Damalerio, chair of the environmental protection committee, said that the board, as a Committee of the Whole, has decided to call the concerned parties to the next meeting on May 16, 2012 and hear their side.

He did not mention who are to be invited but said the proponents are definitely on the list.

He also hinted that there may be queries in a series of meetings as part of the investigation since not all parties concerned may be accommodated in one setting.

The conduct of the probe over the project’s alleged irregularities is mandated by an approved SP resolution following the two separate privilege speeches by BMs Josephine Socorro Jumamoy and Romulo Cepedoza, who “denounced” the implementation of the project without them knowing about it.

The SP probe was also prompted following the ocular inspection of the officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources thru PENRO Nestor Canda, Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) thru Mr. Leonilo Lafuente and Provincial Legal Office thru Atty. John Mitchell Boiser.

In a report to the Provincial Development Council, the composite team reported its findings, including the degrading and clearing of trees and vegetation without clear documents.

Canda confirmed that Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy, himself and others conducted an aerial inspection of the project site but no official report or finding has been made yet or submitted to the provincial board for consideration.

Moves to end fracas

Rep. Erico Aumentado reportedly wanted to resolve the Cantakoy dilemma once and for all. He was quoted as recommending to hold meeting with the Provincial Development Council (PDC).

The meeting, he suggested, would tackle issues involving the project, such as compliance of the pre-requisites prior to the actual project construction; conduct of the environmental studies; and compliance of local permits to start the project, and benefits that may be enjoyed by the affected local government units, among others.

Rough sailing

The Cantakoy project at barangay Cabatuan, Danao and Inabanga town is facing a rough sailing following the alleged irregularities and failure of the proponent to comply with certain requisites.

This was raised during the recent executive committee meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) presided by Gov. Edgar Chatto.

Unfortunately, project proponent Quadriver Energy Corporation failed to make their case because they failed to attend the meeting.

Chatto said that the meeting was intended to tackle the project’s concerns, ranging from social and environmental impacts that are feared to affect the immediate stakeholders and community.

But he said the proponents sent a notice to the PDC secretariat that they could not make it.

Chatto swiftly created a team in his memorandum dated April 23, 2012 to conduct an inquiry into the project. Chatto’s order was prompted following the passage and approval of resolutions by the provincial board as a result of the privilege speeches the other week of Jumamoy and Cepedoza, who is a native of Danao town. Jumamoy hails from Inabanga town.

The team conducted an ocular inspection of the project site on April 26, 2012.

Upon arrival of the place where the project headquarter is located in Barangay Cabatuan, the team huddled with project manager John Jorge Orbe and hydrologist Fred Donato representing Quadriver Energy Corp. (QEC)and project manager Lydio Ranon for the Sta. Clara International Corp., which is the project contractor.

Mayor Tom Gonzaga also visited the area during the probers inspection.

Project officials told the team that the QEC is the “offspring” of both the Ayala Corp and Sta. Clara Power Corp. under an agreed sharing scheme and the one contracting the job is the Sta. Clara International Corp.

Alleged Irregularities

A lot of points which BM Jumamoy considered as “misrepresentations” on the part of the proponent have been raised during the PDC meeting.

These include the absence of consultation/social preparation and acceptability; “who is the real applicant/owner” of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC); how much really the amount for Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF); and the size/height of the hydro power dam.

Jumamoy stressed in her speech the lack, if not failure for the proponents to consider the conduct of social acceptability and consultations with the stakeholders concerned.

During the huddle of the investigating team, the officials of the corporation could not show proof that they conducted social consultation with the people of the affected towns.

Regional director Fernando Quililan of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional office confirmed that social preparation involving the stakeholder-communities is crucial and pre-requisite prior to project implementation.

“I agree with the observation” of Jumamoy, he said.

Quililan, who assumed the EMB and who was not the one who signed the ECC issued to the proponent, vowed to look into the ECC all over again.

Jumamoy said that they were made to believe that the height of the hydro power dam is originally 40 meters only but now it is increased to 60 meters and the project would cover some 53 hectares but the earlier revelation of the corporation says otherwise because, now, it involves a hundred hectares.

What really is the exact size involved in this project, she asked.

On the ECC, the PDC learned that the ECC was being applied by the Sta. Clara Power Corp. (SCPC) through its vice-president for operation Dominador R. Borje. But now the actual project implementer is the Quadriver Energy Corp., which can claim it is the “owner” of the ECC as approved by then EMB OIC regional director Rolando N, Luego.

