By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance or Bayan) in its website said that around 12 representatives from suspected government backed partylists are expected to be allies of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she assumes congressional seat.

According to Bayan, Arroyo is to be backed by the said 12 representatives once she will be seated as representative of Pampanga in the house of Congress. Bayan said the law requires the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to have the reserved seats for the partylit system be filled up.

Bayan Secretary General Renato M. Reyes Jr. said the campaign against pro-Arroyo partylists groups somehow lessened the effectiveness of some of these groups. Reyes added that they will get however 12 seats that will be aligned with Arroyo based on their track record and previous affilliations.

The militant group said that included in the partylists expected to be friendly with Arroyo is Ako Bikol who is accused of having connections with favored Arroyo contractor Zaldy Co, who also hails from the same region. Ako Bikol is likely to get the maximum 3 seats. Other partylits also allied with the Arroyo administration like Abono whose representatives are from prominent families in the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union is assured of having at least one to two seats.

Othet partylist groups like You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP), Ang Galing Pinoy of Mikey Arroyo, Kasangga sa Kaunlaran of presidential appointee Teodorico Haresco and anti-communist group ANAD are likely to get one seat each.

Meanwhile, the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta whose one of the nominees, Miles Roces is the son-in-law of Arroyo ally Lito Atienza and the Agbiag! Timpuyog Ilocano which was cited in a Malacañang memo as an administration partylist may have one seat each.
Another Arroyo ally if the party-list 1-Utak will have one seat in Congress is Angelo Reyes.

Reyes laments that Arroyo can attempt to form her own block in the partylist system given the presence of her son Mikey, and her other allies. Reyes said that this only shows how the partylist system has deteriorated thanks to the incompetence and connivance of the Comelec with certain vested interests. “Even the disqualification petitions we filed with Comelec are being dismissed one by one,” Reyes added.

“As we have said before, the partylist system will be used by Arroyo to gain more allies in the Lower House and to get more leverage against those who will be trying to go after her when her term ends. Comelec should also be made accountable for the mess that has befallen the partylist system,” concluded Reyes. # nordis.net

By OFELIA EMPIAN
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — “Many lights for human rights.” This is the theme of this year’s international aids candlelight memorial and the city joined the whole world commemorate the said event.

The activity was lead by the AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) with government and non-government agencies.

The participants and guests who wore red shirts were welcomed by Dr. Charles L. Cheng, the president of AWAC, during the activity.

“Let this be a collective call of action from these different groups to help fight the spread of AIDS in the city,” said Evelyn Trinidad, City Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

She stated that the information dissemination regarding AIDS should be further strengthened for people to be better informed of how to prevent the deadly disease.

The highlight of the activity was the candlelighting ceremony, wherein the participants and guests held hands and formed a “human ribbon” in the center of malcolm square while Fr. Alipio prayed for the AIDS victims and their families, the community, and the participants of the event.

“May this cause comfort for men and women and unite them with a common cause,” Fr. Alipio prayed.

After the prayer, the people lit their candles and placed them in the big white ribbon drawn on the ground.

The event ended with the pledge of commitment from the participants and signed in the tarpauline provided by the Department of Health.

Participants included the City Health Office (CHO), Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET), Metropolitan Community Church (Metro Baguio), Double O Disco Club, Club Myles and other different government and non government agencies, media outfits, and clubs and bars in the city.

The international aids candlelight memorial is on its 27th year, which aims to “remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, to support those living with HIV and affected by its impact, and to move communities to action,” according to the international aids candlelight memorial press release. The Philippines is considered as one of the oldest host of the candlelight memorial.

“Let us declare a total war against AIDS,” Ms. Trinidad declared.# nordis.net

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The speed of the canvassing of votes, their quick transmission and the eventual early proclamation of local winners was what caught many candidates unprepared in the last election, especially those on the losing side. With most of them with a mindset still operating on manual mode, the losers could not come up quick enough with sufficient evidence or proof of fraud to back-up their claims of irregularity in the automatic electoral system. Thus, they end up being labelled as “sore losers”, like the typical Pilipino politician who never loses, but is always cheated out of victory.

Still, there is no denying that technical glitches, discrepancies in the results revealed by the manual random audit could have undermined the veracity of the results of the elections thus exchanging speed with the accuracy of the results themselves. Obviously, speed of results cannot substitute for the authenticity of the results if we are to uphold the democratic principle of the rule of the majority. But this brings us back to ground zero where unless adequate proof or evidence is presented, allegations of fraud cannot stand by themselves to put the results into question.

And so many of the losers and their followers in the last election will have to live with the reality of electoral defeat in the automated elections. The effects of the technical glitches, unpreparedness of the COMELEC and its private partners Smartmatic-TIM could have cut both ways, disenfranchising supporters of both the winners and the losers. To claim otherwise without presenting sufficient proof or evidence will bring us nowhere.

Now, maybe is the right time to let the results in the local elections take its course. The quality of the results will never satisfy all those involved in the elections, especially the losing candidates. The quality of victory of the successful candidates will always be tainted by allegations of fraud and other irregularities. But unless these claims are backed up by solid proof and evidence, we have no choice but to move on and prepare better for the next elections.

