Hopefully, this will be my last piece on 2010 election. It’s good to know that no worst-case election-related scenario erupted in our midst, at least here in Eastern Visayas. Credits goes to the local authorities, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), media, volunteers and teachers–comprising the election inspectors—for tirelessly manning the poll. Our teachers –albeit poorly paid –have proven once again that they are the most dependable when it comes to providing integrity and credibility to our election.

HAIL TO THE MACHINE. Voters welcomed the automated election with a mix of delight and disdain. The voting and the counting went fast as expected.

Infuriating however was the limited number of PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scanner) machines allocated to every precinct. Every voter was made to suffer long hours of waiting before he can finally cast his vote. Indeed, long queues are proofs that you’re still in the Philippines.

FOR MONEY’S SAKE, VOTE! ‘Twas the “buying” that was voted (again). Commission on Election shouldn’t have to spend its time and resources entertaining election-related offenses like “vote-buying”. Nobody got “hallowed hands” during election. It’s a common knowledge that politicians have to buy votes to get elected and people are also more willing to receive their money because they needed it. Money, after all, saves our temporal needs. Protests came from those who were not able to bid high on our heads. (Politicians always find difficulty in winning our hearts).

What makes you excited when you’ll turn eighteen? Answer: I can vote and earn money from it!

It sucks to be a role model nowadays.

Why not legalize vote-buying? Had Joseph Estrada been re-elected this 2010 he could have pushed for it. He said on national TV that he would legalize the number game “jueting” because it brings livelihood. Yes, same logic with vote-buying.

On candidates spending 232 million or more to win a government post, presidential aspirant Gilbert Teodoro shot back, “ No way. And it should not be done!”

So was Nicanor Perlas saying, “ Candidacy should not be based on money. I hate dole-outs. I don’t even give candies during sorties!” No wonder, they lost.

IT PAYS TO BE A POLITICIAN. Again, we’ve proven that politics is an elitist exercise. If you have money and don’t have any more room for it, invest on politics and you’ll have a big return of your capital.

Change is hard to come by in our political landscape. Majority still prefers celebrities as public stewards. I have nothing against an actor or an actress being elected into office. But the May 10 election result deserves a second look. The highest offices in our towns, provinces, congressional districts and even the Senate –the highest legislative body in the land – are now swarmed with TV personalities. Our type of public service must have been boring, the reason why entertainers are trying their charm to enliven our wits.

HERE YE, HERE YE! It’s no surprise that our politics is always partisan, patronage-oriented and profit-driven. No matter how advanced we are in the field of science, engineering and technology, we haven’t completely buried the relics of the past civilization.

Human as we are –that is romantic and sentimental– we long and keep the things of bygone years, like: dynasty, fiefdom, mercenary, warlord and servitude. These 1st century themes are still with us –alive and kicking us literally and figuratively in every corner of this archipelago. And we cannot dig a hole for them nor ignore their presence.

Consider yourself “dead” if you try to lift a finger on our politicians. In most cases, you have to bow down, endure in silence and carry on the usual affairs being a lapdog lest your master will let you go hungry and deprived in the end.

WHAT WAS THAT? Question: What is our the national disease? Answer: Alzheimer’s disease. Haven’t we forgot that the Marcoses were unceremoniously kicked out twenty-four years ago for allegedly plundering the national treasury and for stealing our constitutional rights through their military regime? Today, Imelda, widow of the deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is a congresswoman-elect in Ilocos norte, while her children, Imee and Bongbong are elected as governor and senator, respectively.

“President now congresswoman-elect Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be the most ostracized member in the 15th congress”, said Atty. Felizardo Tiu, legal consultant to Quezon city mayor now congressman-elect Sonny Belmonte. I don’t think so. Pres. Arroyo is like a myth. The more you talk about her the more she becomes more real and powerful. Hush.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE. As smoke has been cleared, let us also clean the mess resulting from this political imbroglio. We have to bear each other, especially the “casualties” –the losing candidates and their supporters– whose motives were the same of those winners: to serve the people. Let’s restore solidarity, confidence and that once shared principle of “promoting the good of the many” as boldly pronounced by our candidates during their campaigns.

