When a public official endorses another, people would always suspect that there must be something “fishy” behind the move, especially when the endorser and the endorsee belong to different political groups. But we need to take a serious look at it before we make conclusions.
I don’t think that every endorsement is motivated by selfish ends because there were cases of past local endorsements from which we also found merit. One of these notable local endorsements was Bitay Lacson’s support for the gubernatorial bid of Lito Coscolluela decades ago. At that time, we found merit in Lacson’s endorsement and the majority of Negrosanons backed Coscolluela who was able to serve the province for three consecutive terms. Why am I discussing about endorsement in my column? What makes it an issue? Well, the recent public admission of Bacolod Councilor Homer Bais that he is backing the vice mayoral bid of former Vice Mayor Renecito Novero has been taken out of context by several of my media friends, who have maliciously interpreted the act as money-making scheme. But it is not only Bais who has thrown his support for Novero, eight other incumbent councilors have done the same, although several of them are yet to publicly announce their preference for a Novero-led city council. Why are some people questioning the decision of Bais, et. al. to support Novero? Is Novero not worth backing up? To put it straight, Novero is most qualified among the three vice mayorables. He is the most experienced. He is a lawyer. And more so he has been there. I could not find any reason why Bais and other supporters should be assailed, if not condemned, for backing the comeback bid of Novero. Who can question the wisdom of another topnotch lawyer Archie Baribar for abandoning the Monico-led MKK group in favor of Novero? The same could be said of El Cid Familiaran, lawyer Sonya Verdeflor, Elmer Sy and Taling Alisbo. It would have been more comfortable for them, campaign-wise, if they decided to stick with Monico. But they opted for what they think and believe is better for Bacolod. Coming up are more endorsements of Novero for vice mayor. Graduating councilors Dindo Ramos and Al Victor Espino had hinted that they will officially announce their stand on the vice mayoral race. As to when they’re going to do it is only a question of time. But one thing is certain, though, they have chosen Novero over Greg Gasataya and Vladimir Gonzales. Even former DOTC undersectary Ricardo “Cano” Tan has been reported as a Novero backer. So, who says that Bais did the wrong thing when he decided to join the Novero bandwagon? It’s wrong for anybody to claim that the endorsement that Novero earned from his former colleagues in the city council has been financially motivated. In the first place, Novero was a no non-sense vice mayor during his term. Everyone who has had the chance to work with him can vouch on his performance and the quality of work he delivered as presiding officer. Can the same thing be said of Gasataya or Gonzales? His supporters claimed that Gasataya was twice elected as number one councilor, but Novero was also elected number one councilor before he ran and won as vice mayor. From all angles, Novero has the winning edge. Those people who have been deriding Bais, Ramos and Espino for supporting Novero should also criticize Baribar, Familiaran, Verdeflor, Sy, Alisbo, Cano Tan and the majority of barangay captains who have already endorsed the former vice mayor. While, admittedly, the barangay leaders are divided in the mayoral clash between Thaddy Sayson and Monico Puentevella, their common choice for vice mayor is Novero. Can we or should we blame them for their “rational, reasonable and judicious” choice? In the US, you will hear people saying, “It’s the qualification, stupid! BY ROMY NIERE WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL
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Among Bacolod’s Sanggunian aspirants, re-electionist Archie Baribar definitely deserves reelection. He would have run for a higher position, but unfortunately, the realities of politics did not will it so. Nevertheless, with his reelection, Archie Baribar will continue to invest the Sanggunian, not only with his unyielding integrity, but his brilliant legislative mind.