And not in terms of technical preparations alone. There is always the more substantial preparation of getting the plurality, if not the majority, of the citizens’ votes as a prerequisite to victory.Without such solid preparations, all talk of doing away with trapos and advancing the politics of change will remain in the realm of wishful thinking. # nordis.net

By REV. LUNA DINGAYAN
www.nordis.net

Second of two parts

Negative effects of political dynasties
There are negative effects of political dynasties as shown in Israel’s history and also in our own. First of all, it leads to corruption and injustice. According to the Scriptures, when Prophet Samuel made his sons judges in Israel, “they did not follow his example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly.” The saying, “Like father, like son” or “Like mother, like son,” is not always true. The father or mother may be honest, faithful, and genuine in his service to the people, but this is not necessarily the case with the son or daughter.
Samuel was not only a prophet; he was also priest and judge. He was a very powerful person. Making his sons judges when he was already old and about to die was playing with the nagging temptation of political dynasty. The problem is that his sons didn’t have the same faith and trust in God like their father. Apparently, they never thought that being a judge is a calling from God; a divine responsibility entrusted to them to be exercised with a sense of justice and love for the people. To be a leader is not supposed to be an inheritance from their father to be used for anything they wish, especially to satisfy their desire for money even to the point of perverting justice. To be a leader is to be a servant of the people.

The Ampatuan Massacre in Maguindanao is perhaps one of the worst, if not the worst expression in recent times of the negative effects of political dynasty. The Ampatuans have ruled Maguindanao, like their own fiefdom, for many years. And they have no qualms in physically eliminating anyone who would threaten their grip on political power.
Moreover, political dynasty is undemocratic. It is probably consistent with monarchial, dictatorial, and other authoritarian governments, but not with “the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” It is against the basic tenets of genuine democracy. True, we are supposed to be a democratic country, but the democracy we have is an elitist kind of democracy in which political dynasty can thrive so well.
Prophet Samuel had a confrontation with the people who were clamoring for change from a relatively egalitarian and decentralized government that they had for almost two hundred years, into a monarchial form of government to be adapted from other nations.

Apparently, the people didn’t know what they were clamoring for. They wanted to get rid with political dynasty, but then they embraced monarchy, a system that promotes and practices political dynasty. The Lord instructed Prophet Samuel to listen to the people and to give them what they wanted, but nevertheless warn them of the negative effects of monarchy. True, the Israelites had to suffer the abuses and injustices of the monarchs that ruled Israel in the years that followed.

Likewise, we ousted the Dictator, because we wanted a democratic form of government. We wanted to get rid of political dynasty. Hence, we enshrined it in our constitution. But, unfortunately, what we got is not a genuine democracy, but an elitist democracy wherein opportunities for political leadership is given only to those rich and powerful families in our country. The anti-political dynasty provision of our Constitution is almost forgotten. No wonder, graft and corruption and the abuse of power and authority abound in our country.

Similarly, the Israelites wanted to have a monarchy under God’s reign so that the king was not supposed to be an absolute ruler but God’s servant. What they got, however, was an absolute monarchy wherein the kings followed their hearts’ desires rather than what were enshrined in God’s laws. Consequently, the Israelites suffered the abuses of the kings and their country was destroyed.

Future Hope
The problem of political dynasty in Israel was never resolved until Jesus came with a new teaching about leadership. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus says, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them; and the leaders have complete authority. This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.”

However, this concept of servant-leadership has been distorted nowadays by politicians who project themselves as servants of the people during campaign period, but servants of themselves, their families and friends, when they are already in power.

And so, where does our future hope lie? Jesus Christ our Lord did not go to Pilate, to Herod, or even to Caiphas – the political and religious leaders of his day – to introduce a change in political leadership that is in keeping of God’s reign. Rather he went to the ordinary masses of people, who are “like sheep without a shepherd” and patiently and lovingly taught them by word and by deeds what it means to be a leader and a servant at the same time. For Jesus, only an enlightened and empowered citizenry can make a meaningful change in our political landscape. #nordis.net

By APRILLE ERIKA GINNE A. MANGUBAT
www.nordis.net

“The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” says article 14, section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

In the last few months, stories about the tuition fee increase in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) erupted. It was reported that from P12 per unit, its administration proposes P200 per unit, an almost 2000 percent increase. Because of this, students from PUP last March 19 burned old chairs and desks to symbolize their dislike on the proposed increase.

In addition, last May 4, it was also reported that PUP admitted 17,000 new students and that out of this number, 7,000 were the ones only offered the original courses and that the remaining 10,000 are  advised to take their newly-offered technology courses that costs P250 per unit.

PUP is one of the schools in the Philippines known for its affordable education that is why most of its students come from the “lower class”. Now, how those 10,000 students will have the chance to study if they do not have the means to pay for such high tuition fees?

What is happening in PUP is no different to the University of the Philippines’ (UP) case when its administration implemented a 300% tuition increase. Both PUP and UP are STATE UNIVERSITIES. State universities SHOULD BE subsidized by the taxes that Filipinos pay to the government.

