First posted July 31, 2010

MAASIN CITY – One year after the final ruling of The Sandiganbayan affirming its decision suspending the mayor of Bontoc town in Southern Leyte, the DILG finally served the suspension order last Friday.

However, Pedro Fustanes will not be suspended for 90 days as mayor of Bontoc town having served his final three terms last June 30 but as vice mayor. He ran and elected vice mayor last May polls.

Fustanes, who was reportedly in Tacloban yesterday, did not answer several calls and text messages sent to him.

First councilor Arturo Cuadra assumed Fustanes’ position as vice mayor on Monday.  Cuadra confirmed Fustanes’ suspension in an interview at the house of newly elected councilor Cleofe Abeñion, a former media personality.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ramon Maglinte against Fustanes for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3109) in issuing a cockpit permit for another person even if a prior permit has already been issued.

In its three-page decision, penned by Associate Justice Roland B. Jurado and concurred by Associate Justice Napoleon E. Inoturan and Presiding Justice Ma. Cristina G. Cortez-Estrada, the Sandigabayan Fifth Division says “After perusal of the arguments advance by the accused and the prosecution, the Court finds no cogent reason to disturb its earlier ruling on the matter. There is nothing in the accused’s motion, which merits a reconsideration or modification of the resolution in question.”

The Sandiganbayan has suspended Fustanes on July 3, 2009.

In his motion for reconsideration filed with the Sandiganbayan on August 20, 2009, Fustanes alleged “that he should not be suspended from office on the ground that the information filed against him was not supported with facts.”

Fustanes added that “the case has no factual basis because it is not true that the Sangguniang Bayan of Bontoc, Southern Leyte, had not granted a prior license to Jacinta Serenion to operate a cockpit before the former issued a permit to the latter.”

In denying his motion for reconsideration promulgated on October 9, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division said, “We still maintain that the requisites for suspension having been satisfied, the issuance of the order of suspension against the accused should follow as a matter of course consistent with mandatory nature of such suspension.”

It added, “Once the information is found to be sufficient in form and substance, then the court must issue the order of suspension as a matter or course. There are no ifs and buts about it. It is because a preventive suspension is not a penalty. It is not imposed as a result of judicial proceedings. In fact, if acquitted, the official concerned shall be entitled to all benefits granted by the government.

Rudelia Palima

Prayers, pleas for Maasin OFW jailed in Iran continue

By Ronald O. Reyes

TACLOBAN CITY—Family and friends of Rudelia Palima, an OFW from Maasin city jailed in Iran for allegedly carrying prohibited drugs, continue seeking help from various  sectors in the country on the immediate resolution of the latter’s case.

Charlie Cinco, Communication and ATN officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs-Eastern Visayas said that they are also closely monitoring the progress of Palima’s case thru the communications they made to Manila and Philippine embassy in Tehran, Iran.

Palima’s case was reported to DFA-Eastern Visayas last April 15, this year.

Cinco said that Palima’s alleged drug case is the first in the region since they opened their office in 2003.

When asked about the latest update on the condition and legal assistance of Palima from the Philippine government, Rep. Roger Mercado of the lone district of Southern Leyte said that DFA undersecretary Esteban Conejos had already been informed on this.

“Sa alam ko na assist na,” Mercado said in his text message.

Earlier, Esther Bangcawayan of Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) based in Hong Kong, a non-governmental agency assisting the various plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) said that they will also look into the case of Palima and give help.

Also, Marisa “Dundeet” Lerias, daughter of former So. Leyte governor Rosette Lerias expressed her concerns on the situation of Palima since violating Narcotics law in Iran has terrible consequences.

“The authorities will treat her well if they know that the government is looking out for her concerns,” she said in an email.

Friends and concerned individuals meanwhile continue spearheading prayer vigils for the safety and immediate return of Palima to the country.

Meanwhile, Thereporteronline tried to contact Mitzi Acero Mahait, the alleged employer of Palima, thru her social network address however she has not responded yet to the queries and allegations.