An opposition-inclined person, he is expected to scrutinize every proposed legislation with the same erudition he had displayed in the past and will not countenance any attempt to steal the people blind. He was virtually the lone voice in an effort to mitigate the graft and corruption under Leonardia’s administration, and whether Thaddy and Monico win City Hall, Archie’s voice will remain the way it was, loud and indignant over attempts to raid the city’s treasury. I have no doubt the people of Bacolod appreciates that and send Archie back to the halls of the Sanggunian. El Cid Familiaran has shown a tendency to straddle the fence, but aside from that, he is a hardworking and competent councilor deserving of the electorate’s renewed trust. And he need not spend millions this time to win like he did the last time. Despite its being the administration, the Liberal Party has not yet recovered from its moribund state since Martial Law. Mar Roxas sadly lacks the commanding leadership of his grandfather, President Manuel Roxas and his father, the late Sen. Gerry Roxas. Gerry, faced with the challenge of the late Benigno Aquino for the aborted presidential election of 1973, simply quipped: “I am not president of the Liberal Party for nothing.” Now, another Aquino wags Mar Roxas’ tail. Gerry Roxas would have raised hell if that were done to him. Like father, unlike son. The dominant Nacionalista Party then, under the incumbent president Sergio Osmeña, Sr., did not deter Manuel Roxas from establishing the Liberal Party and sweeping the elections of 1947. It is unfortunate that death overtook him in his early years in Malacañang, but he left a strong political party until 1953, when then, President Quirino with obvious American intervention who favored Pres. Ramon Magsaysay. The Liberal Party was particularly strong in Negros and even after Magsaysay, rebounding to power with Diosdado Macapagal in 1961. But even out of power decades ago, the Liberal Party in Negros Occidental remained strong due mainly to the financial support of J. Amado Araneta, who owned three sugar mills here. J. Amado was Mar Roxas’ grandfather in his mother’s side. A businessman, in fact one of the biggest in the country, J. Amado Araneta was never anyone’s running dog. Sen. Gerry Roxas continued to lead the Liberal, winning a majority in the Senatorial elections of 1969, until Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972. Today, the Liberal Party in Negros Occidental cannot even be described as a decent shell of what it was once. On the provincial level, it does not exist at all, except for the conflicting claims of the Pueys that they are the surviving leaders of the party. In Bacolod City, they have a slate composed of newly minted Liberals, most of them virtual unknowns, it seems they have simply been picked up from the streets. Only one or two with a chance of winning are incumbent councilors who have broken away from Monico Puentevella. In any case, they are also comfortably situated in Palanca’s ticket headed by Renecito Novero. They are more publicly known as the Magnificent Seven rather than as members of a Liberal Party slate. Although magnificence is a word inapplicable to them. This laughable state of the Liberal Party should be placed squarely on the shoulders of Mar Roxas. While inheritor of a glorious name, he has practically wasted away their heritage. His political leadership is anemic, and no proof can be better than that is the state of his party in Negros Occidental. Mar Roxas’ leadership is not only weak but ambivalent, like the character he presents to the nation. No wonder he lost to Jejomar Binay, who critics say looks like a half-Negrito. But Binay has iron in his bones. He defied Marcos. He grew up and fought on the streets of Makati, while Roxas has never fought a single decent battle in his life. Therein lies the difference. BY:ELY DE LOS SANTOS WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL Reports are circulating in coffee shops that a very high-ranking official of Bacolod City is allegedly getting P1.6 million a month from Atty. Sammy Palanca, as contribution to the campaign kitty of Grupo Progreso.
