Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay (2^nd from left) awards the special Plaque of Recognition to WW II hero Alfred Jack Brown (right), who is known as the “Katakana” man, and his wife as Leyte governor Jericho Petilla (left) and Aurora Villarante (partly hidden) look on during the commemorative program in connection with the 68^th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary celebration at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte, on October 20, 2012. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Rep. Noel confident An Waray won't be delisted as partylist group

TACLOBAN CITY – An Waray partylist Rep. Florencio “Bem” Noel is confident that their group would not be delisted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Comelec has been purging several partylist groups that had failed to meet the standards set by law. Already, several partylist goups had been delisted by the Comelec, among them are well known groups such as Ako Bicol.

Noel said he is “pretty confident” that the An Waray would not be delisted. “But the thing is, it is only the Commission that can say if we can be delisted or not. We have no other choice but to say that...we are serving the people. He added that in case they would be purged, they would elevated their case to the Supreme Court.

But Noel, in an interview with reporters, pointed out that the An Waray's case is very different from other partylist groups.

He cited as an example by comparing the Ako Bicol with the An Waray.

“Ako Bicol registered as a regional political party with a multi-sectoral aim that they would serve. Whereas, An Waray registered as a multi-sectoral organization, regional in scope...We are never the same in personalities. They are a political party, while we are a multi-sectoral organization, regional in scope. So, there lies the difference,” he said.

He added: “We had the benefit of the approval of the (Comelec) en banc. Maybe this is the difference because most of them had passed at the Division level only... (and) this came in handy in due time because we have the approval of the en banc, while they don't.”

Noel said that while he would fight for Ako Bicol being a member of the 15^th Congress and being the head of the Partylist Bloc of the 15^th Congress, he has no quarrel with the Comelec regarding the puging the existing partylist groups.

He said the Comelec “has the power to cleanse the partylist system. They have the power to approve or disapprove and to make sure that there are no longer pollutants. They are the only body that can do this, nobody else.”

An Waray garnered about 700,000 votes in the 2010 elections, allowing two of its nominees to have seats in Congress. The current congressmen of An Waray are Rep. Noel and Rep. Neil Montejo. (VEN LABRO) 

Local bets register at Comelec offices in EV

BY VEN LABRO

Posted Oct. 5, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started to accept on Monday, October 1, the certificates of candidacy of those planning to run in the May 13, 2013 midterm elections.

An Waray paty-list Rep. Bem Noel shows his approved CoC for mayor of Tacloban City.

During the filing of CoCs on Monday, the early birds were reelectionists Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (LP) of the 4th district of Leyte and Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Lakas-CMD) of the first district of Leyte who both filed their respective CoCs at the Comelec Leyte provincial office. 

Rep. Torres's husband, movie actor Richard Gomez, reportedly also filed his CoC in Ormoc City later that day together with his line-up. Running with Gomez are Carmelo Locsin Jr. as vice mayor and incumbent councilors Roland Villasencio and Mario Rodriguez as well as Atty. Benjamin Pongos, Tommy Serafica, Dr. Gerry Penserga, Emma Fiel-Fragata, Dr. Gregorio Yrastorza III, Erlinda Sacay, Vince Rama and Lito Cotiangco.

At the Comelec office in Tacloban City, City, the first to file his CoC was Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin who is seeking the vice mayoralty seat as an independent candidate. 

On Tuesday morning, Rep. Florencio “Bem” Noel, now on his third term as An Waray partylist representative, filed his candidacy challenging two termer Mayor Alfred Romualdez. Noel's partymates, reelectionist Vice Mayor Arvin Antoni and most of his councilor bets, also filed their CoCs.

Thousands, composed of his family, partymates, relatives and supporters attended amass in his honor at the Sto. Niño Church and accompanied him to the Comelec City office where he fled his certificate of candidacy. A short program at the RTR plaza followed by a press conference capped the activity.

In Eastern Samar also on Monday, reelectionist Gov. Conrado “Aklan” Nicart and Annaliza Kwan, the mayor of Guiuan town, were joined in by fellow party-mates Borongan City councilor Emmanuel Tiu-songco, who is running for vice governor, and candidates for board members Jonas Abuda, Gregorio Cabacaba, Joey Sison, Nestor Cablao and Esteban Sabulao in filing their CoCs.

In Biliran, the Espina brothers – Rep. Roger Espina and Gov. Gerryboy Espina - also filed their CoCs for relection as congressman and governor, respectively.

On the mornng of Oct. 3, according to a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Rep.Raul Daza of the first district of Northern Samar and Northern Samar Gov. Paul Daza filed their respective certificates of candidacy as relectionists. Both are running under the LP banner. Also running under the LP banner are the incumbent vice governor, Ram Uy, for congressman in the second district and Antonio Lucero as vice governor.

