P’nan Prov’l Gov’t Hurdles ‘Good Financial Housekeeping’

 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Another feather has been added to the cap of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP), spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, after being recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its distinct and remarkable performance in administering its public funds for the year 2023.

The Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping, cites the compliance of the local government unit (LGU) with accounting and auditing standards, rules, and regulations.

The endowment of the certification by the DILG to the province aptly proved that the present administration has spent and audited its public funds completely and with full transparency.

Joining the PGP with the same feat are the LGUs in the province, which include the four cities—Alaminos, Urdaneta, San Carlos, and Dagupan—and the 43 towns.

SGFH is one of the core components of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). The other core components are disaster preparedness and social protection, which are responsive to the needs of different sectors like women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The essential components, on the other hand, are business friendliness and competitiveness; peace and order; and environmental management. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

 

Mayor Lauds 8 Dads as Allies

 STILL EXTENDS HAND OF RECONCILIATION TO OPP

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

BINMALEY, Pangasinan – The mayor here cherished 2023 where five opposition councilors defected to him because they could not stomach the procrastination by their colleagues in the lawmaking body for the approval of pressing programs this town needs.

One of the many reasons, Mayor Pedro Merrera cited, why the former opposition majority councilors joined him because they want to expedite the delay of school supplies for the students and financial assistance for the senior citizens.

434^th ANNIV. Binmaley Mayor Pete Merrera (third from left first row) and most of the members of the lawmaking body in the recent commemorative program and civic parade for the 434h Founding Anniversary of the coastal first class town. The Sigay Festival was attended by thousands of people that hail from inside and outside of the town.

“Pagod na sila sa drama sa Konseho,” the first term’s mayor said.

The culprits of the “drama” were Vice Mayor Sammy Rosario and Councilors Ariel dela Concha, Buday Cagaoan, and Rosario’s son Jonas.

In early August last year, Rosario yelled and shunned away Merrera in the august chamber when he asked the former why he called "nanloloko (swindling)" Budget Head Eng. Jeffrey delos Angeles after he told the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) to revert the P39 million budget of a heavy equipment so it could be replaced for expenses on social services.

“Tingnan po natin Vice Mayor baka sakali gisingin kita sa pagkakamali mo na ikaw ay hindi ka dapat magmura sa ating mayor. Hindi dapat palabasin ang mayor sa session hall. I have also the power na ako ang pweding umatend diyan sa dahilan na that is a supplemental (budget hearing) to support kung meron kayong katanungan ang dapat ko sagutin kung hindi masagot ng ating budget officer,” he told reporters what transpired inside the SB with Rosario.

Those who defected in the middle of August 2023 to Merrera were Councilors Jallen Alipio, Banong delos Angeles, Joel Jose Carrera, Gericho Francisco, and Amelito Sison. Councilor Andong Ferrer was the lone alderman who joined Merrera when he defeated Rosario’s son Jonas in the May 9, 2022 mayoralty election and became a mayor here in June 30, 2022.

In the middle of August of 2023 the five councilors deserted Rosario for Merrera.

During the elections of the presidents of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and the Liga ng mga Barangay, Merrera's allies Jania Beyonce D. An and Roberto “Butch” Merrera, Jr. won. Their victories increased to eight out of the 10 lawmakers who become the supporters of the mayor.

 Vice Mayor Rosario was left with Dela Concha and Cagaoan after Butch Merrera – the older brother of the mayor – beat in an hotly contested election Jonas. The Vice Mayor’s son was a long reigning Liga President.

“Kaya sa walong magiting kung kasama sa Office of the Sangguniang Bayan ngayon pa lang ang ating Bagong Binmaley ay nagpapasalamat na sa inyong mabilis na aksyon patungo sa tamang landas”.

Merrera nevertheless extends “my both arms” of reconciliation to Rosario and the two opposition lawmakers.

“In victory we should learn to look down to remain humble, and in defeat we should know how to keep our heads high for we always give our best,” the mayor modestly said.