A total of 16 monthly tranches is reportedly promised the group and this is being withdrawn by a department head close to this high-ranking city official. If true, what is the motive of Atty. Palanca? Is it possible that this high-ranking city official is negotiating for a Thaddy – Novero alliance, the latter being a Palanca boy? Why else should Palanca bother to give P1.6 million monthly if not to protect the political interest of Novero? I have said it before and I will say it again. I pity Greg Gasataya because he may be an unwilling victim in the exercise of a great political treachery. The officials of Grupo Progreso have reportedly so disrespected Gasataya that they are openly stabbing him in public. If the Sayson – Novero tandem pushes through, where will the likes of Familiaran, Baribar, Verdeflor and Sy find themselves in the equation? Will Grupo Progreso junk four candidates to accommodate the former? I don’t think so. It is therefore very logical to conclude that the brewing alliance between Sayson and Novero does not include the councilors? In an interview last Friday, Novero confirmed that he had a conversation with Councilor Homer Bais. He did not mention, however, the details of his talks with the councilor. The fact, however, that he confirmed talking to Councilor Bais is open to various interpretations. According to sources, in the course of their meeting, Councilors Ramos and Espino arrived together with Granada Barangay Captain Itik Talimodao. I asked it before and I will ask again Vice Mayor Sayson: Why did you preside over the appropriation of P115 million for the development of the Arao property when there was no ratified contract from the city council? In fact, Mayor Leonardia failed to secure an authority from the city council for him to sign a contract with the winning bidder. Without such authority, any contract would be void from the very beginning, yet knowing fully well that both are absent (the authority and the ratified contract), you and the city council appropriated P115 million of people’s money? Is this not a violation of government rules and regulation? Sayson is running for mayor. I think he should be man enough to face the issue squarely. Once and for all, Sayson must answer this issue or the people of Bacolod City may think that money may have changed hands. RAMON RYDUM S. SILVA WATCHMEN DAILY BACOLOD City Councilors Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran and Archie Baribar registered perfect attendance in the conduct of the 51 regular and specials sessions at the City Council from January 1 to December 31, 2012.
Based on the 2012 attendance report prepared by acting secretary to the Council, Helen Legaspi, councilors Em Legaspi-Ang and Caesar Distrito also have perfect attendance from January 1 to June 30, while councilors Catalino Alisbo and Elmer Sy were always present from July 1 to December 31, 2012. Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson has one official leave and five official travels recorded last year. Councilor Homer Bais had two official leaves while Ang and Distrito had one official leave and one official travel each. Alisbo had 14 official leaves while Sy had one official leave. Councilor Roberto Rojas had eight official leaves and Councilor Mona Dia Jardin had three official leaves and three official travels. Councilor Al Victor Espino had three official leaves, three official travels and one absence while Councilor Dindo Ramos had 11 official leaves and four absences. Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez had nine official leaves, five official travels and two absences while Councilor Keith Emmanuel Ramos had 10 official leaves, two official travels and three absences Carla N. Canet SUN STAR BACOLOD Three Bacolod City councilors have recorded perfect attendance in the 51 regular and specials sessions held from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012.
They are Bacolod Councilors El Cid Familiaran, Archie Baribar and Sonya Verdelfor. Based on the 2012 attendance report of acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Helen Legaspi, Councilors Em Legaspi-Ang and Caesar Distrito also had perfect attendance from January 1 to June 30, as well as, Councilors Catalino Alisbo and Elmer Sy from July 1 to December 31, 2012. Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson had no absences but had one official leave and five on official travel last year. Councilor Homer Bais had two official leaves, while Ang and Distrito had one official leave and one for official travel, each. Alisbo had 14 official leaves, while Sy had one. Councilor Roberto Rojas had eight official leaves and Councilor Mona Dia Jardin had three, and three on official travel. Councilor Al Victor Espino had three official leaves, three on official travel and one absence, while Councilor Dindo Ramos had 11 official leaves and four absences. Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez had nine official leaves, five on official travel and two absences, while Councilor Keith Emmanuel Ramos had 10 official leaves, two on official travel and three absences. BY BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO THE VISAYAN DAILY STAR While I already enumerated the names of candidates for councilor in the city of Bacolod who have strong chances of getting a seat in the city council, recent developments indicated that other than the Top 13 – Baribar, Familiaran, Sy, Verdeflor, Distrito, Ang, Lopez, Rojas, Jardin, Paglumotan, Batapa-Sigue, Palermo and Gamboa — there are two other aspirants who might pull surprises in the May polls. Rounding up my Top 15 list are youthful leader Israel Salanga and newcomer Prospero Leonardia.
