SENATOR Loren Legarda is calling for justice and genuine agrarian reform for farmers, stressing that justice must be served to the victims and families of the Hacienda Luisita massacre.
In Negros Occidental, militant and cause oriented groups likewise heed the call as they lambast the Arroyo administration’s failure to fully implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law which according to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, “is anti-farmers’ law.”
In a statement, Legarda on the other hand said: “It has been more than five years since this bloody episode in our farmers’ struggle for genuine land reform. This is human rights violation that has not been resolved up to now by the administration nor the landowners of Hacienda Luisita.”
She added: “Luisita is a symbol of government’s failure to end a feudal and oppressive agrarian system. Neither Noynoy Aquino nor his running mate Mar Roxas, whose families are among the biggest landowners in the country, have taken any steps to correct it.”
This is a test of character – whether you stand against injustice or turn a blind eye to brutality, she said.
Legarda reiterated her call to implement the 20-year-old Agrarian Reform law.
“Noynoy and Mar should not make promises to redistribute their lands for the mere purpose of campaigning. How can you prove that you are pro-poor if you cannot even show transparency in the Hacienda Luisita and Araneta-Roxas records? People are starving. The plight of farmers continues up to this day. Farmers are killed, hurt and harassed. The landless must be given land. This is what the law says,” she said.
Legarda’s statement came on the heels of Aquino’s early declaration that he will distribute the property to its beneficiaries as among his political agenda.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Missing books
SEVERAL employees of the Provincial Government said the P2.5 million worth of books the Capitol purchased from a supplier last year could not be found in the stock room where they had been usually kept.
The textbooks that were purchased last year from St. Mary’s Publishing Company are supposed to be distributed for the school children in Negros Occidental province.
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The purchase was made sometime in 2009 by some executive assistants of Governor Isidro Zayco, said an employee who refused to be identified.
Some of the Provincial Government employees said they noticed the pullout of the textbooks from the stock room but they expressed suspicion as the books were not distributed last year because the Capitol had not paid the supplier.
They also said the book distribution is no longer timely in nature because classes are already close to summer and about to end their term.
The employee who refused to be named also said that payment for the book purchase is underway.
Zayco could not be reached for comment on the issue as of Tuesday night.
Also, the problem on payment reportedly surfaced after it was found out that the supplier is not accredited by the Department of Education.
The book purchase, according to the source, did not pass through the Provincial School Board.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Legal Office said it is now fast-tracking investigation on the alleged “check scandal” last year that, according to PLO officer Ernie Magaspag, bears “irregularities and illegal proofs”.
Magaspag said his office is now working closely on the last three remaining affidavits out of the 20 complainants who were victims of an “illegal transaction” at the Capitol.
The transactions involved were the project assistance of the Provincial Government to selected qualified beneficiaries of the Food for Work.
The beneficiaries said they were surprised to know that their names have been used to claim for the said financial assistance, through a land bank check, without their own knowledge.
Worst is that somebody claimed for the beneficiaries’ behalf.
Magaspag said his office will present to the governor their findings on the merit of the investigation this month so that appropriate measures can be adopted.
The textbooks that were purchased last year from St. Mary’s Publishing Company are supposed to be distributed for the school children in Negros Occidental province.
For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter
The purchase was made sometime in 2009 by some executive assistants of Governor Isidro Zayco, said an employee who refused to be identified.
Some of the Provincial Government employees said they noticed the pullout of the textbooks from the stock room but they expressed suspicion as the books were not distributed last year because the Capitol had not paid the supplier.
They also said the book distribution is no longer timely in nature because classes are already close to summer and about to end their term.
The employee who refused to be named also said that payment for the book purchase is underway.
Zayco could not be reached for comment on the issue as of Tuesday night.
Also, the problem on payment reportedly surfaced after it was found out that the supplier is not accredited by the Department of Education.
The book purchase, according to the source, did not pass through the Provincial School Board.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Legal Office said it is now fast-tracking investigation on the alleged “check scandal” last year that, according to PLO officer Ernie Magaspag, bears “irregularities and illegal proofs”.
Magaspag said his office is now working closely on the last three remaining affidavits out of the 20 complainants who were victims of an “illegal transaction” at the Capitol.
The transactions involved were the project assistance of the Provincial Government to selected qualified beneficiaries of the Food for Work.
The beneficiaries said they were surprised to know that their names have been used to claim for the said financial assistance, through a land bank check, without their own knowledge.
Worst is that somebody claimed for the beneficiaries’ behalf.
