The Guardian

Opinion

2005-08-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Powwow Wow
By Herbert Vego

Did Obet misrepresent group?

IT has been one week since some Iloilo mayors ate lunch with beleaguered President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacañang last July 26 (a day after her congressional state-of-the-nation address). But they can’t forget the “showiness” that Vice-Governor Roberto “Obet” Armada displayed thereat.
“He behaved uncouthly, hoping to please GMA,” one mayor (name withheld) confided to this writer recently. “For example, he assured her that the mayors present would not do a Drilon.”
He also told her that all mayors from the 4th district were present except Barotac Nuevo’s Pedro Hautea. Congressman Ferj Biron, who was also around, could have been in a better position to explain the whereabouts of his district’s mayors.
Methinks the “vice” should not have spoken in behalf of the mayors, most of whom were no political allies of his. They still look up to Governor Niel Tupas as their leader.
Indeed it is not logical to assume that just because Tupas had joined Senate President Franklin Drilon in asking GMA to resign, the mayors would align themselves as Obet’s “armada.”
But of course, nobody could prevent Obet from feigning being the new niño bonito of the President. He is seizing the opportunity that used to be elusive in those days when Drilon and Governor Niel Tupas were still singing Glory Glory Halleluiah.
Remember when GMA last came to Iloilo last June June 30? Obet was nowhere to be found. By his own admission, he was at home watching an NBA game on TV.
Our unsolicited advice to Obet: Hinayhinay lang.
===
Since most of the Iloilo mayors who attended the SONA and the Malacañang luncheon were Tupas’ allies, it is not correct to conclude that Mayor Myrna Torres and her husband Don Jaime were disbarred from the luncheon just because a congresswoman had allegedly identified them as “intruders from the Tupas camp.”
During a coffee talk with Dumangas Mayor Rolly Distura, this writer learned that he, too, was not in Malacañang sentry’s guest list.
“The guard would not let me in,” Distura said, “until Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez intervened. Whoever prepared that list must have intentionally omitted my name.”
The mayor, however, stressed that he was no gatecrasher; that he would have stayed with his family in Dumangas - having just arrived from a weeklong visit to Bangkok, Thailand - had not the Presidential Management Staff, Secretary Raul Gonzalez and former Passi City Mayor Jesry Palmares (a presidential wedding godson) repeatedly called him by telephone.
Conversely, Leganes was not represented by the incumbent mayor, Adolph Jaen, but by his predecessor, Ike Rojas. I could imagine the ex-mayor asking, “Is it a sin to accept a Malacañang invitation?”
Distura also deplored the black propaganda published in a tabloid gossip column, saying he’s “riding on two horses.”
“Why single me out?” he asked. “Most of the other Iloilo mayors had signed a resolution of support for Senate President Drilon. What’s wrong with boosting the senator’s morale? There was nothing in that resolution calling for the President to resign!”
Oo nga naman. The mayors are simply practical in realizing that she still calls the shots. Without Madam’s go signal, national budget for local projects might not flow. For example, the rehabilitation of the cracking 50-year-old Dingle dam will entail a budget of at least P61 million. The dam supplies irrigation water to the farmlands of Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dumangas, Pototan and Zarraga municipalities. So far, only P15 million has been released to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA).
So, dagdag… dagdag…
===
Rather than dwell further on the negative, Dumangas Mayor Rolly Distura spoke cheerfully of their successful visit to Bangkok, Thailand, where he and provincial agriculturist Inocencio Parian attended the climate risk management training at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center on July 17 to 22.
With that representation, Distura hopes to gain more international support for upgrading the Dumangas weather station.
Dumangas is the only local government unit in Western Visayas with a high-tech weather station capable of forecasting typhoons and reading the amount of rainfall within the central towns of the province. It has an operational annual budget of P200,000.00.
The heavy rains that submerged Iloilo City last Wednesday (July 27) hardly affected Dumangas. Gone were the flood-prone barangays thereat.
“We now have a clog-free drainage system,” Distura revealed. “Thanks to the empowered residents. Yes, the residents themselves buckled down to build the drainage.”
===
In the first six months of the current year, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Iloilo under Janet Oberio has defrayed P2 million-plus for hospitalization of 276 indigent patients, another P2-m for medicines of 305 patients and P1-m for medical missions serving 11,632 patients in the city and province of Iloilo.
Prior to her appointment as Iloilo PCSO head, Oberio was chapter president of the Kaibigan ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (KGMA), a civic group supportive of the President. She would like to remind politicians jealous of her closeness to the President, however, that she has no intention of running for political office.
We agree. It’s only when good people dip their fingers into dirty politics that they are contaminated.

Feature

2005-08-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Real People
By Ronilo Ladiao

El Nhoy Volante speaks his heart out

Since acoustic music invaded the local music scene these past years, various OPM artists emerge in the limelight to serenade the Filipinos hunger for sentimental music.
Nhoy Volante is one of these familiar musical entities that haunt your MYX or MTV escapades. Even in the radio, he is one in-demand artist people would love to listen to-- his sappy songs are too good to ignore. Recently, Nhoy and the soul siren Nina held a sensational concert at CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium last July 22 through the effort of Infinity Event Management and Thirty 3 productions. Ilonggos were deeply touched and felt the passion of Nhoy and Nina’s music. The concert entitled “ El Nino La Nina” was a massive success.
Nhoy or Nino Del Mar Volante is a 27-year-old singer who resides at Parañaque, Metro Manila. His parents are Oliver Volante, a business executive and Helen Volante, an interior designer. His siblings are John, Nhay, Pao and Jojo who both have great inclination for music. Before bursting in the local music scene, Nhoy dedicated his life finishing his AB Technical Theater course at College of St. Benild in Malate.
Hoping to fulfill his dream of having a musical career, Nhoy enhance his skill in music particularly playing the guitar wherein he is truly a genius. He also become part of various bands and staged a lot of gigs in major resto bars in Manila. But Mannos, a famous acoustic band become his partner of fulfilling his aspiration and invading the airwaves. After accepting a record deal, Nhoy and the Mannos never stopped impressing the acoustic fanatic and the radio listeners that gave them few hit songs.
But prior his concert last July 22, my starstrucked symptom didn’t let this great singer got away with my fiery questions. So here’s the acoustic balladeer with his heart and soul in a one-on-one interview at Afrique’s Restaurant. Just read on…
What is your philosophy in life?
“Just enjoy life!”
Tell me about your favorite film, screen idols and musical influences?
“I love watching ‘While You Were Sleeping’, admires Al Pacino and Sandra Bullock. My musical influences varies from RnB, country, pop and rock singers”
Can you describe yourself in 3 lines?
“Masaya, nagpipilit maging masaya at kailangang maging masaya!”
What turns you on in a girl?
“Kabaitan, basta mabait at siyempre dapat classy.”
What’s the soundtrack of your life?
“Naaalala Ka by Rey Valera”
If you were somebody else who would you want to be?
“I would want to be someone like my brother or sister so I can see myself the way they see me.”
Do you have any unfulfilled dreams?
“So far, lahat ng dreams ko are in the horizon and I know I can achieve them one step at a time.”
What’s your real passion?
“Anything that makes my heart throb. I try to be happy and stay in love.”
Do you have any regrets in the past?
“Not so much, I mean, there are things that I didn’t know and I hope I could make things right in the past.”
Are you a hopeless romantic?
“Yes, in every aspect!”
Now, what makes you happy and sad?
“I’m happy when I feel that everyone around me is contented but I’m sad if I’m the only one who is pleased.”
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
“Love, people (I love) and God”
If ever you’ll be trapped in an island and you only have 3 last text messages, who would you send these messages?
“I’ll send it to the person who’s very close and reliable to me. Yung tipong hindi niya ako iiwan sa gitna ng unos. I’ll send my last 3 texts to that person so that she can tell my family and friends.”
What’s your favorite expression?
“Yehey!”
Do you have any advice for the youth of today how to fulfill their dreams?
“Enjoy what makes you happy and go for your dreams as long as it doesn’t interfere with pother people’s happiness. Think about your future and our nation’s progress towards change. Believe in God and in yourself.”
(Next, the soul siren Nina will reveal her secrets in a two part series of articles. Email the writer at rslphoenix@yahoo.com or text me 09219743819)