Philippine politics is a worst heart-breaker. Our election caused us more harm than good. It brought us to our knees instead of strengthening our common ground. Once politics reared its ugly head, everybody becomes its victim, then its host. Until we all became suspicious on each other, accusing each other as the carrier of this mutating malady.

Politics is lethal. Like a cancer, it eats our judgment and saps our ability to love. It can destroy relationships, severe family ties, bring some to penury (albeit temporarily), and corrupt the very soul of humanity.

I’ve come to prove that politics is for the “sub-humans” since its ways are stupid, heartless and heinous.

If we are at the peak of our civilization, we cannot afford to hurt our fellowmen for petty reason like politics. We have had enough of those politically motivated crimes in our history books, like the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda, Africa, the Holocaust, Khmer Rouge genocide and even our own version of Maguindanao massacre last November 2009.

We might not too conscious on this, but I am afraid that politics and its ugly head is already lurking in the next corner. I pray that all of us will be spared from its inherent decadence.

May we all maintain the highest virtue of decency, civility, and respect to each other – especially in exercising our freedom and right to choose a candidate during election. Voting should not be taken personally. Period.

There is no reason to forgive or to forget. Choosing a candidate is not a crime. It’s a personal choice. There’s no bias on it. After election, we have to let go of our political differences and come back as the same person to our family and friends.

Let our heart be open like the sky.

My colleague in Tribune Eastern visayas, Marwin Astorga, Reyan L. Arinto of Business World/Leyte Samar Daily Express, first-time candidate Ramil Laraga in Maasin city, eager public servant Tito Calooy in Libagon, So. Leyte and the rest of mediamen-turned-candidates in the region-there were a dozen of them in Tacloban city alone –were among those who lost their luck last May 10 yet kept their reputations intact throughout the campaign period.

“ I want to climb the hill and the hard way is the best way,” said presidential bet Dick Gordon.

I am sure it was a good adventure for those who tried scaling the political landscape in our country. At least they were no fence-sitters.

TAKE IT FROM THE CHAMP: “ Wala sa akin ang partido-partido (Political parties mean nothing to me). I just want to deliver my promises to my constituents back home,“ boxing legend now congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao said when asked if he’ll support Gloria Arroyo’s bid for House speakership. Now, that’s original.

MEN TO WATCH IN MAASIN CITY. Bendever “Bendz” Gerona, a mega-blogger of his own right via www.maasinsii.com plus his other online sites, should have a place in the information department of our city/province. This spirited, charismatic youth leader and internet wizard could hone his expertise in churning out relevant information from the web to further our tourism, e-commerce, research and education agenda for today’s technologically-driven citizens in the city/province.

Next is the young, business-savvy and politically astute Nacional “Nikko” V. Mercado, son of incumbent Rep. Roger Mercado and currently So. Leyte’s ABC Provincial Federation president.

Few years from now, we will be expecting that this young Mercado will also find his way into the bigger arena in So. Leyte politics. To date, he has already a strong command from our youths –a potent force and a solid base where one can successfully launch his political plans.

PERSONAL: Congratulations and more power to Libagon vice-mayor- elect Protacio “Tayo” C. Edillo. I pray that the cup of victory which you’ve had held up high today will also find its way among us and to the rest of our brethren in Libagon with all its joy and purity. Godspeed, Uncle Tayo!

CARIGARA, Leyte— In the wake of successive killing of mediamen in the country, congressman-elect Sergio Apostol of the 2nd district of Leyte has called on to president-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III to bring justice to the victims and their families immediately.

“The solution of these killings is not yet forthcoming. This should be taken as a first test by our new administration.”

Apostol added that giving justice to the slain victims would save the democratic ideals of the nation.

“Freedom of the press must continue to live in a free country like ours. Silencing mediamen should be a big concern by our next president, especially that he came from a family of freedom fighters,“ he said.

Apostol was referring to Aquino’s parents, the late president Corazon Aquino and senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. who were instrumentals in the return of democracy in the country after more than two decades of military rule.

Meanwhile, Apostol reminded media practitioners to stick on their code of ethics in the pursuit of their profession.

He said that the so-called media “blocktimers” inevitably got the ire from their subjects apparently because of their lack of control in their criticisms.

A blocktimer is an independent journalist or producer who buys airtime in order to broadcast programs on radio or television and is not considered a regular employee of a particular media outfit, which makes the host station to have no jurisdiction over a blocktimer’s programming.

