"In life, you can blame a lot of people and you can wallow in self-pity, or you can pick yourself up and say, 'Listen, I have to be responsible for myself.'"
--Howard Schultz
By Alex P. Vidal
ILONGGOS waited on tenterhooks whether City Hall would pin the blame of the blackout to the Panay Electric Company (PECO) noontime on Thursday (November 28) that rendered all services inutile in the seven-storey building.
'Tis the season for PECO bashing, thus even if the Christmas lights in a barangay hall will conk out, many critics will immediately cast a malicious look at the controversial power company.
The power outage, by the way, prompted Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas to call it a night for City Hall workers starting at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Operations in the city government rested two hours before five o'clock in the afternoon,
In his Facebook page, the city mayor announced: “To all the employees, grab this opportunity to rest and be prepared for tomorrow. We have decided to dismiss you for today’s duty because you can’t work efficiently without electric access for your computers and air conditions."
It was the first major power interruption since Treñas regained the City Hall after the May 2019 elections.
And it jolted the city government.
-o0o-
So far, PECO "wasn't the culprit" since there was no announcement or official explanation that followed when employees started to pack up and went home.
PECO's enemies are only waiting to see the power firm slip on the banana peel so it can pulverize PECO in another propaganda joust.
The blackout would have been nipped in the bud if the standby generators were in good condition.
The new City Hall, a state-of-art building, was only fully utilized during the time of former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, but has been giving officials and employees nightmares.
If the blackout was caused by PECO, two things would have entered the people's imagination: either it was done to send a curt message to City Hall, which chided PECO for the obstructing poles and spaghetti wires in the streets and gave the power company until December 31 to remove them, or to remind City Hall of its purported unpaid bills.
-o0o-
INSTEAD of blaming the media for the 30th SEA Games hosting catastrophe, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, should be thankful that many of PHISGOC's shortcomings and apparent mismanagement have been reported so that they will be able to identify the areas where they need to work double time and fast track other minor delays before the official opening ceremony on November 30, 2019.
With or without the media, the alleged anomalies and mismanagement will not be swept under the rug.
Sooner or later, there will be questions; and from these questions will surface the itch from interested parties to call for an inquiry or investigation.
Again, this is how democracy works. We can curtail the press; we can't hide things that demand public accountability especially how the taxpayers' funds were handled and spent.
Media did not create the scandal. Media is there only to report what is going on and bring the event to the people.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Friday, November 29, 2019
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Iloilo teacher loses job without Tulfo
"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself."
--Confucius
By Alex P. Vidal
HE didn't wait for a Raffy Tulfo to make him to choose between facing a criminal rap or resign as teacher.
The controversial teacher in Pili National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo, who reportedly showed a porno video to his Grade 10 students in a Science class, has resigned, Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Roel F. Bermejo confirmed in a report on Nov. 27.
When confronted earlier by Ajuy councilor Angel Briones, the teacher reportedly panicked and did not immediately face the Sanggunigan Bayan (SB) member, who went to the school to check the report after he had been tipped off by some parents.
Did the teacher fear a backlash and disciplinary action from school authorities, or he was intimidated by Briones' involvement in the brouhaha?
It wasn't immediately known whether he resigned for fear of being investigated by the Department of Education (DepEd-6), or someone from the school, municipal government, or DepEd forced him to give up his job.
He remained anonymous though and might no longer face any case for violation of Child Protection, or any law that protects the welfare of children.
-o0o-
The Ilonggo teacher's resignation came in the heels of a controversy involving Manila-based anchorman Raffy Tulfo and a female teacher.
She was forced to give up her profession after being threatened with a criminal case by the hard-hitting broadcaster, whose help was sought by the guardians of a high school student.
Tulfo discussed the complaint of a grandmother during a TV episode of his program about a teacher who "mistreated" her grandson after the student allegedly failed to submit his report card.
A video footage shows the 55-year-old female teacher sending the student out of the classroom to sit on a chair at the corridor.
The broadcaster gave the teacher two choices: resign from her job face criminal charges.
When the teacher decided to resign, the case became a national sensation and caused an uproar. Thousands of fellow teachers threw their support behind the female teacher in a petition and denounced Tulfo.
The netizens also reacted adversely against Tulfo, who was forced to defend his action saying he only got carried by his emotion as a human being.
-o0o-
AS I had warned earlier, the dirty department might retaliate against Senate minority floor leader Franklin Drilon after his series of expose on corruption and incompetence involving the minions of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Amid Drilon's tiff against organizers of the 30th Southeast Asian Games led by Philippines Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) chief and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, a partlist representative sympathetic to Cayetano, et al, blasted the Iloilo senator in a privilege speech for allegedly cutting P2.5 million from the SEA Games budget allocated for the country's hosting, and increasing the budget of Drilon's infrastructure projects in Iloilo with P2.5 million.
Drilon described the partylist solon who attacked him as a "blabbermouth" and belied all the accuser's allegations.
So far, Drilon can handle the apparent retaliatory move from the druggles and grutnols who don't want to be interrupted while they are making a pile at the taxpayers' expense, and committing monumental blunders due to dishonesty and incompetence.
Ilonggos should brace for more attacks against their vigilant son and brother, Senator Drilon.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Confucius
By Alex P. Vidal
HE didn't wait for a Raffy Tulfo to make him to choose between facing a criminal rap or resign as teacher.
The controversial teacher in Pili National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo, who reportedly showed a porno video to his Grade 10 students in a Science class, has resigned, Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Roel F. Bermejo confirmed in a report on Nov. 27.
When confronted earlier by Ajuy councilor Angel Briones, the teacher reportedly panicked and did not immediately face the Sanggunigan Bayan (SB) member, who went to the school to check the report after he had been tipped off by some parents.
Did the teacher fear a backlash and disciplinary action from school authorities, or he was intimidated by Briones' involvement in the brouhaha?
It wasn't immediately known whether he resigned for fear of being investigated by the Department of Education (DepEd-6), or someone from the school, municipal government, or DepEd forced him to give up his job.
He remained anonymous though and might no longer face any case for violation of Child Protection, or any law that protects the welfare of children.
-o0o-
The Ilonggo teacher's resignation came in the heels of a controversy involving Manila-based anchorman Raffy Tulfo and a female teacher.
She was forced to give up her profession after being threatened with a criminal case by the hard-hitting broadcaster, whose help was sought by the guardians of a high school student.
Tulfo discussed the complaint of a grandmother during a TV episode of his program about a teacher who "mistreated" her grandson after the student allegedly failed to submit his report card.
A video footage shows the 55-year-old female teacher sending the student out of the classroom to sit on a chair at the corridor.
The broadcaster gave the teacher two choices: resign from her job face criminal charges.
When the teacher decided to resign, the case became a national sensation and caused an uproar. Thousands of fellow teachers threw their support behind the female teacher in a petition and denounced Tulfo.
The netizens also reacted adversely against Tulfo, who was forced to defend his action saying he only got carried by his emotion as a human being.
-o0o-
AS I had warned earlier, the dirty department might retaliate against Senate minority floor leader Franklin Drilon after his series of expose on corruption and incompetence involving the minions of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Amid Drilon's tiff against organizers of the 30th Southeast Asian Games led by Philippines Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) chief and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, a partlist representative sympathetic to Cayetano, et al, blasted the Iloilo senator in a privilege speech for allegedly cutting P2.5 million from the SEA Games budget allocated for the country's hosting, and increasing the budget of Drilon's infrastructure projects in Iloilo with P2.5 million.
Drilon described the partylist solon who attacked him as a "blabbermouth" and belied all the accuser's allegations.
So far, Drilon can handle the apparent retaliatory move from the druggles and grutnols who don't want to be interrupted while they are making a pile at the taxpayers' expense, and committing monumental blunders due to dishonesty and incompetence.
Ilonggos should brace for more attacks against their vigilant son and brother, Senator Drilon.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Proposed airport needs a godfather
"I approach each project with a new insecurity, almost like the first project I ever did, and I get the sweats, I go in and start working, I'm not sure where I'm going."
--Frank Gehry
By Alex P. Vidal
UNLESS Iloilo leaders will step on the gas and aggressively support and endorse the proposal of Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares to build an airport in Iloilo's component city, it will remain a proposal and will just be a voice in the wilderness.
An infra project of such magnitude needs a political godfather, someone with a Stentorian voice and an earthshaking impact and influence in the national leadership.
Colossal projects are dream projects of every Tom, Dick, and Harry in public office, but the bottom line is always funds, the moolahs, where to get and how to mobilize them once their sources have been identified.
We are aware of the pesky bureaucratic red tape and maze the project will be going through once it will be taken seriously by the stakeholders and the implementing agencies.