Huge White 4-Engine Jet's Flyby in Dagupan

By Mortz Ortigoza

When I heard a loud roar of an aircraft at 8 to 9 A.M today, I thought it was either Pangasinan Governor Monmon Guico or Pangasinan 2nd District Congressman Mark Cojuangco’s P40 million Robinson 44 helicopter in-flight from eastern Pangasinan to their offices in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

“Mga 7:30 AM dumadaan kayo sa itaas ng bahay ko,” I told once the young governor – a helicopter pilot whose family owned an aviation school – in a huddle while he waited for his chopper to fetch him at the ground of the provincial government’s spruced up Capitol Resort Hotel.

PHOTO CAPTION: Douglas DC-8 (sometimes McDonnell Douglas DC-8) is an early long-range narrow-body jetliner designed and produced by the American Douglas Aircraft Company (Wikipedia)

“Saan ba ang bahay mo banda?” he retorted.

“Sa Barangay Tapuac, Dagupan City”.

“Sige pag daan ko uli doon huhulugan kita ng durian,” the thorny fruit eating former Congressman who bought regularly a sack load of Puyat, Arancillo and Malaysian 101 durians when my family still sell the fruits in the Bangus City we bought from Davao and Cotabato during the pandemic of 2020.

I digressed on that big white jet, teh heh!

Before noon today my errand boy Galman told me: “Sir! Nakita niyo iyong malaking eroplano na umikot dito ngayon lang?'

“Hindi, pero malakas ang ugong akala ko helicopter na mababa lang ang lipad”.

While I was typing my news at my laptop at 5:30 A.M, I jumped off from my seat and ran outside to have a glimpse of the airborne plane leaving a loud noise.

Sanamagan! It was painted white with four jet engines like a commercial jet going to the direction of Lingayen.

I thought it was the U.S Air Force or U.S Navy’s Poseidon that monitor the movements of the ships of the Chinese’s coast guard and navy at the nearby Scarborough Shoals.

But it couldn't be the Poseidon - U.S maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security - since I saw it up close when I covered the U.S and Philippines military exercises at Clark in Pampanga. I got the photo of the two engines' aircraft at the sideline since American soldiers would not allow us inside.

The Poseidon and the U.S P-3 Orion were seen on TV making fly-by as the Philippines Navy and its resupply mission civilian vessels carefully tread the water going to the ghost Navy ship - where our Marines were ensconced - in the Ayungin Shoal as Chinese military and militia ships harrassed them.

I googled “four jet engines of the United States military” and I saw at my screen the images of the C-17 Globemaster III, C-141 Starlifter and C-5A Galaxy giant cargo planes of the Yanks.

What was that huge long jet been doing in the airspace of Dagupan City today?

***

A pilot friend in the U S commented on my post at Face Book about the mysterious white plane that passed above our abode. He said it was owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA) of the Yanks.

I googled again and this was the excerpt of the news from the Philippines News Agency I saw:

"The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Tuesday a DC-8 aircraft of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) would fly at low altitude over the Manila urban area to study the air quality in the Philippines as part of an international collaboration.

"NASA’s Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) science mission will deploy the DC-8 aircraft targeting four flights between Feb. 5 and 14.

“The aircraft will fly over the Manila urban area at a safe, low altitude, without harm, to study the air quality in the Philippines as part of the international collaboration of NASA and the DENR,” the DENR said".

Capitol's Community Park Well Planned, Cutting of Trees OK'd by DENR

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —The Pangasinan Provincial Government stands firm that the establishment of the landmark Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain to be built at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex go through a technical and legal process.

On its groundbreaking on November 8, 2023, Governor Ramon V. Guico III said that the gigantic project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire that will spur economic growth and development  and define the vision of the present administration to make Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.

A product of thorough planning and deliberations of both the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government, along with multi-agencies concerned as well as grassroots leaders, the reflecting pool project, which is a historic first in the province, will define ‘meditation beyond aesthetics.’

