparents; out of respect.) I believed and I thought these are the Filipino values which we are so proud of, despite the nation’s poverty, the bullying of bigger nations, the abuses against OFWs, the discrimination against ‘brown monkeys ”. The red, white and blue, and three stars and a sun may not stand a chance in a military conflict with Malaysians in Borneo or the Chinese in the Spratlys, or may be panned for the corruption, the pollution, the heavy traffic, the slow development, but the Filipinos would stand proud for their values which would not be compromised, which would be our waving banner anywhere in the world; or is it? It is simply sad. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3

THE celebration of Ash Wednesday yesterday ushers in the start of the Lenten Season. The Holy Week starts on April 10 with Good Friday falling on April 14 and Easter Sunday on April 16. Indeed, time is fleeting and soon enough would be summer time. As we approach this time of the year, many are looking forward to spending leisure time at our summer beach resorts. Among the leading beach resorts in Camarines Sur are in Magtabid and Balogo in Pasacao; the Sabang beach resort and Gota beach in Partido and, of course, the famous CWC at the Provincial Capitol complex in Pili. In Naga we have the hot spring in Carolina, and the Haciendas de Naga resort with its much vaunted wave pool, and the Pichelitos resort in Magarao where one could either go swimming or just go fishing and have your catch cooked for you. Its wine cellar is also complete with local or imported liquors. I was watching the TV interview of Senator Riza Hontiveros by Karen Davila this evening and indeed, it is not surprising for her and three other LP senators to be ousted from their respective committees in the Senate. I believe that the ouster of Senators Hontiveres, Senate Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino for not being allegedly supportive of President Duterter’s legislative agenda is a blessing in disquise. This time we will have a real minority opposition in the Senate which is good for the country. As correctly pointed out by former President Benigno Aquino III, the opposition can “speak up” and make the party’s voice “heard again”. Before the ouster, it was an awkward situation to have a minority opposition in coalition with the majority members in the Senate. Reportedly, the ouster move was hatched at the Forbes Park mansion of Senator Manny Pacquiao. No wonder it was Paquiao himself who moved for their ouster during the Senate session. TRIVIA: Greetings to my daughter Tessie who will be celebrating her Nth birth anniversary this coming Friday, March 3. She is now a resident of Los Angeles, California. Belated birthday greetings to my friend Mayor Fermin Mabolo of San Fernando who celebrated his Nth birthday anniversary last February 21. Hi also to Atty. Mariano “Nitoy” Sibulo and his lovely spouse Cecil, to Atty. Mon Felipe III and my former boss former Comelec Chairperson Ramon H. Felipe, Sr. Hi also to my good friend Nitoy Abella whom I have not seen for sometimes. Nitoy has been a friend since our Jaycee days. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “YOU WILL FIND AS YOU LOOK BACK UPON YOUR LIFE THAT THE MOMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE TRULY LIVED ARE THE MOMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THINGS IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE.” HENRY DRUMMOND FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “THERE IS AN APPOINTED TIME FOR EVERYTHING, AND A TIME FOR EVERY AFFAIR UNDER THE HEAVENS.” ECCL. 3:1

We all have stories to tell. Some stories are easily forgotten. Others are not, especially those that cause so much pain, yet give a new perspective to the meaning of life. There are also stories that, when shared, can help us understand the past, like the story of my father. He once shared with me that he was slapped by a Japanese soldier during World War II for feigning ignorance when asked about the whereabouts of certain individuals the Japanese were looking for. My father’s story and other similar stories make me understand the world that my father lived in. The very act of sharing my father’s story helps me understand the brutality that my father’s generation experienced in the hands of the Japanese during World War II. In Seattle last week to tell the stories of four young Filipinos who fought the Marcos dictatorship at the cost of sacrificing their lives was Susan Quimpo. She has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the evils of Martial Law and the importance of actively speaking against any form of authoritarianism. Susan is not a stranger to these stories – many of them heart-wrenching – that metamorphosed during the martial law era. After all, she is the youngest of the Quimpo family, whose members – seven siblings – have dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos dictatorship struggle at profound