Small Shot made Big Shots in the Congressional Slate in Eastern Samar

By SENTAY BELIZAR-QUITORIO
May 26, 2007

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Teodulo “Doloy” Coquilla was proclaimed the next representative of the lone district of Eastern Samar late night of Friday May 18, 2007. Coquilla gathered a total votes of 86,232 against Libanan’s 78,956 with a margin of 7,276 confirming his representation to congress.

Cyrain Cabueñas PDI correspondent quoted Coquilla during an interview that the Libanan-Coquilla congressional race was like a Goliath-David fight.

Atty. Marcelino Libanan’s three terms could have been extended via wife Elda with whom Coquilla raced in the congressional slate last May 14, 2007. Considering the Libanan’s strong connections to the administration party and other opportunities that go with it, compared to the few and never heard supporters of Doloy anyone would think it was a real hard fight.

Curious people and perhaps ambivalent voters may have asked, “has Doloy money enough to buy him votes?” During a church-sponsored candidates forum, Coquilla and Libanan were asked by a panelist “Are you going to buy votes?” Coquilla candidly answered: “Kon puede la deri ga ak kay magasto ngan nakakawara dignidad” (if it is possible no, because it is very expensive and demeaning), while Libanan seemed ready and prepared: “Bisan kakan-o waray pa kami pamalit hin botos” (we have not bought votes ever since).

Coquilla 69 years old was born to a poor family in Oras, Eastern Samar. Finished high school in nine years, capitalized his skills, attended Dental aide and Liberal Arts courses in college but the opportunity to join the US Navy came before he finish college. He worked hard for his tuition and joining a dollar paying job and get a citizenship was very inviting. After retiring from the US Navy in 1985 he tried his luck once more proved leadership and managerial skills worth; established, owned and managed business enterprises, apartments, restaurant and a nursing home in the U.S. and an FM radio in his hometown Oras.

Constantly he would return to the Philippines with wife Zenaida a retired nurse, and finally decided to settle for good in their hometown, left a place they called home for 40 years in Vallejo California. Seeing a province and a country with a dragging development challenged him to seriously consider politics following his conviction for a real change.

“I do not have an impressive resume to brag and convince people to vote for me, what I have is dedication, hard-honest work, focus on realities as a benchmark to start stepping towards developing Eastern Samar”, Coquilla assured people during the campaign.

He decided to renounce his American citizenship and regained Filipino citizenship in year 2000 after the court’s decision to “de-seat” him as mayor in Oras in 1998 questioning his residency. This time armed with support from people he considered equally dedicated and concerned for the interest of the majority, he will take the first step of a long journey.

He is at the moment organizing a panel of consultants composed of experts in all fields and definitely not politicians. Consultative approach embedded with a check and balance will be its strategy in implementing programs and project.

“If I am not doing my job well anymore, you can file a petition for me to step down” congressman elect Coquilla challenged the people.

'Diplomatic exchange' on JPEPA toxic provisions not enough, Greenpeace says

Press Release
By GREENPEACE
May 26, 2007

MANILA, Philippines  –  On May 24, 2007, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo announced that the Japanese government has confirmed that Japan will not export toxic waste to the Philippines under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).  The confirmation is contained in an exchange of diplomatic notes signed on the same day by Sec. Romulo and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia Toxics Campaigner Beau Baconguis said: "Far from allaying fears of toxic waste dumping in the Philippines, the diplomatic exchange unfortunately still reinforces the pervading concern that there is an underlying intention to trade in hazardous waste within the JPEPA.  The fact that the JPEPA still includes provisions which incentivizes trading of hazardous wastes suggests that the diplomatic notes now being packaged as some kind of side agreement to the treaty are not as clear-cut as both parties would like to make it appear.

"The diplomatic notes state that 'Japan would not be exporting toxic waste to the Philippines as defined and prohibited under the laws of the Philippines and Japan, in accordance with the Basel Convention.'  This is where the loophole and ambiguity lies.  The alarming fact is that current hazardous waste laws in the Philippines are among the weakest in Southeast Asia, and allow the entry of toxic waste under the guise of recycling.  In essence, what the diplomatic notes say is that Japan will not be sending its hazardous waste to the Philippines unless the latter party agrees to it.  Given what we know about the DENR's slack permitting system for hazardous waste imports, we are constrained to take this latest pronouncement with a grain of salt.

