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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Ex-Marinduque Rep, 7 Others Face Charges Over Fertilizer Scam

Former Congressman, Edmund O. Reyes
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of charges – including graft and malversation - against former Marinduque Representative Edmundo Reyes, Department of Agriculture officials for their alleged involvement in the P728-million ($16.3 million*) fertilizer fund scam.

Aside from Reyes, set to be charged before the Sandiganbayan are DA officials Dennis Araullo, Raymundo Braganza, Balagtas Torres, Rodolfo Guieb, Lucille Odejar, and Dory Iranzo, the Ombudsman said in a statement on Wednesday, December 10.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has also ordered charges filed against Margie Tajon Luz, president and chairman of the board of trustees of Gabaymasa Foundation Inc.

The Ombudsman said that the individuals were found liable for malversation of public funds and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Morales said Reyes and the DA officials chose Gabaymasa, an NGO without proper government accreditation, as project implementor under the government’s Farm Inputs and Farm Implements Program.

This goes against Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 96-00 which provides that NGOs tapped to implement government projects should be duly accredited, verified and validated by the government.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had earlier identified Marinduque as among the beneficiaries in a fertilizer program for farmers, and was allotted P5 million ($112,000) from the P728-million fertilizer fund.

’NGO with no track record’

In its resolution, the Ombudsman’s Task Force Abono said that Araullo and Reyes, representing DA Regional Field Unit IV and Marinduque, respectively, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Luz on March 10, 2004, for the P5-million fertilizer program in the province.

The task force also noted the following:
  1. Gabaymasa was based in Quezon City and not in the community where the project was to be implemented
  2. Gabaymasa only submitted its 2003 financial statement, in violation of the COA circular requiring the submission of financial statements for the last 3 years to ensure its financial stability
  3. Gabaymasa had no proven track record in the field of the agriculture
Morales concluded that “public officers Reyes, Araullo, Braganza, Torres, Guieb, Odejar, and Iranzo, in conspiracy with Luz consented or, through abandonment or negligence, permitted Gabaymasa to take the P5M fund in the guise of lawful disbursement” exhibiting “a deliberate lack of care or diligence in the performance of their respective duties…to achieve a common design of defrauding the government.”

The Ombudsman also found DA officials Araullo, Braganza, Torres, Guieb, Odejar and Iranzo administratively guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Morales ordered their dismissal from the service, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

In November, the Ombudsman indicted August Syjuco Jr, former Iloilo 2nd District Representative and former Technical Education and Skills Authority (Tesda) director , and 12 others over the fertilizer fund scam.

The Senate probed the fertilizer fund scam in 2006, stemming from allegations that then Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-joc" Bolante had diverted P728-million in fertilizer funds to the 2004 campaign of President Gloria Arroyo.

In May, the Ombudsman cleared Arroyo of involvement in the scam, saying it found no evidence to implicate her. – Rappler.com

*$1 = P44.5

Monday, December 8, 2014

Monday, December 08, 2014

Ruby’s Heavy Rains Threaten Marinduque with Flash Floods

Boac River, Tabi Bridge
Photo courtesy: Ariel R. Reginio
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Flash floods threaten Marinduque as Boac River continued to swell and sea water rose amid heavy rains spawned by Typhoon “Ruby,” now weakened to the category of a tropical storm, the head of the provincial disaster coordinating council said Monday.

“Our rain gauge monitor registered a maximum rainfall data of 30.8 millimeters which exceeded the forecast rainfall brought by Ruby,” Eleuterio Raza, acting head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview.

“Low-lying areas and those near the shores run the risk of flooding, which will be exacerbated when high tide occurs,” he added.

Raza said the water level in the 27-km-long Boac River had reached 2.6 meters as of noon Monday and could overflow anytime as the river was heavily silted with mine tailings left behind by the now defunct Marcopper Mining Corp.

Data provided by the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regional disaster office said that as of 8 a.m. Monday, 15,755 persons had been evacuated in Marinduque.

“More are evacuating due to risks of flood,” Raza said.

He said government rescue teams, assisted by citizens groups, were now evacuating villagers along the Boac River and other low-lying areas.

The provincial disaster office also feared that the abandoned Makulapnit and Maguila-guila mine dams and Tapian pit of the former Marcopper Mining Corp. might collapse, with catastrophic consequences for the towns of Mogpog and Boac.

Makulapnit and Maguila-guila were among the Marcopper dams that were described as being in “imminent danger of collapsing” by the United States Geological Survey as early as 1996, or after the spill occurred.

In 1996, the plug of the Tapian pit of the Marcopper mine gave way and unleashed approximately 200 million tons of toxic mine tailings into Boac River. The incident is considered to be the country’s worst mining disaster.

Makulapnit dam was built to supply water for the operations of Marcopper and for household use by residents within the vicinity, while Maguila-guila dam served as the mining company’s siltation dam.

The Tapian pit is a 130-hectare wide and 320-m deep hole that was created in the process of mining copper near the summit of Mount Tapian.

Meanwhile, the Mimaropa regional disaster office said Romblon had the highest number of evacuees with 30,500, followed by Oriental Mindoro, 28,057; Occidental Mindoro, 24,998; and Palawan with 21,159.

The report said the Sibuyan circumferential road in Barangays Taclobo and España in San Fernando town in Romblon has also been impassable to light vehicles due to 0.60-meter flood.

Source and courtesy: Inquirer

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sunday, December 07, 2014

Strong Rains Raise Fear of Marinduque Mine Dams Collapse

Marcopper Dam, Satellite Photo

LUCENA CITY, Philippines - The provincial disaster coordinator of Marinduque expressed fears that the abandoned mine dams of the former Marcopper Mining Corporation might collapse under the onslaught of approaching Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit).

“We’re closely monitoring the condition of Tapian pit, Makulapnit and Maguila-guila dams,” Eleuterio Raza, acting provincial disaster risk reduction management council officer, said in a phone interview Sunday morning.

He said the people were afraid that strong rains from Ruby could trigger the abandoned dams to collapse as it could no longer hold more water.

“The weather forecast predicts strong rains along Ruby’s path. Marinduque will be surely hit,” Raza said.

He recalled that a strong typhoon in 1993 caused heavy flooding to the towns of Boac and Mogpog.

Raza said several rescue teams from PDRRMC were now ready to attend and respond to emergencies.

“We already have evacuated 1,500 residents in low lying areas particularly along riverbanks and coastlines since Saturday. Most of them have voluntarily evacuated,” he said.

The evacuation of residents in dangerous areas is ongoing, he added.

Raza expressed fear that once the dam breaks, it would cause catastrophic flooding to the towns of Mogpog and Boac.

Makulapnit and Maguila-guila are among the dams of Marcopper identified to be in “imminent danger of collapsing” by the United States Geological Services as early as 1996 or after the spill occurred.

Makulapnit dam was built to supply water for the operations of Marcopper and for household use by residents within the vicinity, while Maguila-guila dam served as the mining company’s siltation dam.

The inactive dams were abandoned when Marcopper stopped its operation after the spill in 1996. Both dams have deteriorated.