We are also aware of the changing political climate which can serve as a game-changer and can ruin its implementation.
-o0o-
We heard the mayor is mulling a private-public partnership so that a feasibility study can romp off. Nice idea and it should be pursued to the hilt.
Palmares has already reportedly forwarded the proposal to the Regional Development Council (RDC) headed by Iloilo Governor Arthur "Toto" Defensor Jr., but we have yet to hear more Ilonggo leaders getting head over heels on the proposed domestic airport for it to hit the ground running.
Filipino politicians are known to be jealous and don't want to be left behind when it comes to grabbing a credit and getting a publicity over certain grandiose projects and undertakings.
Let's hope Ilonggo leaders are not among them. Let's hope they will rally behind the proposed project and ensure that it will be given due attention by the national government after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has done its sight inspection in Santo Thomas village, site of the proposed airport.
-o0o-
ILONGGOS should rally behind Senator Franklin Drilon now that he has become a "pain in the ass", so to speak, among the minions of the Duterte administration embroiled in scandals and anomalies.
For sure, Drilon, the legislative body's lone ranger in the war against corruption and incompetence in the executive branch, is now in the radar of the dirty department owing to his high profile sparring sessions with neophyte senators Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, and Emmanuel Pacquiao.
It was fun to watch how the Iloilo senator made a mincemeat of these characters, who are among the staunch allies of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in the floor debates seen "live" by millions of people.
Drilon may have angered the demigods in the darkness furthermore when he recently blasted the administration's ambitious "build, build, build" program for its "failure" and delays.
And the latest to taste Drilon's fusillade was House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, his incredible P55 million SEA Games "kaldero" and all the fiasco related to the country's hosting of the biennial regional multi-sport event.
For the scoundrels and the mediocre, Drilon has become an obstacle and a thorn.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Frank Gehry
By Alex P. Vidal
UNLESS Iloilo leaders will step on the gas and aggressively support and endorse the proposal of Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares to build an airport in Iloilo's component city, it will remain a proposal and will just be a voice in the wilderness.
An infra project of such magnitude needs a political godfather, someone with a Stentorian voice and an earthshaking impact and influence in the national leadership.
Colossal projects are dream projects of every Tom, Dick, and Harry in public office, but the bottom line is always funds, the moolahs, where to get and how to mobilize them once their sources have been identified.
We are aware of the pesky bureaucratic red tape and maze the project will be going through once it will be taken seriously by the stakeholders and the implementing agencies.
We are also aware of the changing political climate which can serve as a game-changer and can ruin its implementation.
-o0o-
We heard the mayor is mulling a private-public partnership so that a feasibility study can romp off. Nice idea and it should be pursued to the hilt.
Palmares has already reportedly forwarded the proposal to the Regional Development Council (RDC) headed by Iloilo Governor Arthur "Toto" Defensor Jr., but we have yet to hear more Ilonggo leaders getting head over heels on the proposed domestic airport for it to hit the ground running.
Filipino politicians are known to be jealous and don't want to be left behind when it comes to grabbing a credit and getting a publicity over certain grandiose projects and undertakings.
Let's hope Ilonggo leaders are not among them. Let's hope they will rally behind the proposed project and ensure that it will be given due attention by the national government after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has done its sight inspection in Santo Thomas village, site of the proposed airport.
-o0o-
ILONGGOS should rally behind Senator Franklin Drilon now that he has become a "pain in the ass", so to speak, among the minions of the Duterte administration embroiled in scandals and anomalies.
For sure, Drilon, the legislative body's lone ranger in the war against corruption and incompetence in the executive branch, is now in the radar of the dirty department owing to his high profile sparring sessions with neophyte senators Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, and Emmanuel Pacquiao.
It was fun to watch how the Iloilo senator made a mincemeat of these characters, who are among the staunch allies of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in the floor debates seen "live" by millions of people.
Drilon may have angered the demigods in the darkness furthermore when he recently blasted the administration's ambitious "build, build, build" program for its "failure" and delays.
And the latest to taste Drilon's fusillade was House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, his incredible P55 million SEA Games "kaldero" and all the fiasco related to the country's hosting of the biennial regional multi-sport event.
For the scoundrels and the mediocre, Drilon has become an obstacle and a thorn.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Obey City Hall
"In city hall and in local government, you have to get things done without drama."
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
-- Jim Gray
By Alex P. Vidal
WITH barely seven weeks to go before the Dinagyang Festival 2020 will unravel in Iloilo City, City Hall executive assistant for power Randy Pastolero is hard-pressed to help clear spaghetti wires and poles that obstruct major streets where the festival parade route will pass.
Obstructing poles and spaghetti wires are perhaps some of the worst elevated eye sores in the history of Iloilo City.
Pastolero was reportedly scheduled to take to task the Iloilo Utilities Group (IUG) composed of Panay Electric Company (PECO), telecommunication, and cable companies on November 26 to prioritize the removal of poles in the City Proper and La Paz even as Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas has given the PECO only until the end of the year 2019 to remove them all.
The time table given by the city mayor apparently was to ensure that everything will be in order and normal and Iloilo City's beauty won't be disfigured by the wires' ugly sight when the week-long annual religious and cultural festival unwraps in January 2020.
-o0o-
PECO and the telcos have been at loggerheads; they have been pointing an accusing finger at each other for the 254 and other poles identified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city streets.
Treñas won't take sides.
All he wants is to fix the problem, to cut and cut clean.
Pastolero's job is to coax both parties and agree to show that they belong and are willing to listen, cooperate and help; and that they should be part of the solution, not the problem.
Instead of prolonging the blame game, PECO and the telcos will have to drop their guns and stop sharpening their knives; they will have to listen to the siren of cooperation.
With dispatch and alacrity, they should obey City Hall and start hitting the ground running.
If they are able to remove the obstructions together sans mudslinging, people will credit them for cooperating with the City Hall and for "showing concern" for the welfare and safety of the public.
-o0o-
THERE'S nothing wrong if the press will criticize Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for the mess in the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) being hosted by the Philippines while the Games are in progress.
Cayetano's admirers and defenders decry that it's not good to wash our dirty linens in public while visitors, athletes, officials and other participants from other Southeast Asian nations are still here.
The visitors don't and won't give a damn how the host media make their reports.
This is how democracy works in the country. We don't curtail the press because the host country's top organizing official is the one being lambasted.
As chairman of the Philippines Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILCOG), Cayetano, who loves to wear many hats, is accountable for all the lackluster preparations, including the alleged shenanigans in the construction of sports facilities.
By Alex P. Vidal
WITH barely seven weeks to go before the Dinagyang Festival 2020 will unravel in Iloilo City, City Hall executive assistant for power Randy Pastolero is hard-pressed to help clear spaghetti wires and poles that obstruct major streets where the festival parade route will pass.
Obstructing poles and spaghetti wires are perhaps some of the worst elevated eye sores in the history of Iloilo City.
Pastolero was reportedly scheduled to take to task the Iloilo Utilities Group (IUG) composed of Panay Electric Company (PECO), telecommunication, and cable companies on November 26 to prioritize the removal of poles in the City Proper and La Paz even as Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas has given the PECO only until the end of the year 2019 to remove them all.
The time table given by the city mayor apparently was to ensure that everything will be in order and normal and Iloilo City's beauty won't be disfigured by the wires' ugly sight when the week-long annual religious and cultural festival unwraps in January 2020.
-o0o-
PECO and the telcos have been at loggerheads; they have been pointing an accusing finger at each other for the 254 and other poles identified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city streets.
Treñas won't take sides.
All he wants is to fix the problem, to cut and cut clean.
Pastolero's job is to coax both parties and agree to show that they belong and are willing to listen, cooperate and help; and that they should be part of the solution, not the problem.
Instead of prolonging the blame game, PECO and the telcos will have to drop their guns and stop sharpening their knives; they will have to listen to the siren of cooperation.
With dispatch and alacrity, they should obey City Hall and start hitting the ground running.
If they are able to remove the obstructions together sans mudslinging, people will credit them for cooperating with the City Hall and for "showing concern" for the welfare and safety of the public.
-o0o-
THERE'S nothing wrong if the press will criticize Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for the mess in the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) being hosted by the Philippines while the Games are in progress.
Cayetano's admirers and defenders decry that it's not good to wash our dirty linens in public while visitors, athletes, officials and other participants from other Southeast Asian nations are still here.
The visitors don't and won't give a damn how the host media make their reports.
This is how democracy works in the country. We don't curtail the press because the host country's top organizing official is the one being lambasted.
