So insensitive and no delicadeza

“I value my reputation. I work hard to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.”

—Richard Hanna

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ILOILO City Hall officials, especially the city councilors, implicated in the brand new pick-up trucks brouhaha have nothing to gain but will have everything to lose in terms of public opinion and delicadeza.

Speaking of delicadeza, they can always feign innocence as what other obnoxious public officials are wont to do; after all, our brand of politicians nowadays are far cry from the politicians 40 to 50 years ago where they embraced the virtues of simplicity and humility as a way of life as long as they drew salaries from the taxpayers.

Nobody has gone to jail for being a kapalmuks in public office after all.

Weeks after the scandal was brought to public attention and the media in Iloilo thunderously admonishing them, those who accepted the vehicles worth a total of P14.4 million from the 2020 capital outlay under the mayor’s office, remained unmoved.

They even had the gall to defend and justify why they “deserved” it—in the middle of the pandemic!

We suspect many of them don’t really understand what delicadeza is. 

The issue simply is indefensible by hook or by crook and by any stretch of imagination.

It can’t be justified now that people are reeling from severe economic hardships and are losing both their hope, sanity and livelihood.

 

-o0o-

 

And speaking of public opinion, this is the most lethal part. 

Since public office is a public trust, they may soon find their way being chastised and ribbed by derogatory remarks by the same people who put them in office: the voting public.

This can be a cruel scenario as the election is barely 12 months away.

Any scandal that involves a misuse of public funds or anything that is bereft of proper conduct and decency is a potential killer punch against anyone attached to it during the campaign season.

No public official has survived the assault of a censure based on  impropriety, arrogance and opulence during the election. 

There was this story of Niobe who illustrated the favorite Greek theme that the gods were quick to take vengeance (nemesis) on human pride and arrogance (hubris).

Pride and arrogance. 

That’s how, in a nutshell, the actuations of city officials who cavorted with the brand new pick-up trucks can be best described.

Niobe was the subject of lost tragedies by both Aeschylus and Sophocles, and Ovid told her story in his Metamorphoses.

 

-o0o-

 

As human beings, we have certain basic needs. We must have food, water, air, and shelter to survive. 

Humans cannot survive If any one of these basic needs is not met. Before past explorers set off to find new lands and conquer new worlds, they had to make sure that their basic needs were met.

In other words, in this age it’s now a “survival of the healthiest” when we refer to the inhabitants in today’s generation who will continue to live beyond the specter of coronavirus.

HAPPINESS DRINK. A study involving more than 1,000 Japanese people age 70 or over found that those who drank at least four cups of green tea a day enjoyed better moods than those drinking a cup or less. The uplifting ingredient is theanine, the researchers believe.

ROAD TO FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. Balance diet. Green tea. Vitamin D and fish oil. Good sleep. Laugh regularly (it is "the best medicine"). Control the temper (avoid getting mad, if necessary). Smile a lot. Daily exercise (walking is best and most natural).

THE SUN IS OUR SKIN'S NO. 1 ENEMY. We should always make sun protection a priority. Let us use a sunscreen formulated for our skin along with our moisturizer. Much of the evidence of aging; rough skin, wrinkles, age spots, etc. are really the result of too much sun.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two dailies in Iloilo)

 

 

 

 

 

Ilonggos want a stable power supply, not finger-pointing

“You get a reputation for stability if you are stable for years.”

—Mark Zuckerberg

By Alex P. Vidal

LET us take into consideration the main interest and priority of power consumers in Iloilo City: a stable power supply.

After they have been annoyed by several unscheduled blackouts, “a stable power supply” is the only language they would always want to hear.

The power consumers may be satisfied that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has taken an initial step to address the baffling power outages these past months when it called for a committee investigation on June 30, but they will be more happy if given an assurance that there will be no more power interruptions as immoderate and egregious as the ones that occurred while the residents had been mandated to stay at home amid the pandemic restrictions.

They will be happier if the problem on power outage is resolved soon without hearing one party point an accusing finger at another party.

Uninterrupted power supply is their utmost priority even before the COVID-19 pandemic came; they want it now, and they want it quick. 

They are aware that the longer it will take for the SP to act on the matter, the more they will agonize now that we are in the middle of the summer season. 

-o0o-

They may not be interested in the dispute between the More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) and Panay Electric Company (PECO), let alone hear the Department of Energy (DoE) recite some technical terms that will create more perplexing questions than direct answers to their main concerns.

Moreover, the Ilonggo power consumers may scoff at an SP inquiry riddled with so much rancor and extended debate, especially if they feel the commotion will not immediately redound to the quick resolution of the problem.

A long debate means both parties are wrong.

An extended hearing means life will remain unbearable for thousands of power consumers who will end up in the losing end. 

The power consumers have a short tolerance when it comes to disruption of their normal lives where the role of electricity is essential and a necessity.

It’s no longer a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

It’s should now be “fix it and stop fighting. Period.”

-o0o-

NOW that the law on Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) has been passed in the Philippines, let us be reminded that manners are actually important to make a good impression on others in everyday life. 

They also help us to feel good about ourselves and our identities.

No matter where we are, at home—with kids, at work—with colleagues, or with friends, practicing good manners are important. 

If we practice good manners, we are showing those around us that we are considerate to their feelings and also respect them. 

We are also setting standards for other’s behavior and encouraging them to treat us with similar respect.

Florence Lewis of Jobcluster has listed some of the basic examples of good manners and etiquettes:

—Choose your words wisely and don’t rush to comment about things you don’t know much about. Being a good listener is often better than speaking. You don’t need to have an opinion on everything.

—Think things out before you speak, especially if you are a person who may be poor at finding the right words to say. Don’t start a sentence, with ‘ums’ and ‘ers’ in between, it seems awkward and you should try speaking to yourself in front of a mirror, it works! It increases your confident in speaking.