Raza also cited studies that the east wall portion of Tapian pit of Marcopper was weakening and in danger of collapse that could cause flooding to several villages along the banks of the 27-kilometer Boac River.

The Tapian pit is a 130-ha wide and 320-m deep hole that was created in the process of mining copper near the summit of Mount Tapian.

Raza said Boac River poses serious dangers to residents should the typhoon pours heavy rains.

“The river is heavily silted with mine tailings deposit which can easily cause floods,” Raza said.

In 1996, the plug of the Tapian pit gave way and unleashed approximately 200 million tons of toxic mine tailings into the Boac river.

Almost two decades after the disaster, the damaged areas have yet to be fully rehabilitated.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014

DOH Opens Marinduque Telemedicine Facility

Department of Health (DOH) MIMAROPA
Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo led the soft launching
of the first-interactive telemedicine system in the country.
Photo Credit: Joven Malabana Lilles
Marinduque can soon be one of the Philippines' centers for telemedicine after the Department of Health opened its modern facility in Boac.

DOH Mimaropa Director Eduardo Janairo on Wednesday led the soft launching of the first interactive telemedicine system at the Dr. Damian J. Reyes Provincial Hospital.

“This is a big leap for the health care industry because we now have the ability to provide interactive healthcare to patients in far-flung areas through a video call using modern technology and telecommunications,” state-run Philippines News Agency quoted Janairo as saying.

He added medical examinations can now be done through a live video conversation.

Initially, three hospitals will be linked through the telemedicine system. These are the Sta. Cruz District Hospital, Torijos Municipal Hospital and the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital, which will be the hub.

Janairo said monitoring a patient’s recovery through mobile technology may eventually reduce outpatient visits and enable remote prescription verification and drug administration.

This in turn will reduce the cost of medical care for the patient, he added.

If telemedicine succeeds in Marinduque, he said, it can be replicated nationwide.

Janairo also cited the effectiveness of the RxBox and Quantum Magnetic Resonance Analyzer (QMRA) in the remote diagnosis and evaluation of patients needing immediate treatment in distant communities.

The PNA said the new technology allows patients to receive treatment and care from doctors without visiting the health facility.

DOH-Mimaropa provided P10 million for the satellite equipment the system will use.

For its part, the Marinduque local government will provide the wages of existing health care workers and membership payment to PhilHealth for non-member residents.

Source and Courtesy: GMA News Online

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

LOOK: This Girl is on Fire

Inspector Beverly May P. Grimaldo,
Station Commander of the San Lazaro Fire Station
“I am a firefighter, not a firewoman,” is how Inspector Beverly May P. Grimaldo, 25, the Station Commander of the San Lazaro Fire Station introduces herself.

With that kind of introduction, Inspector Grimaldo dismisses right away the notion that she is just another pretty face in the workplace.

Not that the distaff side is a common sight at fire stations. In fact, we rarely find women in this job. So why did she choose this job?

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pagkilos Laban sa Pangungutang ng Lalawigan ng Marinduque

Marinduque Movers Board Meeting last October 27, 2014
Ihinalintulad ang inuutang sa bangko na Php 500Million ng kapitolyo ng Marinduque sa nadeklara nang labag sa Konstitusyong PDAF fund allocation. Matatandaang nanawagan na rin kamakailan ang Commission on Audit (COA), sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Marinduque na ang pagtitipid sa development funds ay hindi kapakipakinabang para sa mga nasasakupan nito.

Kasunod ito ng pagbatikos ng COA sa lalawigan dahil bukod pa sa mga maanomalyang mga transaksyon na inisa-isa ng Commission sa COA Report 2013, higit sa P 100-Million na pondo ng Kapitolyo pala ang hindi nito ginagalaw, “gayung maraming proyekto sa ilalim ng Annual Investment Plan ang dapat na ipatupad”. Ayon pa rin sa COA nagresulta ito sa kabiguan ng Marinduque na magpatupad ng “desirable socio-economic development and environmental management outcomes” na anila’y dapat sanay nakapagbigay ng mga trabaho at kabuhayan para sa mga taga-Marinduque.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga bagay na ipinaalam ni dating Bokal at Boac Mayor Pedrito Nepomuceno sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque sa pamamagitan ni Vice-Governor Romulo Bacorro, Jr.

Matatandaang sa 2013 annual audit report para sa lalawigan, binatikos din ng COA ang mga opisyales ng pamahalaan dahil sa pag-aatubili nito na kolektahin ang hindi binabayarang amelyar ng isang minahan sa loob ng mahabang panahon, sa kabila ng katotohanang may desisyon na hinggil dito ang Korte Suprema.

Sa isang bahagi pa lamang ng minahan, anang COA, partikular sa siltation and decant system nito at sa lupa kung saan nakatayo ang nasabing mga instruktura ay mahigit sa P 19-million ang utang ng Marcopper. Hindi kasama rito ang amelyar ng minahan sa lahat ng lupang pag-aari nito sa iba’t-ibang bayan ng Marinduque na umabot na sa isang bilyong piso (P 1-Billion).

Binigyang diin ni Nepomuceno na hindi kailangan ng lalawigang mangutang dahil may sapat itong pananalapi. Bukod pa aniya sa hindi kinokolektang buwis para pondohan ang mga proyekto, ay maraming mapapagkunang pondo ang lalawigan mula sa nasyunal na pamahalaan, kasama na ang IRA.

Mauulit ang naunang protesta

Pinaalalahanan ni Nepomuceno ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan tungkol sa naunang pagprotesta na isinagawa ng Marinduque First Saturday Movers (Marinduque Movers), at ilang bayan ng Marinduque sa pangungutang ng Marinduque noong 2012. Aniya, binalak utangin sana noong taong 2012 ang pagpapasaayos ng runway sa paliparan ng Marinduque, pagpapagawa ng sports center, legislative building at iba pang mga estruktura. Ayon kay Nepomuceno, ang mga ito ay naisagawa at patuloy na isinasagawa mula sa pondo na nanggaling sa nasyunal na pamahalaan na siyang marapat, “at hindi dahil sa pangungutang”.

Si Nepomuceno ay isang kasapi ng Marinduque Movers. Matatandaang isa rin siya sa mga opisyal na naghain ng petition sa Korte Suprema para ideklarang unconstitutional ang PDAF.

Sinabi rin ng dating Bokal na kung ang lalawigan ay nakakagastos aniya ng higit sa P 7-million para sa mga pakain na may kinalaman sa Morion at sports na naiulat din ng COA, bakit hindi nito kayang gumastos para sa pagpapasaayos ng mga provincial roads?

Nangyayari aniya ang ganitong pangungutang tuwing nalalapit ang halalan, kayat lagi ding kahinahinala ang tunay na motibo ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Binigyang diin ni Nepomuceno, na kapag iginiit ng kinauukulan ang nasabing pangungutang ay maaaring isagawa muli ng Movers ang pormal na pagtutol dito at dalhin ang usapin sa Tanggapan ng Ombudsman.

“I appeal to your sense of patriotism, do not pursue the loan as it will contribute to the further distortion of our finances. Our loyalty must be for our country and our people and not on the powers that be,” ang nakasaad sa sulat ni Nepomuceno.