In the past ten years of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo’s administration, she REALLY showed how she valued education. Instead of giving education a higher budget, she CUT it and gave her priority to the country’s military (considering that the Philippines is not in a state of war).

This is the reason why the administration of these state universities are forced to find alternatives to sustain themselves and examples of these are tuition fee increases and other income generating projects. This should not be the case because it is the government’s responsibility to provide accessible education to its people and that they SHOULD give the education sector the highest budgetary priority.

An M16 bullet costs P14 to P20. Imagine how many soldiers we have… imagine how many bullets each of them possess… imagine how many corrupt officials the Philippines has… now, imagine if all that money was used for a higher subsidy for the education of the Filipinos.# nordis.net

By NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nordis.net

May 17, 2010

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomes the Supreme Court decision that junked First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s bid to stop the hearings of the P12.5-million class suit filed by journalists for his unconstitutional attempts to curtail press freedom.

Arroyo tried but failed to get a Court of Appeals order for the Makati regional trial court to continue hearing the class suit, which was filed after Arroyo filed multiple libel charges against more than 40 journalists, in what the media community rightly saw as a blatant abuse of the power and privileges his being presidential spouse bestowed on him.
We are confident that the courts will hear and decide the case on its merits.

For so long, the powerful and influential have resorted to libel cases, relying on a draconian law that dates back to the American colonial period and was meant to muzzle dissent than anything else, to harass or silence the independent Philippine press.

We once again call on Congress to go beyond lip service and empty platitudes. Trash that pending bill that actually worsens the already existing libel law and pass the long overdue legislation decriminalizing libel. # nordis.net

By ML MARIGZA
www.nordis.net

Photo courtesy of Donna Villamor

Pagudpud’s white beach is the place to be after the three month long tiring campaign. Burayoc and Saud, the barrios that comprise the cove offer a relaxing respite from burn-out.

The beach is littered with infantile or juvenile shells and corals that give it its white color. It is teeming with seaweeds and fish, it is still clean and coooool. On one side of the cove in Burayoc are the coral reefs where fishes breed. In the middle is the where these tiny corals and shells wash ashore in shifting, undulating waves. On the northern side in Saud is another coral reef where a solar powered lighthouse shines. From any part of the shore you can see those giant windmills of Burgos.

About two kilometers to the sea is another coral reef where they bring snorkeling enthusiasts. This is also where migratory birds from China feed and it is a delight to see them in formation dive to the waters to feed. At this time of the year the birds are still here where they fly from shore to sea looking for food.

A trip to Pagudpud does not come cheap but the pleasures it provides cannot be savored anywhere. If you start from Laoag, the trip will be more interesting if you visit the museums and other places of interest there. There is now a package trip the locals of Pagudpud offer – a trip to the windmills and lighthouse of Burgos, the mangroves from Burgos to Bangui, the waterfalls, the coral reefs and the winding Patapat viaduct. Then to swim and sleep at Pagudpud to top the trip. It is also a food trip in that meat and sea foods are cheap here, from seaweeds to lobsters. If one is adventurous, the kilawens of all kinds are fantastic.

I stayed at the Apo Idon during my stay this weekend courtesy of Cel and Roland Albert, co-owners of the place. But I had the best meals and merienda at Evangeline’s resto. Do try their halo-halo, fruit shakes and nacho dips. They are heavenly. I had the singular experience of watching with Cel, Venus romancing the moon that Sunday over nice talk, laughter and nacho dips with the young couple, Liza and Lee, owners of Emohruo villas and Evangeline.

The good thing going for Pagudpud which I guess preserved it, is that a sprinkling of families own the beach front. The Romeros, the Benemeritos, the Sales own large beach fronts which has protected the cove from the commercialization one sees in Bauang or San Fabian or Boracay. The only non-Pagudpud festivity done on the beach was a one-day “Bikini Open”, they tell me. In the Romero compound, the children have their own hotels. Apart from Apo Idon and Emohruo, you can stay at Jun and Carol, Rinnovati, Terra Rika and Romaville.

Pagudpud has maintained up to now its being a family beach. Comparing it a decade ago when there were only cottages then, the place retains its cleanliness and homey come-on. It is still a family beach despite the busloads of people who come and go. This weekend there were families from Isabela, Manila, Cavite, Ilocos and elsewhere who visited the place.

There is a local cooperative of handicrafts sellers mostly of seashell products. The sellers explained that sales this year has dipped as there are fewer tourists who buy. The financial crisis is felt even in remote Pagudpud. Whereas last 2007 elections the crowds came by Holy Week up to the start of classes, this year the crowds come only on weekends and not as plenty as the years past. The inns were fully booked then with overflows sleeping in tents or in their cars.

This year they are fully booked but only on weekends. The people hope the elections might help them in promotions. The Marcoses bolstered their hold on power and maybe, just maybe Imelda, Imee and Bongbong would help them promote Ilocos Norte as a tourist destination like no other. A tourism centered industry is fickle and is easily affected by financial crisis, algal blooms or typhoons. There is also the need to organize the local hotel industry for better services and promotion.

