Corruptions at Assessor, BIR, Register of Deeds

By MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

A top government official told me how an assessor of a town or city fleece a taxpayer (seller or buyer of a real property) who asked for the certification of a real property’s classification.
The classifications are residential, agricultural, and commercial.
“With the right amount given by the taxpayer, he certifies the land as residential even it is located in a commercial area,” he told me.
He explained that the government lose a huge amount of taxes that runs to thousands if not millions of pesos because a P30 thousand per square meter (PSM) of real property (land and/or building) will become P10 thousand PSM only for just a stroke of a pen by a corrupt assessor .
Then the certification will be presented by the taxpayer to the examiner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue who will compute the valuation of the real property by the assessor for the capital gain tax (CGT).
An insider at the BIR told me it is laudable if the examiner (considered as” god” to whom smart aleck taxpayers ingratiate) got the right valuation of the assessor as suspect especially after he (examiner) makes an ocular inspection to see the real location of the property.
“The problem if he does not go there to check and instead fleece the grateful taxpayer,” he said.
***
A revenue district officer who was assigned to a district office in Pangasinan told me long ago that she was shocked seeing her examiners giving her a smaller computation of taxes a taxpayer should be paying the government.
“I asked them to instead re-compute it with a reasonable higher tax,” she said.
Corruption at the Assessor and the BIR do not end until the taxpayer set his foot at the graft-ridden Register of Deeds.

Manay Gina for Pangasinan governor?

Rep. Gina de Venecia (3rd from Right) coddling a tot in one of her sorties in Pangasinan.

By Mortz C. Ortigoza
DAGUPAN CITY – Is Fourth District Rep. Georgina de Venecia running for a gubernatorial seat in the province next year?
Manay Gina, as she is endearingly called by her supporters, said it was not an impossibility that she runs for the top elective post in Pangasinan.
“We are still consulting one another in the family,” she said recently.
De Venecia, who is the congresswoman of the 4th District of Pangasinan, will find herself “jobless” next year in case her husband Jose, a former five-time speaker of the House of Representatives, will reclaim his post in the 2013 poll.
She said in the past that her electoral option is open for the mayoralty race of this city and the gubernatorial post.

Search for Ten Outstanding Dagupeño extended until June 4

DAGUPAN CITY – The search for the city’s ten outstanding citizens has been extended until June 4.
Mayor Benjamin S. Lim decided to set the deadline of submission of nominations eleven days longer to accommodate more nominees and to enable worthy selection of deserving recipients of the recognition.
Awarding for the most prestigious citation for the exemplary Dagupeños is on June 20, as the pinnacle event of the 65thAgew na Dagupan celebration. (CIO)

Rainy season not yet officially here despite daily rains –PAGASA

DAGUPAN CITY – Despite heavy rains being experienced in the province almost every afternoon, the rainy season is not yet officially here.

Greg De Vera, bureau chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in Pangasinan, said the declaration of the onset of the rainy season is based on a criteria that at least five of the seven field stations of PAGASA all over the country would register at least 25 mm amount of rainfall for five days.

“As of today, rainy season is not yet official but it will soon be declared as most of the signs are now being experienced,” De Vera said during the KBP forum held at the Philippine Information Agency last week.

He said the rainy season will most likely be declared in early June and will continue until July and August.

Valenzuela City’s Senior Citizens Program: Blue Print for Pangasinan

Valenzuela City mayor Sherwin Gatchalian

Valenzuela City mayor Sherwin Gatchalian

DAGUPAN CITY – Elective officials in Pangasinan should take a serious look in Valenzuela City’s program on senior citizens.

Int’l Group Hails Approval of Treaty against Torture, Vows Help in Implementation

The Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) welcomed the Philippines’ accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) and thanked Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, for sponsoring Senate Resolution 644 that led to the approval of the treaty.

In a letter to Legarda, Mr. Mark Thomson, Secretary General of APT, stressed the importance of accession to the OPCAT by the Philippines, the 63^rd state party to the treaty worldwide and the 4^th in Asia Pacific.

Enrile hits BSP over latest bank closure

Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile scored the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for its apparent failure to put in measures that could have prevented the sudden closure of the Export and Industry Bank (EIB) and provide ample protection to its depositors.

Enrile said there may be something wrong with how BSP monitors transactions undertaken by banks as well as their general financial position, or may have just been too slow to act on early indications that a bank is facing huge financial trouble that could cause its closure.

The lawmaker said BSP’s failure to demonstrate to the public that it can protect depositors from bank closure and unfair business practices only encourages Filipinos not to park their money in banks.

“BSP’s apparent lackluster monitoring of EIB’s financial performance leading to its closure as well as its failure to institute measures that could have prevented the bank’s closure cast doubts on BSP’s competence in protecting depositors,” Enrile said.

