Ilonggos unite vs COVID-19

“One of the primary purposes of civilization - and certainly its primary strength - is the guarantee that family life can flourish in unity, peace, and order.”

—Robert Kennedy

By Alex P. Vidal

BY being always available and visible in the public, Iloilo officials led by Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas are sending a buoyant message to the Ilonggos that “we are on top of the situation and with your help and cooperation, we can surmount this crisis.”

It’s in times of crisis and calamities that the leadership and worthiness of our leaders are scrutinized and best tested.

Novel coronavirus or COVID-19 has laid low the Ilonggo populace, just like other places all over the globe, by an enemy too small to be seen.

There seems to be a a sudden resignation and fatalism in the air even as despair unrelieved by even glimmers of hope befouls social media and traditional media alike.

All of a sudden, the scourge of the coronavirus strikes many of Ilonggos as well as people caught flat-footed around the world as something supernatural. 

For the Ilonggos, however, the show of unity is heart-warming and unparalleled. 

They know when and how to turn despair into hope by cooperating with the authorities and cajoling others to toe the line using the social media and person-to-person persuasion.

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The good thing about the fear and confusion that cascaded in the hearts of many people is that the Ilonggos are now united against the common enemy.

There have been no opposition; no bellyaching; no protest, and nobody criticized or opposed our local officials who sent out stern executive orders (EOs) limiting the movements of warm bodies in the borders.

When Treñas ordered the temporary closure of the famed Iloilo Esplanade in the Iloilo River, nobody complained and everybody cooperated. 

The city currently has 16 patients under investigation (PUIs) and 1,097 persons under monitoring (PUMs) for COVID-19.

When the people are facing a cloud of uncertainty and confusion, they need leaders who are intrepid, decisive, firm, and who can assure them everything is being handled efficiently and professionally and that the government is ready to confront the crisis using its full authority, resources, and technical capabilities and otherwise.

Health experts and members of the disaster and coordinating council, the police and the military will work alongside the chief local executives to assuage the nervous public and help the people prepare for the next episode while everyone shakes in their pants but are optimistic there will be light at the end of the tunnel because their leaders are in the forefront helping contain the conflagration.

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Instead of spending lots of money on a new desk for our office, let us invest in some salvaged wood and paying a carpenter to make us one to measure--it will have the added advantage of fitting the space exactly.

THE USE OF HAVING TWO EYES. If we look at our room with one eye only, we will find that it looks much flatter than it does with two eyes. With two eyes we can see that the chair is n front of the desk, that the wastebasket is round and that the closet looks deep. Our eyes are set from about two to two and a half inches from each other--measuring from center to center.

WHY WE HAVE EYEBROWS. Our eyebrows serve a good and useful purpose. If we had no eyebrows, the drops of sweat that form on our foreheads when we get warm would run into our eyes.

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

Plant trees or we all die

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

—Abraham Lincoln

By Alex P. Vidal

WE should have started planting trees massively at least 70 years ago.

And while doing it, deforestation should have been done sparingly if it couldn’t be avoided.

Life could not exist on Earth without trees because they produce most of the oxygen that humans and wildlife breathe. 

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen using the process of photosynthesis.

If we did, several towns that submerged in the fifth district of Iloilo when typhoon “Ursula” terrorized Panay Island on Christmas Day would have been protected.

Several lives would have been saved especially the six family members who perished in a flood in Batad, Iloilo.

Storms normally bring heavy rains and strong winds, but if our mountain slopes are surrounded by trees, water can’t easily inundate the villages below like what happened in Balasan town, where all of its 23 villages were reportedly flooded.

Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. was so disturbed and alarmed that he reportedly called for expansion of tree planting activities in the mountains to reclaim secondary forest lost in irresponsible and reckless deforestation.

This is a wise move. The governor may need the total support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pursue this herculean task.

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We may be late, but it’s better to do something than crying over a spilled milk; it’s better to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Sometimes only during calamities can our resolve be revitalized.

We are motivated to do something or spring into action with absolute urgency only after we have been caught off-guarded and unable to save lives and properties.

On the other hand, we can’t prevent people from cutting down trees. We need to build stores, houses, and other buildings. 

We also cut down trees to clear land for agricultural use. In some cases, trees are cut down for wood for fires to heat up our homes and cook food.