Pagudpud has provided employment for the locals. Apart from the HRM students, there were nursing students who were employed during the summer to earn additional tuition fee money. Maybe a more plannned tourism industry for off-season offerings. Prostitution that comes with similar tourist attractions is still non-existent and I pray it stays that way. Casino gambling is confined to Laoag, so they are still safe.

One problem Pagudpud has to deal with is how to maintain its pristineness. How to preserve the rich ecosystem of the place, so even the migratory birds will still drop by in their yearly sojourn. How to keep the corals and seaweeds growing to provide food and income for the locals. Maybe something like the Silliman University marine sanctuary that provides the science and the aesthetics.

Up to now, garbage and sewage is done on individual basis. Maybe the local officials can provide for a sanitary landfill and a treatment plant for the sewage to protect the cove. This weekend I regretted not carrying a sack with me to pick up the litter of plastic cups, wrappers and bottles. We still have a long way to go to teach ourselves to keep our trash off the beach.

I have visited Apo Idon one December years ago when the winds were howling and the sea was rougher than rough. But my little nephew and Roland Albert and I went to the beach anyway to see if the little dead corals were surviving the beating of the sea. Why did the corals and shells die young? Why are they not pulverized to fine sand? Of course nobody else was on the beach while we were contemplating. In any weather, Pagudpud is cooool.

I hope to go back again and again to rest soul and body and immerse in the beauty and majesty of Creation.

Go and visit this tip of Luzon and savor its uniqueness while it lasts. Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!# nordis.net

Ni BRENDA SUBIDO DACPANO
www.nordis.net

Photo by Brenda S. Dacpano

Maikapamin-anon a dawat ti sumagmamano a gagayyem ko daytoy a resipi. Daytoy ket nadiguan a tinuno a lames ken naalseman ti salamagi ken kamatis.

Maysa a nanumo a putahe manipud iti pamiliak a napnuan ti lagip manipud iti kinaubing mi nga agkakabsat. No kasta nga awan ti masida ket makakammel ti dalag ni apong ko, agay-ayat kami nga appo na ta siguradon ti tinuno a nasalamagian. Adda met puon ti salamagi sadiay bangkag a pangalaanmi ti kullapit (naganos) a bunga ti salamagi nga isu’t pangalsem iti digo.

Nakairuamanmin daytoy a sidaen. Kadagiti pag-uummongmi nga agkakabsat agraman dagiti annakmi, maysa daytoy kadagiti bonding food mi gaputa malagipmi ti kinaubingmi iti aw-away.

Simple laeng ti preparasyon daytoy, pirsayen ti tinuno a dalag wenno paltat ken narnaren ti ulona santo ikabil iti dakkel a malukong. Bukbukan ti agburburek a danum, daytoyen ti pannakadigona. Timplaan ti asin ken ilaok ti salamagi a narim-it. Ipettakan met ti dua wenno tallo a kamatis. Naimas nga ipis-itan ti sili. Naimasen nga igupen ti digona. No naibusen ti digo, bukbukan manen ti agburburek a danum ken timplaan manen isu nga inawagan mi daytoy ti “walang katapusan” a digo. No awan ti tinuno mabalin a nga usaren ti kuros (daing nga aramang). # nordis.net

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL/BULATLAT.COM
www.nordis.net

Despite relatively peaceful voting in Abra

BANGUED, Abra — The violent politics in Abra have been landing in the headlines of major media networks since last year. Thus, the government and the general public were anxiously anticipating violence to erupt again on election day. To every one’s surprise, the May 10 elections began and ended without the usual violence. However, beneath the facade of calm, tension and fear still prevails.

Foreign delegates to the Peoples’ International Observers’ Mission (PIOM) who went to Malibcong, Abra held a press conference in Bangued May 11 to report not only about their observations regarding the conduct of elections, but also about the tension and fear that even they experienced.

Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS, a local delegate of the PIOM, narrated that even as the local residents were assuring them that it is generally safe in the area, one could feel the tension and fear in the air.

“I have seen fully-armed soldiers roving within the vicinity of polling precincts. Even if they were not inside the precincts, they were causing fear among the people. When they started taking pictures of us, I also felt threatened, “ Sr. Catabian said. She added that they have documented cases of harassments committed by the military.

David Crotty, a delegate from Australia, also shared that he felt intimidated when he saw a soldier taking pictures of him. To stop the soldier, Crotty said, he introduced himself to the commanding officer and explained that he is an observer from the PIOM while showing his ID. The commanding officer said he knew them because he was present when the PIOM delegates paid a courtesy call at the military camp in Bangued. However, this did not stop the soldiers from taking pictures of him and the rest of the team. The soldiers, Crotty said, were even calling his name out loud.

“For me, taking pictures of a person without permission is an intimidating thing to do, because one would ask, what are they going to do with the pictures?” Crotty added.

Crotty also said that he feared for the safety of the volunteers who facilitated the PIOM’s visit. “The threat, harassments, and intimidation we felt makes me more concerned about the local people,” he said.