Salanga, one of the youngest candidates, came from a family of broadcast journalists. His father, Fred, is a veteran radio announcer while his brother, Mark, is a television reporter. Despite his age, Salanga carries with him a good record in public service. He’s been Bacolod’s youth coordinator as chief of staff of the Sangguniang Kabataan federation for two consecutive terms under the chairmanship of brothers Kevin and Keith Ramos. A student leader during his college days, Salanga has been an active advocate of young people’s rights. What makes Salanga’s political future brighter is the fact that thousands of youth leaders in the barangays have committed to support him. Fondly called as “Nong Is”, Salanga enjoys the trust and confidence of the SK officials whom he has guided and taken care of as the city’s SK coordinator. Nong Is is like an elder brother to them. Nong Is has never failed to advise them on matters pertaining to their duties and responsibilities as SK officials. Nong Is has been their adviser and confidant. For these youth leaders whose lives he has touched, the May election is payback time. Further bolstering Salanga’s chances of making it to the city council is the full backing of last term councilor Dindo Ramos, who is openly endorsing Salanga as his council bet. Knowing Ramos, he will surely work hard to ensure victory for Salanga. A former barangay captain before he became councilor, Ramos has established good relationships with the barangay leaders. Other than this, the outgoing councilor is also viewed as the political kingmaker of the Granada-Alangilan area. After the failed bids of Cesar and Adolfo “Nene” Leonardia in the past two local elections, Prospero stands a good chance of capturing a council seat. Pros, as he is called by family and friends, has been silently working for the administration of their younger brother, Mayor Bing. Like Cesar, Pros is very friendly and outgoing. Just like Nene, Pros maintains professionalism in his dealings. He possesses the good traits of his two elder brothers— a combination of character that would help him win. I was not surprised by the official announcement made yesterday by Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson on Prospero’s selection as the candidate who will replace the late Andy Leonardia in the local ticket of the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Grupo Progreso. I already wrote about it last week. I haven’t talked with Pros these past days but I was certain about my analysis. Of the Leonardia siblings, other than Bing, I find Pros the most winnable. His unassuming ways, sincere dealings and overwhelming sense of humility have impressed a lot of people. With Pros Leonardia in the city council, we are assured of a hard working city official who cares not about praises and honors but honest and responsive public service. Cool as he is, Pros could be a good unifier and a possible solution to the worsening political divisions in Bacolod. Definitely, he is a good choice WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL The political situation in Bacolod is perplexing and the tandems are at best dismaying as the tattered political groupings try to cope with the perceived strength of the party in power at the Bacolod Government Center.
Since the day the candidacies were filed, and even prior to this, the movements of political butterflies has been clear and rather funny. Even the issues raised by the parties out of power have become not just puzzling, but laughable. Take the case of the group that was once called Monico Kabuhi Ko or its acronym MKK. I find this kind of come-on as presumptive, presenting its top candidate as the source of life which is an arrogation of the powers that comes only from the heavens. It metamorphosed into Monico Kag Kalaw, referring to Puentevella's son who is also running for public office, naturally under Puentevella's banner, although his son had a dismal showing in the last election. The boy has become a man and seems to be presented as the possible heir to his father. Nothing is wrong with that but it stinks to too many people. The group challenging the administration Grupo Progreso for the post of councilors under the MKK is a puzzle as well. I am inclined to believe that they have no clear-cut issue that can form a basis for a program of government in the event they are elected. All their jingles raise the same issue of corruption but this thrust looks funny if not ridiculous and hypocritical because Puentevella, who heads the group, stands accused not just of thievery of the government treasury but of plunder. They all want to put an end to corruption, like a mantra of their entire campaign but how they intend to do that is unclear or is missing. Moreover, how can they stand before the electorate and claim to be fighting against corruption when their own leader stands accused of plunder? Of course the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty but Puentevella and his company are running under the banner of incorruptibility and they should measure themselves on the basis of their own honesty. If these people are running under another group or leader who can stand public scrutiny then their claim to be soldiers against corruption will have some semblance of credibility. It is like asking people to buy a car in the junk yard and claiming it to be new. This position alone makes them as much guilty of attempting to hoodwink the people of Bacolod as a discredited