“Brother Vice Governor Jun Bacorro, may I respectfully request you to be a true leader as we were taught in APO. Do what is good for our constituents and not be blindly swayed to the promise of a traditional play in Philippine politics. We all know there is always something on it and all of us must oppose it”
, patuloy pa niya.

Sa isang hiwalay namang pagkilos, napag-alamang nagsagawa na rin ng isang pormal na resolusyon para sa mga kinauukulan ang nasabing organisasyon ng Marinduque Movers hinggil sa kontrobersiyal na pangungutang na nabanggit.

Source and courtesy: Marinduque Rising

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Port, Airport Projects Rolled Out

Marinduque Airport in Gasan
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) is seeking the aid of private investors for the improvement of five airports and two ports in parts of the country, an invitation to bid published in a newspaper on Tuesday showed.

As part of its effort to boost the country’s competitiveness in the port and airport sectors for local and foreign investor, the department rolled out port and airport development projects in Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Ilocos Norte, Bohol, Albay, Samar and Dipolog City collectively worth P150.4 million.

The P16.84-million Lubang Airport Development Project in Occidental Mindoro entails the construction of a new passenger terminal.

The P8.45-million Marinduque Airport Development Project in Gasan also involves the construction of a new airport administration building, among others.

Meanwhile, the P7.46-million Laoag International Airport Development Project in Ilocos Norte entails the construction of drainage canal and shoulder grade connection.

Another airport project, the P18.14-million Legaspi Airport Development Project in Albay entails the concreting of Aspen.

The biggest airport deal -- which is the P47.53-million Tagbilaran Airport Development Project in Bohol -- entails asphalt overlay of runway pavement, among others.

On the other hand, the P47.22-million Galas Port Development Project in Dipolog City involves the construction of wharf; while the P4.81-million Rehabilitation of Marabut Port in Samar entails the repair of existing damaged port and extension of causeway.

The opening of bids for all these projects will be on Nov. 18. Costs for the bid documents for the projects vary from P5,000 to P25,000.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Monday, October 13, 2014

La Navál de Manila: A 368-year Old Tradition

ANNUAL TRADITION A file photo of the devotees to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary,
also known as La Naval de Manila, in a procession along Quezon Ave. on feast day.
(Image by PINGGOT ZULUETA)
When church doors closed at eight o’clock last Thursday evening, more than a hundred people were still kneeling before the image of Nuestra Señora. Del Rosario at Santo Domingo Church.
Lavishly attired, bejeweled, and high on a temporary templete above the main altar, Our Lady was transferred from her normal place at the left transept to get ready for her feast day, celebrated every second Sunday of October.  In the adjoining convent corridor, carrozas were being lined up to receive the images joining the big day’s procession, La Nával de Manila.

The venerated image (Virgin holding the Infant Jesus) was carved in the 1590s by a Chinese and has survived a fire, an earthquake, an invasion (in 1762 when the church was ransacked by invading British troops during the Seven Years’ War), and a bombing (by the Japanese in December 1941).
Fact and legend surround the Virgin’s jewels.  My Lola Trining used to relate that the carbunco (a large red stone) on the Virgin’s forehead—maybe lost to the Brits—was wrested from a python inhabiting the banks of the Pasig—a story also told in Nick Joaquin’s short story, “The Virgin’s Jewel.”  The 1762 setback has been made up with gifts over 250 years since and La Navál is as glittery as ever.
The procession would consist of some 30 images escorting the Virgin: San José, San Lorenzo Ruiz (who served in the Dominicans’ Binondo church) and Dominican saints.  Survivors of World War II from the Intramuros church are the ivory heads and hands of Sto. Domingo de Guzmán (founder of the Dominican Order); Sto. Tomás de Aquino and Sta. Catalina de Sena (Doctors of the Church); Sta. Rosa de Lima (secondary patroness of the Philippines); San Vicente Ferrér; San Pio Quinto (Pope Pius V) and Sta. Inés de Montepulciano (Dominican abbess).
The multitude of present-day devotees follow in the footsteps of their ancestors who, for 368 years, have been expressing gratitude or petitioning for the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary.  Most, however, are probably unaware that they also memorialize a 1646 Spanish victory.
Carrying their War of Independence against Spain to the Far East, the Dutch had hoped to cripple the galleon trade and take over Spain’s interests in the region.  Outnumbered and with old and rotting ships, the Spanish entrusted their fate to Our Lady of the Rosary.  The encounters were at sea—five cat-and-mouse battles from March to October 1646:  in Lingayen Gulf near Bolináo; in the seas between Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblón; off Cavite near Fortune Island; and around Lubang Island and Mindoro.
The Spanish won the final battle on Oct. 4 with “one rickety ship against three well-armed enemy ships.”  Fulfilling a vow, the exultant sailors walked barefoot across Intramuros to give thanks to Nstra. Sra. del Rosario.
Thus began Manila’s grand October procession, held in Intramuros until 1941; in Sampaloc at UST where the Dominicans evacuated; and since 1954 in Quezon City when the present Sto. Domingo church was inaugurated.  The tradition continues.

Source and courtesy: Manila Bulletin.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Sis Follows Advice of Late Reporter: Pay It Forward

Shiela Querubin and her daughter Alyanna
share a passion for baking sweets as well as helping others.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MARINDUQUE, Philippines - Sheila Querubin never thought her sweet tooth would pull her through two of the lowest points so far in her lifetime—her brother and mother’s untimely demise.
Now seeing herself ready to move on, she wants to live by her brother’s mantra of paying it forward.
Sheila, 41, is an elder sister of Gerald Gene Querubin, Inquirer correspondent in Marinduque, who was also a state college instructor, environmentalist and community worker in the island province.
In 2004, Gerald, or “Toots” as he was fondly called by family and friends, cofounded the Marinduque Youth Volunteers Corps, an organization involved in raising calamity funds. He also organized educational activities, even rock concerts for a cause, for the out-of-school-youth.
Gerald died from a congenital heart condition in June 2013 at the age of 38. Hours before his funeral in Sta. Cruz town, also in Marinduque, his mother, Gracita, 63, died from a heart attack.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Marinduque: One of the Islands to be visited by PHINSAF

Bellaroca Island
The Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation has released the Notice of Race for the 15th Philippine Hobie Challenge, set for March 14-22, 2015. The route as specified in the NOR, will begin in Laiya, Batangas, and move on to Marinduque, Verde Island, Puerto Galera, Ambil Island, and end in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Hobie 16 sailors from all over the world are expected to participate in the annual staging of the Challenge, a unique race that combines long distance sailing, inshore races, the ultimate island hopping experience, and a humanitarian mission through an outreach program. Yachts and sailboats are also welcome to join the Rally Fleet.

Continuing the tradition of combining popular places and lesser-known destinations, PHC15 will be visiting the resort towns of Laiya, Puerto Galera, and Nasugbu, while also setting camp in the private beach of Ambil Island.