personal cost. Her family story is documented in Subversive Lives, a book that chronicles the anti-Marcos crusade of the Quimpo family. Written by Susan and her brother Nathan, the book tells the stories and heroism of the youths during the Marcos dictatorship. Susan is a great storyteller. She is compelling and interests her audience with emotion and conviction. She can find ways to make the audience care about the content of her stories of Jan Quimpo, Francis Sontillano, Liliosa Hilao, and Jun Quimpo. Jan was a high school student at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) when his exposure to the social conditions in his time led him to be an activist. At a very young age, he started joining demonstrations. At a rally he and Francis attended near the university belt in December 1970 against blacklisting students, a security guard at Feati University lobbed a pill box that hit the head of Francis, also a PSHS student. Francis, 15 years old, died instantly. Jan was a few feet away from him and he saw shreds of Francis’ brain stuck to his shirt. This was Jan’s first near death experience fighting the Marcos dictatorship. The death of Francis did not deter Jan in his activist ways. In April of 1973, Jan was arrested by the military together with two other PSHS students at the house of schoolmate Marie Hilao. Marie’s sister, Liliosa, who was a student at the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, was also arrested. According to Susan, her brother was subjected to physical torture for hours. He was stripped naked, doused his feet with cold water, and his ears were clapped every time he gave what the military considered were wrong answers. A bright lamp similar to what is used for theater productions was put close to his face, causing him to scream in pain because of the heat. A live wire was also tied to his genital. Liliosa, who was arrested with Jan, was not as lucky because four days after her arrest, she was dead. Post mortem findings showed she was also severely tortured like Jan. Her face was severely swollen. Her lips bore cigarette burns. The military said she committed suicide by drinking muriatic acid which, according to Susan, left her chest cavity wide open. When Jan was finally released, he studied at the University of the Philippines Department of Geology until he disappeared in 1977 when he was about to graduate. Attempts by the family to find him failed. According to Susan, the family received reports that Jan was being used by the military as a bait to trace other activists. He has not been found since then. He was 23. Susan’s other brother, Jun, was exposed to student demonstrations like his brother Jan and also became a student activist. In 1976, he helped organize the squatters in Tatalon, Quezon City, together with some UP students. In a rally by squatters that Jun participated that year, the Metropolitan Command (Metrocom) conducted mass arrests and Jun was one of those arrested. He was beaten by the military for ten days before he was released. His short arrest convinced him that he was ready to be deployed to the province. Looking back almost 40 years ago, my wife and I worked with Jun in Tatalon. He was passionate and serious about organizing the squatters, quite different from the picture painted by Susan during the forum that he was a typical teen-ager who liked attractive girls and loved to play volleyball. I still remember clearly what Jun told me before he was deployed to the province to organize the peasants. He told me to take care of myself. That was the last time I saw him. In 1981, I was informed that Jun died in Nueva Ecija. The newspaper account explained that he was murdered by the military: “It was not hard to point the armalite at him. He was facing the other way finishing some food in his mouth. Then the shots rang out one after another. The first bullet hit him in the hips. The second hit in the nape and went out in the center of his forehead. As he fell, five more bullets entered his body.” He was 24. As I sat and listened to Susan’s stories, the stories took on a life of their own. Her voice was no longer only her voice. Rather, it was the sound of others struggling to come to terms with the current attempt by the Marcoses to ignore and forget their stories and instead portray Ferdinand Marcos as the best president the Philippines ever had. Listening to Susan’s stories unearth the truth that the deaths of Francis, Jan, Liliosa and Jun can provide a moral sense to counter any attempt to revise and sanitize the Martial Law years. As Inquirer Global Nation columnist Boying Pimentel once wrote, “These stories should not be left to those who would deny their true importance and meaning.” Indeed, the stories of Francis, Jan, Liliosa and Jun, to name a few of the thousands, convey the horrors of Martial Law to those who never experienced it. Their stories work in powerful ways, challenging us not to forget them so that we do not suffer the same fate.