—Don’t speak loudly. You will quickly lose respect if you do, as this can be seen as overbearing and rude. It can also make other people angry and upset with you before you even establish some kind of relationship with them. They will see you as a ‘big mouth’ who cannot be trusted with anything confidential. So practice turning your volume down if you tend to have a loud voice.

—Speak with respect to and of others. You can do this by avoiding negative remarks that may insult someone else. The general rule is- if you don’t want someone to speak about you that way, you don’t speak about them to others.

—Do not ever speak of bodily functions even if it is a casual conversation, such as using the bathroom or telling crude jokes, for this shows sign of immaturity and often creates a bad impression of you with your friends, family, and co-workers.

—Always respect older people and listen to them and learn. This applies to all elders and not just parents and grandparents.

Using the terms ‘Thank You’, and ‘You are Welcome’ shows that you have good manners. People who lack manners do not use these terms.

Hold open a door for anyone following you closely. This is a sign of a good manner and has never changed. There are no strict gender rules in this day and age.

—Speak highly of your parents respect them, even if there are things about them that you do not like. If you cannot do that, stay away from speaking about them at all. It looks bad to insult or speak badly of the people who brought you into this world or raised you. Don’t wash dirty family laundry in public. It is negative and rude.

—Do not swear to use filth language and curse words. It is unprofessional! People who do this are usually very immature and have no self-control or respect for themselves and others!

Good manners are simply respect and consideration for others or being aware of the needs of others. 

They are the oil which lubricates the friction of interpersonal relations and creates a happy and successful society. 

So, Give Respect and Take Respect!

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Power blackout probe: SP’s time to shine

“To avoid a blackout, electricity generating companies must lower generation in line with low demand.”

—Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia

By Alex P. Vidal

FOR the first time since after the May 13, 2019 elections, the Iloilo City council or the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), will finally hog headlines when the inquiry on the frequent power blackouts that hit Iloilo City these past months will unfurl in the SP committee on public utilities on June 30, 2020.

The committee hearing is expected to attract a huge media attention since the invited parties are all heavyweights in the power industry—MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), Panay Electric Company (PECO), and the Department of Energy (DoE).

The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office are also expected to be present.  

No other major issues have been tackled in the local legislature these past 12 months, thus the Ilonggos would be very eager to hear from their city councilors, who have started to load extra bullets in their revolvers during their regular session on June 23. 

This may not be a namby-pamby discussion, but it is something that will at least help shed light on the causes of blackouts and their origins, in one way or the other.  

Fireworks and tremors will finally shift from the executive branch or the office of Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas  to the domain of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.  

It’s now time for the city council to shine.

-o0o

Through the committee investigation, Ilonggo consumers will be able to understand and be enlightened about the frequent power interruptions, especially the ones that irritated and angered a lot of Ilonggos during the weekend, these past weeks.

Even during the pandemic lockdown, the power outage would sometimes last for 13 hours, it was reported.

Since MORE Power has been using the same distribution facilities formerly managed and owned by its rival PECO, both electric corporations are expected to bring a tennis table and nail each other during the committee hearing.

Interestingly, the blackouts occurred when the distribution of electric supply to thousands of consumers in the metropolis was already under the stewardship of MORE Power, owned by billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.

Could the power blackouts have been avoided had Razon’s company purchased and used their own facilities before elbowing out PECO from the scene?

What has happened to MORE Power’s “promise” to build some P1.8 billion worth of facilities once it has taken over the power distribution management from PECO?

These are some of the questions that might possibly surface during the committee investigation.

-o0o-

Once the SP committee hearing will kick off, public attention will focus on the city government’s legislative body for many days as long as the topic continues to be relevant.

All the possible defense mechanism by MORE Power to justify the objects of the power consumers’ scorn will be scrutinized and examined piece by piece.   

PECO’s attempt, on the other hand, to portray MORE Power as an eager-beaver but unfit and unprepared service provider will be reevaluated, but will have a lesser impact on whatever final recommendation and verdict on the investigation. 

Even if the committee hearing will yield a report conclusively pointing to MORE Power’s negligence, it won’t change anything in as far as the granting of franchise to MORE Power to operate in Iloilo City is concerned.

The SP can censure parties that are neglectful, not resourceful, inept, and bungling and may recommend measures that can help alleviate the woes on blackouts, but it can’t strip any party of authority to continue serving the local power consumers. 

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

SP probe shouldn’t be in aid of condemnation

“The next time you experience a blackout, take some solace by looking at the sky. You will not recognize it.”

—Nassim Nicholas Taleb

By Alex P. Vidal

MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) might walk into an ambush site when they attend the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee investigation spearheaded by the Committee on Public Utilities chaired by Councilor Romel Duron on June 30, 2020.
The hearing has been called to shed light on the disturbing frequency of power interruptions experienced by Iloilo City residents these past weeks amid the pandemic lockdown.
The power consumers’ irritation and inconvenience apparently have already reached boiling point that five aldermen: Eduardo Penaredondo, Ely Estante, Jay Trenas, Allan Zaldivar, and Duron are now itching to mount their horses and confront MORE Power in the Rubicon.
During the SP regular session on June 23, Penaredondo, et al started to warmup for the June 30 committee hearing by blasting MORE Power’s “frustrating” services, a telltale sign of the portent of things to come for the embattled MORE Power.
Despite the imminent entrapment, supporters of MORE Power are only hoping that the SP committee hearing will be done in aid of legislation, not in aid of condemnation.