"Moreover, while both countries have signed the Basel Convention, neither has ratified the Basel Ban Amendment.  Without the Ban Amendment, the Philippines is not fully protected from hazardous waste dumping by industrialized countries.  Hazardous waste can still enter the country under the excuse of recycling – an excuse that Japan can use to ship out toxic waste legally, since it is also not party to the Ban Amendment.

"With the current text of the JPEPA, the Philippines is wide open to a shameless list of toxic waste that includes used diapers and radioactive nuclear waste.  If indeed both countries are strongly committed to addressing environmental concerns, they would opt for removing such toxic provisions in the treaty – rather than merely issuing diplomatic letters external to the original agreement, and whose weight, in the face of the bilateral treaty itself, is highly questionable."

Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organization that uses non-violent creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems to force solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace Southeast Asia has been working on the issue of toxic waste trade in the Philippines for more than a decade.

Gov. Evardone tramps race rival

By BRYAN M. AZURA
May 24, 2007

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  Incumbent governor Ben P. Evardone was granted early proclamation even if three municipalities had not submitted Certificates of Canvass (COCs) to the provincial canvass due to his overwhelming lead in the gubernatorial race against former Vice Governor Camilo Camenforte in this year’s midterm elections.

“This is a real statement of the Eastern Samareños that Gov. Evardone’s leadership has made great achievements and progress in the province,” says one of his key campaign personnel who asked not to be named.

Despite the absence of COCs from three vote-rich municipalities of Borongan, Guiuan and Dolores, the Board of Canvassers decided to proclaim Evardone as re-elected governor on the eve of May 18, four days after the elections, because of the more the 70,000 vote-margin he has against Camenforte. Eastern Samar has 23 municipalities and has a voting population of 192,099.

After the canvass, Evardone tallied 122,307 votes while Camenforte recorded 22,165 votes leaving a wide margin of 100,142 votes. Camenforte won only in the town of Balangiga where he comes from, while Evardone took all the 22 municipalities.

Evardone, while thanking his constituency for the huge trust and confidence he was given by providing him a fresh mandate, on the other hand, indicated that he has to work harder this time. “The awe-inspiring trust the people has given me is actually a big challenge for me because I have to live up to their expectations as the provincial head,” Evardone said. “We were able to graduate from the Club 20 or the poorest of the poor provinces during my previous term and we will strive hard as a province to improve more on our poverty alleviation programs,” he continued.

The reelected governor also reiterated that among his priorities in this new term will still be on education, peace and order, women and children protection, infrastructures and electrification.

Meanwhile, the almost a decade-long political supremacy of Libanan was put to a halt after Elda Libanan, wife of Congressman Marcelino Libanan, succumbed to Doloy Coquilla in the congressional race in the lone district of Eastern Samar. Coquilla, a former mayor of Oras town, had a province-wide margin of 7,276 votes over the lady Libanan.

Coquilla also thanked the people of Eastern Samar for giving him the opportunity to represent the district in Congress. “The people have decided and he (Coquilla) will not fail the people’s decision,” said a close-in trustee of the newly elected Congressman.

No immediate talks between Evardone and Coquilla had been made yet considering that they came from opposing political affiliations but Evardone said he will be open to any discussions with the Congressman-elect relative to the improvement and progress of Eastern Samar.

Gov. Petilla to focus on development, not politics on his second term

By Provincial Media Relations Center (PMRC Leyte)
May 23, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The newly elected governor of Leyte Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla said that development rather than politics will be the focus of his second term however he admits politics cannot be totally taken out of the picture saying having his position is in the first place a political one.

This the governor was commenting on speculations on how his governance will be towards new faces in the political arena of the province who won seats in the May 14 polls and particularly their erstwhile rival, the Romualdezes, including those incumbents who was said to have “abandoned” their political ship during the pre-election campaign.

Gov. Petilla disclosed during a recent media gathering, that distribution of projects during his second term will not any way be based on those incumbents who deflected their support to other candidates.