Pamela Smith a delegate from the US said that even if the government says that this year’s election in Abra is generally peaceful compared to before, the military deployment is much heavier now than during the 2004 and 2007 elections. “ Smith was also part of a team of elections observers in 2004 and 2007. # nordis.net

By MLM
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Massive militarization is intensifying warlordism and worsening the peace and order situation in Abra, said Diego Wadagan, spokesperson of the Agustin Begnalen Command (NPA-Abra), in a May 3 statement sent to Nordis via email.

In the statement Wadagan said the PNP and the AFP have been bragging about the improved peace and order situation in Abra because private armed groups (PAGs) have been dismantled and the CPP-NPA-CPDF will be “reduced to an inconsequential level” by the end of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term.

The PNP and the AFP deployed hundreds of regular and special troops in the province for these objectives. The PNP Task Force Abra, organized in 2001 to go after PAGs has been augmented by forces from the Cordillera Regional Mobile Group and the PNP’s elite Special Action Force. The Philippine Army’s 503rd Brigade relocated to Abra in 2008 and is focusing its operations in North-Central and Southern Abra and the borders of Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province.

The elite 53rd Division Recon Coy; and a company of the 77th “Cadre” IB are also deployed in the province. The AFP has about 1,200 troops in the province, augmented by about 10 CAFGU companies. Added to these, the PNP has about 500 provincial policemen, augmented by some 200 troops from the regional and national PNP organization.

Recently, the PNP and AFP announced the deployment of an additional 800 troops to Abra as response to election-related violence, highlighted by the involvement of key political figures in the province such as the Luna clan.

According to Wadagan, the 503rd Brigade’s 41st IB and the 50th IB regularly commit human rights violations and criminal offenses where they operate. The Special Operations Teams spread deception and black-propaganda, through their civil-military operations. Operations of the 503rd Brigade use terror tactics such as indiscriminate bombing, artillery shelling, and strafing.

Wadagan further stated that the local folks who meet operating troops in the forests, fields or on the road are held captive for up to three days with meager food and no blankets on cold nights, and are harassed and accused of being NPA guerillas or supporters. Some are tortured and physically abused.

NPA Abra said communities live under virtual martial law: curfews are imposed, freedom of movement is curtailed, and peasants are required to obtain permits to go and tend to their farms and their work animals or to visit neighboring communities and the town center of Bangued.

Common community gatherings and activities are monitored. Community leaders or anyone who questions the activities and intentions of the AFP are harassed, photographed, and regularly “invited for questioning” or are “visited” in their homes anytime by soldiers. Soldiers circulate pictures allegedly proving the links between certain individuals and the revolutionary movement to justify their “surrender” campaign or to simply declare certain persons as “open targets.”

Wadagan said crimes abound where PA troopers operate. Families are destroyed because part of SOT tactics is to lure local women into illicit relations or one-night stands; the youth and older men are asked to join drinking sprees that end up in brawls and public disturbances. Local officials and elders who confront unruly soldiers are commonly disrespected and threatened with rifles.

In Mataragan, soldiers of the Charlie Coy, 41 IB defecated in the community water tank. Enraged local leaders demanded the punishment of the perpetrators but were instead disrespected by arrogant army officers.

Last May 1, troops of the Bravo Coy, 41 IB under 1 Lt. Federico Morales shot and killed Levi Mamac, 22, a resident of Talampac, Lacub. The soldiers blamed a local drunk for the incident.

The troopers hurriedly left the area last May 2 after an autopsy revealed the victim was shot in the head by an M16 rifle. Only the soldiers had M16 rifles. A media blackout has been imposed regarding the incident and the PNP refused to investigate despite the alleged admission made by soldiers who perpetrated the crime, Wadagan said.

Ironically, the PNP and the 503 Brigade are heralded as the peacekeepers of Abra when it is they who are in cahoots with private armed groups of power-hungry warlord-politicians. Wadagan concluded that the truth is that these so-called law enforcers and peacekeepers are actually law-breakers and criminals working hand in glove with corrupt politicians and destructive large-scale mining firms.# nordis.net

By OFELIA EMPIAN
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Representatives and supporters of Jose “Joe” Molintas, Rocky Thomas Balisong, Braulio “Raul” Yaranon, Ramon “Jun” Labo expressed their protest against the process of the election in the City.

“Makiladingit tayo iti panakapatay iti demokrasya ti Baguio,” mayoralty candidate Jose Molintas said.

With their loudspeakers and lighted candles, the supporters aired their dismay over the course of the election, wherein there was “massive cheating”, “vote buying”, and bribing according to Arvin Molintas, Liberal Party supporter.

“Merong mga taong nagbibigay ng pagkain sa mga voters at sinasabing nanggaling daw iyon kay Vergara. Kami, hindi namin ginawang magbigay ng bulaklak gaya noong kampanya dahil alam namin it is still part of campaigning (There were people who were giving food to the voters and they were saying that it came from Vergara. We didn’t give flowers because we know that it is still part of campaigning),” Molintas said.