Quilian, who attended the meeting, said that the ECC issued to SCPC is “assignable” or “transferable.”

It means that it can be assigned to other entity that is actually undertaking the project as long as it is the same project in the same location under EMB’s guidelines.

As to the EGF, Jumamoy lamented why so little fund in the amount of only P50,000 is being “deposited” aimed at cushioning adverse impacts as a result of the project implementation. She said she learned that at least 5% of the total project cost has to be set aside for the EGF.

If this is the case, so 5% of the P1.3 billion as project total cost is not only P50,000, she said.

The ECC numbered RO7-0903-018-0120 issued on August 11, 2009 by EMB stipulated that “a readily available and replenishable EGF” of P50,000 is intended for the following: compensation/indemnification of whatever damages to life and property caused by the project; rehabilitation and/or restoration of areas affected by the project implementation; and decommissioning of the project facilities related to possible negative impacts.

The ECC is issued in compliance with Presidential Decree No. 1586 and Dept. Administrative Order No. 2003-30. It is contains restrictions and conditions by which the holder must observe and comply.

Under this project ECC, included are the following (a) environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMOP); and (b) general provisions, such as compliance with other national laws: Toxic Substance and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 (RA 6969); The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749); Ecological Solid Waste Management Program Act of 2000 (RA 9003); and Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275).

The project should not proceed without first securing “applicable permits from other pertinent government agencies.” These documents include, among others, zoning certification, endorsement of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), other lawful permits, tree cutting permit, special agreement on protected areas (SAPA), building permits, environmental and sanitation permit and NWRB permit, PCA permit and disposal permit from PENRO. “Thus, this ECC becomes valid only after all necessary permits have been secured prior to project implementation.”

The SP stressed in the said resolution “to stop all the activities and construction at the Cantakoy Hydro Power Plant for non-observance of environmental regulations imposed by the DENR.”

Gov’t Fund used for project access road?

Another irritant issue is the alleged use of national government funds for the opening of the project access road.

Trinidad Mayor Rev. Fr. Roberto Cajes, who represents the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol chapter, told the PDC that based from what he learned some P4 million plus was sourced out from the “various infra” of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was allegedly released and used for the construction of the project access road.

The fund was released on August 3, 2009 and the access road project construction was completed on May 18, 2010. He also learned that a certain Saida Gonzaga Vitor, head of the DPWH planning office, was allegedly instrumental in the fund release.

Saida Gonzaga Vitor is said to be the sister of Engr. Asisclo Gonzaga, head of the Sta. Clara Power Corp.

“Why public fund was used for private purpose,” referring to the said access road of the project undertaken by the private entity (Quadriver Energy Corp), he asked.

He denied that his pork barrel was used for the access road while he was still the congressman of the second district where the towns of Danao and Inabanga belong.

LGUs short-changed?

Cepedoza said that sometime in 2009, he came to know of this project when his uncle Engr. Asisclo Gonzaga, president of Sta. Clara Power Corp, presented to Danao officials, including him as president of Liga ng mga barangays, the Shareholders Agreement for the hydro development. The sharing was the corporation share 50%; province, 10%; Danao and Inabanga towns; 15% apiece; and Bohol Electric Cooperatives I and II, 10%.

But he alleged that the said agreement was “lost in oblivion” until recently; he lamented that the project was undertaken without them knowing it since no feasibility study was presented.

The town of Danao was lured to the offer, he said, thus, agreed to it. It passed twin resolutions. One resolution authorized Mayor Louis Thomas Gonzaga, his cousin, to enter into the said agreement for the project and the other resolution manifested interest of the town to avail of the loan to the tune of P15 million as contribution to the project.

After that, Cepedoza said, the agreement “had been lost in oblivion with no explanation” from the proponent.

The town only knew recently that the project is now undertaken by Quadriver Energy Corp. with joint venture of AC Energy Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp. with 70% and SCPC, 30%, instead, Cepedoza said.

He accused the proponents of the project of “clear public betrayal at its highest level” because the province and his town, Danao, and Inabanga were excluded in the venture as earlier proposed by the project proponents.

Cepedoza was irked upon learning that his town and other stakeholders, including the province, were excluded from the said proposed agreement sharing as confirmed by Mr. Dominador Borje, Jr., an officer of the QEC. Cepedoza quoted Borje as saying that the proposed agreement was “unilaterally terminated” by his company without the knowledge of Danao and Inabanga because the partners (Danao and Inabanga) “could not come up with the necessary financing.”

