con't... (message board 95)

Name:   League of 16
Address:   Manila
Date:   04 Nov 2009

source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=519706&publicationSubCategoryId=107

16 'cities' request IRA share as cities
By Liv G. Campo (The Freeman) Updated November 02, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - The 16 cities, whose status have been questioned by the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) are now asking the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to return to them their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

This came after the Supreme Court directed the LCP to respond to the motion for reconsideration and pleading of the 16 cities.

Naga, Cebu Mayor Valdemar Chiong, whose city is one of the 16, said that they can’t just sit down and wait for the next step, as the High Tribunal order to the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) is “very clear” that the they are still officially cities, hence, they still deserve their IRA as cities back.

It was on the second quarter of this year when the DBM started slashing down the share of the 16 cities from the national income despite that there is no final decision by the Supreme Court yet.

The SC in a decision dated November 18, 2008 has declared unconstitutional the laws creating the 16 cities as they did not meet the income requirement to become such.

The said ruling however is not final and executory as the aggrieved parties were allowed to file a motion for reconsideration.

The Supreme Court en banc in a resolution last September 29, has asked the LCP “to comment” on the motion and pleading within 10 days of the receipt of the notice.

Chiong said before the 10 days had expired, the LCP had asked a 10-day extension.

Their response has already been submitted but is yet to be reviewed.

Meanwhile, DBM has also asked the SC regarding the status of the 16 cities.

In an earlier interview, SC spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said that the city status of the 16 local government units remains on “status quo” while the court has still not made its November 18, 2008 decision final and executory.

He even asked that the aggrieved party to raise their issue on the reduced IRA to the court for appropriate action.

Naga, Cebu started receiving the slashed IRA since May, wherein its remaining 20 percent IRA for that month was never released.

The IRA is released monthly in two tranches – 80 percent for the second week of the month, and the 20 percent on the following week.

Naga’s monthly share is P18 million, but only 80 percent was released in May. The same also followed for the succeeding months.

Meanwhile, DBM’s query was supposed to be tackled by the SC en banc last Tuesday, but was postponed due to a lack of quorum.

The other local governments, who status as cities are being questioned are Bogo, Cebu; Carcar, Cebu; Baybay, Leyte; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; and El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. – /NLQ (THE FREEMAN)

Name:   GIJOE
Address:   Catbalogan, Samar
Date:   30 October 2009

TO: ALL SAMARNON

It is with great joy to write down few lines to share my thoughts of the upcoming fever. I don't mean above normal body temperature - what I mean are the cold christmas fever and the hot election fever. Nonetheless, each one feels it, coldly or hotly.
With these two exciting events, I could not help but be nervous of its outcome if we Samarnons will not be actively involved in whatever capacity. For christmas, its time for healing and reconciliation among those we have trespassed; while for the 2010 election - its time to select and vote politicians who have the strong political will to develop Samar.

For the past nine years, Samar had been in poverty! Health services for the poor was unreachable. Why? The Samar provincial Hospital had been operating like a clinic - Philhealth did not recognize it to be accredited because of the lack of necessary facilities and doctors. A patient will be required to buy their own thing (cotton, needles, etc. Those who need to be referred to hospitals in Tacloban must buy their own gasoline and pay the driver in order to save life. How about for those who can't afford all these things? Death is expected.

If you had visited the Basey District Hospital and Gandara District Hospital, you will not believe you are in a hospital. No water, no electricity, no ambulance, no medicines! My God, unbelievable! These hospitals do not accept patients to be confined, only those with bruises.

Ask the farmers and fishermen - What assistance do they get from the government? One kilo rice and 1 noodles for an hour or two of falling in line under the heat of the sun. Do you think this is what they should get? They are thought of indolence!

However, Samarnons had the opportunity to distinguish WHO IS WHO that has the heart to deliver good public service. November 10, 2008 was the beginning of a time-bounded quality service because it has to end by February 10, 2009 - the 90-day SUSPENSION OF GOV. MILA TAN.

