THAT which cries for government's greater attention to issues of jobs and justice, food and freedom is apparently forgotten or sidelined in the current electoral contest.
Traditional political parties and most party list organizations only talk of memberships, common slates, coalitions, and their political patrons and financiers. Their leading bets are busy packaging themselves. Their propaganda and special operations machines brown eyebrows preparing demolition plans against their opponents. The incorrigibles ride on some people issues to pacify the people, and increase their political rating. Examining however the kind of issues they would take, one can easily conclude that they are issues of less social significance, and do not really touch or disturb the deep seated conflicts between the haves and the have-nots, the powerful and the powerless, the landed and the landless, the mafia and gangsters in government uniforms and the people they deceived and deprived of their honor. So they goodtime people on simplistic waste management, or the complexity of the climate change-both have nothing to do with the poor's problem of daily food on their table (if they have any at all). Only a few talk more of real people's issues and agenda. Leading the track are mostly the progressive and militant partylist organizations like Anak Pawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan Party, ACT Party, and their coalition the Makabayan, among others. In Bacolod, people's problems are worsening and those badly affected are getting restive. Among those mentioned are the issues of demolition of urban poor communities especially in coastal barangays, rising costs of electricity and water, alarming rise in cost of hospital services both in private and public, rampant practice of labor only contracting and other labor flexibility schemes damaging to workers and professional's security of tenure. Last week, I talked with some labor leaders from both the militant and moderate, and they all warned of the devastating impact of contractualization and casualization to worker's security and existence of worker's unions. Ian Evidente of KMU provided me some data on some cases of contractualization in Bacolod. They are quite bad. I suspect there are more businesses employing the scheme. Some are quite rude and vulgar in their use of scheme. Others are quite subtle. But the impact is still the same. Labor leaders all agreed that something should be done in a concerted manner to prevent further damage on the workers movement. One mentioned that some politicians might be able to help in their campaign. Others were pessimistic. One said that mass movement is still the way, but electoral politics could provide some relief. When I asked how, he could not give clear answer. I told them I am also skeptical being cognizant of the political terrain and the kind of local officials we have. Nonetheless, I stressed to them that as socially conscious forces the need to put up a unified people's agenda is still an important step to make. To put up a unified people's agenda will manifest the unity and resolve of the forces of change to actively find answers to the workers' problems. To have a unified people's agenda means to have the material base for waging organized, concerted, and sustained campaigns to get palpable economic and social gains. Only when the people led by the organized forces of change have a unified and clear agenda can they assert on position of strength for their demands. Strength is the language that government recognizes. Politicians understand this language too. Both could be made to negotiate only when the people have strength. Still there some politicians in Bacolod who are not hard to talk with and convince on matter of people's agenda as they themselves have manifested their commitment to the same issues. Incumbent Congressman Anthony T. Golez probably tops the list as one person who has always demonstrated himself as a doctor of the people, honest public servant, and highly innovative in his legislative work. Former three-termer Congressman and now mayoralty aspirant Monico Puentevella has proven a good track record in public service especially with his "Monico Kabuhi Ko" social service program, and has always been supportive of people's causes. Incumbent Vice Mayor and now mayoralty candidate Jude Thaddeus Sayson who, despite serious criticisms against him by his political opponents, has likewise showed consistency in his support to the marginalized sectors. Incumbent Councilors Arche Baribar, Elmer Sy, Sonia Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran, Catalino Alisbo, who have always been champions in public service and advocacy of the rights of workers, farmers, urban poor, fisherfolks, students and professionals, women and the senior citizens. The organized forces should try them; they have nothing to lose. They have everything to gain. After all, with or without them, or even despite them, the downtrodden people will always have a way to change the course of history to their favor. Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod
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THE Magnificent Seven candidates in Bacolod City batted for the renaissance or rebirth of Bacolod City in terms of quality and efficient public service.
Lawyer Renecito Novero, candidate for Vice Mayor, reelectionist councilors Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran, Archie Baribar and Elmer Sy and neophyte candidates for Councilor Hermilo “Rocky” LIzares and Robert Francis “Bobby” Coscolluela who compose the Magnificent Seven have the same vision for Bacolod. They will be guided by the seven important virtues of good governance such as integrity, sincerity, transparency, honesty, simplicity, accountability and trust. They have a crusade for the birth of a new governance they call the “Bacolod renaissance.” Novero said they want people to see competence, efficiency and integrity in the delivery of public service. Lizares, a former barangay captain, said he decided to run because the President lighted a fire to stop corruption in the country and he wants to be a part of the crusade. Coscolluela, who ran for councilor in 2010, said he wants to give the best possible genuine service to the people. Familiaran, the number one councilor, said he is running for reelection on the basis of his performance. He said that out of the 118 sessions held, he has recorded perfect attendance, had authored 24 quality ordinances—most of them pro-poor—and also authored over 100 resolutions. Verdeflor said she wants to continue her advocacies, especially for the women and children, while Baribar said his track record will speak for itself. Sy, being a man of few words, said “less talk, more action,” when asked why he is seeking reelection. They filed their candidacy papers Friday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Office in Bacolod City accompanied by their family, friends and supporters. By Carla N. Canet SUNSTAR BACOLOD BACOLOD Councilor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the City Council Committee on Police and Security, requested the Office of the City Mayor to provide reflective jackets or vests for street cleaners.