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Robinsons, SM no benefit to BIR - Pangasinan

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Romero sues 4 town officials

Mayor Romero joins municipal workers in their advocacy

Cuevas vs. Morales vs Santiago

Ombudsman Morales exchanges sword with defense counsel Cuevas

“I apologized, mea culpa ,’ Morales told Santiago

By MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

Barber advocates peace and order, tourism, mining

Former Rep. Ace Barber

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Manay Gina lays new projects in Pangasinan

Rep. Gina de Venecia (4th Dist,.Pangasinan)

"Una sa lahat, ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa buong police force ng Dagupan City, dahil alam ko, na itinataya nyo ang inyong buhay, at nagsisilbi kayo, even beyond the call of duty, masiguro lamang na payapa at ligtas ang ating komunidad!

I understand na pitong malalaking eskuwelahan ang direktang makikinabang sa community precinct na ito ---ang Lyceum Northwestern University, ang Ednas School,

Q & A: Mayor Herminio A. Romero and the payroll scam’s rap

Mayor Romero (2nd from right) explains the nitty - gritty of an issue

Amid the brouhahas on the alleged payroll scam in Mangaldan in Pangasinan, political columnist Mortz C. Ortigoza interviewed Mangaldan Mayor Herminio Romero about his stance on the so-called scam, the Commission of Audit investigation among several municipal personnel, and the filling of the case against them today (Tuesday, May 15, 2012) by the provincial attorney at the Civil Service Commission, excerpts:

Mortz C. Ortigoza (MCO): What’s your take on the rally this afternoon at the plaza, mayor?

Herminio Romero (HAR): Actually Biyernes pa lang aprobado ko na iyan. I encouraged them to do it in a very peaceful and proper manner. Kasi I asked our chief of police (Lt. Colonel  Mateo C. Casupang) and the organizer (barangay) kagawad Erica Limon na mag usap sila (chief) ng mechanics. Kagaya ng who will be the organizer of the musical rally. It will begin at 4 o’clock this afternoon at saka hanggang 6 pm.

Sluggish jueteng bad for Pangasinan politicians

By MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

An extortionist policeman in Tarlac province is in a bind. 15 air-conditioned buses loaded with delegates from Bicol Region bound for the Palarong Pambansa (National Game) in Pangasinan were flagged down recently. A policeman mulcted each of the drivers of the 15 buses P1,000 because they do not have franchise to ferry passengers bound to Northern Luzon.
Former chief of the Bureau of Immigration and Dagupan City former Mayor Al Fernandez told me the other day over cup of hot choco and a plate of sumptuous tiny puto (rice cake) of Calasiao at Dagupena Restaurant that one of the passengers took pictures of the cop and gave the photos to the wife of Secretary Jess Robredo of the Department of Interior & Local Government whose son was a player for swimming in the national game. The Robredos were in one of the buses.
Secretary Robredo was with Mayor Al (a former DILG undersecretary too) and Sta. Barbara mayor Carlito Zaplan who are both stalwarts of the Liberal Party in Pangasinan at Dagupena a day before I met him.
Zaplan told me in another occasion that Robredo told them: “Kawawang pulis (I pity the policeman)”.
Robredo has the supervision over the Philippine National Police.
Police Lt. Colonel Rod Samson, a PNP Academy alumnus and the province’s police investigation head, told me that Camp Crame has already sent an investigator in Pangasinan to investigate the malfeasance involving “SPO1 Ngatngat (?)”.
He said the cop could not only be demoted but could be sacked from the service.
***

BIR-Luzon director would sue too Pacquiao

World's Boxing champ Pacquiao

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

CALASIAO – The regional director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue would also subpoena and consequently sue world boxing champ Manny Pacquaio in case he lives in the region.

NCR reigns Palarong Pambansa

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – As expected, it was another domination by the National Capital Region (NCR) in the annual Palarong Pambansa.

The big city once again copped the overall championship of the biggest regional school-based sports meet in the country.

NCR amassed a total of 733 points after seven days of competition in 17 sports, dominating medal-rich events like swimming, gymnastics, athletics and most of the ball games to win another overall title in the games.

Castaneda has 3000 scholars

LINGAYEN – The mayor of this capital town said since he became mayor in 1994 he has sent 3,000 scholars who already graduated in college.
Mayor Ernesto “Jonas” Castaneda said most of them studied at the Pangasinan State University, while some he sent to schools in Dagupan City.
He said from 1994 to 2007 the funding of these scholars came from his personal account.

Dagupan City should emulate Valenzuela City

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian

By Mortz C. Ortigoza, MPA

DAGUPAN CITY – “Enough for the internal squabbling and tax cheats in Dagupan City,” blurted by a political spectator who asked anonymity.