-o0o-

Penaredondo himself admitted that “his heart trembled” in frustration aside from being “dismayed”, lamenting that the Ilonggo consumers don’t deserve a “lousy” performance as far as power is concerned.
The most senior SP member also recalled MORE Power’s promise to deliver a P1.8 billion modernization plan for their facilities which was reechoed by Estante who chided the new power distributor for not buying their own facilities.
Based on what transpired in the SP regular session on June 23, MORE Power has already been forewarned of the kind of artillery attack that awaits them on June 30.
What they don’t know is the type of ammunition their inquisitors will use during the firefight.
MORE Power is aware they will be grilled only for the deplorable blackouts that sometimes lasted for 13 hours especially during the weekend.
They will come only to justify the high tide and the low tide, not to own up to a tsunami.
They are aware they will have to always lean on the Department of Energy (DOE), which speaks their language concerning the problem’s technical aspect, for succor if push comes to shove.
Panay Electric company (PECO) will be as excited as the panel of inquisitors, but anything they will say that will bring further disdain and infamy to MORE Power will only be dismissed as a sourgraping and a wishful thinking since they are now “outside the kulambo,” so to speak.

-o0o-

WE’RE glad to have made a decision to stay put in New York City during the pandemic lockdown since March.
Anyone coming to New York from a state currently hard hit by the virus would now have to quarantine for two weeks, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced June 24.
The restrictions were reportedly based on specific health metrics related to the coronavirus.
Travelers from eight states—as well as New Yorkers returning from those states—would have to quarantine, at the moment.
Cuomo said: “We now have to make sure that the rate continues to drop. A lot of people come into this region and they could literally bring the infection with them. It wouldn’t be malicious or malevolent, but it would still be real.”
Failure to quarantine in New York could reportedly result in thousand-dollar fines.
Travelers to New Jersey and Connecticut would also be told to quarantine, though officials from both states said there was no enforcement mechanism at the moment.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

What to expect during SP probe on Iloilo City blackout

“Of the various branches of electrical investigation, perhaps the most interesting and immediately the most promising is that dealing with alternating currents.”

—Nikola Tesla

By Alex P. Vidal

AT this early, we already anticipate what might happen on June 30, 2020 when the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in Iloilo City opens up an investigation “in aid of legislation” on the frequent power outages experienced by Ilonggo consumers these past months.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the main cast in the hullaballoo, won’t be there definitely just to absorb all the brickbats and catch all the uppercuts and roundhouse kicks.
“In aid of MORE Power”, the Department of Energy (DOE) might pick up the cudgels and help justify the causes of power interruptions like the way it explained everything in the media.
We can already anticipate, in fact, the DOE telling the SP Committee on Public Utilities, chaired by Councilor Romel Duron, that the successive power blackouts occurred “because the MORE Power needed complete maintenance work at substation 2 or the Jaro substation of the electric distribution facility.”
The same excuses and justification.

-o0o-

We won’t be surprised if MORE Power, or even the DOE, will go to the extent of pinning the blame on Panay Electric Company (PECO), which controlled and was responsible for the substation’s maintenance until March 2020 when MORE Power took over the facility by virtue of a court order.
MORE Power had claimed earlier the Jaro substation “had not undergone maintenance for the past six or seven years when it was still under PECO’s charge.”
PECO, of course, won’t allow itself to be used as the punching bag and the scapegoat in the imbroglio and might even take the opportunity to step up its indictment of MORE Power for the seemingly abysmal services to the consumers which happened during the pandemic lockdown.
It will be a pingpong match anew between the two rival electric companies.

-o0o-

And if lawyers from both parties will be allowed to join the fray, the SP committee hearing could be transformed into another venue for MORE Power’s and PECO’s display of supremacy and authority.
In terms of management capability and resources, MORE Power and PECO will try to out-duke each other in order to avoid the ax of culpability and public rebuke.
Councilors Eduardo Penaredondo and Ely Estante are among those who have openly expressed displeasure on the 13-hour power blackouts that almost occurred on a regular basis especially during the weekend.
They are expected to empty their cylinders during the committee hearing and won’t take sides.
The aldermen are so worried for the consequences in the metropolis’ tourism and economy.
The bottomline here should be accountability and efficient services to the consumers.
We are also weighing the problem of successive and long period of power blackouts to the impact on local economy especially now that everything seems to be in tatters due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Which is why there is a need to conduct the committee investigation in order to iron out some kinks and resolve whatever inefficiency and negligence committed by parties concerned.

-o0o-

New York, the place where I currently live, is now inching its way to the last two of the four phases in the reopening of economy.
After the Empire State implemented blanket shutdown orders in March that closed stores, shuttered offices and curtailed business at restaurants and bars, state officials set up a gradual process to restart the state’s economy and ease restrictions.
Regions of New York that show they have been able to effectively keep the virus contained can reopen sectors of the economy in four phases, under the state’s plan.
Still, all phases of the reopening require us here to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including wearing masks or face coverings in crowded public spaces, on public or private transportation or in for-hire vehicles.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

No to jamming of phone signal during ‘Dinagyang’

“There is no country on Earth where Internet and telecommunications companies do not face at least some pressure from governments to do things that would potentially infringe on users' rights to free expression and privacy.”

—Rebecca MacKinnon

By Alex P. Vidal

NOW it’s the Iloilo City Council which approved the suggestion of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to shut down the telecommunication lines—but only for one day—during the main highlight of the “reinvigorated” and “repackaged” Dinagyang Festival 2020.

Three years ago, we spearheaded the opposition and criticism in the Iloilo media on the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) proposal to shut down for two days the telecommunication signal in Iloilo City during the Dinagyang Festival’s final days held in the third week of January.

Although we respect the authorities and their expertise in the handling of our security, we thought it was a veritable copycat of what the PNP did when Pope Francis visited Manila on January 15-19, 2015 and during the Black Nazarene procession.

It’s also a clear case of infringement on users' rights to free expression and privacy especially now that we live in the world of Internet and in golden age of social media.