He said the recent hit-and-run traffic accident along Lacson Street, Bacolod City, involving a 70-year-old woman from Barangay 39 employed as a street cleaner, is worthy of consideration. Previous to this, a similar reported incident happened at night fronting the Redemptorist Church along B.S. Aquino Drive where a person was likewise killed, he added. Before these two incidents happened, there were numerous reported cases of hit-and-run road accidents that killed or injured people where the drivers flee from the venue of incidence leaving their victims behind, he added. He said the recent road accidents could have been avoided if appropriate actions were properly taken by pertinent offices. Among the measures that could minimize such traffic incidents and protect the street cleaners is to provide them reflective jackets or vests for them to wear while on duty, especially during nighttime or the wee hours of the morning, Familiaran stressed. (Carla N. Canet) Sunstar Bacolod THE Liberal Party (LP)-Bacolod chaired by Frank Carbon announced Wednesday its 11 candidates for councilor in the City of Bacolod.
The candidates are Edwin Balajadia, lawyer Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Frank Carbon, Ray Carmona, El Cid Familiaran, lawyer Andy Hagad, lawyer Ana Marie Palermo, Elmer Sy, lawyer Sonya Verdeflor and Tony Wong, according to Butch Ebreo. Councilor Archie Baribar, a practicing lawyer, was included in the list but did not show up, as he said he attended a court hearing. Asked what position he will seek, Baribar said: "We are still discussing it. I will decide on the filing date. If I will run for vice mayor, I will run as an independent candidate because the LP will not field a candidate for vice mayor, mayor and congressman. In terms of percentage in my plan to run for vice mayor, I am giving it a more than even chance." Ebreo confirmed that the LP will not field official candidates for congressman, mayor and vice mayor. Hagad said the LP in Bacolod was formed only in 2010 and they could not afford yet to field candidates for mayor, vice mayor and congressman. "Our decision is to field candidates for councilor. It was the idea of Councilor Familiaran that, if we will field candidates for councilor, we will put a very strong slate that the majority of the group will win. It would be better that the mayor, congressman and vice mayor will not come from our group so that there will be no connivance in both the legislative and executive branches of government. Knowing our weaknesses, let us put it as our strength. Let us field very good candidates and get the majority votes of our people and let's check and balance the way democracy works," he said. He added that Bacolod City is a free zone. "We will just follow our conscience in our choice for the top position. When elections are over and majority of us win, we will regroup and work as one. We have many roads to take but we only have to reach one destination." The partnership between the LP and Nationalist People's Coalition will only be good for the position of governor and up, according to Hagad. "We are free where to align and join in the local positions," he said. Carbon said it is high time the business sector will have a voice in the City Council. He said he entered politics as he wants to effect change in the local level, and he saw the sincerity of President Benigno Aquino III to effect change. (CNC) Sun Star Bacolod THE Liberal Party in Bacolod City has submitted Friday the names of five candidates for councilor to be given official nomination by the party.
LP-District chairman Frank Carbon, in an interview over ABS-CBN on Friday, said the list includes his name and that of Andy Hagad, former councilors Anna Marie Palermo, Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, and Edwin Balajadia of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement-Negros. The list, however, does not include the names of the four incumbent councilors who were sworn in as LP members, namely Archie Baribar, Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran, and Elmer Sy. Baribar said it does not mean that, if they are not running under the LP, they will not be joining the slate of mayoralty candidate Monico Puentevella. He said they can still run as independent candidates and campaign separately. They were also invited by Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson to run under their party but have not accepted the invitation yet, Baribar added. Carbon said they have extended the deadline until September 30 to give the four incumbent councilors a time to reconsider their decision. THE Grupo Progreso party of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson is now a coalition of the Nacionalista Party and Nationalist People's Coalition.
The possible entry of the Liberal Party is being awaited, which will surely strengthen the local administration party. Sources said that the formal coalition of the three parties will further boost Grupo Progreso, making it as a formidable local party to reckon with. Councilors Carl Lopez and Caesar Distrito are Nationalista Party members. Returnees Greg Gasataya, Alex Paglomutan and Vice Mayor Sayson are NPC members. Reports have it that incumbent Councilors Archie Baribar, El Cid Familiaran, Sonya Verdeflor and Elmer Sy might join Grupo Progreso should the Liberal Party, being their new political affiliation, formalize the possible coalition with the NPC and NP where Grupo Progreso is their local party affiliate. Councilor Distrito said that the formation of the three parties will be a coalition forming an extremely impressive political strength in Bacolod City. Leonardia said they are all aware that October 1 to 5 is the filing of certificates of candidacy and maybe it will not be long before they finish their line-up. The Nationalist People’s Coalition, the Nationalista Party and the Liberal Party have a coalition in the national level By Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod POLITICAL parties are now starting to fuel their political machineries to prepare for the forthcoming filing of candidacy for the local candidates set on October 1-5, 2012.