Statements of Support

Egay Del Rosario who represented Cong. Erico Aumentado to the PDC meeting said that the congressman expressed his all-out support to the move or position of the provincial government in the conduct of the inquiry into the project.

For his part, BM Gerardo Garcia also expressed his all out support to the position taken by SP against the said project. He said he stands by his colleagues BMs Jumamoy and Cepedoza, his co-representatives to the board for second district.

Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st dist.), Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim, board members Atty. Dionisio Balite, Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, Atty. Benjie Arcamo, Cepedoza, Jumamoy, BCCI president Mayette Gasatan and representatives of the non-government organizations and other sectors also attended the PDC meeting.

The project

Jumamoy learned that the project cost is about P1.3 billion. And based on the original plan, the project, when completed, is expected to generate 5.2 megawatts involving some 530,000 square meters or 53 hectares of land located at Barangay Cabatuan where the Cantakoy Falls belongs.

The project components include the development and operation of hydro plant with 30-m high water dam as impounding facility, access road to the power plant and 24/69KV step-up transformers in the open air.

But the project’s ECC is amended by EMB in Cebu City that increase the capacity of the hydro plant to eight (8) MW “with geographical coordinates of 124(degrees)09’24.4” east longitude and 09(degrees)58’25.1” north latitude.”

The dam is increased to 40 meters high from 30 meters as “small dam” and other facilities thereat, according to project description provided by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in its letter of approval to the ECC as amended.

The proponent is also required to put up additional nursery program of 132,000 tree seedlings aside from the original 530,000 seedlings to support the Green Philippine Master Plan for tree planting and to put up P50,000 as Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) to pay or use for the environment assessment compensation/indemnification for “whatever” damages caused by the project, rehabilitation/restoration of areas affected and others, said DENR Officer-In-Charge regional director Alan C. Arranguez in his letter to Engr. Dominador Borje, Jr, vice-president of Sta. Clara Power Corp.

Other issues

Unconfirmed reports reaching the TIMES last night said the real issue of the Cantakoy Falls drama is not really environmental but business.

A source who requested anonymity said some businessmen-politicians who are engaged in the quarrying of sand are complaining because the filtration of the water in the dam would result in the deposit of the sand in the dam and not flow anymore as they used to be.

They would lose their sand quarry business; this is the real issue of the controversy, the source said.

Cease and desist

Another source said the group of Chatto, Cajes and Jumamoy who went to the office of DENR Secretary Paje in Manila late last week came home empty handed.

The source said the group wanted the DENR Secretary to issue a cease and desist order.

But Secretary Paje reportedly denied the request by saying the project in Cantakoy Falls is considered as one of the president’s priority projects because it involves renewable or clean energy.

(with reports from RVO)

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“It does not concern me at all,” the doctor said in an email.

Earlier reports said former Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso made it clear he would run for city mayor “with or without” the support of his brother-in-law, Gov. Edgar Chatto.

The scuttlebutt going around is that it will ultimately be a fight between Councilor John Geesnell Yap and lawyer Agustinus Gonzaga for the LP nomination.

Yap is relying on the support of Chatto and Trinidad Mayor Rev. Fr. Roberto Cajes, his father-in-law to support his bid. Gonzaga, on the other hand, is the brother-in-law of Rep. Rene Relampagos.

Unconfirmed talks said Veloso walked out of a meeting intended to resolve the issue when both Chatto and Cajes gave their support to Yap.

Relampagos, on the other hand, is expected to rally behind Gonzaga although skeptics doubt if the latter’s bid is serious.

Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim said that while it is not his business, he believes Veloso has enough grounds to push through with his bid.

Although he trounced Veloso by more than 8,000 votes in the 2010 polls, Lim said Veloso has the moral ascendancy to lead the opposition in the city.

“He stood up and fought the incumbent at his strongest and gave a good fight even though he was the underdog,” the mayor recalled.

Lim said it would not look good for Chatto to dump Veloso for Yap simply because the latter has the logistics to run a campaign.

“I would not be surprised if this will backfire because while money is very important in an election, it is not everything,” he added.

The mayor said it is also the same thing with Relampagos.

“Whatever they say, if his brother-in-law withdraws after he has already expressed interest to run, the impression is that (Gonzaga) did not get the kind of support he needed,” he added.

Mayor Lim said the same thing cannot be said of his support to his brother.

“Very early in the game, I made it clear that I will support nobody else,” he added.

Dr. Abe agrees, acknowledging the unequivocal support of his brother’s people on the ground wherever he goes.

