We are happy for the positive turn of events that led to freedom for the Swiss Andreas Notter. We also hope for the best for the remaining hostage Eugenio Vagni.
jun asuncion
Bulan Observer
—————
News from Swissinfo:
April 18, 2009 – 1:16 PM Swiss ICRC hostage is free
Islamic rebels in the Philippines have freed Swiss aid worker Andreas Notter but continue to hold another European captive, security officials said on Saturday.
The circumstances surrounding the release of Notter, an employee of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were unclear, and he himself said he was not sure how it came about.
“I walked out and am happy to be alive and safe,” Notter told a media conference at the house of the provincial governor on the southern island of Jolo, where he was brought early on Saturday.
The 38-year-old from canton Aargau spent 93 days in captivity.
“I am very glad to be here with you. It happened very quickly. I am still a bit confused how it happened. My concern for now is my companion, Mr Eugenio Vagni. You are all aware that he is injured.”
In a statement, Switzerland’s foreign ministry said it was “relieved and pleased” with Notter’s freedom. It has demanded Vagni be “immediately and unconditionally released”.
Bern remains in close contact with the ICRC and Philippines authorities, spokesman Andreas Stauffer said.
Notter, Italian national Vagni and Philippines national Mary Jean Lacaba, all with the Geneva-based ICRC, were abducted by Abu Sayyaf rebels on January 15 when they were on a field visit to a prison on Jolo, a guerrilla stronghold.
Lacaba was freed by the rebels earlier this month and newspapers have said ransom was paid. The ICRC denies the claim and says it did not pay to free Notter.
“We never received any ransom demand for his release and we therefore have not paid,” said Florian Westphal, a spokesman for the ICRC. Notter’s return to Switzerland was “not foreseen in the coming hours,” Westphal added.
Attempted escape
Philippines Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said a group of men holding Notter was attempting to slip out of the security cordon around the guerrilla camp in the interior of Jolo when they were spotted by security forces who gave pursuit.
“The kidnappers left behind Mr Notter because they were not able to drag him with them anymore,” Puno told reporters, adding military pressure forced the rebels to free the hostage.
“We are fortunate that this incident ended without injury to Mr Notter.”
Earlier, a military spokesman had said Notter was found by troops. Richard Gordon, a Philippines senator and head of that country’s Red Cross, said that Notter was found walking near Indanan town, in the interior of Jolo, early on Saturday morning.
“He is relieved and he is glad to be alive,” Gordon said. “I told him the whole country prayed for him. He expressed concern for Eugenio. He said ‘Thank you for all your efforts.”‘
« We are fortunate that this incident ended without injury to Mr Notter. »
Philippines Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno Notter, unshaven and with long hair, was smiling when he faced journalists after doctors gave him a clean bill of health, although he looked to have lost weight during his captivity.
The former history professor was given time to rest after a glass of milk and a soft meal, Puno said, adding Notter had already contacted family, friends and Red Cross colleagues.
“He is suffering from fatigue and may be a little bit disoriented for the moment,” Puno said.
“In good health”
“When we first heard reports of his extrication from the kidnappers, we were afraid because he was seen walking around with a cane. But he looks in good health. The doctors did not find any serious health problem.”
The Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent militant group based on Jolo and nearby Basilan, had earlier demanded that troops relax the tight cordon they were keeping around the rebel hideout before talks for the hostages’ release could start.
Provincial governor Tan sent a team of Muslim clerics to the rebel camp earlier this week to seek the release of Vagni, a 62-year-old who is reportedly suffering from hernia.
General Alexander Yano, the Philippines military chief said in a statement that disclosing the details of Notter’s rescue “may derail current efforts to ensure the safe release of the remaining victim”.
There was no word on any progress.
The Abu Sayyaf, with links to the Southeast Asian regional militant network Jemaah Islamiah and to al Qaeda, has been blamed for the worst militant attack in the Philippines, the bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that killed 100 people.
It is also notorious for high-profile kidnappings and large ransoms and has a history of beheading captives.
“AN ACT REQUIRING PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN
PERMISSION OR WAIVER IN FAVOR OF THE OMBUDSMAN TO LOOK INTO
ALL DEPOSITS OF WHATEVER NATURE WITH BANKS OR BANKING
INSTITUTIONS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THEPHlLIPPINES INCLUDING
INVESTMENT BONDS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES,
ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND INSTRUMENTALITIES AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES THEREFOR.”
This is so far the most solid Bill filed supporting anti-graft and corruption efforts of the government authored by our Sorsogon man in the Senate, Senator Chiz Escudero. Banking secrecy laws have always been used to their advantage by criminals be it corrupt public officials and dictators, mafia and drug bosses (money laundering), terrorist organizations and multi-millions tax evasion or tax fraud cases. In my own opinion, if passed into law this Bill would be a milestone in the legal system and criminal justice in the Philippines and a solid tool for investigators. Let’s be simple: Assuming Escudero’s colleagues in Congress had no government money to hide in their private bank accounts, we don’t see any reason for them not to support this Bill if they really are well-meaning public servants. jun asuncion
Read for yourself the original document and the report reprinted hereunder. Included below are articles about Bank Secrecy and related news articles from other sources:
“No Financial Privacy For Public Servants”
Senator Escudero
Chiz: Gov’t officials should not hide behind banking secrecy laws
Senator Chiz Escudero on Thursday called on his colleagues in Congress to work for the passage of a bill he filed which, if approved, would enable the government to examine the bank accounts and investments of civil servants
Escudero said that had Senate Bill No. 1476 been passed into law, government officials like State Prosecutor John Resado and former Agriculture Secretary Joc-Joc Bolante may not be able to evade questions in any hearing about their financial standing, especially in congressional inquiries.
The bill, which puts in place a mechanism that allows the government to audit the finances of a civil servant, was among those filed by the senator during his first year as a member of the Philippine Senate.
“To ensure that the civil servant does not use his position to enrich himself, there must be transparency in the financial standing of the civil servants. Once passed, this bill will serve as deterrent to graft and corruption,” he said.
Escudero explained that once passed into law, the bill requires public officials and employees to submit a written permission or waiver in favor of the anti-graft body, Office of the Ombudsman, to look into all deposits of whatever nature with banks or banking institutions.
This will effectively put a certain class of people, in this case civil servants and high government officials, beyond the protective mantle of banking secrecy laws, which are often times being used as shield in investigations involving corruption.
Escudero said people like Resado and Bolante are emboldened by the cloak of the bank secrecy law, which also leaves lawmakers’ hands tied from further digging into their questionable finances.
“This covers both those within and outside the Philippines including investment bonds issued by the government” Escudero added.
The waiver, he said, should be contained in the SAL (statement of assets and liabilities) of all government officials and employees.
The senator said the passage of this bill is timely as it will not only plug loopholes in the anti-graft and corruption efforts of the government, assuming that they have some, but it will also aid the government to recover ill-gotten funds.”
29 January 2009
———————-
On Bank Secrecy (articles from various sources)
1. The Swiss Bank Secrecy
“If You Are Not A Criminal”
In Switzerland, once the world champion of banking secrecy, bank secrecy can now be “lifted for matters such as inheritance, divorce and debt and bankruptcy by order of a legal authority“.
“Swiss bank accounts are so popular because of political stability, safety stable currency backed by gold, excellent quality of banking services and privacy- if you are not a criminal.
“Political stability – Switzerland has not been at war with another country since 1505
Safety – Swiss banks are extremely safe. There is only an extremely remote chance of losing money deposited in a Swiss bank.
Stable currency backed by gold – the Swiss francs is probably the most stable currency in the world
Excellent quality of banking services – internet banking, sophisticated investment services, multiple currency accounts and many other high-level services are available in Swiss banks.
Privacy – if you are not a criminal, it is almost impossible for anybody to get any information about you out”
“For The Sake Of Public Interest”
” Swiss bank secrecy is most often lifted for criminal cases such as narcotics trafficking, extortion, terrorism, etc. The objective of a criminal trial is not to plead in the interest of the parties, but for the sake of public interest, and so the client’s right to bank secrecy gives precedence to the interest of justice. As such, bank secrecy is not an obstacle to criminal prosecution. Both the justice system and the Swiss banks take active part in the fight against money laundering.
.
The limits to Swiss bank secrecy
There are a limited number of exceptions to Swiss bank secrecy that are strictly regulated by law.
In theory, bank secrecy can be lifted for matters such as inheritance, divorce and debt and bankruptcy by order of a legal authority.
In practice, Swiss bank secrecy is very difficult to lift, for the plaintiff must first prove before the Swiss court that the account exists in Switzerland, e.g. by producing a bank statement.
Note that tax evasion is not considered sufficient grounds for lifting Swiss bank secrecy.
_________________
Bank secrecy
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:05:00 01/27/2009
Filed Under: PDEA-DOJ bribery issue, Banking, Congress, Graft & Corruption
MANILA, Philippines — State Prosecutor John Resado, who is in the center of a scandal involving alleged for government lawyers to dismiss a drugs case against three scions of prominent families has refused to waive his right to the secrecy of his bank account.
“The undersigned expressly manifests to this Honorable Committee that he is not waiving his rights under the Law on Secrecy of Bank Deposits and other related laws, over his bank account with Banco de Oro, SM Bacoor branch, Bacoor, Cavite,” Resado said in a letter to the oversight committee on dangerous drugs, which is conducting an inquiry into the so-called “Alabang Boys” controversy.
Resado said he was also “invoking his constitutional right to privacy which should be respected by everyone.”
Cebu Representative Antonio Cuenco said Resado’s refusal to waive his right to bank secrecy indicated that the prosecutor “is hiding something.”
“This fortifies the suspicion created among members of the committee that, indeed, Prosecutor John Resado is hiding something,” Cuenco, vice chairman of the oversight committee, told reporters at a news conference.
It was, Resado recommended the dismissal of the drug case filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against Richard Santos Brodett, Jorge Jordana Joseph and Joseph Ramirez Tecson.
Soon after, the PDEA aired the allegations of bribery.
Both houses of Congress are now undertaking their respective inquiries into the controversy.
Last week, both Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and the PDEA disclosed an anonymous letter claiming on the day he recommended the dismissal of the drugs case, Resado and his wife each received P800,000 in their respective bank accounts, or a total of P1.6 million.
At least week’s House hearing, Resado acknowledged the P800,000 deposit on December 2 but said this were the earnings from a money lending business he and his wife ran in Tarlac but did not register because they considered it part of the “underground economy.”
However, a number of congressmen were unconvinced by Resado’s claim and dared him to waive his bank secrecy rights.
Cuenco said the committee will resume hearings on January 29.
Invited to appear are Resado’s wife, Rowena, and representatives of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) and Bureau of Internal Revenue.
_________________
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; The Philippines Moves Against Bank Secrecy
By MARK LANDLER
Published: October 13, 2001
Last month, the United States thrust this Asian country into an awkward spotlight, declaring that Muslim militants in the southern Philippines had financial ties to Osama bin Laden.
The Philippines has pledged to help the United States pursue the flow of money from Mr. bin Laden’s movement, Al Qaeda, to terrorist organizations here. The trouble is that the country’s strict laws on bank secrecy make it nearly impossible to trace the movement of money into local bank accounts.
”We are impeded by the law,” said Juan de Zuniga Jr., the general counsel of the Philippine central bank. ”We are almost sure the banks would not allow us to have access to suspicious accounts.”
Among the many collateral effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is a heightened scrutiny of cross-border money laundering. For developing countries like the Philippines, it is forcing a recognition that old laws are wholly inadequate against new methods of disguising illicit gains.
The banking law here was passed in 1955, a decade after the Philippines emerged from 400 years of colonial rule. As the country struggled to attract foreign capital, the law’s guarantee of confidentiality reassured potential investors that they could trust local banking institutions with their money.
Now, the Philippines has an established banking system. But the once-salutary law has helped turn the country into a haven for the laundering of proceeds from drug trafficking, kidnapping and gambling.
”Nobody knows the extent of money laundering in the Philippines,” Roberto Romulo, a former foreign minister, said. ”But in the context of transparency, we are hardly role models. We had to change our ways.”
On Sept. 30, the Philippines passed a law against money laundering, intended to address the deficiencies of the banking law. It requires banks to disclose suspicious deposits of more than four million pesos, or $80,000, to the authorities. Previously, banks did not have to disclose deposits of any amount unless investigators obtained a court order as part of a pending legal case.
”These are giant strides,” said Mr. de Zuniga, who helped draft the law. ”We have for the first time criminalized money laundering.”
Mr. de Zuniga said the Philippines was seeking to end a legacy of official corruption that extended from Ferdinand E. Marcos, the dictator accused of looting billions of dollars in the 1970’s and 1980’s, to Joseph Estrada, the former president toppled in a popular revolt last January.
Indeed, the Philippines is bowing to international pressure. The Financial Action Task Force on money laundering, a group convened by the major industrialized nations in 1989, had threatened to impose sanctions on Manila by Sept. 30 if it did not take steps to curb the practice here.
Four months earlier, the task force had put the Philippines, along with Russia and Nauru, on a list of countries making ”inadequate progress” in the global campaign against money laundering. The task force said it would hold off on sanctions while it studied the new law.
Critics say the Philippine Congress watered down the law. They note that the threshold amount for banks to disclose deposits is eight times that in the United States. Under American law, banks must disclose suspicious deposits of more than $10,000 to the Treasury Department.
The committee that drafted the legislation proposed setting the threshold at $20,000, twice the level in the United States. But in a heated debate, the House and Senate quadrupled that number.
Some say the lawmakers are protecting ethnic Chinese tycoons, who like to keep their finances under wraps, in part to reduce their tax bills. Many of these tycoons are generous campaign contributors.
Still, even critics acknowledge that the law will enable investigators to catch the most flagrant cases of money laundering. Mr. Estrada, a movie actor who became president in 1998, is a case in point.
During his impeachment trial in the Senate, prosecutors asserted that Mr. Estrada had laundered more than $8 million in proceeds from illegal gambling rings through various bank accounts.
Published: October 13, 2001
While backed by testimony from people involved in the scheme, the case against the former president was weakened because the banks did not release records of deposits made by Mr. Estrada or his associates.
Only when one bank, Equitable PCI, allowed a clerk to testify about the president’s use of an account under a fictitious name did the extent of his suspected wrongdoing become evident. Officials said that under the new law, the deposits into that account could have been easily traced by the authorities.
”It would have been labeled as a suspicious transaction because the identification on the account was not complete,” Mr. de Zuniga said. ”That would be a red flag under an anti-money-laundering program.”
Mr. Estrada’s impeachment trial was suspended, but his criminal trial on charges of plunder began here Oct. 1.
Despite its origins in domestic corruption, the new law may get its first test in the American-led war against terrorism. On Sept. 24, the Bush administration froze the assets of 27 organizations suspected of terrorism. Among those was a Philippine Muslim rebel group, the Abu Sayyaf.
Officials here acknowledge they have little clue where the group’s assets are. But the law gives them fresh tools. They said it was likely that terrorists would open accounts under aliases, or in the names of spouses. By having access to deposit records, the police have a better chance of tracking that money.
”If it comes through banks, there are several trigger points,” Mr. de Zuniga said. ”From the moment it enters the country, it can be flagged. Even if it is broken down into smaller amounts, it can be flagged.”