Those intending to participate must sign up as soon as possible to get priority on rooms and Hobie charters. The NOR and Entry Forms are available on event website.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Earthquake Swarm Shakes C. Mindanao

Marcopper Dam in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded a “swarm” of at least 15 earthquakes in Central Mindanao on Saturday with the strongest, felt at magnitude 5, damaging 54 houses and a church in North Cotabato.

The strongest quake struck at 12:26 p.m. and its epicenter was located 14 kilometers south of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato at a depth of 11 kilometers, Philvolcs said.

It was part of a swarm of earthquakes that began at 5:59 a.m. with a 4.4-magnitude tremor followed by nine other quakes, but the only ones that could be felt were the initial one, the magnitude 4.7 earthquake at 7:09 a.m. and he 5.0-magnitude at 12:26 p.m.

But there were actually other earthquakes at 12:59 p.m. (3.8 magnitude), 1:33 p.m. (2.4  magnitude), 1:35 p.m. (3.5 magnitude), 1:41 p.m. (3.3 magnitude), 2:17 p.m. (3.2 magnitude), 3:04 p.m. (3.3 magnitude) and 3:19 p.m. (3.0 magnitude).

In a similar evening in October last year, a swarm of 14 earthquakes jolted Marinduque province and caused some alarm, but Philvocs director Renator Solidum said earthquake swarms are quite common and they happen without people even knowing.

Aside from the 10 quakes recorded in North Cotabato, there were also seven others recorded in Sultan Kudarat, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Davao Occidental but only 5 reported felt intensities.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs supervising science specialist Angelito Lanuza reiterated there was no reason for people in Zamboanga Peninsula and parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to panic after Solidum said a movement of the Sulu Trench could trigger another tsunami in Western Mindanao.

“The movement of the Sulu Trench would be dangerous because the trench is situated off Sulu Sea that could trigger big waves reaching up to Palawan, especially its eastern portion,” he told the Manila Standard. Source and courtesy: Manila Standard Today
Sunday, September 21, 2014

Legion of Marinduque Morion Shines in Sikat Pinoy

FILIPINO ARTISTS SHINES IN SIKAT PINOY

Legion of Morion on Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair
Various Filipino artists from different disciplines will be exhibited in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Domestic Trade fair for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Dubbed as Sikat Pinoy National Art fair, the event aims to promote art entrepreneurship and support the creative industries in the country.

Nemi R. Miranda Jr., painter and sculptor of Rizal Lakeshore Artist Association, sees this as an opportunity for more artists in the region to be exposed and recognized by a larger audience and by major galleries. Based in Angono, Riza, Miranda will put up his paintings in an exhibit at the art fair.

Another participant is a Filipino rock band that dishes out a repertoire of alternative rock music with a unique blend of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). LAZARO is composed of Zaldy de los Reyes, Nino Salazar, Mike Bayas, Randy Salonga, and Jonard Bolor who started the band three years ago.

The band has a self-produced album titled “Year of the Lazarus” which included “Laylo”, their most popular track. The album contains all original compositions from the band, seven Filipino songs and one in Englis.

They usually have gigs in 70’s Bistro, Conspiracy, and Route 916 in Katipunan. They can also be found in indie bars such as Autonomy in Mandaluyong and Funky Monkey Grill in Commonwealth.

When asked about Sikat Pinoy, Lazaro answered, “We welcome the event. We want to be heard and promote our music.  This is a chance for us to perform in a bigger venue.  I think it is about time that Filipino artists get promoted and assisted by the government. We have so many talents and so much to offer not just locally but with the audience abroad as well.”

Hailing from the province of Marinduque, Legion of Marinduque Morion, Inc. was invited in the fair as well. The group is a a non-stock non-profit civic organization which aims to promote culture and tradition of the Marinduque not only in the country but also abroad. Aside from participating in the annual Lenten activities such as penitensiya and panata, they also wanted to bring back the real essence of being a Morion.

Formed in 2008, the legion has 20 members with ages raging from 3 years old to 45 years old.  They wear masks and costumes for free and participate in religious activities most especially during the Lenten season as part of their sacrifice. The group have been invited in other parts of the country such as Baguio, Quiapo, and Bulacan.

“It’s time to for us to get exposure. In Sikat Pinoy, we are not only promoting our group but also the whole province of Marinduque. We have unique products from our homegrown craft makers that we are proud of.” Says Raymund D. Nepomuceno, the spokesperson of the group.

Also known as Women in Art and Emerging Consciousness, Kasibulan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (KASIBULAN) is an organization of Filipino women artists committed to encouraging, promoting, and enhancing the artistic growth of its members and fellow Filipino women. Women members of the group are part of different fields of Arts – literary, visual, performance arts, and music.

KASIBULAN started in 1987. They usually hold exhibits and art workshops in urban poor communities as part of their outreach program.  Notable members of KASIBULAN are Fe Mangahas, Karen Torres, and Cynthia Alexander.

“It’s a first.  It’s a good effort to gather all the artists. It’s a big endeavor.  It would be interesting how all these artists will interact when they all come together in one venue. We are glad we are invited to Sikat Pinoy. Women’s arts is not that popular.  We are strengthening women’s arts so there’s Kasibulan.” said Vivian Nocum Limpin.

KASIBULAN will be bringing in paintings, sculptures, Batik products, postcards, photographs, books, and other visual arts materials at the Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair. Source and courtesy: Manila Standard Today

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Passengers, Families Stranded in Southern Luzon

Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque
MANILA, Philippines - Southern Luzon was not spared from the heavy rains brought about by Topical Storm Mario (international name: Fung-Wong) on Friday, September 19.
As of posting, rains continued to batter provinces in the regions of Calabarzon and Mimaropa, causing trip cancellations and high floodwaters, stranding families and passengers.

In Rizal, one of the provinces on alert level 3, water is above head. About 20 families from North Libis, Barangay Banaba, are waiting for help from the San Mateo municipal government to be rescued, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The Antipolo City covernment and Eastern Rizal Miners Association have also deployed two trucks to transport stranded passengers from SM Masinag to Sta. Lucia East and vice versa, according to Antipolo's Public Information Office.

The same agency said various roads are impassable to all vehicles, including Marcos Highway, VV Soliven, Sumulong Highway Extension, and Ortigas Avenue Extension. Passable roads include the Floodway, Angono-Taytay Coastal Road (Baytown) and Taytay Highway 2000.

Cancelled trips

Hundreds of passengers are also stranded due to canceled trips. As of 11am, the Philippine Coast Guard reported 440 passengers are stranded in Batangas port, as well as 140 rolling cargos and 4 vessels. The port has suspended travel to Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and to Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.

In Occidental Mindoro, Ticol Bridge in Pitogo Creek is reportedly close to breaking point, according to the PIA, because of the huge waves from the Busuanga River due to the heavy rainfall. Barangays Pitogo, Aguas and Rizal will be affected if Ticol Bridge breaks.

Areas in Batangas are also under constant monitoring, specifically those around Poblacion.

According to Bauan administrator and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer Antonio de Lacy Jr, light vehicles can no longer pass barangays Bolo, San Roque, and San Miguel.
It is not only in Batangas port that passengers are stranded. 