Mahait, who is now in abroad, happened to be a friend and schoolmate of Palima in Maasin city. She passed the teacher’s board in 2003.

By Jani Arnaiz

First posted July 28, 2010

MAASIN CITY – The rain has been falling here but tap water flows in trickles.

Despite the rainfall experienced in the city, the Maasin City Water District continues to ration water.

Nestor Geraldo, manager of Maasin City Water district (MCWD),  said they have to ration off water supply because of the scarcity of the resources.

“Regular water sources have become scarce because of the dry spell and the number of consumers in the city had increased,” said Geraldo.

He said they have to rotate the supply of water every twelve hours and stopped application for water connection.

“Concessionaires have increased with our only source of water, the reason why we are experiencing low water in our taps,” he said.

Geraldo, however, said this would be temporary because the water district would tap another source.

But tapping of another source depends on the release of the MCWD’s P20 million loan from Local Water Utilities Administration.

Geraldo said they have already identified a source but work would only start as soon as we get the loan.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado was seeking for P200 million funding to tap the Guinsuhotan falls as possible source of water for the city of Maasin. “But this was not realized during the 14^th Congress where he was the chair on Public Works committee.

He said he will try again to look for funding this 15^th Congress where he was reportedly the chair of the Transportation committee.

According to City mayor Malone Samaco, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will help the water district in solving the water crisis in the city.

“Officials from the NIA told me that they will construct irrigation system and a reservoir in Hanginan village tapping the vast water sources in Guinsuhotan water falls and that the water district could also tap from there,” said Samaco.

According to Geraldo, at present, there are about 3,300 concessionaires but the actual demand is around 4,000 concessionaires.

“We really have a problem here because we could only supply around 3,000 consumers.

The demand at present is 3,456 cu meter per day but they we could only supply 1,400 cu.m per day.”

He added that they have identified a source in Nati and Bato villages in the hinterlands of the city for their short term plan to address the water shortage.

“We are also running after illegal connections and rehabilitating existing lines because these are also causes of low pressure,” Geraldo said.

He confirmed the help NIA is extending help as disclosed by Mayor Samaco but this is for long term solution tapping the vast water source at Guinsuhotan falls.

By Bong Pedalino Days ahead of his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III enjoyed an unprecedented first for a Philippine leader, which is a high trust rating of 88%, the highest so far, actually, among the country’s presidents.

The polling firm making the survey stressed it was done before the new President’s inauguration on June 30, and this made us wonder that with PNoy’s popularity right after the inaugural speech, his approval rating would have gone up the roof with the no “wang-wang” call put into action, with the President himself leading by example.

If actions speak louder than words, then words turned into concrete action now became a solid foundation for the Aquino administration, in effect projecting an image that it is practicing what it preached.

***

Since day one in office, it was observed that President Aquino’s warm relations with the media would extend far beyond the traditional 100-days honeymoon; thus far it was described as cozy, downright direct, engaging, and exciting — save for a rub or two on the Abads in public, and the call for review on the Trillanes’ case.

But you can never miss the man being on top of the action, lashing out at wrong directions as predicted for a typhoon path ? a recurring scenario which PNoy would attempt to correct, even if weather experts had been going out in search of good pay abroad — and a wide-ranging attempt to solve the water crisis in the metropolis.

He had started a serious crackdown on tax evaders, and had served notice that any resumption of peace talks will be carried out within constitutional limits.

***

Filing a case in Court versus the hard-core tax evaders in the midst of Philippine society certainly takes time, eons of time even, for a decision to be handed down, while negotiating with the MILF to be kept under the basic law of the land would be a guaranteed recipe for failure.

Yet it is an Aquino now leading the pack, and if instructions are to be followed to the book, somehow the chances of success are still great.

And credit must be given to the new leader at the helm, who displays

as much humility as firmness in dealing with predictable problems, and looking for unpredictable solutions.