___________________
2. The Philippine Bank Sercrecy: A Primer
With recent events putting in issue the confidentiality of bank deposits and the identification process by the banks for their depositors, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in coordination with the Bankers Association of the Philippines, deemed it advisable to come out with the following primer on frequently asked questions.
This primer seeks to clarify any misunderstanding or misapprehension that may have arisen on the subject and, more importantly, emphasizes that the secrecy of bank deposits remains sacrosanct and that their disclosure remains subject to strict safeguards and compliance with legal requirements. Trust accounts and other investments are partly included in the discussion.
A. Secrecy of bank deposits
Q. What guarantees on confidentiality do depositors enjoy under the law?
A. For peso deposits, Republic Act No. 1405 (Bank Deposits’ Secrecy Law) declares all deposits of whatever nature with banks in the Philippines, including investments in government bonds, as of an absolutely confidential nature and prohibits the examination or inquiry into such deposits or investments by any person, government official, bureau or office, as well as the disclosure by any official or employee of a bank of any information concerning said deposits.
There are only four (4) instances under the law where bank deposits or investment in government bonds may be disclosed or looked into, namely: (1) upon written permission of the depositor; or (2) in cases of impeachment; or (3) upon order of a competent court in cases of bribery or dereliction of duty; or (4) in cases where the money deposited or invested is the subject matter of the litigation.
It may be noted that RA 1405 covers not only bank deposits but also investments in government bonds.
For foreign currency deposits, Republic Act No. 6426 (The Foreign Currency Deposit Act) similarly declares that these deposits are of an absolutely confidential nature and cannot be examined, inquired or looked into by any person, government official, bureau or office whether judicial or administrative or legislative or any other entity whether public or private. There is only one instance for disclosure under said law and, that is, upon the written permission of the depositor. RA 6426 also exempts foreign currency deposits from attachment, garnishment, or any other order or process of any court, legislative body, government agency or any administrative body whatsoever.
For investments in trust accounts or in deposit substitutes, if these are in the form of investments in government bonds or deposits, the protection under RA 1405 and RA 6426 extends thereto accordingly. If these are in other forms of investments, the disclosure of information related thereto is covered by Section 55 of the General Banking Law of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8791) which prohibits, unless there is an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, the disclosure by any director, official, employee or agent of any bank any information relative to the funds or properties in the custody of the bank belonging to private individuals, corporations or any other entity.
Q. How do banks respond to an order of a competent court?
A. For peso deposits, banks comply with orders for disclosure in court cases subject to these requirements: (a) there must be a court order; (b) the order must be issued by a competent court specifically directing the bank concerned to disclose the required information; and (c) the bank should check and satisfy itself that the deposits or investment in government bonds being inquired into are either the subject of a case of bribery or dereliction of duty of public officials, or of a case where the deposit or investment itself is the subject matter of the litigation. If these requirements are not met, there would be basis for the bank to request the court to excuse compliance with the court order.
In impeachment cases, it is necessary that there be an order issued by the impeachment court or by its authorized officer. For foreign currency deposits, the law does not provide an instance for disclosure upon a court order. As mentioned above, there is only a single instance for disclosure under RA 6426 and, that is, upon written permission of the depositor. Thus, for foreign currency deposit accounts subject of a court order, the bank can invoke RA 6426 to excuse compliance.
Q. What is the liability of the banks and/or its officers and employees for violating the laws against disclosure?
A. Violations of the prohibitions against disclosures under RA 1405, RA 6426 and under the General Banking Law of 2000 are subject to stiff criminal penalties.
Under RA 1405, the offender is subject to imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than P20,000, or both, in the discretion of the court. Under RA 6426, the penalty is imprisonment of not less than one year not more than five years or a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P25,000, or both, in the discretion of the court. The violation of Sec. 55 of the General Banking Law of 2000, the penalty is imprisonment of not less than two years nor more than 10 years or a fine of not less than P50,000 nor more than P200,000, or both, in the discretion of the court; and in addition, if the offender is a director or officer of a bank, he is subject to suspension or removal by the Monetary Board.
B. Use of alias or number in opening deposit accounts
Q. Are banks allowed to open accounts using an alias or a number?
A. There is no specific banking law up to the present prohibiting banks from opening deposit accounts using an alias or a number. Prior to July 7, 2000, there is also no banking regulation providing for such prohibition. On July 7, 2000 and in seeking the adoption of anti-money laundering measures, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued a regulation, Circular No. 251, providing that, unless otherwise prescribed under existing laws, anonymous accounts or accounts under fictitious names are prohibited.
The exception referred to under Circular No. 251 was RA 6426 (The Foreign Currency Deposit Act) which explicitly allows the keeping of numbered accounts for the recording and servicing of deposits.
For peso accounts, when banks allow the opening of deposit accounts under pseudonyms, it is assumed that: (1) they have exercised due diligence to ascertain the identity of their clients; and (2) they are aware of the legal provisions and requirements on the use of pseudonyms.
The above notwithstanding, it may be pointed out that in the Manual of Regulations issued by BSP, or even before the issuance of Circular 251, there were already regulations requiring the banks to: (a) adopt systems to establish the identity of their depositors; and (b) require to set a minimum of three (3) specimen signatures from each of their depositors subject to regular updating. Even for numbered accounts as authorized under RA 6426, BSP has required banks, under Circular 258, to take necessary measures to establish and record the true identity of their clients, which identification may be based on official or other reliable documents and records.
Q. Are there other laws governing the use of pseudonyms or aliases?
A. Art. 178 of the Revised Penal Code penalizes the: (a) publicly using of a fictitious name for the purpose of concealing a crime, evading the execution of a judgment, or causing damage; and (b) concealment by any person of his true name and other personal circumstances.
On the other hand, there is also Commonwealth Act No. 142, as amended by Republic Act No. 6085 (Regulating the Use of Aliases) which provides that, except only as a pseudonym for literary purposes and athletic events, it is unlawful for any person to use an alias, unless the same is duly recorded in the proper local civil registry. Related thereto, Articles 379 and 380 of the Civil Code provide that no person shall use different names and surnames except the employment of pen and stage names provided it is done in good faith and there is no injury to third persons.
What can be noted is that the above provisions allow the use of aliases under certain circumstances. Conversely stated, the use of aliases is not absolutely disallowed. Moreover, the sanctions for any violation of the above provisions on aliases are mainly directed to the one using the unauthorized alias.
Q. How does Circular No. 251 apply to existing numbered accounts?
A. For peso accounts, the banks should have their respective programs of compliance with the Circular. For foreign currency deposit accounts, they are allowed to continue maintaining numbered accounts opened in accordance with RA 6426 subject to the requirement that the banks shall take necessary measures to establish and record the true identity of their clients.
Q. What penalties/sanctions are applicable for violating the laws/regulations?
A. Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code is directed to the person concealing his identity publicly or using a fictitious name and the penalty would range from one day up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to P500,000. For violation of Commonwealth Act 142, which is likewise directed to the person using an unauthorized alias, the penalty is imprisonment from one year to five years and a fine of P5,000 to P10,000. For the violation of Circular 251, it is subject to the administrative sanction on the bank and/or responsible directors/officers of fine up to P30,000 per transaction.
C. Continued confidentiality/secrecy of deposit transactions
Q. Is confidentiality/secrecy of deposit accounts compromised with the issuance of Circular 251?
A. No. Circular 251 merely disallowed the opening of fictitious and anonymous accounts and has not in any way modified nor lessened the safeguards and protection to depositors under RA 1405. This means that, notwithstanding Circular 251, deposit accounts cannot be examined or looked into except under the limited circumstances provided for in RA 1405.
Q. Why are the BSP and the BAP advocating the amendment to bank secrecy laws?
A. The proposal of BSP and BAP is for access to deposit accounts only under exceptional circumstances, such as deposits only above the P50-million level and in relation to the commission of serious offenses like racketeering and illicit drug trade. Except for these instances, depositors and those with legitimate transactions remain protected under RA 1405. The objective of the proposal is to institute this measure as an anti-money laundering campaign so as to delete the Philippines as a non-cooperative country in the list of the Financial Action Task Force against money laundering.
__________________
MANILA, Philippines – Former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante admitted on Tuesday that he withdrew a “small” amount from some of his bank accounts which were ordered frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
During the resumption of the Senate investigation into the P728-million fertilizer fund mess, Bolante made the admission but declined to disclose specific details of the transactions.
“Maliit lang (Just a little)… I’m sorry I cannot disclose the specifics,” Bolante said.
When asked if he withdrew the amount from the bank after the account was unfrozen, Bolante said replied in the affirmative.
Bolante’s answer prompted AMLC executive director Vicente Aquino to inform those at the hearing that the bank where Bolante made a withdrawal may face sanctions for allowing the withdrawal, saying the Anti-Money Laundering Act requires official confirmation from the AMLC for any such withdrawal.
“May possible liability ang bank for not getting official confirmation from AMLC (The bank faces a possible liability for not getting an official confirmation from AMLC),” Aquino said.
Aquino admitted that such information is covered under the Bank Secrecy Act, and it is up to Bolante as the account owner to disclose it.
During the hearing, Sen. Panfilo Lacson expressed dismay over the situation, saying: “Talong-talo ang gobyerno rito. Ang bank secrecy act dapat ma-amend (The government is one big loser here. The bank secrecy law needs to be amended).”
This, as he pushed for the exclusion of government officials from the Bank Secrecy Act.
“(I had filed) an amendment to the Bank Secrecy Act, all government officials and employees should have automatically waive their rights once they are in government. That will solve a lot of problems of corruption in this country. Unfortunately wala ni isang hearing sa committee level for three Congresses I have been filing (not even one hearing was held for it in the three Congresses I filed it),” Lacson said.
He asked Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile to include his bill in the list of priority measures, now that they are in the majority bloc.
Lacson also pointed out that when he was being “vilified” in 2001 by then Armed Forces intelligence chief Victor Corpus, he waived his right to bank secrecy.
Enrile, for his part, said it was a “good proposal” but it needs study to make sure it is not used for harassment.
“My bill involves government officials and employees while in government service,” Lacson said. – GMANews.TV
Email StoryIM StoryPrintable ViewBlog This Recommend this article
Average (6 votes)Sign in to recommend this article
The Senate led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile pressed yesterday for the immediate amendment of Republic Act 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering law) to lift secrecy on bank deposits following the controversial P728 million fertilizer fund scam.
The amendment, Enrile said, is needed to arrest criminality in the country, particularly on the unabated illegal drug industry, corruption and other illegal activities.
Yesterday, opposition Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson filed for the third time in three years his bill seeking to amend the law.
Sen. Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, said he is now terminating the committee hearing on the fertilizer scam with various proposed recommendations foremost of which are proposed amendments to the AMLC law.
Lacson complained that, based on the current provisions of the AMLC law, the government is at the losing end in the fight against criminality, terrorism and terrorism financing, trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling, sexual exploitation of children, corruption and bribery, illicit arms trafficking, currency counterfeiting, forgery and environmental crime.
The filing of the bill came after controversial former Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jocelyn ‘’Joc Joc” Bolante told senators in yesterday’s public hearing by the Gordon committee that he was able to withdraw a part of his four bank accounts earlier frozen by the Court of Appeals.
The testimony of Bolante, who continues to face senators following allegations that he is the architect of the fertilizer fund scam that preceded the May 2004 presidential elections, surprised Gordon and Vicente S. Aquino, executive director of the AMLC secretariat.
Bolante said he was able to withdraw a small portion of his bank account after the court had lifted its freeze order.
Pressed by Lacson, Bolante refused to disclose the amount he was able to withdraw and the specific bank because of the Bank Secrecy Law.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) director-general had filed a bill that those entering the government service should waive their right to invoke the Bank Secrecy law but Congress has not acted on it favorably.
Aquino said he is supporting the Lacson bill because the ALMC cannot examine bank accounts that are criminally-tainted because the ALMC law is mandated to give advance notice to depositors on the release of questioned bank deposits based on the Eugenio decision of the Supreme Court.
This led Aquino to blurt out that the unspecified bank that allowed Bolante to withdraw his deposit has violated the law.
He stressed that he had asked the President of a bank association to remind its members to seek the approval of AMLC before allowing withdrawals of questionable bank accounts.
Aquino earlier assured Gordon that Bolante could not withdraw his four bank accounts because the bank needs clearance from the AMLC although the Court of Appeals lifted last Dec. 10 its freeze order on 23 questionable bank accounts. Bolante maintained that he only has four bank account covered by the CA freeze order based on the petition of the AMLC.
He also denied an allegation of a senior official of the Blue Ribbon committee officer as submitted to Gordon that he (Aquino) notified the banks that they could now release the deposits of Bolante after the freeze order had been lifted. ‘’I never misled anyone,” he added.
Aquino said there was never a lapse on the part of the council as he has already recommended the filing of civil forfeiture cases.
He confirmed that he wrote the banks last Jan. 5 that the freeze order has already expired and they should now be guided accordingly.
‘’It means they should be guided by the rule or that they should ask for confirmation from AMLC before releasing the accounts. We complied with the rule,” he added. ‘’The bank account (of Bolante) is still intact,” he added.
Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera assured the senators that her office has, under the law, done its job on bank account preservation.
Enrile, a taxation expert, asked Aquino to specify the weaknesses of the AMLC law, particularly on its operations, to arrest problems in the country.
The law creating the AMLC ‘’is not a real law because it is liable to be breached, than obeyed,” Enrile said.
Enrile said there is a need to revisit the AMLC law ‘’not to oppress people but to arrest criminality in the country such as the (illegal) drug industry, any other illegal activities and corruption.”
He cautioned his colleagues that crafting a policy to lift secrecy on bank accounts should now endanger any sector of society or used to harass people.
Gordon noted that the AMLC law ‘’can be pierced’ ‘by inaction of government agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman which has not acted upon the recommendations of the Senate agriculture committee then chaired in succession by Senators Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr. and Joker Arroyo 1,020 days ago that Bolante and others should be criminally charged because of the P728 million fertilizer fund scam.
He said the current AMLC law should now be altered because the AMLC cannot reveal its investigation in congressional hearings and that the current six-month freeze on questionable bank deposits should be lengthened.
AMLC, according to Aquino, also lacks manpower and is crippled by a string-bean budget.
Gordon emphasized that government, in furthering its investigation into allegations of money laundering, should be given the power to seize high-profile assets of depositors such as yachts or cars like Bolante’s expensive Porsche sports car.
The Lacson bill stated that the AMLC should be allowed to retain 25 percent of the forfeited assets not only as an incentive to intensify the drive to file more civil forfeiture cases for the State, but also to ameliorate AMLC’s budget.
Early passage of the bill, according to Lacson, would guarantee the Philippines’ recognition to the global efforts against money laundering.
_______________________
Swine loan scammers cannot hidebehind bank secrecy law: Escudero
BY JP LOPEZ
OPPOSITION Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday belied the claim of Malacañang that the Quedan and Rural Credit Corp. (Quedancor) could not publish the names of its borrowers because of the bank secrecy law.
Escudero said the bank secrecy law covers only deposits and not loans.
An anomaly involving the Quedancor was made public by lawyer Harry Roque who said the Commission on Audit has discovered that at least P1.4 billion of the P2.5 billion that Quedancor released for the swine industry remains unliquidated. He said the farmers who supposedly received hogs were paid P200 to P300 to sign papers that indicated they received the livestock.
