Mga Maling Banat sa GuiConsulta, PhilHealth 80-20 Hatian, Binara!

Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza 

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Taliwas sa mga mali-maling paninira ng mga kritiko ng Guico Administration, ipinaliwanag ng bise gobernador ng Pangasinan ang tunay na 80-20 alokasyon ng mga daan daang milyong pesos na manggagaling sa PhilHealth Konsulta.

PANGASINAN Gov. Ramon V. Guico III (left) and Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.

“So, malinaw iyan. The 20% na mapunta sa LGU insentibo na lang na gagamitin na lang iyan ay hinihingi nila. The 80% na matitira sa probinsiya isa-subsidize po iyong pambili ng gamot iyong gagamitin sa mga medical equipment, mga test pambayad po doon sa record system, other logistical expenses – sagot po ng provincial health board fund. Iyon po ang logic,” ani Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.

Aniya, mahigit kumulang isang taon na ang nakalipas noong magpulong ang mga alkalde ng apatnapung apat na mga bayan, tatlong mga lungsod, tagapangasiwa ng provincial health office, at si Governor Ramon V. Guico III para ayusin ang hatian ng pondo na manggagaling sa national governmemt.

“Kailangan itayo po ng provincial government ang Provincial Health Board (PHB) (that) would be the management of the provincial health fund. Iyan po ang pinaglalagyan ng PhilHealth para doon sa implementation ng E-Konsulta Program. Under the guidelines of PhilHealth dapat doon sa Health Board Fund the management of the fund would be under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Health Board chaired by the governor. Nakalagay po doon kung ano ang proper recommended breakdown on the utilization of the funds”.

 Paliwanag ni Lambino na doon sa 80% na bayad ng PhilHealth  -- kung saan merong paglalaanan na P1,700 kada pasyente – ay kukunin ang bayad.

“The remaining 80% of the collection of PhilHealth of the fund doon po kukunin ay doon po matitira po sa Provincial Health Board Fund at doon po kukunin ang bulto ng mga expenses po ng mga implementasyon ng Kunsulta”.

Aniya, ito ang mga bayad sa Electronic Management Record System (EMRS) na gagamitin sa health program. Ito ay babayaran ng provincial government.

“Second, iyong sa mga subsidy at doon sa mga assistance po na ibibigay para sa lahat ng mga LGUs, kanilang existing na RHUs, infirmary, gamot ng mga LGUs. At ang pinaka importante po ay iyong pag cover sa mga services na hindi kayang ibigay ng mga munisipyo”.

 Paliwanag pa ng bise gobernador na base sa patnubay meron dapat minimum na pangangailangan na inilapag ang PhilHealth at PHB sa isang primary health care facilities.

“At hindi nga po pumapasa ang malaking porsiyento  - very big number – of the health care facilities – ng ating mga munisipyo - sa ating probinsiya”.

Aniya doon kukunin sa primary health care facilities ang mga serbisyo na babayaran ng 80% naka-atang sa provincial health fund.

“Kukunin iyan sa mga services ng mga hospital natin  which are all accredited by PhilHealth to provide the the primary health care requirements of the Konsulta”.

Lahat na mga bayarin sa provincial, regional, at private hospitals na nagbigay serbisyo o lunas sa pasyente ay babayaran ng pondo galing sa otsenta porsyento -- na manggagaling sa provincial health fund (PHF).

Ang biente porsyento (20%), dagdag pa niya, ay mga insentibo na mapupunta sa mga doctor, nurses, medical technologist, barangay health workers, at iba dahil sila ang nagpapatupad ng Konsulta.

“Twenty percent of the collection would go directly to the local government unit under the local health board which is chaired by the local chief executives – mga mayor po”.

Layunin ng Guico Administration na maparehistro ang dalawang milyon na Pangasinense sa PhilHealth Konsulta para maranasann nila ang libreng diagnostic, gamot, at lunas.

Para mahikayat na madami ang magparehistro sa mga bayan bayan ay nag laan ang provincial government ng P300 kada isa para sa pamasahe at pangkain nila.

Tinawag ito na GuiConsulta .

The Greatness of 5-Time Speaker Joe

 By Z.J R. Ortigoza

We all know the following names I jotted here: Michael Jordan with his six NBA rings, the iconic 11 Oscars' box-office hit Titanic, Nelson Mandela, Theodore Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill with their plum Nobel Peace Prizes, Michael Jackson and his 13 Grammys, Robert Frost’s four Pulitzers. 

These are some of the giant personas we think of when we hear G.O.A.T—the greatest of all time.

The visionary Five-Time House Speaker Jose Claveria de Venecia Jr. He is affectionately called by friends as JDV or Speaker Joe.

 But what about the visionary Jose Claveria de Venecia Jr. (aka JDV or Speaker Joe)? He might not be a household name in the same breath as those legends, but his legacy is undeniable, and his contributions have reverberated both locally and globally.

De Venecia is not just a former Five-Time Speaker of the House—he’s the brain behind those initiatives that have changed the course of our nation’s economies and politics.

Picture the following: The Rainbow Coalition, a political masterstroke that brought unity and stability to the country, that united a once fragmented political parties to pass legislative milestones in the halls of Congress. A peace deal with revolutionaries’ Muammar Gaddafi and Nur Misuari forged across the Sahara Desert where the cessation of on the bloody hostilities - where 120, 000 were killed in a cross fire -- with the government and the belligerent Moro people have ended. Over 200 laws passed under his leadership, including the vaunted Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, which unlocked massive private sector investment in infrastructures, sparking an economic boom to the once dubbed as The Sick Man of Asia.

And oh lest I forget! That historic Dollar-Remittance Program the man endearingly called JDV’s brainchild. That chutzpah generated billions of pesos for the country’s coffer every year.

