Hole of Justice: I still care

Hole of Justice: I still care: Hole of Justice by Peter G. Jimenea I still care! It is now 18 months of further probing the involvement of Cong. Jerry Trenas...

I still care

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

I still care!

It is now 18 months of further probing the involvement of Cong.

Jerry Trenas in the Pavia Housing anomaly but Deputy Ombudsman

for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol is still groping in the dark for probable

cause against the former mayor.

The P137M taxpayers’ money for the construction of 413 low-cost

houses of the poor city hall employees was prostituted. Not even

a unit was completed. A case was filed in 2004 yet, but it seems to

disappear in the course of time. This is what got me so suspicious

about.

This housing project of the Iloilo City government was implemented

in 2001 under the administration of then Mayor Trenas, yet, it ended

a “white elephant” in 2009. On what misfortune for the taxpayers, the

contractor Alex Trinidad ran away with P64M in his pocket!

It all started when he was discovered to have been using substandard

materials in the construction, thus, the city council issued a unanimous

resolution urging the mayor to suspend the project and sue him. But

the mayor ignored them and continued paying the contractor’s billing

in millions.

Surprisingly, Deputy Ombudsman Apostol as of presstime, cannot find a

probable cause to indict the former mayor and elevate this case to the

Sandiganbayan. My goodness, the unauthorized payment of th mayor to

the contractor is already embraced in RA 3019!

Under Article 1191 of the Civil Code of the Philippines; The power to

rescind obligations is implied in reciprocal ones, in case one of the

obligors could not comply what is incumbent upon him. But what did

the mayor do to protect the taxpayers’ money?

He should have confiscated the surety bond posted by the contractor

as guarantee to finish the project he abandoned. Worse, despite the

residual imperfection their will was done. Culpa lata dolo a equiparatur –

gross negligence is equivalent to malice or intentional wrong. (Balatbat vs

CA, 261 SCRA 128).

Still, Apostol cannot find a probable cause to implicate former mayor

now Cong. Trenas to the messy project. Is Apostol trying to impress upon

us that there is a powerful person trying to influence his decision in this

case? Rumor mills are grinding overnight that it is Sen. Franklin Drilon.

I hope this is not true.

In Section 13, RA 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989, it provides that

the Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protector of the people shall act

promptly on complaints filed against officers or employees of the

government to promote its efficient service to the people.

Well, if there is no hidden hand that interferes with this case, deliberate

or not, the overdue delay of Apostol to resolve it in time has created a

bad impression that it is done in exchange for – you know what!

In the instant case, this runaround is misperceived as the best that money

can buy. For sure Apostol is not that old enough to overlook the sleeping

folder at his office. I hope his is not a probe in eternity.

This is not what we think the business of the Office of the Ombudsman-

Visayas in Iloilo City is all about. But the Housing Project in Pavia is already

a vital proof of its people’s neglect in attending cases. Just a reminder, in

case oblivion prevails….. see the title!

Hole of Justice: Hole ofJusticeBy PeterG. JimeneaWhere isChing?...

Hole of Justice: Hole ofJusticeBy PeterG. Jimenea


Where isChing?
...: Hole of Justice By Peter G. Jimenea Where is Ching? Christoper Ching, an employee of the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office (ICTO) has...

Hole of Justice: Hole ofJusticeBy PeterG. JimeneaWhere isChing?...

Hole of Justice: Hole ofJusticeBy PeterG. Jimenea


Where isChing?
...: Hole of Justice By Peter G. Jimenea Where is Ching? Christoper Ching, an employee of the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office (ICTO) has...

Hole of Justice

By Peter G. Jimenea

Where is Ching?

Christoper Ching, an employee of the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office (ICTO) has been missing since the first quarter of 2010. He disappeared just after the surprised audit conducted by COA at his office.

COA personnel audited the ICTO due to complaints of city hall employees about their delayed salaries. The result revealed that Ching has incurred a P2.3M shortage in his cash possession.

The compounding problem is that another P25M was discovered missing in the ICTO coffers. Ching disappeared after the audit leaving us groping in the dark for an answer why and how the shortage happened.

Soon rumors from the ICTO started to grind that the amount embezzled by him is not only P2.3M but P27.3M In short, the missing P25M was charged also to his account by ICTO officials.

But the rumors spreading at the old City Hall were disputed by complaining employees. They claimed the P25M is not missing. Somebody being closed to the king had been using the money for personal gains.

Evil they can only be. The P25M cash is used to buy the pending salaries of poor employees. Those in dire need of cash are forced to sell their pay slip to the city hall vultures at a discounted rate. This is what the earlier claim hinted at.

Yet, the undesirable underling being tapped by the mastermind to run this God forbidden business has also a stink in her closet. She is publicly known in the palace as the power-pilfering queen. PECO has her bad record.