As chairman of the Philippines Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILCOG), Cayetano, who loves to wear many hats, is accountable for all the lackluster preparations, including the alleged shenanigans in the construction of sports facilities.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Monday, November 25, 2019
Crooks, Inc.
“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.”
--Thomas Jefferson
By Alex P. Vidal
IT seems so many anomalies and scandals are being committed in the government by dishonest, incompetent, and insincere public officials nowadays, and yet these anomalies and scandals were hardly unraveled or thoroughly discussed in public.
In most cases, the culprits were able to avoid prosecution by just tendering their resignation or by publicly professing “loyalty” to the administration and “admiration” to the president.
Once they have resigned, no effort was made to hold them accountable for the thievery they have committed while in office.
They have mastered the steal-now-disappear-later technique of amassing wealth at the expense of the taxpayers.
Once they have shown canine loyalty to the big boss, no one can touch them with a ten-foot pole; and chances are, they will be exonerated prematurely and even hailed and defended like Caesar’s wife.
The devils grow in number because Lucifer not only tolerates their shenanigans, but also protects them like endangered species.
-o0o-
There were cases when, instead of filing appropriate criminal cases against them, these good-for-nothing officials were only transferred to other offices, where they could continue their stealing binge like Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
This is the reason why the government continues to decay and deteriorate; it’s a free-for-all for the vultures. Everybody happy; everyone is feasting on the bones.
Rascals and rapscallions are having a field day emptying the cookie jars, dancing and prancing like descendants of Limahong.
Crooks in public office recycle the machinery of graft and corruption in a massive scale using the same system that had impoverished the Filipinos in the past.
They are everywhere: in sports (look how they ravish the SEA Games funds), in the PNP and AFP, in agriculture, in irrigation, in public works, in education, in tax collection, in jail management, in labor, in war-torn Marawi, in customs, among other departments.
-o0o-
ANOTHER reason why no big time grafter has been caught and punished in this administration, so far, is because of the apparent dearth of Benjamins or independent but intrepid whistle-blowers in the legislative branch that should be playing the role of fiscalizers and watchdogs in the name of check and balance.
Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Raul Roco, Teofisto Guingona, Blas Ople are gone.
Rene Saguisag and Francisco Tatad are no longer active in politics.
What we have now are a bunch of clowns, dullards, and third-rate Halloween characters who got elected for being popular, notorious jokers, killers, and womanizers courtesy of a decrepit electoral system responsible for the mass recruitment of idiots in the august halls.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Thomas Jefferson
By Alex P. Vidal
IT seems so many anomalies and scandals are being committed in the government by dishonest, incompetent, and insincere public officials nowadays, and yet these anomalies and scandals were hardly unraveled or thoroughly discussed in public.
In most cases, the culprits were able to avoid prosecution by just tendering their resignation or by publicly professing “loyalty” to the administration and “admiration” to the president.
Once they have resigned, no effort was made to hold them accountable for the thievery they have committed while in office.
They have mastered the steal-now-disappear-later technique of amassing wealth at the expense of the taxpayers.
Once they have shown canine loyalty to the big boss, no one can touch them with a ten-foot pole; and chances are, they will be exonerated prematurely and even hailed and defended like Caesar’s wife.
The devils grow in number because Lucifer not only tolerates their shenanigans, but also protects them like endangered species.
-o0o-
There were cases when, instead of filing appropriate criminal cases against them, these good-for-nothing officials were only transferred to other offices, where they could continue their stealing binge like Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
This is the reason why the government continues to decay and deteriorate; it’s a free-for-all for the vultures. Everybody happy; everyone is feasting on the bones.
Rascals and rapscallions are having a field day emptying the cookie jars, dancing and prancing like descendants of Limahong.
Crooks in public office recycle the machinery of graft and corruption in a massive scale using the same system that had impoverished the Filipinos in the past.
They are everywhere: in sports (look how they ravish the SEA Games funds), in the PNP and AFP, in agriculture, in irrigation, in public works, in education, in tax collection, in jail management, in labor, in war-torn Marawi, in customs, among other departments.
-o0o-
ANOTHER reason why no big time grafter has been caught and punished in this administration, so far, is because of the apparent dearth of Benjamins or independent but intrepid whistle-blowers in the legislative branch that should be playing the role of fiscalizers and watchdogs in the name of check and balance.
Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Raul Roco, Teofisto Guingona, Blas Ople are gone.
Rene Saguisag and Francisco Tatad are no longer active in politics.
What we have now are a bunch of clowns, dullards, and third-rate Halloween characters who got elected for being popular, notorious jokers, killers, and womanizers courtesy of a decrepit electoral system responsible for the mass recruitment of idiots in the august halls.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Boy Mejorada's SC conviction
"In a democracy, you need to have a strong judicial system. You need freedom of speech, you need art, and you need a free press."
--Tzipi Livni
By Alex P. Vidal
NO journalist in his right mind would be happy to learn that a colleague has been convicted "with finality" by the Supreme Court for libel even if in many cases we disagreed with the convicted colleague's views.
Thus while enemies of Manuel "Boy" Mejorada were rejoicing over reports that "the Supreme Court has affirmed with finality his conviction and imprisonment for libel" filed by Senator Franklin Drilon, we felt sad.
From the point of view of crusading community journalists, we consider Mejorada's defeat in the SC as a defeat for freedom of the press and expression.
Regardless of who was involved in the case or cases decided by the Supreme Court that would result in Mejorada's trip to the calaboose, we always believed that jailing a journalist in a democratic state is wrong.
His having participated in the litigation where he was given the opportunity to clear his name from any criminal culpability, wasn't enough to justify a punishment behind bars especially since the Philippines adheres to the freedom of the press and expression, one of the basic rights under the constitution the Filipinos hold dear.
-o0o-
Mejorada has offended a lot of people, mostly politicians, cops, and bad elements in the society he tore apart in his newspaper columns, blog, social media and Youtube accounts, among other media platforms.
But he has also befriended a lot of political, business, and even military heavyweights, including some national figures; he has managed to maintain a good relationship with some media colleagues despite his bitter tiffs with former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and former Iloilo governor Arthur "Art" Defensor Sr., both darlings of the press.
While many of those he offended hate him, many people who understand his role in our society sympathize with him.
Whatever is the genesis of Mejorada's troubles with those who sued him for libel, a criminal offense in the Philippines, we must remember that his mission, as well as the mission of all journalists, has been to keep the public informed and aware of what is happening in the government.
Despite mounting challenges we journalists meet everyday, we must continue to keep the public informed; we must continue to be always antagonistic and aggressive and not kowtow to any administration, no matter what party they’re part of.
We need to uphold the freedom of the press and expression and support all crusading journalists.
--Tzipi Livni
By Alex P. Vidal
NO journalist in his right mind would be happy to learn that a colleague has been convicted "with finality" by the Supreme Court for libel even if in many cases we disagreed with the convicted colleague's views.
Thus while enemies of Manuel "Boy" Mejorada were rejoicing over reports that "the Supreme Court has affirmed with finality his conviction and imprisonment for libel" filed by Senator Franklin Drilon, we felt sad.
From the point of view of crusading community journalists, we consider Mejorada's defeat in the SC as a defeat for freedom of the press and expression.
Regardless of who was involved in the case or cases decided by the Supreme Court that would result in Mejorada's trip to the calaboose, we always believed that jailing a journalist in a democratic state is wrong.
His having participated in the litigation where he was given the opportunity to clear his name from any criminal culpability, wasn't enough to justify a punishment behind bars especially since the Philippines adheres to the freedom of the press and expression, one of the basic rights under the constitution the Filipinos hold dear.
-o0o-
Mejorada has offended a lot of people, mostly politicians, cops, and bad elements in the society he tore apart in his newspaper columns, blog, social media and Youtube accounts, among other media platforms.
But he has also befriended a lot of political, business, and even military heavyweights, including some national figures; he has managed to maintain a good relationship with some media colleagues despite his bitter tiffs with former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and former Iloilo governor Arthur "Art" Defensor Sr., both darlings of the press.
While many of those he offended hate him, many people who understand his role in our society sympathize with him.
Whatever is the genesis of Mejorada's troubles with those who sued him for libel, a criminal offense in the Philippines, we must remember that his mission, as well as the mission of all journalists, has been to keep the public informed and aware of what is happening in the government.
Despite mounting challenges we journalists meet everyday, we must continue to keep the public informed; we must continue to be always antagonistic and aggressive and not kowtow to any administration, no matter what party they’re part of.
We need to uphold the freedom of the press and expression and support all crusading journalists.
An independent press is one of the essential pillars of any democracy all over the world.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Mushrooms and my Caucasian customer
"Addiction is a tough illness, and recovery from it is a hard but noble path. Men and women who walk that path deserve our support, encouragement, and admiration."