“Lack of ethics and continued provocations are dangerous, ” Apostol warned.

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reported that 140 journalists were killed since 1986. Around 103 of them were killed since out-going President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo now congresswoman-elect in 2nd district of Pampanga assumed as president in 2001.

International media groups such as Reporters Without Borders, The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists and many others said that the country still remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.

Murdered mediamen within a week were Jesiderio Camangyan in Mati, Davao Oriental; Joselito Agustin in Laoag city, Ilocos norte; and Nestor Bedolido in Digos city, Davao del Sur, who was killed by still unknown gunman last Saturday (June 19) this week.

In the region, the death of DyVL-Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban city broadcaster Ramon “Monching” Noblejas in 1987 still remained unsolved to date.

AFTER over a month of hiatus, The Reporter online will resume its operations bringing news and feature stories in and about Southern Leyte province and the rest of the Eastern Visayas.

The Reporter online opted for unforced break to heal and “put ice” on the heated minds of its bloggers from the opposing camps.

Unfounded accusation were hurled against its editor and some of its writers, we understood them because it’s part of the territory.

The historic first automated elections, brought the best and the worst in Philippine politics nationally and locally.

In the province of Southern Leyte, administration bets tagging the worst of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, swept the local positions amidst accusation of bought buying from the opposition.

As we resume operation, we urged our bloggers to be sober and base their comments on issues at hand.

The Reporter newspaper and the online version are first and foremost a public service as envisioned by our late father, Agustin Cerro Arnaiz, Sr.

To all of you out there, thank you and happy reading! (Jani Arnaiz)

TACLOBAN CITY — “Discern whether supporters of RH bill deserve to be our leaders.”

This warning altogether with the names of candidates who supported the Reproductive Health (RH) bill is written in 40 pieces of tarpaulins, measuring about 2 meters by 5 meters, and which are now visibly hanged in the churches in 40 different towns under the Archdiocese of Palo, in Leyte province.

Over a phone interview, Fr. Christian Golong, secretary in the Archdiocese, revealed that by coming up with the tarpaulins, the church was able to put its moral duty to the public into concrete action especially on anti-life issues like RH bill.

“As far as our Archdiocese is concerned, our obligation is to help voters recognize the right leaders for our country, that they should not leave their conscience when deciding whom to vote.”

He, however, added that people are always free to decide for their own at the end of the day.

Topping the lists on the tarpaulins are presidential candidates Joseph Estrada, Noynoy Aquino, Nicanor Perlas, and Dick Gordon.

The vice-presidential bets are Loren Legarda, Jejomar Binay and Perfecto Yasay.

Senatoriables are Neric Acosta, Liza Maza, Risa Hontiveros-Baranguel, Jinggoy Estrada,  Bongbong Marcos, Gilbert Remulla, Ruffy Biazon, Pia Cayetano, Satur Ocampo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago,  Jose de Venecia III, Teofisto Guingona III, and Bong Revilla.

The party-lists are Act, Anakpawis, Cibac, Gabriela, Akbayan, Bayan muna, Courage, Kabataan, Katribu, Sanlakas, Ang Ladlad, Migrante, TUCP, and Partidong Manggagawa (PM).

On the tarpaulins, the Archdiocese reminded voters not to leave God outside when they go to the polls.

Also, it highlighted that RH is a big mask for massive contraceptive campaign and that it has nothing to do with “reproduction” or “health”.

“Slow death to our race, not reproduction, will result with contraceptive-mentality just like Europe, and health risks result with contraceptive use.”

“RH is founded in two big lies: that our country is overpopulated and poverty is caused by over population.”

The Archdiocese then reasoned out that the country is so far away from being overpopulated and poverty is basically caused by graft and corruption.

Meanwhile, Fr. Golong hoped that voting and counting this Monday (May 10) national election will be done with computers as mandated by law.

“We cannot afford to fail. We cannot afford to go back to manual election. Our government has spent billions on this. We cannot afford to frustrate the people again,” he added. (with reports from Eden Benusa-Reyes)

Note: About the writer

Ronald O. Reyes,33, is a provincial writer based in Tacloban city. He is connected, together with his wife Eden, with Tribune Eastern Visayas, a weekly paper in the region publishing for 8 years already. His news stories can also be read at www.thereporteronline.com.ph

The past Holy Week was an opportune time for everyone to sit back, relax, and take the long view—particularly on pressing subjects like what I dubbed here as 3Ps: politics,
politicians, and politicking.