-o0o-

We insisted that when communication lines are shut down during important events like the Dinagyang Festival, the comfort and safety of visiting tourists and the residents who update their relatives in other regions and abroad on what’s going on in their locality are jeopardized.

We pointed out that drug addicts and drunken dolts don’t use high-tech communication gadgets to create a trouble.

We are glad and we congratulate Councilor Allan Zaldivar who cast the lone vote to oppose the same proposal this year. 

Police deployed in performance areas can always manually overpower any amok in the crowd.

We argued that no real terrorists from other regions–or even outside the country– will commit a “hara-kiri” or “kamikaze attack” by sneaking inside the well-guarded Iloilo City, surrounded by treacherous rivers, just to sabotage the Dinagyang.

-o0o-

“If they only intend to extort cash, bringing an explosive device in Iloilo City is like holding a microphone in public and announcing that they would pee at the Plazoleta Gay,” I wrote in jest.

“If they intend to send a political message, they will not only be barking at the wrong tree, they will be in the wrong place of the planet. Malacanang and Imperial Manila are several islands and regions away.”

Here’s what I wrote about the controversial jamming of telecommunication lines during the historic festival: “I grew up in Iloilo City in the Philippines and witnessed how Dinagyang Festival started as a ramshackle religious and cultural activity until it blossomed into a behemoth international attraction.

Since the actual street dancing Dinagyang festivities romped off in the 70’s, the real problem was peace and order–drunken revelries, ill-behaved drug addicts and gangs composed of skinny but tattooed teenagers.

No invasion of the third kind. No rebellion. No earth-shaking tumult.

There were incidents of mugging, snatching, vandalism, acts of lasciviousness, street rumble, stabbing, among other street-level crimes. The police handled the situation and nipped the troublemakers in the bud.

It’s the proliferation of illegal drugs, especially shabu, and the sales of liquor in the streets that should be regulated if not stopped during the week-long festival in the month of January.

Not the “jamming” of cellular phone signals.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

A laudable city ordinance

“We are not victims of aging, sickness and death. These are part of scenery, not the seer, who is immune to any form of change. This seer is the spirit, the expression of eternal being.”
--Deepak Chopra

By Alex P. Vidal

SOMETHING good came out from the Iloilo City Council before the end of 2019.
This was the unanimous passage of an ordinance amending Ordinance 2017-053 which honors Iloilo City-based Centenarians, granting them additional cash incentives of P10,000 upon reaching the age of 80 and P20,000 upon reaching the age of 90 years old and P50,000 cash incentives for elderly who reach 100 years old.
We laud Councilor Irene Ong, proponent of the ordinance, who confirmed in a report that an Ilonggo elderly will receive a total of P80,000 worth of cash incentives from the city government at the age of 100 years old.
Senior citizens in Iloilo City will have something to expect once they reach 80, 90, and even 100 because of the ordinance filed by Councilor Ong.
The amount may not be too big given the current economic reality in the Philippines, but the gesture of the city government will certainly enliven the hearts of many Ilonggos who have parents and grandparents qualified to avail of the cash incentives.
Because of this really impressive ordinance, Ilonggo households with elderly members will never forget Councilor Ong especially if he will run for a higher office in the future.
Ilonggos know how remember and even pay back “utang nga kabalaslan” or debt of gratitude.

-o0o-

Many people laughed when Kingdom of Jesus Christ boss Pastor Apollo Quiboloy boasted “he stopped” the recent earthquake in Mindanao.
They also “hoped” Quiboloy would stop typhoon “Tisoy” and laughed once more when he “did not.”
We all know that his allegations were hogwash yet many Filipinos believed in what he has been saying hook, line, and sinker.
If Quiboloy were a candidate for senator, he would surely win.
This is the kind of personality that Filipinos actually want and need nowadays.
We don’t take seriously our defective electoral process; we continued to elect into office personalities who should be either in jail, in the elementary schools, in mental institutions, or in the fiesta and public plaza circus.
The reason is simple: many Filipinos are tired of serious and intelligent candidates with sterling academic and professional background who will only impoverish our country.
Based on the kind of public officials we have electing (especially in the Lower and Upper House of Congress) these past years, we won’t be surprised in the future if most of our senators and congressmen will act, speak and think like Pastor Quiboloy so we will have more reason to laugh.

-o0o-

Will we die if we run out of sweat?
We are now on the verge of winter season here in the East Coast and we are no longer experiencing any sweat even if we are active physically.
The whole point of sweat is to keep the body cool.
This is pretty vital, according to Popular Science: if our core temperature goes above 104 F (40 C), our body begins to overheat to the point where its proteins denature.
When this happens, “membranes of the tissues lose their integrity, and things leak out,” said Lawrence Spriet. 

The intestines can discharge bacteria into the bloodstream, and the body goes into shock.
By then we would probably be unconscious, possibly even in a coma.
But while people do in fact die of overheating, it’s reportedly very unlike to be due to a sweat shortage.
As pointed out by Lawrence Armstrong, even in extreme cases it’s impossible to sweat out all the water in our bodies.
“People don’t shrivel up until they are dead,” he said.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Admin cases? Shrug them off

"Life is about having a good time, and it was a good time. We did some things well and some things poorly, but that was always the case."
--Norman Lear

By Alex P. Vidal

PARENTS of children who live in the cities and provinces in Western Visayas with high percentage of dengue fever cases, based on the statistics of the Department of Health (DoH), are still restless and getting paranoid.
They fear that even a simple insect bite on their kids' skin will land them in the hospital.
Most of these worried parents, who can hardly make both ends meet, think they will face a terrible financial meltdown once their kids undergo medical proceedings for a mere insect bite.
Even if a red mark on their children's skin was caused only by a bite of an ant or any insect that doesn't carry a life-threatening virus, the parents panicked and feared for the worst.
This explains why government district hospitals in Iloilo have been inundated with patients mostly children with high fever and other signs of dengue infection.
Unless the dengue scare has been nipped in the bud, hospitals would continue to swell; this would justify the declaration of the state of calamity by the local governments.