If we cut trees, it’s but logical that we also plant more trees. 

If we continue to be neglectful and irresponsible, we will wake up one day on the verge of being swept away by heavy floods to the kingdom come when heavy storms bombard us like a thief in the night.

Planting of trees is a responsibility that must be carried out by all people regardless of sex, economic status, age, religion and political affiliation.

We shouldn’t rely on our government alone.

We must think of what we can do for our environment, and not what our environment can do for us, to paraphrase JFK’s popular adage on government and our role.

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Let me share this “Tree Riddles” from the Trees Group:

This is the place for the most interesting tree riddles, forest-themed brain teasers, and nature-inspired puzzles, as well as riddles about trees, environment enigmas, and woodland conundrums.

What weighs more, a pound of leaves or a pound of logs?

They both weigh the same.

Which side of a tree has the most leaves?

The outside.

What kind of trees do you get when you plant kisses?

Tulips.

How do you get down from a tree?

You don’t. Down comes from a duck.

What gets a year older whenever it rings?

A tree.

What can pass through a tree without rustling any leaves?

Sunlight.

The more of it there is in the forest, the less you can see. What is it?

Darkness.

What looks like half a spruce tree?

The other half.

How far can a monkey run through the rainforest?

Just halfway. After that, it’s running out of the rainforest.

What color is the rain in a painting of the rainforest?

Water color.

Which animals can jump higher than a tree?

All of them. Trees can’t jump!

How many oranges grow on a tree?

All of them.

What’s the same size and shape as a giant sequoia tree, yet weighs nothing?

A giant sequoia tree’s shadow.

What do you get when you cross a fallen tree with a very organized feline?

A catalog.

There are 52 birds perched on a single tree branch. A poacher comes along and shoots one of those birds twice. How many birds are on the tree branch now?

There are no birds on the tree branch now. The bird that was shot fell off, and the rest of the birds flew away after the first shot.

What tree has two eyes but can’t see?

White Pine.

Which is more likely to break one of the laws of nature, a large rock or a large tree?

A large rock, because it’s boulder.

What does a tree sapling become after it is 30 days old?

Thirty-one days old.

I’m the part of a tree that is not in the sky or under the ground. I can move throughout the day and change shape. What am I?

Its shadow.

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

Proud Ilonggos

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."
--Abraham Lincoln

By Alex P. Vidal

ASIDE from the excellent performances of Iloilo athletes now competing in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) hosted by the Philippines, there is another reason why Ilonggos are so proud and should be prouder nowadays.
Iloilo City has been adjudged as the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City Awardee.
The announcement of Iloilo City's winning of the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award came a week before Ilonggo athletes helped the host country amass gold, silver, and bronze medals in the biennial meet to lead in the medal tally.
There are more positive stories about Iloilo and the Ilonggos in sports, entertainment, art, cooking, economy, which make up for the toxic politics and bad weather condition that every now and then threaten to sabotage the happiness and peace of mind of Ilonggos who are mostly proud of their heritage, culture, talents, and achievements.

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It was reported that after being evaluated as one of the cleanest urban centers and top tourist destinations not just in the Philippines, but also in the Southeast Asian Region, the "City of Love" recently bagged the highly touted ASEAN Award.
Iloilo City has gone a long way from being slandered as "the most shabulized city in the Philippines" to being recognized for its initiative in the improvement and beautification of public areas and urban spaces, its conservation for the environment and natural attractions, and maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation.
The evaluating team reportedly gave Iloilo City a successful grade after having complied with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard’s seven indicators namely: 1. Environmental management, 2. Cleanliness, 3. Waste Management, 4. Awareness-Building about Environmental Protection and Cleanliness, 5. Green Spaces, 6. Health Safety, Urban Safety, and Security; and 7. Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities.
Reports said the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is a recognition to encourage ASEAN nation-members to be competitive in their tourism and marketing sectors to create jobs and push economic growth, granted Iloilo City with a badge of excellence with a validity of three years, from 2020 to 2022.