This corner has realized that these 3Ps are far more important subjects other than those with what our dear readers would like to propose. Indeed, our “earthly affairs” are and were and will always be governed by these 3Ps as heaven is also governed by religion. Yet I leave the latter part for those individuals who might have religious intolerance so they can have a bit to muse or muzzle upon.

Interestingly enough, I had also my share of “media-fasting” last week. Mine of course was about unplugging our TV, not buying a paper, not checking my email, and not loading my mobile phone to avoid news feed on SMS. I had disposed this “media-ache” with convenience (albeit temporarily; I hope so!) especially when my partner told me that our electric bills are already overdue and not much on what others have insisted that fasting is a must during Holy Week and that it should be coupled with meditation. However, unlike the rest of holiday-maniacs in this archipelago I’ve had a great time digging a place for my self in our room and hibernate.

Soon I’ve found out that what I did was contrary to the purpose and design of Pres. Arroyos’ holiday-economics—of stretching holidays so people can go out more often and
quite longer and spend their resources to roll the Philippine economy. Unfortunately, I’ve not visited a resort. Alas, I’ve found out I don’t even have any money at all to dispose or to deposit that week. What a hollow-week it had turned out to be –I was all but empty!

And in that “emptiness” I have found resolve to find out the cause of this dreadful and embarrassing malady — being temporarily broke. Out of my momentary despair came
the realization that had ushered my mind into a higher scale yet behold—the faster my inspiration ran the faster it had also sunk deep into abyss, and I was left without a choice
but to return to “reality” and write this piece, hoping that I can invoke the good spirits of our leaders so they can at least faithfully attend to the problems besetting our land –be it on poverty, unemployment, inequality, social ills, financial atrophy, etc.

After all, politicians are revered as demi-gods in our land.

True, there seemed to be no cure for our “earthly problems” unless we will cure the very people who, in one way or another, have brought us these social gangrenes. I am talking about cantankerous politicians and their stinging brand of politics and contagious habit of politicking.

As the Holy week has ended, let us return to our honest selves and recollect our wits and hopefully gather some pieces there that truly identify us as people, as a country, and as children of a Supreme Being.

By reflecting on these things we’ll soon understand the realities about these 3Ps. However for those individuals who are still at this one will bring good tidings to every Juan dela Cruz—allow this piece to disturb your musings and rock your lullabies because like the rising and the setting of the sun the things here below are also real and recognizable. Warning: don’t blink. Pun intended.

•    People are running again because election is a game-a parlor game. The candidates play and bungle on its other while the public watch and jeer. Yet we often forgot–the candidates always bring home the prize and with a wider, satisfied grin.
•    After receiving money from candidates, Filipinos return to their usual poker face.
Winning candidates also return to their usual “porky”faces—“pork barrel” will be served soon.
•    Before, an aspiring candidate has to learn the “rope” before entering into the political
fray. Now, everybody just want to jump into an election battle because his elders “egged” him to do so (Si kuya kasi, si lolo kasi, si ninong kasi, si idol kasi…)
•    Charles Darwin was wrong: it’s not  survival of the fittest. In our politics, it’s the
survival of the fattest—the fattest wallet and the thickest face.
•    In the Philippines, the older the candidate the bigger his chance of winning. The reason: grandpas and grandmas have more apos (grandchildren) and helpers than the young ones. And they are more loyal.
•    You cannot build this country again–even with concrete, steel, marble or even with mud. We always have a tendency to throw whatever it is in our hands to each other. Even with the least thing, like mud. We mud-sling during election instead of molding each other.
•    It’s wrong that politicians are known to be crocodiles. They are chameleons –master of disguise.
•    Do you know why old people are still insisting to run during election? It’s not that they are lonely or afraid to be called “jobless”. They are just keeping their doctor’s advice: do the election-exercise regularly (every after 3 or 6 yrs).
•    If others can do it, why can’t I – cheat also?
•    In the Philippines, once “beaten” never shy, never surrender, never sit down, never submit, never shake the hand, never say he’s lost, et cetera ad infinitum…
•    If politicians buy votes and votes are for sale, count mine. But why can’t I name my price? Let’s say I’m worth a million! Nobody can foretell the fortune of any individual in the future.
•    The dead are also led into polling precincts. Ang pinoy nga naman, patay na pinagkaitan pa ng pahinga sa isyu pulitika.
•    In the last election, Pres. Arroyo said: I’m sorry (to her “lapse of judgment” when she
phone-called one Election officer in Mindanao for her vote-updates). The Filipinos said : It’s ok ( because we’re never totally angry with her; in fact we did even agree with her—since we’ve tolerated her and allowed her to sit in Malacanan until today). Fast forward: May 2010—candidates, thanks for keeping the tradition! You always have our blessings!
•    Balimbings (turncoats) are out again in the market. As usual, nobody’s taking them seriously. Like balimbings, they come too cheap, sour, boring and predictable.