-o0o-

Much has been written on how to prevent or fight dengue fever, but the ones suggested by Dr. Janice Litza, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Wisconsin, on May 12, 2019, are probably the most practical and logical. Dr. Litza suggested the following:
1. Stay indoors or under a mosquito net during peak mosquito times. The dengue mosquito has two peak periods of biting activity: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. Nevertheless, the mosquito may feed at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast.
2. Use insect repellent when outdoors. It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites when you will be spending time outdoors in mosquito infested areas. Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of your skin before heading outside
3. Cover your skin. You can reduce your chances of being bitten if you cover up as much of your skin as possible. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants when you will be traveling to mosquito infested areas
4. Get rid of standing water in your area. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Mosquito breeding sites include artificial water containers such as discarded tires, uncovered water storage barrels, buckets, flower vases or pots, cans, and cisterns. Help to reduce the mosquito population in your area by getting rid of any standing water that has collected around your house or campsite

-o0o-

ALLIES of Mayor Geronimo "Jerry" Treñas in the Iloilo City Council should not worry about the administrative cases for dereliction of duty as public officials filed against them by their former colleagues, lawyers Joshua Alim and Plaridel Nava.
Better still, they shouldn't overreact.
In fact, they should expect more cases in the future (if they misbehave) now that the two firebrands are "outside the kulambo," so to speak.
Administrative cases are normal for government officials. The least they can get if found guilty is a rap in the knuckles.
No one will go to jail. No one will lose a "lucrative" committee chairmanship. No one will be subjected to humiliation like in a criminal case where an accused public official can lose both his reputation and position if convicted for stealing the people's money.
Cases like the ones these Treñas allies are facing is an indication that democracy is alive and kicking in Iloilo City.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Don't complain, just work

"Passion helps you in protecting the community, and public service will follow it. That has been my career. It is the passion that drives me to do what I do every day."
--Catherine Cortez-Masto

By Alex P. Vidal

WE admire local legislators who don't raise a whimper even if they don't have a committee chairmanship.
While a chairmanship in any committee will help expand the horizons of their legislative works and responsibilities, their performances won't be measured by how many committee chairmanships they have cornered, but rather by how they perform; or how many resolutions and ordinances are they going to deliver.
Some legislators with hidden agenda use their chairmanships in the committees they are assigned to grandstand and "earn extra income" (Having covered the legislative beat extensively, I know how they do the "monkey business" there).
These are the types of public servants we should dump and sneer at.
Those who don't salivate for committee chairmanship normally are legislators that are "team players."
If no committee chairmanship is assigned to them because of political reasons or otherwise, they don't harbor hard feelings; and they don't give a damn.
They are motivated by passion to serve and just want to be part of the team; they want the team to succeed even if they don't get any reward and credit.
These are the types of public servants we should encourage to join the government and elect every election day.

-o0o-

Some of the best national high schools in Iloilo are in the municipalities of Pavia, Oton, Sta. Barbara, Guimbal, Barotac Nuevo, Zarraga.
But they weren't among those awarded with "Seal of Good Education Governance" by the Synergeia Foundation.
Those awarded were the municipalities of Alimodian, Mina, Cabatuan, Concepcion, and Lambunao.
They recently got the seals and educational package worth P1.5 million and P100,000 worth of gasoline for the mobility of their respective local school boards and educational training, through their mayors.
The Synergeia Foundation and USAID, in partnership with PLDT and Smart, award the Seal of Good Education Governance to a new batch of cities and municipalities in the Philippines that have exerted outstanding efforts to deliver basic education to their constituents every year.
Local governments are reportedly rarely featured prominently in the news.
"These rare times are on abuse of their power and inefficiencies. But there is another side to their stories. These are their stories of excellence and outstanding performance," according to the program's history. "These are sources of hope and inspiration--rare commodities during times of turbulence and uncertainties."

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"Midnight" deals tainted by anomalies entered into by past administrations should not only be rescinded by present administrations.
They should be thoroughly reviewed if they violated the bidding and procurement procedures so that appropriate cases can be filed in the Sandiganbayan.
Under the law, the Sandiganbayan tries and decides criminal and civil cases against government officials and employees accused of graft and corruption and similar other offenses.
Anomalous transactions that have been "aborted" by the change of administration (meaning the current administrations that have stumbled into these shady deals are no longer interested to pursue and implement the deals) do not die a natural death mainly because they have been rescinded.
The deals' original authors should still be prosecuted on the premise that if they won in the recent midterm elections, the anomalous transactions would have been pushed through with prejudice to the taxpayers.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Ganzon, Treñas, Baronda: clans to watch in next 10 years

"In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.' All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred and schizophrenia."
--George Orwell

By Alex P. Vidal

BASED on the recent election results in Iloilo City, three political clans have clinched major portfolios in the city government; and their sensational victories have given the Ilonggos the bird's eye view on which family will dominate Iloilo City's politics in the next 10 years.
They are: the Ganzons, the Treñases, and the Barondas.
The descendants of the late former Senator Rodolfo "Roding" Ganzon became the head turners since the wheels of fortune appear to be tilting on their side.
Aside from Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon (119, 123 votes), who cemented his hold in the city's second highest post with an overwhelming victory over Councilors Plaridel Nava (61,973 votes) and R Leonie Gerochi (22,774 votes), the late senator's grandson and the vice mayor's son, Rudolf, garnered 102,201 votes to land third in the 12-seat city council.