But God is good. COA invaded the ICTO without prior notice. The surprise raid of COA resulted to the discovery not only of the P2.3M cash shortage of Ching but also of another missing P25M in the ICTO coffers!

If we take a careful look at the records of the city government, it can drive an honest city employee to the brink of insanity. It seems that top city hall officials had been affected by RA 3019 disease . Lowly ICTO employees are most sorely tempted to steal but don’t.

The deliberately delay of employees salaries has been going on for years, yet, then Mayor Jerry Trenas was so silent about it. Anyway, he has that right to remain silent. In fact, who would kill a duck that lays golden eggs?

I can only pity Ching for his acquiescence to the advice of ICTO crooks and his boss to hide to save face. He did not save himself by running away from responsibility. What he spared is the integrity of the mastermind. Now, his P2.3M shortage has instantly increased to P27.3M because of his stupidity.

He played an actor in a role he cannot fully understand. He failed to notice that it took eight-years for the suspect mastermind to master the OPM, an art of making money by using “other people’s mind.”

Had Ching stayed to tell the truth, he could have been exonerated from this unwanted mess. He forgot that vigilante prospiciunt jura -the law protects him who is watchful of his rights. (Salao vs. Salao, 70 SCRA 65).

What happened now to the P27.3M taxpayers’ money? We heard no case was filed against Ching. Well, God knows, culpa lata dolo a equiparatur – gross negligence is equivalent to malice or intentional wrong. But where is Ching?

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints: Hole of Justice by Peter G. Jimenea The PNP Neophytes at Checkpoints Critics cannot say this space has never been a friendly place fo...

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints: Hole of Justice by Peter G. Jimenea The PNP Neophytes at Checkpoints Critics cannot say this space has never been a friendly place fo...

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints

Hole of Justice: The Neophytes at Checkpoints: Hole of Justice by Peter G. Jimenea The PNP Neophytes at Checkpoints Critics cannot say this space has never been a friendly place fo...

The Neophytes at Checkpoints

Hole of Justice
by Peter G. Jimenea


The PNP Neophytes at Checkpoints


Critics cannot say this space has never been a friendly place for the police. They should know that I am very supportive of the programs of RD C/Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. and other high ranking officers of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) at Camp Delgado, Iloilo City.


I see their sincerity in cleaning up the command of scalawags in service. But sometimes due to workload, he and other top rank officers of the PRO6 may have neglected to monitor the activities of their uniformed personnel at checkpoints.


The idea of putting up police checkpoints in different areas of the city is good for peace-loving citizens. It intimidates the bad elements of society more so on motorcycle riders in tandem who are about to commit crimes.


But motorcycle riders are not third-class citizens that deserved disrespect from young police officers. My personal account on disdainful police manners at checkpoints on March 31, 2012 is another story that won’t go away.

The first incident took place in front of the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City. I went out to buy fish from roving-vendors gathered at the nearby store for their cups of coffee when this new experience happened.


It was about five o’clock in the morning when I was stopped by a young police officer at a checkpoint, waving his hand as signal for me to park the vehicle at the roadside. Thereafter, he inspected my motorcycle’s plate.


With a sticker pasted on it, he knew the vehicle is registered. He then approached me and asked for my driving license in a commanding voice; “Your license.” What is somewhat missing in the empty life of this boy in police uniform is his GMRC - good manners and right conduct!


He even forgot to use the words of a gentleman such as; “May I,” “Can I,” or “Please” in asking for driver’s license he wanted to see. Even a “good morning” is stranger to him. He doesn’t have the faintest idea that as a taxpayer, I contribute a part of his salary, payments for house-bills and food for the family!


On what misfortune, I was again treated with the same bad manners and wrong conduct of police officers manning the UPV-Iloilo checkpoint in the evening of March 31, 2012. Except for a policewoman issuing PRO6 stickers, the checkpoint seems to have been overrun by rascals who knew nothing about GMRC. On how did they enter the police service the “Neuro” chief of PRO6 may have something to say about this!


There are motorcycles in the city that cost millions, more than some four-wheeled-vehicles but the rider-owners are simple people. On why neophyte-members of the PNP at checkpoints have less respect to motorcycle riders, perhaps there is a need for them to undergo a new training!


Look, ill-mannered young police officers at the checkpoints when talking to SUV vehicle-owners, looked like polite boys in school uniform. They can correctly speak “good evening po, sorry for the inconvenience but this is for your own good.” Walanghiya talaga, madrama pa!


This is not what we think the police business of neophytes in service is all about. Perhaps, for RD C/Supt. Querol to deliver the spanking they deserved for being stupid, is the best cure for disrespect and misbehavior!


I hope this serves as another lesson to young police officers at checkpoints who lack GMRC. The single motorcycle drivers are taxpayers too. Do not destroy their high-esteem to the PNP uniform you are so proud of, or else, they will tend to respect more the other party – which is not good for you and me!