As I sit here writing this piece and nursing my hot cortado from a specialty cafe in a high-rise hotel in Bonifacio Global City, with views of skyscrapers that could compete with any first-world skyline, I’m reminded that this thriving urban district exists because of JDV’s Bases Conversion Development Act of 1992 (Republic Act No. 7227).

His vision turned former U.S. military bases into bustling economic zones—places like Fort Bonifacio, Clark Freeport, Subic Bay, and Camp John Hay—generating countless of jobs, attracting foreign investors, and transforming our country’s urban landscape for decades to come.

De Venecia’s legacy isn’t just written in the laws he passed or the deals he brokered—it’s woven into the very fabric of modern-day Philippines. If that’s not G.O.A.T material, I don’t know what it is.

In a world where legacies often fade into history, it's rare to see one’s powerful action literally carved in stone. Much like Moses chiseled the Ten Commandments, the visionary ideas and deep inimitable humanity of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. now have a permanent home at the newly inaugurated Jose de Venecia Building and Museum, nestled in the Batasan complex in Quezon City. 

At the heart of the ceremony, Speaker Martin Romualdez—the leader who steers the ship of the 307-strong House of Representatives—called De Venecia “a man of great ideas” and someone whose life was a testament to unity and compassion.

“As we dedicate this building to Jose de Venecia,” Romualdez said, “let’s commit ourselves to honoring his values: unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of peace and progress.”

Crafted and brought to life by Arc Lico, the building now houses a museum packed with images, artifacts, and memorabilia celebrating JDV’s extraordinary life. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a reminder of the power of leadership and vision.

The event saw the gathering of political heavyweights, including JDV’s wife, former Congresswoman Gina De Venecia, who is vying for a solon’s seat of the 4th District of Pangasinan, and their son, the Philippines’ Creative Industry’ champion and the outgoing Representative Christopher de Venecia. Also in attendance were Speaker Romualdez’s wife, Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, alongside other prominent figures like Reps. Ramon Ramon Guico, Jr., Mark Cojuangco, Rufus Rodriguez, and Ace Barbers—each one honoring a giant of Philippines’ politics.

“JDV isn’t just a mentor to us,” Romualdez shared. “He’s a towering figure whose wisdom, humility, and unwavering optimism remain etched in our hearts. His legacy is a force that continues to shape our nation and guide us in these uncertain times.”

Romualdez went on to describe De Venecia as a “rare force in Philippine politics—a diplomat’s precision with the passion of a patriot.”

It was clear: the man who helped shape modern Philippine politics, bridging divides with grace and strength, would forever be remembered as more than a politician—he was an architect of the future.

“Mabuhay ka, Speaker Jose de Venecia,” Romualdez concluded. “Your legacy isn’t just remembered—it’s lived. Every day, by the people you served and the nation you loved. The Philippines, and the world, are richer for having had you.”

As I wrap up this piece, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement to visit the museum that houses the legacies and stories of one of the Philippines’ most illustirious decorated statesmen. JDV’s legacy isn’t just something you read about in history books—it's something that continues to shape the present and inspire the future. He wasn’t just a leader of his time; he was a visionary who built institutions, shaped ideas, and inspired generations, both locally and globally.

 

Congress Fetes JDV with Building, Museum to Preserve his Legacy

 QUEZON CITY - The 19th Congress of the Philippines honored recently Pangasinan’s pride the political phenom former Five-Time Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr. through the inauguration of a building cum museum at the lawmakers' complex here.

FETE. The rabble rousing former Five-Time Speaker Joe de Venecia (seated) during the fete of a building cum museum named after him at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. He was sorrounded by luminaries of the 19th Congress leads by Speaker Martin G. Romuldez and the political kingpins of his province's Pangasinan.

De Venecia was honored by the same institution where he reigned for 14 long years when the leadership of the House of Representatives inaugurated a building and a museum named after him on January 28 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

The former Speaker attended the event where he was accompanied by his wife Gina, herself a former congresswoman, their son Rep. Christopher de Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan, and their relatives.

Inaugurated and opened was the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum to honor his legacy in public service as the longest serving Speaker from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008 -- a trail blazing record which no other statesman in the Philippines can emulate.

Presiding in that event, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez noted that among the country’s greatest statesmen, few names evoke as much admiration to the former Speaker.

Romualdez said the story of Speaker De Venecia was a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a higher purpose, adding that his life “reminds us that true greatness lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we touch and the future we shape”.

“To call him a visionary is an understatement, for he is not merely a leader of his time but an architect of the future, crafting ideas and building institutions that continue to shape our nation and inspire the global community,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.

He said Speaker Joe is a sui generis in Philippine politics -- one who bridges divides “with the precision of a diplomat and a passion of a patriot”.

“His concept of the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ remains a masterclass in inclusive governance, a vivid testament to his belief that diversity is not a weakness but a profound strength. It was under his stewardship as Speaker of the House of Representatives that legislative milestones were achieved, crafting a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation,” he added.

The occasion was attended by the gargantuan Pangasinan province's "who's who" like Reps. Mark Cojuangco of the Second District, Ramon Guico Jr. of the Fifth District and Rachel Arenas of the Third District, and her mother former Deputy Speaker Baby Arenas, Mayors Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City, Jeremy Agerico Rosario of Manaoag, Marilyn Agbayani and her husband Vice Mayor Constante Agbayani of San Fabian and Leo de Vera of San Jacinto.

Locally, former Speaker De Venecia earned a respectable title as “architect of a new Dagupan” because when the coastal city was devastated by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on July 16, 1990, he was instrumental in convincing then President Corazon Aquino to expedite the rehabilitation of the city so that -- like the mythical bird's phoenix -- it rose from the rubbles of the tremor in a short time and thrived again.

Kapitolyo, PAG-IBIG Magtutulungan para sa Mas Abot-Kayang Pabahay

 Sa pamumuno ni Governor Ramon Mon-Mon Guico III, pinagtibay ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan at Pag-IBIG Fund ang pagtutulungan para sa mga programang pabahay.

