The Peace and Order Council passed a resolution requesting the PDEA, as lead agency, together with DOLE, LTO, BCPO, to call for a committee conference together with taxi and public utility jeepney operators and come up with a MOA between DOLE, PDEA and taxi and jeepney operators to conduct random drug testing on their drivers.
Bacolod Councilor El Cid Familiaran yesterday said the random drug test will not be conducted in the streets but in the garage of the owners of PUJ’s and taxis, while the PDEA will shoulder the expenses. Familiaran said the intent and purpose of this resolution is to ensure the lives and safety of the passengers and the drivers. He had authored a similar resolution before, as chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Police and Security, but the Commission on Human Rights and LTO raised some concerns like who will shoulder the expenses and at the same time they were not amenable to the idea of conducting a check up on the road. That is why they are coming up with a MOA with DOLE, PDEA and the operators of the PUJ’s and taxis because there is an employer-employee relationship involved. But the random drug testing has already been implemented in Iloilo City. He said the random drug testing may be conducted after the Holy Week once a committee conference has been held. Business permits of operators whose drivers are found to be positive for drug use will not be cancelled out right, as well as the driver’s license of the taxi or PUJ drivers. The names of the drivers will not be revealed since they will be given a chance to stop using prohibited drugs or undergo rehabilitation. The operators will be the one to discipline them. Carla Canet Sun Star Bacolod
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City Councilor El Cid Familiaran had proposed in Thursday’s SP session that PESO Head and Secretary to the Mayor Moises de la Cruz, thru the Office of the City Mayor, should see to the involvement of the 2012 summer job students in the city’s “Clean and Green” program.
However, Familiaran’s recommendation that the said students participation should involve the clearing of rivers, creeks and open canals of plastics or non-biodegradable materials as among their priority tasks was opposed. Councilor Al Victor Espino declared that the aforementioned areas were high-risk environs and students could be affected by Dengue. It should otherwise be handled by crews specializing in the said task. However, the sea-coast, Familiaran’s other recommended area for cleaning by the students, got the nod of Espino. For his part, Councilor Homer Bais recommended a lighter job for the summer jobbers. Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson added that the proposed resolution to be subject to style. Meanwhile, the city’s five round Clean and Green thrust, chaired by Sampaguita Lions Club’s Myrna Servando and vice-chaired by Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, has had the strong support of city government employees and the city’s barangay officials headed by the Liga Ng Mga Barangay Chief Mona Dia Jardin, who has pledged non-stop support to the Mayor’s project on the city’s 61 barangays. An ordinance extending for one year the granting of 20 percent discount to stall awardees or lessees who are faithful payors of their monthly market block lease rental, was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City Wednesday.
The ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse, and member of the Local Market Committee, and co-authored by Councilors Al Victor Espino and El Cid Familiaran. Distrito said “This is also our way of helping our market stall owners recover from the loses they incurred from the economic crisis and stiff competition.” He said it is also an incentives to them because they still pay on time despite such difficulty. Earlier, the Local Market Committee had endorsed the same proposal through a Board Resolution but requested for an extension for five years. The incentive was also granted under Article II of City Ordinance 407, Series of 2006. Distrito said the SP will still have to study if the discount will be continued after the one year extension based on the recommendations of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse.*CGS THE Bacolod City Council approved the ordinance extending for one year the 20 percent discount for stall awardees or lessees who are faithful payors of their monthly market block lease rental.