In Quezon, travel from Dalahican, Lucena City, heading toward Balanacan, Marinduque, were suspended due to Mario. Hundreds of passengers are reportedly stranded at Dalahican port, according to the PIA.

Laguna was not spared of Mario's effects either. The City of Calamba, specifically areas serviced by Meralco, are reporting power interruption or brownout. Source and courtesy: Rappler by Natashya Gutierrez

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Poe Backs Inclusive Mining Industry

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines president,
Benjamin Philip Romualdez walks with Senator Grace Poe
during the opening of the Mining Philippines Conference
and Exhibition at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.
LINO SANTOS
Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday asked mining companies to foster more transparency and openness in the industry to address the public’s negative perception on mining.
Poe, speaking before the Mining Philippines Conference and Exhibition at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, said “people’s perception of mining is colored through the prism of post-colonialism rhetoric, environmental disasters and a lack of transparency in the mining industry.”
“I know that the Philippine mining industry has been diligently conducting disaster relief operations across the country. Yet, the image of the once-pristine and now dead river in Marinduque remains fresh in people’s minds,” Poe said.

Poe said the Freedom of Information Bill and the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative would promote greater transparency in the mining sector.
“Once the FOI bill is enacted into law, the government will be obligated to mandatorily disclose all mining contracts to the general public,” she said.
Poe said aside from disclosing the mining contracts, the government should also urge the mining industry to publish the taxes they paid.
“I think it is to your interest to inform the people how much exactly you are returning to the people in terms of taxes, jobs generated, livelihood, corporate social responsibility projects,” she said.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines expressed full support for Poe’s thrust towards transparency in the mining industry.  “The industry views with optimism the many moves to change the policy regime.  We trust that the House of Representatives and the Senate will put the best interests of nation-building and economic development in their hearts,” said COMP president Benjamin Romualdez.
The Philippines was accepted last year as a candidate country to join the EITI, a globally developed standard that ensures more transparency and better governance of a country’s oil and mining resources.
“Our government needs the transparency report to help it compute the right formula for what constitutes as fair and equitable share for everyone involved. I understand that as of this month, 78 percent or 40 out of 51 mining firms have already issued a waiver allowing the BIR to access their corporate tax information,” Poe said. Source and courtesy: Manila Standard Today

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Utos ng SC na Patalsikin si Reyes ‘Di Susundin ng HRET

Reyes shows her passport and other legal document
MANILA, Philippines - Hindi susundin ng House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal ang kautusan ng Korte Suprema na patalsikin na bilang kinatawan ng Marinduque sa Kamara si Congw. Regina Reyes.

Ayon kay Gabriel Rep. Luz Ilagan, miyembro ng HRET, 4-3 ang naging resulta ng botohan.

Ibig sabihin, pinagtitibay ng HRET ang kanilang kapangyarihan na sila lang ang may hurisdiksyon na humawak ng mga kasong may kaugnayan sa electoral case ng mga miyembro ng mababang kapulungan ng kongreso.

Dahil rito, ang susunod na proseso aniya ay ang pagtalakay sa merito ng kaso, ito ay kung American citizen ba si Reyes o hindi.

Dito aniya bibigyan ng pagkakataon si Reyes na maidepensa ang kanyang sarili laban sa mga akusas­yon. Pagkakataon na rin ito ni Reyes para ipakita ang mga ebidensiya niya at ipagpatunay na siya ay isang Filipino citizen. Matatandaang hindi nabigyan si Congw. Reyes ng mga pagkakataong ito sa Comelec o kahit sa Supreme Court.

Ang basehan lang ng pag-disqualify kay Reyes ng Comelec ay isang blog sa internet at isang xerox copy lang ng isang pirasong dokumento mula sa Bureau of Immigration, na certified true copy. Hindi rin daw pinatawag sa hearing ng Comelec ang nag-blog sa internet, o nakapirma sa BID document upang tumestigo at magpatunay na katotohanan nga ang kanilang mga ebidensiya. Sa kaniya ngang “Dissenting Opinion,’ mismong si Chairman Sixto Brillantes ay nagsabing ang mga ebidensiya ay “double hearsay” lang.

Nagpasalamat naman si Reyes sa mga miyembro ng HRET na bumoto na itaguyod ang karapatan ng HRET na duminig ng kaso niya, sa harap ng pagpupumilit ng SC na masunod ang nauna ng desisyon nilang idisqualify na si Reyes.Pinasasalamatan din niya ang buong Kongreso, lalo pa si House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte sa mga suporta nito.

Matatandaang nanalo si Reyes ng mga 4,000 votes laban sa katunggali nito na si Lord Alan Velasco, anak ng kasalukuyang HRET Chairperson Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco ng Supreme Court. Source and courtesy: Pilipino Star Ngayon by Butch Quejada | Updated September 13, 2014 - 12:00am

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

NDRRMC: 1 Killed as Heavy Rain Triggers Rockslide, Landslide in Marinduque

Susana F. Peralta, a candidate in the 2012 Gandang Lola Buangan Town Fiesta
A 75-year-old woman was killed in a rockslide caused by heavy rain in Marinduque province Tuesday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Wednesday.

In its report, the NDRRMC identified the fatality as Susana Frias Peralta, a resident of Barangay Buangan in Torrijos town in Marinduque.

The NDRRMC said the rockslide occurred at about 3 p.m. in Barangay Buangan.

Also, it said a minor landslide in the same area rendered some roads there impassable.

Personnel from the provincial engineering office are on standby for clearing operations. -Source and Courtesy: LBG, GMA News

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Councilor to MGB: No Such Thing as Responsible Mining

Marcopper Dam in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
A City councilor on Monday stood pat against mining saying there is no such thing as "responsible miners."

Davao City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, proponent of the mining ban ordinance in the city and former head of the committee environment said this in relation to the statement of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau in Davao Region (MGB 11) on Friday that the city can choose companies who practice responsible mining to operate in order to avoid the adverse effects of mining.

It was reported that during the Kapehan sa Abreeza last Friday an official from MGB 11 made a comment on the proposed bill of four congressmen including Davao City third district representative Isidro Ungab that they are not in favor of banning mining activities in city.

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"I read in the internet last night that the mining bureau is against it because there are responsible miners but in mining there is no such responsibility because once you move the earth or once you start getting the resources down below the surface whether you like it or not in a pound of earth movement there is changes of landscape," Dayanghirang said speaking in Monday's edition of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City annex.

Dayanghirang also appealed to the MGB to "respect the separation of power like the city council or LGU."

He said that one of the duties of the city council is "to make sure that the inhabitants are well protected."

"Kung meron silang question they better go to court but as far as we are concerned the people does not want it, the power of the government emanates from the people, by us (city council), we are elected. But the sentiments (of the people) shown that they do not want mining why do they (MGB) keep on insisting it, after what happened to Marinduque and to other areas they better go to someone else but as for the city we are against mining copper and others." he said.

Meanwhile, Dayanghirang said that he will continue to pursue his ordinance against mining, especially, copper and gold.

He said that he did not include sand, gravel and limestone in the ban because this is a source of living of some people and there is also an existing environmental law regulating it.