Opinion

2005-07-30T02:43:00.000-07:00

Hot & Spicy
By Archil Fernandez

Time to go

IN her state of the nation address, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressed the need for national reconciliation. Two days later, the headline of the Philippine Star trumpeted that the President is contemplating giving the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial. The report said PGMA is now in a negotiation with the Marcos family for the dictator’s eventual interment in the hallowed grounds of the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
What is this?! Honor a dictator?! This is the person who stole the life and future of the nation! The nation has NOT yet forgotten what the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda did to the country. The wounds and terrible memories inflicted upon the Filipino people by the wicked tandem are still fresh. Honoring the dictator Marcos is like honoring Hitler or Stalin.
In case PGMA suffered historical amnesia, the rule of Marcos was the darkest in the annals of Philippine history. His misdeeds are worst than what the Spaniards, the Americans or the Japanese did to the country. Around 100,000 were thrown in jail without due process of law. Most of them tortured and brutally treated. Thousands more were summarily executed or simply disappeared.
During the 20-year reign of Marcos, the country had seen the most systematic and sophisticated form of national looting and thievery. Gold deposits at the central bank were shipped abroad. Cronies were assigned in each area of the national economy to facilitate the smooth draining of the pockets of Filipinos. Sugar, coconut, banana, construction, banking, media, everywhere the tentacles of the dictatorship were present to institutionalize corruption. The Guinness Book of World Records has named Ferdinand and Imelda the biggest thieves in the world. According to estimates, they have stolen from the Philippine $20 billion.
Even before assuming office, President Estrada proposed to give the dictator a hero’s burial but he backed off. The national outcry was so strong for him to ignore. Now, PGMA whose legitimacy to rule the country is under serious question has resurrected the much-maligned Estrada proposal. Why would PGMA do this?
The answer is simple - for political survival. The President is not only power-hungry but is obsessed with it. She will do anything and everything to hang on to power. Even sleeping with the corrupt, swindlers and yes with the wicked Marcoses. What about justice?
PGMA has a distorted sense of justice and reconciliation. For her, to reconcile is to forget. Justice is just-tiis. In all probability she wants the Filipino people to forget the crimes of the Marcoses against the Filipino people. Maybe if the Filipino people will do this, they will also forget the Garci tapes, the jueteng scandal and her counterfeit victory in the last presidential election.
But PGMA is wrong - very, very wrong. The Filipino people will never allow the trampling of justice. Their collective morality had been stirred when Erap transform Malacanang into the den of the Mafia. Honoring the dictator Marcos with a hero’s burial is like spiting on the Filipino people right on their faces. PGMA cannot get away with such treachery.
The Office of President and its occupant is mandated by law do justice to every man and to uphold it. Any President who does the opposite has no right and has lost the right to the Presidency. PGMA is her desire to cling to power had thrown justice to the wind. She had bastardized the presidency and used it to crush justice in the land. What moral right does she have to rule over the country?
Given how low PGMA had stooped just secure power, it is time for her to go. The nation cannot afford to be ruled by a morally bankrupt leader whose only reason for hanging-on is self-serving. The leader of the nation reflects its people. Definitely GMA with her fuzzy concept of justice does not, cannot and must never reflect the Filipino people. The Filipino people have a clear sense of justice. Their leader must have the same characteristic. PGMA does not qualify. She must go.

Visayan

2005-07-30T02:41:00.000-07:00

Krimen kag Kasuguan
Ni Jun Joquino

Pilas sang Kahapon

(Hingapusan)

SUNU iya sa alegasyon sang akusado, sang Oktobre 6, 1993 sang mga oras 10:00 sa gab-i, yara sia iya sa ila kaugalingon nga balay nga nagakatulog upod sa iya asawa. Ang ila kawayan nga balay nahamtang sa kilid sang semento nga balay sang iya mga ugangan. Duha lang ini ka tikang gikan sa puertahan sang balay sang iya ugangan. Ang iya balay may kaugalingon nga kusina kag comfort room. May isa lamang ini ka kuarto, samtang ang iya sang ugangan niya, may duha ka kuarto. Ang iya asawa nagabusong sadto nga tiempo sang ila ikaduha nga anak. Samtang ang iya subang mga lima ka tuig.
Sang Oktobre 9, 1993 naman, las 9:00 sa gab-i, yara man sia gihapon sa ila balay nagatulog hulid ang asawa kag ila anak kay kinaandan nga nagatulog sila las 8:00 pa lang sa gab-i, kag nagabugtaw las 7:00 sa aga. Wala sing bisan isa sa pamilya ni ugangan niya ang nagpanugid kon ano ang natabu kay Lani Mosqueto sadto nga gab-i.
Sang Enero 3, 1994 mga las 9:00 sa gab-i, yara man sia gihapon nagakatulog upod sa iya asawa nga 8 ka adlaw pa lang nga nakabata. Si ugangan niya, kag ang bayaw Lani Mosqueto, kag ang utod nga lalake sini nagapuyu sa pihak nga balay sang amo nga tiempo.
Sang Agosto 15, 1997 mga las 8:30 sa gab-i, yara sia upod sang iya duha ka anak nagaedad 10 kag 4 ka tuig. Sa abroad ang iya asawa sadto nga tiempo. Samtang si Lani Mosqueto yara sa ikatlo nga halintang sang high school sa St. Augustine Academy sa Patnongon. Kutob sang Oktobre 6, 1993 tubtub Agosto 15, 1997, waay gid sia gin-imbestigar tungod sa gin-alegar nga paglugos kay Lani Mosqueto kag wala man sing nakaaway nga miembro sang pamilya sini.
Sang Abril 3, 1999 mga las 3:00 sa hapon, yara sia sa luyo sang iya kabataan, samtang si Lani Mosqueto iya, waay na nagapuyu sa iya ugangan. Naggradwar ini sa hayskol sang Marso 1999 kag nagsaylo sa Brgy. Magsaysay, Patnongon kag didto nag-estar. Wala makaagi nga nagpauli ang tagyamo kutob Marso 1999 tubtub Abril 1999 sang las 3:00 sa hapon. Nagbalik lamang ini matapus sang gradwasyon sini sang Abril 4, 2001. Sugod sadto nag-estar na ini sa Barangay Villa Solomon. Tubtub nga ginkakibut na lang niya sang Hulyo 3, 2002, nga gin-akusahan sia sini sing 5 counts of rape.
“Kag ya rason kang pag-file ka kaso, tungod gusto kang asawa ko makigbulag sa akon hay may kerido sya, kag ginamit ya lang si Lani,” ang dugang nga alegasyon sang akusado.
Naghinagunghagong ang mga tumalambong sa pinabutyag sang akusado. Indi lamang ang husgado ang naligban sa pagbinagbinag sang kaso, kundi pati man sila.
Ginpahambal ang testigo Philsunie Cabalan, 17 anyus dampig sa iya amay. Sunu sa iya, sang mag-abut ang iya iloy halin sa abroad, nakabati sia nga may kerido ini kag gusto magseparar sa iya amay paagi sa paggamit sini sa manghud nga si Lani.
Gin-file ang kaso nga rape batuk sa iya amay diin ginamit ukon ginkunsabo sang iya iloy si Lani Mosqueto. Gindakup ang iya amay sang Hulyo 3, 2002. Iya man ginpatpat nga sang mga petsa gin-alegar ginlugos sang iya amay ang tagyamo, yara sia sa luyo sang amay nga wala man sing kamalamalahan nga lihuk sia nga nakita.
Ginbinagbinag sang Korte ang kaso. Kag sa nahimu nga konklusyon, ini ang pila sang nangin basehan:
Article 266-A. “Rape is committed through force, threat or intimidation by any person who shall commit an act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into another person’s mouth, anal or genital; and when the offended party is under twelve (12) years of age.”
Ang lima ka sulit nga paglugos nga ginkomitir sang akusado tanan matawag nga consummated rapes nga ginpabakud sang testimoniya ni Dr. Menchie Janna kag sang tagyamo.
Labaw nga ginhatagan bug-at sang husgado ang testimoniya sang biktima. Ang positibo nga pagkilala ni Lani Mosqueto sa akusado, nagpahuyang sang depensa sang alibi sang akusado. Ang iya testimoniya maathag, may kategoriya kag tadlong. Ang pag-ukat sini sang paglugos nga ginkomitir batuk sa iya sang akusado wala sing pagkalingkang sa tion sang cross-examination. Ang paghilibion sini samtang nagapahayag sing testimoniya ayhan bangud sang iya makakulogmat nga na-eksperiensya sa kamut sang akusado may sampat man nga makapamatuod. Kag wala sing matarong nga babaye sa iya husto nga panghunahona ang manugid nga mahuy-an man lang sia.
Sa pagtamud sini, nasapwan sang Korte nga nakasala ang akusado sang five (5) counts of qualified rape kag ginsilutan sing death penalty. Waay labut, ginpabayad pa sang P75,000, moral damages sang P50,000 kag exemplary damages sang P25,000 sa kada count of rape.
Sa karon, ang konbiktado nahunong sa National Penitentiary, Muntinlupa City.
Sa bahin niya, ang pilas nga gintuga niya sa iya bayaw, nagbueltada sa iya nga pagabatyagon niya sa iya pagkabilanggu kag tubtub sa iya kamatayon.
(Katapusan)

Visayan

2005-07-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

4Visayan 3

Krimen kag Kasuguan
Ni Jun Joquino

Pilas sang Kahapon

(Hingapusan)