“This allows me the luxury of going full steam ahead with my preparations on how to institutionalize existing programs and what improvements are needed, if any,” he added.

For his part, Mayor Lim says he is satisfied by the progress of his brother’s candidacy considering that he is a relative newcomer.

“There is a growing maturity among the people in Tagbilaran to go for substance over form,” he added.

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The gorgeous and lovely wanna-bes for TBTK’s Miss Bohol International and Mrs. Bohol International 2012 made a courtesy call to Gov. Edgar Chatto at his Capitol office across the CPG avenue immediately after the opening program.

The biggest homecoming of Boholanos from around the globe kicked off with a program and opening of the Boholano Product Exhibit at Plaza Rizal in this city and an array of activities for the 2-week celebration, said the organizers.

This year’s TBTK edition is set during the fiesta month of May to compare the impact of the Boholano homecoming during the Sandugo or Blood Compact celebration usually slated in July, City councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus, TBTK organizer, said in an interview.

Initial list of the Miss Bohol International 2012 include Ms. Crizelle Jade Requierme, Ms. Johana Feliz Pilayre, Ms. Maridel Bonior, Mary Ebone Cimafranca, Ms. Irish Kay Obregon, Ms. Michelle Angelu Kapirig, Ms. Marimay Fernandez, Ms. Sarah Palaca and Ms. Sharlene MacIntyre, according to Jaycees, in-charge of the pageant slated next week.

The talent showdown was held last Friday at the Activity Center of Island City Mall in this city.

Meanwhile, the registration of participants from other countries is ongoing. The stations for registration are placed strategically, including one at the Capitol entrance, fronting Plaza Rizal where the product showcase is located.

Gov. Chatto stressed the need for Boholanos to come once in awhile from their new-found home abroad to see for themselves what their leaders and people have done to the province, even as he expressed gratitude to those who made it to come home.

TBTK leads the way and even ahead of P-Noy’s declaration 2011-2016 as Balik Pilipinas campaign apparently to spur tourism arrivals, which still lags behind the neighboring countries.

Some of the balikbayan Boholanos started arriving in Manila and some are still coming.

They went to Malacanang where Sec. Ronald Llamas, presidential adviser for political affairs, welcomed the group led by TBTK president Betty Veloso-Garcia.

Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim opened the program with a welcome message and thereafter messages of Director Angel Enriquez, OIC regional executive director of the Dept. of Agroculture-7. Board Member Cesar Tomas Lopez represented Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st dist) and Mr. Antonietto “Boy” Pernia for Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd dist) and each rendered messages.

Rep. Arthur Yap (3rd dist) personally delivered his own message for the affair and later on joined in the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon for the formal opening of the agri-fair showcase.

Other guests include regional director Montecillo of the Department of Tourism, Vice-Gov. Conching Lim, senior board member Atty. Dionisio Balite, BM Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, BM Atty. Benjie Arcamo, BM Godofreda Tirol, ex-officio BM Crispina Vergara, provincial agriculturist Ms. Liza Quirog, provincial veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz, TBTK officers, department heads of the provincial government and heads of the national line agencies and some municipal mayors who attended and viewed their product showcase.

Following the program, the officials and balikbayans view the showcase and exhibits of agricultural products and plants, processed foods and other handicrafts made of local indigenous materials by local producers.

The schedules include Livestock Day on May 11; 4-H Club, May 13; Fisheries Days, May 14-15; Crops days, May 15-16; Processors Day, May 18; Product Selling, Mau 19 and closing, May 20, 2012. (RVO)

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On Wednesday, the Committee of the Whole of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan met at the Pre Session Hall if only to tackle down an issue brought about in a privilege speech of Short Cuts last month. The main core of the issue is about a municipal resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan of Pilar, Bohol requesting intervention of the provincial lawmaking body on the plight of LGU Pilar farmers.

Accordingly, the promised amount in harvest the farmers were told in series of briefings and or planning as their harvest per hectare during the initial stage of the project, was too far from reality. Even how much they tried to increase production, it was beyond realization, we in the Provincial Board were told. As a consequence, their loaned farm lots are now in danger of being foreclosed by the bank.

Those facts were also revealed by a certain Evelyn Figueroa of San Jose, Mabini. Herself a farmer, she further informed the board members:

THAT IN THE CULTIVATION OF THE FARM LOTS OF THE FARMERS, THEY

WERE MADE TO SECURE LOANS WITH A BANK INORDER TO FINANCE THE PROJECT.

Of course, the farm lots to be planted with palm oil tree are made as the collateral of the same loan.