Comments from east to west, north to south were all on the air cursing the lady governor, hoping against hope that she would not go back to her suspended seat.

With ACTING GOV. JESUS REDAJA on his temporary seat as Chief Executive –

Hospitals were reborn to the true hospital needed by the poor people - medicines, oxygen tanks were filled, new beddings and the like were in place and health workers were happy attending their patients because benefits due for them was on the air.

Farmers were kindled with a hearty feeling that they are not forgotten by Acting GOV JESS REDAJA because seeds - rice, corn vegetables were given free. Even hand tractors were given to some farmers. AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT I AM NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED A FARMER IF GOVERNANCE IS LIKE WHAT JESUS REDAJA ENVISIONS.

For the employees, they are more than happy because Christmas 2008 was abundant. The additional bonus of Php12,000; the 10% salary increase and the travelling allowance were all paid.

TO YOU SAMARNON, MAY I POSE THIS QUESTION: HOW WILL YOU BE ABLE TO DISTINGUISH QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE? IS IT THE 90 DAY PERIOD OR THE 9 YEARS OF THE LADY GOVERNOR?

TO ALL OF US I WOULD SAY:

TRUST JESUS AND HE WILL GUIDE US TO SAVE US FROM POVERTY!

TRUST JESUS AND QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE IS AT OUR HAND'S REACH!

TRUST JESUS AND WE WILL NOT BE HAVING "MONALIZA HOSPITALS"!

TRUST JESUS AND HE WILL HELP US TO BE PRODUCTIVE FARMERS!

TRUST JESUS B. REDAJA!

HOLDING ON TOGETHER WILL NEVER LET OUR DREAMS FALL APART. . . .

Name:   Segundina Abiertas-Cajara
Address:  #3 Kagawad Rd.Talanay Area A, Batasan Hills, Quezon CIty
Email:   daragamea@yahoo.com
Date:   Oct. 27, 2009

Naaro ako hin tambulig haiyo mga igkasi ko mga Samarnon ug Leytenon.

Kon hin-o man it nakakakilala kan Pesing (Felicidad Sabanat Abiertas) ug Romy Mabisa dida ha Villareal Samar, alayon la pag email ha akon or pagsurat para ko makita iton akon bugto hi Pesing. Madugay na nga waray kami pagkikita maabot na mga 50 anyos. Duro na it ak kahidlaw haiya...

Nagpapasalamat ako nga daan haiyo ngatanan labi na hiton bumubuo hini nga website, naglalaum ako nga magkikita kami nga magbugto sa pamamagitan niyo.

Mr. Ray Gaspay alayon la pag panawagan sa programa niyo "PANGINANOA DAW" ug damo la nga Salamat.

Name:   Jing Aragon Villarin
Address:   Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Email:   javillarin@yahoo.com
Date:   October 26, 2009

It is with unbelievable sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Aldwin Baccol on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the age of twenty years old. He leaves to mourn his death: father, Sonny Baccol; stepmom, Thelma Penaranda; sisters Charina and Chloe and many loving extended family. Aldwin was predeceased by his mother, Fe Osit. Aldwin was at his final year at RTR taking up Nursing when he was killed by an unidentified killer(s) after attending the fiesta at Sagkahan, Tacloban City. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Name:   Eduard
Address:   Kumsanri Waegwan, Taegu, Kyongsangbukto, South Korea
Email:   ed_bantang@yahoo.com
Date:   10/26/09

Maupay nga adlaw o gab-i ha iyo ngatanan mga igkasi ko waraynon... mapakiana gadla ako kon maaram kamo hit nga kanta nga may-lyrics nga "kon ipananglit mo an usa bukad madahon marampag mga dahon higlapad an usa nga buyog ha bukad mahapon makopkop hin dayon kay hinihigugmaon..." asya la ine it ak maaram nga lyrics... hin-o dawla it maaram hine bisan title hin nga kanta...