Earlier, Gov. Guico stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something of cultural substance, a place where families can frolic on weekends,  inspire, engage, and make them nostalgic.

As described by Engr. Alvin Bigay, head of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Center, said the reflecting pool will be similar to that of The Mansion in Baguio City and the Taj Mahal in India, while the interactive fountain will have the same features as the dancing fountain in Vigan.

To kick off the project, the Capitol accomplished various requirements like the cutting of 64 trees of different species, which was done through the conduct of an ocular inspection and inventory of trees by the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (CENRO-DENR). A tree-cutting permit was approved by DENR on January 16, 2024. As a replacement for the trees that were cut, 3,200 seedlings will be planted in different areas.

Likewise, some 150,000 seedlings were planted by the provincial government under its “Pangasinan Green Canopy” program, which affirms the present administration’s commitment to protect and preserve the environment.

Prior to the issuance of the tree-cutting permit, DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage on August 9, 2023.

The certification serves as evidence of the absence of any environmental threat or risk during the implementation of the project.

In an interview, Mark Angelo A. Quilon, Engr. II, DPWH Region I said that tree cutting shall commence after the permit is granted based on several requirements, including public consultation and certification from affected barangays (Poblacion and Libsong) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).

In carrying out the project, the Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority Officer cited that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has likewise approved the proposal of the provincial government to relocate the MacArthur marker along with those war relics at the Veterans Park near the baywalk, which is said to be a “fitting tribute to the veterans” without losing its historical significance since it will be transferred near the Lingayen Gulf, where General Douglas MacArthur landed in 1945.

In a letter sent by Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, who chairs the NHCP, dated January 24, 2024, it was stated that “upon evaluation of the submitted revised plans, the NHCP hereby approves the proposed relocation of the World War II historical markers at the Lingayen beach front, which would provide better contextualization and appreciation of the 1945 Lingayen Gulf Landing.”

Also, the NHCP emphasized in the letter that they are amenable to the construction of a reflecting pool, which would stretch from the relocation site of the markers towards the north facade of the Provincial Capitol building.

Provincial Resolution No. 1057-2023 was crafted by the Pangasinan Provincial Board on December 11, 2023, favorably endorsing and interposing “no objection” to the redevelopment of the Provincial Capitol Complex. (PIO News)

Kasuhan ba si Pulong Duterte sa P51-B?

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Talo ni Davao City 1^st District Congressman Paulo “Pulong” Duterte ang mga budget sa Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippines Coast Guard, at modernization ng military kontra China.

Sa pinalabas na pahayag ni House Appropriation Committee Chair Elizaldy Co, si Polong ay merong allocation o pork barrel na tumataginting na P51 billion noong 2019 -2022 termino niya. Sa panahon na iyan ay Presidente ng Pinas ang Tatay Digong niya.

POLITICAL PATRONS. (From left and clockwise): Davao City 1^st District Rep. Paulo “Pulong” Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his first cousin House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Ito ay pinakamalaki na alokasyon na naibigay sa isang Kongressman magmula ng tayo ay magsimula sa Commonwealth Government noong 1935. Mas malaki ito ngayong taon sa P9.392.29 billion budget ng DAR,  P29, 420, 681, 000 sa Coast Guard at P40 billion sa Horizon -3 o last phase ng modernizasyon ng military para labanan ang mga paghihimasok ng China sa mga teritoryo natin.

Parti ng pera sa Coast Guard ay galing sa nabigong P650 million confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) ng kapatid niyang si Vice President at Department of Education Secretary Sara noong tangalan siya nina Speaker Romualdez ng CIF dahil umaangal ang taong bayan sa walang katuturang pagwaldas ng salapi ng bayan at banta sa ambisyon ni Romualdez na papalit sa pinsang buo niyang si President Bongbong Marcos.