Delegates laud Pangasinan's faster medical services

LINGAYEN--- Dr. Ana De Guzman, provincial

health officer said that despite the number of emergency and other medical

cases involving the Palarong Pambansa athletes and delegates, the Provincial Health

Office and other response teams were able to provide fast and immediate medical

attention to patients. 

Some 800 patients were properly attended in the

medical stations at the playing venues and billeting areas, and at the mini

hospital inside the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center and at the Pangasinan

Provincial Hospital including other provincial government hospitals.

Most of the emergency cases were minor injuries

suffered by players in athletics, basketball, baseball and football such as muscle

cramps, body pain, fractures, sprain, abrasion and laceration. 

Due to the sweltering heat of summer, cases of

hypertension among coaches and game officials were also listed. A coach

underwent operation due to acute appendicitis.

In a related development, De Guzman clarified that the

dengue virus that afflicted the 12 year old lawn tennis player from Region 10

(Bukidnon) was not acquired in Pangasinan.

She said the boy was already afflicted with dengue

even before he arrived in the province.

The provincial health officer said the boy who was

treated at the PPH has recuperated and has been discharged from hospital

confinement.

The injured gymnastics athlete Mico Paolo Federacion who

suffered from fractured bone in his hands during a practice was also operated

at the PPH.

There were also three cases of chicken pox among the

athletes of Region 11 while a 14-year old male athlete from Region IV-B in

Palawan had mumps.

According to Dr. De Guzman, officials and parents from

the various regions where the treated athletes came from hailed the provincial

government for the quick and systematic medical response procedures.

Dr. Jesart De Vera, a municipal health officer, reported

that various sectors had recognized the province’s efficiency and reliability

of its medical services.

“This is the first time that we have a very organized

referral system,” he said.

Jumel Miller, a sports director at the Systems Plus

College Foundation in Angeles City said “as a parent, I am very impressed with

the fast and immediate service of the medical team of Pangasinan even as he

said there is a feeling of security that his child is well taken care of.”

As this developed, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has

reassured the safety of the Palarong Pambansa athletes and delegates as

response teams manned by the Bureau of Fire Equipment, Philippine Coast Guard,

Philippine Red Cross and all provincial hospitals are continually deployed in

strategic areas since the national athletic games started on May 6.

Gov. Espino said the emergency response teams,

supported by 40 ambulance units have been strategically positioned in all the

playing venues and the billeting areas.

He said the Palaro secretariat has also established

close coordination with private hospitals for fast lane service for

athlete-patients in cases of emergency and the local government units on the

use of their hospital facilities.

He likewise assured the athletes of free medical

services from the provincial government hospitals in Pangasinan. (PIO/Angeline

D. Villanueva)

Bataoil: Remove my name from signages

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

LINGAYEN – Second district Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil asked the 2nd Engineering District of the Department of Public Works & Highway to remove his name on the signage of all his projects in deference to the Anti- Epal Bill.

Engr. Rodolfo Dion said Bataoil sent him a text message that he wanted his name removed from all his public works’ projects like roads, school buildings, and other infrastructure projects in the eight towns in the second congressional district of Pangasinan.

Dion, who oversees projects from the national government in the second and fourth congressional districts in the province, lauded Bataoil for his decision.

Pakar’s cleanest rivers and riverbanks winners bared

BUGALLON– The provincial government bared the cleanest rivers and riverbank s in Pangasinan during the Pakar Awards held at the foot of Bañaga Bridge in this town on May 1 as part of the Sea Festival celebration.

Pakar Awards aim to see how local government officials and non-government organizations manage or propagate “pakar” (mangroves), said Dalisay Moya, provincial agriculture officer and executive chairman of the fest.

She added that cities and municipalities were judged based on the physical parameters of their river, foremost of which is its cleanliness; the local government unit’s (LGU’s) strong legislative agenda for the river; the LGU’s programs or projects on river protection; and sustainability programs.

Dagupan welcomes Palaro delegates

 

DAGUPAN CITY – A warm welcome was staged by the city for the Palarong Pambansa 2012 delegates from Region III and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the sports fest’s Mayor’s Night at the City Plaza last May 3.

 

San Carlos bags biggest ‘Good Housekeeping’ award

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Poverty did not stop Region -12 Soccer team kickers to excel

Photo above:

The vaunted soccer team from Region 12 that is billeted at San Carlos City, Pangasinan. They are all system goes for the Palarong Pambansa. Extreme left, third row,  is Coach Rommel Madis.

 Photo below:

The poorly equipped Region 12 soccer team where some of its players' game shoes were wrapped with packaging tape to stop them from disintegrating.

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan - Despite their penury the soccer team from Central Mindanao who are billeted here did not stop to excel as they represent Region 12 for the 2012 Palarong Pambansa  (national game) in Pangasinan.