"So therefore as far as the city is concerned as long as they have the environmental certificate clearance they can operate, why the council did not include (in the ban) the sand and gravel personally, I feel that the exclusion of sand and gravel this time is not yet necessary meaning because it does not cause danger to the lives of our people, second, it is a source of income to the lives of people here in Davao, the problem here if we will include sand and gravel the prices of construction materials including the cost of construction will go up because we will be getting gravel somewhere in Panabo and Tagum,
" Dayanghirang said.

Moreover, Dayanghirang also appealed to Leonardo R. Avila III who is the current head of the committee on environment to include his mining ban ordinance, which was already approved on the second reading, to the agenda which was removed due to the reorganization done in the City Council. Source and courtesy: Sun Star Davao Newspaper on September 09, 2014

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Saturday, September 06, 2014

Napocor Renews Call for Firms to Generate Power for Marinduque

Diesel Power Plant Barge in Balanacan, Marinduque
BOAC, Marinduque - The National Power Corporation  (NAPOCOR) is urging the public to help encourage private sector to take over the power generation in Marinduque.

The President of NAPOCOR , Ma. Gladys Sta. Rita herself made the call, during the Marinduque Electric Cooperative’s (MARELCO) 35th Annual General Membership Assembly.

With the employment of renewable energies and the participation of private sector in the power generation, Sta. Rita said cost of electricity in the province may even go down.

Marinduque is a missionary area – unconnected to the main power grid and unserviced by regular power distributors or any qualified third party utility.

Napocor’s Small Power Utilities Group is providing power, at least 9.4 MegaWatts (MW) to the province’s  businesses and its  47,491 households.

The province has been aggressive in improving assets–from convention centers to sport centers – to accommodate international, national and regional events.

Early this year, Marinduque played host to the Mimaropa Regional Athletic Association (MIMAROPARAA), the Regional Tourism meeting, the Caving Congress and the Cooperative Congress.

As Marinduque opens its doors to more conventions and weary visitors in search for pristine nature , the demand for power in the province may likewise increase.

In the meantime, Sta. Rita said NAPOCOR is determined to improve services in Marinduque.  NAPOCOR will buy brand new medium speed generating sets with a capactiy of 5MW as well as  a 500,000 liter fuel oil storage tank to augment its existing 300,000 liter fuel tank.  The corporation will likewise improve the 49 km Boac to Torrijos 69 Kilovolts transmission system to ensure system reliability.

Also in the plan was the purchase of spare parts for Boac’s  1,224-kilowatt Diesel Plant and the construction of a mooring facility in Banalacan Port.

Sta. Rita said electricity in the islets of Maniwaya, Mongpong and Polo, all in  Sta. Cruz, will be extended from the current 6 hours to 8 hours.

NAPOCOR is running mini-grids in each islet.  By November, Power Barge 120 will be  dry-docking at the Banalacan Port as part of its maintenance.  The Power Barge 120, together with the Boac and Torrijos Diesel Power Plants, supply electricity in the whole Marinduque.

But consumers need not to worry, Sta. Rita said, as NAPOCOR will use 3.5 MW generation sets  to ensure continuous and sufficient power while Power Barge 120 is undergoing maintenance. Source and courtesy: -Source and Courtesy: Mayda N. Lagran (LP/MNL/PIA4B/Marinduque)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Marinduque Live na Live on PTV Channel 4

Fellow Marinduquenos and friends, please watch PTV Channel 4 tomorrow September 1, 2014 | 8:00AM onwards as Marinduque will be featured in the segment, Good Morning Boss dubbed as "Let's make Marinduque your next destination".

Marinduque on its finest
The island province is a heart-shaped Eden of sand, sea, mountains, and falls – all you could ever hope for in an island vacation.

 About eleven miles away from the island of Luzon is a heart shaped piece of land (370 square miles) surrounded by the clear deep blue sea - Marinduque.  It is the geo-physical center of the Philippines, hence dubbed as "The Heart of the Philippines".  It is the smallest province in the southern Tagalog Region.

The island is made famous by the annual Moriones Festival but it has a lot more to offer the curious.

Get ready to be awestricken by the charming old Spanish houses, beautiful churches, pristine white sand beaches, bewildering caves, relaxing sulfur hot springs, undisturbed pristine islands and spectacular sea and mountain views.

The raw beauty of the island and a jampacked itinerary are the things that Marinduque offers to its visitors. Indeed a treasure trove of exquisite natural beauty.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

High Court Nixes Marinduque Solon's Bid to Disqualify 3 Justices from HRET

File photo of SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.: son in
electoral tussle with Marinduque congresswoman.
MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court denied on Tuesday the urgent petition by Marinduque Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes seeking to disqualligy three justices from sitting as members of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), saying the conggresswoman had "sought the wrong remedy."

Ongsiako-Reyes is in a continuing electoral battle for Marinduque's House seat with Lord Velasco, son of Justice Presbitero Velasco, one of the three magistrated whose disqualification from HRET was being sought.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014

Marinduque Mayors Received PDAF From Enrile?

Detained Juan Ponce Enrile
ENRILE ENDORSED P345M OF ‘PORK FUNDS’ TO BOGUS NGOS–COA  

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Juan Ponce Enrile allegedly endorsed P345 million of his Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to bogus foundations linked to supposed mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, a state auditor said on Friday.

During Napoles’ bail hearing on Friday at the Sandiganbayan, Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioner Susan Garcia said Enrile and his representatives, resigned chief of staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and deputy chief of staff Jose Evangelista, signed nine statements of allotment release orders (Saro) from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for 14 pork barrel projects worth P345 million.

The funds were endorsed to Napoles’ non-government organizations and not to the departments and their attached agencies, Garcia said.

Garcia said Enrile and his representatives confirmed that their signatures on the nine Saros were authentic.

She said Enrile only denied signing a certificate of acceptance for a project and a separate list of beneficiaries for a PDAF-funded project.

Garcia cited as a red flag the practice of endorsing the PDAF projects to NGOs not authorized in the budget law.

“The release to the NGOs is not in accordance with existing rules and regulations,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that Enrile and his representatives were the ones who requested the Saro from the DBM. She said the practice should be for the authorized implementing agencies to request for the Saro.

Third division chairperson and Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang questioned why nobody raised a red flag on the practice of legislators rubbing elbows with the budget department.

“Why did no one ever question that practice? How long has this been [going on]?” Tang asked Garcia, who answered that as far as their audit was concerned, Enrile and his aides had been going to the DBM from 2004 to 2010.

Implicated in the scam for graft were four budget officials - Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos and his personnel Lalaine Paule, Marilou Bare and Rosario Nunez.

COA’s Garcia said mayors from Marinduque, La Union, Pangasinan and Compostela valley have denied receiving the pork barrel funded projects from Enrile.

Alleged mastermind Napoles was present in the hearing. At that point, Napoles’ head was bowed while holding her rosary.

Garcia said they validated six of the NGOs linked to Napoles and found that they were located in bogus locations such as garages and residential houses.