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Another Ganzon scion, Gerald, Rudolf's younger brother, is expected to join the bandwagon and run in the 2022 elections.
If Gerald wins, there will be three elected Ganzon formidable warm bodies to serve in the city government.
Treñas doesn't have children now actively participating in the city politics. He is currently being buttressed by his nephew, Councilor Jay, who collected 99,656 votes for fourth place.
The Ganzons' real threats for supremacy in the next 10 to 20 years come from the Baronda sisters: Congresswoman-elect Julienne "Jam-Jam" (115,148 votes) and No.1 reelected Councilor Love-Love (131,226 votes).
The first woman representative in Iloilo City, young and energetic at 40, can still run for another term and may become the next city mayor after graduating from the House of Representatives.
Love-Love, the No. 1 city councilor, can be a future candidate for vice mayor and higher.

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We foresee a fierce political rivalry between the Ganzons and the Barondas in the near future.
The feisty Gonzalez family was supposed to be the one dominating Iloilo City's political landscape, but after the death of former congressman and justice secretary Raul M. Gonzalez on September 7, 2014, nobody from the talent-laden family was able to duplicate the late old man's political genius and supremacy.
Gonzalez's son Raul Jr., daughter Dr. Gold, and wife Dr. Pacita, suffered heart-rending setbacks one after another in the local elections.
Dr. Pacita's latest defeat for city mayor to Treñas has virtually made their gallant stand to revive the patriarch's past political glory almost improbable.

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Former city councilor and National Youth Commission (NYC) executive director, Dr. Nielex "Lex" Tupas is currently "out of kulambo" after opting not to run against Baronda in the recent congressional elections, but their family is being carried by Dra. Candice, who landed fifth in the race for city council with 98,457 votes.
The Tupases, a maverick political clan in Iloilo Province, also would've been in a strong contention for political dominance in the city in the next 10 to 20 years like the Barondas and the Ganzons, but Dr. Lex Tupas chose to "preserve" his good relationship with the Barondas in exchange for what could have been another political conquest in the recent May 13, 2019 midterm polls.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

City Council's game of musical chairs

“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.”
--Malcolm Forbes

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- The recent game of musical chairs in the Iloilo City Council, where several councilors allied with Mayor Jose “Joe III” Espinosa III lost major committee chairmanships, shouldn’t be considered as an earth-shaking event.
With the advent of election campaign for the May 2019 polls, the discord among Iloilo City aldermen was but natural, and, to some extent, necessary.
When two elephants are feuding their underlings will have to take sides and call for arms.
It’s a Hobson’s Choice.
When the art of political survival is at play, no one is allowed to remain as kibitzers.
This is how democracy works.
It will also dispel the widespread belief or misconception that the City Council is a rubber stamp.
When there’s insurrection in the house, that means freedom of expression and freedom of choice are alive and kicking.
Warring factions indicate diverse viewpoints on various issues, orientations, sentiments, advocacy, and affiliations.

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Whoever will argue that the stripping of important committee chairmanships from key political personalities, otherwise known as “reorganization”, wasn’t tainted with politics, tell him straight in the eyes “it’s baloney.”
Of course politics was heavily involved and the entire brouhaha had prior notices, or at least knowledge, from the major political players.
When someone insists Rep. Jerry P. Treñas and Mayor Joe III had no hand, or had nothing to do with the recent scrimmage in the City Council, let’s retort “tell it to the marines!”
In relinquishing the dimpled positions of majority floor leader and assistant majority floor leader, respectively, Councilors Eduardo Peñaredondo and R Leoni Gerochi should have nothing to worry about.
Elections are seven months away.
When election time comes, people will remember (and will decide whether to vote for them anew based on) their deeds and contributions that helped benefit their constituents, not whether they were ousted or given additional committee chairmanships.

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THE REAL McCOY. Although frequently associated with Darwinism, the phrase "survival of the fittest" was coined by Herbert Spencer, an English sociologist.
It is the process by which organisms that are less well-adapted to their environment tend to perish and better-adapted organisms tend to survive.
In political combat, only those who are fit mentally and emotionally will survive.
Onion-skinned characters aspiring for public office can never survive if they win, for they will self-destruct when members of the press, the Fourth Estate, will start to scrutunize them and they begin to feel uncomfortable and, as a result, plant animosity toward the critical press deep inside their hearts.
The press and characters in public office should work hand in hand for the nation building, not as adversaries and mortal enemies.

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INCREDIBLE, AWFUL. There are more bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the kitchen than in the toilet room, according to health authorities.

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LET’S BE WARY. A child who was sexually and emotionally abused will develop eating disorders like bulimia, minus the countervailing purging behavior, and compulsive overeating, according to David M. Dunkley, a psychiatric researcher and clinical psychologist at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

Porras’ arrest for shabu shocking

“He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it.” --Lucius Annaeus Seneca

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- The arrest of Iloilo City Planning Development Office administrative assistant Winstone Porras in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Jaro police on August 10, 2018 in Brgy. Fatima, Jaro, Iloilo City in the Philippines was shocking.
Porras is not an ordinary city hall employee.
Before landing a job in the city government, Porras, 48, was the youth and political coordinator of former Iloilo City lone district Rep. Rafael Lopez-Vito from 1992-1995.
He served as the chief of staff of former Vice Mayor Victor Facultad and the head of the Sangguniang Panlungsod legislative staff officers from 1998 to 2004.
Porras also ran and lost in a one-on-one duel to then vice mayoral candidate Jed Patrick Mabilog in the 2007 local elections where I served as one of the panelists in their “live” radio debates.
He also reportedly lost in his bid for village chief in the Muelle Loney area in the City Proper in the recent barangay and SK elections.