THAT A TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT WAS FORGED BETWEEN AND AMONG A BANK, PALM OIL CORPORATION AND THE FARMER.

As to the provisions of the said AGREEMENT, members of the Provincial

Board in attendance opted not to touch on the specifics considering that the informant was not in the position to produce the same.

THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THE LOAN WERE NOT DELIVERED TO THE LOAN APPLICANT/FARMER, BUT INSTEAD TO THE PALM OIL CORPORATION.

Everybody in the Pre Session Hall was all surprises when they heard of

this fact revealed during the committee meeting! Imagine, the rightful owner being deprived of such possession?

THAT PAYMENTS OF PRODUCTS DELIVERED TO PALM OIL CORPORATION ARE NOT ON CASH BASIS.

It was revealed further that farmers were paid ONLY up to six months after delivery of the product. The earliest payment was three months, the committee was told. Accordingly, payment can only be made after PALM OIL CORPORATION shall have received payment of farmers’ products sold to another corporation. On consignment basis? And when asked whether collections on interests in the loans are deferred as a consequence of PALM OIL CORPORATION’S failure to pay on time, informant denied having received such privilege.

THAT THERE ARE OCCASIONS THAT FARMERS’ PRODUCTS ARE LEFT TO ROT BY THE ROADSIDE.

This is the usual sight during harvest time, the committee was informed. For reasons only known to PALM OIL CORPORATION, palm oil farmers are left at the mercy of the capitalist.

The Committee of the Whole on that meeting did not take hook line and sinker the testimony of the informant. It may not be the gospel truth. It, therefore, adjourned to another date to get the side of PALM OIL CORPORATION and the bank.

The committee is keenly interested on the provisions outlined in the Tripartite Agreement. The provisions therein will definitely give the meaning of EXPLOITATION. And if seen to be an onerous contract entered into by our Boholano farmers, it’s time to abrogate the same.

The preparatory stage in the investigation of the seemingly irregular construction of the Cantakoy Hydroelectric Project in Danao town is now on. After the Provincial Development Council of Bohol headed by the governor referred the matter to the Sangguniang Palalawigan as the highest policy making body of the province, the provincial lawmaking body acted with dispatch.

So that in a meeting of the Provincial Board in the afternoon of May 11 (Friday) the body, acting as a Committee of the Whole, decided to convene on May 16, whole day, if only to drumbeat the investigation. Invited to attend and shed light on the issue are: 1. Regional Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2. National Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways, 3. District Office of the 2nd Engineering District of Bohol stationed at Ubay town, and 4. The SB secretary of Danao, Bohol.

Shedding off with the preliminaries, Short Cuts is always irked with the very simple yet intriguing questions: 1. Being made to understand during the preliminary meeting of the PDC that no public official of either LGU Inabanga or LGU Danao had lobbied for the construction of the access road leading to the Cantakoy project, WHY DID DPWH FINANCE THE PROJECT? 2. And, because the access road was actually financed by DPWH, WHO LOBBIED FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION? DPWH, particularly its second engineering district, has lots to answer on this particular issue.

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Sa alas dos sa hapon sa miaging Lunes, human sa duha ka semana nga wa motungha ang akong suki sa isda, nanimpalad ako nga makakita ug makapalit ug isda sa Merkado sa Cogon. Pagsulod nako sa daw langob nga kangiob nga gilamdagan sa sugang dagitab ibabaw sa mga lasmo nga lamesa, midako ang akong kaikag sa akong napanimahoan. “Isda na gyod ni,” hagawhaw nako sa akong kaugalingon. Ug tuod man, sa unang lamesa may mga isda nga ang kolor may pagkaberde ug tanang klase sa itum. Apan ang tindera nagsapnay sa iyang nawong samtang nahinanok uban sa iyang mga damgo nga wa ko’y kasayuran. Sibo na ni sa panultihon nga kon matulog ka ug moulan ug kwarta wa kay mahipos.

Milakang ako paingon sa sunod nga lamesa diin mapahiyumon nga nga nagbarog ang tambukong badje, nga pulahon and aping ug mas pula pa ang ngabil (kay tingali kanunay gakaon ug kinilaw). “Wa nay isda didto sa unahan, Sir, dinhi na lang palit.” Ug tuod man sa akong pagtan-aw sa ubang mga lamesa way isda nga makiita. Mga lagong lang nga nagconcierto. May nakita akong isda nga hiniwa na nga may panit nga pula-pula sama sa katambak, apan wa kini’y himbis.