Name:   Alvin de Veyra Abejuela
Address:   San Francisco St., Barangay 08, Ubanon District, Catbalogan, Samar
Email:   kabaguhanhansamar@yahoo.com
Date:   October 23, 2009

FROM: "KABAG-UHAN HAN SAMAR: AKO AN MAGTITIKANG!"
TO: ALL SAMARNONS

Poverty had been a major problem in our country and it hindered change and success to take place. But the core of our problem is not really poverty, but “peoples’ values” which resulted from corrupt, selfish, and greedy desires accompanied with false and short thinking that had trapped us and our fellow Filipinos in our current situation. From this realization we dare to make a move to open the eyes of our Co-Filipinos.

As residents of Samar, we desire to make change in our province to create impact and become catalyst for change. This is the core reason of having a program that will touch lives and make change: “KABAG-UHAN HAN SAMAR: AKO AN MAGTITIKANG!” The radio program with the heart to educate, equip and bring change and hope in the Province of Samar continues to expand its influence and reach lives through wide broadcast of information, learning and teachings that will mold ones character, uplift peoples’ abilities and potential and encourage the Samarnons that there is still hope for change in our beloved Province of Samar. The radio program: “KABAG-UHAN HAN SAMAR: AKO AN MAGTITIKANG!” runs with the vision for change with passion to serve our fellow Samarnons and entice them to step-up and contribute for the welfare of our province Samar.

The radio program is aired at AKSYON RADYO DYMS 1044h on the following schedules: Monday to Tuesday - 8:00-9:00PM, Wednesday to Thursday - 9:00-10:00PM, Saturday 9:00-10:00AM

If you want change get involve with the purpose of this movement. For memberships and involvement, contact the following numbers: 09297669689 and 09284611324 or e-mail us at: kabaguhanhansamar@yahoo.com.

Let us join together in uplifting the image of our beloved province Samar and eradicate any form of malign and vicious ways that would worsen our current situation. Let be our hearts desire that Samar would become the number one (#1) province of the Philippines.

Name:   Tonyboy Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   10-22-09

Real Issues Against Gilbert Teodoro

Gibo Teodoro is still in the bottom of the presidential surveys but he is the official candidate of Palaka (Partido Lakas Kampi) which boasts of having 80 to 85% of local officials in their fold. Whether he will win the presidency or not is still a big question. But, here are some of the non-issues that we should simply ignore: (1) He has an Imeldific wife. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro is not only beautiful but also rich. What's the problem with that? The jealous few just cannot accept the fact that Nikki is much even more beautiful than Imelda. Not all beautiful women are evil and not all rich women are evil as well. (2) He does not have the masa appeal. Well can you blame Teodoro when he was born in a household of abundance? His mom is Danding Cojuangco's sister and an heiress of one of the most prominent clans in our country. (3) He is alligned with the incumbent President Arroyo. The good thing about Gibo's stand is that he is proud to be alligned with the present occupant in Malacanang. Despite some people trying to paint it as a kiss of death, Gibo is proud of his association with Arroyo. Despite Arroyo's negative public perception ratings, Gibo stands out as one who is willing to be go with Arroyo to hell or somewhere else.

There are some serious issues that he needs to wrestle with. Here are the issues: (1) How can he assure our people that his Cojuangco clan led by his uncle, Danding Cojuangco, will not monopolize business opportunities in our country just as they did during the time of Marcos. Can he brave enough to disagree with his uncle to return the coconut levy fund gobbled up by Danding to the real owners of that fund---the coconut farmers? (2) As Defense Secretary, he was not successful in eliminating the threat of Abu Sayyaf in the south, what has he done wrong in pursuing that goal? Also, there have been several extra-judicial killings of journalists and political activists purportedly by military personnel, what has he done as head of the department tasked to protect the rights of the people to exist in a democratic society to uncover the mystery of state-sponsored killings? (3) Will he prosecute Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his boss, to answer for the many crimes she might have committed while in office like the Hello Garci controversy, the fertilizer scam, the National Broadband Network controversy, the Macapagal Blvd mess, and many other big item controversies?

Gibo's position being the administration's jockey is difficult. But for him to get your vote, let him answer for that three questions first. Otherwise, expect the same mess we will be in if he wins the election in 2010.