He further stated that the Timpuyog ti Baguio have three poll watchers inside the precinct instead of having only one as required by the COMELEC rules.

“We are like a rape victim here, we know what happened and yet we cannot talk much because of lack of evidence,” he said.

In a separate interview, Geraldine Cacho of Katribu expressed her own view of the local elections, saying that the sentiments of the people are not reflected in the election results.

“Hindi na-reflect ng eleksiyon ang sentiment ng mga tao na sana di na makabalik ang mga trapo, na mabago na ang politics (The election did not reflect the people’s sentiment that they didn’t want the traditional politicians back, that they wanted a change in politics),” Cacho said.

She added that there are very limited actions for protest because of the limited knowledge of the process of the automated election and that at least in manual elections, the counting is made public.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jose Molintas urged the public to come out and voice their concerns regarding the election process. Molintas urged, “Rumwar kayo kuma ta ag-affidavit tayo…ammo tayo nga kailangan tayo ti baro nga eleksiyon ditoy Baguio.” (Come out and make an affidavit. We know that we need a re-election in Baguio.)

Molintas further said that one hundred thousand signatories are needed to push for a re- conduct of elections in the city.
“We are asking Baguio people not to be apathetic,” Arvin Molintas said. # nordis.net

By MLM with reports from Mt. Province
www.nordis.net

BONTOC, Mt. Province — Tension marked the 1st automated elections in Paracelis as armed men connected with a politician openly displayed high powered firearms on election day.

Reports from Mt Province said Paracelis and Sabangan towns reported harassment from armed men connected with politicians. Some concerned residents said this has never happened in the province. They commented that even during the time of the late Cong. Dominguez who was reputed to have goons, this brazen display of arms and intimidation did not occur.

In Paracelis, armed men burned the ballots in one barangay. The people have appealed that a special elections be held in their barangay. In another barangay, the PCOS machine was hammered by the armed men. Luckily, the voting results have already been transmitted.

As of this writing not all precincts have counted the votes due to the breakdown of the PCOS machines or problems of transmission.

Barlig also has not sent in their election results.
In Bontoc there were PCOS machines that did not read the votes cast for mayors. Many compact flash cards had to be brought to this capital town due to problems with the machines, transmission or the batteries failed.
In Tadian, the late start of voting due to PCOS machine problems and long lines characterized election day. There are reports that on the eve of election day, large tarps of black propaganda were posted outside polling places which targeted progressive partylists.

This is not an isolated case since other areas reported that military elements were seen posting the tarps vilifying the progressive partylists like Katribu.

Reports from Sagada noted most polling precincts opened late due to glitches in the PCOS machines. One machine’s battery in Ambaguio had run out by noon time and they had to wait until the Army airlifted a replacement from Bontoc.
In Bangaan, two PCOS machines would not work and they had to wait for two replacement machines that also did not work. Counting and transmission was done the next day. As in most polling places, the lines were long and tempers were high. Some patient voters lined up for four hours just to cast their votes.

As of press time, no winners were yet proclaimed in the provincial level yet. Partial results show Leonard Mayaen leading in the gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, an indignation rally organized by three congressional candidates is being planned against Max Dalog.#nordis.net

By MLM with reports from CLAUDYN CAPARAOn and PRINCESS VELASQUEZ
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The speedy proclamation of winners was a sharp contrast to the disorderly conduct of the first automated elections in the city.

Long snaking queues, lost names in precincts, gliches on the counting machines, slow transmission of votes marked the first automated election last Monday. Political parties also alleged vote-buying was common before election day. Though grateful the much feared widespread brown-outs did not occur and the rains only poured after the polls closed.
However, it was a hot day even in Baguio and most of those who were queuing under the heat of the sun were lucky if they had umbrellas with them. Along crammed hallways and under scorching heat, voters waited long hours to cast their votes, some due to delays of the machines breaking down and unsystematic process.

Most voters complained they had to find their clustered precincts since Comelec failed to inform them early of their assigned clusters. Most voters lists were also posted only the night before the elections. The voters who patiently waited had to bravely stand in line under the heat of the sun in order to vote. Rizal Elementary School which has a high voter density had long lines snaking out of the classrooms that served as polling areas.

Some voters interviewed remarked that had Atty. Rocky Balisong not sent them a flyer with the numbers of their precincts, it would have taken them longer to look for their clusters. They complained that one thousand voters to a machine was too much especially since the PCOS machines were not functioning properly.

“Ito yung tinuturing nating bago. Ngayon, meron pang bagong poproblemahin – yung pagkasira pa ng mga PCOS machines. Sana sa susunod hindi na ganito yung aberya,” said Rhoda Tabisula, 20. (This is a new technology. Now, we have new problems – the breaking down of the PCOS machines. I hope next time we won’t have this kind of dilemma.”)
A PCOS machine stalled the polls in a clustered precinct in Lucban after it stopped and was restarted 40 times. Voting in one of the precincts in Asin started at 12 p.m. due to the absence not of PCOS machines but of the ballots.
Comelec was said to have overlooked that the clustering of precincts would bring long lines of voters. Baguio with 154,476 voters has 221 clustered precincts.