magician. The plunder case, unlike those by political hirelings, was filed by the Philippine Sports Commission charging that Puentevella deposited in his personal bank account the money of PSC. How can the likes of Andy Hagad and Frank Carbon of the Liberal Party dance and sing the same music and sleeping in the same bed with Puentevella in complete disregard of their own party's position and slogan of “matuwid na daan?” The LP has not accepted Puentebella for some reason so that it is perplexing that the LP here is a bunch of bedfellows of Puentevella. In fact, the LP rejected the entry of Lyndon Caña in their party because it has a coalition of sorts with the NPC so that it is puzzling that the LP here is fighting their own coalition and running under a non-party, the nebulous MKK. Granting that the LP here is independent of the national LP directorate, still they should follow their national slogan of the straight path. How then can they abide by this standard of government by coalescing with a candidate accused of plunder? Carbon, Hagad, and the rest are known for their straightforwardness but they are telling us that they are, after a,ll of the same feathers as Puentevella. The group of El Cid Familiaran and Archie Baribar had been with Puentevella and they refused to continue being there. Does this not tell us something? It is a pity that the people who had allied with Puentevella like Hagad and Carbon will be tarnished by the public image of this candidate. Were they mesmerized by the possibility that the Puentevella camp has the money to bankroll their candidacy? Is this the yardstick of their claimed fight against corruption? Is their quest for public office so intense that they are willing to settle down their acceptable image just to get elected? Are they so enamored with winning at the price of having to cling to the coattails of a candidate charged with plunder in the belief that Puentevella will finance them? Is this not selling one's principle? They had cast their die. Let us wait to see how it will roll, but one thing is certain. They will have a difficult time defending Puentevella. BY: MODESTO P. SA-ONOY THE VISAYAN DAILY STAR Recognizing their significant role in bringing government services to the people, Bacolod Councilor El Cid Familiaran is pushing for the establishment of a system on termination benefits for all barangay workers serving different villages in the city.
In his proposed ordinance, Familiaran stressed that one of the sad realities in the Philippines’ public administration and governmental situation is that, most of our barangay workers, who performed essential government functions and act as front-liners in the delivery of basic social services, do not have enough protection under the law. According to Familiaran, what exacerbates the plight of barangay workers — clerks, utility men, barangay tanods, health workers and nutrition scholars —- is the fact that they can be more secured had they got employed in private businesses as they would be protected under the labor code and other pertinent laws which ensure their security of tenure. The councilor said these barangay workers had undergone capability building seminars to enhance their capability to do the job and they have demonstrated loyalty and dedication to their work. He cited the Republic Act No. 305 otherwise known as “Magna Carta of Public Health Workers”, which he claimed does not cover the barangay health workers and nutrition scholars. The councilor explained that due to such limitation imposed by national laws, rules and regulations, the barangay-based workers, when terminated from service, cannot avail of any reward, benefit or incentive despite their performance. He emphasized that while the City of Bacolod recognizes that it cannot exceed the limitations imposed by the Local Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent national laws or local ordinances and or policies, however, it is still possible to provide some incentive, security or reward to these workers based on the fundamental principles of fairness, justice and human rights. “One way that this could be done is to provide a system for termination benefits of the said barangay workers,” Familiaran pointed out. By Ranie S. Azue WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL The Bacolod City Sanggunian had approved an ordinance increasing the monthly allowance of Barangay Health Workers.
Pointing out that health is a primordial concern, and that, “health is wealth,” ordinance author, Councilor El Cid Familiaran, said that while maintaining physical health is the concern of those who can afford, nonetheless, for ordinary people they usually rely on the barangay attended to by health workers. Although each BHW is given P2,000 in monthly allowance, this is not enough for their fares and other exigencies while performing their daily tasks, hence, this calls for the review of the amount being provided for by the city, Familiaran said. Because of the volume of people who usually troop to the barangay seeking health and other services, BHWs have found themselves in the midst of work, normally attending to needs of their fellow barangay residents, and they more often go home late, the councilor said. The measure highlights the unselfishness of BHWs who perform services and work, at times voluntary, and considered hazardous. RANIE AZUE WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL |
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