Name:   Jessilito J. Perez
Address:   c/o Pedison Printing Press, 2216 Zapiro St., Sn Andress Bukid, Manila
Email:   borandayperez@gmail.com
Date:   Oct 20, 2009

Maupay nga adlaw ha iyo ngatan nga mga taga Catbalogan. Mga bactch 78 St. Mary's College pagnakita niyo ine nga email ko pls reply ha akon for more than 30 yrs na kita wary magkita I missed you guys out there. Damo nga salamat.

Name:   Rolly Militante
Address:   San Salvador St. Brgy Arado, Palo, Leyte
Email:   militante.rolando@yahoo.com
Date:   Oct 19. 2009

My sincere condolences to the Osit family on the demise of their brother Cris Osit. I had the opportunity of working with him at Rustan Pulp and Paper Mills, Inc. in Pasong Tamo, Makati in the early seventies. I was privileged to be his friend. He was instrumental in having me lived at their house in Moriones, Tondo. I lost contact of him and his brothers Fiddie and Nanding when I left for the States. Ever since I have been trying to locate all of them for I owe them so much gratitude for giving me roof over my head. They are very nice family. I consider them as my brothers. I hope Mana Pat Osit Aragon will read this. My landline is 053-323-5467. Pls contact me asap. By the way when is the burial of Cris?

I was just in Catbalogan last Oct.17 for a wedding. I even ask Msgr. Jun Cinco about Mana Pat Osit in Gandara. Thank you and regards.

Name:   Tonyboy Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   10-18-2009

Real Issues Against Manny Villar

Manny Villar has been pulled down repeatedly by his political nemesis because of his upsurge in the polls. With his billions of dollars at his disposal, he has been critized for his early campaigning thru infomercials. Here are some of the nasty issues that are at all non-issues against Villar: (1) He is rich. So what if he is rich? He made billions of pesos by selling low-cost houses to middle class families. We should encourage people to be entrepreneurial so they can escape poverty. Manny Villar showed us thru sheer sipag at tiyaga and of course some astute moves. (2) He is a traditional politician. Well, almost all politicians in this country are traditional politicos. Only Antonio Trillanes can say that he is not a traditional politico because he was able to win a Senate seat without campaigning using the traditional ways. Winston Churchill is a classic traditional politician who rallied the US and Britain to defeat the Nazis in Europe without using his back-slapping and backroom negotiation skills, considered as traditional political skills, the world would have been different. (3) He is liable of premature campaigning. Well, politicos who are envious of Manny would say that he has been campaigning prematurely with his TV and radio ads. I think that it is not an issue unless it is violative of the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code. If he has the money to do it, then he can do it as long as it is within the bounds set by law. Those who are jealous just doesn't have the money at their disposal. I'd rather have Manny Villar talk about sipag at tiyaga than have senators pose as models or endorsers of products. Which do you think is more appropriate? A senator of the republic posing as a model for a whiskey, a senator endorse a whitening cream, a senator doubling as a TV or movie star, or a senator endorsing a beauty clinic.

Having said that, Villar has to explain his side on the following important issues. His failure to explain may cause his presidential ambition. Here are the issues: (1) His involvement in the anomalous double insertion of the C5 Extension project in the budget for the benefit of his companies at the expense of the government is a serious issue. While he tried his best to dodge the ball, he has to explain in clear terms. His tactic of not appearing in a Senate inquiry may be a good short-term defense as shown that he never slid in the SWS polls during that time yet he has a serious integrity issue problem. If you have nothing to hide, you can defend your self in any public forum. Now, he remains tainted by the suspicion that he earned billions of pesos in transactions with the government. As senate president, he was in a position to influence lower government officials, was there breach of that public trust? (2) His non-appearance in those investigations may be short-sighted. The bigger issue is whether somebody with the stature of Sen. Villar would follow the same mode of operation as the current president. Arroyo showed the whole world how to defy legal inquiry hiding behind the cloak of executive privilege. When Villar petitioned the Supreme Court to repeal the executive orders of Arroyo not to allow officials to appear before the Senate, was he merely lip-synching? Deep in his heart, he wants to just ignore the majesty of public trust. He is okay if he wants to investigate but not when he is being investigated. (3) Can he govern effectively when his alliances with his new recruits to his fold are due to their knowledge that Villar has the goods? Villar is the "unofficial candidate" of the administration. Those incumbent congressmen, governors, mayors, and other local officials who are alligned with the administration will eventually cross to the Nacionalista Party, the grand old party of Philippine politics. With the support of the same scalawags who propelled Arroyo to power, will he be able to effect change?