Napoles is accused of masterminding the scam of pillaging lawmakers’ public funds to ghost projects for kickbacks. Detained for plunder are Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, as well as aides Richard Cambe and Gigi Reyes. Senator Enrile, meanwhile, is in the hospital under police custody pending his motion for hospital arrest. -Source and Courtesy: Inquirer.Net

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Marinduque Solon Asks SC to Take 3 Justices Out of HRET

Reyes shows her passport and other legal document
Marinduque Rep. Regina Ongsiako-Reyes on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to remove three of its justices from the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) due to conflict if interest.

In a 23-page petition, Reyes said the three magistrates that should be disqualified from being members of the HRET are Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Lucas Bersamin and Diosdado Peralta.

Velasco chairs the HRET but has since inhibited from participating in the pending case against Reyes because his son Lord Allan is the petitioner in the HRET case. Lord Allan, who went up against Reyes in the May 2013 congressional polls in Marinduque, is contesting Reyes' victory over issues on her nationality.

In her petition, however, Reyes said Velasco's "continued stay (as a member of) the HRET in relation to his son’s case has become untenable."

“There has never  occurred   an equivalent incident  in the  entire history of the  Supreme Court  --- or  in any  other Philippine governmental body for that matter --- where a son’s  desire  to be  awarded a Congressional seat  would  depend  on  a  body  headed by   his  own Justice-Father,” Reyes said in her plea.

“The Supreme Court  runs the risk of incurring historical  infamy if  it ignores this unprecedented  scenario and contents itself with a complacent  and run-of-the-mill inhibition by the Justice-Father from the case, even if said Justice/Father/HRET-Head still  retains administrative control and moral suasion, and enjoys collegial camaraderie in the HRET," she added.

Reyes said that even if Velasco has already inhibited from the HRET case, HRET members are still "not  hampered from continuing   their interactions with Justice Velasco in other pending HRET cases and administrative  issues (and are) not thereby shielded from his influence," she added.

Like Velasco, Reyes said Bersamin should also be removed from the HRET because both of the justices come from political families, meaning "their job as part of the HRET is now hampered by questions about their impartiality to a political contest."

Justice Velasco’s wife is a representative of a party-list group while Lord Allan ran against Reyes.

Bersamin, meanwhile, comes from a family of Abra politicians, Rep. Reyes said, adding that he had likewise prejudged her case by voting with the majority in the separate petition filed by Velasco’s son before the Supreme Court which  ruled in his favor.

“Like Caesar’s wife, a judge must not only be pure but above suspicion,” said Reyes. “A judge’s private as well as official conduct must at all times be free from all appearances of impropriety, and be beyond reproach.”

As for Justice Peralta, Reyes said  "there are indications that he is equally guilty of failing to appear impartial."

Reyes requested the SC to transfer Justice Velasco to the Senate Electoral Tribunal and to designate Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio in his place.

She also asked that Justices Bersamin and Peralta be substituted by other justices "who do not suffer from the same entanglements."

In its original ruling, the SC magistrates voted 7-4-3 to dismiss a petition for certiorari filed by Reyes, contesting her disqualification by the Commission on Elections.

The high court ruled the Comelec did not exercise grave abuse of discretion when it disqualified Reyes for being an American citizen.

Reyes was still able to participate in the May 13 mid-term elections because at the time, her disqualification was not yet final.

The following day, on May 14, the poll body – in a four-page resolution – junked Reyes' motion for reconsideration, rendering her disqualification final.

Reyes' camp ended up filing a motion for reconsideration twice.

In disqualifying Reyes, the Comelec en banc ordered the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) of Marinduque to proclaim Lord Allan Jay Velasco, son of SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, as the winning representative in the province’s lone district.

The older Velasco has since inhibited himself from the case.

“The May 18 proclamation of the respondent, Regina Ongsiako Reyes, is declared null and void and without any legal force and effect,” the Comelec said.

Voting 5-2, the Comelec en banc said Reyes lacked the one-year residency required for an elected official. In March, the Comelec First Division canceled her certificate of candidacy on the grounds that she is an American citizen.

Reyes had repeatedly denied that she's an American citizen. She also accused her rival's father, Justice Velasco, of wielding his influence following a high court ruling favoring Reyes' earlier disqualification by the Comelec.

Reyes ended up still being proclaimed as the winning candidate and took her oath after that. Lord Allan tried contesting this, but the Comelec junked his plea, saying the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has already acquired jurisdiction over the case. -Source and Courtesy: ELR, GMA News

Monday, August 18, 2014

Monday, August 18, 2014

Lawmaker Frets Over Draft HRET ‘Decision’

Carmencita and Regina Reyes
The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal  is yet to convene on August 28,2014 but a draft decision of the would-be hearing has already leaked out, according to a lawmaker.

The HRET   was to decide on  the fate of  Marinduque congressman Regina Reyes and  her political rival,  Lord Allan Velasco, son of  SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco.

Reyes’ camp  found out about the  alleged draft being circulated now among  HRET members which is just 2 weeks away from the hearing. A copy was given to her confidentially by a concerned co-member of Congress who happened to get a copy of draft.

In the light of these developments,  Reyes called on the members of the HRET to stand by their conviction and not be swayed by  vested interest.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Saturday, August 16, 2014

NPC President Announces New Power Source for Marinduque

Diesel Power Plant Barge in Balanacan, Marinduque
BOAC, Marinduque - National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) President Ma. Gladys Cruz -Sta. Rita graced the Marinduque Electric Cooperative's (MARELCO) 35th Annual General Membership Assembly, Saturday, August 9 at the Boc Covered Court . About 4,000 consumer/members attended the said meeting. Sta. Rita detailed the NPC's on-going and upcoming programs in the island province of Marinduque during this event.

Among the many projects of NPC are 1.) the acquisition of brand new medium speed generating sets that has the total capacity of 5 M. worth P200,000.00 2.), additional 500,000 liter-fuel oil storage tank tank to augment the company’s existing 300.000-liter fuel tank. and 3.) the improvement of 49 km Boac to Torrijos 69 kilovolts transmission system ensure system realiability.

Napocor will bid out next month the contract for the supply of brand new modular diesel generating sets for Marinduque and expects to complete delivery of the generators with a total capacity of 5 megawatts (MW) next year (2015).

In Boac 1,224-kilowatt’s Diesel Plant, there are three units that needs brand new spare parts that NAPOCOR will procure to extend the lives of these units. Sta. Rita said, “
The Power Barge 120 in Balanacn Port will undergo Dry-docking as part of its maintenance come Nov. 2014. Napocor at this time will lease 3.5 megawatt gen sets to guarantee continuous and sufficient power for the province.

A new mooring faciliity within Balancacan Port will also be constructed by Napocor as part of the expansion program of the Philippine Ports Authority.
There are 47,491 households in Marinduque through its Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants in the province. Its total dependable capacity in the province stands at 9.4 MW while total demand at 8.1 MW.

Sta. Rita also announced that for the islets of Maniwaya, Mongpong and Polo all in Sta. Cruz town, where electricity is limited to 6 hours only, operation hours will be extended to 8 hours.