In Borongan City, City Mayor Maria Fe Abunda and City Vice Mayor Fidel Anacta Jr.filed their certificates of candidacy as relectionists filed their CoCs at the city Comelec office without much fanfare. Their candidates for councilor also filed their CoCs.

In Leyte, the biggest province in Eastern Visayas, Rep. Jose Carlos Cari (LP) filed his CoC at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday as a reelectionist at the Leyte Comelec provincial office.

That same morning, around 9:30 a.m., the Liberal Party provincial bets led by businessman Leopoldo Dominic Petilla and his cousin Board Member Carlo Loreto, who are seeking the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial seats in the province, respectively, arrived to also file their CoCs.

Those who also filed their CoCs were Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya and San Isidro Mayor Alan Ang as board members representing the third district, Gina Merilo and Bob Abellanosa (1^st district), Niccolo Villasin and Anlie Apostol (2^nd district), Deborah Bertulfo and Mesias Arevalo (4^th district),and Florante Gayunda and Emmanuel Gacis (5^th district).

A

Ormoc City Mayor Eric Codilla (right) files his CoC for congressman of Leyte's fourth district.

Around noon on Wednesday, outgoing Ormoc City Mayor Eric Codilla also filed his CoC for congressman of the fourth district of Leyte. He will be facing Rep. Torres-Gomez in the congressional race.

Board Member Bernard Jonathan Remandaban separately filed his CoC for congressman of Leyte's 3^rd district, challenging reelectionist Rep. Andy Salvacion.

In Samar, meanwhile, the PIA reported that the LP bets in Catbalogan City filed their CoCs at the Comelec city office also on the morning of Oct. 3. They were Councilor Stephany Tan, mayoral bet; Vice Mayor Sherwin Art Gabon who is seeking reelection; and outgoing Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Tan, Bethoven Bermejo, Jovito Redaja, Max Pescos, Bing Ilagan, Melanie Macabare, Hermenia Cabral and Vicente Dacanos are all running for councilor.

At 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 3, Atty. Jasper Sumagang filed at the Samar Comelec provincial office the CoC of Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento (LP) through a power of attorney, According to a PIA report. Sarmiento is running for reelection in Samar's 1^st District. At 11:50 that same day, Board Member Eunice Babalcon (LP) filed her COC for congressman of Samar's second district.

On Thursday, Mayor Alfred Romualdez and prospective candidates for councilor also filed their CoCs at the Comelec city office. Romualdez has no candidate for vice mayor. They were accompanied by a huge crowd of supporters on their way to the Comelec.

In Southern Leyte, the congressional race would be contested by Gov. Damian Mercado; Marissa Lerias,a daughter of former Souhern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias; and  Mayor Rico Rentusa of St. Bernard town.

In Southern Leyte's gubernatorial race, third termer Rep. Roger Mercado would be pitted against Engr. Robert Castañares.

In Eastern Samar, Rep. Ben Evardone is running for reelection. Former Sulat Mayor Javier "Javiz" Sacate also filed his CoC as governor.  

The Comelec only have until October 5 to accept certificates of candidacy. And a candidate who backs out from the electoral race will have until December 21 to be substituted by another candidate.

If after the last day for the filing of COC, the official candidate of a duly registered political party or coalition of political parties dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, he may be substituted by a candidate belonging to, and nominated by, the same political party. However, no substitution is allowed for any independent candidate. Also, no substitution due to withdrawal will be allowed after December 21. 

The campaign period for candidates for senators and for party-list groups is from Feb.13, 2013 to May 11,2013. One other hand, the campaign period for those seeking a seat in the House of Representatives and elective provincial, city and municipal officials is from March 29 to May 11, 2013. The Election Day is on May 13, 2013.

Probably by next week, the Comelec will already have the final list of candidates for the different positions up for grabs in Eastern Visayas in the May 13, 2013 polls.  

Strong quake hurts 3, damages

P75.86-M  worth of infra in EV

TACLOBAN CITY – At least three persons were injured, more than a hundred houses destroyed and several infrastructure damaged by the 7.7 earthquake that hit Eastern Visayas at 8:48 p.m. on Friday, August 31.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at about 94 km east of Barangay Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or 106 km east southeast of Guiuan town in Eastern Samar or 174 km east southeast of Borongan City, also of Eastern Samar. It had a depth of 34.9 km.

A Pacific-wide tsunami alert was raised by the Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii due to the strong quake but this was lifted shortly after the earthquake generated only small waves.

The Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) placed the cost of damages to infrastructure in the region due to the earthquake at P75,858,500, of which Northern Samar reported damages costing P45 million while Eastern Samar reported damages to cost P26,458,500.

Tacloban City reported an estimated P4.4-million damage to infrastructure.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, the tremblor has affected 189 families in 89 barangays of the region.