Sa pagkakaalam ko karamihan sa 309 congressmen natin ay may P1 bilyon – P4 billion kada taon na alokasyon na nakalagay sa mga departamento gaya ng Public Works & Highway at Health kung saan sila ang maghahanap ng benipesaryo at of course favored contractor. Sanamagan! Wala sa lugar ang ganyang pagkaayos.  Ang trabaho nila dapat ay gumawa ng batas at hindi maghanap ng mga kontraktor at suppliers para sa kupit nila, este, sa mga constituents nila.

Ani Pulong sa kanyang website noong January 9:

“I also would like to inform all Dabawenyos, most especially in my district that the House leadership has taken out P2 billion for your NEP (National Expenditure Program) budget for the district and left only a measly P500 million to Dabawenyos this year. To all Congressmen ganging up on us, do not give me that kind of B.S because I will not starve to death if you take my budget away. Ang kawawa is yung mga Dabawenyo na bumuto kay PBBM”.

Umuusok sa  galit sa Cebuano si Polong sa prayer rally sa Davao City noong January 28:

“Pangitaon man tag fifty bilyon. Kami mga congressmen lobbyist man lang kami. “Ah Speaker, DPWH bi muhangyo ko bi coastal road akong tapuson kay gisugdan sa iyang tonto nga igsoon wa humana. Ginoo ko! (Hinahanapan ako ng P50 billion. Kaming mga congressmen lobbyist lang naman kami. “Ah Speaker, DPWH hihiling ako ng coastal road dahil tatapusin ko dahil inumpisahan ng loko na kapatid niya na hindi tinapos. Diyos ko!),” ani Pulong sabay banat kay PBA Partylist Margarita Nograles na pinagsusupetsahan niyang nagkakalat ng balita na binulsa niya ang bilyo-bilyones na pera.  Si Nograles ay sinasabi ng batang Duterte na tatakbo sa pagka mayor ng Davao City sa susunod na eleksiyon.

Ani dating Senator Antonio Trillanes na madaling masuri kung saan dinala ni Pulong ang P51 bilyon sa pamamagitan ng isang technical inspection at special audit ng Commission on Audit (CoA) sa mga flood controls, farm-to-market roads, at mga buildings projects niya.

“It’s so scandalous! Nanawagan ako sa CoA na mag-conduct kayo ng special audit at meron silang moto propio power kasi hindi naman kailangan e di-direct sila ng kung sino kasi independent sila per our Constitution. They investigate what they want to investigate”.

Sang ayon ako kay dating Senator Trillanes. Imbestigahan kaagad at kasuhan ng COA or sinuman na taxpayer sa Ombudsman ng Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices Act, Plunder o iba pa pag nakitaan ng probable cause si Cong. Pulong.

Kung napunta man iyan sa 45.5 kilometers P46.8 billion Davao City Coastal Bypass Road – gaya ng sinabi niya sa prayer rally - at above board naman ang transaction ng DPWH at mga contractors walang dapat ipag-alaala si Cong. Polong. Ingay at pulitika lang ang mga namutawi sa mga bibig nila Co at Trillanes.

Unlocking Love's Fortune: SM celebrates Luck in Love this February

 Love is in the air and SM Supermalls is turning February into a magical journey like no other! Experience the convergence of Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day at Luck in Love– a spectacular blend of traditions, festivities, and romantic moments that will sweep you off your feet with activities happening from February 1 to 29, 2024.

Luck in Love Feast

Indulge in the magic of togetherness as SM malls host the Luck in Love Feast. This event will bring people together over special food and dining deals because what better way to celebrate the Love Month and Chinese New Year than over a delicious meal?

Luck in Love Fair

SM malls will be transformed into a sea of red and lucky charms, creating a unique atmosphere that you won't want to miss. From traditional trinkets to modern interpretations, discover the perfect token for your special someone in these bazaars.