The People Power revolution that took place 31 years ago at EDSA will be celebrated this year with a meager budget of P1 million pesos. The small amount made vice President Leni Robredo unhappy and accused the president of “green-lighting the downplaying of the anniversary celebration of the EDSA revolt.” She warned that “moving on and forgetting (the dictatorship) may leave us in danger of making the same mistakes all over again.” Celebrating the EDSA revolution will not be complete without adding the voice of the Philippine Catholic Church. Bishop Socrates Villegas then private secretary of the late Cardinal Jaime Sin in 1986 and now president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) lamented the darkness that has befallen the glorious past of the revolution. But he encourages people to constantly remember the faith and bravery of the people who took part in the EDSA revolution. Every year that this revolution is celebrated, a common primordial question being asked is “what are we celebrating?” It is a loaded question that haunts us every year because nobody can point to an end point that makes sense. It is pointless to celebrate the glorious days of the EDSA revolution if seen from the unfulfilled promises of such revolution 31 years since: freedom from poverty, hunger, better quality of education, government transparency and respect for human rights. Perhaps the president was right in allocating a pittance to this celebration because when you compare the outcome of this year’s celebration to the more extravagant celebrations of the past, nothing much will really change. So why spend more money on it? Perhaps VP Robredo needs to step back and reflect a little harder on why people are trying to forget the past because remembering it just reminds them that nothing has really changed under a democracy that was supposed to be the reward of the revolution. The very people who were key personalities during the revolution had plenty of opportunities to fulfill these promises when they were sworned in as president of the republic. But if the present is a reflection of their past leaderships, the EDSA revolution was then a failure. Cory Aquino allowed the oligarchy to regain their footing post EDSA. She had her own Kamaganak Inc. scandal to boot. It was not enough that President Cory restored democracy with a new constitution but should have taken the extra steps to ensure the promises of EDSA were fulfilled. Part of her legacy is the coups that happened during her watch because of military discontent. General Fidel Ramos along with then defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile hastened the revolution by breaking away from the Marcos dictatorship and joined the people. Not because that was their plan but it was an option that presented itself and helped them protect their hide. President Ramos protected the same oligarchy and was himself embroiled in the PEA-Amari and Centennial celebration scandals. He was also very much behind in bringing Digong Duterte to Malacañang. While Enrile tried through “Save the Queen” to become a de facto leader of the country through a failed coup, he survived politically but is now temporarily free on bail for corruption charges. Credit his political skills and legal acumen for his longevity in the halls of power. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was a product of another EDSA to oust another corrupt president who acted as if he was still in showbiz while running the country with his boozing, womanizing, and criminal dealing. President Arroyo turned out to be a reincarnation of the late dictator with her corrupt-ridden administration and whose legacy is the destruction of the democratic pillars of government by corrupting the presidency, the judiciary, and the legislature to stay in power. Senator Benigno “NoyNoy” Aquino picked up where his mother left off by going after officials of the Arroyo administration including the ouster of Chief Justice Renato Corona and jailing of the former president GMA, and senators Jingoy Estrada, Bong Revilla, and Juan Ponce Enrile. Along with them, the PDAF queen, her majesty Janet Napoles. But just like his predecessors, the oligarchy thrived and continued to set the economic agenda of the country. We now boast of having more Filipino billionaires no thanks to these past presidents! Aquino’s lack of executive experience prior to the presidency caused him to make bad decisions (Mamasapano, MRT/LRT, etc.) and his hard-headedness allowed corrupt officials to continue their merry ways. Senator Gringo Honasan, the mustachioed RAM colonel who stood out prominently during the revolution has himself implicated in previous coups and recently been linked to the PDAF scandal. Obviously, gone is the idealism of the much admired colonel of 1986. Bishop Soc Villegas who rose through the ranks to become president of the CBCP had tried to steer the church and the flock towards the direction of the popular Pope Francis but was late in finding his own voice on the matter of the extra judicial killing (EJK) the DU30 administration has embarked upon since taking office. Perhaps he tried earlier since becoming a prince of the church but his predecessors were tainted by the PGMA scandal by looking the other way while PGMA sullied Philippine democracy. And why not, many of the bishops were exposed to have been lavished by the lady president with material things to satisfy their earthly lust for power. But more than that, the Catholic Church collectively failed to address poverty, human rights violations, and government inefficiency through the years. DU30 rose to power precisely because of people’s collective anger and disappointment with the status quo. DU30, however, is clearly unprepared for the presidency and is just coping armed with limited executive experience as mayor of Davao. He bragged about killing criminals in the city and two key people have come out to corroborate his claim and more. Retired police officer Arturo Lascañas’ perjured himself with his new revelations that he was part of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) that killed criminals on Duterte’s orders while mayor of the city, but dovetails nicely with that of another assassin’s claim, Edgar Matobato. If proven true, DU30’s current campaign to rid the country of the drug menace will be discredited for being state sanctioned killings. But it will remain a big question mark if DU30 will be held accountable given his supermajority support in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Among the most vociferous is Senator Dick Gordon who himself was accused of being involved in summary executions in Olongapo City when he was mayor there. He is so hell bent in protecting DU30 by discrediting these witnesses rather that getting down to the bottom of the truth. Which brings us back to the question of what is it that we are trying to remember or celebrate at EDSA? To spend millions just to look back is very painful given the many missed opportunities. Income inequality, poverty, and hunger will always confront us every day until leaders and the people are ready to make drastic changes. The facts are there for everyone to see but which are continually ignored at our own peril. The gap between the rich and the poor are so wide, you could literally fit an elephant in it. It is not enough to continue celebrating, concrete steps must be undertaken if we are to progress. You can hail the economy as robust but if the people are suffering, it is nothing but a hollow claim. The Philippines has the resources to be better but is mired in corruption everywhere that hinders progress. It is not enough to give the poor a pittance para lang pampatawid sa gutom (temporarily overcome hunger). The gap must be made smaller if we are to create a middle class. If done, that is something to truly celebrate!