The Church on RHB

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

They fear the RHB

The Reproductive Health Bill (RHB) is still pending due to the intercession of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and supporters. They boldly trumpeted their stiff opposition to the Bill from the Church's pulpit and beyond - to Congress they cannot command.

They are against the use of condoms and oral contraceptives when this is only to prevent an unwanted pregnancy among women. This prevention is not abortion as what Church leaders' claim hinted at. For how can we indict one accused of killing lifeless matters?


Church leaders failed to realize that the calendar method or menstrual period of family planning does not sit well in slum areas. Thus, we need the RHB to curb the fast-growing population that widens the disparity in numbers of the rich and the predominant poor citizens of the country.


The government is having a hard time in providing education, health care and other services to its poor inhabitants. So what's in store for the poor families at the countryside and slum areas with five children and counting? Surely, they will only become future problem of the government.


We are the only country in Asia with majority Christians population. Like the US which is ready to protect Israel from aggression of Muslim and Arab neighbors, the Vatican is also keen on preserving its interest in the only Catholic controlled turf in Asia - the Philippines.


But why did Catholic Church leaders nitpick too much on the State's affair when their own backyards are in shambles? Are they playing deaf and blind to the scattered dirt of their peers? Is it only vested interest that counts most for the Church? If so, no wonder why most of the countries under the Catholic Church domain are poor.


I believe to have found some answers to these questions from two priests who guested in our television talk-show few years ago. When asked if they also give share of Church income to the Vatican, they said yes, unfortunately no disclosure as to percentage.


Since this country was occupied by the Spaniards, under duress they slowly converted the natives into loyal devotees of the Church. The rich soon began to donate vast hectares of lands to the Church aside from money and other material things.


The overriding objective of colonization is the overt doctrine by the Church to natives on the salvation of their souls. But the covert undertaking is for profit regardless of the country's economic destruction. During the advent of the 20's devotees willfully donate tithing during the mass. At this instance, let us consider a peso donation per person.


If the attendance of devotees every Sunday in the whole country is 30 million, four Sundays a month is 120M parishioners. At one peso each, the Church gets P120M collection. Even if the Vatican gets only 10% share, from the Churches' income, it is already P12M per month and twelve million is twelve million.


But the Vatican won't accept peso in Church remittances unless converted into internationally negotiable currency or US dollar (which dictates our economy). In the process the Vatican continues to siphone our dollar reserves monthly, bleeding us for years.


We are only confined here on Church income from Sunday masses excluding the collection from baptismal, wedding and other special Church services. As a matter of fact, we were told by folks during our younger days that the souls of our dead can never go to heaven without a ticket from the Church - for a fee!


The RHB does not only dwell on population control which probably, has irked the Catholic Church leaders who believe that more birth of parishioners is more income. They were unable to figure out how beneficial is the RHB to parents and women of the majority poor families of this country today.


Its provisions about responsible parenthood and the limit in number of children by a family maybe a lowest cost-program of the government but its priceless-legacy will remain useful from generation to generation. Pragmatism and common sense dictate that sometimes we have to set-aside the debatable views we all share to give way to valuable matters of public concern and general welfare.

A Song for Monalisa

 

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

A song for Monalisa

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is actually the one referred hereto as Monalisa, a song based on a legendary painting of a beautiful lady admired by hundreds of men who brought their dreams at her doorstep, each hoping to be the lucky guy.

It was a misfortune for those hundred of dreams lying there at the doorstep of Monalisa as they only die there without getting a sort of attention. The story of Monalisa resembles that of Omb. Gutierrez, whose office has recorded plenty of graft cases received but most may have died unattended/

We also have our own story of this mess in the Iloilo City Low-Cost Housing Project at Pavia, Iloilo. It started in 2001 with a P120M for 413 units of houses intended for City Hall lowly employees. Unfortunately, it ended a “white elephant” in 2009, before Mayor Trenas stepped down without even a unit completely built.

A case was filed with the Ombudsman Office against the then mayor and few city officials about six years ago. But it just slept there without any result to date. This is what got us so disgusted about!

An employee at the office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, claim that Monalisa... ehe, este Omb. Gutierrez took the case folder of that Housing Scam on the premise that she will review it personally. True, that was a review-in-eternity as she and Mayor Trenas are said to be classmates in the Ateneo Law School a decade ago!

Omb. Gutierrez, has also that strong personality and fighting spirit. Even her mere signature is feared by local officials who are required by law to file statements of assets and liabilities. Her arrogance, too, is noted during the Senate hearing on the (sweetheart?) deal entered into by her office with AFP Gen. Carlos Garcia over the latter's plunder case.

But not until recently when she met a legislator from Barotac Viejo of the Fifth District of Iloilo. He is Cong. Niel “Junjun” Tupas, Jr. Look, even before the hearing starts for her impeachment , Monalisa is already badly beaten by her looks. Her will to fight is there but the spirit is nowhere!