Spot Love at the Lucky Dragon Capture Instagrammable and TikTok-worthy moments with SM’s enchanting dragon installations adorned with hearts. It's the perfect backdrop to share your love story with the world. As February also marks the Chinese New Year, welcome prosperity and success at SM with these special activities: Lucky Forecast Explore the mysteries of the future with our "Lucky Forecast" showcasing Chinese zodiac predictions. Uncover what the stars have in store for your love life as you step into the year of the Dragon. Lucky Dance Be mesmerized by the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dancers parading through the mall, bringing good luck and positive energy to all. Join in the festivities and dance your way into a prosperous year ahead. Fireworks Display Prepare to be dazzled by a fireworks display in select SM malls, lighting up the night sky and adding an extra touch of enchantment to your celebrations. Free Feng Shui Consultation Curious about what the future holds? Participate in a free Feng Shui consultation in select malls. Register via the SM Malls Online app to unlock insights into the energy flow of your space and make positive changes for the year ahead. But of course, what’s February without some Valentine’s Day festivities? SM Supermalls will be sprinkling the love dust all over with these activities: Love Thrills Embark on a variety of bonding activities tailored for every couple. From movie dates and ice skating to Game Park and Sky Ranch adventures, find the perfect thrill to elevate your love story. Love Playlist Let the mall resonate with the sweet melodies of love. Enjoy couple serenades and performances that will fill the air with romance, turning your shopping experience into a musical love affair. Pets-in-Love Even our furry friends deserve a chance at love! Super Pets Club members can participate in a Twinning Costume Contest, pet blessings, and more. Share the love with your pets and celebrate their unique charm. February at SM Supermalls is not just a month but an experience, a journey through love, luck, and laughter. See what’s in store for you this month and unlock the fortune of love together and make this February one to remember. Gather your loved ones and don’t miss the "Luck in Love" festivities at your favorite SM mall!

Stay in the loop about all things SM. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Magka-Coup ba ang Away Duterte, Marcos?

 By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Palala' ng palala' ang pagtuligsa ni dating President Rodrigo Duterte sa kay President Bongbong Marcos. Pagkatapos niyang banatan si Marcos sa Anti –Charter Change Rally na ginanap noong January 28 sa Davao City, isang patutsada na naman ang binitawan niya sa ginanap na press briefing noong January 30:

“Sinasabi ko lang sa kanya huwag kayong pumasok diyan (amendment of the Constitution) kung hindi niya ituloy happy days are here again. Huwag lang iyan kasi hindi talaga puwede sa Pilipino iyan para kasi pampahaba nila e…makuntento ka na lang enjoy the remaining years of your presidency huwag ka na maghanap ng gulo baka ma Marcos, Sr. ka”.

Photo credit: Philippines Star

Kasama si former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, sinabi rin ng dating Pangulo ang plano nila na mag secede o maghiwalay sa Luzon ang Mindanao dahil winawaldas nila Speaker Martin Romualdez ang bilyung bilyong pera ng Mindanao sa Manila.

Sa January 28 rally, ito ang banat ng dating Pangulo kay Marcos, Jr.:

“Bongbong, bangag ‘yan. That’s why sinasabi ko sa inyo. Si Bongbong Marcos bangag noon. Ngayong presidente na, bangag ang ating presidente. Kayong mga military alam ninyo ‘yan, lalo na ‘yong mga nasa Malacañang, alam ninyo. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, alam ninyo. May drug addict tayo na presidente! Putang inang ‘yan!”

Sinagot naman siya ni Marcos bago ito lumipad patungong Vietnam na dapat ay alagaang mabuti ng kanyang doctor si Duterte dahil may masamang epekto ang matagal na niyang paggamit ng “Fentanyl” na isang highly addictive drug.

Ang peace rally noong January 28 ay tungkol sa di pag sang-ayon ng mga Dutertes sa People’s Initiative (P.I) sa planong pagpalit ng presidential to parlimentary form of government sa Constitution na sinusulong ni Romualdez – pinsang buo ni Marcos.