--Sheldon Whitehouse
By Alex P. VIDAL
I remember while serving in a restaurant for several weeks in Brgy. Manok-Manok in Boracay Island in the mid-80s, two regular Caucasian customers would always request me to put mushrooms in their dishes.
One of them, a Danish musician, confessed to me that in Europe where he lived, he would always eat Lion’s mane mushrooms.
He was "addicted" to it, he admitted.
It is known as the bearded tooth, hedgehog or pom pom mushroom, the distinctive Hericium erinaceus that can be found growing on hardwood trees in late summer and fall.
Its distinctive shape, which resembles the mane of a male lion or a pom pom, is unlike any other mushroom. Its taste is reportedly unique and often compared to seafood.
I remembered this Caucasian customer after reading the story written by Jennifer P. Rendon on November 19, 2019 about the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-6 regional office saying it has yet to receive reports of wild mushrooms being used by youngsters who want to get “high” sans risking arrest.
-o0o-
The Department of Education (DepEd), according to Rendon's report, "recently raised alarm on reports that some high schools used wild mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms because of its hallucinogenic properties."
There were also reports claiming that some students were hospitalized after consuming wild mushrooms, the report said.
The report also added that PDEA-6 regional director Alex Tablate admitted their office has yet to release a confirmed scientific study on the narcotic effects of wild mushrooms.
Meanwhile, two of the deadliest mushrooms in the world are the "destroying angels" and "death caps", according to the Mother Nature Network (MNN).
Mushrooms in the genera Amanita are among the deadliest in the world, added the MNN. Here are some ways to recognize two of these.
Death caps is a highly toxic mushroom (Amanita phalloides) blamed for the most mushroom poisonings in the world. While native to Europe, death caps reportedly occur on the U.S. East and West Coasts.
Death caps have a 6-inch-wide cap, often sticky to the touch, that can be yellowish, brownish, whitish or greenish in color. The cap has white gills and grows on a stalk about 5 inches tall with a white cup at its base.
It can be confused with: Young death caps can resemble puffballs, which encompass the genera Calvatia, Calbovista and Lycoperdon.
It can be seen in the months of September to November and its habitat is under pines, oaks, dogwoods and other trees.
There is no immediate symptoms but the person will reportedly experience vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. After several days, these symptoms will go away and we think we are OK. However, we are not.
During this time, internal organs reportedly are being severely damaged, sometimes irreparably. Death can occur six to 18 days after ingestion.
-o0o-
Destroying angels, on the other hand, get their name from their pure white stalks and caps. Like the death caps, they belong to the genus Amanita, with several species occurring in different regions of the country. All, however, have a similar white fruiting body.
It's an attractive white cap, stalk and gills and can be confused with: In their button stage, destroying angels can be confused with button mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, horse mushrooms and puffballs.
It is seen during the summer and fall and its habitat is: All Amanita species form relationships with roots of certain trees. Destroying angels can be found in or near woodlands or near shrubs and trees in suburban lawns or meadows.
Its symptoms are siarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain generally occur five to 12 hours after ingestion. As with death caps, the symptoms will typically go away and the victim might think they don’t need to see a doctor. However, a day or two later the symptoms will return and get worse.
By then, it will probably be too late because the person will likely suffer liver and kidney failure and enter a hepatic coma that ends in death. If they survive, treatment is severe: a liver transplant.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Sheldon Whitehouse
By Alex P. VIDAL
I remember while serving in a restaurant for several weeks in Brgy. Manok-Manok in Boracay Island in the mid-80s, two regular Caucasian customers would always request me to put mushrooms in their dishes.
One of them, a Danish musician, confessed to me that in Europe where he lived, he would always eat Lion’s mane mushrooms.
He was "addicted" to it, he admitted.
It is known as the bearded tooth, hedgehog or pom pom mushroom, the distinctive Hericium erinaceus that can be found growing on hardwood trees in late summer and fall.
Its distinctive shape, which resembles the mane of a male lion or a pom pom, is unlike any other mushroom. Its taste is reportedly unique and often compared to seafood.
I remembered this Caucasian customer after reading the story written by Jennifer P. Rendon on November 19, 2019 about the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-6 regional office saying it has yet to receive reports of wild mushrooms being used by youngsters who want to get “high” sans risking arrest.
-o0o-
The Department of Education (DepEd), according to Rendon's report, "recently raised alarm on reports that some high schools used wild mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms because of its hallucinogenic properties."
There were also reports claiming that some students were hospitalized after consuming wild mushrooms, the report said.
The report also added that PDEA-6 regional director Alex Tablate admitted their office has yet to release a confirmed scientific study on the narcotic effects of wild mushrooms.
Meanwhile, two of the deadliest mushrooms in the world are the "destroying angels" and "death caps", according to the Mother Nature Network (MNN).
Mushrooms in the genera Amanita are among the deadliest in the world, added the MNN. Here are some ways to recognize two of these.
Death caps is a highly toxic mushroom (Amanita phalloides) blamed for the most mushroom poisonings in the world. While native to Europe, death caps reportedly occur on the U.S. East and West Coasts.
Death caps have a 6-inch-wide cap, often sticky to the touch, that can be yellowish, brownish, whitish or greenish in color. The cap has white gills and grows on a stalk about 5 inches tall with a white cup at its base.
It can be confused with: Young death caps can resemble puffballs, which encompass the genera Calvatia, Calbovista and Lycoperdon.
It can be seen in the months of September to November and its habitat is under pines, oaks, dogwoods and other trees.
There is no immediate symptoms but the person will reportedly experience vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. After several days, these symptoms will go away and we think we are OK. However, we are not.
During this time, internal organs reportedly are being severely damaged, sometimes irreparably. Death can occur six to 18 days after ingestion.
-o0o-
Destroying angels, on the other hand, get their name from their pure white stalks and caps. Like the death caps, they belong to the genus Amanita, with several species occurring in different regions of the country. All, however, have a similar white fruiting body.
It's an attractive white cap, stalk and gills and can be confused with: In their button stage, destroying angels can be confused with button mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, horse mushrooms and puffballs.
It is seen during the summer and fall and its habitat is: All Amanita species form relationships with roots of certain trees. Destroying angels can be found in or near woodlands or near shrubs and trees in suburban lawns or meadows.
Its symptoms are siarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain generally occur five to 12 hours after ingestion. As with death caps, the symptoms will typically go away and the victim might think they don’t need to see a doctor. However, a day or two later the symptoms will return and get worse.
By then, it will probably be too late because the person will likely suffer liver and kidney failure and enter a hepatic coma that ends in death. If they survive, treatment is severe: a liver transplant.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Monday, November 18, 2019
PECO vs the world
"No matter how many people you know, it will always be yourself against the world."
--Victoria Dawn Monks
By Alex P. Vidal
AT the rate the Panay Electric Company (PECO) is being bamboozled by its adversaries from pillar to post these past weeks, we won't be surprised if even the lizards and mosquitoes will soon mount a rebellion against the controversial power firm in Iloilo City and claim victory.
PECO appears to be the veritable punching bag of the season.
Punches and kicks rain from all directions and the hitherto featherweight champion PECO has been reduced to a minimum-weight contender from the volume of those blows.
Of course we're just kidding; but, once upon a time, PECO was on top of the universe; no one would dare point a dirty finger at PECO's eyes without suffering the consequences.
This was when PECO was still lording over the power distribution system for thousands of Ilonggo electric consumers in the metropolis uncontested and buttressed by an official franchise.
Even gutsy politicians who dared to cross PECO's paths found their way in the tail end of every election.
-o0o-
Already black-eyed in its puzzling skirmish with the rival MORE Electric and Power Corp., PECO recently got a wallop on the chin from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which denied arranging a press conference together with PECO in relation to the 709 pole fires that hit the city in the past two years.
"The ERC has no participation, in any manner, in the said press conference (conducted by PECO on Nov. 4," boomed ERC chair Agnes Devanadera.
Hardly had the PECO recovered from the flash knockdown inflicted by ERC, the PLDT, through its Visayas vice president Rene Lescano, delivered another headbutt this time calling PECO's head of Public Engagement and Government Affairs Marcelo Cacho as "liar" for blaming some pole fires to telco wires.
Others that saw their kick marks landing on PECO's face were the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which reportedly recorded 138 pole fires attributed to PECO and, most recently, no less that Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas himself.
