IN THE theory of dialectics, there is what we call contradiction of opposites and unity of opposites. At certain point in time, two opposite things meet and then collision takes place. After sometime, the contradiction is resolved; the unity of opposites took place. A new relation exists. Then a new process and new contradiction begins, and so on.
This occurs too in the conduct of social forces in pursuit of new arrangements and higher political goals. In view of this, the reported fall out of Bacolod Councilor Arche Baribar's group from the Monico camp, the clamor of the Chinese business community to have their own kind and voice in the Sanggunian, the cry for political change in the grassroots level, and the recent confirmation of Bacolod councilor and Chinese businessman Elmer Sy, a partner of Baribar, that he might run for Mayor, seem to fall into one process. From a dialectical point of view, this recent confluence looks like irreversible, and if completely done, the union of these political events and forces in Bacolod could shape a new political force outside the existing traditional political alignment. If it completes its process, and become successful in its goal, this could mean not only quantitative change in political climate in Bacolod, but could be a prelude towards a qualitative, substantive change in Bacolod politics. This confluence which looks a destiny in the making could hasten the process of shaping and formation of a new force. I would call this a force in the middle. Unlike the traditional middle force or middle of the roaders that connotes a weak, vacillating, compromising, opportunistic and transitory force that will eventually be drawn to the external forces, either the left or the right of the trapos (traditional politicians), the force in the middle is not dependent on the latter's tempo and dictates but on its own volition to assert its own political existence and leadership. This force in the middle has all the potentials and time to shape and grow into an independent political force because they seem to pursue only one political line, change the political landscape in Bacolod, push for new political leadership, and resolve the mass discontentment towards the present political leadership. On matters of machinery, resources and logistics, this force in the middle should not be underestimated. They don't say much about their war-chest, but their look seems to point only one thing - they are gearing to get loose. Obviously, this force in the middle points to the group of Baribar, Elcid Familiaran, Elmer Sy, Sonia Verdeflor and Catalino Alisbo. Certainly, there are more outside the confines of city hall. They may not have the resources that their opponents brag about but their past records show they can produce, and they can play lots of tricks and magic to finance whatever they want. Their individual and collective machinery may not be as well-oiled than their opponents, but past elections have won them formidable followers. Individually, they are a combination of great talents. Baribar is a season mass leader, human rights lawyer, staunchly pro-people and a sharp strategist and debater. So with Elcid, Catalino and Sonia who are also efficient service providers and excellent in community relations. Elmer Sy, the cool-headed, distinctly humble and quiet among them, is also an excellent business developer, a successful trader, and has the business acumen to spur economic activities and inspire more entrepreneurs, while being deeply passionate for the poor, the least and the lost. As opposition, they can serve very well as the rallying point of all the organized and spontaneous forces discontented with the ruling power in city hall. Unlike in their previous position where they are at the mercy of their political patrons, this force in the middle seems to have realized that they have the power to make things happen by themselves, with the support of their families, friends and allies. Being a force that is free from the dictates and control of the trapos, this force in the middle has the advantage of determining who they want to negotiate and deal with, and has wider latitude to engage in formal and informal alliances, tactical and strategic partnerships. They can also and always deal from a position of strength with any of the aspiring leaders, Monico Puentevella, Anthony Golez, Thaddy Sayson. Monico and Golez could still be their closest ally for being anti-Leonardia. Sayson could be another who has always been wanting to get out of Leonardia's political shadow and stand up on his own. But the most worrisome for the other political groups is the fact that this force in the middle is already getting overtures of support from Chinese business community, the discontented business groups, the environmentalists, civil society groups, and the broad political left. Just imagine if these groups come forward and rally behind them! If this happens, there would truly be a new political configuration in the city that could trigger a lot of realignments, and could involve a wide array of political forces. And the force in the middle could eventually mature, stand out among others, and turn into a leading force for change. Dialectics also say that the process of change can pass from quantitative to qualitative, or from form to substance. The force in the middle has all the potentials and opportunities to grow from being a marginal force to substantial and leading force out of the realm of traditional politics towards a more progressive politics. Well, all things said, may the force be with you! Karl Ombion Sun Star Bacolod
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The manager of SM City-Bacolod announced that ShoeMart is investing P2.5 billion for the construction of a three-storey building and the expansion of their mall in the city, at the opening of the exhibit of the Bacolod City government at the West Bridge of SM City yesterday.