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WHILE the Iloilo City Hall wallowed in the darkeness after the "switch-off" or power black out on November 28, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol glimmered after an official switch-on of colorful LED lights to officially kick off the Christmas season on December 2.
In any modern Christian world, Yuletide season is the season with the most demand for more lights used for Christmas trees, decorations, plazas, arks to welcome visitors and other public places.
If the City Hall doesn't have a problem with the Panay Electric Company (PECO), it may request the power firm for a special assistance to help them keep their steady or uninterrupted electric supply in this important season.
Setting aside a special fund to defray the expenses that may be incurred in maintaining colorful and state-of-the-art lights should be tolerated by any local government unit (LGU) at least only for the spirit of Christmas which will last only until first week of January.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

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.

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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.

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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).

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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)

Tourism to the rescue

"The thing about tourism is that the reality of a place is quite different from the mythology of it."
--Martin Parr

By Alex P. Vidal

POLITICS and all other depressing news should now take a backseat for a positive event.
The best way to promote the assets, world-class facilities, and infrastructure and highlight the potentials of Iloilo City and Province is to listen to what the Department of Tourism (DOT) will say on this subject matter.
The best way coax investors and pump lifeblood in Iloilo's economy is to support the DOT programs especially if they will benefit the entire region and create a myriad of opportunities for the Ilonggos.
We can always count on the DOT to sprinkle dynamism and fresh air and change the tune of local discussions from political muckraking to tourism and economic breakthroughs.
Thus we laud the DOT Western Visayas headed by Director Helen J. Catalbas and the Tourism Board for the launching October 9 of the Iloilo City Meetings, Incentive Travels, Conferences/Conventions, Exhibitions/Events (MICE) Campaign with the tagline “Meet you in Iloilo" at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

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The event reportedly aims to position Iloilo as MICE destination and will gather top associations and corporations in the Philippines, travel managers and event organizers to see for themselves what Iloilo has to offer.
As quoted in a recent report, Catalbas explained: “The Iloilo City MICE Campaign will not be possible without the support from the Tourism Promotions Board, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), MICE Alliance members and other partners. The unity of tourism stakeholders in positioning Iloilo City as MICE destination is an overwhelming factor to promote inclusive growth."
The report added: "In sync with the promotion of Iloilo as MICE destination, DOT VI strongly encourages tourism enterprises to be DOT-Accredited MICE organizer or facility/venue to ensure quality services are being offered to clients and visitors."


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We hope Iloilo City lone district Representative Julienne "Jamjam" Baronda was able to hold a public consultation before she reportedly filed House Bill 3074 or An Act Reapportioning the Lone Legislative District and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Iloilo.
Under the bill, which was co-authored by two other Iloilo solons, Rep. Raul Tupas (5th district, Iloilo) and Rep. Michael Gorriceta (2nd district, Iloilo), the First Legislative Distrist will be composed of Jaro, La Paz, and Mandurriao while the Second Legislative District will be composed of City Proper, Molo, Arevalo and Lapuz.
In any major legislation involving the district and the welfare of the people, a public hearing is necessary; all the stakeholders must have an active participation and voice in the pre-filing level before a bill of such importance and magnitude is introduced in congress.
In the public consultation, the people will have to hear the pros and cons and the opportunity to further study and strengthen the proposed legislation will be guaranteed.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Iloilo loses two illustrious fathers in a depressing week

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
--George S. Patton

By Alex P. Vidal

AS Ilonggos in Western Visayas mourned the deaths of hundreds of children in separate areas from the dengue outbreak in June and July, the first week in the month of August has brought more grief and shock to Iloilo.
Sadness immediately hovered around the populace with the drowning of nearly 31 passengers of two pumpboats in the Guimaras and Iloilo strait on August 3.
As of this writing, the buck-passing and the "what ifs" rant among coast guard and wharf authorities went on as investigations commenced.
Then came the demise of former Iloilo City Mayor Mansueto "Mansing" Malabor on August 4 and former Iloilo Governor Simplicio "Sim" Griño on August 5.
The city and province of Iloilo lost two eminent fathers one day after another in a gloomy week obfuscated by horrors at sea otherwise known as "Black Saturday."