Reports from Pagbabago, a poll watchdog show voters disenfranchisement because of the long lines in the precincts and the disorderly conduct of the elections. One of the precincts was reported to have 56 votes cast in about one hour and thirty minutes defying logic and which disregarded the ideal 8 minutes each voter protocol.

Pagbabago reported cases of missing names in the registration list of Comelec. In SLU Diego Silang precinct, one voter’s name was crossed out and was not allowed to vote while another deceased voter was still registered.

Aureanelia Canalita, 62-year-old voter, went to her precinct to find out someone had already voted in her stead. The Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) said she may have a twin. “Wala akong kambal, isa lang ang kapatid ko, (I have no twin, I have only one sibling)” cried Canalita. Canalita was told to wait for the Comelec lawyer but after a couple of hours, no one came.

She was advised to sign something by the BEIs, but sensing it would make her vote void, she went away. Her identification card is authentic as it matches the data in the precinct. However, the signature that appeared in the already signed-up form and in her ID id not match.

Pagbabago reports show Canalita’s case as only one of the disenfranchisement cases in the recent automated elections.
In a precinct in Modern, Aurora Hill, a voter who was knowledgeable about computers had to help one teacher insert the compact flash card correctly. The scene was the same as in other areas, the teachers had their manuals open all the time. One BEI member sheepishly told one of those in the line that next time they will demand that a hands-on training should be held early for them to be familiarized with the counting machines or whatever gadgets will be used next time.

The teachers who manned the precincts should be praised for the brave effort and patience they displayed during election day. The problems they faced as well as those of the voters would have been lessened if preparations and training were early. At least the sleepless nights they experienced in elections past was reduced to the minimum this time.# nordis.net

By OFELIA EMPIAN
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The Organisasyon ti Nakurapay nga Umili ti Syudad (ORNUS) and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) challenged the newly-elected leaders of the country to fulfill their promises to the people.

According to Santos Mero, Deputy Secretary of CPA, the elected leaders should “address the main problems of the country such as poverty, environment, and human rights violations.”

He further stated that they should stay true to their promises during their campaigns and implement them. “Kung ano ang ipinangako nila, iyon ang tuparin at ipatupad nila, bigyan nila ng atensiyon ang mga nananatiling usapin sa ating bansa (Whatever they promised, they should fulfill and implement it, they must give attention to the pressing issues confronting our country),” he said.

On the other hand, Geraldine Cacho, Katribu Chairperson of Baguio- Benguet stated that they will bring their agenda forward to the newly elected local officials.

She also called for them to address the problems in the city especially those that concern the urban poor. The urban poor group ORNUS has drafted a people’s agenda detailing the issues faced by the urban poor communities of Baguio.
“Titignan natin kung paano nila sagutin ang mga issues, kung paano nila lilinisin ang Baguio sa corruption at basura… dapat silang magbigay ng sapat at murang social services tulad ng housing, abundant potable water at stable electricity sa mga tao (let us see how they will respond these issues, how they will clean up Baguio from corruption and garbage…how affordable and sufficient social services like housing, abundant potable water, and electricity shall be delivered to the people),” Cacho said.

She added that the elected officials should stop the privatization or selling the various resources of Baguio, citing examples such as the City public market and the Athletic Bowl.

“I hope they will not fail the people, especially those who voted for them,” she concluded. # nordis.net

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement or KMU) said that Uncle Sam is rejoicing over the victory of what the labor group call President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s replacement, that is Noynoy Aquino.

Posted on its website, the labor group reports that the US embassy, the New York-based Moody’s Investors Service and some foreign investors are praising the recent first automated polls in the Philippines. KMU said the indirect US rule of the country has been reinforced.

According to KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog, the US could not contain its glee over the elections. He said the results, as well as the election’s perceived smooth conduct all serve the interests of the US here in the Philippines.

“First, Gloria Arroyo, who is the object of the workers’ and people’s wrath, can now be dropped like a hot potato. Second, Gloria’s replacement, Noynoy Aquino, is a popular candidate who also subscribes to the pro-US economic policies that were implemented by Gloria. Third, with their bandwagon for ‘smooth and clean elections,’ spin masters are discouraging election-related protests which could negatively affect investor confidence,” Labog said.

KMU also said that it is in the interest of US and oher big businesses to have Arroyo replaced by no less than Aquino in Malacañang. KMU said Aquino earned the trust and confidence of big business groups since the campaign period has started.

Labog said that it should be noted that Moody’s and various business chambers have readily thrown their support to an Aquino presidency ahead of the official proclamation of the winner in the presidential race. He added, it is clear that they are too eager to replace Arroyo because the popular discontent could only intensify with her continued stay will hurt business confidence and credit outlook.

“US puppets who have become unpopular are hastily replaced by popular ones who nonetheless favor US interests. That is the lesson of history, not only in the Philippines but also in other countries,” said the labor leader.
Labog also said the automation of the elections is the US’s master stroke in preventing election-related protests from breaking out.