-o0o-
Take this excerpt from the November 16, 2019 column of the Daily Guardian columnist Limuel Celebria: "Late last month, one of our columns (The Daily Guardian, October 26, Power Theft: a Growing Menace) raised concern over the numerous incidents of electric poles bursting into flames, threatening to set off conflagrations in the neighborhood. We attributed these cases of “spontaneous combustion” (to use a colorful phrase) to the apparently unabated power theft going on in many parts of the city. The power theft or pilferage causes undue overload on electrical wires which melt and cause short-circuits or transformers to conk out or burst into flame.
"A couple of days following our column, City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas fired off an angry letter asking the Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate Peco over the same 'pole fires.' This time, however, the city chief executive placed the blamed squarely on the shoulders of Peco. The mayor’s heated communiqué, which was also sent to Malacanang, lashed at Peco for its dilapidated equipment and the poor maintenance of its distribution system."
We are amazed how PECO has managed to overcome the whirlwind of karate chops and thunderstorms that regularly bulldoze their gates in this dizzying screen episode called "PECO versus the World."
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Victoria Dawn Monks
By Alex P. Vidal
AT the rate the Panay Electric Company (PECO) is being bamboozled by its adversaries from pillar to post these past weeks, we won't be surprised if even the lizards and mosquitoes will soon mount a rebellion against the controversial power firm in Iloilo City and claim victory.
PECO appears to be the veritable punching bag of the season.
Punches and kicks rain from all directions and the hitherto featherweight champion PECO has been reduced to a minimum-weight contender from the volume of those blows.
Of course we're just kidding; but, once upon a time, PECO was on top of the universe; no one would dare point a dirty finger at PECO's eyes without suffering the consequences.
This was when PECO was still lording over the power distribution system for thousands of Ilonggo electric consumers in the metropolis uncontested and buttressed by an official franchise.
Even gutsy politicians who dared to cross PECO's paths found their way in the tail end of every election.
-o0o-
Already black-eyed in its puzzling skirmish with the rival MORE Electric and Power Corp., PECO recently got a wallop on the chin from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which denied arranging a press conference together with PECO in relation to the 709 pole fires that hit the city in the past two years.
"The ERC has no participation, in any manner, in the said press conference (conducted by PECO on Nov. 4," boomed ERC chair Agnes Devanadera.
Hardly had the PECO recovered from the flash knockdown inflicted by ERC, the PLDT, through its Visayas vice president Rene Lescano, delivered another headbutt this time calling PECO's head of Public Engagement and Government Affairs Marcelo Cacho as "liar" for blaming some pole fires to telco wires.
Others that saw their kick marks landing on PECO's face were the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which reportedly recorded 138 pole fires attributed to PECO and, most recently, no less that Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas himself.
-o0o-
Take this excerpt from the November 16, 2019 column of the Daily Guardian columnist Limuel Celebria: "Late last month, one of our columns (The Daily Guardian, October 26, Power Theft: a Growing Menace) raised concern over the numerous incidents of electric poles bursting into flames, threatening to set off conflagrations in the neighborhood. We attributed these cases of “spontaneous combustion” (to use a colorful phrase) to the apparently unabated power theft going on in many parts of the city. The power theft or pilferage causes undue overload on electrical wires which melt and cause short-circuits or transformers to conk out or burst into flame.
"A couple of days following our column, City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas fired off an angry letter asking the Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate Peco over the same 'pole fires.' This time, however, the city chief executive placed the blamed squarely on the shoulders of Peco. The mayor’s heated communiqué, which was also sent to Malacanang, lashed at Peco for its dilapidated equipment and the poor maintenance of its distribution system."
We are amazed how PECO has managed to overcome the whirlwind of karate chops and thunderstorms that regularly bulldoze their gates in this dizzying screen episode called "PECO versus the World."
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Zubiri adds confusion to Panay-Guimaras bridge
“Today, if you are not confused, you are not thinking clearly.”
--Irene Peter
By Alex P. Vidal
ONE of the reasons why the Philippines appears to be slow in terms of progress and sometimes has become the laughing stock of Asia is because of grandstanding politicians like Senator Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
Zubiri has just added confusion to the already muddled Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge project by announcing in his recent Iloilo City visit that the multi-billion infrastructure will begin its construction in 2021, or a year before President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s term will expire.
He was quoted in a report to have said: “I believe ang Iloilo-Guimaras (bridge) may budget na and I think ready na for first phase. So, daw ang siling ni Mark (Villar) groundbreaking will be 2021 basta ma-groundbreaker na okey na ina. That is on-going project.”
“Ginhambalan ko nga padayunon na sia didto sa Negros because it makes more sense because gamay man lang Guimaras. So, the enterprises and goods from Iloilo and Guimaras ma-deliver na didto,” he reportedly added.
Like any other politicians who wanted to ride on the issue, a potential blockbuster for the next elections, Zubiri invoked the August 3 incident in the Guimaras Strait where several motorboats capsized and several passengers were killed.
-o0o-
Zubiri made the statement without any detailed timeline, thus Ilonggos were made to believe that it’s “on the go” based on the “assurance” given to him by
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Villar.
Zubiri apparently wasn’t aware that DPWH undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership Maria Catalina Cabral informed Senator Franklin Drilon earlier that the Department of Finance “will consider the funding” only after they have submitted the feasibility study to the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Investment Coordinating Council.
Meaning there has been no black and white approval of the budget yet from the Department of Finance contrary to what Zubiri had told the Iloilo press.
-o0o-
Construction of the project, originally part of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, is only targeted to commence in the second quarter of 2021, according to Villar in his most recent statement regarding the bridge.
Amid the confusion it would be better if proponents of the project designate only one official spokesperson to officially provide up-to-date details of the project to the public.
It appears now that so many politicians will just make random announcement on the project’s progress based on their own whims and convenience in order to get a free ride in the publicity.
Sooner or later, we trust our DPWH officials led by Villar to finish what they have started; we trust that they can soon begin the construction of the controversial project based on the proper dynamic and timeline enumerated in the feasibility study.
Everyone is excited to see the project completed by 2023, as promised by the Duterte administration, but politicians should refrain from issuing raw information and unverified statements that would only confuse the public.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Irene Peter
By Alex P. Vidal
ONE of the reasons why the Philippines appears to be slow in terms of progress and sometimes has become the laughing stock of Asia is because of grandstanding politicians like Senator Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
Zubiri has just added confusion to the already muddled Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge project by announcing in his recent Iloilo City visit that the multi-billion infrastructure will begin its construction in 2021, or a year before President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s term will expire.
He was quoted in a report to have said: “I believe ang Iloilo-Guimaras (bridge) may budget na and I think ready na for first phase. So, daw ang siling ni Mark (Villar) groundbreaking will be 2021 basta ma-groundbreaker na okey na ina. That is on-going project.”
“Ginhambalan ko nga padayunon na sia didto sa Negros because it makes more sense because gamay man lang Guimaras. So, the enterprises and goods from Iloilo and Guimaras ma-deliver na didto,” he reportedly added.
Like any other politicians who wanted to ride on the issue, a potential blockbuster for the next elections, Zubiri invoked the August 3 incident in the Guimaras Strait where several motorboats capsized and several passengers were killed.
-o0o-
Zubiri made the statement without any detailed timeline, thus Ilonggos were made to believe that it’s “on the go” based on the “assurance” given to him by
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Villar.
Zubiri apparently wasn’t aware that DPWH undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership Maria Catalina Cabral informed Senator Franklin Drilon earlier that the Department of Finance “will consider the funding” only after they have submitted the feasibility study to the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Investment Coordinating Council.
Meaning there has been no black and white approval of the budget yet from the Department of Finance contrary to what Zubiri had told the Iloilo press.
-o0o-
Construction of the project, originally part of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, is only targeted to commence in the second quarter of 2021, according to Villar in his most recent statement regarding the bridge.
Amid the confusion it would be better if proponents of the project designate only one official spokesperson to officially provide up-to-date details of the project to the public.
It appears now that so many politicians will just make random announcement on the project’s progress based on their own whims and convenience in order to get a free ride in the publicity.
Sooner or later, we trust our DPWH officials led by Villar to finish what they have started; we trust that they can soon begin the construction of the controversial project based on the proper dynamic and timeline enumerated in the feasibility study.
Everyone is excited to see the project completed by 2023, as promised by the Duterte administration, but politicians should refrain from issuing raw information and unverified statements that would only confuse the public.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Monday, November 11, 2019
John Gokongwei’s love for Iloilo
“Many people dream about being an entrepreneur, stating their own business, working for themselves, and living the good life. Very few, however, will actually take the plunge and put everything they've got into being their own boss.”
--Fabrizio Moreira
By Alex P. Vidal
THE late billionaire John Gokongwei Jr. must have loved Iloilo so much that he built three Robinsons Place malls in that part of the country, among his other businesses in Western Visayas.