Manny Villar should answer these issues.

Name:   Edgar Caceres
Address:   New Jersey, USA
Email:   CEdgar51@aol.com
Date:  17 October 2009

Sometime ago, I read a well written article re the life and times of the only senator from the Waray waray area… actuallly he was from Samar. The famous or infamous (depend whom you ask)... SENATOR AVELINO (forgot his first name). Famous for being a great labor and political leader from the Visayas… who almost became a Presidential candidate. Infamous for "allegedly" being quoted to have said the infamous statement "WHAT ARE WE IN POWER FOR?!". My great uncle (grandma's only brother), we called "LOLO MOMOY LAUZON", was a close associate/friend of Senator Avelino. They were in the thick and thin of the political maneuverings during the Pres. Quirino's time. He was one of the Senator Avelino's supporter when the Liberal PArty under Pres. Quirino split. Lolo Momoy Lauzon was proudly wearing the a tag of somekind... saying "AVELINO WING". The two having been great labor leader since their time in workers organizing in Leyte and Samar… to their time in the anti-American peasant/workers organization SAKDALISTA… worked for the passage of diff. labor laws. Eventually a bureau under the then Department of Interior was organized… BUREAU OF LABOR... which later became what is now known as DEPARTMENT OF LABOR and EMPLOYMENT.

The LAUZON part of Lolo Momoy established themselves in the then small town of Makati. One of his son became a high ranking police officer in Makati City. I wanted to get copy of the article re Senator Avelino… I checked this site... but could not find it anymore. I hope Mr. Gaspsy that you point its whereabout in this site. We even have an old foto of my Lolo Momoy Lauzon taking oath as Director of the then Bureau of Labor with Senator Avelino witnessing the oath taking. Salamat nga daan.

Read article about Jose Avelino:  A Heartbeat Away from the Presidency

Name:   Tonyboy Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   10-16-09

Real issues against Noynoy Aquino

Many people have been trying to pull down the skyrocketing candidacy of Sen. Noynoy Aquino for president. He just topped the latest SWS survey. Here are some of the non-issues: (1) On the issue of his personal looks, that one is petty. Abraham Lincoln may not be the handsomest politico during his time but he ended up being the best president the US ever had. I'd rather have a balding president than a lying president. (2) On the issue of his lack of masa appeal, well Erap merely squandered the adulation of the masa. I'd rather have a president who is aristocratic than someone who is only fooling the masses. (3) On his unimpressive resume, well Marcos was bar topnotcher and has risen from being congressman to senator to senate president and then to the presidency but he was eventually consumed by power and became greedy. His impressive resume eventually earned him the second most corrupt leader/greediest leader of the world. So when you look at Noynoy as an average guy with no appealing personality, think of Abraham Lincoln. When you doubt his experience, think of Marcos. When you think he is aloof, think of Erap.

There are so many issues hurled against him but I only consider three issues that are salient in our decision to vote for or against him. Here are the issues:

(1) Can he implement a true and effective agrarian reform program with his family's unsatisfactory handling of Hacienda Luisita? He mentioned that he may voluntarily give away their hold of the hacienda but is he sincere about that? Can he truly be for genuine agrarian reform?

(2) Can he say no to many Kamag-anak, Inc.? During his mom's presidency, the Cojuangcos, the Sumolongs, and the Aquinos ruled the land. Can he effectively close and slam the door on the faces of his uncles, aunties, cousins, and other relatives who are hungry for power?