“Imelda,” tubag sa tindera sa dihang nangutana ako sa ngalan sa isda. Sama kakalit sa kilat, misantop sa akong hunahuna ang badje nga nailhan sa tibuok kalibutan tungod sa iyang kaliboan ka mga sapatos ug panti. Mipuno pa gyod and tindera: “Imported pa ni sa Manila.”

Mao pa kadto ang una kong nadungog…nga ang isda sa Manila miabot na diay ug baligya sa Bohol. Mibalik ko’g sil-ip sa ubang lamesa. May isda nga gagmay nga bukogon, may mga itumon ug puon sa himbis, maot ang hitsura. Way kapilian.

Nakamatngon ang tindera sa akong paduhaduha kon mopalit ba, busa sa tagning ug pinatiliis nga tingog, misupmay pa siya: “Lab-as pa kini si Imelda, Sir.” Gikan sa Manila…ug lab-as pa? pangutana nako sa akong kaugalingon. Apan wa man ko’y kapilian, gawas nga daw hurno ang kainit sa merkado, mipalit ako’g duha ka kilo.

Gilainlain nako’g paluto si Imelda pag-abot namo sa balay: sugba-tola-kilaw para panihapon. Ang sutokil girespituhan lang ug tuslotuslok sa tinedor ugkutsara. Apan nahurot ang inun-unang barongoy nga subra sa paniudto. Ang hinungdan? Way lami si Imelda. Diha pa ko mahinumdom nganong diha pa si Imelda sa lamesa, ug nahalin na ang uban pang mga isda.

Apan dili kini ang isyu karon. Ang angay hisgutan…kon ngano nga nihit na ug mahal na kaayo ang isda sa Tagbillaran. Ang tubag: Ang moabot sa mga konsumante sa mga merkado subra

na lang sa mga isda nga iuna’g baligya sa mga hotel ug resorts nga nag-anam kadaghan. Suway ug adto sa Alona Beach pagsalop sa adlaw. Galinya didto ang tanang matang sa isda nga sagad atong mapalit sa atong mga tiyangge sa Tagbilaran.

Wa ta’y mahimo ning maong suliran kay duna man ta’y “free enterprise.” Ulipon kita sa balaod sa “Supply and Demand.” Kon taas ang panginahanglan apan kulang ang produkto, taas ang presyo.

May mahimo ba niini ang pangagamhanan? Tingali, pinaagi na lang sa hangyo. Apan kini kasagaran way bukog.

Mangaon na lang tang tanan ug karneng manok ug baboy, kay mas barato pa sa atong kinaham nga isda… bahala na kon ma-high-blood. Kadtong di gustong maimpas dayon…ari ta sa dahon. Dahon sa kamunggay, kamote, tangkong, alagbati, ugbp.

Kulang ba ang atong mga mananagat, maoy hinungdan nga kulang ang atong isda? Imbis moeskuyla sa kursong Nursing, nganong di man ta managat? Wa pa’y dakong gasto. Wa magkinahanglan ug diploma ang mananagat. Ug nahibawo ba ta nga dunay mga mananagat nga dili makamaong molangoy?

Ug kon wa na gyod ta’y isda nga mapalit, si Imelda na lang, kay bisan way lami nindot man tan-awon.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy_pal@yahoo.com; cellphone: 09498345957)

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It was also reported very recently that a businessman in Davao City expressed fears over the refusal of entry by the Chinese authorities of the 1,500 containers of bananas from the Philippines. The bananas are rotting in Chinese ports causing no less than 1 billion pesos in damages.

This “business squeeze” is just one weapon in the vast armory of the Chinese. Another one is, God forbid, military action. And there are so many others. The world knows that China is not only a military but also an economic superpower. China is virtually a Goliath to the Philippines’ David.

The disparity is a very wide chasm.

It goes without saying that the country does not stand a chance in a full confrontation with China. China can bully its way to its claim, the country’s leaders can only shout and do nothing else. Knowing this, what lies ahead to the country’s claim in Panatag?

The country’s leaders can only ask, no, beg, for diplomatic solutions. It is not in a position to demand. Because while other countries heard the call of the Philippines, nobody listened. Nobody wants to meddle; it can only commiserate with the Philippines. Not even the US is helping. The Philippines is left on its own. As such, the country’s leaders should start taking stock of things. Can we really back our words with action? Can we really stand up against a “bully” like China?

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First to be given the shot to ask question was Fred Araneta, representing the anchor station. He waived the right to ask question in favor of colleague Atoy Cosap.