Magaspag said his office will present to the governor their findings on the merit of the investigation this month so that appropriate measures can be adopted.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Gas Prices is higher in Bacolod City
INVESTIGATION in underway on the observed higher gasoline prices in Bacolod City after a resolution authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. was submitted to the Department of Energy (DOE) for appropriate action.
In his reply, DOE Undersecretary Roy Kyamko said since Republic Act 8479 or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998” was imposed, prices of gasoline and crude oil products were based on supply and demand and the price of crude oil in the international market.
He said the law has liberalized the downstream oil industry that promoted market competition “wherein the prices of petroleum products are governed and influenced by several factors/indicators such as the crude oil in the international market, the foreign exchange rate, spot prices and the interplay of market forces /conditions in a particular trading area.”
“It is for this reason that prices may vary across locations as these are dictated by the market,” Kyamko added.
He said he has endorsed the issue to concerned oil companies operating in Bacolod City, asking them to submit written explanations on the price situation of oil here.
“Also, we have directed our director for the Visayas Field Office, Engr. Antonio Labios, to conduct a thorough assessment and evaluation of the price situation in your area,” he told Gamboa.
In Kyamko’s letter dated September 24, 2009 addressed to Jim Meymink, country chairman of Chevron; Edgar Chua, chairman and president of Pilipinas Shell; Glenn Yu, president and CEO of Seaoil; and Eric Recto, president of Petron, it states: “We are endorsing the letter and resolutions to your office for your appropriate assessment and evaluation.”
He asked the office to submit the assessment and evaluation of said oil companies within 15 days after receipt of his letter.
The gas price issue was spurred when Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Vice President for External Affairs Jose Maria Zayco questioned why fuel price in Bacolod is higher by P4-P6 per liter when Negros Occidental is close to Batangas where most companies get their fuel supply.
Gas prices in some cities in Mindanao are cheaper compared to Bacolod.
Noynoy's yellow party
VOLUNTEERS and supporters of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental are celebrating Monday his birthday dub as “Yellow Party”.
Exactly one day before the official campaign for the May 10 elections starts, the Yellow party marks the opening of the Aquino – Roxas’ campaign headquarters at Lopue’s Mandalagan Annex Bldg., North Drive, beside Orange Gallery.
A blessing and ceremonial installation of banners and tarpaulins will be at 9:30 a.m.
The Yellow bazaar of Yellow Noynoy merchandize, Yellow food fair, and a Yellow bar will also be launched at around 5 p.m.
Yellow yummies at the food fair such as fresh corn on the cob, ice cream in corn, cheese and mango flavors, camote (sweet potato) and banana cue, valenciana, pork stick and inasal with yellow ribbons, ukoy, alupi, flying saucers, yellow fish crackers, popcorn, and cheese muffins will also be available.
At 7 p.m. a party for the official opening of the headquarters will also be held.
Joining Aquino’s local supporters are Liberal Party’s Senatorial candidates Neric Acosta, Teofisto Guingona III, Dr. Martin Bautista and Negrense Lawyer Alex Lacson. (TED)
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 8, 2010.
Exactly one day before the official campaign for the May 10 elections starts, the Yellow party marks the opening of the Aquino – Roxas’ campaign headquarters at Lopue’s Mandalagan Annex Bldg., North Drive, beside Orange Gallery.
A blessing and ceremonial installation of banners and tarpaulins will be at 9:30 a.m.
The Yellow bazaar of Yellow Noynoy merchandize, Yellow food fair, and a Yellow bar will also be launched at around 5 p.m.
Yellow yummies at the food fair such as fresh corn on the cob, ice cream in corn, cheese and mango flavors, camote (sweet potato) and banana cue, valenciana, pork stick and inasal with yellow ribbons, ukoy, alupi, flying saucers, yellow fish crackers, popcorn, and cheese muffins will also be available.
At 7 p.m. a party for the official opening of the headquarters will also be held.
Joining Aquino’s local supporters are Liberal Party’s Senatorial candidates Neric Acosta, Teofisto Guingona III, Dr. Martin Bautista and Negrense Lawyer Alex Lacson. (TED)
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 8, 2010.
Friday, February 5, 2010
BACOLOD CITY FEBRUARY CELEBRATIONS!
IT WILL BE A GRAND CELEBRAtion of love between the Chinese and Filipino communities in Bacolod City when they celebrate this year’s BacoLaodiat Festival.
That is because this year’s Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day.
BacoLaodiat comes from the words Bacolod and Laodiat, the latter being the Chinese word that means “to celebrate,” says Leonito “Diotay” Lopue, this year’s chair of the festival.
Since 2010 is the year of the tiger, this year’s BacoLaodiat theme is “Leap of courage with renewed vitality.”