Most of  these players come from M’lang town in Cotabato Province whose number one sports is football that has been played there with passion since time immemorial.

A public school supervisor Celso “Mal-am” Tingzon said that whenever basketball and football are simultaneously played there the bulk of the spectators would troop to the soccer field and cheer for their respective teams.

What made the players in the elementary and high school levels of Region 12 - who mostly hailed from M’lang - a cut from their counterparts in the national level? They come from the marginalized sector of society.

“They are from the “Unwashed of the Society”. But their poverty did not stop them with their prowess,” according to Edwin Biag, the coach of M’lang Pilot Elementary School.

“It did not discourage them to give their best despite they have to shell out through their parents pockets to buy their soccer shoes in Koronadal City ,” quipped by Rommel Madis, the coach of Mlang National High school.

Mr. Bernard Vinluan, the principal of M’lang National High school, explained that his school fund called Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) could not afford to purchase the personal contraptions of the players.

“I could only bankroll the equipments needed for the honing of my players,’ he stressed.

Madis opined that the economic hardship that haunts his strikers did not stop them ever since to take a shot and won awards and plaudits at the national level competition like the Palarong Pambansa.

“Some of my graduates play zealously now with the Army Team like Edward Gempesaw  and the Air Force Team in the armed forces. Peter Jaugan has struts his stuffs with the Azkals Team before,” he added.

Biag said that Madis face a dilemma after the former wards graduated in the primary level.

“During the Palaro there are scouts from the universities in Manila looking for the best players in the elementary (level). They sweet talked and persuaded them and their parents for a full scholarship and board and lodging for the kickers to enroll at universities like Far Eastern University,” Biag said.

Madis anxiously said his boys would be pitted in the Palaro with their former classmates in M’lang playing with FEU.

Just like Iloilo Province in Region-6, and Cebu City in Region 7, FEU represents the National Capital Region in the Palaro. Three powerhouses that the Ilonggo speaking teams of Biag and Madis have to deal with.

Palarong Pambansa 2012 Opens May 7

Lingayen - - It will be a memorable Palarong Pambansa in the province of Pangasinan as all elements of the opening ceremonies on May 7 at 10 a.m. (7 am - start of parade) at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Grandstand are being meticulously organized.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will arrive for the opening program that is expected to gather approximately 30,000 spectators including the delegates and guests.  

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. was represented by Vice-Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan, Palaro 2012 Secretariat Head Atty. Verna Perez and other department heads during a final meeting on May 4 with representatives of the Presidential Management Staff, Malacañang Press Corps, Presidential Security Group, Protocol Officers, Media Accreditation and Relations Office, Radio-TV Malacañang, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, Philippine National Police Region 1, Department of Education (DepEd) Region 1, Philippine Information Agency and other concerned offices.      

Presidential Management Staff Regional Team Leader Cesar Tuliao facilitated the meeting.

Based on the program, delegates of the 17 regions will assemble at 6 a.m. at the NRSCC for the parade that will commence at 7 a.m.

The opening program is slated at 10 a.m which will begin with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Pangasinan Hymn led by the Pangasinan Provincial Chorale, to be followed by an ecumenical prayer.

Next, Gov. Espino will deliver a welcome message followed by the ceremonial turnover of the Palarong Pambansa banner.

Mayor Dominador G. Jalosjos, Jr of Dapitan City and Regional Director Dr. Walter O. Albos of DepEd Region IX will turnover the said banner to Gov. Espino and Assistant Regional Director Teresita M. Velasco of DepEd Region 1.

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines will hoist the Palarong Pambansa banner, DepEd banner and the delegation banner.

Palarong Pambansa 2011 Gold Medalist in Elementary Taekwondo Christian Rafael V. Daroy will lead the oath of sportsmanship.

Palaro 2012 Technical Management and Administration Deputy Secretary-General Cesar S. Abalon will lead the oath of officials.

The next activity will be the lighting of the urn of peace and friendship that will be led by P-Noy and Gov. Espino.

Philippine Basketball Association player Danny Ildefonso of Petron Blaze team, who joined Palarong Pambansa 1994 and 1995 as basketball star of Region 1, will also lit a torch and relay it on to a representative of a participating region who will relay it to the next region until it reaches the Region 1 representative who will light the urn.

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro will make the necessary introductions for P-Noy, who will deliver his message and will formally declare the opening of Palarong Pambansa 2012.

A field demonstration depicting the national games will follow.

As of today, 90 percent of the delegates from the 17 regions are now in Pangasinan and are comfortably billeted in various schools in the province, according to Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, chairman of the committee on education.

Rosario said each Board Member has been assigned specific regional delegates to oversee the security and needs. (PIO/Sheila H. Aquino)