Why? The Supreme Court (SC) in a majority voting of 7-5 junks the petition of Omb. Gutierrez seeking to declare unconstitutional the impeachment proceeding against her by the justice committee of the Lower House chaired by Cong. Tupas, Jr.

Her petition claimed that the House Justice Committee's decision to simultaneously take up two impeachment complaints filed separately by leftist and civil society groups against her, violated a constitutional provision that bans the filing of more than one impeachment case against a public official within a year.


Party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros, rebel officer Danilo Lim and the parents of the late Ensign Phillip Pestano, filed the first complaint on July 22, 2010, for her failure to correctly decide on the cases of the ZTE deal with the Arroyo administration


On Aug. 3, 2010, Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr. also filed a complaint against Omb. Gutierrez over her failure to go after Jocjoc Bolante and other people behind the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.


Beleaguered, Omb. Gutierrez may have thought of finding an ally in Mr. Midas Marquez, the SC spokesman. But she was badly disillusioned because Midas, her supposed ally, has a Midas touch in reverse - the decision did not turn into gold but a disgrace!


Marquez said that in its review, the high court found that the House justice committee did not infringe on the Constitution because the two complaints against Omb. Gutierrez were referred to it “at the same time.”


Majority of the Justices in this case said that although there were two complaints referred to it, the House Committee on Justice was only working on one impeachment proceeding by citing the first case. This sends a strong signal that her end is near.


Omb. Monalisa...ehe, este Gutierrez' impeachment is inevitable. So if I may suggest, the song “My Way” should be her marching theme on the way out. True, friends are tested by adversity. Now the tragedy is not to go - but having no one to remember you!

Who robbed Nilo Sazon?

Hole of Justice
by Peter G. Jimenea

Who robbed Nilo Sazon?

The Ilonggos cannot stomach this grabbing by shameless individual of the credit due to Nilo Sazon, the man who reformed from being a Capone of his time, to make good the promise of doing something valuable in his remaining years for the people to remember him.

Sazon has bagged different national awards for the clean-up of the Iloilo River together with his volunteers from the Coast Guard Auxilliary group. He has also received other awards from Malacañang that an observant city environmentalist even quipped; "What more a legacy can we ask from this man?"

But if we look at that gigantic taurpalin erected on the roadside going to the Iloilo airport, one can easily glean the robbing of credit from this man and the volunteer members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxillary who rightfully deserved the honor.

The billboard has the smiling pictures of Cong. Jerry Trenas and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of Iloilo City. Perhaps, those smiles to the ears are for their livelihood program including the clean-up of the Iloilo River (kuno) which earned them an award from an international body we have yet to identify.

It was ten years ago when this writer met Sazon at the promenade, a small drinking place along the streetside across Gaisano City, in La Paz District, Iloilo City. The man disclosed his plan to do something good for the city and for the Ilonggos to be remembered. In short, - a legacy.

Looking at the garbage floating on the river, he smiled and I know something is in his mind. When he told me, I acquiesced with his plan to initiate the cleaning of the Iloilo River described by Mr. Pistong, as the biggest septic tank in Asia.

Sazon started this program by building a small bamboo raft for use in gathering the floating debris. Months later I saw him with fellow volunteers from the Coast Guard Auxillary, personally cruising the river, collecting floating debris like plastics, styrofoam and many other.

Knowing the small bamboo raft cannot accommodate the pile, they built a bigger one. The garbage collected on the raft are brought under the bridge approaching the Marina Restaurant of Ross Gorriceta, and down there, wait for the city-hired garbage truck to pick up the pile for Calajunan dumpsite.

I aired this work of Coast Guard volunteers over my cable tv program during Saturdays. Sometimes, I invite them to guests in my talk show to tell the people about their valuable undertaking that appeals for public cooperation.

By keeping the public posted about the ongoing clean up drive being done by the Coastguard Auxilliary group, we eventually noticed the developing willingness of the people to cooperate in this task initiated by Sazon and Co.

Iloilo City Councilor Ely Estante also contributed his share. He went to Manila with this writer (thanks to Dept. of Fisheries Dir. Sonia Seville), to study what should be done for marginal fishermen who will be affected in case the clean-up drive of the Iloilo river starts.

When Kgd. Estante's resolution was approved for the clearing of the river from constructed fishpens and other bamboo-built structures, Sazon bought a motorized rubber boat (courtesy of his daughter abroad). The boat tugs the big bamboo raft with debris to the riverbank which hastens the work of his volunteers.

Today, though not yet completely done, we can see the beauty of the Iloilo River free from floating eyesores. Sad to say, it also opened the desire of opportunists wanting to share the credit they don't deserved. They even plan to erect structures praising themselves as the advocates of the successful undertaking.

We cannot blame the people who want to share the credit for this success. But they should have started it ten years ago from the basis of their affordability. Perhaps, they just want to share a joyride in this success now to make money.