The exhibit titled “Progreso sang Bacolod”, depicting the progress brought to Bacolod City by the administration of Mayor Evelio Leonardia, will run until March 8. George Jardiolin, SM mall manager, yesterday said the expansion will accommodate an additional 150 tenants or more,and will surely spur the economic growth of the city. He said the new expansion will start after the completion of its department store in 2013. Jardiolin said the expansion is an affirmation of their confidence in Bacolod Cityby the SM group of companies headed by Hanz Sy. “We will have more partnerships to come since SM is really supportive of the city, and this exhibit is a testament of that partnership,” he said. The exhibit showcases the achievements and accolades of the city as one of the premier and bustling cities in the country, particularly the construction boom that it has been enjoying. Leonardia said the growth of the city is also due to the great contribution of the business sector which he truly appreciates. “We have grown because we have joined hands in attaining what we are now. We are bound to sustain this momentum as the people have realized how far we have gone, and this is also a morale-booster for everyone,” he said. Leonardia said SM is investing more in Bacolod since it saw the potential of its business to really grow and expand in the city. STAMP OR APPROVAL “For me, the presence and expansion of SM, with due respect to others who have also contributed to the growth and development of the city, is a stamp of approval and is like telling the rest of the business world in the Philippines that Bacolod is the place, indeed, where your money will grow,” Leonardia said. Leonardia said SM must have seen a gold mine here and that is why it keeps on investing in Bacolod. It also has investments abroad and could have placed their money elsewhere, but it has chosen to put a very big investment in Bacolod, he said. SWEETEST MUSIC “The sweetest music to my ears is when people like balikbayans d say that Bacolod has really changed,” Leonardia said. The phenomenal progress of Bacolod has been validated by well known organizations in the country and abroad, he said. Also present at the opening of the exhibit were Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Councilors Em Ang and El Cid Familiaran and businessmen Fred Barcelona, Andres Valencia, Frank Carbon of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the city department heads.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Sta THE City of Bacolod officially opened the "Progreso sang Bacolod" exhibit at the West Bridge of ShoeMart (SM) Bacolod on Monday. The exhibit will run until March 8.
Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Councilors Em Ang and El Cid Familiaran, with business leaders Fred Barcelona, Andres Valencia, Frank Carbon of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), city department heads and SM Mall Manager George Jardiolin, among others, officially opened the exhibit that showcased the achievements and accolades of the city as one of the premier and bustling cities in the country. Leonardia said the exhibit is something the people should see to realize what Bacolod has achieved. "It is one thing to perform and also one thing to connect to the people of what you have performed. This will go a long way because people will not only see the words but pictures of the achievements of the city. We believe that we have shown to our people the leaps and bounds kind of progress that had happened in Bacolod,” he said. Leonardia also acknowledged that the growth of the city is also due to the great contribution of the business sector. "We truly appreciate the contribution of the business sectors in the growth of our city. We grow because we have joined hands in reaching what we are now. We are bound to sustain this momentum as people have realized how far we have gone and this is also a morale booster for everyone," he said. Jardiolin reported that SM is investing P2.5 billion for the expansion of the department store, making it a three-story building and also the expansion of the mall. “They have chosen to put up a very big investment in Bacolod and that is a stamp of approval, telling the business sector of the Philippines that Bacolod indeed is where your money will grow and there must be gold mines here - the reason why they keep on investing here," said Leonardia. The expansion is expected to accommodate 150 more tenants and spur economic growth in the city. The expansion of the department store will be completed by 2013 and next is the expansion of the mall. The expansion of the mall is an affirmation of the SM group of company headed by Hanz Sy of its confidence in Bacolod City. "We will have more partnerships to come and SM is really supporting the city and this exhibit is a testament of partnership between the city and SM," Jardiolin said. Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod “IT IS high time that Bacolod gets a new kind of political leadership whose politics and activities are always transparent and ensure the best interests of the people.”