Atoy asked why it has become a daily fare for City Mayor Dan Neri Lim to attack Damalerio on the airlanes.

Even before an answer could be made, there was already a chuckle, a stirring in the audience.

Apparently, the question and answer portion started on the “fight mode.”

* * *

Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio said it was also a source of wonder for him about the daily attack.

He said he could not understand why he was included in the attack that centered on Governor Edgar Chatto, Cong. Rene Relampagos and himself.

Since the governor was out of the province at that time, there was no limit to PA Damalerio’s answer.

It was a detailed answer.

But what amused me was the apparent readiness of the technician to supply PA Damalerio with a recording of a portion of the mayor’s radio program where he answered a phone caller who complained about bad roads.

Another portion of the recorded radio program was the mayor’s reaction to the “report” of a DYTR reporter.

Obviously, it was a “set up” because the technician came prepared to “play” outright that portion of the taped recording when PA Damalerio asked for it.

The drama that was played was very “revealing.”

* * *

Of course, in this modern world, it is very easy to electronically copy “live” radio program.

Somebody was assigned to monitor the city mayor’s radio program and saved it on file.

Very easy indeed to sort it out later and replay the desired portion of the program as needed.

* * *

Anyway, many of us media colleagues were laughing and making fun of each other while PA Damalerio was verbalizing his response to Atoy Cosap’s question.

We were saying “planted man to” to each other.

Indeed it was.

And it became very clear to me now that there is indeed an existing “drama” between the capitol and DYRD.

* * *

If my sources are truthful, 3rd district solon Cong. Art Yap is supposedly involved as the “go-between” or “broker” of Governor Edgar Chatto and 2nd district solon Cong. Erico Aumentado towards an “amicable” political settlement for the 2013 polls.

One word of warning before going further, it is not confirmed if Cong. Yap has already touched base with the key players.

Accordingly, the proposal is for Aumentado to run for reelection in the 2nd district without a serious opponent.

Part of the proposal is for BM Roygie Jumamoy to get the vice governatorial position because Conching Lim would slide down as mayoral candidate of Valencia.

In return, Rev. Fr. Ondoy Cajes would forego with his congressional plans, his wife Bebe Cajes will run uncontested as mayor in Trinidad while his daughter Bobbith will also run for mayor of Talibon.

* * *

As far as I know, running uncontested is every politician’s dream come true.

The politician will get the position sans effort, sweat and money.

During the campaign period, he can travel anywhere, take a vacation or simply disappear and make a dramatic entry on the day of the elections.

No need to organize his machinery, no need to consult with his leaders and supporters, no need to spend for food and other campaign-related activities because his victory is already assured.

Along this line, the candidate would get the position aspired for on a silver platter.

A dream come true indeed.

* * *

If this is so, I suppose Cong. Aumentado would be very delighted.

His reelection bid is assured.

And he does not have to spend a single centavo to get it.

In return, he does not have to get active on his political activities. Which means, he does not have to work anymore for the candidacy of Carmen Mayor Cheche Toribio delos Reyes who is aiming to contest the governatorial slot in next year’s polls.

Which fit rather nicely to the reelection plans of Governor Edgar Chatto.

He does not have to worry anymore about getting majority of the votes in the district.

In fact, he will be very pleased because he can pour a lot of capitol resources in the district while campaigning for his reelection.

Mayor Cheche will now be deprived of the much-vaunted Aumentado solid support.

* * *

What about Cong. Yap?

Accordingly, if he got it all worked out, he would also get a big slice of the action.

He would virtually run uncontested in the 3rd district.

Anybody seeking the support of Gov. Chatto for the Liberal Party endorsement, like Leon Calipusan, would face tremendous problems and run-around like no other.

In fact, there is great possibility that Yap would be “adopted” as guest candidate of LP Bohol.

And Leon would get nothing.

No endorsement, no funding, no nothing from the LP.

* * *

All these are speculations, at the moment.

But somebody has come up with this brilliant idea as a sort of win-win solution to the major stakeholders.

Everybody cooperates, everybody happy.

Never mind the pretenders, they will get nothing.

* * *

If the information is truthful, Mayor Cheche should be ready with her options.

She should forget the “nice material for governor” thing and expect a lot of hard work.

She has to rely on her own resources to get the votes.

She still has enough time to do just that.

But of course, the task is daunting enough.

She is facing somebody who’s been there and done that; somebody with about 32 years of background work.

The task she is facing is no joke.