Brace yourself for a big paradigm shift, the Aquno paradigm.

***

But governance, somehow, requires balance of perspective from top to bottom, so this, probably, was the reason the much-talked about in public yet much-desired in private, the PDAF thing, would still be very much around, despite public opinion pointing to it as a veritable source of corruption.

Leave the pork alone, since it is the proven equalizer for the welfare of the constituents — this has been the common cry among a highly-intellectual circle not accustomed to crying.

Well, okay, expect more of the same to be happening, for now. This is one predictable concern not yet ready for a predictable solution of scrapping this item out for good ? what is P 10 billion savings anyway but peanuts?

Instead of scrapping outright, strict monitoring and regulation on how the money was spent must be instituted — this was the common alternative raised. The Auditors’ hand must be busy, if only to comply with the presidential line that there will be no poor people if there are no corrupt people.

***

At least the guys are honest. And what about this alter ego who has been scored for padding his score in a game of golf, but now will be leading a government agency where honesty is not only the best policy but a way of life as well?

We haven’t heard yet another name to take his place, for he has yet to prove, or given time to prove, his detractors wrong by coming out clean in the months ahead with superb no corruption performance.

Let us just wait and see.

***

LOCAL FRONT: When it comes to paying taxes, residents of Maasin City and the rest of Southern Leyte province are quite honest in general, taking time to pay their tax dues without being constantly asked or reminded. This was vouched by Noeme Pizon, the Revenue District Officer in the province. Even estate taxes from dead persons with sizeable wealth left behind have been duly attended, Pizon said in a recent interview.

ODDLY YOURS: Is there a word to describe a woman who loves being pregnant? Wordsmiths found such a word, indeed, exist. The word is “bumpaholics”, obviously synonymous with “alcoholics”. This refers to women who love being pregnant. Just that. In the July-August 2009 issue of Women’s Health, a publication in the US, this rare word was used in the following passage: “Having babies isn’t addictive in the way that alcohol and narcotics can be. But bumpaholics feel compelled to procreate for many of the same reasons that substance abusers turn to booze or drugs. Infants are dependent creatures. They can give their mothers a clear identity.” (PIA-Southern Leyte)

By Jani Arnaiz

Update posted on July 13, 2010

MAASIN CITY – Several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from all over the world have appealed to authorities to help a Pinay OFW from Maasin City in Southern Leyte, who was jailed in Shiraz, Iran allegedly for carrying prohibited substance.

Rudelia Palima, 34 years old mother of seven years old girl, was reportedly jailed upon arrival at the Shiraz International airport from Cambodia when authorities found “sizeable cocaine” inside her luggage.

According to her mother, Mila Palima, a resident of Abgao village here, Rudelia called them last March 24, 2010 informing them that she was in a jail in Shiraz, (one of the largest cities) in Iran and that she was fooled by her Filipino employer, who was a friend and a classmate way back in Maasin.

Mila narrated that according to her daughter, her employer Mitche Acero Mahait, asked her to go to Iran during Ramadan to get stocks for their jewelry store in Cambodia.

“Nay, Mitchie fooled me, I didn’t know she put drugs in my baggage,” Palima said quoting her daughter Rudelia crying.

The mother said Rudelia was first recruited as a storekeeper of a jewelry store in Kuala Lumpor in Malaysia owned by her classmate and friend Mitchie, a native of Ichon, Macrohon also in Southern Leyte, and married to a Nigerian.

They transferred to Cambodia allegedly to put another store, said the mother. She last called on June 30, telling them that Ambassador Senga has visited her and that her case will be heard first week of July.

Call for help

Ethel Cayce, a Pinay staff of World Vision in Singapore, who is a friend of Rudelia, wrote Ms. Kris Aquino-Yap on her Facebook account asking her to help the OFW.