Escudero has asked Quedancor to publish the names of the borrowers. But Apostol, invoking the bank secrecy law, said Quedancor “would be liable to borrowers if it publishes their names without their permission.”
“Bank secrecy law covers deposits. Quedancor is not a deposit-taking institution. It is a non-bank financing institution. Only banks are allowed to use deposit instruments,” Escudero said.
R.A. 1405 (Bank Deposits Secrecy Law) states that all deposits of whatever nature with banks in the Philippines, including investments in government bonds, are absolutely confidential in nature. It prohibits the examination or inquiry into such deposits or investments.
Escudero said Quedancor could not hide behind the bank secrecy law. “All I’m asking for is to make public the list of borrowers. What was used in this program is public funds and is therefore subject to public accountability. The public has the rightful claim to information on where our taxes go,” he said.
Escudero said the loans are automatically subject to government audit because they are government funds.
He asked what the COA, the primary institution in charge of examining proper use of public funds, is doing. “If they have already audited Quedancor, we also want to see their findings and recommendations,” Escudero said.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier called for an investigation.
He said President Arroyo might have a direct hand in it because it coincided with the 2004 presidential elections, the year the supervision of the financing agency was transferred to the Office of the President from the Department of Agriculture.
Escudero also expressed the same apprehension that the swine-raising funds could have been diverted to the administration campaign fund for the 2004 polls.
He said the publication of the list of delinquent borrowers would remove speculations the fund was pocketed by corrupt officials or was diverted to the administration’s campaign chest.
Submitted on 2008/12/11 at 9:34am
Press Release
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
Local Government Unit of Bulan
Bulan, Sorsogon, November 21, 2008
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) cited Mayor Helen C. De Castro of Bulan, Sorsogon as one of the Most Outstanding Mayors in the Philippines in the area of ecological protection during the League’s 2008 General Assembly at the Manila Hotel on November 19-21, 2008. Vice-President Noli De Castro, representing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presented Mayor De Castro a Special LMP Medallion and a Plaque of Commendation for her efforts.
In 2004, Mayor De Castro, full of vision and zeal for the environment, launched her Solid Waste Management Program, and this led to the institutionalization of the town’s annual Feast of the Mountains and the establishment of the Bulan Ecological Park out of the once municipal garbage site. This site is now becoming a model for other communities.. Early this year, the Municipality of Bulan was awarded the GO-FAR award by no less than DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Bulan is now a replicating LGU nationwide. Last year, Bulan was a Saringaya Awardee of Bicol. It can be recalled that the De Castro Administration, since the time of former mayor Guillermo De Castro, has already been a consistent winner in regional and national awards on the environment. The incumbent mayor is continuing this legacy.
The LMP is composed of all the more than 1,500 municipalities in the country, represented by their mayors. This year’s general assembly feted about twenty municipalities with trailblazing and innovative programs, and Bulan is one of them. (PIO, T. Gilana)
You still remember that while the City Mayors (organizer of the World Mayor Award) was looking for the Top 11 Mayors around the world last 2007, we found our town Bulan wrestling with the Central Bus Terminal-or CBT Scandal. Whatever happened now to this CBT case, we are practically no longer interested with it as long as our Mayor Helen De Castro does not forget her responsibilities to our town and to our town people, not falling short in delivering the basic services and is sincerely concerned in providing adequate solutions to the immediate problems of Bulan community like unemployment, poverty (malnutrition), health care (hospital and medical personnel!), environmental protection and cleanliness (waste management), education (schoolrooms, more teachers, school dropouts), clean water supply, peace and security- and, last but not least, to inform the public (local, national and international) about the result of the CBT trial.
Practically, what counts are good results and all other minor failures in the past are forgotten. Most of all, she should focus, emphasize and make use of the unifying symbol of her office, a function of supreme importance in activating the identity and creative energy of Tagabulans. A symbol like this needs to be transparent and accountable for it to enter people’s perception, i.e., be processed as such. Investing in such values as transparency, accountability and corruption-free leadership pay off in the end for everybody than investing in their opposites. And this is the proof of it- a pair of shining shoes from Marikina that caught the attention of the world!- a pair of shoes worn by the lady Mayor Marides Fernando of Marikina City for winning 7th place in the World Mayor Award 2008 (launched by City Mayors last 2004 ). This is no joke. Here’ the reason for this prestigious recognition:
-“Mayor Fernando is credited with having turned Marikina into one of the Philippines most desirable places to live in. “Mayor Marides Fernando transformed MarikinaCity from a sleepy and lackluster town (always in the shadow of its bigger sister city Quezon City) into one of the most progressive and shining city in the Philippines. With the Mayor’s creative leadership by example, Marikina is the most peaceful, most orderly, cleanest, greenest, corruption free, educated and cultured new city in Asia.”
-“Under Marides Fernando leadership Marikina was named the “greenest and cleanest city” in the Philippines. The city also received a number of other awards: “The most recent and most prestigious award received the city of Marikina was the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines from the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Research Center, Asia Foundation, International Labour Organization (ILO), German Technical Foundation, and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and the Continuing Excellence Award in Local Governance given by the Galing Pook Foundation, DILG, Local Government Authority and the Ford ” . (See other comments given out by some observers of Marikina.)
“Marides Carlos Fernando (sometimes known as MCF) was elected mayor of Marikina City in 2001 and re-elected in 2004 and 2007, is a member of the centre-right Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party of President Gloria Arroyo. She is married to Bayani (“hero”) Fernando (also known as BF), her immediate predecessor as mayor and current Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (himself the son of a former mayor) and Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the capital. Marides ran the BF Corporation of property developers during her husband’s three-term tenure as mayor (1992-2001), serving as vice president for admin and finance since 1985. In January 2008, BF announced his candidacy for the 2010 presidential elections.” (Source: Tann vom Hove, Editor, World Mayor)
This years World Mayor Award went to Helen Zille, Mayor of Cape Town. Here’s one of the many comments about her and her team: “Helen Zille and her team have brought stability, decency, integrity and good management to the City of Cape Town after many years of ANC mismanagement, corruption and lethargy. She has done a brilliant job of turning things around in the face of thwarted and hostile forces. A deserving winner of this prestigious award.”(Source: Tann vom Hove, Editor, World Mayor)
Indeed, it’s wiser for a mayor to invest in stability, decency, integrity and good management than mismanagement, corruption and lethargy!
For these reasons, I’m proud to see Mayor Marides (Marikina, 7th place) on the list beside Helen Zille(Capetown) and Elmar Ledergerber (Zürich)! I know Ledergerber very well and I can only agree to the comments and praises given to him by people of Zürich, like:
“Mayor Ledergerber is often described as a bridge builder between the city’s Swiss nationals and immigrants as well as between the well-off and the less wealthy residents of Zurich. “Elmar Ledergerber has the unique capability to integrate the diverse political interests of the rich banks and the ordinary citizens, and achieve consensus on a good balance between moderate taxes and responsible spending for social welfare.”
“During Elmar Ledergerber’s leadership, Zurich has several times been named as the most liveable city in the world: “After a large period of decline, Zurich is now vibrant again – not only has it been rated number one for quality of living for several years now, but it is now developing further. Mr Ledergerber is a major driving force behind the redevelopment of Zurich-West, the expansion of public transport, the re-discovery of urban recreational space… I have been living in Zurich for 4 years now and he is definitely my choice for world mayor.”
The mayor is also praised for staying in touch with ordinary people: “Elmar Ledergerberis smart and articulate, he listens to the people, in fact he is very approachable and friendly, has an excellent way to communicate and explain his visions yet with the right amount of tenacity to get them into reality. Zurich is a wonderful town with an outstanding quality of life – and this also thanks to our Mayor Ledergerber who has significantly contributed to this success over the years.” (Source: Tann vom Hove, Editor, World Mayor)
Sadly, he recently announced his resignation in 2009. People don’t want him to go. But listen to his reason: “My 16-year old son needs me urgently now”. Also a very noble reason, isn’t? So people understand him.
“Born in 1944, Elmar Ledergerber has a degree in history and literature as well as in economics. He obtained his PhD in economics at the university of St Gallen. In 1977 he established a consulting firm, which he managed for more than 20 years. He was elected mayor of Zurich in March 2002. Before that he had been active in Zurich politics and nationally, as a parliamentarian.The mayor leads a city council, which consists of nine members from four political parties. He is divorced and a father of three. His youngest son is almost 16.” (source: swiss-info)
I even played with the idea that if it were not for the dramatic political backround in Capetown where Mayor Helen Zille works and achieved good results, Mayor Ledergerber would have won the first place for reasons cited and for his simplicity.
Why publish such things here in Bulan Observer? Well, I think we need to learn some lessons we could use in our journey to a better Bulan if we ever want to continue with it. Success needs both- a good leader and responsible constituents. In a city like Zürich with intelligent and highly responsible and educated population, a good leader is still indispensable. How much more in a developing town like Bulan? For a brighter Bulan now and in the future, we need these lessons.
Finally, Bulan Observer congratulates Mayor Marides Fernando for her exemplary achievements!
Bulan, Sorsogon – October is declared as the Month in honoring the Elderly, and the Bulan Senior Citizens, responding to the call for activeliness in community undertaking, came in big numbers representing various Senior Citizens’ groups.
The Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), headed by former Councilor Joe Tan, under the supervision of the MSWDO and the Office of the Mayor, prepared several activities for the Month for Elders. It was also supported by various Senior Citizen Organizations like the BASCA, headed by Mr. Jose Jolloso, Veterans Post-Bulan Chapter, headed by Mr. Florentino Loilo, GRETA under Mrs. Benita Guan and the FSCAP under the leadership of Mrs. Nelly Diesta. This year’s theme is “Mga Senior Citizens, puwede pa makadanon sa pag-unhan san Bulan” (Senior Citizens, contributors to Bulan’s progress).
On October 4, during the Fiesta sa Kabubudlan, the elderly came and joined the Tree Planting activities at the Eco park.
On October 6, 800 undernourished children were attended to by the elders as they conducted a feeding program at the Bulan Freedom Park.
On October 11, the Bulan Lions Club helped in ECG examinations for the elderly at the Pawa Hospital.
On October 14, some 800 elderly came for the medical and dental activities intended for them at the Sabang Park, sponsored by the LGU. Mayor Helen De Castro, in a gesture of goodwill, also provided snacks for all of them. Present to extend medical assistance were Dr. Ludovic Tan, Dr. Tita Fe Palad, Dr. San Jose, Dr. James Apin, Dr. Estrella Payoyo, Dr. Kates Rebustillo and Councilor-dentist Jolife Dellomas, Dr. Visconde and Dr. Marilou Jimenez. The Bulan Rural Health Unit also assisted.
During the Culminating Activity on October 18, a HATAW physical exercises were rendered by the Senior Citizen. It was lead by Mrs. Anilin Diaz. Also present during the program, were Mayor Baby De Castro, Kgd. Dondon De Castro, Kgd. Joey Guban, Kgd. Goto Geronga and Kgd. Jolife Dellomas.
Mayor Helen De Castro has been greatly supportive of the senior citizen sector, especially thru the OSCA. (PIO, LGU-Bulan)
Ninoy Aquino said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
In retrospect, Twenty Five (25) years after Ninoy Aquino’s death, only his murderer, the alleged hired killer, Rolando Galman (RIP) and the other alleged conspirators, (mostly members of the defunct AVSECOM-MIA), now languishing and serving their sentence in the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, have been convicted.
Until now, these convicts are still denying their participations in the alleged grand conspiracy in killing Ninoy Aquino.
But what/how about the alleged mastermind of this heinous crime of all time? Ferdinand Marcos, Imelda Marcos, Fabian Ver & Danding Cojuangco, et al..
Imelda Marcos and Danding Conjuangco were not formally charged nor indicted for their alleged participations in the conspiracy, same thing with the late Ferdinand Marcos, who is now 6ft. below the ground, and also the late Fabian Ver was acquitted already by the Sandigan Bayan many years back. Similarly, the Agrava Fact Finding Commission, which was established by the government then to conduct full-blown investigation on Ninoy’s death, has concluded that his (Ninoy) death was part of the grand military conspiracy.
In his grave probably, Ninoy is still crying out for justice, his ghost continues to haunt his real killer/s, and we, Filipinos, are likewise crying out loud for justice to Ninoy. And hoping to see the light ahead.
Ladies & gentlemen, boys & girls, Today, August 21, 2008, we are celebrating the 25th Death Anniversary of one of our National Heroes, “Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.
truly, Republic Act No. 9256 was passed and approved in to law on February 25, 2004, AN ACT DECLARING AUGUST 21 OF EVERY YEAR AS NINOY AQUINO DAY, A SPECIAL NONWORKING HOLIDAY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
Apparently, prior to said event, president GMA has issued an order commemorating Ninoy’s death on August 18, 2008 instead of August 21 as what the law provides, and declared the former date as non working holiday.
In restrospect, when Ferdinand Marcos declared Presidential Decree 1081 on September 21, 1972 placing the entire country under Martial Law, the Writ of Habeas Corpus was suspended. Many Filipinos were arrested for subversion including Ninoy. He was arrested, imprisoned and exiled along with the other activists at that time. He suffered a heart attack and was put on exile in the United States. He decided to come back to the Philippines on August 21, 1983 at the expense of his own life.
“if it’s my fate to die by an assassin’s bullet, so be it”.
His death ignited the hearts of every Filipino, who longed for freedom and were long sufferers of a country governed by a dictator. His death catapulted the EDSA Revolution, famously known as “People Power.”
Until now, the perpetrators of his assassination were not yet convicted. His case is one of the mysteries in history that will never be unveiled although deep in our hearts (Filipinos) we know who the mastermind/s was/is – are/were.
“The Filipino is worth dying for.”
Twenty five years after Ninoy’s death, in retrospect, is the Filipino still worth dying for?
Today, heroes are only found on the peso bills, decorative statues on building façade, parks, and streets, and institutions named on their behalf.
His death has in fact triggered the EDSA revolution that toppled the former dictator Marcos from Malacañang, and installed Cory Aquino to presidency.
The younger generation today lost the fire that ignited the revolution in EDSA. Twenty five years have passed since Ninoy’s death and 22 years after EDSA “People Power” Revolution… What happen now? The answer is yours!
Some writers say, we need another Ninoy to fuel our nationalism/love of country, not just loving oneself, one’s family, or loving one’s community.
I do not have the authority to preach, teach, or dictate about the current level of nationalism of us, Filipinos, but I could definitely say that we have forgotten the true meaning of Ninoy’s death and the true message of EDSA UNITY, FREEDOM, JUSTICE, and PEACE!
Analogous to this, I would like to quote & reproduce hereunder the most famous undelivered and never read speech in Philippine history of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. This speech, as we all know, was made and prepared by him while he was still in the United States, or said speech was drafted prior to his arrival in the Philippine soil on August 21, 1983. And, as expected based on his premonition, and apprehension, upon his arrival at MIA Tarmac, he was brutally murdered point blank, and failed to deliver his message to the entire Filipino people.
The UNDELIVERED SPEECH!
By Ninoy Aquino, Jr.
“I have returned on my free will to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonviolence.
I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.
I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiritual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.
A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been filed since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.
I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.