•    If there is a smoke, it is because politicians allow it–for fear of losing votes from smoking public.
•    The shortest way to a politician’s stomach is to tell him that vote-counting has been
“cooked” already.
•    Don’t vote the candidates who’ll say they are environmentalists. They are lying: their
posters are nailed to every tree along the highways.
•    Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you mine –and how they give me this job, and how they pamper me this much, and how lucky I am because I voted their friend last election and your friends did not!
•    It takes two to tango. In the Philippines, it takes one to cha-cha (charter-change; any
setting president can motivate that given the “big-ness” of his/her reward to those politicians who like to dance with his/her tune to perpetuate his/stay in power).
•    I shall return–Gen. Mac Arthur said when he liberated the country from the Japanese. I shall return — this will be what a politician would vow again after we would allow him to take a glimpse of our bulging treasury chest.

“Break lang ang kailangan ng pinoy (Pinoy just need a break–one big shot so he’ll shine),” actor Robin Padilla said in one of his commercials. In short, this May 10, 2010 is our biggest break–one important shot so we’ll shine–you and I and this God-forsaken country once again!

I said don’t blink. This election is another round of make-believe, another travesty in our face. To the cynics, better head now to the nearest immigration office or better build your own ark this early.
To those who always see the glass half-filled, change is possible. Tell others.

(omments and complaints are welcome at naldronaldreyes@yahoo.com)

BARUGO, Leyte–No less Eastern Visayas Lakas-CMD-KAMPI stalwart Atty. Sergio Apostol has confirmed that their merged-group is solid than ever amid the growing suspicion that the administrative party is on the brink of splintering after its presidential standard bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro quit the national chairmanship last week.

Apostol, former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief legal adviser and now Leyte 2nd district congressional bet, added that Gibo was right on leaving the party’s chairmanship to other equally capable person in charge so the party can go full blast on their election campaign and other similar activities.

“We’ve been informed on this recently. Gibo was right. It was but logical for him to decide on it for the sake of the party to move this fast and mobilize its logistics and resources.”

Apostol said that it is indeed difficult for Gibo to run the party at the same time run his own campaign.

Apostol added that he is more than confident that the party is intact after Prospero Pichay, Jr, Vice-President for Membership and Recruitment also assured him that the party is still in control.

Meanwhile, Apostol minced no words on the recent comments by Pangasinan 4th district  Rep. Jose de Venecia, Jr , Lakas co-founder and past chairman, when the latter insinuated in national TV that their party is disintegrating already.

“Lakas is more than strong than ever. It was only Cong. de Venecia and his son who are just attacking us. His wife, Gina, has already reconciled with us. His comments are but natural for an outsider.”

To recall, Rep. de Venecia estranged himself from the ruling administrative party when he claimed he was unceremoniously kicked out from Lakas last year following disagreements and suits on the party’s merging.

Apostol, together with his wife Rep. Trinidad “Ebbie” Apostol and Barugo vice-mayor Julina Villasin, was here altogether with other LAKAS-CMD-KAMPI municipal candidates for a campaign sortie.

Rep. Apostol  and Hon. Villasin now run for mayoralty in the towns of Carigara and Barugo, Leyte,  respectively. (with reports from Ronald O. Reyes)#

Maasin City, Southern Leyte — To recognize deserving government workers in their performances, the Civil Service Commission ? Southern Leyte field office in a press release sent to PIA announces the search for the 2010 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees throughout the nation.