This was what Bacolod Councilor and Chinese businessman said in an interview with Sun.Star over the weekend while admitting that he might run for mayor of Bacolod if his conditions are met. “Yes, I am open to run for mayor of Bacolod if only to be an instrument of leadership change, peace and order and improvement in the quality of life of our people.” He clarified though that his option for mayoralty post will really depend on the support of his own family, friends and constituents. “Honestly, I don’t like what’s going on in the city leadership -- the lack of transparency in many official transactions and public concerns, factionalism, biases against and hostility towards the opposition and other legitimate dissent, and the lack of peace and order,” Sy said. He said he feels uncomfortable every time he is reminded of a large number of Bacolodnons living in poverty and pressures of survival. Sy said the Chinese business community regularly confides to him the different economic and political pressures they experience with the City Government. “They want their concerns to be articulated, discussed and given attention by the city officials in a transparent and good way,” he said. He said if given the chance for mayoralty position, he’d like to get fellow oppositionists Councilors Archie Baribar, El Cid Familiarian, Sonia Verdeflor, among others, because “we share a lot in common.” Karl Ombion Sun Star Bacolod Considering the soaring criminality reportedly perpetrated by tricycle drivers, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved the Resolution of Councilor El Cid Familiaran, to request Mayor Evelio Leonardia, to implement Paragraphs B and C, section 5 of City Ordinance No. 185, Series of 1997, otherwise known as "AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED TRICYCLES AND GRANTING OF FRANCHISE FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF WITHIN THE TERRITOTIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF BACOLOD AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREOF" .
Councilor Familiaran cited the incident last week, that a tricycle driver was arrested on the suspicion that he raped a 21-year old passenger lady at around 1:00 o’clock in the Morning, however he was not surely identified by the victim so he was released. The police authorities now find difficulty in tracing or pinpoint the suspect, and they could also hardly identify the tricycle which the suspect operated. Hence, for public order of the City and safety of the commuters, Familiaran resolved that the City Ordinance Number 185, Series of 1997, provides that the tricycles will ply only within their approved zones, and that the tricycles operating in the same zones must have common color. The implementation of such provisions under City Ordinance 185, series of 1997, Familiaran said, will address order in tricycle transport sector and communities’ safety, especially during night time. It will also deter possible crime that may occur, like the recent crime of rape perpetrated against the 21-year old lady and such other crimes, which happened using tricycles as get-away vehicles. Therefore the councilors are urging the City Mayor, Hon. Evelio R. Leonardia to implement paragraphs b and c, SECTION 5 of City Ordinance No. 185, series of 1997, "An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Motorized Tricycles and Granting of Franchise for the Operation Thereof within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the City of Bacolod and Providing Penalties Thereof.* Edith Colmo Negros Daily Bulletin US AMBASSADOR to the Philippines Harry Thomas said Negros Occidental is closely intertwined with the United States because of the province’s sugar industry.