Ethel wrote Aquino: “I don’t usually post personal messages on a public platform least in FB but the life of my friend who may face death soon (as in this Friday – 16 July 2010?) in IRAN is beyond heart-rending. Just last night… we have confirmed through an online post (thereporteronline.com.ph, pls refer to the link below) that Rudelia Palima, my friend, kababayan, and a classmate in high-school has been jailed in Iran for allegedly possessing “prohibited substance” (drugs?).

“I know no more than the details provided in the article and saw a brief moment of hope when i read that at least the news has already reached our local authorities in Southern Leyte. I believe that the authorities back home are doing the best that they can do now but as a friend of Rudelia, Id like to take this chance to appeal for your help to stand for our appeal since you are closest person to our President NoyNoy, your brother.

Ms. Kris, as an OFW I only wish one thing for my good friend Rudelia, that is to see her being reunited with her family and for her to see her child grow. I believe that being away from her family is more than enough sacrifice.

Thank you so much for sparing your time to hear this.

Another OFW who called herself mantova italy says commenting on the The Reporter online post July 11, “I am an OFW from Italy and I’m a Maasinhon, I feel so sad about this news, please help Miss Palima. I’m calling for all government officials of Maasin and Southern Leyte to act immediately before Flor contemplacion case will be repeated. Calling for all the Visayan Association abroad particularly, Samar-Leyte Association Rome Italy, Filipino Community of Milan, Filipino Community of Mantova, Filipino Religious Gruop of Modena, and all other Filipino Community in Italy and all over the world.”

Another blogger, cris of manila says: “Calling all concern on this case, lets help the Palima case b4 its too late, this is a repeat of history of another ofw, i know she is innocent and was framed up, lets pray 2geder nothing is impossible in GOD. to the family its better to come here in Manila and seek the help of the media thru GMA Kapuso, It’s a big help for this case…kalampagin nyo ang gobyerno…lihok dajon bgo pa mauwahi.

According to Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, he already asked the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs thru the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (Oumwa) Esteban Conejos.

“I was told by the DFA that they are already preparing funds for the investigation of the Palima case,” said Mercado.

In a follow-up on Monday, July 12, Mercado said he is still waiting for the report from OUMWA.

Last week the DFA sent message to Mercado: “This is Maurice from the office of the DFA undersecretary Esteban Conejos. I wish to inform you that recently we have approved the request of our embassy in Iran for funding in connection with their proposed jail visit to OFW Rodelia Palima. We are waiting for the official report of the Embassy with respect to the jail visit. Today we have sent a fax to post reiterating for the report on the matter. Rest assured that we will closely monitor the case and we will provide you with regular updates.”

“What I was very much worried about was the rumor of the impending death of my daughter this Friday. I heard that she would be hanged and that some residents here said that her daughter was one of those to be hanged according to a CNN report,” said Palima crying in an exclusive interview.

“I believe my daughter is innocent because she is a good girl and was SK chairman for eight years. I don’t believe she engage in illegal activities. She was only framed up,” she said.

“I am appealing to you Pres. Aquino to help my daughter. She was only made a courier by a syndicate and I believe she is innocent,” Palima asked the President.x

update posted July 13, 2010

MAASIN CITY – Several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from all over the world have appealed to authorities to help a Pinay OFW from Maasin City in Southern Leyte, who was jailed in Shiraz, Iran allegedly for carrying prohibited substance.

Rudelia Palima, 34 years old mother of seven years old girl, was reportedly jailed upon arrival at the Shiraz International airport from Cambodia when authorities found “sizeable cocaine” inside her luggage.

According to her mother, Mila Palima, a resident of Abgao village here, Rudelia called them last March 24, 2010 informing them that she was in a jail in Shiraz, (one of the largest cities) in Iran and that she was fooled by her Filipino employer, who was a friend and a classmate way back in Maasin.

Mila narrated that according to her daughter, her employer Mitche Acero Mahait, asked her to go to Iran during Ramadan to get stocks for their jewelry store in Cambodia.