Well, let's give them the privilege to lie. Anyway lies cost nothing. But we cannot allow them to get closer legalizing their racket by using the now beautiful Iloilo River in putting up a foundation or the like without the people getting wind of it.

It's true, God sometimes joke on us. Imagine, we ask only for a “world class river” to brag about but He includes the “world class liars” we have to deal with. Well, that makes our day, but as to these liars identity, your guess is as good as mine!

On wisdom of the Court

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

After fifteen long-years, the Supreme Court acquitted Hubert Webb and six other convicts jailed for the grisly 1991 Vizconde massacre. The Court thrashed the testimony of prosecution star witness Jessica Alfaro as “inconsistent and unbelievable.”

In a voting of 7-4-4, the Court acquitted Webb, Antonio Lejano, Michael Gatchalian, Hospicio Fernandez, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada and Gerardo Biong “for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the RTC dated Dec. 15, 2005, and the resolution dated Jan. 26, 2007, of the Court of Appeals and ordered the immediate release from detention of Webb et al. unless they are confined for another lawful cause.

Article VIII, Section 15 (1) of the Constitution directs: All cases or matters filed after the effectivity of this Constitution must be decided or resolved within twenty-four months from the date of submission for the Supreme Court, and, unless reduced by the Supreme Court, twelve months for all lower collegiate courts, and three months for all other lower courts. (610 SCRA 334).

Then why did it take that long for the SC Justices to read in detail the inconsistencies in Alfaro's testimony as their claim pointed out? Convicts who had been released from the National Bilibid Prison cannot believe the sudden acquittal of Webb et. al, is based on the reversal of the guilty to not guilty findings of the SC.

Convicts I interviewed claim they never heard of inmates imprisoned for 15 years or more who were released from prison due to reversal of sentence from guilty to not guilty. As disclosed, the probable reason for an inmate's release ahead of his term is by commutation of sentence.

Others were released from prison not on the reversal of a guilty findings of the SC which review their cases but because of their good behavior. In which case, prison officials recommend them for parole or pardon.

Had there been report of any late-arrest of suspects that can be attributed to the massacre, it will surely cushion the negative impact of this SC reversal of verdict to the public. Now they only added this celebrated case to the list of unsolved crimes in Philippine history.

Worse is the entailed statement of the Court in its decision to acquit the seven accused. It says; “In our criminal justice system, what is important is, not whether the court entertains about the innocence of the accused since an open mind is willing to explore all possibilities, but whether it entertains a reasonable lingering doubt as to his guilt.”

Jurisprudence tells us that a question of law exists when the doubt or controversy concerns the correct application of law to a certain set of facts; or when the issue does not call for an examination of the probative value of the evidence presented, the truth or falsehood of the facts being admitted.

There is also a question of fact when a doubt or difference arises as to the truth or falsehood of facts or when the query invites calibration of the whole evidence considering mainly the credibility of the witnesses, the existence and relevancy of specific surrounding circumstances, as well as their relation to each other and to the whole, and the probability of the situation.

The credibility of the witness and her testimony have been dealt with accordingly and calibrated by the lower court during the niceties of the trial, of which the CA eventually upheld. Sad to say but these were reversed by the SC on mere technicality.

Due to the still existing procedural questions relative to this case, it creates an impression without affirming the perception that this long-delayed decision of the SC of acquitting Hubert Webb et. al, is in exchange for - you know what!

So, who murdered Estrellita Vizconde and her daughters, Jennifer, 7 and Carmela, 18, who was raped before being stabbed to death? If the murderers are still at-large they could be smiling to the ears by now. For Lauro Vizconde, this wisdom of the SC Justices is another tragedy as he is becoming now their last casualty!

I don't like him either!

The Office of Monalisa

Peter G. Jimenea, Hole of Justice

This old song Monalisa is dedicated to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez: Monalisa, Monalisa men have named you. You're so like a lady with a mystic smile. Is it only cause you're lonely men have blamed you, for that Monalisa's strangeness in your smile. Do you smile to tempt a lover Monalisa. Or is it the way to hide your broken heart. Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep, they just lie there and they die there. Are you warm, are you real Monalisa, or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art.”

Ombudsman Gutierrez occupies one of the most powerful offices in the government of the Republic of the Philippines. She is blamed by many people for dereliction of duty yet, idolized by corrupt public officials for her tolerance of their cases sleeping at her office.

She posed now a big challenge to President Noynoy Aquino's battlecry; Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap. As reported, a number of officials with long-overdue cases at her office were allies or have strong connection with former Pres. Gloria Arroyo.

In Iloilo City, the 413 units of Low-Cost Housing Project of the city government for lowly employees in 2001, resulted into a white elephant. The project that cost P130 million pesos has no single unit completely built. This is official corruption of the highest Order!