Prayoridad na mabigyan ng pabahay ang mga job order employees ng kapitolyo at mga informal settler.

“Ang panata po ni Gov. Mon-Mon, ang pinakamataas na klase ng serbisyo publiko ang ibigay sanasasakupan.Kami dito, handang makipagtulungan saPAG-IBIG upang gawing magaan ang obligasyon sa bayarin ng ating mga benepisyaryo. Kami ay nag-iisip ng kaparaanan para mabago yung mukha ng serbisyo publiko dito sa lalawigan ng Pangasinan. Please make it happen,” pahayag ni Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II.

Ibinahagi naman ni Pangasinan Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Office (PHUDCO) Head Engr. Alvin Bigay ang iba pang proposed housing projects sa probinsya. Kabilang dito ang 100-unit Luyag Residences na balak itayo sa Parayao, Binmaley at housing project sa Umingan malapit sa itinatayong Umingan Super community Hospital.

Ilan sa mga tinitignang programa ang Countryside Housing Initiative, Rental Housing Construction Loan, at End user financing. Binibigyan nito ng pagkakataon ang mga benepisyaryo na magkabahay dahil sa subsidiya at mas mababang amortization.

Dumalo sa pagpupulong sina PAGIBIG Member Services Cluster Deputy CEO Atty. Marcial Pimentel, Business Development Group Officer Annalyn Daw-as, Luzon Group Vice President Perlacita Roldan, Ilocos Region Area Head Meriam Pamittan, Loans Origination Chief of Divisions Ferdinand Jacildone, at iba pang miyembro ng PAG-IBIG Business Development at Marketing Group.

Matatandaang nilagdaan noon ang kasunduan sa pagitan ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III at ng Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development upang matulungan ang mga Pangasinenseng walang maayos na tirahan.

Noong July 2024, 68 indibidwal ng Palaris, Poblacion, Lingayen ang nailipat at nabigyan ng bahay sa Aplaya West Resettlement Site. (Danna Laureano, Krizzia Mamaril |PIMRO)

Walang Binatbat si General kay Mayor J.R – Ex-Top Politiko

 Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza

BASISTA, Pangasinan – Sinabi ng isang dating mataas na opisyal dito na mas mabigat na naging kalaban ng kasalukuyang alkalde dito si Boy Tagum noong nakaraang eleksyon kaysa kay retiradong heneral Edgardo Palma na kasalukuyang naghahamon sa pinaka mataas na pusisyon dito.

MAYORALTY RIVALS. Reelectionist mayor Jolly "J.R" Resuello (left) and retired Army General Ed Palma (PMA '91).

“Malayo! Si General ngayon lang iyan nagparamdam iyan dito. Si Tagum noong sumabak kumpleto ang tiket niya kasama ang vice mayor candidate. Si Palma lima lang sa walong konsehales ang manok niya at isang bise alkalde,” ani ng source na ayaw magpabanggit ng pangalan.

Iniwanan ni Resuello ng 15, 322 botos si Tagum na nakakuha lamang ng 6, 021 botos noong Mayo 2022 eleksyon.

Si Conchita "Concha" Navarro ay dating Kapitana sa Brgy. Don Bosco, Paranaque na bumalik dito para maging kandidato para bise alkalde ng heneral.

Tatlo ang maglalabang bise alkalde dito sa third class town. Sila ay si Konsehales Jake Perez (No. 2 ranked councilor), dating Kapitana Navarro, at si dating konsehales Tagum.

Ani ng source na isang restaurant at resort ang negosyo ni Concha sa katabing bayan ng Bayambang.

Ang batang Resuello ay magtatapos na ng kanyang two-term (anim na taon) na panunungkulan dito at sasabak na sa kanyang ikatlo at huling termino. Si retired General Prado naman ay isang miyembro ng Class of 1991 ng Philippines Military Academy at dating pinuno ng Office of the Strategic Studies and Strategy Management sa Kampo Aguinaldo sa Quezon City.

Si Resuello ay nakakabatang kapatid ni San Carlos City Mayor Julier” Ayoy” at Vice Mayor Joseres ”Bogs” Resuello.

Ang 13 barangays na bayan na ito ay dating pinakamalaking barangay ng San Carlos pero noong Mayo 8, 1967 sa pamamagitan ng Republic Act No. 4866 siya ay lubos na naging bayan.

Si J.R at ang kanyang ticket sa Nationalist People’s Coalition ay manok ni Pangasinan 2^nd District Cong. Mark O. Cojuangco.

Guiconsulta sa Calasiao, Matagumpay na Idinaos

 

CALASIAO, Pangasinan -- Saklaw na ngayon ang libo-libong mga Calasiaoeño sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Konsulta program.

GUICONSULTA.  Pangasinan Governor Ramon “Monmon” V. Guico III (4^th from right) and Calasiao Mayor Kevin Macanlalay (3^rd from left) pose with the officials of the central Pangasinan town and their constituents during the registration and payout of the Guiconsulta.

Pinasalamatan ni Mayor Kevin Macanlalay ang Guiconsulta ng pamahalaang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na nagsagawa kamakailan dito.

Ayon kay Governor Ramon V. Guico III, “Anyone should have no reason why he or she cannot have a medical checkup. This is for the preventive health care program of the province."

Ani Mayor Macanlalay, nabigyan ng libreng check-up at libreng mga gamot ang mga tao dito  dahil sa programang Konsulta ng PhilHealth .

Ayon kay Manaoag Mayor Ming Rosario, ang kada isang sumali sa Guiconsulta ay binibigyan ng Guico Administration ng P300 para sa pamasahi at pagkain nila papunta sa registration area.

Ang PhilHealth ay merong P1,700 kada tao para sa medical check ups at mga gamot nila.

Merong 13,000 na katao ang nagparehistro kamakailan sa Guiconsulta sa Manaoag ayon kay Mayor Rosario.