I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.
According to Gandhi, the WILLING sacrifice of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.
Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.
Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situation has deteriorated.
During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain petitions for Habeas Corpus for persons detained under a Presidential Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.
The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These problems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and freedoms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.
The Filipino asks for nothing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution — the most sacred legacies from the Founding Fathers.
Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?
The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolution. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have finally come to realize that freedom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differences with reason and goodwill?
I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to define their terms.
So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall define my terms:
1. Six years ago, I was sentenced to die before a firing squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECUTION OR SET ME FREE.
I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading communist leader. I am not a communist, never was and never will be.
2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There can be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.
3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build.
4. Subversion stems from economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increasing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom, and
5. For the economy to get going once again, the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.
On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:
“How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith.”
I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer — faith in our people and faith in God.”
-End of Speech-
This is a very informative one, and considered as one of the famous political speeches of all time in Philippine History.
Until Now, or 25 years after Ninoy was assassinated, the real mastermind of the killing and other conspirators have yet to be indicted in court or convicted.
Never to own anything that is not ours? A Confusian analect, Marxist’s dialectic or Nietzsche’s geneaology of morals? No, it’s from the mouth of a poor, malnourished Filipino boy, with barely nothing to put into his mouth but turned in a bag with P18,000.
Yes, I stumbled upon this old news and made me ponder upon this simple question: ” If a poor, malnourished boy can be honest, why can’t our moneyed presidents be honest?”. This led me to one of the first lessons we learned early in life at home and in school : “Honesty is the best policy”. This is very elementary, indeed. Our president has gone beyond elementary schooling, she went on to higher education, got her doctorate in economics and she even went abroad for further studies. But it seems that all these things did not do her good for as a president she has forgotten the best policy- that of honesty. Too much education but lacking in honesty is I think as good as nothing. For me it is clear: Not Arroyo but a boy like him is the hope of our nation. Here’s the story:
………………………………..
Boy turns in bag with P18,000
Filipino values still practiced by simple Filipinos.
By Eva Visperas
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
“DAGUPAN CITY – Eleven-year-old Gicoven Abarquez spends his free time gathering plastic bottles around this city’s downtown area to help augment his family’s meager income.
But despite the family’s need for money, the boy never thought of keeping the bag containing around P18,000 which he found while looking for plastic bottles one day.
Abarquez, a grade four pupil at the East Central Elementary School here, was recently honored by the Dagupan City Police for his admirable honesty.
The boy was described by city police chief Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo as “malnourished, and who looks like a five-year-old because of his small body frame.”
It was last Sept. 21 when Abarquez, nicknamed Gangga, picked up the pouch bag along Perez Blvd.
“What was very impressive about this boy was that he never thought of owning the ‘manna,’ but immediately decided to turn it over to the police,” Borromeo told The STAR.
“It’s really heartwarming because he has high trust in the police,” he added.
Abarquez, the youngest of four children of Maria, a helper in a bagoong factory, and Benito, a construction worker, said his parents would get mad at him if he would take the money which does not belong to him.
“My mother taught us never to own anything that is not ours,” Abarquez told Borromeo.
“If you see a Filipino like him, you will say, ‘There’s still hope in the Philippines after all’,” Borromeo said.
The awarding was delayed and held the other day because Borromeo wanted to add significance to the occasion by holding the ceremony this October in commemoration of Children’s Month.
Details about the money found by Abarquez have not been totally divulged because fake claimants have been going to the police station.
But Abarquez said he would be able to recognize the man who lost the bag as he saw him board a jeepney when the pouch he was carrying fell. The jeepney immediately sped off so Abarquez was not able to call the man’s attention, and brought the money to the police.
The police have given the true claimant 60 days, starting last Monday, to show up at their station. If the owner fails to come forward, the police, upon deliberation, have decided that the money will be given as a reward to the Abarquez family.
The local police also plans to make Abarquez the beneficiary of their Kinabukasan Mo, Sagot Ko scholarship project.
Borromeo said they will give school supplies to Abarquez including a school bag, notebooks, paper, ballpens, shoes and school uniforms. Abarquez, they learned, has never owned a pair of shoes.
The Kiwanis Club of Dagupeña likewise pledged to give Abarquez some of the books that he needs for school.”
—————-
So far, so good as we used to say. This happened last year and I just wondering if the boy ever received the promised rewards by the police and the Kiwanis Club. And what happened to that P18,000? It’s just normal to wonder or entertain some doubts in a place where the authorities say one thing but do another thing, the problem of sincerity in our nation.
What’s wrong with being basic? Some people pretending to know everything already and who think they’re already far enough, are usually the same people who commit the most silly mistakes in life. The reason is that they ignored the very basic (simple) truths in life. You can claim to be very sophisticated in your thinking, to be on another level than the rest around you. But don’t you know that simple things are most complex and difficult to follow? To live a simple life, for instance, is hard, when you mean by simple living avoiding the complexities, etc. of civilization and retreating to the countryside. For then you have to gather your firewoods, fetch your water from a well, wash your clothings by hands, feed your animals, etc. It’s hard work everyday! The same thing with basic teaching like “Be honest”. Simple as it is, but all of us have trouble with this and have failed. But worse, all our presidents have failed. Who would believe for instance Arroyo’s SONA 2008? As Aesop has noted,” A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth”.
According to John Ruskin, the beginning of education is to make your children capable of honesty. Our honest boy Gangga, though poor shows more education than the last five presidents of our republic which includes the sitting Arroyo. This poor boy speaks the language of honesty, not of greed. He surely learned this language from his parents, unlike our presidents who seemed to have patterned their concept of honesty not from their parents but from the practical definition of what a president now means in our nation: Greed as Measure of All, in short, GMA. Again, Marcos was the founder of this New School Of Greed, and was the mentor of the next generations of successful republic plunderers. The logic of Greed, however, doesn’t know what a genuine human feeling and loyalty is about. So they help one another to dethrone the incumbent Greed Holder only to replace him with their own version of Greed.
We know that Marcos did not bother about Jueting business, for instance, as Estrada did. Instead he concentrated on gold bars by shipping them all to Switzerland, hidden in a certain corner in Zürich a few kilometers from where I am writing this post. Indeed each of them has his/her own field of specialty, Marcos the miner with his fields of gold, Estrada the gambler with his gambling arenas and Arroyo the rice and fertilizer dealer with her rice fields. One of his outstanding students was undoubtedly Mr. Estrada, a man without formal education but graduated summa cum laude from this New School Of Greed. According to governor Singson at that time ( who was one of Estradas Jueting’s payoffs collectors), Estrada was receiving P32 to 35 million a month in Jueteng collections alone. With these high standards of earning set by these presidents, it is not surprising that Filipinos aspiring for presidency have in their subconscious also the dream of getting super rich- exactly like their mentors. Even the sitting president graduated with honors from this school and is on the way to realizing this dream to the fullest. But she displayed a good portion of her education and loyalty by pardoning her ex-Boss Estrada, pardoning his plunder! This is the logic of greed in action, a logic too complex for our boy to comprehend. Truly, Professor Marcos was very successful in this respect. He taught his students this logic and helped them realize this Philippine Dream.
Going back to Erap, getting cuts from foreign loans or from big government contracts were too complicated for the mind of this former small-town mayor, unlike Marcos who, being a criminal lawyer was familiar with legal technicalities. The bigger the mind, the more complex is the arena of deception. The small-minded Erap continued therefore with his Jueting, an expertise he knew so well during his mayor days. We are all familiar with the mechanics of town politics: The mayor appoints on day one his/her chief of police, if possible a relative. Utang na loob (debt of gratitude) pressures this chief of police to protect the personal interests of the mayor, mostly his/her illegal activities like Jueting, thereby reducing the whole town police corps to mere bodyguards or private goons of the mayor. We hope that Bulan was and is an exception to the rule! Anyway, this mechanics was continued by Erap as president viewing the entire PNP as his personal bodyguards. Now, we also hope Arroyo is an exception to this rule! I stand to be corrected here.
To continue, do you really believe this boy was too weak to tell a lie or to carry home that bag since home was much farther than the next police station? Well, I think not. Don’t be surprised if I would tell you now that we have more honest young people in Manila than Zürich! This keeps me optimistic about our chance for a better Malacañang or Philippines. This is the reason why: The second good news from home I read published in the local Zürich newspapers, now reproduced in English hereunder:
_______________
Reader’s Digest’s Global Honesty Test
Are people honest?
Reader’s Digest conducts global cell phone honesty test: Researchers ‘lose’ mobile phones in 32 cities, and two thirds are returned
By Reader’s Digest Association
Jul 23, 2007 – 6:02:20 PM
If you were sitting on a park bench and noticed that a “lost” cell phone was ringing, would you answer it? And if so, and a stranger’s voice on the other end asked you to take time from your busy day to return the phone, what would you do? Hang up? Keep the phone? Or, agree to return it?
That’s exactly what Reader’s Digest editors wanted to find out. And so the world’s most widely read magazine used its network of global editions to conduct an informal test of honesty around the world, asking reporters in the most populous cities in 32 countries to leave 960 mid-priced mobile phones in busy public places.
Local researchers from each country arranged and conducted their own tests, observing the mobiles from a distance. They rang the phones and waited to see if anyone would answer, and then watched to see if the person would (1) agree to return it, (2) call later on preset numbers that were programmed into the handsets, or (3) keep the phones for themselves. After all, these were tempting, brand-new phones with usable airtime.
The researchers tallied the results, interviewed test participants, and filed their reports in many of the August editions of Reader’s Digest, including the Web edition of U.S. Reader’s Digest (www.rd.com) and U.S. Selecciones magazine. While the study was not scientific, the results provided a fascinating human interest story.
“What we found out surprised and intrigued us,” said Conrad Kiechel, Editorial Director, International. “In every single city where the test was conducted, at minimum almost half of the phones were returned. And despite the temptation that people must have felt to keep the phones, and the fact that the test imposed on everyone’s time, the average return rate was a remarkable 68 percent, or about two thirds of the 30 phones we dropped in each city.”
The test followed last year’s Reader’s Digest Global Courtesy Test, which made headlines worldwide. Like the 2006 test, it was developed and overseen by the magazine editors in each of the participating countries. Both programs dramatically illustrated the magazine’s remarkable geographic “footprint” by conducting simultaneous local tests and reporting the results globally.
The highest percentage of returned phones was in the smallest city, Ljubljana, Slovenia, with a population of only 267,000. All but one of 30 cell phones were returned. From a nun at a bus stop to a young waiter at a coffee shop (who also retrieved a leather jacket the reporter had accidentally left behind – not part of the test!), the residents in this picture-postcard city in the foothills of the Alps were almost universally helpful.
Could the citizens of a major metropolis, with all its stress and pressure, be as honest? The people of Toronto, Canada (population 5.4 million), came close, returning 28 of 30 phones. “If you can help somebody out, why not?” said Ryan Demchuk, a 29-year-old insurance broker, who returned the mobile.
Seoul, South Korea, was third in the rankings, followed by Stockholm, Sweden, where Lotta Mossige-Norheim, a railway ticket inspector, found the mobile on a shopping street and handed it back. “I’m always calling people who’ve left a handset on my train,” she said.
Tied for fifth place in the rankings with 24 returned phones were: Mumbai, India; Manila, the Philippines; and New York City.
In many countries, people said they believed the young would behave worse than their elders. Yet, in the test results, young people were just as honest. In New York’s Harlem section, 16-year-old Johnnie Sparrow arranged to meet a reporter later that evening. Arriving at the scheduled time flanked by a group of younger neighborhood boys who clearly looked up to him, Sparrow was surprised to learn that the lost phone wasn’t lost at all. But he was proud of how he reacted when he found it.
“I did the right thing,” he said with a smile.
Parental influence weighed heavily with some. “My parents taught me that if something is not yours, don’t take it,” said Muhammad Faizal Bin Hassan, an employee of a Singapore shopping complex, where he answered a ringing phone.
Many adults accompanied by children were keen to show the young people how to behave when they spotted a phone. In Hounslow, West London, Mohammad Yusuf Mahmoud, 33, was with his two young daughters when he answered a phone in a busy shopping street. “I’m glad that my kids are here to see this. I hope it sets a good example,” he said.
Women were slightly more likely to return phones than were men.
All over the world, the most common reason people gave for returning a phone was that they too had once lost an item of value and didn’t want others to suffer as they had. “I’ve had cars stolen three times and even the laundry from the cellar was taken,” said Kristiina, 51, who returned a phone in Helsinki.
So, how did planet earth perform in the honesty test? Everywhere, the locally based Reader’s Digest reporters heard pessimism about the chances of getting phones back, especially given economic and other pressures. And yet, globally, 654 mobiles, or 68 percent, were returned.
The Phones we got back, city by city
Rank
City
Country
Phones Recovered (out of 30)
1
Ljubljana
Slovenia
29
2
Toronto
Canada
28
3
Seoul
South Korea
27
4
Stockholm
Sweden
26
5=
Mumbai
India
24
Manila
Philippines
24
New York
USA
24
8=
Helsinki
Finland
23
Budapest
Hungary
23
Warsaw
Poland
23
Prague
Czech Republic
23
Auckland
New Zealand
23
Zagreb
Croatia
23
14=
Sao Paulo
Brazil
21
Paris
France
21
Berlin
Germany
21
Bangkok
Thailand
21
18=
Milan
Italy
20
Mexico City
Mexico
20
Zurich
Switzerland
20
21=
Sydney
Australia
19
London
UK
19
23
Madrid
Spain
18
24
Moscow
Russia
17
25=
Singapore
Singapore
16
Buenos Aires
Argentina
16
Taipei
Taiwan
16
28
Lisbon
Portugal
15
29=
Amsterdam
Holland
14
Bucharest
Romania
14
31=
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
13
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
13
________________________
Manila was 5th worldwide, and among asian cities tested, Manila placed 2nd after Seoul. This is something to be proud of, a ray of hope for Manila. How about Bulan’s Honesty Index? We have no solid facts in our hands to base our argument. Perhaps we need to device and conduct also such a test. How about our local government, our local chief executive? How do you rate her SOBA 2007- or, State Of Bulan Address 2007? Public Trust And Credibilty is a public definition and perception, not a self-definition or self-rating by the mayor herself. Therefore it is legal and correct that people discourse about it publicly. It’s a needed feedback.
Mayor Helen De Castro reports herself, and I qoute, “ Public Office is a Public Trust”. Sayo baga tabi ini na padomdom sa entero na mga Opisyal san Gobierno, na an poder, autoridad nan capacidad na inhatag sa kaniya sayo na de-kumpiansa na trabaho. Permi ko tabi in-iisip na sa pagiging Mayor ko, nasa kamot nan liderato ko an kaayadan o pagroro san bungto ta, nan sa paagi san amo Administrasyon, makabalangkas kami sin mga plano, programa nan mga proyekto na para sa kaayadan san kadaghanan na mga ciudadano. Importante man na makuwa mi lugod tabi an kooperasyon, partisipasyon nan pagdanon san mga miembros san Komunidad Bulanenyo.
Ini na paghatod ko sa iyo sin Report saro na paagi basi maaraman tabi niyo kun nano na an mga inhimo namo, segun sa tiwala niyo sa amo. Parte ini san pangako mi na accountability nan transparency, na dire kamo nai-ignorar san mga programa san Gobierno Lokal.”