This P130M project is under the stewardship of then mayor now Congressman Jerry Trenas of Iloilo City. Despite the payment of P62.5M received by the contractor and the P24.7M in loan interest paid to the bank, the housing project that started in 2001 was abandoned and totally deteriorated.

Mr. President, this expose' is what got the public so irate about. Lowly employees are most sorely tempted to steal but don't. Yet here are some officials with temerity to pounce on government coffers for every chance they get, what a shame.

This violation of graft and corrupt practices act was already filed against the former mayor and some people linked to this mess over eight years ago. On why the charge-sheets are still out there sleeping at the Ombudsman's Office, only God knows.

But Trenas is already a congressman and still we heard nothing about his case. It is also widely believed that he is now under the umbrella of Senator Franklin Drilon who convinced him to jump ship from the Nacionalista to the Liberal Party, three or four days before election.

This alliance of Cong. Trenas with Sen. Drilon has created an impression without affirming the perception that this scandal involving millions of taxpayers money will eventually disappear in the course of time.

Only the intervention of Congress and the president can reinvigorate our dwindling trust in the office of Monalisa ehe...este, Merceditas Gutierrez. What's more, we had already enough stories of her irresoluteness in performance of duty as Ombudsman.

For that, this Pavia Housing scam and hundred other unresolved cases at her office, are misconstrued to have been buried in exchange for ...... you know what. As the song Monalisa goes, they just lie there and they die there!

She might have that large propensity to watch macho-male like Gen. Carlos Garcia, and Gen. Angelo Reyas AFP former Chief of Staff kneeling before her asking mercy for the mess they're in. It may be true as what is somewhat missing in the empty lives of these people is to die with dignity!

Going back to our story, the P90M wastage of city government fund to that Pavia Housing Scam is P90M of the taxpayers' money. The amount is already a vital proof by which I judge the former city chief executive and now Cong. Jerry Trenas as the most despised mayor Iloilo City ever had.

It is widely believed that the number of unresolved cases at the office of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez are already enough to justify the change of name of The Office of the Ombudsman to....... see the title!

The cost of finding the truth

Peter G. Jimenea, Hole of Justice

After the long verbal tussle between the pros and cons of the Reproductive Health Bill, it eventually hurdled the first barrier at the Lower House of Congress. But the leaders of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) vowed to continue the fight against it.

They failed to notice the diminishing support of the people in this Church battle against the Bill. CBCP leaders even ignored the news about the two women who challenged the Church to excommunicate them for their open support to the RH Bill.

The reports of exodus by women devotees who transferred to other religious groups of similar faith, become a cause for alarm. Why did these people leave their Church to join the smaller group of the same believers?

If we look back to history of parish priests under the Catholic Church, they depend mainly on support of parishioners. This could be the reason why they opposed the Bill as its population control provision would eventually redound to Church lose of big income if enacted into law.

Church leaders are concerned only about income without taking into consideration the government side especially its problem on how to provide the basic needs of the fast growing population of poor families. This is easily gleaned on the widening gap of economic disparity between the rich and the poor.


Ordinary government employee cannot provide the proper education needed by all his five children unless he steals. What about the unemployed? This is without yet the idea whether the jobless parents has afforded the family its three regular meals a day.

What's more for people in squatter areas with five children and still counting? If only twenty percent of their children finished high school and only one can have a step in first year or second year college, what's in store for them? Aren't the others endangered to become notorious criminals of the future?

This only shows that birth control by calendar method doesn't sit well in slum areas. If birth control pills and condoms are bad for the Church, then what about abortion which seems today as the logical solution for unwed and unprepared young mothers-to-be?

If Church leaders has only showed sincere concern to the life of poor families in this country, their flocks will remain loyal to them. Even without too much nitpicking on the State's affair, their income can still be derived from wealthy donors, special mass, wedding ceremonies and many others.

But why are they against this plan of the government when it protects the lives of pregnant women, helps maintain the peace and order situation and improve the life of the people including their flocks? The RH Bill does not solely dwell on the use of birth control pills and condoms.

It teaches responsible parenthood and to that effect, includes the limit in number of children by a family. This is true as it concerns on how parents can provide the children the needed education based on their income, for the kids to become useful citizens of tomorrow.

Today, many young pregnant-women failed to undergo a pre-natal check up and other child health-care preparation due to financial constraint. But recent international report claims that one in three pregnant women in Asia died during pregnancy or while giving birth to a child.

This is a cause for alarm that Church leaders must take into consideration. They should now ask themselves on why abortion are so rampant and why this illegal business proliferate. Maybe they are against the RH Bill for the sake of opposition without looking into the benefits of women in particular and to all citizens in general.

A great number of women-devotees are now moving away from their divine faith in Catholic Church due to their opposing views about the Bill. Church leaders has failed to notice that since the EDSA revolution, their flocks who had been loyal to them are now slowly moving away due to difference in opinion about the RHB.