Labog finally said it is now becoming clear that the automated character of the elections has done away with various processes of verification from different groups while at the same time making the results of the elections seem credible. “It has made it difficult for various groups to verify and prove for themselves the credibility of the counting of votes,” Labog ended.# Aldwin Quitasol

KATRIBU RELEASE
www.nordis.net

Photo by Lulu Gimenez

QUEZON CITY — Ang Katribu Partylist ay naa-alarma sa ibat ibang report na aming natatanggap mula sa aming mga pollwatchers na tambak ng mga technical at procedural na mga problema ang nakaraang halalan.

Samut-saring report ang aming natanggap tulad ng hindi pag-gana ng mga PCOS machines sa ibat-ibang lugar tulad ng Tondo, Marikina at Brgy. Guitnang Bayan 1, San Mateo, Rizal atbp. Naging dahilan ang hindi paggana ng mga PCOS upang lalong tumagal ang proseso ng pagboto.

Gayon din nag-aala kami sa hindi pagsunod ng mga kasundaluhan natin sa patakaran na dumistansya sila ng 50 metro mula sa mga presinto. Sa Brgy Kamias, Porac, Pampanga. Ang presensya ng mga sundalo malapit sa presinto ang nagiging dahilan ng pagkatakot ng mga katutubo na bumoto.

Sa Brgy Abra de ilog, Mindoro Occidental, naiulat ng mga katutubong Mangyan na ang binibigay sa kanilang mga official ballot ay pre-shaded na ang SAGIP Partylist. Umalma ang mga katutubong Mangyan subalit hindi sila pinapansin ng mga BEI.

Ito at ang ibat-ibang report ng aberya na natatanggap ng iba-ibang monitoring group ay manipestasyon lamang ng kakulangan ng paghahanda ng Comelec para sa eleksyon na ito. Nangangamba kami na ang  kawalan  ng kapasidad ng Comelec ay magreresulta sa malaking bilang ng botante na hindi makakabo-boto.

Nanawagan kami sa Comelec at Smartmatic-TIM na ayusin kaagad na mga problema na sila rin ang may gawa. # nordis.net

By RUBYLOIDA BITOG
www.nordis.net

SAGADA, Mt. Province — Bonifacio Agpad, Senior Police Officer 2 of the Sagada Police Station reported that only one offense, theft, has been reported at their office as of the month of April.

 According to the records of the police, Sagada had two theft incidents last February and one each for physical injuries and theft for the month of March.

“We don’t have any heinous crimes because our community is one of the most peaceful places,” said Eduardo Umanig, executive assistant of Sagada’s municipal office.

 Information dissemination on crime prevention, police patrol and police visibility helped maintain the low crime rate in Sagada explained by Rose Bulukan, Police Officer 2.

Meanwhile, the Tourist Information Center has also recorded a high rate of tourist visits as of April this year.
Since January, they hosted 2,071 tourists; February with 2,875 and March with 2,186. Tourists for April climbed to 4, 645.

“Local tourists were mostly from Manila while the international tourists were commonly from Europe,” said Theofrenz Cayambas, Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Staff. #nordis.net

By GWEN GAONGEN
www.nordis.net

BONTOC, Mt. Province —  At least 3,000 households in Mt. Province received assistance from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Care Netherlands. 

Right after typhoon Parma (Pepeng), Apit Montanyosa, Cordillera Peoples Alliance and Katribu partylist launched a campaign for emergency relief and rescue operations for disaster victims of Pepeng. 

Alongside, a rapid assessment of damage was done and a proposal drafted and submitted to the Cordillera Disaster Relief and Development Services (CorDisRDS Inc.) and other institutions for emergency relief and rehabilitation needs. 

The proposal was incorporated into a Philippines-wide project known as the Philippine Tropical Cyclones Emergency Response Project (PTCERP). The project was approved by the foreign partners January 23rd. Actual implementation of the project started March 17th. PTCERP1 is targeted to be fully implemented by May 22,  2010.

In the PTCERP, livelihood assistance consists of a set of farm tools (grabhoe, sickle, and shovel) wherein beneficiary households are to render 3 days of community service in road clearing operations, community irrigation rehabilitation, reinstallation of waterworks and other damage caused by Pepeng.

Beneficiaries of food for work are to render 2 days of work in the community.  The mass mobilizations for work in the communities was popularly supported.  Not only did the beneficiaries enjoy working, they were reminded of the “galatis” or traditional community spirit of free labor especially for community related needs.

Mainit, Bontoc is also a beneficiary of this project for their school where three classrooms needed repair. Disaster risk reduction trainings shall be conducted in two areas while water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) public information activities in four other areas. 

Earlier, the Serve The People Brigade, delivered relief items to typhoon victims all over the province.  Five hundred (500) food packs consisting of half a cavan of rice, cooking oil, dried fish, mongo and salt from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP).

There were also blankets, pots, pans, clothing, mats, water jugs and other household needs from various donors were also distributed. The bulk of the donations were brought to Kayan East and other areas in Tadian.
The PTCERP1 will end by May 22  but plans for PTCERP 2 are already underway and hopefully ready for implementation before the end of 2010.# nordis.net