(3) Can his integrity and character and his pedigree as son of a hero and a restorer of democracy enough so he can govern effectively? Does he have the resolve to do the things he should do to right the wrongs in our nation?

If Noynoy can answer these issues satisfactorily, then I think that he could be the better candidate among the frontrunners.

Name:   Ryan
Address:   USA
Email:   ryan_sanfran@yahoo.com
Date: October 14, 2009

I am trying to find out the status of Ms. Marissa Mercader she lives in the vicinity Calbayog City. If anyone has information regarding her please let me know I am a good friend and am worried because I have not been able to contact her. Thank you.

Name:   X.P Mendoza
Address:   Manila, Philippines
Email:   jhanjhan28@yahoo.com
Date:   oct. 14 2009

Tanung lng,,, ha Daram Samar gumagana ba it Smart Bro or Globe Tatoo ha Daram? Mag bbkasyon kz ako then im plan ko dalhin laptop ko,, if ever merun ngang ISP ha Daram,,, pls email me

Name:   Market Residents and bus. owners
Address:   Barangay 11, Catbalogan, Samar
Email:   mamertog@yahoo.com
Date:   October 11, 2009

To All Concerned:

Please be informed that we the residents and business owners in Public Market, Meat section, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines is hereby complaining about the uncontrolled noise made by this grinding machines from Grinding businessess in one forth (1/4) part of this meat section located at Barangay 11, Public Market, Catbalogan City.

It's a long period of time that we are so disturbed this uncontroled noise coming from this grinding machines since they start thier businesses at this area. We are already complaining this matter to the office of the Mayor long time ago, but no action is being made.

We are not against the nature of thier business, we only want is to controled the noise into minimal. Di ba approved na an City Ordinance ni JAY JULO nga Anti Noise Pollution...who implement this Law? What particular office? Please advice us!...

Thanks to Mr. Ray Gaspay for the space and opportunity.

Name:   Lito Gaza
Email:   agtf71@yahoo.co.uk
Date:   10/10/2009

Ang Alejandro "Titing" Gaza Foundation ay nakikidalamhati sa lahat ng mga taong nasalanta ng dumating na mapaminsalang kalamidad. Nawa'y wag tayong mawalan ng Pag - asa manapat manalangin tayo sa nagbigay ng buhay sa atin.

Para sa lahat ng mga taong may busilak na puso na nakatulong na, tumutulong pa, tutulong palang sa mga mahal nating kababayan na apektado sa Krisis dala ng mga Bagyong dumating na nanira ay Nagagalak, Humahanga at Sumasaludo sa inyong Kabayanihan na Ginawang pagsagip at lubos na Pagkakagawang Gawa na inyong ipinamalas o ipinakitang Kabutihan.

Naway pagpalain po kayong lahat at ang Kapayapaan at Katahimikan sumainyo nawa.

GOD bless all! GOD bless Philippines!

Alejandro "Titing" Gaza Foundation
www.atitinggazafoundation.bravehost.com

Name:   Sailorjohn
Address:   USA
Date:   9 Oct 2009

Mr. DMisyonaryo,

Your comments are worthy and sound.

May I first say that you may be poor, but you are a Samarnon that will continue to work hard of your family, no matter the problems and for that I commend you.

That is what Samar needs is many Samarnons that want change for the better. Someone that understands the problems of Samar and is willing to do what ever it takes to make change.

You ask what have these people done for the island of Samar? What can they be proud of?

I have been to Catbalogan and Calbayog. I have past through all the towns from Calbayog to Tacloban City and I can tell you that so many people that live off the land, sea, and barely make it from day to day. Of course you see those that have the nice homes and cars. But over all, I would guess that at least 75% or more of the people in Samar have a hard time putting food on the table or a good roof over their families head.

I can say that nothing really has been done to better the island of Samar. So much talk and little action. So many ideas and no action. As you pointed out, there is so much beauty in Samar that is not being seen by many people. Investments need to be brought in to put Samar on the map of places to visit and live.