The CBCP should know that it is only for them and their group that what they did was good. They don't have the faintest idea that the Church is now losing in this battle.

True, divisiveness is the cost of finding the truth. The great number of Catholic flocks are now in exodus. Most have realized that the prize at stake in this battle - is unworthy of the war they are fighting for!

Excommunicate me!

Peter G. Jimenea, Hole of Justice

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is openly opposed to the Reproductive Health Bill (RHB) now under deliberation in the Senate. I find no fault in this except, their propensity to nitpick with the State affairs when their own backyards are in shambles.

Before the May 2010 elections, they threatened the legislators supporting the RH Bill with rejection of votes. Now they are also threatening Pres. Noynoy Aquino with impeachment if he will support the RH Bill. But in Church, they taught us that Jesus Christ has never threatened with retributions the Roman soldiers who persecuted Him.

It is widely believe that parish priests of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines survive through the support of devoted-parishioners. So perhaps, they fear the lose of income from these flocks once the population control is enacted into law.

This holds true to their big income from baptismal, wealthy donors, special masses, wedding ceremonies and many others. During our younger days, we were told that no dead members of the family can go to heaven without the blessing of the church - for a fee!

But if we concede with the whims of our faithful devotees, how could this struggling government contain the fast growing population? It cannot even provide the basic needs of million poor families in the squatter areas. What's in store for these people who are mostly unemployed?

The best credential in job hunting today is not what you know but whom you know. Children of well-off families easily landed a job after graduation. Majority are hired not on personal capability but on political expediency. This is what got the poor so hopeless about!

Not only that. Today, many young-mothers died due to lack of proper education about early pregnancy. Church leaders must also ponder why abortion are rampant today. More so about abandoned fetus almost everywhere.

This only shows that birth control by calendar method is not working well in slum areas. If the birth control pills and condoms are bad for the Church, what about abortion which now seems the most logical solution for unprepared young mothers-to-be?

Timendi causa est nescire – ignorance is the cause of fear. This could be the reason on why women with understanding of RHB are emboldened to challenge the Church to excommunicate them. This is a cause for alarm as it can propel more exodus from women devotees of the Catholic Church.

The RH Bill is not strictly confined in birth control or family planning like the use of condom and pills. It provides helpful information on how to raise a child, maintain a good family, and many other helpful tips for a responsible parenthood.

Church leaders must also look for a better solution other than going against the Bill. The population explosion is inevitable. They government had provided our Church leaders with a lot of opportunity to lobby in Congress for the amendment of the Bill before it's enactment into law. They should make use of it.

Lot of devotees are now moving away from their divine faith in Catholic Church due to difference in opinion regarding the RH Bill. Church leaders may have their own interpretation of the law but it may be at odds with the gutsy young women of the new generation.

They should work hand in hand with the government for best result. An argument aimed to sway popular support by appealing to sentiment weakness rather than facts and reasons would only end in a miserable compromise. A lop-sided stand on this issue can propel more women to challenge the Church and say ........see the title!

The Barbecue Park

Peter G. Jimenea, Hole of Justice

Pres. Noynoy Aquino should take note of the recent spat between Roy Fanunal, a restaurant owner with establishment alongside the Iloilo river bank, and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. This is a step forward for the latter's sincere desire to clear the river banks with eyesores.

It is the restoration of the once clean and beautiful Iloilo River in the name of environment protection. But by skipping the Barbecue Park, a restaurant owned by a Chinese which is just across the street and even occupying more space of the river bank, connotes a selective approach to prosecution.

Mayor Mabilog could start up from that Chinese eatery which over the years had been the cause of public consternation for its continued expansion along the riverside. But if city officials cannot stop the guy when he was still a private citizen, how much more today that he is now a city councilor?

Perhaps brilliant city councilor-lawyers like Plaridel Nava, Joshua Alim and Leonel Geroche with smooth mastery of the law can cite to us the persuasive reasons on why Mayor Mabilog's persecution of Fanunal and protecting Councilor Yee is the right thing to do.

If ever the mayor feels that by doing so there is a violation of inter-parliamentary courtesy, they can go back to the constitutional principle of separation of powers in this case. There are counter arguments against this order as a matter of course but meantime, they must set aside the good views of the mayor they refuse to share.

Should Mayor Mabilog dish out the usual line of his predecessor that we'll study it first or we will deal on that later, it is a glaring proof of camaraderie that goes with the saying, what are we in power for? But victims know they only overtly professed what they covertly undertake from the public's irreverent gaze.

The high-profile campaign of Mabilog to get rid of nuisance and eyesores at the river banks only shows a working-mayor far different from his predecessor who has done nothing but confined on studying the problem that comes into his office.

We just hope that as Mayor Mabilog now eagerly waded into the areas of private life and private enterprise, there will be more enthusiasm than embarrassment as his aggressive tactics and public performance connotes a high level of hostility.