Sugar accounts for almost 80 percent of Negros Occidental’s gross domestic product. The province’ sugar output accounts for about half of the national total sugar production, a portion of which is earmarked annually for export to the United States under the US export quota program which amounts to approximately 140,000 metric tons annually. Thomas made the statement during his courtesy call on Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Provincial Capitol over the weekend.The ambassador was in Bacolod City to attend the 3rd Bacolod Jazz Festival. The governor treated Thomas a sampling of Negros delicacies and gave him a package of the food stuff as parting gift during the envoy’s courtesy call. "This is my second trip to Bacolod City, the sugar capital of the Philippines with great delicacies and softball champions," Thomas said. He previously visited Bacolod last November 2010 when he swore in some US Peace Corp Volunteers who just arrived in the country. Also present during the US ambassador’s visit to the governor were Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, Board Members Melvin Ibañez, Salvador Escalante and Miller Serondo and Sun.Star Bacolod president Jaime Golez. In a brief press conference at the Capitol, Thomas declined to comment about the impeachment trial against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. "The United States of America takes no stand on the matter, as it is an internal matter for the Philippines," he said. He also gave no comment on reports posted on WikiLeaks and attributed to two previous US ambassadors to the Philippines who allegedly stated that Philippine bank secrecy laws are antiquated and among the strictest in the world. Thomas said the Bacolod Jazz Festival is a great testament to American and Filipino music and culture. He also promoted the upcoming three-day American music festival in Iloilo slated March 2 to 4. The US envoy also met with some student leaders who were former exchange scholars at Illinois University. Moreover, Thomas paid a courtesy call on Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Bacolod Government Center where he was warmly welcomed by the mayor, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Councilors Em Ang, Caesar Distrito, El Cid Familiaran and Al Victor Espino. Thomas referred to Leonardia as the lucky charm of world boxing icon Saranggani Representative Manny Pacquiao. Leonardia said he reiterated his invitation for the envoy to come for the MassKara festival. Thomas replied that he would include it in his calendar, Leonardia said. “I believe that it will be a sure thing that he will come for the MassKara festival. That’s great news when we talk about our campaign for Balik Bacolod. I am sure that will make him an extra attraction to our balikbayans to come home,” he said. He added that this is going to be the first time that a US Ambassador will be the guest of honor during the MassKara. “There is so much to look forward for the MassKara festival. Remember that I launched the 2012 MassKara festival when I closed the 2011 MassKara festival. This is going to be the 33rd year and it’s a good number and for sentimental reasons. This is going to be my last festival as City Mayor. We are trying to make it a MassKara we will long remember,” he said. “I believe he likes Bacolod and Negros Occidental. We are very happy that he is very supportive of the activities in Bacolod, just like the Jazz concert which was held last Saturday night. They were the one of the major sponsors,” Sayson said. Carla N. Canet and Teresa Ellera Sun Star Bacolod An ordinance requiring fees for the issuance of certificates of detention for inmates at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Bacolod City, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, the ordinance will govern the issuance of certificate of detention for inmates confined at the BJMP, within the jurisdiction of Bacolod City. Previous or present inmates, and their parents, siblings or relatives, including concerned persons may be issued such certificate upon payment of fees to the City Treasurer’s Office, it said. However, indigent inmates declared by the court or duly certified to by the barangay captain concerned will be exempted from such fees, it added. The ordinance said inmates will be required to pay fees of P100 at the City Treasurer’s Office for issuance of a certificate of detention by the BJMP. For proper recording and disbursing of funds under this ordinance, a trust fund will be created, it said. The ordinance said 40 percent of the proceeds will be retained by the city, which will be used to finance or augment the budget for jail and management operations and subsistence of detainees and inmates. It said 50 percent of the proceeds will be remitted to the BJMP, which will be used for support food assistance for inmates, sanitation of jail/detention cell, and for positive rehabilitation of inmates, while the remaining10 percent will be set aside for the barangay, where the BJMP is located, and will be used to maintain barangay peace and order, and for anti-drug campaign.