SUNU iya sa alegasyon sang akusado, sang Oktobre 6, 1993 sang mga oras 10:00 sa gab-i, yara sia iya sa ila kaugalingon nga balay nga nagakatulog upod sa iya asawa. Ang ila kawayan nga balay nahamtang sa kilid sang semento nga balay sang iya mga ugangan. Duha lang ini ka tikang gikan sa puertahan sang balay sang iya ugangan. Ang iya balay may kaugalingon nga kusina kag comfort room. May isa lamang ini ka kuarto, samtang ang iya sang ugangan niya, may duha ka kuarto. Ang iya asawa nagabusong sadto nga tiempo sang ila ikaduha nga anak. Samtang ang iya subang mga lima ka tuig.
Sang Oktobre 9, 1993 naman, las 9:00 sa gab-i, yara man sia gihapon sa ila balay nagatulog hulid ang asawa kag ila anak kay kinaandan nga nagatulog sila las 8:00 pa lang sa gab-i, kag nagabugtaw las 7:00 sa aga. Wala sing bisan isa sa pamilya ni ugangan niya ang nagpanugid kon ano ang natabu kay Lani Mosqueto sadto nga gab-i.
Sang Enero 3, 1994 mga las 9:00 sa gab-i, yara man sia gihapon nagakatulog upod sa iya asawa nga 8 ka adlaw pa lang nga nakabata. Si ugangan niya, kag ang bayaw Lani Mosqueto, kag ang utod nga lalake sini nagapuyu sa pihak nga balay sang amo nga tiempo.
Sang Agosto 15, 1997 mga las 8:30 sa gab-i, yara sia upod sang iya duha ka anak nagaedad 10 kag 4 ka tuig. Sa abroad ang iya asawa sadto nga tiempo. Samtang si Lani Mosqueto yara sa ikatlo nga halintang sang high school sa St. Augustine Academy sa Patnongon. Kutob sang Oktobre 6, 1993 tubtub Agosto 15, 1997, waay gid sia gin-imbestigar tungod sa gin-alegar nga paglugos kay Lani Mosqueto kag wala man sing nakaaway nga miembro sang pamilya sini.
Sang Abril 3, 1999 mga las 3:00 sa hapon, yara sia sa luyo sang iya kabataan, samtang si Lani Mosqueto iya, waay na nagapuyu sa iya ugangan. Naggradwar ini sa hayskol sang Marso 1999 kag nagsaylo sa Brgy. Magsaysay, Patnongon kag didto nag-estar. Wala makaagi nga nagpauli ang tagyamo kutob Marso 1999 tubtub Abril 1999 sang las 3:00 sa hapon. Nagbalik lamang ini matapus sang gradwasyon sini sang Abril 4, 2001. Sugod sadto nag-estar na ini sa Barangay Villa Solomon. Tubtub nga ginkakibut na lang niya sang Hulyo 3, 2002, nga gin-akusahan sia sini sing 5 counts of rape.
“Kag ya rason kang pag-file ka kaso, tungod gusto kang asawa ko makigbulag sa akon hay may kerido sya, kag ginamit ya lang si Lani,” ang dugang nga alegasyon sang akusado.
Naghinagunghagong ang mga tumalambong sa pinabutyag sang akusado. Indi lamang ang husgado ang naligban sa pagbinagbinag sang kaso, kundi pati man sila.
Ginpahambal ang testigo Philsunie Cabalan, 17 anyus dampig sa iya amay. Sunu sa iya, sang mag-abut ang iya iloy halin sa abroad, nakabati sia nga may kerido ini kag gusto magseparar sa iya amay paagi sa paggamit sini sa manghud nga si Lani.
Gin-file ang kaso nga rape batuk sa iya amay diin ginamit ukon ginkunsabo sang iya iloy si Lani Mosqueto. Gindakup ang iya amay sang Hulyo 3, 2002. Iya man ginpatpat nga sang mga petsa gin-alegar ginlugos sang iya amay ang tagyamo, yara sia sa luyo sang amay nga wala man sing kamalamalahan nga lihuk sia nga nakita.
Ginbinagbinag sang Korte ang kaso. Kag sa nahimu nga konklusyon, ini ang pila sang nangin basehan:
Article 266-A. “Rape is committed through force, threat or intimidation by any person who shall commit an act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into another person’s mouth, anal or genital; and when the offended party is under twelve (12) years of age.”
Ang lima ka sulit nga paglugos nga ginkomitir sang akusado tanan matawag nga consummated rapes nga ginpabakud sang testimoniya ni Dr. Menchie Janna kag sang tagyamo.
Labaw nga ginhatagan bug-at sang husgado ang testimoniya sang biktima. Ang positibo nga pagkilala ni Lani Mosqueto sa akusado, nagpahuyang sang depensa sang alibi sang akusado. Ang iya testimoniya maathag, may kategoriya kag tadlong. Ang pag-ukat sini sang paglugos nga ginkomitir batuk sa iya sang akusado wala sing pagkalingkang sa tion sang cross-examination. Ang paghilibion sini samtang nagapahayag sing testimoniya ayhan bangud sang iya makakulogmat nga na-eksperiensya sa kamut sang akusado may sampat man nga makapamatuod. Kag wala sing matarong nga babaye sa iya husto nga panghunahona ang manugid nga mahuy-an man lang sia.
Sa pagtamud sini, nasapwan sang Korte nga nakasala ang akusado sang five (5) counts of qualified rape kag ginsilutan sing death penalty. Waay labut, ginpabayad pa sang P75,000, moral damages sang P50,000 kag exemplary damages sang P25,000 sa kada count of rape.
Sa karon, ang konbiktado nahunong sa National Penitentiary, Muntinlupa City.
Sa bahin niya, ang pilas nga gintuga niya sa iya bayaw, nagbueltada sa iya nga pagabatyagon niya sa iya pagkabilanggu kag tubtub sa iya kamatayon.
(Katapusan)

2005-07-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

444Top Stories333

Treñas blows top
Dungon creek issue irks mayor

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

IS THE City Engineer’s Office (CEO) afraid of a land developer here in the city?
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas fumed over the failure of City Engineer Marito Amatorio to compel Henber Realty Development Corp. (HRDC) to dig up part of Dungon Creek the firm had reclaimed several months back.
HRDC is the developer of the Westwoods Subdivision in Barangay Dungon in Jaro district.
Treñas presided over the dialogue between HRDC, the CEO and residents of Barangay Dungon yesterday when he showed his emotions.
It all began when the Land Management Service (LMS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered HRDC to restore the creek to its original dimension.
In its investigation, the LMS found out that HRDC reclaimed part of the creek when it developed the said subdivision.
Treñas immediately directed the CEO to implement the recommendation.
Last July 5, 2005, Amatorio sent a letter to Engr. Bernan Certeza to follow the LMS recommendation but until now Certeza has not moved an inch of soil from the creek.
But according to Kagawad Perla Zulueta, chairperson of the committee on environment and natural resources, Certeza took back his word that they will restore the creek at their own expense.
Certeza instead blamed the squatters who dumped soil on the other side of the creek.
On the other hand, residents in Barangay Dungon blamed HRDC for the massive flood in the city since the creek cannot contain the large volume of water brought about by heavy rains.
Instead of implementing the order, Amatorio only called for a meeting with Certeza at the Office of the City Mayor to settle the matter.
But an argument ensued among the parties forcing Treñas to mediate and scold them.
Treñas then ordered HRDC to coordinate with the CEO in dredging the creek.
Even the city council was disappointed with Amatorio’s hesitation to implement the order on HRDC.
Zulueta said they will make Amatorio explain his dilly-dallying ways.
But Amatorio said the issue on the reclamation of the creek needs further investigation.

jjj

‘Prion boys’ on a comeback?

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

SUSPECTED robbers and cattle rustlers are back in action in several towns in Iloilo, the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) said.
Senior Supt. Cornelio Defensor, (IPPO) director, confirmed that members of the Ilonggo and Prion groups are on active mode in the towns of Cabatuan, Janiuay and Dingle.
The groups are tagged as the main suspects in the heist of a gasoline station in Barangay Ayaman, Cabatuan early this week.
The Prion group went on a hiatus after the death of its perceived leader Joel Prion in an encounter with policemen in June last year.
The IPPO said Prion’s group was behind cases of cattle rustling and robbery in the third district.
Joel was the province’s most wanted person last year after the police mounted a massive hunt against him and his brothers Ben and Logen. He died when he exchanged shots with the police in Barangay Jelicoun, Cabatuan last year.
Months later, Ben was arrested and is now detained at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center.
Logen remains at-large.
The IPPO has tagged Joel as a former member of the Ilonggo kidnap-for-ransom and robbery group which gained notoriety in Metro Manila in the 80s and the 90s.
After his death, the IPPO has not received any report on the activities of the group until the robbery of a gasoline station in Barangay Ayaman.
Defensor said they already know the gang members as “they are the usual people who operate in Central Iloilo.”
“They just went on vacation after what happened to Joel (Prion). They are now back to their usual ways to earn some money after more than a year of hiding,” Defensor said.
But Defensor did not identify the alleged Prion thugs.
Aside from Cabatuan, the gangsters were seen in Janiuay and Dingle “possibly to look for targets in their next operations.”
Defensor said they have ordered their personnel in the said towns to heighten their intelligence operations and preempt any plan of the group.
“We are giving special focus on Cabatuan as cases of cattle rustling might surge now that Prion’s henchmen are active once more,” Defensor said.
When asked to confirm if a public official indeed coddles the suspected robbers, he refused to comment.

2005-07-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

More city brgys under water;
Treñas orders cleanup

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE number of city barangays submerged in floodwaters rose to 82 as of yesterday even as Mayor Jerry Treñas ordered the City Engineer’s Office to declog all sewers in the city.
According to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), a total of 16,000 families were affected by the floods brought about by two days of non-stop raining.
In their regular session Wednesday, the city council declared the city under state of calamity to allow the city government to use its calamity fund.
Treñas said the city has released P700,000 from its P35-million calamity fund to aid the affected residents in all seven districts, particularly those living near the river and creeks.
The mayor attributed the flood to poor drainage and the asphalt overlay of General Luna Street, City Proper to Arevalo district.
He said the new overlay might have blocked the drainage along the said road.
Treñas said there are some 30 houses sitting on drainage systems in Barangays Navais and Airport, Mandurriao and San Pedro, Molo.
Although Treñas noted the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) had declogged city sewers, “it was not enough until the rainy season came.”
“We really need a declogging machine,” Treñas stressed.
He said he has given the CEO five days to come up with a report and recommendation that would address the problem in the city.
“We hope to come up with a comprehensive drainage program for the city,” Treñas pointed out.
Meanwhile, Treñas said the City Hall will employ two persons per barangay to do the drainage clean-up in their respective areas all over the city.