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I became Porras’ friend when I covered the Iloilo City Hall beat in the 90s during the term of Mayor Mansueto Malabor.
Always neatly dressed when reporting for work, Porras was a big source of news for beat reporters in the City Council.
As an outspoken leader of casual employees in the legislative branch, Porras fought for their rights and benefits especially when their salaries and bonuses were delayed.
I’ve known Porras to be an articulate and effective community organizer who was always held in high esteem by his fellow Sanggunian workers who trusted him more than their respective supervisors because of Porras’ penchant to pick up the cudgels every time they felt aggrieved.
Porras also gained the respect of some of his his peers because he always solicited their opinions on certain issues involving their welfare.
He once argued that fellow co-terminus legislative staff officers be given the opportunity to become permanent government workers if they have civil service eligibility and were interested to work with the city government.

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In one of his last two Facebook posts before his arrest, Porras “shared” the article I wrote from Newark, New Jersey dated February 8, 2018 entitled, “Iloilo Freedom Grandstand perfect!”
When I saw the video of his arrest posted on social media on his way inside the Jaro police precinct detention cell on Friday night, I was flabbergasted.
It was reported that Porras sold to an undercover police officer a sachet of shabu worth P1,600 before his arrest together with an alleged 24-year-old commercial sex worker, Jerky Marie Jubelag.
He reportedly admitted he was using shabu but did not admit the crime for which he was nabbed.
A former law student, Porras knows whether he is guilty or not.
Now that he is under police custody, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt until he is proven otherwise.

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I sent a small package to Iloilo City in the Philippines from the United States Post Service (USPS) in Jackson Heights in Queens on July 18, 2018 and paid $23.25 for a first-class international service, but, as of this writing, the package has not yet reached its destination.
When I checked the tracking number, I saw a note in the receipt that says: “Tracking unavailable to this destination country. This product does not receive Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International (E-USPS DELCON INTL) tracking outside of the United States.”
It added: “All sales final on stamps and postage Refunds for guaranteed services only. Thank you for your business.”
I am hoping that the package will arrive soon and was only delayed.

Watch your words against 'PECO 7'

"There are groups of haters who always try to malign my image. They question my character and make all kinds of false announcements. It hurts because they assume things and without any proof in hand."

-- Divyanka Tripathi

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- The Panay Electric Company (PECO) issue has not only divided the city officials, it has also caused animosity among some of them.
And if they are not careful, some city councilors will end up at loggerheads even before congress can make a decision on PECO's fate.
Emotions are now running high after seven members of the Iloilo City Council submitted a position paper to the House Committee on Legislative Franchises November 22 "earnestly" requesting "to resolve the issues balanced, fairly and squarely, for the best interest of everybody."
Councilors Eduardo Penaredondo, Lady Julie Grace Baronda, Ely Estante Jr., Reyland Hervias, Mandrie Malabor, Leizel Zulueta Salazar, and Jose Efrain Treñas were referring to the alleged overbilling and poor customer service issues against PECO.
Except for Penaredondo, the six councilors had earlier voted in favor of a resolution "vehemently opposing" PECO's application for extension of its franchise which will expire in 2019.
The seven may have been wheedled by the joint statement of the Iloilo Business Club, Inc., (IBC), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Inc. (FFCCCP), and Ilonggo Producers Association (IPA) seeking for an "unbiased independent assessment" from the City Government in order to eke out an "informed decision on the options that are available."

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Their position paper implied that they were now apparently giving PECO a new lease of life in as far as the electric utility's appeal for renewal of franchise for another 25 years is concerned.
This did not sit well with hardline anti-PECO city councilors Joshua Alim and Plaridel Nava, both #NoToPECO25 movement convenors.
Alim, who made a power point presentation against PECO during the House committee hearing on November 22, has vowed to "bring up" the matter during their next regular session on November 28.
The problem is neither Alim's forthcoming polemic against the position paper of his seven colleagues nor the seven city councilors' seeming "change of heart".
It's the ugly speculations from hard-boiled anti-PECO protesters that the seven may have been bribed.
In fact, some of these angry and unyielding anti-PECO hooters have started lambasting the so-called "PECO 7" in the social media with nary a shred of evidence.

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This type of reaction is dangerous, and could trigger a melee that would only make matters worse for the crusade to protect the interests of the more than 50,000 power consumers in the metropolis.
While we support the move to compel PECO to improve its services and fulfill with all honesty and candor its commitment to the consumers and relinquish its role to distribute electricity to the Ilonggos if it is unable to do so, we don't agree that the issue would be pelted with unsavory accusations against some members of the city council, notably the "PECO 7" based on hearsay and emotions.
On the other hand, PECO must yield if it can not sustain the legitimate demands of the consumers after its 94 years of dominance.
It should refrain from forcing its existence to the throats of the unforgiving consumers that have suffered tremendously from apathy and lack of transparency by asking for another 25 years of service if it thinks it has ceased to provide quality life to the Ilonggos.

There are many options available and they should all be ferreted out and considered without fear and favor before 2019 so the public may know.

We can win vs Lucifer, but not against PECO

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
-- Francis of Assisi

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- Based on recent developments, some Ilonggos have this bizarre hunch that Panay Electric Company (PECO) might still be able to extend its franchise for another 25 years.
Since our city officials aren't united, it will now be easier for PECO to mount an offensive, grab the yellow jersey, and weather the storm.
The Ilonggo consumers thought they had scored a checkmate when the city council recently passed a resolution "vehemently opposing" PECO's application for extension of its franchise that will expire a few months from now or almost a year away
It turned out "victory" wasn't yet crystal clear--and might even slip away if miracles will not come from heaven.
The telltale signs were written on the wall when one councilor, Eduardo Penaredondo, did not vote yes.
Not only that.
Penaredondo had also boldly criticized the resolution penned by Councilor Joshua Alim hinting that it was done haphazardly.
No matter how unpopular may be his stand, Penaredondo came out flailing and swinging like a pugilist.
When a senior member of the local legislature sneezes, the entire House chokes.