Sinabi naman sa Northern Watch Newspaper ni Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino na sa huling apat na buwan noong taong 2024 ay merong humigit kumulang na 300, 000 katao ang nagparehistro sa Guicunsulta.

Layunin ni Governor Guico na mairehistro ang dalawang milyong Pangasinense sa PhilHealth Konsulta.

Mga Proyekto ng Guico Admin sa 2025

Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Ibinahagi ni Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino ang mga proyekto at programa sa pangangasiwa ni Governor Ramon V. Guico III para sa taong 2025.

Ani ng bise gobernador na sisimulan na ang pagpapatayo ng Capitol Plaza kung saan makikita ang dalawang tore, pagsasaayos ng Capitol Complex kung saan aayusin ang mga road at drainage systems, pagpapatayo ng ika–15 na provincial hospital sa Alcala, Pangasinan, mga kampus ng Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) sa mga bayan at lungsod ng Pangasinan sa Rosales o Umingan, Alaminos City, Lingayen, at San Carlos City.

FLASH. Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III (left) and Vice Governor Mark Ronald D. Lambino flash the party sign at the stretch of the strip of the P100 million still being constructed reflecting pool that is complemented by an interactive fountain at the Capitol Beach Park in Lingayen, Pangasinan. At the background at far is the 1917 constructed Provincial Capitol designed by renowned American colonial government architect Daniel Burnham. The imposing edifice was declared as one of the eight Architectural Treasures of the Philippines by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

“The entire reflecting pool development will be completed hopefully mga one or two quarter matatapos na po iyan pati landscaping niya,” ani bise gobernador sa mga mamahayag sa loob ng opisina niya kamakailan.

Sinabi ni Gobernador Guico na dudumugin ng mga turista ang P100 milyon reflecting pool at interactive fountain dahil sa kanilang likas na  ganda kung saan sumasalamin ang paglubog ng araw sa tubig sa strip niya.

“Tingnan ninyo nag reflect siya o’? Lahat iyan tubig. O, napakaganda! Talagang na achieve e, pinag-aralan talaga iyan ano ang lalim niya,” may pagkamanghang sinabi ni Guico sa mga reporters sa sidelines ng 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings at 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day noong ika-9 ng Enero na ginanap sa Capitol Beach Park dito.

Ang reflecting pool sa Lincoln Memorial sa Washington, USA ay dinadagsa ng 24 milyon katao kada taon na bumibisita sa National Mall dahil sa angking ganda niya. Doon makikita ang mga nakalinya na mga naglalakihang mga kahoy na nagbibigay lilim sa dalawang panig ng strip, ang Washington Monument, at ang malawak na kalangitan doon.

“This project holds significant relevance to our celebration, as it includes the construction of a reflective pool at the rear center of the Capitol building. Additionally, on the north side of the development near the beach, the Veterans Plaza will feature fountains and monuments to honor the sacrifices of our Filipino veterans,” ani Guico.

Sinabi ni Lambino na landmark year ang 2024 sa Guico Administration dahil lumobo ang local na kitang pananalapi, mga hindi mabilang na flagships na proyekto gaya ng ground breaking ng  Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx),  pagpatakbo ng salt farm sa Barangay Zaragoza, Bolinao kung saan ang lalawigang pamahalaan ay No. 1 supplier na ngayon  ng asin sa buong bansa, pagbili ng 21 ultrasound, 19 x-ray, CT scans, at Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) para sa provincial hospital sa San Carlos at ang Guiconsulta na magkasabay sa PhilHealth Konsulta kung saan ang mga taga Pangasinan ay may libreng medical check-ups sa mga medical facilities, infirmaries, rural health units (RHUs) at hospitals.

Revilla Threatens Tulfo No. 1 Poll Rank

 AFTER U.S VISA FALSIFICATION RAP BREAKS OUT

By Mortz C. Ortigoza, MPA

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – Senatorial poll leader Erwin Tulfo’s dominance is being threatened by his No. 2 senatorial rival after the former faces a visa falsification issue that broke out in the first week of January.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla (left) and Party List Cong. Erwin Tullfo.

At the last poll (December12-18) by the Social Weather Station (SWS) Tulfo perched at 45% while Ramon “Bong” Revilla stood at 33 %.

But in the September 2024 survey of the SWS Tulfo and Revilla got 54% and 24%, respectively. Based on the December poll Tulfo lost nine percentages while Revilla gained nine percentages.

 Cong. Tulfo (ACT-CIS Partylist) said in January 6 that he was once an undocumented Filipino in the United States, addressing allegations surrounding his US passport, which reportedly bore the name “Erich Sylvester Tulfo” and a different birthday.   

Speaking on his radio show "Punto Asintado Reload", the former Marcos cabinet secretary spent nearly 40 minutes recounting his family's financial struggles and his decade-long stint working various blue-collar jobs in the United States. At the same time, he blasted at the "vloggers" who accused him of dishonesty by falsifying his identity. 

While admitted his being a TNT — short for “tago nang tago” (always hiding), a term for undocumented migrants evading immigration authorities — Tulfo refrained from directly addressing allegations that he falsified documents.

Revilla’s wife Congresswoman Lani Mercado (Cavite 2^nd District) told this writer Saturday at a fiesta in Mabini, Pangasinan that she and spouse were happy about the performance of the latter at the latest SWS poll.

When asked if Senator Revilla can exclipse Tulfo in the next scientific survey, she retorted: “Ah, bahala na po ang sambayanang Filipino (chuckle). Survey po ito. It’s a guide for us we’re in the …. When to concentrate pero nagpapasalamat ho kami sa magandang survey na ito”.

Members of the fourth estate in Pangasinan that inverview Cong. Lani Mercado (Cavite 2^nd District) when she graces the fiesta of Mabini, Pangasinan.