She says openly that she needs your participation and constructive assessment of her performance after you had entrusted her this office. So why not avail of this offer from Mayor Helen De Castro herself? Indeed, we should never own anything that is not ours- aside from things that legally belong to us, like our own opinion. Therefore, be proud of your opinions and voice them out. Our mayor needs them.
Republic of the Philippines
MUNICIPALITY OF BULAN
SORSOGON
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
______________________________________________________________________
Second Term’s First Year-end Report to the People of Bulan
(June to December 2007)
REPORT TO THE PEOPLE 2007
By: Mayor Helen C. De Castro
Sa Pinapadaba Ko na mga Kabungto:
INTRODUCTION:
Dios marhay na adlao tabi sa iyo entero.
Ini tabi an saiyo lingkod Mayor Helen “Baby” De Castro, na niyan mahatod saiyo, sa paagi sini na broadcast, san ako 2007 Report to the People of Bulan , o an Report tungkol sa mga nahimo san saato municipio, sa paagi san ako Administrasyon sa primerong onom ka bulan, batog na Hulyo hasta niyan na Disyembre, sini na ikaduwa ko na turno bilang Mayor san bongto.
PAGPASALAMAT AN UNA:
Bag-o ko tabi tukaron an manungod sa mga nahimuan san municipio, sa paagi san ako administrasyon, unahon ko permi siempre an pagpahayag sin maliputok nan sincero na pagpasalamat sa kada Bulanenyo, lalo na tabi yadto na mga nagboto nan nagsuporta sa amo, na mao gihapon an pilion
niyo na mga opisyales san bungto ta, na mao gihapon an hatagan niyo tiwala nan kumpiansa sa pagrenda san ato gobierno lokal, nan maging ilaw, harigi nan ulo san ato komunidad. An Administrasyon san De Castro magbatog pa kan Guiming hasta niyan sa ako nagbibilang na tabi sin Dose Anyos. Nan kun nano kay intiwalaan niyo kami sin irog sini kahalaba na na panahon, kamo na po an makasabi nan makatestigo sa paagi san iyo mandato kada eleksiyon. Naging pilosopiya politikal namo na dapat, sa paglipas san panahon, lalo kami makadara sin pagbabag-o, pag-unhan nan kaayadan; nan maging kasangkapan niyo kami sa pagbilog san padaba ta na bungto. Ini na kumpiansa sayo na regalo na dapat ko hirutan nan atamanon, pagtiwala na dapat ko ibalik sa paagi sin honesto, tutuo, episyente nan de kalidad nan pantay-pantay na pagserbisyo publiko. Kaipuhan didi , sa trabaho na ini, an hararom na responsibilidad, desisyon, dedikasyon nan debosyon.
PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST:
“ Public Office is a Public Trust”. Sayo baga tabi ini na padomdom sa entero na mga Opisyal san Gobierno, na an poder, autoridad nan capacidad na inhatag sa kaniya sayo na de-kumpiansa na trabaho. Permi ko tabi in-iisip na sa pagiging Mayor ko, nasa kamot nan liderato ko an kaayadan o pagroro san bungto ta, nan sa paagi san amo Administrasyon, makabalangkas kami sin mga plano, programa nan mga proyekto na para sa kaayadan san kadaghanan na mga ciudadano. Importante man na makuwa mi lugod tabi an kooperasyon, partisipasyon nan pagdanon san mga miembros san Komunidad Bulanenyo.
Ini na paghatod ko sa iyo sin Report saro na paagi basi maaraman tabi niyo kun nano na an mga inhimo namo, segun sa tiwala niyo sa amo. Parte ini san pangako mi na accountability nan transparency, na dire kamo nai-ignorar san mga programa san Gobierno Lokal.
Nagbatog an saako ikaduwa na turno san Hulyo Uno, 2007, nan sa sulod tabi sini na onom kabulan, daghanon na na mga programa nan mga proyekto an kaipuhan maaraman niyo.
AN HELEN PROGRAM:
An HELEN Program permi mao an giya nan harigi san manlaen-laen na aktibidades san Gobierno Lokal ta. In-iimplementar mi ini kay mao an mga pinakamayor na mga programa sa paghatod sin serbisyo sosyal, pang-ekonomiya nan pangkomunidad na mga aktibidades. Aram ta entero na an ananuman na pagbabag-o permi mabase sa mga Programa sa Health o Salud, Edukasyon, Livelihood o Pagbuhay nan Aspeto pangEkonomiya, Environment o Kapalibutan nan Nutrisyon and Food Production. An mga Auxilliary Services pareho san Peace and Order, Disaster Management , Infrastructure nan iba pa na Development Programs puro karabit kabit sa programa nato na HELEN.
HEALTH O SALUD:
Unahon ta mun-a tabi an sa Salud o Health.
An Rural Health Unit o RHU mao an agencia lokal na nag-aasikaso san programa sa Salud segun man sa mga naiplano san ato Administrasyon. Didi nakasalalay an mga aktibidades nato basi makadanon kita sa serbisyo medikal san ato katawohan sa Bulan, lalo na yadto na mga pobre na mga ciudadano.
Batog tabi na Hulyo hasta Nobyembre, an RHU nakapagserbi sin manlaen-laen na pasyente san bilog na Bulan.
Huyaa an mga programa pangsalud para sa mga kabatan-an: Sa Expanded Program On Immunization , lalo na sa mga baby, na edad wara pa sangtaon. An nakarecibe sin mga pagbakuna sa BCG, DPT1, DPT2, DPT3, OPV1, OPV2, OPV3 bale 941 na mga kabatan-an; An nakarecibe sin Vitamin A nan anti measles, 981 na mga bata; an nabakunahan kontra Hepatitis sa paagi sin Bakuna na Hepa 1, Hepa 2, Hepa 3, bale 959 na kabatan-an. May-on kita sin suma tutual na Fully-immunized Children na an edad 9 hasta 11 meses bale 936 na kabatan-an.
Sa Knock-out Tigdas nan Vitamin A Supplementation na hatag san DOH, pero an Gobierno Lokal an nag-implementar, sa danon san mga BHWs nato, 9,154 na mga kabatan-an edad 9 hasta 48 months an nahatagan sin Anti-Tigdas na bakuna. 14,945 na mga kabatan-an naman sa bilog na Bulan an nakarecibe sin Vitamin A Supplementation basi maibitaran an mga hapdos sa mata. Ini hinimo san Oktubre 15 hasta na Nobyembre 15.
Para naman sa mga Pregnant o Lactating Mothers, sa mga Borod, may-on kita sin regular na mga programa para sa kanira. Nakaserbi an municipio ta sin 1,002 na borod batog na Hulyo hasta Nobyembre. Nakahatag man kita sa kanira sin mga bakuna na TT2, Iron tablets nan Vitamin A. 860 na borod an pinaanak san ato mga municipal midwives. Sa Clinic mismo san RHU sa Obrero, nakapaanak kita sin 33 na borod. Kun dire pa tabi niyo aram, may-on na kita sin delivery room doon mismo sa RHU-Obrero. Apuwera pa soon, padagos an pagmonitor san ato mga health workers sa sector sin mga borod nan mga bata. Labi an ako pagreparo na maatenderan talaga an grupo na ini kay basi trangkilo an kanira pag-anak.
Sa mga mahapdos sin TB o Tuberculosis, nakaserbi kita sin 245 na pasyente sa paagi sin bulong nan eksamin.
Sa pagkondukta sin mga laboratory examination, nakaserbi kita sa 1,200 na tawo na nagpalaboratorio san kanira mga dugo, ihi nan sa fecalysis.
Sa Family Planning activities naman, nakaserbi kita sin 5,054 na mga tawo sa manlaen laen na pagpili sin Family Planning methods , artificial man o natural. Kaupod na tabi didi an mga paseminar, konsultasyon nan paghatag sin mga gamit sa family planning. Importante pan-o na may pakamangno an mga ciudadano ta sa tama na pagpamilya.
May-on man kita sin 12 na inasikaso na pasyente sa kaso na Rabies.
Sa lado san malnutrition, 130 na mga bata an naibalik an lawas o rehabilitated dahil sa supplemental feeding program san RHU sa paagi sin mga BHWs. Manungod naman sa dental services o pag asikaso sin ngipon, an dentista nato sa RHU nakaserbisyo sa 409 na tawo, kaupod na an mga bata.
Puwera pa tabi sini na mga espesyal na programa, batog san Hulyo hasta Nobyembre, nakahatag kita danon sa paagi sin bulong nan mga konsultasyon sa manlaen-laen na Health Centers nan Health Stations para sa 4,213 na mga taga-Bulan.
Sa solod man po sini na lima kabulan, padagos an mga paseminar nan mga pa-training sa mga Barangay Health Workers nato nan sa mga Accredited na Partera. Parte ini san pag-upgrade nato sa kakayahan nira na lalo mapakayad an kinaadman sa primary health care, kay kaipuhan sira san mga barangay ta sa solod sin 24 oras.
Basi man lalo maging episyente an serbisyo medical san RHU, nag-order ako na dagdagan an ato doktor sa Center, kay dire kaya ni Dr. Payoyo an solosolo lang siya. Siya tabi si Dr. Kates Rebustillo.
An saato man ambulancia wara pahuway sa pagdanon sa mga emergencia na indadara sa mga daragko na hospital. May-on na kita doon sin permanente na drayber na mao an makaserbisyo sa ato kun available an ambulancia.
Dako dako an problema nato sa Pawa Hospital kay kulang sin doktor. Awat na ini na agrangay nato. Dahilan na dati solo solo lang an doktor ta, kinakapos kita sin serbisyo. An Pawa Hospital tabi dire man yuon sakop san municipio kundi an Gobernador an nakasakop soon. Apesar na kulang gamit, kulang pa dati doctor. Kaya, akoon ta, daghanon an kakulangan sa pagserbisyo. Inisip ko na dapat danonan ta an Pawa Hospital kay kadaghanan doon san pasyente taga-Bulan. An hinimo ko tabi, naghuron ako sa Probinsiya sin tolo na doctor na makaayuda sa Pawa doktor nato na si Dra. Tita Fe Palad. Pag sabado, napahuway man siya kaya may-on sin mga doktor na nakasalida, pareho nira Dr. James Apin, Dr. San Jose, nan Dr. Laguda. Ini na mga doktor haros boluntad na an serbisyo saato, pero naghinguha tabi kita sa municipio na hatagan ta man diyo na honorarium dahil sa serbisyo nira sa ato hospital. Kaya maski puro pan-o baga tabi, dire na ninggayod kita nawawaraan sin doktor maski sabado o domingo.
Gusto ko man i-report sa iyo na an opisina ko nakadanon na sin 364 katawo na nagrani dahil sa pangangaipo sin bulong o medicines assistance, An bulong na naidanon ta sa kanira nagkakantidad sin 50,876.00 pesos.
EDUKASYON:
An ikaduwa na angkla san HELEN Program mao tabi an programa sa Edukasyon. Aram nato an kahalagahan sini na serbisyo sosyal para sa ato komunidad.
Sayo sa pinakadako na ayuda na inhihimo nato, lalo na sa mga pobre pero karapatdapat na mga estudyante mao na mga inhahatag nato na educational assistance o pang-ayuda pinansyal sa kanira pag-escuela. Siempre, bag-o ini inhahatag naagi mun-a sa sayo na evalwasyon o assessment tungkol sa estudyante na nag-aayo sin danon sa municipio. Inrereparo ta man siempre didi an mga grades o marka san nag-aayo danon.
Batog tabi san Agosto hasta niyan na Disyembre, nakadanon na an municipio sin 74 na escuela na nag-ayo educational assistance na nagkakantidad sin 91,046 pesos. Pero kun isabay nato an batog pa san Enero hasta Hulyo, nakadanon pa kita sin 61 na estudyante sa kantidad na 94,542 pesos. An suma total sini entero tabi bale 137 na estudyante, nan an kantidad sin naidanon sa kanira bale 187,870 pesos.
Ini na mga estudyante nag-eerescuela sa Sosrsogon State College, AG Villaroya, RGCC, SLI-KRAMS, Solis Institute of Technology, nan may-on man sin hale sa AMA Computer College, Veritas College, Inmaculate Conception College of Albay nan Bicol University. May-on man kita sin napolo (10) na regular scholars na permi ta insususteniran an pag-escuela.
San Octobre nan Nobyembre, 20 na Computer Students hale sa SSC IMIT an nahatagan sin P5,000.00 Scholarship Assistance hale sa PGMA-TESDA Ladderized Education Program. Yadto na kantidad mao an naging pangbayad nira sa pag-escuela niyan na Second Semester. Maski diyo napakinabangan yadto san mga napili ta na mga escuela.
San nakaagi na Summer, in implementar ta gihapon an Republic Act 7323 o an Special Program for the Employment of Students o SPES. INi sa pakikoordinar nato sa DOLE o Department of Labor and Employment. 90 na college students an pinili nan hinatagan ta pribiliheyo na makatrabaho sa municipio nan an suweldo nira ginamit sa pag-escuela nira sini na taun. Ini man na mga service crew san Jollibee kadaghanan sa kanira mga escuela na hinatagan ta rekomendasyon sa Jollibee nan pakatapos sin pambihira na training nagkapirili an 52 sa kanira. Mao na yuon niyan na naiimod nato na service crew san Jollibee. Seguro, saday lang ini na bagay para sa iba, pero sa mga nabiyayaan sini na recruitment nan referral program dako na pakinabangan ini sa tawo na nabiyayaan.
Sa lado san mga Barangay High Schools nato. Padagos an ato pag-ayuda sa mga escuelahan na ini sa paagi sin paghatag maski diyo na honorarium sa kantidad na P1,000 pesos para sa 11 na volunteer teachers na nagtuturukdo sa Beguin, San Juan Bag-o, Cadandanan, Otavi, JP Laurel nan Gate. Ini na mga volunteer teachers mao an nakasugpon sin dako na serbisyo sa mga barangay ta lalo na sa mga escuelahan na kulang an teachers.
Kun matatandaan baga tabi nato entero, yaa na mga barangay high schools naitindog sa kagahuman san mga magurang, mga maestro nan lalo na sa danon nan suporta sadto san panahon ni Mayor Guiming. Para sa ako, inpapadagos ko lang an legasiya ni Ex-Mayor Guiming sa lado san edukasyon. Kundire naging matibay nan pusuanon yadto na nakaagi na administrasyon, daghan po seguro an mga naging kakulangan sa ato mga barangay. Pero dahil pinadaba namo an mga barangay, sa lado san edukasyon legasiya ini na dire basta basta mararangka san panahon. Daghanon na man na mga dati volunteer teachers sini na mga escuelahan an sa niyan nakapermanente na sa pagtukdo dahil sa kanira trabaho sa mga barangay high schools.
Daghanon pa na mga aktibidades an inhihimo nato sa municipio para sa mga escuelahan pareho san mga sa scouting, sa mga sports festivals nira nan sa ananuman na mga okasyon na puwede makasuporta lalo na an ako opisina. Nagsuporta man kita sa mga paglakaw sin mga escuelahan kun may-on sira sin mga contests sa iba na lugar.