The incentive was originally granted under Article II of City Ordinance 407, series of 2006. The said ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, chairman of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse and member of the Local Market Committee. His co-authors were Councilor Al Victor A. Espino and El Cid Familiaran. “This is also our way of helping our market stall owners recover from the loses they have incurred due to the economic crisis and stiff competition,” Distrito said. “It is also a way of giving them incentives because, despite such difficulty, they still pay on time,” Distrito added. Earlier, the Local Market Committee endorsed the same proposal through their Board Resolution but it requested that the incentive be extended for five years. “The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) will still look into the possibility of further continuing the said discount after the one year extension,” said Distrito. Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod Prompt payment of rentals in the market stall will avail of 20% discount, as approved in the session of Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in Bacolod City.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the Ordinance extending one (1) year the 20% discount for stall awardees or lessees who are faithful payors of their month-ly market block lease rental which is also embodied in Article II of City Ordinance 407 series of 2006. Sponsored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, Chairman of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse and member of the Local Market Committee with Co-Authors Councilor Al Victor A. Espino and El Cid Familiaran. Distrito said, "this is also our way of helping our market stall owners recover from losses they have incurred due to the economic crisis and stiff competition. At the same time, giving them incentives despite such difficulty, they still pay on time." Earlier, the Local Market Committee had endorsed the same proposal through their Board Resolution but requested an extension for 5 years. The Sangguniang Panlungsod will also look to the possibility that this discount will be continued further after the one year extension based on the recommendations of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse.* Edith Colmo Negros Daily Bulletin BACOLOD City will celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia was asked to spearhead the celebration, as contained in a resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran, which was also passed by the City Council. The resolution also enjoined the public to join the celebration. City Ordinance No. 404, Series of 2006 declared every April 22 of every year as “Earth Day” in the City of Bacolod. Globally, April 22 has been observed as ‘Earth Day’ celebration since 1970. Familiaran said that such worldwide declaration was strengthened and boosted by the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which declared as a real threat to planet earth the deterioration of the environment, which range from oil spills, polluting factories/ establishments/ power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, loss of wilderness, indiscriminate conversion of agricultural lands or river/creek, air and land pollution. Responding to such global threat and challenge, the City thru Ordinance No. 404, Series of 2006 declared every April 22 of every year as ‘Earth Day’ in the City of Bacolod. The ordinance, particularly Sections 1-9 thereof, spelled out for the possible environmental measures and activities that shall be acted and held by the offices concerned which shall also be led by the City Mayor himself in the course of April 22 Earth Day celebration. (CNC) Delayed implementation of solo parents ordinance denies the single parents and their children of services due them. Thus, Councilor El Cid Familiaran has resolved to urge the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Office of the City Mayor, to convene a committee and come up with implementing rules and regulations pursuant to Section 11 of City Ordinance No. 550, Series of 2011, otherwise known as, an ordinance institutionalizing the program and services to solo parents and their children, providing funds thereof, and for other purposes.
Familiaran cited section 11 of City Ordinance # 550, series of 2011 (An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Program and Services to Solo Parents and their Children, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes) mandates to create a Committee to come up with Implementing Rules and Regulations(IRR) within 60 days upon its passage. The said Committee shall compose the City Health Office, City Cooperative and Livelihood Office, DILG-Bacolod, CHED-Bacolod, TESDA, DOLE-Bacolod and DOH-Western Visayas Regional Hospital which shall be led and convened by DSSD within the stated period. However, Familiaran noticed that almost seven(7)months had passed since approval of the Ordinance last August 19, 2011, the lead Convenor- DSSD head is yet to convene the pertinent Committee.The continued delay for convening of the stated Committee would also unduly deny the already stalled program & services for solo parents and their children, which among others include: health, employment opportunities & alleviating working conditions and possible formal & vocational education for children or appropriate training, likewise for parents or children. Therefore, it is necessary to urge the DSWD head to convene the committee and come up with implementing rules and regulations of this said ordinance, Familiaran stressed.* Edith Colmo Negros Daily Bulletin BACOLODNONS were enjoined to celebrate the Earth Day on April 22 with Bacolod Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia spearheading the celebration.
This came after the City Council approved last Wednesday the resolution authored by Councilor El cid Familiaran requesting Leonardia to lead the celebration and enjoining everybody’s participation. The resolution said City Ordinance No. 404, Series of 2006 declared every April 22 of every year as “Earth Day” in the City Of Bacolod. Globally, April 22 has been observed as “Earth Day” celebration since 1970. Such worldwide celebration was strengthened by the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod LOOKS like a formidable political tandem is fast shaping and some observers say it could be one that will put an end to the reign of Leonardia and Sayson.