“It aton dinhi developmental an aton focused diri political. But we cannot avoid to be political kay in the first place political ini nga position. I would try to be the least political among all the politicians as much as possible,” Gov. Petilla added.

It can be recalled that some mayors, who likewise sought for reelection, particularly in the first district of Leyte, went on to support a Romualdez candidate during the pre-election campaign that pushed for a covenant between the former and the Petilla family.

Meanwhile for the city of Tacloban, Gov. Petilla stressed that no hostilities exist between the city government and the province of Leyte as he stressed that he is looking forward to working with mayor elect Alfred Romualdez.

“Kon ig-review tanan nga mga actions han province, kitaon niyo kon mayda hostile o pag-uulang nga ginbubuhat basta development it ginbubuhat han probinsiya. Waray kamo makikita dida,” Gov. Petilla said.

During his first term of office, it was noted that the provincial government did not keep a close relationship with three-termer, now outgoing Tacloban City Mayor Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez.

The governor admits that when local leaders are on a different scale or outlook, implementation of some developmental projects could really be hard to achieve.

PRC warns the public on fake license syndicate operating in Region 8

By GAY B. GASPAY (PIA 8)
May 23, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Regional Office 8 through its Assistant Regional Director Ed Costibolo warns the public of fake professional license operation in the region being done by a syndicate victimizing many professionals.

The warning was made during a press conference held recently at the Leyte Park Hotel. Costibolo claims that the syndicate has been operating in the region for several years already and not one of the members has been caught yet.

Around 30 professionals from the different professions such as teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers and others have been victimized. They came to know about it upon verification of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) when applicants apply for work that they are holders of fake licenses.

Do not believe in fixers, Costibolo added, PRC has no rechecking scheme for failed examiners. It is the modo operandi of the group to sweet talk you that for certain amount PRC will recheck your papers and will issue you a license. The amount they are asking ranges from 5 thousand to 35 thousand pesos.

“Would you ever like to be served by an unlicensed doctors?” he asked the media. He made mentioned that they were able to confiscate fake license of a doctor from Samar who has been serving his clients and patient for quite sometime already. Licenses of said professionals are now with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for further investigation. And operation of the clinic has been stopped.

When asked whether its an inside operation, he said, they are not aware of any person from the PRC endulging in such an activity, but the NBIs investigation will justify its report.

ARD Costibolo also encourages private firms and establishments who hires professionals with licenses to have the applicants licenses be verified at the PRC.

Tan, Redaja and Uy retain seat for Samar; 6 new Board Members elected

By RAY P. GASPAY
May 22, 2007

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  After a week since the May 14 elections, the Samar Provincial Board of Canvassers finally proclaimed at past 12 midnight of Monday (May 21) incumbents governor Milagrosa Tan (Kampi), vice-governor Jesus Redaja (Kampi) and congressman Reynaldo Uy (LP/Lakas-CMD) to retain their current elective positions for another term, while two new Board Members were proclaimed winners in the 1^st district of Samar at the Sannguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, here.

The lady governor escorted by mayoralty candidate Rodolfo Tuazon of Calbayog City listens in front of the local media and cheering crowds as the secretary of the provincial board of canvassers reads the proclamation manuscript. The governor garnered a total votes of 145,624 to retain her seat while her opponent, Zumarraga mayor Neliptha Figueroa (Kampi/Lakas-CMD) only got 113,142 votes.

Another winner proclaimed on past 12 midnight of Monday was vice-governor Jesus Redaja who got a total votes of 117,782 against his rival board member Minandro Tiopes (Lakas-CMD) of Sta. Rita, Samar who only got 99,577 total votes. Wearing in his favorite striped polo shirt and rubber shoes, the smiling vice-governor entertained his fans and supporters with a photo session after the proclamation proceedings.

Congressman-elect Reynaldo Uy of the 1^st district of Samar who got 78,016 votes in defeating mayor Joseph Grey (PDSP) of San Jorge was not present in the proclamation and was represented by his staff Bong Montealto in receiving the copy of his proclamation.