Pag parliamentary na ang Pinas, maging isang panaginip na lang ang pagiging President ni Inday Sara Duterte dahil si Romualdez na ang heir apparent ni Marcos.

Tinawagan pa ng dating Presidente ang militar at kapulisan – mga armadong organisasyon na lumubo ang mga sueldo sa panahon ni Duterte – na protektahan ang pag tsubibo ni Speaker Romualdez at mga Kongressmen sa Constitution.

Ang masabi ko lang sa away nila Marcos at Duterte: Mag isip ang mga men in uniform, ano mang coup d’tat na gagawin nila ay may katumbas na kontrang pagsugpo sa mga Amerikano na hindi papayag na basta na lang ibalik ang mga Duterte sa kapangyarihan dahil sila ay kilala na maka China.

 Ang South China Sea o ang West Philippines Sea ay napaka-halaga sa mga Kano dahil ito ay host ng $5.3 trillion worth na kalakal na binabiyahi kada taon. $1.2 trillion dito ay pera ng mga Amerkanong negosyante. Malaking dagok sa kanila ang alyansang Pinas at China pag bumalik ang mga Duterte.

Hindi lingid sa mga Amerkano ang nakakabinging katahimikan ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa mga paghihimasok ng Tsina sa mga islands at shoals natin gaya ng mga pagharas sa mga resupply missions sa ating mga Marines sa ghost ship na BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal.

Bukod diyan, ang isang military takeover ay magpapabagsak lalo sa ating kulelat na pambansang ekonomiya.

Tingnan niyo ang Vietnam kung saan magsusupply sa atin ng two million metric tons na bigas kada taon sa limang taon dahil sa pagbisita ni Pres. Marcos kamakailan doon. Dati rati isa siya sa napakahirap na bansa sa Southeast Asia. Pero ngayon siya na ang No. 2 na top exporter kung saan ang Singapore ay No. 1.

Ito ang 2022 data ng SeaAsia para mas lalong maintindihan ninyo kung sino ang pinakamayaman at dukha sa rehiyon na ito:

Singapore (No. 1 U.S$ 515, 077, 895, 000), Vietnam (No.2 U.S$ 469, 548, 577, 000), Malaysia (No.3 U.S$ 353, 149, 561, 000), Indonesia (No. 4 U.S$ 291, 979,103, 000), Thailand (No.5 U.S$ 284, 106, 705, 000), Philippines (No. 6 U.S$ 78, 929, 719, 000), Cambodia (No. 7 U.S$ 20, 575, 773, 000), Myanmar (former Burma) (No.8 U.S$ 17, 084, 513, 000) Brunei (No. 9 U.S$14, 238, 438, 000), Laos (No.10 U.S$9, 158, 998, 000).

Gusto ba natin na lalong bumagsak ang ranggo natin sa Southeast Asia  dahil sa isang coup at maging ka laos na natin ang Burma at Laos?

Kung isa kayong matalinong Pilipino, alam naman ninyo na itong hidwaan nina Duterte at Marcos ay nagsimula noong tinanggalan ng House of Representatives si Vice President at DepEd Secretary Sara ng P650 million confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) para sa year 2024.  Pina iexplika at pinababalik din sa kanya kung saan niya ginastos iyong illegal disbursement na P125 million CIF na binigay sa kanya noong December 2022. May mga asunto na na isinampa laban sa kanya dahil dito.

Isa pang pinagaalburuto ng matandang Duterte ay ang pagpapasok kuno ni Marcos sa International Criminal Courts (ICC) para imbestigahan siya at mga galamay niya sa kasong Crimes against Humanity kung saan mga 12, 000 (Human Righs Watch) Pilipino ang namatay sa kanyang Drug War noong siya’y Presidente pa.

Ano sa tingin ninyo mga kapatid, dahil ba sa bangayan na ito hahantong ba ito sa isang coup?

(Send comments to totomortz@yahoo.com)