The Top 12 also included Senator Pilar Julianna S. Cayetano, who tied with Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go at ranks 3-4 with 32%, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III (31%), and broadcaster Bienvenido T. Tulfo (30%), former Senators Panfilo M. Lacson (27%) and Emmanuel D. Pacquiao (27%), comedian Willie Revillame (26%), Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail S. Binay (25%), Senator Manuel M. Lapid (23%), and Las Piñas Rep. Camille A. Villar, Senators Ronald M. dela Rosa and Maria Imelda Josefa R. Marcos, who tied at 12-14 with 21%.

Administration bets who failed to make it to the top 12 were Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin de Castro Abalos, Jr., who got 17% (16-17^th spot) and Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis N. Tolentino who got 14% (19-20^th spot).

The latest SWS poll, conducted in partnership with think tank Stratbase ADR, asked respondents to choose 12 out of 70 names. The pollster interviewed 3,097 registered voters across the country with an error margin of ±2.1%.

READ MY OTHER BLOG:

It’s the U.S not the Colombians that destroyed Escobar

MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

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I am a more than two -decade seasoned Op-Ed Political Writer in various newspapers and blogs exposing corruptions, public officials idiocy and hypocrisies, and analyzing with diligence local and international issues. I have a master’s degree in Public Administration and professional government eligibility. I taught for a decade Political Science and Economics in universities in Metro Manila and cities of Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Dagupan. Follow me on Twitter @totoMortz or email me at totomortz@yahoo.com.

Hired Goons of Politikos, Their Deadly Weapons

 

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

When I told BDO-Dagupan City’s Manager Henry Arce, a resident of Ilocos Norte, about the Ilocos goons hired by Pangasinan’s politicians, he told me in his place in Ilocos  politikos there hired Abra goons at the start of the barnstorming of the election.

These goons could do the bidding of their patrons by acting as deterrence and for harassment against the camp of their patrons' rivals and even killing the enemies there.

Members of the Abo Group (kneeling), an armed private group for hire in Parang, a town in the Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines, are pictured after turning over their weapons to military and police personal in Cotabato City, March 26, 2021. Benar News

A former congressman who ran for mayor told me that his newly hired Igorot (mountain people) bodyguards came from Ifugao.

“Mga matatapang iyan,” he told me while we sipped coffee at his house while the number of body guards and some ex-military and retired military men from his place watched the surrounding.

“Para pa lang mga Gurkha itong mga Igorot niyo,” I cited about the diminutive soldiers from Nepal the British rigorously trained for their wars like in the Falklands against Argentina and those who served with the United Nations and the United States in their battles in Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Iraq.

The Gurkhas values bravery, loyalty, and honor. Their history is steeped in tales of valor and heroism, which instills a strong sense of duty and courage.

 ***

I wrote a column before on these goons (cops in the Philippines called them PAG or Private Armed Group) when a mayor in Central Pangasinan told me he hired those guys but he provided them with long and short firearms to make them lethal.

Here’s an excerpt of that column I wrote after a Pangasinan mayor was assassinated:

 “Before a mayor of Pangasinan, who allegedly maintained sicarios (hit men), went to Infanta recently to pay his last respect to the slain Mayor Ruperto Martinez, I went near his van.

He showed me two Russian-made folding- type Kalashnikov AK-47s sprawled at the floor of his car.

“Why not use those M-15 A4 Carbine (baby M-16 Armalite used by U.S special forces in the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq) your family has been giving as gift to political friends,” I asked him.

He just laughed. He told me AK-47 (that has a 100-round detachable box and drum style magazine) is much powerful than M–15.

I agreed with him because as a son of a military man and was brought up in the war torn’s Cotabato Province in the 1970’s, I saw that the 7.62mm diameter bullets and the 39mm long cartridge of the AK-47 (just like the Belgian FAL used by the Moro National Liberation Front, and the American made M-60 light machine gun installed at the two sides of the military’s Huey utility helicopter that brought my father at our town’s M’lang, Cotabato everytime he had furlough) are more lethal than the 5.56 mm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cartridge --  known too as the .223 caliber cartridge – as used in the U.S made M-16 Armalite or M-15 Carbine.

When I told this story two day later to a high elective official in central Pangasinan who used to hire close-in body guards from Ilocos every election time, he told me he sold all his M-16s he bought before in lieu of the much powerful AK-47.

I could not agree more. This Russian made assault rifle invented by an Ivan Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov has been known to have the same fire-power with the longer M-14 rifle (first entered service in 1957 and was used by the U.S Marines when they set foot in Vietnam in the early of 1960s).

According to the online Wikepidia: “The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle are its simple design, fairly compact size, and adaptation to mass production. It is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary. The AK-47 was initially designed for ease of operation and repair by glove-wearing Soviet soldiers in Arctic conditions. The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle”.

***

To would- be- assassins, who would ambush a rich politician; just take pre-caution my dear killers. The Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Montero, or the Starex Van you want to ambush has probably a cache of full metal jacket Kalash versus your .45 caliber hand gun. Not to mention if the vehicles of the target are the bullet proof U.S made P10 million Cadillac Escalade -- where only two or three politicians in my forty four towns and four cities' province used them with countless  armed body guards in the escort vehicles leading and tailing 'em.

Susmariosep, that would be a mismatch”.

READ MY OTHER BLOG:

It’s the U.S not the Colombians that destroyed Escobar

MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

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I am a more than two -decade seasoned Op-Ed Political Writer in various newspapers and blogs exposing corruptions, public officials idiocy and hypocrisies, and analyzing with diligence local and international issues. I have a master’s degree in Public Administration and professional government eligibility. I taught for a decade Political Science and Economics in universities in Metro Manila and cities of Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Dagupan. Follow me on Twitter @totoMortz or email me at totomortz@yahoo.com.

 

Pamahagi ng RPT Shares sa mga Kap Pinangunahan ni Mayor Bona

Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan - Tinanggap kamakailan ng 30 punong barangay dito sa isang pagtitipon na pinangunahan ni Mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno ang mga bahagi nila sa real property tax (RPT).