2005-07-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

444Opinion 333

Askal Projection
By Raymundo Salao

SAUNA

State Almost Under New Administration. At least it's what some people thought. Around three attempts of People Power, thinking that such would successfully oust Arroyo. After that, came Ping's TSONA, Erap's SONIA, there also was a SONY, right before PGMA's SONA. It's not enough to have "desperate" and "disunity" as adjectives that describe the recent political events; they'd have to add "Ridiculous" as well.
In addition is the theatricality of those who colored the event with plants such as calamansi and peach flowers, to signify “Im-PEACH-ment” RIDICULOUS, I tell you. At least, unlike other governments in former Soviet Union states and in other Asian regions, our government officials don't resort to rabid impulsive fistfights; just silly theatricality and bizarre sarcastic humor.
Reality Check: Among those in the divided opposition camps, the one of Ping Lacson's seems to be the one that makes sense. If PGMA's SONA last Monday was stimulating, Ping's TSONA was thought-provoking as he unveiled this unscrupulous bridge project which was unfinished, architecturally inefficient, and leads to nowhere.
We've all heard about the hearsay stories of government officials making impractical projects so that they could profit from really LARGE kickbacks, such as roads that tend to deteriorate in a number of years, obviously, such is the case of this bridge that Lacson unveiled.
Similarly, not so long ago, he was also able to unravel the secrets of the Jose Pidal mystery. This may sound partisan, but in comparison to the other camps of the opposition, Lacson's is the only camp that seems to throw sensible constructive criticisms on the administration.
Unlike the other opposition camps which rely on plain rhetoric and celebrity dramatism. Adjectives instead of facts. Unfortunately, among the opposition parties, the camp that has the celebrities is the stronger. They're really good in deceiving the masses with FPJ movie lines. I don't know why some vigilant groups that claim to carry the voice of the masa and the poor tolerate Susan Roces' steering the masses into hailing her as a revolutionary leader, when they CLEARLY know that this is another bad president in the making. When they clearly know that this is a form of deceit and abusing the simple-mindedness of the common tao.
But, although Ping may, to my opinion, be the better opposition leader, he does not hold a winning ticket. Not so long ago, Ping was the victim of many accusing fingers that lambasted him for corruption, the Kuratong-Baleleng issue, being involved with shady syndicates, and being an abusive power abuser. Based on my observations, Ping's shady background and all-too-serious personality isn’t very convincing to the Filipino People en masse. Kunsabagay, the country does not need a charming personality; it needs a strong leader who has the balls to straighten the country’s reputation. We need a national disciplinarian.
On the other hand, I am quite satisfied with PGMA’s SONA although it was too short in length. But it goes straight to the point: Paving the way to changing into a parliamentary federal form of government. An internal revolution. It is quite obvious that she’s paving the way for a graceful exit.
Whatever she does must be something that will redeem her current stain. She doesn’t want to end her term of presidency in an ugly manner, leaving all the dirt, damage, and deficit that was accomplished by her term of leadership.
The history books are waiting to be written. Among the stack of postcards of ex-presidents, she doesn’t want her card to be the Joker. The trump card of ridicule. Putot, Pandak, Nora Aunor; names she surely wants to erase with a renewed reputation.

2005-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

444Visayan 333

Krimen kag Kasuguan
Ni Jun Joquino

Pilas sang Kahapon

Ikalima nga bahin

SA pihak sang pagmolestia sekswal sang bayaw, gin-agwanta kag gintagu-tagu lamang gihapon ni Lani ang kahinakit sang iya balatyagon. Wala gid sia sing ginsugidan natungod sa ikap-at nga paghimulos sa iya sang bayaw.
Tubtub nabal-utan ini sing mga duha ka tuig, kag nasulit naman sa ikalima nga tion ang paghimulos sa iya sang Abril 3, 1999, mga las 3:00 sa hapon.
“Sa diin ka kang ginhimuan ka niya?” ang usisa sang Hues.
“Sa sulod kang amon kuarto,” ang sabat ni Lani nga nagpatulu naman sang iya luha kay nadumdoman naman ang pagkawasak sang iya dungog nga sadto nga tion, nagaedad na sia sing napulo’g anum.
Iya dugang nga ginsugid nga didto si Nanay niya sa ila tiyangge sadto, kag ang iya magulang nga babaye didto pa sa Hongkong. Ang kaupod lamang nila sa balay amo ang iya anum ka tuig nga hinablus. Apang, waay ini sa burongogan sang akusado. Iya gid sia ginsulod sa kuarto nga nagahilayhilay sa hiligdaan, gin-ubahan sing panapton, ginpahug kag ginhilawasan. Pagkatapus nga nahaw-asan, ginpaandaman sia nga indi magpanugid kay bisan sin-o ukon pagapatyon sia kag ang mga miembro sang iya pamilya, gani liwat nga ginhipsan niya ang amo nga bagay.
Nabal-an niya nga kon magpadayon sia sa pagpabilin sa amo nga puloy-an nga ginkabig na niya nga impierno, pasulit-sulit gihapon nga pagahimuslan sia sang bayaw, gani pagkaligad sang pila ka adlaw, naglisensia sia sa iloy nga sa San Jose na lang sia mapadayon sa pagtuon, bagay nga ginpasugtan man sang tigulang para makalikaw sia.
Nagtuon si Lani sa Antique National School. Kag nag-board lamang sa San Jose sa gastos sang iya isa pa ka magulang nga babaye, nga si Lyka Mosqueto, nga sa Manila iya nagapangabuhi. Waay na sia magpulopauli sa ila sa Patnongon. Tubtub nga sang matapus niya ang Junior Secretarial sang 2000, nagtulak sia pa-Manila kag gin-report ang mga insidente sang rape kay Lyka. Kag ang ini naman nga bagay, ang gin-report man ni Lyka sa utod pa nila nga si Sheila Cabalan nga didto pa sa Hong Kong.
Amo yadto nga naakig ang iya mga magulang nga babaye sa akusado kag gin-updan sia sa pag-file sing kaso batuk sa bayaw. Waay sapayan, si Sheila iya nag-apin sa iya bana sang maglainay sila sang buot ni Lyka sang gin-kontra sia sini.
Sa cross examination, ginsugid man ni Lani nga waay gid niya masugidi ang iya duha ka utod nga lalake subong man ang iya amay tuhoy sa natabu sa iya bangud sang kahadluk. Ang iya amay kag mga utod nga lalake nagapuyu iya sa Villa Solomon, kag naanhing lang yadto si Tatay niya nga waay gid makahibalo.
Ginpaatubang sang Hues ang una nga testigo sang tagyamo, si Virgo Ascaris, 56 anyus, may asawa, kag Local Civil Registrar sang Patnongon, Antique, nga nagpamatuod sang petsa Marso 25, 1983 nga amo ang pagkatawo sang biktima. Ang nagsunod nga nagtindug nga testigo si Dr. Menchie Janna, 42, may bana, kag Medical Specialist II, sa Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital sa diin sa pelvic examination nga ginhiwat niya sa biktima, nadeterminar ang kahalitan sa sex organ. Sa pag-eksamin niya sang perineum, vulva kag hymen sang pasyente, nasapwan ang laceration sa 9:00 o’clock position hymenal ring kag sa 3:00 o’clock position nga lunsay daan na apang kumpleto. Ini nga mga pilas gintuga sang matig-a nga butang katulad sang organo sang lalake. Pali na ang mga ini kag indi mapat-ud ang petsa sang pagkapilas.
Matapus ma-presentar sa prosecution ang mga ebidensia sang tagyamo, ang ginpaatubang naman amo ang mga nagtindug sa ebidensia sang depensa.
Matapus nga ginkilala ang akusado Pete Cabalan, ini ang nagpahayag man sang iya kaugalingon nga alegasyon nga nagakontra kag nagakumplikto sa gin-alegar sang biktima.
“Butigon ka! Butigon ka!” ang hilibion ni Lani nga gindampigan gid ang iya ginpangbungat nga mga tinaga.
(Pagatapuson)