Councilor Archie Baribar who is a new Liberal Party (LP) member along with his party mates Councilors Sonya Verdeflor, El Cid Familiaran, Catalino Alisbo and Elmer Sy will attend the Liberal Party meeting set this Saturday to discuss the slate for Bacolod. Baribar who is eyeing the vice mayoralty post has remained mum in his plans as he will abide by the LP decision. "We will have a meeting on Saturday and we might be able to finalize our political positions," he said. For now, nothing is final and practically nothing is definite. As to his present political ties with former Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella, he said, "When a door closes, two doors might open," speculating that Puenevella's choice for Vice Mayor is with businessman Vladimir Gonzalez and not him. He said that such choice does not affect him personally and politically. "I don't need anyone. I need everyone. I will remain mysterious after our meeting this Saturday. There are communication lines open with Newks. I hope it will not be shortened." His colleagues Councilors Verdeflor, Familiaran, Sy and Alisbo will remain with him as he remains with them. Whatever his decision and the party decision will be supported by them as they all board in one boat. He added that pursuing the position of the Vice Mayor has great weight. "But we are trying to consider all factors. But the LP decision has weight that we have to consider. We cannot disregard it. LP is now our main aggrupation. by (Carla N. Canet) Sun Star Bacolod FORMER Bacolod City Vice Mayor Renecito Novero is hopeful to have the support of the "First Five" councilors in his bid to run for vice mayor in the 2013 elections.
The "First Five" is composed of incumbent Councilors El Cid Familiaran, Catalino Alisbo, Elmer Sy, Sonya Vedeflor and Archie Baribar. Novero said they have maintained good relations and he knew their sentiments against the possible selection of businessman Vladimir Gonzalez as running mate of mayoralty aspirant Monico Puentevella. Although there is no confirmation yet from the camp of Puentevella, Novero said the First Five earlier expressed their opposition to the tandem. Novero added that Gonzalez should not mix his business with politics, but focus on his business instead because that would be favorable to his family. Novero also said he also reached out to the group of Councilor Al Victor Espino, despite the fact that Espino did not like his political plan. Novero is also offering his services to Bacolodnons as he aspires to run for vice mayor. His experience in legal matters, legislation and his being a servant leader in his church pose an edge over the other contenders, he said. Novero has served as councilor for ten years and served as vice mayor from 2007 to 2010. He was instrumental in the computerization of the records of the City Council, the crafting of the ordinance that covers the establishment and existence of the Bacolod City College, the composition of the Bacolod City song and the reforms made and adopted by the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter when he served as their Chapter President. By Carla N. Canet Sun Star Bacolod BACOLOD City Councilor El Cid Familiaran urged the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to come up with a flood control plan to avoid flooding similar to that in Luzon provinces and Metro Manila.
“The city should take seriously the flooding incident in Luzon by proactively observing the latest and appropriate urban planning and management,” Familiaran said. He said the weather phenomenon had confused the people and created worries among government and business planners, such that heavy rains flooded the area although there was no typhoon. Familiaran said Jose Ma. Tan, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Worldwide Fund for Nature, said the Filipinos are to be blamed for the deluge that paralyzed 14 million people. Tan said the flood clearly showed that rapid urbanization was the culprit for the Urban Heat Island (UHI), a situation of unfettered and mindless march to urbanization that had replaced with concrete jungles the soils and tress that absorb rains and reduce flooding. “The problem lies in poor planning, political gridlock, inadequate or inappropriate urban management, inadequate implementation of the zoning ordinances, land use and rules and haphazard real estate development,” Tan said. Based on these findings, Familiaran said there is a need for the city to be sensitive to the effect of flooding in Metro Manila. A similar calamity might happen again in the city. (Carla N. Canet) Sun Star Bacolod BACOLOD Councilor El Cid Familiaran urged the Local Health Board to increase the subsistence allowance of barangay health workers from P2,000 to P3,500.
The Bacolod City Council passed on March 8, 2001, City Ordinance 280 that strengthens the implementation of Republic Act 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers Benefit and Incentives Act, and providing funds for this purpose, thereby giving the accredited BHWs a monthly subsistence allowance of P1,000. Under C.O. 280, the power to recommend for the increase of subsistence allowance of the BHWs once every three years lies with the Local Health Board chaired by the City Mayor, it said. The resolution said that from 2001 to 2010, the subsistence allowance of an accredited BHW (252 at present) was increased by the Local Health Board from P1,000 to P2,000. Following the provision of C.O. 280 the subsistence allowance of the BHWs would have been increased thrice, it said. There is a need for an automatic review by the Local Health Board in the granting of subsistence allowance for BHWs considering that barangay nutrition scholars now receive a monthly allowance of P3,500, the resolution said. Submitted by Carla N. Canet Bacolod Sun Star |
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