Aside from the Robinsons Place built in Iloilo City Proper on October 5, 2001, Gokongwei’s Summit Holdings or J. G. Summit Holdings erected another Robinsons Place in Jaro District. Iloilo City on September 8, 2016.
And on June 21, 2018, another Robinsons Place appeared in Pavia, Iloilo.
Elsewhere in Western Visayas, Gokongwei’s Robinsons Place has eclipsed SM City’s in number of branches.
There is also a Robinsons Place in San Jose de Buenavista, Antque built on July 15, 2015; a branch in Roxas City, Capiz built on July 13, 2014; and in Bacolod City built in 1997.
The presence of these modern malls have helped the local economy in terms of taxes for the city and municipal treasury and employment opportunities for local residents.
-o0o-
For this reason, local legislatures in areas where Robinsons Malls are present must pass a resolution to express gratitude and honor Mr. Gokongwei now that he has passed away at 93.
Local governments that have benefited from entrepreneurs like the late Henry Sy of Sm Prime Holdings and now Mr. Gokongwei should pay tribute to their gigantic contributions in helping the local economy.
Robinsons Malls is one of the largest shopping malls and retail operators in the Philippines incorporated on September 9, 1997 by Mr. Gokongwei himself to develop, conduct, operate and maintain the Robinsons commercial shopping centers and all related businesses, such as the lease of commercial spaces within the compound of shopping centers
Meanwhile, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has confirmed that Mr. Gokongwei has "able" heirs who can continue his legacy,
The federation's president, Henry Lim Bon Liong said the taipan, whose businesses include the Philippines' largest airline, Cebu Pacific, is a big loss to the country.
Mr. Gokongwei Jr. was the third richest Filipino, according to Forbes Magazine. Aside from being a business magnate, he was also a philanthropist. And with all the businesses he owned in the country, he provided thousands of jobs to people. With his story, he helped inspire people to have the determination to bounce back in life without ever quitting.
-o0o-
According to the many stories written about Mr. Gokongwei Jr., he was once a scion of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese clan born with a silver spoon and was studying in San Carlos University.
Their family was known to be one of the richest in Cebu.
--Fabrizio Moreira
By Alex P. Vidal
THE late billionaire John Gokongwei Jr. must have loved Iloilo so much that he built three Robinsons Place malls in that part of the country, among his other businesses in Western Visayas.
Aside from the Robinsons Place built in Iloilo City Proper on October 5, 2001, Gokongwei’s Summit Holdings or J. G. Summit Holdings erected another Robinsons Place in Jaro District. Iloilo City on September 8, 2016.
And on June 21, 2018, another Robinsons Place appeared in Pavia, Iloilo.
Elsewhere in Western Visayas, Gokongwei’s Robinsons Place has eclipsed SM City’s in number of branches.
There is also a Robinsons Place in San Jose de Buenavista, Antque built on July 15, 2015; a branch in Roxas City, Capiz built on July 13, 2014; and in Bacolod City built in 1997.
The presence of these modern malls have helped the local economy in terms of taxes for the city and municipal treasury and employment opportunities for local residents.
-o0o-
For this reason, local legislatures in areas where Robinsons Malls are present must pass a resolution to express gratitude and honor Mr. Gokongwei now that he has passed away at 93.
Local governments that have benefited from entrepreneurs like the late Henry Sy of Sm Prime Holdings and now Mr. Gokongwei should pay tribute to their gigantic contributions in helping the local economy.
Robinsons Malls is one of the largest shopping malls and retail operators in the Philippines incorporated on September 9, 1997 by Mr. Gokongwei himself to develop, conduct, operate and maintain the Robinsons commercial shopping centers and all related businesses, such as the lease of commercial spaces within the compound of shopping centers
Meanwhile, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has confirmed that Mr. Gokongwei has "able" heirs who can continue his legacy,
The federation's president, Henry Lim Bon Liong said the taipan, whose businesses include the Philippines' largest airline, Cebu Pacific, is a big loss to the country.
Mr. Gokongwei Jr. was the third richest Filipino, according to Forbes Magazine. Aside from being a business magnate, he was also a philanthropist. And with all the businesses he owned in the country, he provided thousands of jobs to people. With his story, he helped inspire people to have the determination to bounce back in life without ever quitting.
-o0o-
According to the many stories written about Mr. Gokongwei Jr., he was once a scion of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese clan born with a silver spoon and was studying in San Carlos University.
Their family was known to be one of the richest in Cebu.
Unfortunately, one day, all these things he enjoyed were taken away from him when his father died.
The creditor seized their home and cars, their business were gone and suddenly everything he had had disappeared, the stories said.
The stories went further: They became flat broke and at 15, Gokongwei Jr. had to work to provide for his family. His mother had to sell her jewelries.
His siblings were sent to China where the cost of living was cheaper.
The stories went further: They became flat broke and at 15, Gokongwei Jr. had to work to provide for his family. His mother had to sell her jewelries.
His siblings were sent to China where the cost of living was cheaper.
He sold roasted peanuts and opened up a small stall in the market, where he had to compete with other vendors to sell his goods.
He sold soap, candles, and threads to earn money. Determined as he was, Gokongwei Jr. knew he had an advantage as he was younger, therefore he used this as a strength in his job.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
He sold soap, candles, and threads to earn money. Determined as he was, Gokongwei Jr. knew he had an advantage as he was younger, therefore he used this as a strength in his job.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Fake money a problem everywhere
"Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like."
--Will Rogers
By Alex P. Vidal
ILOILO City Police Office (ICPO) chief, Colonel Martin Defensor Jr.'s appeal for Ilonggos to be wary of fake peso bills being circulated for Yuletide Season is timely.
Fake money or its circulation is a problem anywhere.
And it has been in circulation even during normal seasons.
Anyone can be a victim: students, professionals, vendors, businessmen, government workers, and even those dealing with currency transaction.
Fraud fighter Sean Trundy has been exhorting us to learn to know how to spot fake money, for it is a skill that every cash handler should know.
Anywhere in the world today, creating counterfeit money is becoming easier and easier-and thus, more accessible to a larger number of people willing to risk jail for a few pesos or dollars now that we have advances in desktop publishing and laser printer technology.
-o0o-
It was learned that the most common amateur counterfeits are usually 20s and 100s.
Trundy has warned that while "professional" counterfeiters use sophisticated counterfeiting techniques that can fool the naked eye upon examination, the majority of counterfeits we might encounter in circulation can be spotted if we know what to look for and are willing to make a close examination.
For dollar bills, here are some of the ways that money handlers should watch out, based on Trundy's tips:
There's the color shifting Ink. Modern bills are imprinted with overt (or visible) security features that help identify counterfeit money.
The most prominent is reportedly the color shifting ink used on bills produced after 2006. To identify the color shifting ink, Trundy suggests that we look at the lower-right hand corner of the bill's face.
Notice the printed numeral and tilt the bill back and forth. Depending on the angle at which you view the bill the color will shift from grey to green and back again. This is the first step in identifying fake money, he added.
Color shifting ink, Trundy said, is very difficult to replicate and usually cannot be done on a laser printer.
-o0o-
Another thing is Intaglio Printing. This type of printing reportedly uses intricately carved plates and extremely heavy printing presses to "imprint" the currency. Imprinting means to physically alter the surface of the paper the money is printed on.
This creates a distinctive raised or ruff feeling to the currency that you won’t find on currency printed without intaglio printing. Look at the image of Benjamin Franklin on the $100 dollar bill.
The very fine detail along his eye and face as well as around the oval surrounding his face are nearly impossible for a laser printer to replicate.
"Of course, that is a good spot to rub your finger or thumb along the bill to feel the "raised ridges" that result from intaglio printing," said Trundy.
Let be wary of the counterfeit pen sold cheaply to many store owners.
This pen reportedly serves only one purpose and that is to determine the type of paper used to create the fake money. U.S. currency is printed on cotton based paper. Paper typically milled for use in copiers and laser printers and such is made from wood pulp.
The counterfeit pen is reportedly filled with iodine. The iodine reacts with the wood pulp and turns from brown to black.
If the pen does not turn brown the paper is made of cotton.
This pen will only tell us if the paper is not made from wood pulp. It will not tell us if the bill, printed on non-wood pulp paper, is fake.
Also the watermarks. Every modern U.S. currency reportedly contains a water mark security feature. By holding the bill up to the light we should be able to see a water mark next to the portrait of the president on the bill.
And the security thread. Look for a woven thread running from the top to the bottom of the bill. This thread is not printed "onto" the paper, rather it is woven into and part of the underlying paper the bill is printed on.