His sudden intervention to stop the ongoing filling up of the area around the establishment of Fanunal beneath the river showed us the determination of a local executive to protect the environment which no government official has boldly did before.

Mayor Mabilog's sincere sentiment and determination to restore the beauty and the once cleanliness of the Iloilo River is sending us a strong signal that he is bound to preserve the city government property and it should stay with the government and not handed to businessmen.

Thus, the trouble between him and businessman Fanunal, so far has shown that he is a man – hinting a grim possibility of a secret compromise in exchange for you know what, otherwise, the only ones who get screwed in the end are the Ilonggos as usual.

Sad to say, his attention is centered only on the establishment of Fanunal, skipping the Barbecue Park of Councilor Yee. The controversy of this Barbecue Park that has consumed the city for years, was as it turned out, not good for other businessmen and to the Ilonggos as well.

This is not what we think how mayor should dispense justice. By ruling out the business establishment of Councilor Yee from the others who have committed the same violation is a selective approach to prosecution. To skip Barbecue Park from those to be demolished, instead of using it as an example to obviate consequences, is designing his own downfall.

The mayor should know that the media is behind him in this war against the unscrupulous businessmen whose establishments are encroaching the Iloilo River banks. Despite his harsh words against the press people, the latter forgive him and even join this cause as they are certain the prize at stake in this war is worthy of the battle they are fighting for!

Your honor for such commitment is per bene meritus, very well deserved. But keep your cool because a despot rule is not at all times tolerated by the Ilonggos and si ves pacem, para bellum – if you want peace, be prepared for war!

The pretty-bad sides of Dinagyang 2011

Peter G. Jimenea, Hole of Justice

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is now an institution. But the organizers and city public officials who deserved credit for the success must also take note of its pretty-bad aftermath to obviate criticism that can taint the face of success of this celebration.

Before the good and bad sides of this story, let's look back to history of this affair that started in 1971. It is named Ati-atihan in honor of Senior Sto. Nino, by the parish priest of San Jose Church at Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City.

Big shipping lines with offices in the city like the Negros Navigation, Compania Maritima (which lost a warrior), Go Thong, and many others, together with local business establishments, joined the affair by sponsoring a tribe-of-choice participating in the contest

As far as I can recall during the festival, aside from the Mardigras, Ati-atihan tribes alone is more than 30, sporting different costumes, marching on the streets with the sound of drumbeats towards the finish line until 3:00 oclock pm.

Nearby municipalities like Guimbal also sent tribes to join the festival. The province of Antique which doesn't want to be left behind has also its Binirayan Tribe in queue with others contestants participating in the affair.

In 1988, however, the Ati-atihan was renamed Dinagyang Festival by the late Pacifico Sudario, also a journalist by profession. The festival continue to develop in honor of Senior Sto. Nino until it became one of tourists attractions in this country.

But not until corruption hit the officials managing the affair for non-accounting of expenses for years due to lack of documents or no document at all. To get out of the mess, the previous administration renamed the Festival into a Foundation Inc. The same dog of different collar, that's it!

Now let's go to the good side of the story (bankrolled by druglords?) under the administration of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and the Foundation under a new Pres. Ramon Cua Locsin. Together with all city officials, they mustered an unprecedented number of local and foreign tourists during the festival. For that, let's give them the credit due.

Congratulations to Mayor Mabilog, Cong. Jerry Trenas, Pres. Cua Locsin, City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena, the SP members and the rest of good Ilonggos who took part in preparation of the successful festival.

Also to Gov. Arthur Defensor, the Prov'l. Board Members, the municipal mayors and town officials who took part in the celebration, and to all LGUs and NGOs that has extended support for the success of the affair.

We salute PRO6 Director, C/Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. for the commendable performance of the PNP in preserving peace and order during the entire celebration. We extend this credit to Prov'l. Dir. Gil Leben, ICPO Dir. Marietto Valerio and to all members of the police force who assisted us during the festival.

Also to PDEA Reg'l. Dir. Paul Ledesma for his group efforts to contain the flow of illegal drugs before, during and after the celebration. This is evident by the good behavior of drug addicts who participated in the festival..

The only bad side of this story is the stinks of human-urine at the central site of the festivities. This is easily smelled by people after the celebration ended. This is the same problem that we have left behind unattended in 1971.

This is an agonizing problem of the Iloilo resorts and restaurants association members with food-stalls in the main streets of the city. They had been appealing to our city officials to put up a proper public urinal system during the festivity, yet, nothing happened to date.

The people are wondering if our city officials are interested only in money as no public urinal was constructed in preparation for the affair. This problem of 1971 is still our irritant problem today. Our city officials must do something to get rid of this mess before the Dinagyang 2012 comes.

If the stink of human urine remains a problem-in-eternity, the growing public scorn against our city government officials for dereliction of duty may eventually redound to a scroll that forms the basis of their blasphemy!.