2005-07-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

444Feature 333

Celebrating life

By Joy de Leon

Today’s modern set-up and the necessity of etching your own future hardly leaves room for families to be under one roof altogether at a given time. So what better excuse for a grand reunion than to celebrate life with more than just one happy occasion especially because the family is within hugging-distance.
The happy get-together of Fraternidad Mesenas Gonzales’ (wife of the late Atty. Julian Gonzales) family was a month-long bonding for siblings Manuel, Butch, Panoy, Bingboy, Kaylin Corre and Rose Fia Swartz. The ever-expanding brood of Lola Deding, as she is called now, included their spouses and children, and the whole clan that traces its roots from Antique.
All of the reasons for a life well-blessed were evident during a grand fete of sorts showcasing a debut party for not just one but two debutantes in the family - Valerie Kaye “Brite” Corre and Jeanine Julle Marie Gonzales. Both girls turned 18 this year while Mama is now a certified octogenarian.
The cousins were visions of youthful glam in their romantic white frocks and pinned-up tresses. Brite essayed designer Roy Sesbreño’s interpretation of a ball gown with an assymetrical strap on which beaded butterflies seem set to fly, symbol of a beautiful creature ready for its flight with destiny. Crystal beads dotted the bodice and lace ribonettes cascaded down the skirt. She wore a very elegant tiara of Swarovski crystals which was specially hand-made and flown in from the USA courtesy of her aunt, Melba Corre-Walz.
Jeanine donned Bingbing Sanchez’s version of a mystery of mint gown. The off-shoulder gown had a figure-perfect flowing cut. It was trimmed with a silky band of green smothered in sheer lace ruffles to give the effect of something more beyond the ivory hues. The shower of pearly beads on the fitted bodice matched Jeanine’s pearl cluster choker.
The American-born Jeanine is a first-year Computer Science student at the University of California in Sta. Barbara, USA. Brite is a well-traveled, second year nursing student at the West Visayas State University. Their invite-program was dubbed “18 is double trouble.”
The Sunset Terrace of Hotel del Rio that night of July 5 was filled with warm feelings of togetherness marked with lots of laughter and reminiscences among family and close friends. Music was provided by the G String Band. Guests went home with a CD collection of the girls' favorite songs complete with a collage of photos since they were kids.
The fun-filled night also ushered other family events like the christening of Ron and Rose Fia’s boys: Danny and twins Jules and Jerry; a blessing of the Corre’s new house-wing and the 52nd birthday of their LA-based brother, Butch.
"What is a friend? A single souldwelling in two bodies...."
- Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

2005-07-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

444 TOP STORIES 333

‘UNDER WATER’
TREÑAS DECLARES STATE OF CALAMITY

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

MORE than 10,000 families from 65 barangays in Iloilo City were displaced after a 15-hour rain caused massive floods in all districts in the city.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has declared the whole city under the state of calamity yesterday.
Latest records from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) show a total of 65 barangays around the city were submerged in water which displaced a total of 10,734 families.
Hardest hit was LaPaz district with 13 barangays under water; 12 barangays each in the Iloilo City Proper and Jaro areas were also flooded; Mandurriao - 11 barangays, Molo - 10 barangays, and Arevalo - 10 barangays.
The heavy rains began 7pm Tuesday and continued nonstop until 10am yesterday.
Claire Dignadice, CSWDO chief, said as early as 6am, several families from Barangays Kasing-Kasing and Villa Anita in Molo went to their office to seek help and relief goods.
Most of the stranded families reside near creeks and rivers which swelled due to heavy rains.
The same case happened to 471 relocatees in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo who were stranded in 3-foot deep floodwaters.
Rescuers from the Iloilo City Crisis Management Center and other volunteer rescue groups were deployed to evacuate the stranded families.
In the public cemetery in Barangay Tanza, Iloilo City Proper, 16 tombs collapsed due to heavy rains. Authorities later found out that the tombs did not have steel bars for structural support.
The City Health Office cautioned residents near the cemetery not to wade in the floodwaters as it might be contaminated with disease carrying elements.
The concrete fence of former city executive Pascual Espinosa’s residence in Barangay Navais, Mandurriao also caved in due to rushing waters from a nearby cemetery.
Also, the fence of the Philippine Army Finance Center in Barangay Taft North Mandurriao collapsed damaging in its wake the transmission line of Panay Electric Company in the area.
Passengers from northern line public vehicles had to wade in the muddy terminal in Barangay Tagbac, Jaro prompting Mayor Treñas to allow jeepneys and buses to transport their passengers to Jaro plaza.
The surgical ward of the West Visayas Medical Center also floated in floodwater while majority of schools in the city were forced to suspend their classes.
The crisis management center led by Engr. Jose Papa deployed dump trucks to ferry passengers stranded in Jaro, Molo and Lapaz.
As of 8pm last night, the CSWDO and the crisis center did not receive any report of casualties due to the flood.
Treñas admitted the flood did not result from overflowing of major bodies of water like the Jaro River but because of the city’s poor drainage.But he pinned his hopes on the soon to start flood control project which would eventually clear the city’s clogged sewers.

2005-07-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Big time pusher walks;
PDEA questions bail

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (Pdea) was surprised why a suspected drug pusher who was arrested in a raid Friday managed to post bail.
Cairoden Abdullah walked out of jail Wednesday after he fixed a P200,000-bail upon orders of Iloilo Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Rene Hortillo.
Abdullah was arrested after the Pdea recovered 11 grams of shabu from his residence in Leofel Subdivision in LaPaz.
It was Hortillo who issued the search warrant against Abdullah.
Last week, Abdullah’s lawyer Jose Senupe filed a motion to post bail with Hortillo which the latter entertained.
The hearing was set Monday but the prosecution did not submit a written opposition to Abdullah’s motion.
On Wednesday afternoon, Hortillo granted Abdullah’s motion to post P200,000 for his temporary liberty.
Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, Pdea 6 chief, said he is wondering why Hortillo granted Abdullah bail when they have yet to file charges against the suspect.
Balquin added Abdullah’s case is non-bailable due to the large quantity of shabu seized from his possession.
“Abdullah could be sentenced to reclusion perpetua or the death penalty if proven guilty. We don’t know why the court allowed him to post bail,” Balquin said.
However, Hortillo cited the right of an accused to post bail in allowing Abdullah to fix bail. He added the prosecution did not oppose the suspected pusher’s motion to post bail.
The City Prosecutor’s Office said they only received the court’s order to file a counter to Abdullah’s plea on Monday and “we have to coordinate with Pdea as regards the case.”
Yesterday, the Pdea finally filed the case against Abdullah for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Balquin said they will consider filing a motion to suspend Abdullah’s bail and return him to detention.
__

2005-07-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

No evidence, witnesses in Juada slay - PNP

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ALMOST a month after a division head of the Department of Education was brutally killed in a resort here, police are still groping in the dark for anything that would shed light on the crime.
“There is no evidence and there is no witness who wants to talk,” said Chief Supt. Doroteo A. Reyes II, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), when asked for developments in the case of Dr. Arthur Juada, Aklan school division superintendent.
But Reyes stressed the police would “continue to follow the leads we have to solve the case” after the fingerprints taken from the suspect reportedly failed to match those taken from the crime scene.
Earlier, investigators said they would file murder charges against the suspect in the gruesome murder of Juada.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-6) chief Senior Supt. Jose Jorge Corpuz said they were on the process of investigating the “special subject” of the case which focuses on the apprehension of the suspect whom authorities said they were tracking down.
“We have no direct testimony from witnesses and the evidences are just circumstantial,” Corpuz said. However, Corpuz added “we are gathering more evidence.”
Corpuz noted the suspect has been pinpointed already but “we can’t locate him” although, he hinted the suspect is just within the vicinity of the city.
Likewise, Corpuz pointed out they also had checked on the identity of persons who were present during the seminar in the resort but were not supposed to be there.
Juada, 58, of Barangay Dalipe, San Jose, Antique, was then attending the said seminar when he was discovered bathed in his own blood inside Room 216 of Punta Villa resort in Arevalo District on the morning of June 29.
PNP medico legal report bared Juada sustained about 93 wounds including stab wounds, abrasions and contusions.

2005-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

444 Face of the Day 333

Meet Mycah Margret Cudanin Toral, 20, of Boracay Island. She is a fresh graduate of BS Computer Science at the Adventist University of the Philippines. She is presently undergoing training at the Philippine Media Center to become an OIC country representative.

2005-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

444OPINION 333

Enigmatic Stance
By Tara Katherine Yap

Our sorry state

Five or six years ago, I met a Fil-Am in Los Angeles. Every inch of his body indicated that he is a Filipino. His hair is black, his skin is brown and his height must have been around 5’4”.
Surprisingly though, Mr. Fil-Am never acted liked a Filipino. He wore baggy pants and oversized gold chains. He spoke with flair the gangsta lingo, the typical language among Fil-Am youngsters. Along with the Armenian, Korean and Latino youngsters, he has been infected by the gangsta culture of the Black Americans from South Central Los Angeles. Of course, this is not only found in the West Coast. I’ve seen the same type of Fil-Ams in the East Coast. It was when my family briefly resided in New Jersey.
Nevertheless, Mr. Fil-Am seemed to detest his Filipino ancestry. Well, he could never deny being a Filipino. After all, he was born here. Since I don’t even remember his name, it’s a long shot of trying to remember where he is originally from. If not Metro Manila, then some place in Luzon.
At a party in West Covina, Mr. Fil-Am began ranting. I don’t know if he was intoxicated or was high on marijuana, but he really got the attention of partygoers. I don’t remember his exact words, but in the gangsta lingo, he yelled something like the Philippines is doomed!
I think the other folks at the party were surprised, but Mr. Fil-Am’s pronouncement gave them something to talk about. Thus, the party did not solely revolve around drinking Budweiser, munching on palabok and non-sense chikka session.
When the conversation turned a little more serious, I became silent. I sat back and listened to Fil-Ams bash our country. Some complained about the pollution. Some could not tolerate the undisciplined ways of Filipinos. Some never wanted to see the sight of little boys and girls knocking on a car window while trying to sell sampaguita. Some could not stomach families living in houses adjacent to railroad tracks or under bridges. Much worse, some vowed to never come back here.
What the Fil-Ams discussed reflected the state of our nation. I guess, it is still our state of the nation. This has been our state of the nation since as long as I can remember. The poor remains poor and the rich becomes more rich, more powerful, more corrupt, and more manipulative.
I never really got to watch or hear Ms. Pandak’s SONA last Monday. I only saw and heard the replays as well as reading her speech on-line.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah …
The words that came out of Ms. Pandak’s mouth were lies! Well, maybe half-baked truth. Or maybe white lies. Nonetheless, she lied. She was blabbering crap!
I couldn’t believe when wannabe prime minister who has big floppy ears led idiots into a round of @$$ kissing! Why the hell did they give Ms. Pandak a standing ovation?
A sane Filipino doesn’t have to be educated to realize the sorry state of our country. The poor folks living under bridges need not to see Ms. Pandak in a flashy blue gown. They need not to be baffled with her sugarcoated figures.
The Filipino people need to see the implementation of reforms. The Filipino people need to see tangible change. Thus, it should not just be idealistic words.
===
E-mail comments to zazel_7@hotmail.com