Photo credit: PIO Mangaldan

Ang mga bahagi ng mga barangay sa RPT ay nanggaling sa kita sa lupa at ari-arian ng mga nagbabayad ng buwis kasama na ang “interest thereon, and proceeds from the use, lease or disposition, sale or redemption of property acquired at a public auction sa mga nasabing barangay," ayon sa Local Government Code.

Ang hatian ng buwis galing sa RPT ay ang mga sumusunod:

(1) Province - Thirty-five percent (35%) shall accrue to the general fund;

(2) Municipality - Forty percent (40%) to the general fund of the municipality where the property is located; and

(3) Barangay - Twenty-five percent (25%) shall accrue to the barangay where the property is located.

Ayon sa batas ang bahagi ng barangay ay ibinibigay na wala ng mga pangangailangan kada quarter ng taon. Ito ay dapat isumite sa loob ng limang (5) araw bago matapos ang quarter at hindi pwedeng ipatigil ninuman sa pamamagitanng ng lien o holdback o ano man.

Ang Barangay Poblacion dito ang may pinakamataas na bahagi na P300, 000 habang ang Barangay Alitaya ang ikalawa sa halagang P32, 298.79. Ang nakulekta ng first class na bayan na ito sa bahagi niya sa RPT  para sa mga barangay ay P1.7 million.

Ang may pinakamaraming compliant taxpayers sa pagbayad ng buwis ng kanilang mga ari-arian ay ang mga barangay na may pinakamalaking bahagi sa RPT.

Pangaral ni Mayor Parayno sa mga barangay chairmen na hikayatin nila ang kanilang mga nasasakupan na magbayad ng kanilang mga buwis sa takdang araw para maiwasan ang kakulangan ng barangay sa pananalapi.

“The more taxpayers we have, the higher the revenues, which means more funds for your barangay’s projects and services,” diin ng alkalde. (With news from Mangaldan PIO)

Philhealth RTH, Denied Claims Declines Under Guico Admin

 

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s brand of leadership was again best displayed in the sound financial management of the 14 provincial government-run hospitals.

As of May 31, 2024, the province recorded a decrease in the PhilHealth Return-to-Hospital (RTH) and denied claims.

Data shows a decline in the 14 provincial hospitals Philhealth RTH and Denied Claims as follows: P109,785,115 (Total RTH) and P73,952,094 (Denied Claims) in 2021; P45,480,994 (RTH) and P59,409,670 (Denied Claims) in 2022; P49,544,505 (RTH) and P36,292,974 (Denied Claims) in 2023; P77,060,483 (RTH) and P14,928,409 (Denied Claims) in 2024, respectively.

“If we are going to compare 2021 sa 2022 and 2023, dramatically, malaki po yung binaba ng RTH and Denied Claims,” Dra. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office, said.

 

This only means there was a huge improvement in the processing of PhilHealth claims under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

Dr. Ogoy further disclosed that the 14 provincial hospitals saw a significant increase in profit or revenue in 2024.

“Sa administrasyon po ni Gov. Guico, meron po tayong tinatawag na Medical Assistance for the Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patient (MAIFIP). Pag sinabi nating RTH, pwede pa nating ere-file or ere-submit kung may mga deficiencies. So may chance pa po na mabayaran ito. Pag denied, hindi na po natin masisingil pero, ang ginagawa nating actions sa 14 government hospitals natin, pina-file po natin siya sa MAIFIP para masingil pa rin po natin siya. Technically, hindi na po siya makokonsider na losses po ng province natin kasi mababayran po siya through the MAIFIP program ng DOH,” Dr. Ogoy explained.

(Chona Rich Majin, Edel Eira Gorospe/PIMRO)

Pinasinungalingan ng 2 Katao ang Banat ni Rammy kay Maan

 Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza

URDANETA, Pangasinan – Pinasinungalingan ng organizer ng medical mission at barangay chairman ng Labit Proper ang akusasyon ng suspendidong alkalde dito na nanigaw si Maan Guico sa doktora ng City Health Office (CHO) matapos pagsabihan ng una ang huli na walang bahid ng pulitika dapat ang kaganapan sa barangay.

Sinabi ni Mayor Rammy Parayno sa kanyang Facebook Page noong Lunes na “Nang biglang may isang kandidata na dumating, pumunta sa taas ng stage nagwawala at nagagalit. Pinatawag niya ang isang doctor natin at pinagalitan. Sa kadahilanang nanghimasok daw ang CHO at napahiya raw ang mga organizers ng nasabing mission. Pinatawag ang mga organizers at napatunayan naman na hindi totoo ang kaniyang sinasabi dahil masayang-masaya sila sa ipinaabot nating mga empleyado para tumulong sa mission…”

FUROR AT LABIT. Urdaneta City suspended Mayor Julio “Rammy” Parayno III (left photo and clockwise), mayoralty candidate Maan Guico, San Diego Medical Mission Organizer Merly Cuthill, and Labit Proper Kapitan Policarpio Galvan.

Ang akusasyon ni Parayno ay mariing pinabulaanan ni Merly Cuthill, organizer ng San Diego, USA Medical Mission na kung saan may dala itong 80 na mga medical doctors, nurses at mga personnel na kayang magsilbi sa isang libong katao sa Labit National High School dito.

“Nasaktan po ako. These words were twisted, I was there myself infront of the San Diego (group) and infront of Maam Maan. Alam ko lahat iyon ay hindi totoo,” ani Cuthill sa video na pinalabas sa Facebook Page na Urdaneta ang Galing.

Si Guico – maybahay ni Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III – ay panandaliang dumaan sa medical mission para ibigay kay Cuthill ang special wheelchair na hinihingi ng isang pasyente na may celebral palsy.