Cyril Nathan Sm. Eamiguel, CSC Director II based here in a report said that there will be three award categories for the 2010 search, such as the Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or known as the Dangal ng Bayan Award and the CSC Pag-asa Award.

The CSC office encouraged agencies to start now the reviewing of the performances of public duties and the dispensing public services to those who are to qualified to be nominated.

The final deadline for the acceptance of nominations is set on April 15, while there is no limit to the number of nominees, the report said.

The search is in line with the CSC’s advocacy in promoting a culture of excellence by recognizing and rewarding these public exemplars either for outstanding performance, contribution and achievements or for consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior or for giving pride and glory to the government service for valiantly carrying out their duties with utmost dedication despite odds, and for those who thrive integrity in the midst of temptation.

There will be a cash prize of P100,000 for the winner and an automatic promotion will be given, the report revealed. While President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be also preparing and incentive, both for the Lingkod Bayan and Dangal ng Bayan awardees, it added.

On the other hand, the CSC Pag-asa Awardees will receive a P50,000 in cash and a gold glided medallion and a plaque of citation.

Awarding ceremonies for the 2010 winners will be done during the 110th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary scheduled on November this year, the report added.

Eamiguel in his report noted that nomination forms can be secured from any of the CSC offices while enhanced information guidelines may be downloaded from the CSC website at www.csc.gov.ph. (PIA-soleyte)

By Bong Pedalino

Tacloban City (17 February) — The shallow excuse among supporters of political partes — or perhaps among candidates themselves — on why their own election campaign posters sprouted all over during the campaign season is that their opponents did the job to shame them.

Would you buy that? Such a reasoning is flimsy, hollow, bereft of logic, and best consigned to the world of make believe.

So, we wonder: if candidates, who are responsible to such illegal acts by extension, cannot even follow simple, easy to understand, and ordinary Comelec regulations, what about the complicated affairs of the State once they gain power?

*****

The rules on where to paste, hang, or stifle campaign materials is clear. This should be done at the designated common poster areas in the barangays, or in any other public, open parks so specified by the poll body.

The order of the day, therefore, to the candidates? coordinators, legmen, down to the ultimate “pandikit brigade” is to get in touch with barangay officials and the Comelec personnel to learn where their materials should be placed.

But what have we got? It is apparent there were no clear instructions for the “pandikit” guys; worse, they do it during the night — along fences, electric posts, trees — maybe to surprise the people the morning after, or to invite the Comelec to tear these illegally posted posters down.

*****

This common poster area law of the Comelec is just one of the many laws not observed during the campaign period ever since the elections following the first EDSA civilian uprising became a regular democratic exercise.

Why? The resigned conclusion is that so far no one — not one candidate — has been hailed to Court for such a violation.

Again, the twisted logic on why not a single candidate was put behind bars by taking for granted election laws is that there are not enough bars to imprison all the violators, for all have violated, if at all the law is implemented to the letter.

*****

Thus, we wonder, again, that if this law is un-implementable by the sheer volume of those who desecrate it, then might as well expunge this statute from the books.

In the first place, the spirit and intention of the law is to avoid turning the entire Philippines into an eyesore every after election, so abolishing it does not solve the problem on post-election dirty surrounding.

The trick is to let the law work in everybody?s favor. In our system where one needs a complainant to push a complaint, and move it, and nobody would complain since everybody was doing it, then somebody must somehow do it, if the Comelec cannot act unilaterally, on its own.

*****

And that somebody could be the non-partisan watchdogs, groups or organizations whose interests lie in a literally clean, environment-friendly elections.

This, of course, is like barking at

the moon, with an expected landslide of complaints, if ever, against just about anyone who are candidates.

The short-cut way minus the legalities is to appeal to the candidates themselves, to prick their consciences, to touch their sense of patriotism: please do not just paste anywhere.

Most importantly, please spare the trees.

*****

LOCAL FRONT: The Comelec Officer of Maasin City, Lawrence Gelsano, said he had started removing the posters as soon as he saw them. And he intends to do it regularly with the help of the Police, the DILG, and civil society groups who are willing to join them in this thankless job. This is one way of showing that the Comelec means business, he said. His actions, indeed, needs everybody?s support to succeed. Any volunteers out there?