2005-07-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

444 V I S A Y A N 333

Krimen kag Kasuguan
Ni Antonio ‘Jun’ Joquino

Pilas Sang Kahapon

Ikap-at nga bahin
NATAPUNGAWAN si Lani sang mabatyagan nga may naghulid sa iya. Pagdumdom niya si Nanay niya nga nakapauli na halin sa ila tiyangge sa banwa, apang namulagmulagan sia sang mamurotan nga ang iya naman gali bayaw. Wala na ini sing panapton subong sang nakahanda na sa pagpatubayag sa linaw sang kalipay.
Kag, pareho sang natabu sang una kag sang ikaduha, ginhublasan sia sang bayaw, gintandug ang iya magtimbang nga dughan, ginpiripis ang mala-monggo pa lang sini nga korona. Iya man nabatyagan ang pagtampong sang palad sa iya sekswal nga organo.
“Pagkatapus, ano pa gid ya ginhimu ka akusado?” ang pangutana naman sang Hues sang makita nga daw nagaiklahag ang tagyamo sa pagsugpon.
Apang, tungod kay kinahanglanon ang detalyado nga pagpanaysayon sa subong sini nga kaso, ginpatay na lamang ni Lani ang iya kahuya.
“Ginsuok naman niya ang iya tunga-tunga nga tudlu sa akon p…tapus ang iya b…kag magtangkas sa akon,” kag liwat nga nag-agay ang pila ka bantuk sang luha sa iya pisngi, nga ginpahidan sang iya palad.
Nagyambi sia nga daw matiyabaw sa pagpanumdom liwat sang masakit nga iya inagihan.
Sang amo nga gab-i, waay man sia makasinggit sa pagpangayu sing bulig bangud gihapon sang kahadluk nga nag-ulipon sa iya pagkatawo.
Pagkatapus sang pagpakighilawas sa iya, nagbalik sa kaugalingon nga kuarto ang iya bayaw. Waay sia matulogi sing maayo tubtub nga nag-abut ang iya iloy. Waay niya ini ginsugidi sang natabu sa iya kay usik lamang sang laway sanglit nahadluk man ini sa akusado. Waay man niya ini ginsugid sa iya magulang nga babaye, mga kaklase ukon sa maestra niya ining natabu sang Enero 3, 1994.
MATAPUS yadtong ikatlo nga paghimulos, madugay nga waay ini ginsundi. Mag-ululopod sila sa isa lamang ka balay, kag halus sa tanan nga adlaw nagakitaay, apang daw pareho lamang nga wala sing natabu.
Tubtub nag-abut ang tuig 1997. Katorse anyus na si Lani. Isa na ka tinedyer. Kadaku na sang ginhib-ong sang iya lawas. Labi ini nga nangin makasulolay sa panulok sang iya bayaw nga si Pete. Nga nagadukot pirme ang mga mata sa pagtamud sa iya nagatiyundu na nga dughan bisan nga nabayuan ini, kag sa iya matanus nga mga batiis nga bulobulbulon.
Ini tanan ang nagpahanduraw kay Pete sang iya ginhimu anay nga pagpakighilawas sa manghud sang asawa. Sa kadugay na nga ginhidlaw sia kay Lani, labi na gid kay wala ang iya asawa. Didto sa Hongkong, nagpa-maid. Gani, daw nagbangag sia nga duta nga sa malawig nga panahon wala makatilaw sing tinulu sang ulan. Kag nabal-an niya nga si Lani gid lang ang makapatighaw sang iya kauhaw, ukon makabulong sang iya kahidlaw sa asawa nga didto sa abroad.
Agosto 15, 1997. Las 8:30 sa gab-i…
Nahukaw kag nakayasan si Lani sang mabatyagan nga daw may patalum nga nagaduon sa iya liug. Sang ginsipat niya, kon ano ini, iya nakita nga isa ka tenedor nga hugot nga ginakaptan sang iya bayaw.
“Hipus ka lang,” ang pahug sini samtang padayon nga ginataya ang tenedor sa iya.
Iya nabal-an nga bisan tenedor lang, pero masakit-sakit man ang agi sini kon makadulot. Gani, waay naman sia makatig-ik bisan nga may kaupod sia sadto sa kuarto nga amo ang ila atsay nga nagaedad sing kinse anyus, samtang ang iya iloy naman, didto sa pihak nga kuarto. Apang, pamatyag niya, daw wala lang sia sing kaupod sanglit lunsay indi niya masaligan para mapangayuan sing bulig. Nahadluk gani ang iya iloy, ayhan pa ang maid nila, nga waay gid makabugtaw asta natapus ang paghimulos sa iya.
(May Kasugpon)

2005-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

444 Top Stories 333

‘CON-ASS OR CON-CON?’
Treñas, Tupas divided over Cha-Cha, federal system

By Jeehan V. Fernandez and Francis Allan L. Angelo

TOP local officials agree on President Gloria Arroyo’s plan to change the form of government from presidential to federal–parliamentary but differed on how to go about such reforms and the timing.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas lauded Arroyo’s plan which she laid out in her state-of-the-nation address Monday, saying that the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) which he heads has been batting for a change in government from the presidential bicameral to parliamentary-federal since 2002.
Treñas explained the move is to do away with the gridlock in legislation since it takes two to three years for a law to be passed under the present system.
Treñas pointed out that under the federal system, most of the resources are retained at the regional level.
“Region 6 would be considered one federal state and we will enjoy our own resources. Manila is not the Philippines,” Treñas said citing the federal areas’ “independence” from the country’s capital city would give authority to the local government units (LGUs) decision-making powers and better delivery of social services to the people.
Reacting to Arroyo’s SONA, Treñas said the president outlined the achievements particularly in education, health and housing as well as the tax reform especially on the controversial expanded value added tax (EVAT).
Majority floor leader Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo also commended Arroyo’s stand on the proposed government shift saying “the present system is no longer workable”.
“Western Visayas could be a separate federal state with a stable and balance economy. The unitary-system with less bureaucracy would speed up governance,” Peñaredondo said.
Earlier, the LGUs in the region threatened to create a “Visayas Republic” when Arroyo is ousted through extra-legal means.
At the Iloilo Capitol, Gov. Niel Tupas said he agrees with the idea of tinkering with the constitution and the system of government “but it must be done through a constitutional convention and not (through) an assembly of legislators.”
“I have been a lawmaker for 17 years and I know how things work at the Congress. A constitutional assembly will only serve the purposes and interests of congressmen. We have to involve the people on this,” Tupas said.
The governor also said Arroyo is using the proposed reforms as smokescreen on the issues of corruption and fraud hounding her administration.
“The Sona was just a show, a political speech in a political rally. She did not discuss the ‘Hello Garci’ issue and other allegations of graft and corruption in her administration. The President only used her Sona to distract people’s attention from the real issues.”

2005-07-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

New fare increase looms

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ILONGGO commuters can expect another round of fare hike next month.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 6 has submitted to its national office a recommendation for a P1-fare increase for public utility jeepneys and buses.
The new rates will jack up the minimum fare of P6.50 for the first four kilometers to P7.50 and another P1 for the each succeeding kilometer.
The proposed increase stemmed from the petition of transport groups in Manila for another fare increase in the light of the successive increases in oil prices in the world market.
On July 22, this year, the LTFRB conducted a public hearing on the petition attended by transport groups in the city and province of Iloilo.
Apparently, not one in the transport sector opposed the proposed increase although Jun Abellon of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide sought for another public hearing.
“We also want to hear the side of the passengers in another forum. We are also sensitive to their needs and predicament,” Abellon said.
Atty. Porfirio Clavel, LTFRB 6 director, said he would forward today to LTFRB Manila the recommendation for fare increase.
“After 15 days, we will have a new fare rate depending on the decision of our central office. By the second week of August, we might effect another round of fare increase,” Clavel said.
This would be the second fare increase in just three months.
Last May, the LTFRB approved the P1-increase of the P5.50 minimum fare rate. But the said office decided to postpone the increase to middle of June due to the opening of classes.