Trundy said this is very difficult for counterfeiters to replicate in fake money.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Will Rogers
By Alex P. Vidal
ILOILO City Police Office (ICPO) chief, Colonel Martin Defensor Jr.'s appeal for Ilonggos to be wary of fake peso bills being circulated for Yuletide Season is timely.
Fake money or its circulation is a problem anywhere.
And it has been in circulation even during normal seasons.
Anyone can be a victim: students, professionals, vendors, businessmen, government workers, and even those dealing with currency transaction.
Fraud fighter Sean Trundy has been exhorting us to learn to know how to spot fake money, for it is a skill that every cash handler should know.
Anywhere in the world today, creating counterfeit money is becoming easier and easier-and thus, more accessible to a larger number of people willing to risk jail for a few pesos or dollars now that we have advances in desktop publishing and laser printer technology.
-o0o-
It was learned that the most common amateur counterfeits are usually 20s and 100s.
Trundy has warned that while "professional" counterfeiters use sophisticated counterfeiting techniques that can fool the naked eye upon examination, the majority of counterfeits we might encounter in circulation can be spotted if we know what to look for and are willing to make a close examination.
For dollar bills, here are some of the ways that money handlers should watch out, based on Trundy's tips:
There's the color shifting Ink. Modern bills are imprinted with overt (or visible) security features that help identify counterfeit money.
The most prominent is reportedly the color shifting ink used on bills produced after 2006. To identify the color shifting ink, Trundy suggests that we look at the lower-right hand corner of the bill's face.
Notice the printed numeral and tilt the bill back and forth. Depending on the angle at which you view the bill the color will shift from grey to green and back again. This is the first step in identifying fake money, he added.
Color shifting ink, Trundy said, is very difficult to replicate and usually cannot be done on a laser printer.
-o0o-
Another thing is Intaglio Printing. This type of printing reportedly uses intricately carved plates and extremely heavy printing presses to "imprint" the currency. Imprinting means to physically alter the surface of the paper the money is printed on.
This creates a distinctive raised or ruff feeling to the currency that you won’t find on currency printed without intaglio printing. Look at the image of Benjamin Franklin on the $100 dollar bill.
The very fine detail along his eye and face as well as around the oval surrounding his face are nearly impossible for a laser printer to replicate.
"Of course, that is a good spot to rub your finger or thumb along the bill to feel the "raised ridges" that result from intaglio printing," said Trundy.
Let be wary of the counterfeit pen sold cheaply to many store owners.
This pen reportedly serves only one purpose and that is to determine the type of paper used to create the fake money. U.S. currency is printed on cotton based paper. Paper typically milled for use in copiers and laser printers and such is made from wood pulp.
The counterfeit pen is reportedly filled with iodine. The iodine reacts with the wood pulp and turns from brown to black.
If the pen does not turn brown the paper is made of cotton.
This pen will only tell us if the paper is not made from wood pulp. It will not tell us if the bill, printed on non-wood pulp paper, is fake.
Also the watermarks. Every modern U.S. currency reportedly contains a water mark security feature. By holding the bill up to the light we should be able to see a water mark next to the portrait of the president on the bill.
And the security thread. Look for a woven thread running from the top to the bottom of the bill. This thread is not printed "onto" the paper, rather it is woven into and part of the underlying paper the bill is printed on.
Trundy said this is very difficult for counterfeiters to replicate in fake money.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Pig-less Christmas
"I feel I would love to close down for a number of years in some way and just be in the country making pork pies and chutneys and never have to poke my head out of the parapet."
--Stephen Fry
By Alex P. Vidal
IT looks like Ilonggos will celebrate the Yuletide Season next month without pork, or any product associated with the swine industry, on their table during important gatherings where food is served.
This was after both the City Hall and Capitol have officially banned the pigs positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering the City and Province of Iloilo.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order No. 99-A-2019 on Oct. 9, 2019, “totally bans live pigs, hog carcasses, pork and pork products and by-products originating from, and/or processed in localities in the Philippines identified by the Department of Agriculture positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering the City of Iloilo for a period of 90 days and a total ban of the same from countries identified positive for ASF.”
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., on the other hand, also issued Executive Order No. 159-A enforcing a temporary ban on swine, pork, pork products and by-products from all areas in Luzon, including its island provinces for 90 days.
Although there were no major or earth-shaking reports of ASF-related damage in Iloilo's swine industry, Treñas and Defensor probably wanted to be sure the multi-billion swine industry in that part of the country is safe and protected.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, as the saying goes.
-o0o-
The word "pig" is usually used to refer to immature swine, while hog is used for refer to mature swine.
Usually, however, if we only refer to one animal we would call it either a gilt (female prior to having first litter), barrow (castrated male), or a boar (uncastrated male).
Pig, hog and boar essentially describe the same animal, but there are some distinctions.
A boar is an uncastrated male domestic pig of any gender, but it also means a domestic wild pig of any gender.
A hog often means a domestic pig that weighs more than 120 lbs. (54 kilograms). Pigs are also called swine.
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them.
-o0o-
Too bad that the ASF panic in Iloilo and other parts of the country came just when the Christian world is about to enter the "most wonderful time of the year" where the food we prepare is always with pork.
ASF is actually caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV) that infects domestic pigs, warthogs, and bushpigs.
--Stephen Fry
By Alex P. Vidal
IT looks like Ilonggos will celebrate the Yuletide Season next month without pork, or any product associated with the swine industry, on their table during important gatherings where food is served.
This was after both the City Hall and Capitol have officially banned the pigs positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering the City and Province of Iloilo.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order No. 99-A-2019 on Oct. 9, 2019, “totally bans live pigs, hog carcasses, pork and pork products and by-products originating from, and/or processed in localities in the Philippines identified by the Department of Agriculture positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering the City of Iloilo for a period of 90 days and a total ban of the same from countries identified positive for ASF.”
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., on the other hand, also issued Executive Order No. 159-A enforcing a temporary ban on swine, pork, pork products and by-products from all areas in Luzon, including its island provinces for 90 days.
Although there were no major or earth-shaking reports of ASF-related damage in Iloilo's swine industry, Treñas and Defensor probably wanted to be sure the multi-billion swine industry in that part of the country is safe and protected.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, as the saying goes.
-o0o-
The word "pig" is usually used to refer to immature swine, while hog is used for refer to mature swine.
Usually, however, if we only refer to one animal we would call it either a gilt (female prior to having first litter), barrow (castrated male), or a boar (uncastrated male).
Pig, hog and boar essentially describe the same animal, but there are some distinctions.
A boar is an uncastrated male domestic pig of any gender, but it also means a domestic wild pig of any gender.
A hog often means a domestic pig that weighs more than 120 lbs. (54 kilograms). Pigs are also called swine.
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them.
-o0o-
Too bad that the ASF panic in Iloilo and other parts of the country came just when the Christian world is about to enter the "most wonderful time of the year" where the food we prepare is always with pork.
ASF is actually caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV) that infects domestic pigs, warthogs, and bushpigs.
Transmission occurs through direct contact between healthy and sick animals, or indirect contact through infected feed, as well as through biological vectors (soft ticks).
The disease is reportedly endemic in the southern hemisphere of Africa, as well as on the Iberian Peninsula and in Sardinia.
Sporadic outbreaks have reportedly occurred in other European countries (Belgium in 1985, Netherlands in 1986) and outside of Europe (the Caribbean, Brazil).
-o0o-
With around 1 billion individuals alive at any time, the domestic pig is reportedly among the most populous large mammals in the world today.
Pigs are omnivores and can reportedly consume a wide range of food.
They are biologically similar to humans and are thus frequently used also for human medical research.
The effect on a swine herd can reportedly vary depending on the strain, from near 100% mortality to cases of low-virulence isolates that can be difficult to diagnose.
When an outbreak occurs in any region or country, the financial and physical implications can be devastating to the swine industry and those related to it.
During outbreaks in Malta and the Dominican Republic, for example, the swine herds of the entire countries were completely depopulated.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
The disease is reportedly endemic in the southern hemisphere of Africa, as well as on the Iberian Peninsula and in Sardinia.
Sporadic outbreaks have reportedly occurred in other European countries (Belgium in 1985, Netherlands in 1986) and outside of Europe (the Caribbean, Brazil).
-o0o-
With around 1 billion individuals alive at any time, the domestic pig is reportedly among the most populous large mammals in the world today.
Pigs are omnivores and can reportedly consume a wide range of food.
They are biologically similar to humans and are thus frequently used also for human medical research.
The effect on a swine herd can reportedly vary depending on the strain, from near 100% mortality to cases of low-virulence isolates that can be difficult to diagnose.