* * *

But of course, nobody will confirm the information.

Nobody will come clean with the information because these are all hush-hush.

The information will be confirmed only on the last day of filing of certificates of candidacy.

By that time, it would be too late for the opponents to make adjustments.

And it would be too easy for them to say that it was not a personal decision but party decision.

* * *

Cortes Mayor Hasmin Balistoy is reportedly out of the country.

The last time I saw her was in RTC Branch 3 sometime middle of April. She was attending a court hearing involving a nullification of marriage case.

Reports reaching Longcuts are to the effect that while she turned over the position to Vice Mayor Dan Montero, she did not turn over the records and files in the office.

Acting Mayor Montero was quoted as saying the records in the Mayor’s Office are gone.

Even the files in the computers are blank or erased.

He said sometime in the evening of May 1, Mayor Balistoy was “busy” inside the office up to the wee hours in the morning of the following day.

The next day, the records were gone.

And Montero is left to explain to the Commission on Audit (COA) why the LGU of Cortes has failed to file the necessary financial statements.

* * *

The acting mayor of Cortes also confirmed that there is yet no preventive suspension order against Balistoy arising from the graft cases she is facing before the Ombudsman.

But unconfirmed reports indicate that the fact-finding team that probed the incident has already completed its findings. In fact, there is already a recommendation for her preventive suspension.

Actually, preventive suspension is not a penalty. It is part of the process to secure the integrity of the documentary evidence and prevent the official concerned from unduly influencing the potential witnesses to the case.

* * *

There are also reports that her son, municipal kagawad Junn Eckart Balistoy is also in Hongkong.

This guy is also facing a graft case.

Strangely, the departure of the mother and son coincided with each other. Both are in hot seats and both are facing the possibility of preventive suspension.

And both are gone, out of the country. And yes, out of the jurisdiction of the courts.

Are they “clean” now?

Well, they can still be placed on watch list.

If they are on watch list, then they will start to feel the pain when the Bureau of Immigration starts running after them.

* * *

Happy Mother’s Day to all the loving and caring mothers. Today is your day, a very special day indeed for that very special person who rocks the world. This day is the day to remember the good ole days when the mother shared her love, care and attention to her children. This is the day when the mother allowed the husband to leave his worries behind in search for the food for the table and other needs of the family. This is the day to remember the very special person, so dear to our hearts – our mother!

More when we return, stay tuned for more.

More when we return, stay tuned for more!

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TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 11, 2012 (PIA) – After a long delay, the government has finally looked into the migration problems in Balicasag in the hopes of keeping the island as pristine and as ideal like the promise it was projected when declared a naval reservation.

At least, this as Capitol’s Socio-Economic and Environment Management cluster has pushed for Governor Edgar Chatto to formalize a memorandum of agreement with Balicasag island stakeholders for a project that would answer to the issues long besetting the island reservation.

Balicasag Island, lying 10 kilometers southwest of Panglao has a world class seascapes which have been internationally recognized, making it a premier dive site.

Since 1907, the American Governor General James Smith declared Pamilacan a naval reservation for lighthouse purposes, this allowed the navy and the Coast Guard to put up detachments for lighthouse operations and island security.

During the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, a presidential decree put the island under the Philippine Tourism Authority, who, under a Memorandum of Agreement, established the Balicasag Island Dive Resort in 1987, allowing it to further build billeting quarters and amenities, to promote underwater sports which the island can boast of.

The same MOA largely aims to protect the marine life sanctuary that was to showcase a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism.

But, like all success stories, Balicasag did not only lure tourists, it also drew people to the 25 hectare island which sits on top of Bohol’s most productive seas.

Now, the island’s ecological sustainability is seriously threatened from population pressures, unhampered inward migration and expanding tourist arrivals.

That is however just part of the problems spawned by a tourism island.

Unlawful buildings using the island’s beach sand, substantial waste-water seepage polluting its reefs, improper waste disposal, harmful fishing practices of island dwellers, unchecked diving and snorkeling activities, unethical tourism service operations and plain disregard for sound environmental policies put the island teetering in its certain crumbling future.

The MOA, which would launch the activities of the Coastal Restoration of Amazing Balicasag (CRAB) now seeks to unite all government agencies having stakes in the island to jointly pan for the restoration of the island’s lure as Bohol’s marine protected areas showcase, says Liz Quirog, SEEM Cluster head.

Signatories of the MOA include Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Department of tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Housing Authority, Congressional office for the First District, Provincial Government of Bohol and the Municipality of Panglao. (30)

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