Pinabulaan din ni Labit Proper Kapitan Policarpio Galvan sa nasabing Facebook Page na hindi sumisigaw si Mrs. Guico habang kausap niya ng mahinahon ang doctor ng CHO.

“…(T) apos sasabihin nila nagagalit at nagisisgaw pa si Madam (Maan). Wala po! Hindi totoo iyan, hindi totoo iyan! Kahit magtanong kayo dito sa Labit kahit sino ay magsasabi sa inyo”.

Kung totoo ang paratang ni suspended mayor Parayno sa katungali niya sa pagka alkalde dito sa Mayo 12, 2025 election dapat magpakita siya ng video recording na kuha ng mga tao doon na may mga mobile phone kung hindi ay mabatikos na naman siyang nagsisinungaling ng mga netizens gaya noong itanggi niyang sinampal niya si Jairus Bien F. Sibayan, 28, single, cameraman ng provincial government’s information office. Ang pangyayaring ito ay noong isinumite sa kanya noong Agosto 12, 2024 ang kanyang tatlong buwang preventive suspension ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan dahil sa paglabag niya sa Anti-Red Tape (ARTA) matapos magreklamo ang may ari ng REVM Tiposu Poultry Farm Inc. dito.

Dahil sa pangyayaring ito nakasuhan ng Slight Physical Injury, Robbery with Violation Against or Intimidation of Person, at Slander by Deed sa Ombudsman noong Setyembre si Mayor.

Noong Enero 7 sinuspinde ng Office of the President (O.P) sa pamamagitan ng Department of Interior and Local Government ng 12 buwan si Parayno at bise alkalde Jimmy Parayno dahil sa reklamo ni Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) President at San Vicente Punong Barangay Michael Brian M. Perez ng Grave Misconduct at Grave Abuse of Authority.

Ani Maan Guico sa nasabing Facebook Page na humingi siya ng pag unawa kay Merly dahil “you make hearts and souls to this project. Eighteen months niyang pinag-isipan, 18 months niyang tinatrabaho ang medical mission na iyan. Para ang feeling niya na balewala po siya”.

Malungkot na sinabi ni Cuthill – sponsor at financier sa medical mission -- na na ‘embarrased” siya sa ginawa ng taga CHO na pumunta doon na parang kung sino sila.

“They tried to took (sic) over the desks that San Diego (group) could provide for all their nurses other registration (of) people they took over. They asked the San Diego people to move. One of the doctors from San Diego was so upset because they were hurt to move. They try to remove everybody, the team for the San Diego people”.

Sabi ni Guico na kinausap niya ng mahinahon ang doktora na pinuno na pinadala ng CHO na nasaktan ang mga organizer dahil nabalewala sila sa okasyon.

“Doktora, sabi ko po sa kanila, kakilala niyo po ang organizer? Kasi po napasukan sila. Sana next time kausapin ninyo po sila ng maayos. Ako po kahit nga sinisigawan po ako hindi po tumataas ang boses ko Apo. Kinakausap ko siya ng mahinahon. Nagtitimpi po ako, nirerespeto ko po siya. Sana respituhin din po sana niya ang organizer”.

Ani Cuthill nagalit siya dahil dapat “apolitical” ang medical mission pero noong dumating ang grupo ni Parayno “Saka iyong mga tarpaulin nilang ginawa e kinakalat kahit saan kaya upset talaga ako yesterday. Hindi ko ma explain because that’s my personal project”.

Capitol Honors War Vets During 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniv

 

        LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - The provincial government of Pangasinan offered a fitting tribute to the heroes of World War II who fought valiantly and risked their lives in pursuit of freedom.

In a simple rite in January 9 that commemorated the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings and 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day on January 9 at the Capitol Beach Park, GovernorRamon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark de Guzman Lambino welcomed the war veterans along with their families and special guests, notably Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, who represented National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

“This day is more than just a moment of remembrance. It symbolizes the commitment, dedication, and patriotism of our dear veterans, who fought so bravely for the liberation of our country. The celebration forms an essential part of our identity as Pangasinenses and Filipinos,” Gov. Guico said. (PIO)

58 Out of 135 Party Lists Win Seats Based on Poll

 Ni Mortz C. Ortigoza, MPA

The House of Representatives in the 20^th Congress –those whose term cover years 2025 to 2028 – will have 313 members. According to the Constitution twenty percent (20%) or 63 of the membership should come from the party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations. 

A party that got 6% or more of the total votes cast for the present 135 party lists that joined the May 12, 2025 election gets three seats while those that got 4% and 2% of the total votes get two seats and one seat, respectively.

Based on the December 12-18, 2024 poll by the Social Weather Station (SWS), it showed on the table below the top eight parties that got 13.51 percent to 2.20 percent.

It bared, too, 58 out of the 133 party lists as winners in case election was held either on the five days’ period the scientific poll was held.

These 58 parties will be holding 63 seats (20%) in the House when they assume office in June 30, 2025.

Party-list representatives are indirectly elected via a party-list election where the voter votes for the party and not for the party's nominees. If the number of sectoral representatives does not reach 20% of the total number of representatives in the House, PARTIES THAT HAVE NOT WON SEATS BUT GOT ENOUGH VOTES TO PLACE THEM AMONG THE TOP SECTORAL PARTIES ARE GIVEN A SEAT EACH UNTIL THE 63 SEATS ARE FILLED UP.

The Supreme Court decided in the 2009 ruling’s Banat versus Comelec that if the 20 percent quota has not been met, parties with less than 2% of the preferences will get one seat until quota is met.

 Here an illustration:

It means 4Ps (13.51 %) and ACT-CIS (5.63 %) in the polls last December 12-18, 2024 are allowed with three congressional seats’ cap each; and, Senior Citizens (4.42%), Duterte Youth (4.14%) and Ako Bicol (3.56%) are allowed with two congressional seats’ cap each.