Sini na nakaagi na Disyembre 14, incelebrar nato an Bulan Teachers’ Day, sayo na okasyon sa paghatag ta rekognisyon nan pagsaludar sa mga paratukdo sa elementarya, high school nan college. An saako tabi administrasyon an nagbatog sini na klase sin aktibidad. Ini na an ikatolo na taun soon na Teachers’ Day. Inisip ko na dapat talaga hatagan ta pagkilala ini na mga silensyo na bayani san ato komunidad. Sa paagi sin panguna san municipio, lalo na san ako opisina, naging makolor nan triunfo an selebrasyon niyan na taon. Sinuportahan ta moral nan materyal an pangangaipo para sa Teachers’ Day. Nakapili man kita sin mga Outstanding Teachers niyan na taun. Nan inpapasalamatan ta man tabi an entero na participating teachers nan schools.
LIVELIHOOD O PAGBUHAY:
Huyaa naman tabi an programa sa Pagbuhay o Livelihood. An Municipal Agriculture Office, an Public Employment Service Office o PESO nan an Engineering Motorpool Group an mga opisina nato na mao an nasa prentera sa programa sa Livelihood o Pagbuhay.
Segun sa pilosopiya political san ako administrasyon, an Gobierno Lokal mahimo sin paagi na makapanguna sa mga aktibidades pangkabuhayan pero nasa tawo na na nagbenepisyo an paghigos kun pan-o niya palakawon an hale sa Gobierno. An Gobierno Lokal sayo na kasangkapan san tawo basi makapagpaunhan sin pagbuhay.
Yaadi man tabi an mga naging aktibidades san Municipio sa paagi san Municipal Agriculture Office.
Hulyo 11 – Nakadistribuer an Municipio sin 328 na sako na gahi sin mais para sa 606 na paraoma hale sa ma 50 na barangay. Ini hale sa PCA o Philippine Coconut Authority;
Hulyo 25 – 1008 na paraoma hale sa 20 na barangay an nakarecibe sin 1,008 sako sin gahi na paray nan mga fertilizers basi maibalik sa dati an mga kapasakyan nato na naapektuhan san Typhoon Milenyo. Ini sa danon san Accion Al Hambre;
San Hulyo pa man, 90 na paraoma an nakarecibe sin Bio-N Seed Innoculant, nan 6 n paraoma an recipiente san Tipid Abono Techno-Demo sa Barnagay N. Roque.
San Agosto 2 , 85 na paraoma hale sa 30 na barangay an nakarecibe libre sin 3,000 na tagbong;
September 5,6,7 – Sayo na Participatory Rural Assessment , kaupod si Peace Corps Volunteer Shawn Dolan , an hinimo sa mga barangay san JP Laurel, Sn Vicente, Dolos, Bical, Calpi, Cadandanan, Aguinaldo nan Quezon.
September 12 – Nagbutang kita sin mga Bangus Fingerlings sa San Rafael para sa kanira semi-intensive Bangus Culture.. Nakikoordinar kita sini sa BFAR;
San September gihapon, 75 na sako sin gahi an hinatag ta para sa mga paraoma.
September 25 – Inlunsar nato an Farmer Field School sa Gate kun haen makinabang an 40 na paraoma.
October 8 – Sa Brgy Butag inentrega nato sa mga recipiente an Net for Aquasilvivicutlure. Ini para sa mga paraisda,
October 10 – 30,000 na tilapia fingerlings an indistribuer nato sa 27 na mga fishpond owners, nan may binuhian man kita na mga piyak sa lima na dam san Bulan;
San October 26, Inlansar nato an Farmers Information and Technology Service Center. Didi makarani an mga paraoma kun gusto nira makakuwa sin mga bag-o na kaaraman na teknolohiya sa pag-oma, apuwera pa sin mga asistencia teknikal sa agricultura.
Niyan man na Oktubre nan Nobyembre, nagpakondukta kita sin mga demonstration nan training sa Urban Agriculture, Pili Grafting, Low-cost Food Preparation, Compost Activators nan iba pa.
Dire ta man inpabayaan an pagmonitor san Bird Flu basi dire madestroso an mga manukan nan poultry nato sa Bulan;
Sini man na bulan , nakadistribuer kita sa municipio sin 401 na gahi para sa ma 200 na paraoma . Ini hale kan GMA nan Congressman Sonny Escudero;
San December 12, sa paagi sin Accion Al Hambre, nakahatag sin 1 unit na Power Tiller sa Gate Irrigators Association na mapapakinabangan sin 27 na paraoma.
May mga aktibidades pa an Agriculture Office pareho san paghatag mga pisog san maritatas para sa Gulayan sa Kada Balay, mga meetings sa Agricultural and Fishery Council, pagmonitor sin hapdos na nakaraot sa agrikultura sa Bulan, p;aghatag mga itaranom na mga puno; nan an pagbantay sa kadagatan ta. May nagkapera na man na mga pawikan an ato naisalbar nan naibalik ta sa kadagatan. Nakadistribuer man kita 36 na manlaenlaen na klase sin hayop para sa animal dispersal.
An Public Employment Service Office o PESO naman an opisina na nag-aasikaso sa mga pagkolokar sin trabaho para sa mga naghahanap trabaho lalo na kun may-on sin naabot didi sa Bulan na mga employment agencies.
Nagkaigua sin recruitment nan referral programs kita didi sa Bulan sa paagi san PESO. Nagkanhi an ALCARE Manpower nan AU Management Services na puro accredited san POEA. Dahilan sini nakapadara kita sin 15 na aplikante , 1 na nurse, 2 na DH nan 12 na Factory workers sa Taiwan. In-aanunsiyo man san municipio kun may naabot sa Bulan na mga lehitimo na recruitment agencies kay nadanon an Gobierno Lokal ta sa mga referrals nan recommendations kaupod na an pag-asiste teknikal sa mga aplikante. Yadto na mga Service Crew san Jollibee kaupod sa mga in process san PESO office nato.
Sayo baga tabi sa in-oorgulyo na programa san De Castro Administration mao ini na Heavy Equipment nan Roadbuilding Program, na aram ta man konektado permi sa pagbuhay, agrikultura nan pangisda sa barangay. Kun mayad an ato mga tinampo, mantenido nan masayon an pagbiyahe, dako ini na danon sa pagbuhay san tawo kay nagiging madali nan facil an transportasyon nan komunikasyon. Kaya dire ta inlilimutan na ini na programa alalay sa pagbuhay san mga taga-barangay.
Ireport ko tabi an mga natrabaho san ato Heavy Equipment sa mga barangay. Nailista ko an mga patrabaho batog pa san Enero niyan na taon hasta Nobyembre. Naging problema nato an maraot na mga panahon na mao an nakaulang nan nakaatraso sa ato. Pero, sa parte san Opisina ko, permi na lang kita nahinguha na an mga kakulangan mapunuan na lang sa pag agi san panahon.
Huyaa tabi an mga nahimo na road repairs o kaya mga back-filling activities: San Ramon to Butag, repair and backfilling of baras; Road Repair sa San Ramon Ubo; Sitio Inlobloban , Padre Diaz road repair; Calomagon to San Jose road repair; San Jose Crossing to Brgy Recto road repair; Polot to Jamorawon road repair; Sitio Polot Road Back filling and improvement; Pawa to Lahong road backfilling and improvement; Lahong barangay site backfilling; Fabrica to Otavi Road improvement; Fabrica to San Rafael road repair; Namo to R. Gerona road repair; Somagongsong to Calomagon road backfilling and repair; Calomagon to Dumpsite, backfilling and repair; Calomagon to Inararan, road repair and backfilling; Sta. Remedios nan Bonifacio, backfilling and road repair.
Naka-schedule man tabi sa heavy equipment ta an repair nan rehabilitasyon san mga tinampo sa Roxas to Dolos, Sabang to Bical; Inararan to Nasuje, Montecal , Abad Santos to San Juan Daan, Beguin to Jamora-awon. An maraot lang na panahon nan kauuran an nakaulang sa ato. Pag nag-init nan dianis na an panahon, ipapasige na tabi nato an mga trabaho san ekipahes, basi mapasayon an pagbuhay nan transportasyon sa mga nasabi na lugar.
ENVIRONMENT O KAPALIBUTAN:
I-report ko na man tabi niyan an sa Programa nato sa Environment o Kapalibutan.
Una, gusto ko gihapon pasalamatan an entero na taga-Bulan , nan sa iyo ko ialay an pagkagana nato san Saringgaya Award san nakaagi na taon. Siempre dire man ini mangyayari kun dire dahil sa iyo. An Regional Saringgaya Award mao an inhahatag sa sayo na bungto na dianis an programa sa pag-ataman sa Kapalibutan. Entero tabi kita responsable nan may kargo sa pag preserbar san ato kapalibutan. Ini an buhay nato na mga tawo. Kaya ngani, pokus san atensiyon ko an maenganyar entero, lalo na sa sektor san kabatan-an na magkaigua kirita sin pagkamangno manungod sa bagay na ini. Sa bilog na kinab-an, haros an entero na nasyones niyan nagkakadali na maibitaran ini na insasabi na Global warming. Didi sa Sorsogon, sayo na siguro an municipio nato na labi-labi an pag aktibar para sa Environment Awareness.
Sa niyan, nag-krear na kita sin separado na Municipal Environment Office na mao an nag-iimplementar san entero na programa sa kapalibutan segun sa palisiya san ako administrasyon.
Huyaa an mga naging aktibidades nato sa Environment Program. San Hulyo, in-reorganisar nato an Solid Waste Mangement –Technical Working Group basi maregulate nato sin husto an mga plano para sa environment programs. Sa grupo na ini in-endorso ko na an pagplano nan pag-implementar san mga environment activities.
Sa danon san Environmeent Office, nag-tree planting activity an Sigma Lambda Phi Fraternity didto sa Calomagon Ecopark. Nagkondukta man kita sin sayo na Environment Forum para sa Bulan North District Teachers and Pupils. Nagkaigua sin mga contest pangkapalibutan.. Nagkondukta man sin Demo on Carbonized Rice Hull making sa Eco park.
San Septyembre, Inotro gihapon nato an sayo na Environm,ent Forum sa Obrero Elementary School nan an Bulan National High School YES Group; nagkondukta man kita sin Orientation on Global Warming sa Immaculate Conception Learning Center; nan Demo on Vermi Composting sa Ecopark;
An pinakadako na aktibidad sa taon na ini inhimo ta san Oktubre 5-6, durante san ato ikaopat na Fiesta sa Kabubudlan didto sa Calomagon Ecopark. Inatenderan ini sin rinibo na mga estudyante, barangay oficials, mga grupo sibiko, NGOs, youth organizations, nan media. Durante san Fiesta sa Kabubudlan, nagkaigua kita sin mga treeplanting activities, Environment Forum, Orientation on Global Warming, Demo/Trainings sa manlaen-laen na waste recycling and re-use; nagkaigua man sin misa nan padisco sa mga participants san sira didto mag-camp out. Nan kaupod na aktibidad an BandFest o Musikalikasan didi sa Freedom Park sa Poblacion. Mismo an saato Gobernadora Sally Lee , nan mga bisita hale sa DILG nan PNOC, nag-kaorogma sa hinimo ta na dati dumpsite niyan sayo na na ecopark na puwede pasyaran.
Ini na tabi an ikaopat na selebrasyon san Fiesta sa Kabubudlan. In-maw-ot ko talaga na maging institutionalized na ini na activity sa paagi sin sayo ordinansa san ato Sangguniang Bayan.
Maw-ot ko na dire lang sa Ecopark magkaigua sin Fiesta sa Kabubudlan kundi sa entero na parte san Bulan, kun umabot youn na panahon. Dapat na magka-interes an entero na Bulanenyo sa pag-ataman san kapalibutan. Himuon ta tabi na tradisyon sa Bulan ini na Fiesta sa Kabubudlan.
Niyan na nakaagi na Nobyembre, nan sa Bulan san Disyembre, an mga Boy nan Girl Scouts san Bulan North nan an JP Laurel Elementary School naman an nag-etender sa ato Environment Forum. May Green Philippines Activity nan tree planting activity man an mga taga-Bulan National High School nan an Tau Gamma Fraternity.
NUTRITION AND FOOD:
An ikalima na angkla san HELEN Program mao tabi an programa sa Nutrition and Food.
Ini tabi na programa kabit na sa actibidades nato sa Municipal Agriculture Office sa dahilan na tungkol sa nutrisyon nan pagkaon an ato in-aatenderan.
An MSWDO mao tabi an opisina na nag-aatender san manungod sa Nutrition Program san municipio sa paagi san Municipal Nutrition Council.
San nakaagi na Hulyo, inkondukta nato an sayo na Nutrition Awareness sa mga kabatan-an nan mga magurang durante san selebrasyon san Nutrition month na taun-taon ta inseselebrar.
Sa niyan tabi, aktibo an ato mga Day Care Centers, nan ini inpapadalagan san mga Day Care Workers nato sa kada barangay. Kaupod sa mga pagtukdo didi tabi an pagpadomdom sa mga magurang manungod sa obligasyon nira sa pagkaon san mga kabatan-an ta. An municipio nag-susupervisar niyan sa 1,429 na mga pobre na pre -schoolers, 67 volunteer day care workers sa 57 na day care centers san Bulan.
AN MUNICIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE:
Maw-ot ko man tukaron didi an iba pa na programa san MSWDO puwera pa san manungod sa Day Care Service.
An MSWDO mao an responsible sa mga programa serbisyo sosyal san municipio. Lima na grupo an inseserbisyuhan sini: An mga Kabatan-an, mga kababayehan, mga may kapansanan, mga kawaraon nan an mga biktima sin kalamidad.
Sa sulod tabi sini na onom kabulan, daghanon na aktibidades an nahimo na san MSWDO kaupod na doon an Parent Efectiveness Service basi madanonan an mga magurang sa tama na parenting o pagpamilya lalo na an mga bataonon pa na mga inasawhan.
Sa sektor san Out-of –School Youths, 143 na mga out-of-school youths hale sa 5 na barangay an napairarom sa Unlad Kabataan Program san DSWD para madanonan sira sin mga self-enhancement activities, pangkabuhayan activities, sulong-dunong education program nan mga leadership trainings and skills.
Sa sector naman san kababayehan o Women Welfare Program, an MSWDO an nagpasilitar sa pa-organisar sin sayo na self-help group sin mga kababayehan na an ngaran KALIPI. May-on na kita naorganisar na 36 na barangays. Sa danon man san MSWDO, lima na na mga KALIPI organizations nakakuwa na sin asistencia pangkabuhayan hale sa DSWD sa kantidad na 475,000 pesos.
Sa mga may kapansanan, naka-asiste man an MSWDO sa mga pa-training pareho sin food preservation nan iba pa na makukuwaan sin pagbuhay. Pito na na miembro sini na grupo an inalalayan san MSWDO sini na nakaagi na mga bulan.
An MSWDO man an nakaprentera sa pag-asikaso nan paggabay sa mga biktima sin pang-abuso sa kabataan nan mga kababayehan . Nakadanon sira sa pagproseso sin 25 na kaso sin pagmaltrato sa babaye na asawa, 1 na kaso sin rape nan 5 na kaso sin economic abuse. Kaupod didi sa mga asistencia an mga referral sa mga abogado, asistencia medikal, nan pinansyal.