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Both Griño, 85, and Malabor, 88, were among the hitherto unheralded but immaculate local chief executives that emerged in the post-EDA Revolution era.
As a namby-pamby vice mayor in 1988, Malabor didn't achieve a rockstar popularity until he was ordered by then President Tita Cory's Executive Secretary and now Senator Franklin "Frank" Drilon to "stay put" (meaning he shouldn't leave the City Mayor's Office as OIC) in 1990 while Malacanang was finalizing the dotted lines for suspension of Mayor Rodolfo "Roding" Ganzon, who had declared war against the Aquino Government in dispute of the small town lottery (STL), among other local and national political and personal issues.
Malabor was exuberant and brimming with confidence, but refused to let the initial burst of political success go to his head.
He coyly obeyed Drilon's order but, at the same time, was careful not to annoy and antagonize the wounded political behemoth from Molo district, who was a colorful figure in the Senate in the late 60's before he was incarcerated by President Marcos during the Martial Law.

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When he was elected as city mayor in 1992 by trouncing Timoteo "Nene" Consing, Malabor zoomed to heights as a public servant until his last hours in the City Mayor's Office office in 2001 as a "graduating" chief local executive.
It was the year when the charismatic Griño exited from the Iloilo Provincial Governor's Office following a heart-rending defeat to then former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner Arthur Defensor Sr.
It was a gubernatorial contest that altogether wiped out the myth Griño had established when he brought down, in a stunning upset, Olive Lopez-Padilla, in the January 1988 elections.
The tell-tale "sign" (for believers of superstition) that he was going to lose a reelection bid came a week before the 1992 elections when Griño's vehicle, going home from the campaign trail, turned turtle in the highway. He suffered minor scratches and was declared out of danger.

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Back in 1988 when Griño gored the very popular Lopez-Padilla, who was supported by all the province's political giants associated with Tita Cory's political bandwagon led by the late then Rep. Albertito Lopez (2nd District, Iloilo), Griño was endorsed only by the late Rep. Narciso D. Monfort (4th District, Iloilo).
Griño's administration had been constantly rocked by scandals not because he was a crooked, but because many minions he helped employ in the capitol helped themselves in numerous deals tainted with anomaly.
To add misery, his No. 1 critic, then Board Member Perla Zulueta, made sure she had some of those "anomalies" (mostly committed by dishonest subalterns) placed under a microscopic scrutiny, which always landed in the prime time news and the front pages the following morning.
Despite his one-term as governor, Griño undeniably was one of the most honest Iloilo governors; soft-spoken; a family and religious man.
Admired by many national and religious leaders, Griño's integrity was intact when he retired from public service.
(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.

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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)

Gov. Toto Defensor’s ‘social justice’

“There is not Communism or Marxism, but representative democracy and social justice in a well-planned economy.”
--Fidel Castro

By Alex P. Vidal

THE presence of billionaire industrialist Enrique Razon during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected officials in Iloilo Province at the Iloilo capitol lobby June 28, was timely and expedient.
In the world of philanthropy where Mr. Razon belongs, the phrase “social justice” is very relevant and is heard a lot.
Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. vowed to serve the province of Iloilo based on “social justice” in a speech during the oath-taking ceremony administered by Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza.
Social justice is originally a Catholic term, first used about 1840 for a new kind of virtue (or habit) necessary for post-agrarian societies.
The term has been bent by secular "progressive" thinkers to mean uniform state distribution of society's advantages and disadvantages. It is really the capacity to organize with others to accomplish ends that benefit the whole community.
If people are to live free of state control, they must possess this new virtue of cooperation and association.
This is one of the great skills of Americans and, ultimately, the best defense against statism, according to Michael Novak, George Frederick Jewett Scholar in Religion, Philosophy, and Public Policy.

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According to the United Nations, “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.”
Social justice refers to a concept in which equity or justice is achieved in every aspect of society rather than in only some aspects or for some people.
A world organized around social justice principles affords individuals and groups fair treatment as well as an impartial share or distribution of the advantages and disadvantages within a society.
Formal definitions for social justice vary in wording, but there are commonalities among them. 1. Equal rights 2. Equal opportunity and 3. Equal treatment
Although he admitted that “I can not do it alone,” the new governor appealed to all: “Please join us in implementing programs that uplift lives such as those of our farmers and fisherfolk. Please join us in improving the barangays, in sharing the wealth and resources of the province. There can be no justice without peace, so please continue to help us.”