*CGS For the first reading in Wednesday’s session, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the resolution aut-hored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran to require fees amounting to P100.00, for the issuance of certificate of detention for inmates confined at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Councilor Familiaran cited sub-paragraph (xv), paragraph (5)(a) of Article 99 of the Rules & Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 which also states that, “establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and detention centers, institute a sound jail management program and appropriate fund for the subsistence of detainees and convicted prisoners in the City.” Article 218 of the same IRR of the Local Government Code empowers LGUs to create its own sources of revenue. Familiaran also said, collecting fees from the issuance of certification of detention for inmates confined in the BJMP is another revenue generating measure whose proceeds if properly spent is of great help for appropriate services and welfare of inmates. For all legal intents and purposes, inmates (previous or present) and their parents, siblings or relatives, including concerned persons maybe issued such certificate upon payment of fees to the City Treasurer’s Office. However, Familiaran said, indigent inmates declared by the Court or duly certified by the concerned Punong Baran-gay, shall be exempted from payment of such fees. Those required to pay the fees, upon presentation of the official receipt, the Warden or the assigned personnel in the BJMP shall cause to issue a Certificate of Detention. For proper recording and disbursing of funds under this Ordinance, a Trust Fund shall be created. And, for such purpose, the following shall guide the City Treasurer’s Office in the disbursement of funds. Forty percent (40%) of the proceeds shall be retained by the City, which shall be used to finance or augment the budget for jail and management operations and subsistence of detainees and inmates. Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds shall be remitted to the BJMPs, which shall be used for the following: support food assistance for inmates, sanitation of jail/detention cell and for positive rehabilitation of inmates. The remaining 10% shall be set aside for the barangay, where the BJMP is located, which shall be used for: maintenance of barangay peace & order, and anti-drug campaign. Webmaster Daily Bulletin An ordinance giving privileges of free parking for senior citizens in malls and other areas in Bacolod City, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday. Authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran and co-authored by Councilor Catalino Alisbo, the ordinance said the granting of welfare services to senior citizens as provided under Section 16 and Article 25 of Rule V of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code will alleviate their state and provide them ease. Among the services that will make elder people’s lives easier is affording them due respect and appropriate services by exempting them from paying parking fees imposed by malls, department stores and other establishments in Bacolod City, it said. The ordinance said mall or store owners or their deputized personnel who violate this ordinance will be fined P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense, P10,000 for the third offense plus an additional P3,000 for every succeeding offense. Meanwhile, Alisbo authored a resolution requesting the Bacolod City Health Office to administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease to indigent senior citizens of Bacolod City in pursuant to Section 4 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The resolution said the Department of Social Services and Development had already conducted the National Household Targeting System which identify the indigent senior citizens of Bacolod City. It said the Department of Health had already supplied and made available this vaccination to all local government, including Bacolod. The free vaccination is done at the CHO, however, due to weakness, some of the senior citizens are requesting that the vaccination be done at the Barangay Health Plus Station of every barangay, the resolution added.*CGS CHRYSEE SAMILLANO Visayan Daily Star A public hearing on the provisions of City Ordinance 37, Series of 1987 involving the Pag-laum Village and to find out why a plebiscite had not been implemented, was conducted yesterday by the Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, committee chairman, presided over the public hearing on the petition of the Paglaum Village residents for a plebiscite and for the appropriation of funds to implement the long enacted City Ordinance that creates it as a separate barangay, a press release from his office said. Councilor Mona Dia Jardin said the public hearing was not conducted for the creation of the barangay but on the validity of the ordinance. Ma. Theresa Depra of the Department of Interior and Local Government and Councilor El Cid Familiaran said the requirements set by the Local Government Code of 1991 for the creation of a barangay should be followed. Ragem Ymballa, legal counsel of the petitioners from Paglaum Village, said their petition was just to comply the provisions of C.O. 37. Distrito said all laws can be repealed if they are not in consonance with the Local Government Code. They should endorse the matter to the City Legal Office, he said. Bacolod COMELEC Registrar Mavil Majarucon said that, based on their records, the 15,499 registered voters from Brgy. Mansilingan as of January 2012, about 3,055 are from Paglaum Village. Distrito and Jardin suggested another hearing for more clarification on the issue.*CGS |
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