An MSWDO man sini na nakaagi na lima kabulan naghatag gabay nan ayuda sa mga nagkakasala na menor de edad. Nag-alalay ini na opisina sa 21 na kaso sin mga menor de edad. Puwera pa soon, 14 na kabatan-an na biktima sin pang-abuso sexual nan pisikal an inatenderan nan in-aatenderan sini na opisina. 2 sini na kaso an nasa husgado na sa niyan. May sayo man na kaso sin rape an nasentensiyahan na.
Ini na Opisina man an nag-aratender, kaupod an ako opisina nan an RHU, PNP, nan iba pa durante sadto na Bagyong Mina. Sira an nagmanehar san Relief Operations Center san municipio basi madanonan an mga nag-evacuate nan mga stranded na pasaheros. 77 na pamilya o 313 katawo nan evacues nan 16 na stranded na pasahero an dinanonan san municipio ta sa paagi san MSWDO. Ini nangyari san Nobyembre 23.
Gusto ko ngay-an tabi ipaisi na an Opisina ko, Opisina san Mayor, nakahatag danon para sa 1,428 katawo na nagkakantidad sin 1,335,406 pesos. Mga pobre ini na mga tawo na nangaipo sin danon pinansiyal. Nakahatag man kita sin 264,662 pesos para sa solicitation sin 128 na mga grupo nan indibidwal.
AN MUNICIPAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SAN GOBIERNO LOKAL:
Tokaron ko tabi niyan an Municipal Disaster Management Program san municipio.
Sa Report ko na ini, importante na maaraman tabi niyo an manungod sa Municipal Disaster Management Program nato. Mao ini an sayo na programa na maski ngani bihira mangyari kay dire ta man in-aayo, pero dapat permi kita nakaandam sa panahon sin mga peligro nan kalamidad.
An Disaster Management Program dapat nasa lugar na permi bilang pag-antisipar nato sa mga dire dianis na panahon o kamutangan didi sa komunidad ta.
Napatunayan ta gihapon an kakayahan san municipio sa pag responde sa panahon na kaipuhan an municipio san nag-amba ini na insabi na superbagyo na si Mina san Nobyembre 23 hasta 25.
Dire kita nagpabaya. San maaraman ko na may nagdadangadang na makusog na bagyo na posible tamaan an Bikol, Nobyembre 19 pa lang nagpasurat na ako sa entero na miembros san Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council na mag-andam sa posible mangyari.
Nobyembre 21, bag-o pa magpagahoy an Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, nagpamiting na tabi ako, sa paagi ni Vice Mayor Awel Gogola nan inaktibar na nato ensigida an MDCC nan an mga BDCC. Maogma ako na pinartisiparan ini san mayoriya san Sangguniang Bayan, mga Department Heads, an PNP nan mga organisasyon pareho san Bulan Rescue Team, Uswag Bulan, Beat, Banwa , Kabalikat nan mga Punong Barangay, nan lalo na an mga nasa sector san media, nan radio.
Standard Procedure na tabi san MDCC na pag-signal Number 2, insigida an MDCC dapat magkumperensya lalo na kun nakaamba an mga makusugon na bagyo. Kaya, dahil san miting, inaktibar tulos nato an MDCC Operations Center, Evacuation, Rescue and Relief, Rehabilitation nan iba pa. Naging mahigos man an ato Public Information Office nan an media sa pagdanon na maibalangibog an mga balita tungkol sa bagyo. Naging aktibo an manlaenlaen na grupo sa pagmanaehar sa pagdanon san mga relief nan evacuation centers nato sa Bulan South nan sa iba na barangay. Up –to –date an pagbalita nato sa posisyon san bagyo. Inpreparar nato an mga truck, patrol cars, ambulancia, pati mga first aid nan medical materials engkaso nagtodo an bagyo.
An Bulan kinilala san media sa Sorsogon na sayo sa pinakapreparado na municipio sadto na Bagyong Mina. Pero, mas pasalamat ako na wara nangyari. Mas pasalamat kita sa Mahal na Kagurangnan , sa Mahal na Patrona Inmaculada Concepcion na luminihis an bagyo.
Dahilan sadto na Bagyo,may-on man gihapon sin mga nag-erevacuate sa ato mga Evacuation Centers. 77 na pamilya o 313 katawo, kadaghanan mga kabatana-an an nadanonan ta sa mga evacuation centers. May-on pa sin 16 na pasaheros na tag-Isla an naghulat pa sin tolo kaadlao bag-o nakahale sa evacuation centers.
Dahilan sini na karanasan, gusto ko gihapon na lalo maging masistema an diasater management programs ta. Plano ko na lalo pakay-adon an MDCC nan mga BDCC sa kada barangay, magkaigua sin mga pa-training , lalo pa sa mga bag-o na mga opisyales san mga barangay.
INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES PROGRAM:
Tokaron ko naman tabi niyan an manungod sa Infrastructure Services Program san municipio. Ini naman indelegar nato sa Municipal Engineering Office.
An Engineering Office nakadanon sa paghimo sin 94 na Program of Works nan Construction budget para sa 48 na barangay san Bulan.
Nakadanon man an saako opisina sa manlaen –laen na barangay infrastructure pareho baga san mga minasunod na proyekto. May mga pondo ini na hale sa municipio o gobierno lokal nato: Danao Barangay Hall na kantidad 180,000 pesos; Daganas Barangay Health Center kantidad 30,000 pesos; Installation of water supply sa Somagongsong, 24,000 pesos; San Isidro water supply, 24,000 pesos; nan an improvement san Sabang Park nan mga traffic installations.
An Plaza Rizal na niyan Freedom Park na pinagayon, pinadako nan pinakodalan ta na sin mayad. Testigos kamo soon tabi. An pondo soon in solicit ko hale kan Gobernadora Sally Lee sa kantidad na 3 million pesos. An Old Municipal Building sa niyan inpaparehabilitar nan repair nato kay basi magamit nato sa Municipal Trial Court, nan posible pag-abot sin panahon maging Heritage and Culture Center and Museum ta.
May naghahapot kun nano kay sinalidahan ta an pangaran sin Plaza Rizal na maging Freedom Park. Sayo pan-o yuon tabi na mando san batas na dapat an mga town plaza o parks maging sentro sin pagpahayag san kaborot-on sin mga ciudadano. Dire man po yuon dako na isyu na dapat ikakolog ta sin boot. Respetado ta man guihapon an memoria san ato herowe nasyonal na si Dr. Rizal, pero mas hararom an kahulugan san pangaran na Freedom Park kay mao man yuon an ipinaglaban san ato padaba na herowe.
Kita niyan sa Sorsogon an sayo sa may pinakamagayon an town plaza. Dapat nato ini ikaogma. Nan ipasalamat kan Governor an danon niya sa ato. Inaayo ko lang an danon san mga kabungto ta na hirutan ini na Plaza.
Nakapatindog na man kita sin bag-o na karneceria o slaughterhouse sa Zona 7. Mabatog ini pag-operate sa maabot na taun . Pag nag-operate na tabi ini na slaughterhouse, an mga karne na intitinda sa relanse mas malinig an pagkakatay. Hininguha ta talaga na maitindog ini na karneceria, maski ngani sa paagi sin utang na 5 million pesos, hale sa Land Bank of the Philippines, dahilan sa lumaonon nan dire na malinig an dati ta na bubuan doon sa Obrero, nan dapat na ini iluwas sa mga matawo na lugar. An Bulan niyan an sayo sa mga bungto san Sorsogon na may magayon , dianis na pasilidad segun sa mga spesipikasyon san National Meat Inspection Service.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND LAND PROGRAM:
Sa lado san Human Settlements nan Land Program, naging aktibo an municipio ta sa pagkoordinar sa mga ahensiyas nasyonal pareho san National Housing Authority o NHA, HUDCC o Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, nan sa DENR basi madali an pagproseso sin mga public lands na niyan ingagamit na san ato mga kabungto. An dako-dako an papel sa pagdanon sini na mga bagay an Municipal Assessor’s Office o Opisina san Tasador Municipal.
An municipio nag-asiste sa Barangay resettlement project san Brgy Calomagon na may 3 hektaryas nan 210 na benpisyario, nan sa Brgy Somagongsong.
Nag -asiste man kita sa 110 na residentes san Brgy Managa-naga basi ma-isyuhan na sira sin mga Tax Declarations.
Nagdanon man an municipio ta sa trabaho san DENR sa kanira pagpreparar sin Handog Titulo Program na invuelto an 600 hektaryas na public land sa Brgy Quezon nan Sagrada nan an mga ingod didi sa kabubudlan maihatag na sa mga paraoma nan okupantes soon na mga kaingodan.
Importante man tabi na maaraman nato entero na sa niyan indadanonan ta an DENR, DPWH, nan HUDCC sa kanira inhihimo na mga proceso basi yuon na ingod sa Zona 2, Purok Chico nan Purok Lanzones na dati nasunugan, pinalmente na maihatag sa mga residentes doon. May mga proseso ini na aagihan pero madanon an municipio alang-alang sa kapakanan san mga kaurupod ta sa lugar na yuon.
San Disyembre 14, may nangyari na demolisyon sa Zona 2 na invuelto an 12 na pamilya na awaton na naka-estar sa sayo na insasabi pribado na ingod.. Pero dahil sa interbensiyon ko, nan san mga opisyales san Zona 2, nakahuron mi an tagsadire na hatagan plaso ini na mga tawo hasta na makatapos an bag-ong taon. Nangako man an saako opisina na madanon kami sa ananuman na mga puwede ikaayuda sa kanira pagbalyo sin lugar niyan na Enero.
CIVIL REGISTRY:
Sa lado naman tabi san Opisina san Rehistro Sibil, nakarehistro kita sa solod sin 6 kabulan 1,365 na panganak, 104 na pagpakasal nan 226 an binawian sin buhay.
May programa man an Civil Registrar na Mobile Free Registration sa 17 na barangay pareho san Montecalvario, Otavi, N.Roque, San Isidro, Fabrica, Sigad, Quirino, Roxas, Del Pilar, Butag, Bonga, Quezon, San Juan Daan, Abad Santos, Cadandanan, Danao, R. Gerona. Nag recibe ini na opisina sin 702 na aplikasyon para sa late registration o yuon na mga bata na wara pa karehistro san municipio. Danon ini sa mga ciudadano nato basi magamit an papeles nira sa mga maabot na panahon.
PAZ Y ORDEN:
Sa solod sini na onom kabulan nag-report man an saato kapulisan o Philippine National Police na sa lado san Paz y orden, masasabi nato na relatively peaceful an saato bungto. Pero siempre dire didi kaupod an manungod sa report sa lado sin insurhensiya. An intutukan san ato kapulisan an community peace and order.
May nagkapera na insidente sin magub-at na mga krimen pero mga isolated cases ini na dire man apektado an bilog na komunidad. Alagad, ini na mga kaso ensigida na naresolber san PNP.
San Nobyembre, an ato mga kapulisan, nakadakop sin sayo na estudyante, menor de edad , na nag-eescuela sa sayo na dako na public high school didi sa Bulan. Ini na bata nadakopan sin 15 na sachet sin marijuana sa sulod mismo san escuelahan. Nakipagkooperar sa mga pulis nato an mga autoridad soon na escuelahan basi madakop ini na pusher. Positibo an resulta san mga eksaminasyon sa droga nan ini na kaso in-turn-over na sa MSWDO dahil menor de edad an na-invuelto.
Durante san pagkomemorar nato san Pista sa Gadan, trangkilo na nakalipas an Undas na wara ni sayo man na magub-at na insidente. Ini dahilan sa preparasyon san Municipal Peace and Order Council, nan sa danon san PNP, mga opisyales nan tanod san Sta. Remedios, Zona 8, nan San Vicente. Sa halawig na na panahon, batog san maka ingkod an De Castro, naging trangkilo an kada komemorasyon ta san Pista sa Gadan. Mas hangay na san tawo sa Bulan an matoninong na okasyon pareho san Undas.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:
Sayo sa medyo kaipuhan tutukan nato sin pansin ini na Traffic Management san mga sakayan ta didi sa Bulan , lalo na sa Poblacion. Dako na an volume san trapiko sa Bulan kaya nangaipo na kita sin mga sistema na makadanon basi maayos an ato trapiko.
Sini na Octubre, Nobyembre nan Disyembre, inkondukta nato kada Mierkoles nan Biernes an Traffic Safety and Discipline Seminar para sa mga drivers san Traysikol nan Padyak. Katuyuhan sini na paseminar na maging mapagmangno an ato nagpapasada sa Bulan sa disiplina, kaayusan nan road courtesy nan an manungod sa Traffic Code na inpapautob san PNP nan LGU. Sa presente, may-on na tabi kita sin labi 1,300 na rehistrado na traysikol, pa-sangribo na padyak, nan manlaen laen na klase pa sin sakayan.
Plano po nato na sa masunod na taon, mahingayad ta ini na paradahan san mga traysikol sa may relanse, sa palibot soon na mao an centro san pagparada san mga sakayan nato. Kadanon ko sini an Sangguniang Bayan nan Engineering nan Planning Office.
Rerebisahon ta man sa otro taun an Traffic Code kay basi maka-adjust kita dahil sa pagbatog san operasyon san terminal sa Fabrica. Naniwala po kami na kaya ta himuon yadto na Special Zone na inpautob sadto ni Former Mayor Guiming.
BULAN INTEGRATED TERMINAL:
An pinakakontrobersiyal na proyekto san municipio sa irarom san ako administrasyon ini na Bulan Integrated Terminal na inpatindog ta sa Brgy. Fabrica hale sa sayo na loan package sa Land Bank of the Philippines.
An ingod na inbugsukan sini na terminal indonar san pamilya san asawa ko na si Guiming.
Entero an rekisitos, procedimiento nan dapat na mga legal, ekonomikal, sosyal nan teknikal na aspeto, pati na an pag-adal na didi sa Fabrica ibugsok an terminal , inkompli san Municipio, nan naniwala tabi kami na nasa tama an desisyon sini na administrasyon , na intiwalaan niyo na magmanehar san bungto ta, para sa kaayadan san bungto nato, dire lang niyan na panahon kundi pati na sa maabot na panahon o henerasyon. An inhurandigan mi man gihapon an mandato san mayoriya sa iyo san nakaagi na eleksiyon.
Nasasabutan mi kun nano an sentimiento san mga tawo na pulitika lang an tuyo basi raoton an administrasyon sa paagi sin paggamit san isyu sa terminal. Ginamit nira an isyu san terminal basi mahatagan sira sin buwelo na pakaraw-ayan an De Castro, gutob sa mga pamersonal na atake, pagpakaraot nan pagtatsar. Kilala ta man an nahurandig sa mga tunay na isyu, nan kilala ta man kun sin-o sa mga tawo na ini an namulitika lang. Pero, inrespondehan mi yuon na mga pamulitika sa paagi sin disente, sibilisado, resonable na pagsimbag sa mga isyu. Dire kami malusad sa level san kanira mga pagkatawo.
Pero dahil lider ako, nan may mga kaurupod ako na disente nan resonable sa kanira mga desisyon, lalo na an mga kaurupod mi na mga nasa Sangguniang Bayan, papanindugan mi an desisyon na para ini sa kaayadan san bungto ta. Tinagan niyo kami tiwala san nakaagi na eleksiyon na mao an magmanehar san bungto ta, kaya dapat niyo tabi kami tiwalaan sa mga inhihimo ta para sa bungto. Dire namo isusugal an puturo san bungto ta. An tuyo nato an para sa serbisyo nan kaayadan.