‘RP economy good, politics bad’

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Blame it to our kind of politics.
A respected official of an institution promoting better public governance said it is “because of politics that the country’s economy can’t take off.”
“The Philippine economic record is good but the political system is bad,” stressed Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, president of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).
Estanislao was in Iloilo City for the July 26-27 forum on public governance and strategy.
“She (Arroyo) can’t separate economics from politics,” Estanislao pointed out in reaction to the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered Monday.
“There should be removal of politics in day-to-day administration of the government. Governance should be isolated from political consideration,” Estanislao said.
“We really are not moving very far as the fiscal crisis has not yet been addressed by the national government.”
“But on a positive side, I think calling for charter change finally is something we need to do,” Estanislao added.
He said Arroyo would get support from the people as the present system of government needs radical fixing.
Asked on what would be the best process for the realization of charter change, Estanilao said a constitutional convention is the “cleaner way” as the Senate would not agree to a constitutional assembly since “the Congress does not have credibility” to tackle the issue.
Estanislao pointed out that if Arroyo leads a transition government after the charter change, many people would be supporting her but the process must be “quick and short.”
He, however, said Arroyo has been “short on priorities.”
“She spoke brief on education, anti-terrorism and foreign relations which are the most critical issues for country’s progress.”
Likewise, he said Arroyo should have given more attention on “how to restore credibility on electoral process” and “there is a need for a revamp and computerization of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).”
“She didn’t even mention it (issues of the ‘Hello Garci’ conversations,” Estanislao said
Arroyo allegedly committed fraud in last year’s polls.
He said Arroyo’s presidency has been “compromised by controversy.”
“She tries to hang on without doing everything but for her to resign is too traumatic for the country,” Estanislao said.

2005-07-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

- Opinion -

Naked
By Peter Solis Nery

SONA, nude protest theatrics

Let’s do this one in a Q & A format. Because unlike some lame, lying president, I leave no doubts, and no questions unanswered.
Your comments about Mrs. Arroyo’s SONA.
As early as her second paragraph, when Mrs. Arroyo spoke of the “story” of our nation, I realized that her SONA was just another hopeful fiction. At least, she was rather blatantly clear about it. She was just telling a “story.”
What facts of economic improvement Mrs. Arroyo noted in her speech sounded very much like perpetuated lies to me. Veritable tall tales, feel good stories. She is a very good storyteller. But a very bad liar.
I am in agreement with many intelligent political analysts who said that Mrs. Arroyo’s SONA didn’t address the current realities of our country. I strongly agree that her evasiveness on the issues of the “Garci tapes” scandal, and the impeachment complaints against her, have, all the more, made her SONA just another waste of my time.
The economic story about a country poised for take off is a recurring promise. How long will it take for the Philippines to finally take off, Gloria? Until 2010 when your questionable term is over? Oh, we wish to take off. But not with you as our pilot!
The political story about a country whose system is so rotten that it poses as hindrance to progress is so very true. I only wish Gloria would stop telling stories, and realize that she is the biggest cause of this political problem. That she is the real hindrance to our progress!
Of course, this is no time for divisiveness. But who was the female voice in the tapes that caused this divisiveness in the first place?
So, you think that the SONA was just theatrics?
Bull’s eye!
Did you see the cheering squad in the gallery? I was told 36 mayors from Iloilo were there, and I just assume that their expenses were charged to government funds.
Well, if I were given free plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and other amenities, I would have added one more head in the count for a well-attended SONA. I would even have clapped my hands at some point. But not in the one minute, or so, before Mrs. Arroyo’s speech, not in all the 33 applause breaks in her 28-minute speech, not in the manner of the “GMA chant” at the end of the speech which was so “sipsip”, and especially not like Mr. De Venecia’s enthusiastic standing ovation. He looked like a clown, according to my dog.
What happened to your nude protest at the Arroyo fountain?
It rained, remember? Did you really want me to catch pneumonia?
Seriously, I dropped on the last minute not only because Mayor Treñas did not give me a permit but also because I got so frustrated with the Ilonggo public who thought that I was only in it for media attention.
I was so happy when other media outfits – from TV (notably ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, and GMA-7’s Ratsada), radio (Aksyon Radyo, and Bombo Radyo), and print (The Guardian), picked up my story. I even landed on the Philippine Daily Inquirer (story by Ma. Diosa Labiste).
But all the texted-in comments over the radio – morning, noon, and nighttime, just drove my family crazy. My parents were not poised for the intrigue. My mom warned me that she may live through my actual undressing at the Arroyo fountain, but what the stupid Ilonggos will say after that may just kill her.
Well, I am a good son. What good will it do if I gain the whole world and lose my mother?
F*ck this country! It’s hopeless, miserable, and clearly, going to the dogs.
Weren’t you afraid of losing your credibility when you decided not to go on with your nude protest?
I am not on trial here. Gloria Arroyo is!
I think that people should look at the efforts I made to get that permit as the greatest proof that I am the most credible writer in this region. That I live what I write.
Did you think it was easy to decide and see Mayor Treñas for the permit? What if he said yes?
Let us look at this chapter of my life in detail:
I don’t generally write for the op-ed pages. I am a lifestyle columnist. My writing is so out-of-the-box that new pages are created for me. What do you think is the “P” in Potpourri for?
Anyway, I couldn’t take anymore Mrs. Arroyo’s immoral holding on to power despite the mounting clamor for her resignation so I wrote “Gloria resign, or else…(I go nude at the fountain)”.
When it was finally published, my publisher and friends in the media asked, “Will you really do it?”
If only to prove my credibility, I said that I would. I went straight to get a permit for it.
After Mayor Treñas denied me a permit to go on a nude protest, the Iloilo radio and TV networks interviewed me. They wanted my story even if I told them that the mayor has already denied me a permit. Many of them believed in me, in the legitimacy of my protest, in my capacity to fulfill what I have promised. Their attention was a plain proof of my credibility among the media practitioners in the region.
It was clear to me why I said that I will go nude as a way of calling for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation: I wanted the Ilonggos, and all other people in the region, to look at the issue of Mrs. Arroyo’s moral ascendancy in the light of the “Hello, Garci” controversy. I felt many Ilonggos did not have a clear position, or even understanding, of the real issue.
I think that I have successfully realized what I was set to do. After my announcement, and all the radio and TV broadcast, everybody was talking about the GMA resign movement in the light of Peter Solis Nery’s nude protest.
And that’s when you decided to drop the nude protest?
Very honestly, can you tell me what else can my nudity do to help this country?
I know that many people wanted to see me naked. And they may not even be thinking about my “Gloria resign” cause. Some people just want me to become some object of public ridicule and derision.
Well, I am more intelligent than the average Ilonggo. And I want to keep it that way.
I am a reasonable man, and I understand nationalism more than any of my detractors. Only a pervert nationalist would really insist to see me naked, and say that it is for the good of this country!

2005-07-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

The Right Fit
By Atty. Kune Panes

Of civility and subversive applause

FOR me, it was not “fake civility.” Senate President Franklin Drilon was just true to form, to his stand and to his conviction that La Gloria should resign. It would have been fake civility for Drilon if he did what House Speaker Jose De Venecia and the rest of pro-administration members of both houses of Congress and local leaders did—applauding La Gloria 33 times, five of which made in standing ovation. Drilon was just doing a ministerial function of his office. He had no option. He must open jointly with De Venecia the joint session of the 13th Congress. It was not a time for tsikahan. Drilon’s civility was not tsika or a fake one. I may not have a personal liking for Drilon, but in fairness to the man, what he did at the SONA was right and in harmony with his political stand and conviction.
What was there to applaud or be happy about for Drilon and the millions of Filipinos who have no more trust in a president who can lie to us without blinking an eye? What is in charter change that should send us to ecstacy knowing it is just a device for the graceful exit of an unpopular presidency? What was there in the words of La Gloria in her SONA that we Filipinos should be thankful for? The “four million jobs” when statistics shows that unemployment has risen to its historic high? Thus, the applause of La Gloria’s solons was not in harmony with reality. They, too, are all guilty by association. They, too, subverted the truth.
Why should we be happy about charter change through constituents assembly? Even the administration’s reference to it as “con-ass” gives us two ugly words—”con” which means criminal, and “ass” which meaning we all know—that together will surely subvert the will of the Filipino people in deciding who will represent them in such a drastic change in our government set-up as proposed by La Gloria.
Can we still trust the present administration-controlled Congress in changing our government set-up from republican-democratic to an indirect democracy like the parliamentary system of government? With the kind of attitude of the present membership of Congress, we must be having a new prime minister at least once a month. Federalism? Unless we have a history like the United States’ federalism will not prosper in this country. What decent life can federalism and the parliamentary system promise us with a widespread squalor existing side by side in this country which continues to be uneasy?
As I said, we are continually punished by the heavens because of our wickedness. I received an email from my brother in the U.S. after he, too, heard the SONA. He writes: “Moses took tens of thousands of Isralites out of Egypt and because of their wickedness in the hearts, God distanced himself on several occasions.... only a few of them reached the promise land. God allowed their enemies to consume them in the wilderness. Remember they were in the wilderness for 40 years, enough for old age and their enemies to anihilate them. Most of the emails circling around ask for prayer for the Philippines. I said what will prayer do? (Just to strike a forceful argument!)... then a big time discussion comes up but immediately most are tight-lipped on this issue: ‘Draw near to the Lord and the Lord will draw near to you.’ James said, ‘The prayer of a righteous man (or a people) availeth much. You have to be a clean vessel to receive the blessing of God.” Look at La Gloria when she attends mass. She acts every inch a publican.
La Gloria’s SONA and her legislative priority of charter change shows us her state of mind. It should have been SOMA (State of the Mind of Arroyo), not SONA. What state of the nation did she tell us? The story about two Philippines? A story is just a story. A story may not be the reality. La Gloria writes the story of the two Philippines. It is just her story. But the reality is that unemployment is on its highest in her reign and more Filipinos than before go hungry every day. This is the reality of the one Philippines in its saddest and sorry state in the entire history of the Filipino nation.
There is always something behind every word she says that, all in all, sum up to her determination to subvert the popular will, if only to stay in power and come out with a photo-finished image of a “clean” president. Did not Richard Nixon declare to the American nation “I am not a crook”? As the saying goes, when a public official says it’s not for the money, it is for the money.
First she said she welcomes the impeachment proceeding. But instead of welcoming the impeachment complaint when it was already there, La Gloria belittled the amended complaint for not having acquired the required number of votes to automatically transmit it to the Senate. She sends us mixed signals everyday. Meaning, ayaw pahuli ng buhay.
The Marcos constitution of 1973 was made through a constitutional convention because it changed our system to parliamentary. The Aquino constitution of 1987 which brought us back to a bicameral Congress was made through a constitutional commission which members were appointed by the President. If we find a lot of loopholes in the 1987 constitution, it is because it was made by a few men of the President. We have our lessons in the 1987 constitution. Why make the same blunder through a constituent assembly. The voice of the people must be heard. This is democracy.The present Congress membership were voted by the people not to draft a new constitution but to make laws based on the constitution. They are in office because of politics. Drafting a constitution involves drafting the life of a nation. We cannot put it in the hands of politicians. If we do, the heavens will continually punish us.