Now I think there are a few good Samarnos that have made a difference. I think that the Mayor of Calbayog is dong a good job based on what I read on here.

In you questions to those LGU's running in this up coming election. I am sorry but it is sad that these same idiots will again be elected. Why is that you may ask? It is easy as the system of buying votes will be out again and those that vote will take the pesos that will be handed out for their vote.

"I am a poor guy, not because I have no will, but because I have no hope."

Samarnons in my opinion need to wake up and use their vote to get the right persons elected that will do what is right for Samar and Samarnons.

The continued practice of taking money for your vote will only keep Samarnons in the "Bondage of Poverty". I ask you, do you think all Samarnons will understand this and wake up to make change? Sadly I do not think so which in turn will keep Samar and Samarnons in poverty.

As you said, "Samar is rich of all the natural resources – vast agricultural lands, long coastlines and bays and sturdy manpower. But why is it that Samarnons remain at the bondage of poverty? Why is it that farmers could not produce good yields? Why is it that fisherfolks could not catch marine products the way they do compared to the past?"

Your questions my friend are going on deaf ears. Because of the high percentages of poor on Samar, they don't know what is going on. Nor do they have the time to listen, or do any research to gain knowledge. The few that may have the knowledge and understanding of the problems that are with in Samar can not get the word out for many reasons.

I would hope that those that do se your comments here will wake up and open their eyes and actually use there vote to get the right persons elected. It is time for change for the better. It is time to put an end to the "buying of votes" by the rich. It is time to rid these people and families that all they do is steal from the people of Samar for how many generations?

Only Samarnons can make this happen. No one else can do this for them.

Name:   A. Marco
Email:
Date:   10-08-09

Ondoy's wrath forces us to learn from our mistakes

Ondoy is an affectionate pet name visayans (those who speak sugbuanon-binisaya) would call their young sons just like Nonoy or Intoy in the Waray-speaking region. It was therefore an irony that the typhoon named after that loving son has become a disastrous typhoon that brought havoc and chaos to the very capital of the country. Ondoy would go down in history as one of the most devastating typhoons that hit our typhoon-prone archipelago.

While we are still in the period of relief and rehabilitation, we should calibrate ourselves and start to think of the long road to avert if not mitigate similar occurrences in the future.

On our side as citizens, we should do simple things that could help our readiness or preparedness to face adversities. As they say if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Simply said, we ought to be prepared and ready at all times. Of course the list can be long but having flashlights with working batteries for instance can mean life and death. A simple act of not throwing garbage especially non-biodegradable ones into our rivers and creeks would help a lot in mitigating flooding.

We know that our country is both beautiful and dangerous. While being located in the tropics has some advantages like beautiful weather, palm trees, nice beaches, and pristine waters. We should also accept the fact that on our eastern border is the Pacific Ocean which is a factory of typhoons big and small. Also, we are along the Pacific Rim of Fire that means that volcanoes can erupt without warning and eartquakes and tsunamis are possible side effects. Our country is also mountainous or hilly so landslides are possible occurences. We live in an archipelago so even our commute from one island to the next could be disastrous. With all these in mind, we should have a mindset of an astute boy scout---laging handa!

It is sad that we have a disastrous name for our very own National Disaster Coordinating Council. Would it be better if it should be the National Disaster Management Council or a better term. The NDCC was caught flat-footed when Ondoy hit the metropolis. Was NDCC Chairman Gilbert Teodoro's chances of winning the presidency swept by the flash flood brought by Ondoy? It is early to say but watching him on TV react to the barrage of questions from the media and the demands for him to do some action on that critical hours after the deluge, I saw in him his vulnerabilities as a leader. He was like a soaked chick (basang sisiw) instead of somebody who would say "We're in this together, I will take care of you. Follow my command." FVR did that during the Pinatubo crisis and the earthquakes that hit Baguio and Central Luzon. Being NDCC chairman is either a boon or a bane. Steady Eddie projected well while Panicky Gilbert lacks the stature. Gibo should take some projection lessons from PNRC Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon. Gordon is the action man whom you can trust in times of crises.