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia started the BacoLaodiat annual celebration five years ago, and its main purpose is “the assimilation of the Chinese with their Filipino brothers and sisters, and bringing the Chinese culture to a better understanding,” according to Lopue.
This year, the festival to be celebrated from Feb. 12 to 14, would feature Chinese national ethnic costumes that were specially ordered from China, says Lopue.
BacoLaodiat organizers want the festival to be known for its lantern dance parade and symphony of lights and sparks. In this parade, lanterns will flow, sway and make formations in the night.
They want its Chopstick Alley to be located at the North Capitol Road during the three-day festivities.
The Chopstick Alley is where Chinese food and delicacies will be available to the public. Chinese medicines, books, feng shui products, and other products will also be on sale in this area.
The festival this year will also have two giant tigers on a float made from fine bamboo with a red lighted heart. The tiger costumes will be donned by two “trisikad (bicycle for hire)” drivers.
The 12 zodiac animal floats will be placed inside the Capitol Lagoon Park in Bacolod for the BacoLaodiat.
Lanterns
Also to be put up are a tent full of lighted lanterns, a room full of tigers plus a life-sized one that people could ride on and have their photos taken with, and a wall where tiger products of different companies would be presented, Lopue adds.
On Feb. 12, leaders and members of Negros Occidental’s Filipino-Chinese community will start the festival with a grand parade along the city’s major thoroughfares, complete with dancing dragons and lions, the floats of the 12 Electric Zodiac Animal floats, national ethnic dresses that include emperors’ outfits, and Chinese school students in their national costumes.
Chinese and Filipino folk dances would be presented and a medley of Filipino and Chinese songs would be sang by a chorale, he said. This would be followed by fireworks and band music.
On Feb. 13, the lantern dance parade will be held at the festival’s main stage at the North Capitol Road and down to Lacson Street’s Tourist Strip to end at the 21st Street.
This will also be capped by fireworks and live band music.
On Feb. 14, there will be a GMA Kapuso show, the awarding of prizes to the lantern dance parade winners and fireworks.
The festival will also have side shows of performers on “kadangs” or stilts, fire dancers and Chinese lanterns.
That is because this year’s Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day.
BacoLaodiat comes from the words Bacolod and Laodiat, the latter being the Chinese word that means “to celebrate,” says Leonito “Diotay” Lopue, this year’s chair of the festival.
Since 2010 is the year of the tiger, this year’s BacoLaodiat theme is “Leap of courage with renewed vitality.”
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia started the BacoLaodiat annual celebration five years ago, and its main purpose is “the assimilation of the Chinese with their Filipino brothers and sisters, and bringing the Chinese culture to a better understanding,” according to Lopue.
This year, the festival to be celebrated from Feb. 12 to 14, would feature Chinese national ethnic costumes that were specially ordered from China, says Lopue.
BacoLaodiat organizers want the festival to be known for its lantern dance parade and symphony of lights and sparks. In this parade, lanterns will flow, sway and make formations in the night.
They want its Chopstick Alley to be located at the North Capitol Road during the three-day festivities.
The Chopstick Alley is where Chinese food and delicacies will be available to the public. Chinese medicines, books, feng shui products, and other products will also be on sale in this area.
The festival this year will also have two giant tigers on a float made from fine bamboo with a red lighted heart. The tiger costumes will be donned by two “trisikad (bicycle for hire)” drivers.
The 12 zodiac animal floats will be placed inside the Capitol Lagoon Park in Bacolod for the BacoLaodiat.
Lanterns
Also to be put up are a tent full of lighted lanterns, a room full of tigers plus a life-sized one that people could ride on and have their photos taken with, and a wall where tiger products of different companies would be presented, Lopue adds.
On Feb. 12, leaders and members of Negros Occidental’s Filipino-Chinese community will start the festival with a grand parade along the city’s major thoroughfares, complete with dancing dragons and lions, the floats of the 12 Electric Zodiac Animal floats, national ethnic dresses that include emperors’ outfits, and Chinese school students in their national costumes.
Chinese and Filipino folk dances would be presented and a medley of Filipino and Chinese songs would be sang by a chorale, he said. This would be followed by fireworks and band music.
On Feb. 13, the lantern dance parade will be held at the festival’s main stage at the North Capitol Road and down to Lacson Street’s Tourist Strip to end at the 21st Street.
This will also be capped by fireworks and live band music.
On Feb. 14, there will be a GMA Kapuso show, the awarding of prizes to the lantern dance parade winners and fireworks.
The festival will also have side shows of performers on “kadangs” or stilts, fire dancers and Chinese lanterns.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bacolod News Flash!
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