Also proclaimed winners for the five seats Board Members in the 1st district of Samar were re-electionists Rosenaida Rosales with 66,177 votes, Renato Uy with 57,360 votes, Rogelio Casurao with 54,923 votes, newly elected Pamela Fortaleza and Charlito Coñejos with 62,904 and 62,260 total votes respectively. All the five winning candidates belong to the LP/Lakas-CMD political party. Both Rosales and Fortaleza were not present in the proclamation.

The winning of both Tan and Redaja came from the results of the 2^nd district of Samar where they got a big lead of 35,853 and 23,017 votes respectively against their opponents. However, they got behind in the 1^st district of Samar with 3,353 and 4,812 votes respectively.

Earlier on Friday afternoon (May 18), the Board of Provincial Canvassers proclaimed political neophyte Sharee Ann Tan of Kampi (daughter of the governor) winner congresswoman for the 2^nd congressional district of Samar where she got a total votes of 78,209 against the 66,221 votes of incumbent congressman Catalino Figueroa of the Lakas-CMD.

Also proclaimed winners for the five seats Board Members in the 2^nd district of Samar on Friday were former Zumarraga mayor Casilda Lim (Kampi) with 50,388 votes, Calbiga mayor Luzviminda Nacario (Kampi) with 47,147 votes, re-electionist Antonio Bolastig (Lakas-CMD) with 45,175 votes, former board member Jimmy Dy (Kampi) with 43,994 votes and political neophyte Atty. Eunice Babalcon (Lakas-CMD) of Paranas with 42,341 votes. Only re-electionist Antonio Bolastig was not present during the proclamation.

The Provincial Board of Canvassers was composed of Atty. Andrew Bido (Comelec) as chairman, Provincial Prosecutor Manuel Torrevillas Jr. as vice-chairman and Asst. Schools Division Superintendent Elenita Advincula of DepEd Samar as member-secretary.

It was learned that the delayed arrival of election results from the city of Calbayog on Monday night was due to some protests from the counsels of the Kampi-Nacionalista Party on the canvassing proceedings by the City Board of Canvassers and charged for electoral fraud as allegedly manifested by the 61 Election Returns (ER) under question. The Kampi-NP counsels on Sunday (May 20) walked-out in the canvassing at about 5:30 in the afternoon after the Board ruled-out that their petition to set aside the Election Returns under question is immaterial and were denied on their right of appeal.

Lawyer Rodolfo Tuazon Jr. of Kampi-NP said that they have already filed a pre-proclamation controversy petition and other legal actions before the Comelec clearly stating their grounds for electoral fraud

Search for ‘Mr. & Miss Pintados’ is On

By MARIVIC ALCOBER (PIA 8)
May 22, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –   As part of the Tacloban City fiesta celebration, the Pintados Foundation, Inc. is once again inviting interested candidates for this year’s Search for Mr. & Miss Pintados 2007.

This was bared by the Pintados Board Secretary Ms. Evelina M. Acebedo.  According to her the candidate must be 16 to 24 years of age, single and at least high school level.  He or she must be a native of Eastern Visayas or must be a resident of any town, province or city in Region 8 for at least five years.

Ms. Acebedo added that the male candidates must be at least 5’6” in height, while female candidates must be at least 5’3”; must be of good moral character, endorsed by schools, accredited school based student organizations, civic organizations, or local government units.

Further, Acebedo stressed that the candidate must be willing to submit to a screening process and other search activities; and lastly the candidate must also be willing to participate in the Pintados activities throughout his/her reign.

The criteria for judging are as follows:  physical appeal, 30%; communication ability, 30%; stage presence, personality and professionalism, 30%; and popular support, 10%.

The winners for the Miss/Mr. Pintados will receive P50,000.00 plus trophy; 1st Runner-up, 30,000.00 plus trophy; and 2nd Runner-up, P15,000.00 plus trophy.  Special awards to given out are:  Miss Congeniality, Best in Swimwear, Best in Gown, People’s Choice or Most Popular, Most Photogenic, and lastly, Darling of the Press, Ms. Acebedo concluded.

Miss Pintados Search is the longest running beauty and brains search in Region 8 having started in 1987.

For further details, Ms. Acebedo is inviting interested parties to visit the Pintados Day Care Center, Magsaysay Boulevard,  Tacloban City  or call Tel. No. 523-1515.