Tingog (2.56%), TGP (2.48%), and Uswag-Ilonggo (2.20%) Partyl Lists allowed with one congressional seat each;

The supposed winning party lists are the following:

                                                  RANK       PERCENTAGE

 

4Ps                                                 1                        13. 51

ACT-CIS                                           2                        5.63

SENIOR CITIZEN                               3                        4.62

DUTERTE YOUTH                                4                       4.14

AKO BICOL                                        5                       3.56

TINGOG                                             6                       2.56

TGP                                                   7                       2.48

USWAG ILONGGO                               8                       2.20

MURANG KURYENTE                            9                       1.56

1 PACMAN                                          10                      1.77

FPJ PANDAY BAYANIHAN                      11                      1.73  

AGIMAT                                             12                       1.59

PBBM                                                 13                      1.55

BAYAN MUNA                                      14                      1.53

AKO BISAYA                                        15                      1.47

KABATAAN                                          16                     1.43

BUHAY                                                17                     1.40

ACT TEACHERS                                   18                      1.37

AGAP                                                 19                      1.35

EDUKASYON                                       20                      1.34

PAMILYANG MAGSASAKA                      21                      1.28

UNITED SENIOR CITIZEN                     22                      1.25

1-RIDER PARTY LIST                            23                     1.24

GABRIELA                                           24                     1.25

BATANG QUIAPO                                  25                     1.19

MALASAKIT-BAYANIHAN                       26                      1.10

ABONO                                               27                      1.07

PINOY WORKERS                                 28                      0.98

OFW                                                    29                     0.97

TUPAD                                                 30                     0.92

MAGSASAKA                                         31                    0.90

NANAY                                                 32                     0.88

AKBAYAN                                              33-34                0.82

TULUNGAN TAYO                                   33-34                0.82

BOSES PARTY LIST                                35 -36               0.75

LPGMA                                                  35-36               0.75

ITAHANAN                                             37                    0.74

 AANGAT                                                38                    0.72

CIBAC                                                   39-40                0.67

KALINGA                                                39-40               0.67

AHON MAHIRAP                                      41                    0.64

MANILA TEACHERS                                 42                    0.63

GALING SA PUSO                                    43                    0.62

AKSYON DAPAT                                       44-45               0.61

PPP                                                        44-45                0.61

MAGBUBUKID                                         46-47                0.59

PJPWD                                                    46-47               0.59

APEC                                                      48                    0.56

SAGIP                                                     49                    0.52

SOLID NORTH                                          50                    0.50

HUGPONG FEDERAL                                  51-52               0.49

SWERTE                                                   51-52               0.49

COOP NATCO                                            53                    0.48

TRABAHO                                                 54 -55              0.46

TUTOK TO WIN                                         54-55                0.46

ANAK KALUSUGAN                                    56                     0.45

PUSONG PINOY                                         57                     0.44

 1AGILA                                                   58-59                 0.42

Below are the mathematical formulas how a seat is determined for a party list as based on the 2009 Supreme Court’s ruling:

 In the 2010 election, Ako Bicol (AKB) Political Party topped the vote by receiving 1,524,006 votes or 5.20% of the vote.

·         First round:

R1=1 since 0.0519 > = 0.02�1=1 since 0.0519 >=0.02 >= 0.02

·         Second round:

�2=(57−12)×0.0519     R2 = (57 – 12) x 0.0519

              R2 = (45 x 0.0519

�2=45×0.0519      R2 = 2.3397

Disregarding decimals, R2=2�2=2.3397�2=2

·         Both rounds:

S=1+2=3�=1+2=3

·         Hence, AKB won three seats in the House of Representatives.

Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party received 1,061,947 votes or 3.62% of the vote.

·         First round:

�1=1 since 0.0362 >=0.02 R1=1 since 0.362 < 0.02

·         Second round:

�2=(57−12)×0.0362 R2= (57-12) x 0.0362

          R2=45 x 0.0362

          R2 = 1.6303

�2=45×0.0362�2=1.6303Disregarding decimals,  R2 = 1�2=1

·         Both rounds:

S = 1 + 1 = 2�=1+1=2

·         Hence, Akbayan won two seats in the House of Representatives.

Alagad received 227,281 or 0.78% of the vote.

·         First round:

R0 = 0 since 0.0078 < 0.02�0=0 since 0.0078 <0.02

·         Second round: At this point, 35 seats have already been awarded.

�2=(57−35)×0.0078      R2 = (57 – 35) x 0.0078

               R2 = 22 x 0.0078

�2=22×0.0078       R2 = 0.1706

�2=0.1706Disregarding decimals, R2 = 0�2=0

·         Both rounds:

       S = 0 + 0 = 0�=0+0=0

·         However, not all seats have been distributed. Therefore: Alagad won one seat in the House of Representatives.

A much simpler understanding of the formula is as follows:

·         The topnotcher, and on rare occasions, the 2nd placed party, gets 3 seats.

·         The other parties that got 2% or more of the valid votes gets 2 seats each

·         The next 40 or so parties get 1 seat each

The SWS face-to-face poll had 2,097 registered voters as respondents nationwide. The sampling error margins were ±2.1% for national percentages, ±5.3% for Metro Manila, ±3.0% for Balance Luzon, and ±5.2% each for the Visayas and Mindanao.

Below table with party lists’ names, ranks, and percentages highlighted with pink means they lost the election if it was held either on the seven-day period the SWS made its face-to-face scientific survey:

READ MY OTHER BLOG:

It’s the U.S not the Colombians that destroyed Escobar

MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

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I am a more than two -decade seasoned Op-Ed Political Writer in various newspapers and blogs exposing corruptions, public officials idiocy and hypocrisies, and analyzing with diligence local and international issues. I have a master’s degree in Public Administration and professional government eligibility. I taught for a decade Political Science and Economics in universities in Metro Manila and cities of Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Dagupan. Follow me on Twitter @totoMortz or email me at totomortz@yahoo.com.