ODDLY YOURS: The Catholic Church, through Pope Gelasius I, retooled the Roman fertility festival Lupercalia into a Christian feast day about 496 AD, making February 14 every year Saint Valentine?s Day. But in the Church listing, there were three persons named Valentine and, curiously, all three were said to be martyred on February 14. Even the most plausible origin, a Priest named Valentine who courted the disfavor of Roman emperor Claudius II in 270 AD, was obscured with the factual and the mythic, the source of the story itself a legend, or two legends. Legend number one: Claudius II disdained marriage, declaring that bachelors made better soldiers than married ones. In defiance, Rev. Fr. Valentine continued solemnizing marriage, was eventually caught, and put to death. Legend number two: Before his death sentence and while still in prison, Rev. Fr. Valentine allegedly fell in love with his jailer?s daughter. Prior to being executed, he sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine.”

In 1969, or 1,473 years since Pope Gelasius I transformed a pagan tradition into a Christian observance, the Church revised its liturgical calendar, dropping feast days of saints whose historical beginnings were doubtful. St. Valentine was one of those crashed out, but the practice of observing Valentine?s day persists. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

February 16, 2010

MAASIN CITY – Chief Superintendent Rey Lañada, police regional director in Eastern Visayas yesterday issued a stern warning to his men engaging in partisan politics.

CSupt. Lañada told police chiefs of the 18 municipalities and a city in the province that those who would show their partisanship in the coming elections would be dealt with accordingly.

“You may have a personal choice but don’t show it. I want this political exercise to be honest and peaceful,” said Lañada.

The regional PNP director was in the city to spearhead the “HOPE” run participated in by the PNP, civil society, church and private individuals to drumbeat “Honest, Orderly and Peace Elections.”

He said that “my instruction to my provincial director down the line is to ensure this election as honest, orderly and peaceful elections.”

We are now assessing and evaluating the performance of our personnel if there are complaints that they are engaging in partisan politics, “we have no choice but to remove them.”

“Nobody is indispensable here, even me if I engage myself, I could be removed,” Lañada told the Inquirer.

He added that since he assumed office last November, he had relieved at least eight policemen who were found openly siding with politicians.

The Comelec, in its Resolution 8758, set the campaign period for the national candidates to start on Feb. 9 while for local candidates it will be on March 26. The last of campaign day for both has been set on May 8.

With the start of the campaign period next week, the Comelec called on candidates that have existing “infomercials” or print advertisements to reorganize them in order for them to conform to the standards that the poll body has now set.

In the guidelines for national and local candidates under the Fair Elections Act, those seeking a senatorial seat down to city/municipal councilors with political parties are allowed to spend P3 per registered voter in the constituency where she or he is running. Their political parties, meanwhile, may spend another P5 for every registered voter for each of their official candidates.

Campaign expenses includes campaign money spent for TV, radio and print ads, and posters and streamers and other campaign paraphernalia of a candidate.

The resolution further states that election propagandas aired through the broadcast media would be measured based on a limited air time.

For the presidential, vice presidential and senatorial aspirants, the Comelec gave a maximum of 120 minutes per station, including airings on cable television, and another 180 minutes per station on radio.

Local candidates are allowed 60 minutes airing time per TV station, including cable station, and another 90 minutes per station on radio.

A limit has also been set by the Comelec on print ads with candidates, both for national and local positions, being allowed to come out with one campaign ad three times a week on either a broadsheet, tabloid or magazine.

The allowed size of the advertisements, however, differs with only a maximum of ¼ page for broadsheet and ½ page for tabloids.

The resolution, however, did not touch the use of the Internet by the candidates for campaigning, which has been one of the emerging trends this election campaign season.

“As far as the Internet is concerned, there are no guidelines as of yet?There is no law on cyber campaigning, therefore we could not make guidelines for it,” a Comelec spokesman said.

At the same time, the Comelec advised candidates to place their posters in common poster areas the poll body will designate.

Posting of campaign materials in public places such as streets, bridges, public buildings, trees, electric posts and wires, schools, shrines and main thoroughfares are strictly prohibited under poll laws.

All posters outside the common poster areas will be considered prohibited postings, so they will have to be removed, the Comelec said. (PIA