Naniwala po ako na maabot an panahon, mapreciar nato entero kun nano kay sa Fabrica nato naipatindog an terminal. May mga tiyempo na kaipuhan ta magsakripisyo muna. May mga tiyempo na kaipuhan ta an magpakumbaba mun-a.
May nabati ako na surmaton sin sayo na lider na ngaya, “ You cannot please everybody. And you must not” May mga desisyon kita na dire naroroyagan o popular sa iba, nan dire man ngani dapat onrahon an entero na karoyagon.
Ini na mga kalaban mi sa pulitika nag-sang-at sin kaso sa Regional Trial Court na paudungon an pag-abri o pag-operate san Terminal , pero dire yuon nangyayari pa. Kaya, an ananuman na isyu legal san terminal nasa korte na tabi. Pero, mala yuon, wara pa kami sin ananuman na balita manungod sa desisyon san korte, pero kun aram lang po niyo, wara pahuway ini na mga kalaban mi sa pulitika sin kahanap sin sala nan butas tungkol sa terminal. Habo na ugang kami magparatungo sini na mga tawo.
Nagbatog na tabi an operasyon san terminal. Inpabendisyunan ta ini san Disyembre 16. Presente man an mga stakeholders san terminal, si Governor Sally nan mga nagkapera na Bokal. May halip-ot nan simple na programa para sa formal opening san terminal.
San Disyembre 17, nagbatog na tabi an operasyon san terminal.
Sa niyan tabi, may-on sin 54 na rehistrado na porters nan baggage boys an terminal. Ini na mga porters an mga dati man mga baggage san mga terminal sa poblacion nan pier. Dire man sira nawaraan sin pagbuhay.
I-oorganisar ta sira kay may-on pa sin idadagdag na mga porters hale sa pier. Mga maboot, disiplinado an kadaghanan, puro nagpapakabuhay. Luway-luway nato inbibisay an sistema na pantay-pantay sira sa pagbuhay, makapakaon san kanira mga pamilya. May mga report pa sin pang-abuso, pero maabot an panahon masasawata ta ini entero. Mga ikatolong semana san Enero, entero na Porters, sa Terminal man o Pier, may ID na nan Uniporme. I-professionalize ta an paghanapbuhay sini na mga pobre ta na mga kabungto.
May 17 kita na accredited peddlers, mga datihan man na paratinda sin mga pasalubong, yuon gihapon sa terminal nagtatarabaho. Dire man sira nawaraan pagbuhay.
An mga paratraysikol, nakapila-pila, wara sin nakalamang, puro man nakinabang sa pagpasada nira sa terminal. Oro-adlaw, sobra singkuwenta na biyahe san traysikol an nahihimo sa terminal. Niyan luway-luway na inhihimo ta an mas organisado nan sistematiko an pagtaya nira nan pagbiyahe, lalo na poblacion-pier. Maabot an panahon, magiging mas trangkilo ini. May mga report pa sin pang-abuso, pero kadaghanan ssan mga paratraysikol mga maboot, masinunod sa patakaran san terminal, puro nagpapakabuhay.
Dowa na bus company an nakadagdag na nag-aplay sin booking sa Bulan, an JVH Transport nan St. Jude. Sabi nira sadto mawawara kuno, Nagdagdag ugang, duwa pa. Bale onse na an bus lines, plus an Queens nan Weenalyn bale 13.
Batog na Disyembre 17 hasta 28, nakapadispatsa na o biyahe kita sin 354 na biyahe san bus, 94 sini an sa Queens nan Weenalyn., paluwas sin Bulan. May nag-abot man na 300 bus na biyahe hale sa Manila. Poco mas o menos 15,000 katawo na an nagluwas- solod sa terminal sa solod lang sin 12 dias.
Mas napaboran an mga jeepney nan van na puro taga-Bulan an tagsadire. Kada adlao, 35 na jeep an naghahapit sa terminal, idagdag pa an 8 na van.
Nakarehistro na kita sin 50 na stranded na pasaheros na may mga dara na bata an iba, pero mas trangkilo sira sa solud san terminal kaysa didto sira sa may pier, maski diin, nan peligroso pa. Mas asikaso pa sira san ato mga terminal employees.
Wara sin hubog o tarantado sa sulod san terminal, kay dire ta yuon tutugutan , nan kay may mga guwardiya nan tanod kita. Malinig permi an CR. Kun may diyo man na kakulangan, dire ini pareho san maski diin ka na lang sa luwas mag CR.
May taga-Danao na nabilin an bag na may 11,000 pesos na kuwarta sa sulod san bag. Nakabalik tabi ini sa tagsadire. May mga gamit na nabilin na hasta niyan yuon pa sa opisina san terminal, puwede i-claim san maninigo na tagsadire. Wara soon maka-claim kundi an tagsadire. Dire ini mangyayari kun wara sin central terminal na puwede reklamohan.
May reklamo an sayo na taga-Dimasalang, natunton nato an tulo katawo, pinapulis nato, sayo na drayber nan duwa na porter, naibalik an sobra na pamasahe nan taripa na insukot sa kaniya.
May ma-15 na taga-Bulan na pinabayaan sin sayo na kompanya san bus, dire in-uli an kuwarta nira, naghimo na kita reklamo sa tagsadire basi ma refund an kanira pamasahe, kay pinabayaan sira sa Atimonan.
Tutuo, may mga abuso pa, may mga panarantado pa sa mga biyaheros lalo na na mga taga-isla nan masbate, pero, inseseguro mi saiyo,maabot an oras, puwersa na hahaleon mi ini na pagtarantado nan pang-abuso kay nakataya an imahe ta.
Niyan na Enero, matakod na kita sin mga ilaw hale sa Pawa Hospital pakadto sa Terminal. Magiging maliwanag na an agihan soon na tinampo.
Sa niyan tabi, nakinegosyar kita sa PPA, PNP, Coastguard, SB nan iba pa na stakeholders basi lalo ma-perfect an sistema sin porterage hale sa nan pakadto sa Terminal.
Naiintindihan ko an kasibutan san iba na makaimod sin pagbabag-o, may mga reklamo o kun nano pa, pero kampante ini na saiyo mayor nan ina san bungto na mabibisay ta entero , in due time, the soonest possible time.
An Bulan Terminal nan Slaughterhouse dire man tabi profit-oriented o tuyo na makaganansiya o maka-income an municipio. Sala tabi yuon na impresyon. An terminal, service-oriented, tuyo na makaserbisyo sa tawo. Tutuo, may sakripisyo an nagkapera sa ato, pero maabot an panahon na maapreciar nato ini na pasilidad, pareho san sinabi ko kanina.
AN SANGGUNIANG BAYAN:
Niyan man tabi gusto hatagan rekognisyon an Sangguniang Bayan sa kanira suporta sa administrasyon ko. Ini sa pamumuno ni Vice-Mayor Awel Gogola. Dahil sa suporta nan kolaborasyon nira tabi, lalo napapadali an mga mehoras panglehislasyon.
Sini na nakaagi na onom kabulan, batog san magsumpa an mga bag-o ta na mga miembros san Sangguniang Bayan, daghanon na na mga importante na lehislasyon, sa paagi sin mga resolusyon nan ordenansa, an naipasa san Konseho. An mga importante na Ordenansa na naipasar na san SB an Municipal Slaughterhouse Ordinance, Bulan Integrated Terminal Ordinance, nan an Municipal Investment Incentives Code.
PILOSOPIYA POLITIKAL SAN ADMINISTRASYON:
Duro desde pa tabi, batog san mahatagan sin kumpiansa an De Castro na mao an mag-administrar san bungto, permi nasa isip nan puso namo an pagserbisyo para sa mga taga-Bulan. Maski an mga ninuno mi san panahon mao na talaga an nakatalaga sa kanira palad na magdanon nan magserbisyo.
Ini na pagdanon lalo namo nahahatagan sin kahulugan sa paagi sin mandato niyo sa amo basi maging lider san bungto. Sa paagi sini na mandato lalo narerealisar an mga pangaturugan mi para sa bungto ta.
An kaayadan niyo, mga kabubungto mi, obligasyon mi tabi. Surugoon kami san komunidad. Nan pakumbaba tabi sa pagserbi sa iyo. Pero, bilang lider, nanindugan kami segun sa pagtubod mi na mao an dapat himuon para sa ato entero. Bilang lider, tuon mi an saamo dughan nan ulo basi marespeto an dignidad san Opisina nan Autoridad na intiwala niyo sa amo, pero nababa kami kun kaayadan nato an nakataya. Nababa kami kun pagserbisyo an dapat himuon. Dire kami nakilala sin kolor pulitika sa entero na narani sa opisina san Mayor. Kay an Opisina ko para sa entero, para sa kada Bulanenyo.
KONKLUSYON:
Sa pag-abot tabi san Bag-ong Taon 2008, asahan tabi niyo na lalo mi papakay-adon an pagserbisyo sa iyo, sa ato komunidad.
Inpapangadyi ko tabi bilang sayo na ina, an kaayadan nato entero. Inpapangadyi ko na dire kita mawaraan pag-asa, nan inpapangadyi ko tabi na punuon kirita sin biyaya, maski bagaman dire materyal kundi spiritual. Inpapangadyi ko na punuon kita sin pag-asa, nan pakisumayo, nan kaayadan san puso.
An kada pagbabag-o sin taon panahon sin pag-asa, nan panibag-o na paghinguha.
An kada Bag-ong Taon maging dalan lugod sin pagbabag-o sa sadire, sa pamilya , sa komunidad para sa kaayadan o lalo na kaayadan.
Maw-ot ko po an pag-unhan nato entero.
Salamatonon tabi sa atensiyon niyo sini na inhatod ko na Report.
Dios mabalos tabi. Ini an saiyo lingkod, an saiyo mayor nan ina, minagalang po ako sa iyo, Helen De Castro.
Bulan Observer congratulates Lady Mayor Marides Fernando of Marikina City for being chosen one of the 50 Finalists for the World Mayor award 2008 out of the original 820 recommended candidates from all over the world. From these 50 Finalists, the World Mayor project, organized byCity Mayors-an international network of professionals working together to promote strong and prosperous cities as well as good local government- will pick up the World Mayor 2008 depending on his or her votes and the voters’ strength of arguments as to why they vote their candidates. Voting is going on on-line. If you want to vote, visit the link to the World Mayor Website on the Blogroll at your right side.
Mayor Marides Fernando is good news for us Taga-Bulans and Filipinos for this proves to us that the plague of corruption that has befallen the entire archipelago, including Bulan, has no chance against an educated, morally upright and noble personality like Marides Fernando. I’ve studied her profile and her achievements ( and that of her husband, the ex-mayor Bayani Fernando ) for Marikina City and found them really exemplary. In this way, I’m proud to see her name on the list beside Elmar Ledergerber, the mayor of Zürich, and all other outstanding mayors from all other citites and continents. A ray of hope for the future mayors of the Philippines? Whereas, during the past World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, I almost shiver seeing our President sharing the stage with Switzerland’s President Pascal Couchepin and other Luminaries of Politics and Economy. Davos is an elevated Swiss alpine city in Canton Graubünden, famous for being a Kurort, a health spa, with it’s clean, fresh air and transparent morning snow. I just hope that our President had learned some lessons about cleanliness and transparency during her visit in this beautiful alpine city.
Naturally, there is no snow in Marikina and the air is not as clean as that of Davos. But have you ever seen the Marikina Glass City Hall? Well, what can be more transparent than a Glass that is clean? I would have preferred and felt good seeing this Lady Mayor Marides Fernando shaking hands with President Pascal Couchepin of Switzerland.
Well, back to Bulan our mayor is still hiding the documents of the CBT project.Very funny, indeed. Compared against Mayor Marides Fernando– well, it’s night and day. We know that the more you hide, the more you will smell bad. For the progress of Bulan and peace of mind for all Taga-Bulans, I advise our mayor to stop now playing Hide and Seek- for we are not little children anymore – but to follow the example of Mayor MaridesFernando, be simple as she is, and lay down the documents on the table for the concerned Bulan tax payers to see. What’s wrong with that? You really do not need a lawyer to teach you what honesty is or the protection of a courtroom to tell the truth and be transparent and besides, should there be flaws on the documents, well , it will not cost you your life. On the contrary, people of Bulan would be proud of you should you step to the front now and tell the truth. As you know, Taga-Bulans are very forgiving people to someone who belongs to them. Let’s work together for the good of our Town. It may not be Marikina, but who knows, someday it might be on the list.
by jun asuncion, zürich (written last Dec.12,2007)Today the Swiss parliament elected their seven federal councillors. A woman politician won a seat unexpectedly in favor of a much controversial candidate from her own political party- the Schweizerische Volkspartei ( Swiss People’s Party) SVP . She was at this very moment not in Bundeshaus, Federal Building, but on a train heading to Bern, the country’s capital and seat of the federal government. The other six councillors were in the meantime already sworn-in into office. Arriving at the parliament she asked for an 18-hour-break for her to decide tomorrow if she would accept or not accept the office vested upon her! This is what the German-speaking fondly says der kleine Unterschied, the small difference. In other parts of the world, including America and the Philippines, politicians assume office even if not elected at all by resorting to all kinds of cheats and tricks -and worse, they continue declaring their government democratic. Any other politician outside Switzerland would gladly trade places with her, or would pay huge amount, or even kill, just to have this position. Irrespective of the circumstances that made her decide this way, it is for outside observers like you and me clear enough to see that Swiss democracy is functioning. The magic word is concordance, consensus, among the major political parties to share power. It’s considered unschweizerisch, a derogatory term meaning not typical Swiss to aim to concentrate power in ones person and office. Here rules Primus Inter Pares, first among equals. This is the reason that led to not-reelection of the prime candidate of the Schweizerische Volkspartei SVP. He became untragbar,not tolerable anymore, in the federal council. So it’s not so much who you are but it’s your attitude that counts in the end. Here the system is still above any person, unlike in other places, and attitude above intelligence. For what is intelligence if it can not control your impulses? What are academic degrees worth for if your conduct has remained primitive? What is intelligence and experience if you have no knowledge about respect? The swiss logic is plain and simple.This tells us that if you have intelligence and refined manners then you are fit for the swiss federal government. And if you respect the unwritten law of Kollegialität, collegiality, a political instrument already practiced by the Romans over 2000 years ago, which the Swiss adopted and is viewed as the foundation of the Swiss federalism, then you are one among them. These unwritten democratic rules are sacred, whether you like it or not.To trespass them is like to hang your own self, selber schuld, your own fault. This was the mistake of Mr. Blocher, this SVP man,-he hanged himself and divided his SVP. He tried to break this sacred rule believing that his good performance and popularity would justify his actions and that people would tolerate him for that and expected to receive eine Sonderbehandlung, a special treatment. But he erred. Farmers and construction workers are treated with respect in Switzerland but once in the government you better leave your tractors and hammers behind and begin to polish your language and gestures and observe the rules. Otherwise you’ll suffer the same fate as this SVP man. No special treatment. Selber schuld.
Bulan Observer 