The reported simmering of hot heads, the leveling of rationality and the return of openness and trust among the key players in the circle of former Representative Monico Puentevella seem to be spelling already new ideas and new strengths. The most interesting and surprising development to date is the reported process of consolidation of Monico and the powerful first five led by councilor Elmer Sy. Both seem to have been convinced that they needed each other more than anybody else; that they have to reciprocate each other to form a powerful political bloc and for the greater interest of their group. But I foresee some bargaining to be made by Elmer Sy and his first five. Standing tall from being a solid councilor’s bloc and projecting themselves as a force to be reckoned with in 2013 elections, the first five might negotiate for the fielding of Elmer for mayor, Monico for Congressman, and either businessman Vladimir Gonzales or councilor Archie Baribar for Vice Mayor. I was informed that Baribar is open to forego vice-mayorship, if only to ensure the best position and greater chances of victory of his group. Will Monico go for this positioning? If he thinks deeply and wholly, and forget about biases and in-box thinking, I don’t see any reason why he cannot. He will only emerge invincible. The way things are unfolding, Elmer Sy seems to have all the good things behind him - credibility, achievements, logistics and, most important, family support and the respect and support of practically all the major Chinese and Filipino business groups, independent entrepreneurs, civic organizations and churches of all denominations. Elmer Sy’s group of five has also the most solid and vast army of followers in the villages. With his group’s close ties with the Liberal Party, Monico’s groups can benefit from the party’s blessings. With this stature of Elmer Sy and his first five, Monico will certainly have a formidable, powerful team he could ever assemble. And if the first five also agree to give way to Vladimir as Elmer Sy’s partner, that will complete the creation of the kingdom, and the Jericho march to freedom. In a battle for congressional seat, either one on one with Mayor Evelio Leonardia or three-cornered with incumbent Representative Anthony ‘Doc’ Golez, Monico will have a cutting edge. With the growing isolation of Mayor Leonardia especially from the major Chinese and Filipino business groups who trounced his new Revenue Code as oppressive, and the latter drifting to Elmer Sy, Monico will simply have an easy round per round fight in the congressional arena. Besides, he had a shining record as a legislator, which Leonardia has yet to prove himself if ever he gets elected. Even against a good person but weakling Vice Mayor Thaddy Sasyon in a mayoralty race, Monico will still have a hard time winning because of his public perception as a trouble-rouser. Without Elmer Sy and his first five, Monico could easily suffer miserable defeat in the hands of Thaddy. By all calculations, it looks like Elmer Sy and his first five is a blessing to Monico, and Monico serves as their firewall. If Monico doesn’t grab it, then he is sorry. He will be gone forever. But together they can have what it takes to muster the best minds and hearts there are in Bacolod to their team. Together they can have what it takes to reconcile and reunite the best and tested political commanders and organizers on the ground. Most important they can turn the powers and resources of the city to deliver the much needed reforms and improvements that will raise the quality of life of the Bacolodnons. Monico-Elmer Sy in 2013? It looks like a calling and destiny for both. If it is so, who else can set them apart and defeat them? Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod THE world of trapo or traditional politics is fascinatingly crazy.
Anything can go bad or good anytime without anyone knowing it. Recently, I was informed that the camp of Congressman Anthony “Doc” Golez is being swarmed by dealers and brokers, people who make business out of their own brand of traditional politics. One such guy, said to be so good in marketing himself as a professional politician-maker, reportedly told Doc Golez's wife that he can broker for the support of the powerful “force in the middle”, the independent bloc of Baribar, Sy, Familiaran, Verdeflor and Alisbo. The guy seems to be desperate in finding pawns he could offer to Doc Golez in exchange for money. Doc Golez and his trusted corps of bright boys should be forewarned that there could be more pseudo political prophets and messiahs that would come to them and offer political services in exchange for monetary favors. Doc Golez and his bright boys should know their ranks well, or they might be outsmarted by guys who don't have high IQ but know the traditional politics by heart and mind. ---------- I had interviews with Bacolod Chinese business groups recently and it confirmed reports I got that they are indeed looking for a leader who can articulate and fight for their interests. Out of curiosity, I asked if the name of Councilor Elmer Sy rings to them. These Chinese guys from the Filipino-Chinese Chamber and Amity groups said that it is the name they want to be with. I asked them why, and they told me "He doesn't talk much but makes actions a lot and gives a smile when you needed it." When I asked again why they prefer such a person, they told me, "A person who seldom speaks and makes a lot of actions rarely makes a mistake because we have no basis to judge which one committed wrong and did or committed right." Laughter and humility aside, our Filipino-Chinese brothers deserve a good leadership. Whether it is Elmer Sy or not, at least it is also a good try to give a Chinese a chance to demonstrate his or her prowess not only in business but also in governance. After all, the leaders produced by the Chinese people in China have moved their country forward and now place China as an emerging superpower in the world. But I warn Elmer Sy, traditional politics is a mumbo jumbo. Everyone could be your friend during the campaign season but not your voters come election time. The smile you could get from them at one time could be the same smile that will ridicule you in other times. ----------- Former congressman and now aspiring mayor Monico Puentevella should immediately take the clutch personally to arrest the growing dissension and confusion within his ranks. If not, he will just cry over the decapitation of his organization. His bright boys are obviously not doing right, good and well. Reports have it that they are planning and carrying out things Monico does not know. Their actions are not well harmonized, sending a lot of mixed signals or cacophonic sounds. The kind of Monico that appears now seems to be different from the Monico that was always outstanding and triumphant in all his battles during his first two terms. Today, he looks excessively disturbed and weary. He doesn't look anymore as a statesman and warrior. In an upcoming battle that could mean his muerto o vida, Monico should not take chances in planning, strategizing and disposition of his political troops. He should take the pilot seat. -------------- Ceneco broad daylight hold-up - was it an inside job or simply outsmarted? Whether it was inside job or not, Ceneco leadership exposed its fatal weaknesses. It has no internal security policies and alarm system. It had no CCTV. The big belly security guards were so lousy. With this obvious disorganization in Ceneco, even ordinary thieves could storm Ceneco by surprise and stash away all its savings and collections. On a broader scale, what happened is just a replica of a cooperative that has been living in disharmony and so dangerously over the years. What more to its member-consumers? Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod |
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