With all these projects, Sta. Rita reiterated the call of Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes in encouraging private investors to come to Marinduque. She further commended the present MARELCO administration headed by Gen. Manager Gaudencio M. Sol for doing a great job in convincing the consumers to pay on time which in turn allowed the cooperative to have completely paid its dues for 2013. Sta. Rita relayed, Gov. Reyes is very determined to give her constituents good power supply that she even went to my office in Manila.

However, NPC President stated, “let us encourage investors and use renewable energy, para mapababa ang presyo ng kuryente. Kaya nandidito ang NPC kasi wala pa po sila (investors) kaya pagdarating na po sila, aalis na po kami. Kaya lang po ,Hindi naman po pupwede, syempre po wala pa po sila, kaya po anjajan pa din ang NPC, nagsisilbi sa inyo.”

For the anxious consumers on the possibility of power cost increase or electric bill, Sta. Rita emphasized that NAPOCOR could not just impose an increase, it must be approved by the Energy Regulatory Board. “Ngayong taon na ito ay wala pong pagtatas hanggang 2015 na mararadaman ang mga consumers pero merong adjustments po tayong ipa-file at makikita ito ng cooperative but again sa mga consumers po ay walang pagtataas sa 2015.

Coop members have been very patient listening to all the good news from NAPOCOR and are anticipating actual results or actions soon. They waited until the end of the program hoping to get the grand prize that the cooperative prepared. The raffle draw offered a tricycle, a motorcycle and electric fans. Indeed, these prizes kept the crowd till late in the afternoon waiting for their luck
.Everybody from power consumers to officials of the province anticipate the implementation of these projects that will definitely boost the economy of the province and invites more tourists in the island as the new tourist destination. -Source and Courtesy: Philippine Information Agency-Marinduque (MNL/PIA-4B/Marinduque)

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Saturday, August 09, 2014

Marinduquena Blood: Won Bueaty Pageant In New York

Alexa Kirby won Miss Philippines-Quest (East Coast) 2014
IT TAKES HARD WORK TO STAGE A PAGEANT, ALSO TO WIN IT

NEW YORK, New York - A beauty pageant is a lot of work for a year’s reign. That is, if you win the title. So why are many women enamored with it?

Alexa Kirby of Romansville, Pennsylvania, was crowned here last July as “Miss Philippines-Quest (East Coast) 2014.” She will then compete in Miss World-Philippines onSeptember 21 in Manila and, if she wins there, she will fly to London in December to vie for the biggest crown yet, Miss World.

In the Quest contest, there were 10 competing candidates from the northeast. It was a good selection, considering Filipinos are fewer in the northeast compared with, say, California, which has nearly 1.5 million more Filipinos.

But can we take beauty pageants seriously? It seems such an antiquated tradition. However, avid watchers will tell you these contests serve a purpose beyond all the pomp and pageantry.

Grace Labaguis, the organizer of the pageant through her company Synergy Production, said it’s really about “sharing her inner beauty with the world, being an ambassador to the world.”

But staging a pageant takes a lot of work and commitment both for the organizer, the contestants and the eventual winner.

Labaguis was hesitant to take on the project initially.

“This is not a one-time event. This is an ongoing project and it entails managing the winners. It’s a big responsibility but also a learning process. It helps me in my work with and for the Filipino-American community,” she said.

It was offered to Labaquis by Cory Quirino’s marketing arm in the Philippines. She said she was busy with other projects, but family, friends and Quirino herself encouraged her to take it on.

D. Izzajaye Dungca, a fashion designer who also served as consultant at Dominican beauty pageants, trained the Filipino American candidates and is training the winner, Alexa, before she heads to the Philippines. She said the pageant helps the young girls gain confidence and even make lifelong friends. It also opens doors for them.

“Pageants give them a voice to teach, educate, relay a message or help others via charity,” Dungca said. They become advocates for a cause. It helps them stay away from trouble, as the world becomes less about them but the world they see.

Alexa’s charity work

It looks like having a Filipino-American, Megan Young, winning Miss World 2013 has had the effect of attracting more Fil-Am contestants. Some may say Fil-Ams are not true Filipinos, because they were not born in the Philippines or that they were raised in the States or that they are of mixed race.

There’s an upside. Many of them have no baggage about the past and are only too willing to learn about what their parents have denied them all these years—a Filipino identity.

At 18, Alexa is too young to understand what’s really happening in the world, but it doesn’t stop her from thinking how she can help people in need. “I volunteered at Chester County Hospital for four years,” she said in a sit-down interview last week. In fourth grade, Alexa also volunteered as an altar server at a church.

Born in the States to an American father and Filipino mother, Alexa has been doing charity work with her mother, Maria, since 2010. Maria would collect coupons that she and Alexa used to get goodies for the needy in Marinduque. “We must have sent eight balikbayan boxes to families there, through Philippine Hearts & Hopes USA,” she said.

Alexa is not new to beauty pageants. Two years ago, she was crowned Miss Teen Philippines in her hometown. She also won Best Gown and Best in Swimwear. In bagging the title, she received $1,000 to donate to her charity of choice, which she gave to Sacred Heart Parish Church. She was also part of Miss Teen Pennsylvania.

The 5’8” beauty who just finished work as a camp counselor is hoping to learn more about her Filipino heritage when she leaves for the Philippines end of August. This would give her ample time to train with other candidates in Miss World Philippines.

Alexa knows she will get some more training there, but in the States, Dungca is doing all she can to prepare her. “It may sound superficial, but the pageant industry follows a certain standard of beauty. Aside from the obvious physical regimen, I also mentor the girls to be mentally prepared. I give a rigorous question and answer exercise.”

In all the training that Alexa is getting, she misses eating rice the most. “I’ve hardly eaten rice these past six weeks. It’s mostly fruits and veggies.” She eats mostly Filipino food, with tapa, longganisa, dinuguan and turon as her favorites.

Glide as opposed to bounce

Alexa’s training in New York involves voice projection, some behavior and personality development.

When it comes to personality, Dungca said every candidate is different. “All I can do is enhance their personality, tell them to be true to themselves and to enjoy the process.”

The most important thing she tells them is to be humble. “Humility is a big factor in being a beauty queen,” she said. No wonder many of them could pass off as diplomats.

How do they train for that smile which they wear all night? Dungca said they do some facial exercises along with some proper walking, posing and body language. “You glide, not bounce.” Then there’s the customary “duck walk” (walking squats), which is supposed to strengthen their legs and thighs.

And if you wonder how these candidates can still manage to smile while answering a tough question and have presence of mind, that’s all part of the show. “I constantly remind the girls that there is no right or wrong answer and to speak from the heart and to make it brief,” Dungca said.

That’s comforting. Perhaps it helps for some candidates to know when they’re on that stage and they can barely see anyone in the dark because the spotlight is on them. “I don’t see anyone (when I’m up there),” Alexa said as if it were the most natural thing.

Meanwhile, the entire world can see them. In fact, everyone is watching, hanging on their every word—and smile–and hoping they don’t trip up in the Q&A.

This time around, though, it would be a nice change if–instead of saying they wish for world peace–they can broker a peace deal. Perhaps it takes a woman to do that. -Source and Courtesy: Inquirer by Dennis Clemente