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Social justice includes a vision of a society in which the distribution of resources is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. Social justice involves social actors who have a sense of their own agency as well as a sense of social responsibility toward and with others and the society as a whole. (Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice, Adams, Bell, Griffin, 2nd ed., Routledge 2007)
The absence of social justice results in social oppression.
Racism, sexism, ageism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism are some forms of social oppression in society.
Societies and individuals form hierarchies of oppression in which certain types of oppression are addressed and others are not.
Oppression of certain groups or individuals can result in social or legal exclusion, discrimination, inequitable distribution of resources, and emotional and physical consequences.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo)

Iloilo officials should rap Año's dangerous edict

"O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand."
--William Penn

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- SOMEBODY from the Iloilo City Council and the Iloilo Provincial Board should stand up, deliver a speech, and oppose the unpalatable and dangerous plan of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to release the "narco list" containing allegedly 82 names of politicians, many of them running for election in May this year.
If local legislators in other parts of the Philippines are afraid to criticize Año on this dicey subject matter for obvious reasons, Ilonggos should pick up the cudgels for those who believe in the rule of law, the presumption of innocence, the due process and fair play nationwide.
With their splendid history in opposing national policies and executive decisions that threaten the people's fundamental rights and freedom, Ilonggos can aggressively and substantially tackle the issue and make a good case in a national conversation.

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We're sure some of the names on the watchlist are Ilonggo leaders; and the charges against them, as we very well know, have not been substantiated thoroughly and were mostly culled from Kalypso's cocoon.
Many of those on the watchlist could be innocent and may only be victims of black propaganda, political intrigues, vendetta, mudslinging, personal hatred, gossip, false identity.
The list had no legal basis in truth and in fact, and shouldn't be considered to be containing the gospel truth.
It may contain lies or fabrication and distortion of facts; and one of Moses' 10 Commandments had cautioned us "not to bear false witness against thy neighbor."
Año's move might set a very bad precedence since local government unit executives are under the agency's beck and call; the elected governors and mayors are under the mercy of a sitting DILG boss who wields awesome power and influence.

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If the DILG secretary is incompetent, or doesn't have a solid background in local government issues that include community relations and empowerment of marginalized sectors, chances are he can be easily manipulated by a higher authority, in this case the appointing official with a vindictive character and a malevolent political agenda.
And if the DILG secretary himself has been swallowed up by the prevailing toxic political intramurals, the local government unit executives--governors, mayors, village chiefs, police officers--will be like sitting ducks and not safe from persecution and abuse.
The DILG insisted that "the voters have the right to know which politicians are involved in illegal drugs, as a guide on which candidates shouldn't get their support in the upcoming elections."
Those on the watchlist have the right to be given their due process and the opportunity to defend themselves in the proper forum.
The Philippines is a country of laws, not of powerful appointed officials passing judgment with absolute finality on elected local leaders accused of capital crimes.
 

Biron vs Defensor: Icy rivalry like Carlsen vs Caruana, McEnroe vs Lendl

“The rivalry is with ourselves. I try to be better than is possible. I fight against myself, not against the other.”
-- Luciano Pavarotti

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- This is the first time in recent memory that two aspirants for governor of Iloilo Province in the Philippines haven’t used a mud, so far, to pull each other down in order to pull themselves up.
Although Dr. Ferjenel “Ferj” G. Biron and lawyer Arthur “Toto” R. Defensor Jr. belong to two clans with emerging tentacles for political dynasty, they appeared to have defined the local politics in a higher level and their brand of introducing themselves in public is just fair to middling.
Familiarity and camaraderie could be another factor why the gentlemen have maintained cordiality and restraint toward each other as colleagues in the House of Representatives: Biron (4th District) and Defensor (3rd District).
To the delight of Ilonggo voters, they haven’t used violent or bedraggled tactics to get someone’s goat, and are just focusing their forces on their platforms and what they are capable of doing once elected to the highest office in the province.

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Their balmy rivalry can be compared to the tranquility that attended the pre-match comportment of the forthcoming World Chess Championship rivalry between champion Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and challenger Fabiano Caruana (USA) which will be held in The College in Holborn, London on November 8-28, 2018.
Unlike the Fischer vs Spassky (1972), Karpov vs Korchnoi (1978), and Karpov vs Kasparov (1984) FIDE matches, there are no verbal fireworks, so far, between Carlsen, 27, and Caruana, 26.
This is a match between the top two players in the world in terms of FIDE Elo rating: Carlsen is world number one, and Caruana world number two.
This is quite unique in fact; the last time the world championship was a battle between the highest ranked chess players was in 1990 between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.
Carlsen dethroned Viswanathan Anand in 2013 in Chennai, and successfully defended his title against the same Indian grandmaster in 2014, and against Sergey Karjakin in 2016. Caruana will be his third match opponent next month.