When an outbreak occurs in any region or country, the financial and physical implications can be devastating to the swine industry and those related to it.
During outbreaks in Malta and the Dominican Republic, for example, the swine herds of the entire countries were completely depopulated.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
Saturday, November 2, 2019
How 'Danny Baby' Foz saved our friendship
"Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."
--Richard Bach
By Alex P. Vidal
MY friendship with the late Iloilo broadcast personality, Vicente "Danny Baby" Foz, which began in summer 1988, nearly ended one tragic evening sometime in November 1991.
Then 26-year-old Foz hurriedly left our hotel room at past 11 o'clock in the evening near the Luneta Park in Manila, sobbing.
On his way downstairs and outside the hotel, Foz angrily vowed to "avenge" the "cruelty" he got from our media colleague, Arsenio "Kamlon" Ang.
"Sa bilog ko nga kabuhi wala pa ako nakatilaw sumbag bisan sa mga utod ko kag ginikanan. Mabalos gid ko ya 'Lex (In my entire life no one has laid a hand on me, not even from my brothers and parents)," Foz bewailed.
"Naglayas lang ako sa amon sa Romblon pero subong tunlon ko ang pride ko makadto ako sa utod ko nga Navy officer. Balikan ko na sia (I was only a stowaway from Romblon but now I will swallow my pride and seek my brother's help who is a Navy officer; and I will return."
I chased Foz and tried to dissuade him from leaving to no avail. I pleaded not to bring the matter to his brother and volunteered to help convince Ang to apologize to him and that we must keep the incident only for ourselves.
He pushed me away and hailed a cab.
-o0o-
I went back upstairs and told our three media colleagues, Mario Jara, Loui Vivar, and Ang I failed to stop Foz.
Before Foz left, a brawl ensued between Ang and Foz early that night. Vivar and Hara, both broadcasters in the now defunct DYRP Radyo Agong, and the oldest in our group, did not interfere.
They allowed Ang to connect at least three punches on Foz's face. I was in front of the two protagonists, but I was also a lousy referee; I failed to protect Foz from Ang's rampage.
Before Ang vandalized Foz's face, a misunderstanding ensued between Foz versus the three: Vivar, Hara, Ang.
The three wanted to drink the Chivas Regal given to us earlier that day by the wife of Police General Pedro Sistoza, a former Western Visayas regional police director, when we visited the couple at the Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Foz insisted the wine was Mrs. Sistoza's "birthday gift" to him.
After a brief heated argument, Ang violently grabbed the Chivas Regal from Foz. He opened and drank a little of it. Vivar and Hara, stunned by the turn of events, did nothing and said nothing while Foz was fuming and protesting.
As the spirit of Chivas Regal began to raid Ang's system, he suddenly launched a bare knuckle attack and swarmed over the unprepared Foz. Everything happened so fast; even Manny Pacquiao could never dodge that quick and unannounced assault.
Meanwhile, while Foz was away, everyone (except me; I don't drink alcoholic beverages) took turns in molesting that pernicious source of the night's Armaggeddon.
After more than an hour, what we had feared most in that tumultuous moment came: Foz, his older "brother" (the Navy officer), and two other men in civilian clothes, arrived.
The three of us: this writer, Vivar, and Hara were speechless and looked at each other like we were involved in a silent film and trapped inside a helicopter that was about to crash.
-o0o-
The first thing I did as the entourage was entering the room was to literally sit on Ang's body (he was already drunk and laying face down on the floor unaware what was going on). I wouldn't surrender a fallen prey to any wild animal with intention to swallow him whole.
As Foz, now composed and not anymore in chagrin, introduced his brother, the Navy officer, to everyone, he noticed a man on the floor, his tormentor, who was slightly snoring.
At this juncture, I gave Foz a silent but serious look in both his eyes like a hopeless and condemned person who is about to die by musketry. It read like this: "Please, Dan, I beg you. Don't point Kamlon Ang to your brother, for the sake of our friendship."
For the life of me, Foz read the handwriting on my mind. He skipped Ang. That eye-to-eye contact saved Ang; it saved the group from what could have been a nightmarish night. More than anything else, Foz's decision to cancel his rage, saved our friendship.
When Foz, 55, died at past 8 o'clock evening on Nov. 1 at the Don Benito (West Visayas State University) Hospital after several days inside the ICU, the first thing I remembered was that crucial eye-to-eye contact.
For 10 minutes I cried for the loss of a dear friend, who had peace and pureness in his heart. Goodbye, Dan.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
--Richard Bach
By Alex P. Vidal
MY friendship with the late Iloilo broadcast personality, Vicente "Danny Baby" Foz, which began in summer 1988, nearly ended one tragic evening sometime in November 1991.
Then 26-year-old Foz hurriedly left our hotel room at past 11 o'clock in the evening near the Luneta Park in Manila, sobbing.
On his way downstairs and outside the hotel, Foz angrily vowed to "avenge" the "cruelty" he got from our media colleague, Arsenio "Kamlon" Ang.
"Sa bilog ko nga kabuhi wala pa ako nakatilaw sumbag bisan sa mga utod ko kag ginikanan. Mabalos gid ko ya 'Lex (In my entire life no one has laid a hand on me, not even from my brothers and parents)," Foz bewailed.
"Naglayas lang ako sa amon sa Romblon pero subong tunlon ko ang pride ko makadto ako sa utod ko nga Navy officer. Balikan ko na sia (I was only a stowaway from Romblon but now I will swallow my pride and seek my brother's help who is a Navy officer; and I will return."
I chased Foz and tried to dissuade him from leaving to no avail. I pleaded not to bring the matter to his brother and volunteered to help convince Ang to apologize to him and that we must keep the incident only for ourselves.
He pushed me away and hailed a cab.
-o0o-
I went back upstairs and told our three media colleagues, Mario Jara, Loui Vivar, and Ang I failed to stop Foz.
Before Foz left, a brawl ensued between Ang and Foz early that night. Vivar and Hara, both broadcasters in the now defunct DYRP Radyo Agong, and the oldest in our group, did not interfere.
They allowed Ang to connect at least three punches on Foz's face. I was in front of the two protagonists, but I was also a lousy referee; I failed to protect Foz from Ang's rampage.
Before Ang vandalized Foz's face, a misunderstanding ensued between Foz versus the three: Vivar, Hara, Ang.
The three wanted to drink the Chivas Regal given to us earlier that day by the wife of Police General Pedro Sistoza, a former Western Visayas regional police director, when we visited the couple at the Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Foz insisted the wine was Mrs. Sistoza's "birthday gift" to him.
After a brief heated argument, Ang violently grabbed the Chivas Regal from Foz. He opened and drank a little of it. Vivar and Hara, stunned by the turn of events, did nothing and said nothing while Foz was fuming and protesting.
As the spirit of Chivas Regal began to raid Ang's system, he suddenly launched a bare knuckle attack and swarmed over the unprepared Foz. Everything happened so fast; even Manny Pacquiao could never dodge that quick and unannounced assault.
Meanwhile, while Foz was away, everyone (except me; I don't drink alcoholic beverages) took turns in molesting that pernicious source of the night's Armaggeddon.
After more than an hour, what we had feared most in that tumultuous moment came: Foz, his older "brother" (the Navy officer), and two other men in civilian clothes, arrived.
The three of us: this writer, Vivar, and Hara were speechless and looked at each other like we were involved in a silent film and trapped inside a helicopter that was about to crash.
-o0o-
The first thing I did as the entourage was entering the room was to literally sit on Ang's body (he was already drunk and laying face down on the floor unaware what was going on). I wouldn't surrender a fallen prey to any wild animal with intention to swallow him whole.
As Foz, now composed and not anymore in chagrin, introduced his brother, the Navy officer, to everyone, he noticed a man on the floor, his tormentor, who was slightly snoring.
At this juncture, I gave Foz a silent but serious look in both his eyes like a hopeless and condemned person who is about to die by musketry. It read like this: "Please, Dan, I beg you. Don't point Kamlon Ang to your brother, for the sake of our friendship."
For the life of me, Foz read the handwriting on my mind. He skipped Ang. That eye-to-eye contact saved Ang; it saved the group from what could have been a nightmarish night. More than anything else, Foz's decision to cancel his rage, saved our friendship.
When Foz, 55, died at past 8 o'clock evening on Nov. 1 at the Don Benito (West Visayas State University) Hospital after several days inside the ICU, the first thing I remembered was that crucial eye-to-eye contact.
For 10 minutes I cried for the loss of a dear friend, who had peace and pureness in his heart. Goodbye, Dan.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)
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