The OCD said three persons in Gen. MacArthur town were injured during the tremblor. Those injured were identified as Rona Quiminales, 11, who suffered a dislocated left arm; Melchor Badeo, 4, who suffered a slight head injury; and 42-year-old Winefreda Abonales, with the report not describing her injury.

Citing a report from Eastern Samar PDRRMC and the DPWH, the OCD said the hospital building in Balangiga, Eastern Samar has suffered cracks on the wall while the Philippine Port Authority building in Guiuan, Eastern Samar has suffered cracks on its flooring.

More than 100 houses in six Eastern Samar towns were damaged by the quake.Hardest hit were Gen. MacArthur town where 74 houses were totally damaged and 10 partially damaged, and Mercedes town where 28 houses were partially damaged and some fences destroyed.

The OCD also reported that there were cracks along the highway between Barangays Casoroy and Nena and that the Layog Bridge in Barangay Casoroy San Julian town in Eastern Samar is not passable but a detour road can be used.

The Buyayawon Bridge in Barangay Buyayawon in Mercedes town, also in Eastern Samar,  has been partially been damaged and is passable only to light vehicles while the San Pedro Bridge in Quinapondan town and the wharf in MacArthur town were partially damaged, the OCD said.

Two road sections, one in Quinapondan and one in Llorente, suffered road surface cracks. Seawalls in Mercedes town have also been damaged.

Several aftershocks were also felt in Guiuan, Eastern Samar and in Tacloban City. (VEN LABRO)

Pag-IBIG now requires use 

of MID in all transactions

TACLOBAN CITY – Since September 1, 2012, the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG has started requiring all its members to transact with the Fund using their Membership Identification (MID) numbers.

Paulino C. Talacay, manager of the Pag-IBIG Fund Tacloban Branch, informed that this is part of the Fund’s transition to an enhanced system that will make its services even faster and more efficient for its members.

Talacay said that with this latest development, the employers are encouraged that every time they remit the contributions and loan payments of their employees, their MID numbers must be indicated in the remittance forms.

“Without the MID numbers, processing of transactions may have delays,” Talacay said.

As such, Talacay advised members to indicate the MID when remitting and submitting such documents as Members Contribution Remittance Form, Short Term Loan/Multipurpose Loan Applications and Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose Loans and Housing Loans.

The Pag-IBIG manager also stressed that members or employees without MID must secure a Registration Tracking Number (RTN) by registering online through the e-member Services facility at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.

“The RTN can be used in place of the MID,” Talacay said.

Moreover, for faster posting of Pag-IBIG contributions and loan payments, member-employees are also advised to submit a softcopy (computer file) of the remittance schedules with the fund.

“They can secure our easy-to-use soft copy format at all Pag-IBIG Branches or online at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph,” Talacay said. (PIA-8) 

EV's economy grows     by 1.8 % in 2011

TACLOBAN CITY – The economy of Eastern Visayas in 2011as measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product grew by 6% if measured in current prices, and by 1.8 percent in real terms using constant prices.

This was the statement of NEDA Region 8 Director Bonifacio Uy during the news conference on the 2011 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board held on July 26 at the Ritz Tower de Leyte, hosted by NSCB-8 and moderated by PIA Region 8.

Director Uy’s statement was based on the presentation made by NSCB Regional Head Evangeline M. Paran on the 2011 Economic Performance of Eastern Visayas.

The 1.8% real economic expansion of the Region is lower than the Plan target of 5.26% for the year, Director Uy said. He, however, told the local media this is not really very poor performance considering that the country and at least 10 other regions missed their respective growth targets in 2011.

As Paran has reported, for the Visayas, the service sector registered the highest growth of 4.1 percent while Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing and the industry sector grew slightly by 0.07 % and 0.04%, respectively.

The Industry sector continues to be the dominant sector in Eastern Visayas contributing 43 % to the GRDP, Uy said. This sector, according to him, holds the fastest growing sub-sector for the past two years. This, he said, is the Mining and Quarrying, with a tremendous growth of 62.3 % in 2011. The major mineral products are chromite and magnetite from Eastern Samar and Leyte.

The top contributor to the region’s economy is again the Manufacturing sub-sector, accounting for a little more than a quarter or 26.3% of GRDP. Its 2011 Gross Value Added at current prices of about P60.8 Billion is 4.6 % more than its value in 2010.

The economic stronghold of the manufacturing sub-sector still relies on the metals and chemical and heavy industries located at the Leyte Industrial Development Estate or LIDE.

Uy said that in addition to PASAR, a copper smelting plant and Philphos, a phosphate fertilizer plant, LIDE gained three industry locators. These are McMAI, an aluminum sulphate plant; Century Huang Guang, a nickel smelting plant; and Clean Way Waste Treatment Plant. (PIA 8)