“Nay, Mitchie fooled me, I didn’t know she put drugs in my baggage,” Palima said quoting her daughter Rudelia crying.

The mother said Rudelia was first recruited as a storekeeper of a jewelry store in Kuala Lumpor in Malaysia owned by her classmate and friend Mitchie, a native of Ichon, Macrohon also in Southern Leyte, and married to a Nigerian.

They transferred to Cambodia allegedly to put another store, said the mother. She last called on June 30, telling them that Ambassador Senga has visited her and that her case will be heard first week of July.

Call for help

Ethel Cayce, a Pinay staff of World Vision in Singapore, who is a friend of Rudelia, wrote Ms. Kris Aquino-Yap on her Facebook account asking her to help the OFW.

Ethel wrote Aquino: “I don’t usually post personal messages on a public platform least in FB but the life of my friend who may face death soon (as in this Friday – 16 July 2010?) in IRAN is beyond heart-rending. Just last night… we have confirmed through an online post (thereporteronline.com.ph, pls refer to the link below) that Rudelia Palima, my friend, kababayan, and a classmate in high-school has been jailed in Iran for allegedly possessing “prohibited substance” (drugs?).

“I know no more than the details provided in the article and saw a brief moment of hope when i read that at least the news has already reached our local authorities in Southern Leyte. I believe that the authorities back home are doing the best that they can do now but as a friend of Rudelia, Id like to take this chance to appeal for your help to stand for our appeal since you are closest person to our President NoyNoy, your brother.

Ms. Kris, as an OFW I only wish one thing for my good friend Rudelia, that is to see her being reunited with her family and for her to see her child grow. I believe that being away from her family is more than enough sacrifice.

Thank you so much for sparing your time to hear this.

Another OFW who called herself mantova italy says commenting on the The Reporter online post July 11, “I am an OFW from Italy and I’m a Maasinhon, I feel so sad about this news, please help Miss Palima. I’m calling for all government officials of Maasin and Southern Leyte to act immediately before Flor contemplacion case will be repeated. Calling for all the Visayan Association abroad particularly, Samar-Leyte Association Rome Italy, Filipino Community of Milan, Filipino Community of Mantova, Filipino Religious Gruop of Modena, and all other Filipino Community in Italy and all over the world.”

Another blogger, cris of manila says: “Calling all concern on this case, lets help the Palima case b4 its too late, this is a repeat of history of another ofw, i know she is innocent and was framed up, lets pray 2geder nothing is impossible in GOD. to the family its better to come here in Manila and seek the help of the media thru GMA Kapuso, It’s a big help for this case…kalampagin nyo ang gobyerno…lihok dajon bgo pa mauwahi.

According to Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, he already asked the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs thru the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (Oumwa) Esteban Conejos.

“I was told by the DFA that they are already preparing funds for the investigation of the Palima case,” said Mercado.

In a follow-up on Monday, July 12, Mercado said he is still waiting for the report from OUMWA.

Last week the DFA sent message to Mercado: “This is Maurice from the office of the DFA undersecretary Esteban Conejos. I wish to inform you that recently we have approved the request of our embassy in Iran for funding in connection with their proposed jail visit to OFW Rodelia Palima. We are waiting for the official report of the Embassy with respect to the jail visit. Today we have sent a fax to post reiterating for the report on the matter. Rest assured that we will closely monitor the case and we will provide you with regular updates.”

“What I was very much worried about was the rumor of the impending death of my daughter this Friday. I heard that she would be hanged and that some residents here said that her daughter was one of those to be hanged according to a CNN report,” said Palima crying in an exclusive interview.

“I believe my daughter is innocent because she is a good girl and was SK chairman for eight years. I don’t believe she engage in illegal activities. She was only framed up,” she said.

“I am appealing to you Pres. Aquino to help my daughter. She was only made a courier by a syndicate and I believe she is innocent,” Palima asked the President.x