Some would say that no one predicted the deluge that swept Manila into chaos. If Pag-asa could not predict it, then who can? Well, the answer is to equip Pag-asa with more sophisticated equipment so our people can be forewarned when disasters are about to happen. Information is essential in being prepared. Our Pag-asa does not have doppler radar that could help predict precipation levels. I also suggest that Pag-asa should have its own TV or internet or radio channel that runs 24/7. In the US, you could go to a weather channel to see your weather forecast for the next 2 weeks or for the next 2 hours. Also, evacuation route signs should be made. For all you know, you might just be escaping to an even more dangerous area. Flooding evacuation route is easy since we all know which areas are easily flooded. Moving to a higher ground is the only solution in times of flooding and the local governments could impose mandatory evacuation if necessary. The problem when Katrina hits New Orleans was that people did not follow the instruction of the authorities to evacuate. When Katrina swept the gulf coast, people were trapped in their homes. What happened in Manila was different. There were no instructions from authorities as they were nowhere to be found and the flood rushed like a sprinter that kept everybody in a surprise.

Well, we should actually be thankful because oftentimes we see the best qualities of filipinos during times of trial. We unite when we are tested. We pool together our limited resources to lend our hand to our fellow filipinos. Rich and poor unite during times like this. Selflessness defines us as a nation instead of selfishness.

But, while it is true that we see the good sides of filipinos during calamities, I hope to see that we know how to learn from our mistakes. After all, it is not history that repeats itself, it is those who do not learn from history that repeats it.

Name:   Jude Centino
Address:   Balud, Basey, Samar
Email:   judy.centino@ph.nestle.com
Date:   08/10/09

ALayon la...

Kun hin o man nakilala hini nga hi Francisco " Edoy" Ortillo alayon daw kami tagi hin information. Adi amon number 09081825031 / 09216889110.

Salamat nga madamo...

Name:   Floyd Rogers
Address:   2 Less Ross Road, Kenton, Tennesssee 38233, United States
Email:   frogers41@hotmail.com
Date:   October 06. 2009

I need some help for my family over in the Philippines from anyone that can advise me of any way to have a person removed off the property I bought for them in Calbang, W. Samar. (Basey) It seems that after I bought the property, the brother of the woman whom sold me the land (8500 square meters) was released from prison for murdering someone over property at that location.

Now, this person has overpowered the family and moved into my home on the land I gave them. What do I do as they are terrified of this murderer. Is there a law like in the United States whereby a felon can go back to jail if he breaches his parole or do they have any laws that protect people from people like this? I am terrified to go back and encounter this fella as he will kill I am sure since he did it once already. How does one get him off that property safely? Is it safe and is one protected in Basey, Samar from individuals like this by the police? If not, then I would suggest no one go to Basey, Samar if they let murderers take over the land from innocent people whom pay hard cash for it. Who do I contact to help? I cannot get any information on contacting police or mayor or anything on the internet. Any help would be appreciated before someone gets murdered again.

Name:   Alden Cruza
Address:   Baybay, Carigara, Leyte
Email:   jarhead45@yahoo.com
Date:   Oct.5, 2009

Gud day sir, what is really the purpose of having these RMG, coz like those RMG people assigned in our place, hin kamanga hahambugan and they are out of their camps just to go to beer houses, is there any sanctions that govern them? Salamat.

Name:   Magnolia B. Macauba
Address:   Pagdaraoan, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
Email:   mags900@yahoo.com
Date:   Oct.5, 2009

Hello po ask ko lang po sana kung si Police Superintendent Lope Macauba Jr. ay ung taga Sta. Ana dati na anak ni Lope Macauba at kapatid ni Marilyn (or Myrna) Macauba? tnx po....

Name:   Dorry
Address:   Emerald St, B4 L37 Deca Homes 3, Lapu lapu, Cebu
Email:   lilbiz09@yahoo.com.ph
Date:   9.29.09

Hi to all Zumarraganhon's .. to my family and relatives. Resco, Leaño, Nacionales in Zumarraga. Kumusta pipz