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We also vividly recall the rivalry between tennis greats John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl in the 1980s.
There was no love lost between McEnroe and Lendl, who faced each other countless times in key matches.
Radio Praha’s Jan Velinger said the two have contrasting styles: McEnroe was unbridled emotion while Lendl kept a grim poker-face.
Their most famous match-up was in 1984 at the French Open where Lendl came back from two sets down to win his first grand slam title.
That particular match came down the wire: “Ivan Lendl has finally won a grand slam championship! He showed great courage in rallying from two sets down to accomplish it. For John McEnroe… an American once again leaves empty from Paris.”
While Lendl smiled when it was over, McEnroe did not wait for the mic to congratulate his opponent but instead walked off the court. The rivalry was nothing if not bitter.
But the two tennis legends have long since put mutual differences behind them.
Before their exhibition match in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2014, McEnroe addressed the story of a less than charitable comment once attributed to him.
“Ivan and I certainly had our moments where we weren’t the best of friends or getting along very well. But to me he is one of the very best players in the history of our sport, so… that comment that he was the ‘worst No.1’ definitely didn’t come from me. I played him too many times and lost to him too many times for that to be true.”

Never-ending ‘cleansing’ appeal

“The police are not here to create disorder, they're here to preserve disorder.”
--Richard J. Daley

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- When will the final cleansing in the Philippine National Police (PNP) end?
In the first place, is there an ongoing and protracted cleansing process?
Every time a PNP director general will retire and a new successor will take over, the battle cry of incoming PNP chief has always been, “We will cleanse the PNP with scalawags and bad eggs”; “We will reform the PNP”; “We will dismiss the rotten apples”, etcetera.
Since the PNP was formed on January 29, 1991, Chief Supt. Cesar P. Nazareno, the first PNP big boss since the Integrated National Police and the Philippine Constabulary were merged pursuant to Republic Act 6975 of 1990, was already parroting “reforms” and promising to kick out from service undesirable policemen.

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“My first instruction to incoming PNP chief Oscar Albayalde is to go after PNP personnel who are a disgrace to their uniform, especially those who are AWOL, sleeping, non-performing, and drinking on the job. All of them should be dismissed from the service,” Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said over the weekend.
After 27 years, the PNP wasn’t yet reformed?
Scoundrels in uniform weren’t yet terminated?
Año added: “I told General Albayalde to cleanse the police ranks of bad eggs in order to make the DILG the best department in government. The PNP leadership should conduct more of the surprise inspections so that we can weed out the non-performing police officer.”
It seems the PNP is the only organization in the world permanently embroiled in a long-lasting appeal for “internal cleansing” and “reforms.”

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Tourism officials in nearby provinces should come up with master plans to promote their respective tourist destinations and take advantage of the six-month closure order imposed by President Duterte on Boracay Island in Caticlan, Aklan effective April 26.
Some tourists who have canceled their reservations in Boracay might be interested to explore in neighboring Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros where there are prestine beaches, waterfalls, and world class resorts like Boracay, aside from their magnificent parks and islands, especially this summer.
Now is the right time to mobilize their resources and show to the world that Boracay is not the end-all and be-all of tourism wonders in Panay Island.
They may take a cue from the recent announcement of Iloilo Governor Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr. to establish a Northern Iloilo Tourism Authority (NITA).
Defensor probably intends to attract those who have been tantalized by Boracay’s beauty to take a closer look at Sicogon Island in Carles, among other beaches with potentials in world tourism in the coastal territories of northern Iloilo.

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Was President Duterte wrong to fire Undersecretary Maia Chiara Halmen Valdez of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary exactly a year ago?
Valdez was fired because she was supposedly seeking to overturn the denial of rice importation. National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino had been pushing for more rice imports.
The President has ordered Aquino to proceed with rice importation amid the dwindling supply of government-subsidized grain, exactly a year after giving Valdez the boot.