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Penaredondo was vocal member of the 1993 city council that allowed PECO, then wobbling on both knees from incessant and bone-jarring protests from the consumers, led by lawyer Romeo Gerochi and the late Councilor German Gonzales, to snatch away victory from the jaws of defeat.
As if the uppercut was not enough, Mayor Jose Espinosa III, of all people, emerged in the scene singing a different tune that could stymie the city council's musical show.
And, just in case some of us have forgotten, lone district Rep. Jerry Trenas was only waiting a few blocks away to possibly pull the plug for the crusaders and change the entire program.
Trenas, Espinosa, and Penaredondo (TEP) are three of the most senior city officials who apparently aren't keen on severing city hall's ties with the private electric company owned by the Cacho family.

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When they (TEP) flex their muscles in this maelstrom, all the cookies will crumble.
The Iloilo Business Club will always side with the status quo for obvious reasons.
After everything has been said and done, it will still be PECO that will have the last laugh no matter how passionate and protracted may be the fracas.
The procession will go back to the church no matter how long may be the route.
The fight against Goliath has always been catatonic for the hapless power consumers.
Since time immemorial, PECO has stood ten feet tall even after the fat lady has rendered an award-winning performance on stage.
We can always defeat Lucifer in a no-holds-barred combat, but it's always impossible to notch a victory against PECO.
An exasperated Roman poet Juvenal once raised a protest, "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" or Who will guard the guards?

Now is the right time

"Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds."
--Marta

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- The right time to compel Panay Electric Company (PECO) to seriously address the major concerns and problems the Ilonggo consumers have been grappling everyday, is now.
It's now or never, in fact.
If PECO can get away with murder and manages to secure another 25 years of extension of its franchise without being obliged to fulfill its duties and obligations, the more than 50,000 power consumers in Iloilo City will have to agonize for another 25 years.
PECO apparently did not satisfy most of the metropolis' electric consumers as manifested by their strong stand against its application for renewal of franchise.
If they fought tooth and nail to oppose PECO's canticle, the city council, led by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, probably wholeheartedly believed in the sentiments of the consumers.
After all, most of them are consumers themselves.
The city aldermen must have realized that PECO has reneged on its promise to do its best and serve the consumers better if its application for extension of franchise in 1993 was approved.


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It turned out that the same problems that cropped up during the public hearings for PECO's extension of franchise in 1993 in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, were almost the same after 25 years.
PECO's franchise will expire in 2019, thus it is asking congress to renew it for another 25 years.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod, however, had passed a resolution "vehemently opposing" the application.
The local legislature wanted the public hearing set on November 22 in the House of Representatives to be held in Iloilo City so that more stakeholders can be given the chance to attend and air their suggestions and grievances.
But even if the city council had already made a "solid" stand on the issue, Mayor Jose Espinosa III is adamant to support it.
He raised serious concerns of services vaccum, among other possible "interruptions" should PECO fails to get another chance to serve the consumers in the next 25 years.
If the house is divided, it can't stand on solid ground.
It appears that the city council did not have the last say on this very passionate and urgent subject matter.
There is still the city mayor and, perhaps, Rep. Jerry Trenas, who might give PECO a standing eight count, or eleventh hour miracle, whatever it may be, when push comes to shove.
Both Espinosa and Trenas have expressed sentiments that they would respect the city council's stand, but most Ilonggos can now read between the lines: both the city mayor and the congressman don't share the same boat with the city councilors in as far as the PECO imbroglio is concerned.

Bravest ever city council

"Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be."

--Og Mandino

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- The Iloilo City Council in the Philippines led by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon will go down in history as the bravest and the most audacious of all the past city councils.
When they passed a resolution during their regular session on November 14 “vehemently opposing the renewal of Panay Electric Company’s (PECO) franchise”, members of the Iloilo City Council made history and defied tremendous odds.
Their bold move restored the Ilonggo consumers' faith and confidence on our city officials.
It largely helped assuage frazzled emotions of tormented consumers wallowing in distress brought by PECO's appalling services and nonchalance.
It may be recalled that their counterparts in 1993, or 25 years ago, led by Vice Mayor Guillermo dela Llana, endorsed PECO's application for a 25-year extension after a series of public hearings in the old Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) building.

SECURE

The "joy ride" in the local legislature enabled PECO to smoothly secure the extension of its franchise in the House of Representatives thereafter.
Interestingly, Councilor Eduardo Penaredondo, the only alderman who did not support the resolution penned by Councilor Joshua Alim on November 14, was part of the 1993 City Council that handed PECO the grand prize.
PECO, the sole power distributor in Iloilo City's more than 50,000 consumers, must've underestimated the City Council after it secured the November 22, 2017 date for the hearing of its application for franchise extension before the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises.
PECO's franchise will expire in 2019.
Because of the City Council's recalcitrance, PECO is now expected to have a rough ride when the hearing in the House of Representatives unfolds on November 22. It's like going to war bringing only high powered machine guns but without bullets.
We don't believe that Alim, Councilor R Leone Gerochi and their ilk are motivated by "political ambitions" when they spearheaded the titanic war versus the giant electric firm.

HELP

Even before Alim became a city councilor, he was already helping the late former Councilor German Gonzales and Gerochi's father. Atty. Romeo Gerochi, in the battle to free the Ilonggo consumers from the harrowing clutches of PECO's atrocious generation and distribution charges in the early 90s.
Alim hasn't forgotten that the anti-PECO crusade did not, in any way, help Gonzales when he ran and lost for vice mayor in 1995.
If Alim intends to run for city mayor or congressman in 2019, he will have to think twice before using the PECO brouhaha as a stepping stone.
If Alim is in the forefront in the war against PECO's shortcomings, it's probably because he wants to champion the cause of the hoi polloi, not because he wants their votes in the next elections.