2005-07-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

- Visayan -

Krimen kag Kasuguan
Ni Antonio ’Jun’ Joquino

Pilas Sang Kahapon

(Ikatlo nga Bahin)

NAGDULOG anay sa pagpanaysayon si Lani kag nagnguyngoy sa pagpanumdom sang labing masakit nga inagihan sa iya kabuhi san-o una nga naguba ang iya pagka-virgin sa kamut pa sang iya bayaw ukon bana sang iya magulang nga babaye. Nagbatyag sia sing kahilas sa tagsa ka pamangkut sang Hues sa iya tungod sa ginautitid gid sini sa iya nga isugid ang tagsa ka hulag sang suspetsado kag sang ginabatyag niya mismo.
“Daw ano kadugay ya pagdusu-butong kang suspetsado?” ang pamangkut sang Hues.
“Tama kadugay, Senyor Hues,” ang iya sabat nga nagaluha pa.
“Ano ang imo ginbati?”
“Tama kasakit…”
“Waay gid ya si Nanay mo kabatyag nga yara man lang sa tupad n’yo?” ang pamangkut liwat sang Hues.
“Kabugtaw gani sia, p’ro nahadluk man hay ginpakitaan ka stainless nga sundang.”
“Ano ya ginhimu ka akusado tapus katong insidente?”
“Naggwa kag nagbalik sa hiligdaan ya sa pihak nga kuarto.”
Pagkasunod nga adlaw, waay man makapanugid ang mag-iloy natungod sa insidente sa magulang kay nahadluk sila kuno nga pamatyon sang akusado.
Ang ikaduha nga paglugos, ang ginsaysay man ni Lani sing talaid…
Oktobre 9, 1993, takna mga las 11:00 sa gab-i, nagakatulog sia kahulid ang iloy sa amo gihapon nga kuarto. Namuragmuragan sia pagkabatyag nga may naghigda sa iya kilid. Sang iya udlingon, si Pete nga iya bayaw! Kag nakayasan sia sang ginpakitaan naman sia sing stainless nga sundang, gani waay man lang sia makatig-ik sang ginlamas naman sini ang iya magtimbang nga dughan nga sa tiempo nga ato nagapalamusog pa. Sang ginlantaw niya ang iloy, mahamuok iya ang katulogon sini.
Kag, gin-umpisahan naman nga tandugon sang bayaw ang iya sekswal nga kinatawo diin waay pa gawa nagpali ang pilas nga gintuga sang una nga paghimulos sa iya. Nagpaurok-urok naman ini sing tama kadugay samtang ginahalukhalukan sia. Sang indi na maantus ang paghara-hara sang balatyagon, inubahan sia sing T-shirt, short kag panty. Ginsampawan kag ginkubo-kubohan. Tungod sang pag-uyog-uyog sang ginahigdaan nila, nahukaw ang katulogon sang iloy. Iya nakita nga naghulag ini kag nakatulok sa ila samtang yara sa makasalaw-a nga situasyon. Ginhadlukan man ang iya iloy sa pagsabdong kay gintayaan man ini sang akusado sing sundang, gani nga naghigda lang ini sing patalikud.
Pagkatapus sang paghimulos, naggwa sa kuarto ang akusado kag nagbalik sa kaugalingon nga kuarto diin manamit iya ang tulog sang iya magulang nga si Sheila.
Sang masunod nga adlaw, waay gihapon makapanugid ang mag-iloy sa iya magulang bangud gihapon sang kahadluk sa mga pamahug sang akusado.
Sa pihak sang mapait nga inagihan, padayon gihapon ang eskuela nii Lani. Apang, waay gid sia mag-uloistorya parte sini sa iya mga classmate ukon sa iya man mga maestra bangud sang kahadluk kag kahuya.
TUBTUB nag-abut ang Marso 25, 1993. Naghiwat sang iya ika-11 nga kaadlawan si Lani. Nagdumdom na sia nga indi na masulit yadtong una kag ikaduha nga insidente sa iya kabuhi, sanglit madugay na yadto natabu kag ayhan, sa iya lamang paghaumhaom, nakabinagbinag ang iya bayaw sang ginhimu sini nga malain batuk sa iya.
Apang, sang Enero 3, 1994, mga las 9 ang takna sa gab-i…
Gab-i na, waay pa gihapon ang iya iloy kay may tiyangge na ini sa poblasyon sang Patnongon nga mga 300 metros ang kalayuon gikan sa ila balay. Masami nga nagakagab-ihan gid man si Tia Gory sa pagpauli kay mabakal ang iya tiyangge. Kapin pa, may nagainum-inum nga mga kustomer nga kon san-o oras sila makatapus, amo ang pagpanira sang iya iloy. Gani, masami man nga nagauna sia sa pagtulog nga waay na ginahulat ang pag-abut sini.
Waay mabatyagi ni Lani nga may nagdagus nga landong sang isa ka lalake sa ila hulot kag nagtukis sang moskitero diin sia nagakabihangan sa pagtulog.
(May Kasugpon)

2005-07-27T02:40:00.000-07:00

Feature

St. Zita Training and Development Center
Gateway to serve others and quality education

By Ronelo S. Ladiao
Photo by Alex Carlo S. Magno

The patroness of server, St. Zita is the inspiration behind the dream of this newly opened training and development center to educate, transform lives and serve others. St. Zita is an Italian slave saint born in Mon Sagroti, Italy in 1218 who served the Fatinelli family for her entire life. Her remarkable compassion for the helpless and the miracle of San Frediano Church Bells made way for her canonization as a saint in 1696.
Located at Mezzanine, ATM Business Center Cor. Ledesma/Jalandoni Sts., St. Zita held its inaugural and blessing November 12, 2004 which was a well-attended by event.
This training center mainly offers caregiver course for those who plan to work abroad and earn handsome salaries. Since caregiver course is an in-demand gateway to making the lives of many Filipinos better, St. Zita is equipped with complete facilities, spacious laboratories and classrooms conducive for the six-month training and learning of its students. In fact, the St. Zita’s caregiver course is TESDA registered as it meets all the requirements.
They also offer other short courses and summer classes. Last summer, they brighten up the lives of their students through their Painting Class with Bob Zoluaga, Theater Arts and Dance class with Kevin Piamonte, Bob Rodrigeiz and Romie John Delariarte, English grammar and business writing with Kevin Piamonte and Bob Rodriguez, Belly Dancing with Faith Javellana, Basic French with Cossi Sognonvi, No Bake Goodies with May Ng and finally, Social Graces with Teresa Jereza.
At present, the new offering of St. Zita and one-of-its-kind in the region is Medical Transcription course, which translates audio files into hard copy medical record. Since we are now living in the computer era, typewriter was replaced by computers as transcription equipment. Right now, the Medical Transcriptionist career is fast growing worldwide and St. Zita hopes to produce a skilled work force to meet the demands of the times. St. Zita is a member of the Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines (MTIAPI).
If you want to change your life and career, St. Zita is your best choice to learn and prepare for your future. It boasts of highly trained and competent instructors, comprehensive on-the-job training program, job placement assistance, fully air-conditioned lecture and laboratory rooms, flexible class schedule, cost effective with easy payment options and a family-like staff to cater all your needs.
Ma. Inez Ng, St. Zita’s Directress, and PR Director Margot Banaag is truly proud of the quality education they provide for their clientele and students. In fact, their mission is to transform the lives of people to emulate the apostolate life of St. Zita, prayerful and “other-people-oriented” institutions.
So decide and worry no more of getting the best gateway for your bright future by attending their free orientation every Saturday at 9:30-10:30am. St. Zita is the answer for your dreams and aspirations in life. Enroll now and empower yourself with competitive skills!
For further inquiries, you may reach them through these numbers: telephone- 337-2110 or mobile-09197746488.
(Email the writer at rslphoenix@yahoo.com)

2005-07-26T12:06:00.000-07:00