On-Line Journal of Kris Ablan

Power Play

2011-12-19T07:16:00.000+08:00

Posting an article written by Elizabeth Angsioco for the Manila Standard Today, dated 17 December 2011, regarding the President's actions in the impeachment of the Chief Justice. Good read. I agree with her observations.

"On any issue, the most difficult position is the “nuanced position” because it is not a straightforward yes or no to something. Many see things as either black or white. In real life, it is not that simple. There are many colors and shades of colors as there are many things to consider in making one’s stand on a given issue.
On the Chief Justice Renato Corona impeachment case, for instance, the easiest thing is to agree with what the House of Representatives did. Doing so is equated with being pro-Noynoy, which is the popular positioning. After all, even Speaker Sonny Belmonte admitted (despite initial Malacañang denials), that the House merely followed what President Aquino asked them to do.
Consequently, those of us who ask questions are labelled as anti-Noynoy, anti-impeachment, pro-former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, or pro-CJ Corona. I beg to disagree. Many are not any of these, myself included.
Through decades of activism, I have learned to use certain principles in weighing my take on issues. I am not fond of criticizing people, I make my positions based on careful and thorough analysis of issues, not partisanship or affiliation. Thus, I am neither for nor against any specific politician but I can be for or against specific actions of specific politicians.
Questioning what transpired at the House is not necessarily an anti-impeachment position. Impeachment is a crucial Constitutional process to make accountable and remove from office abusive government officials. Ultimately, its purpose is to make sure that the country is governed only by those worthy of the positions they hold and able to fulfil their mandates. How can anyone be against a process that protects the people from abuse?
I have been critical of various actions and decisions of former President Arroyo even during those times when my former political group chose to side with her. I have been most critical of Arroyo’s anti-reproductive health position as well as her meddling with the House on this.
Of the high government officials, Chief Justice Corona is the most unknown to me. My political work revolves around Congress and some executive departments. My only dealing with the Judiciary is at the trial court level during times when we assist specific cases. Thus, I do not have any strong opinions on Corona.
I guess this is the same with most Filipinos because the justices are not ordinarily seen or heard of. Of the three government branches, members of the Judiciary are mostly quiet. We only hear about their decisions but rarely get to know them. At least not in the same way as we know the President, Speaker of the House, the Senators, even Department Secretaries.
Sure, I know about allegations that Corona is a midnight appointee of Mrs. Arroyo. But in the same way that I will not question technicalities about the House meeting constitutional conditions for an impeachment vote, lawyers have also said that the so-called midnight appointments are technically valid.
I am familiar with Supreme Court decisions on various cases including those in relation with Mrs. Arroyo and President Aquino. But as media reports always say, these are Supreme Court decisions, not Corona’s alone. I have always regarded the Supreme Court as a collegial body.
My concerns about the House impeachment proceedings are not about technicalities. I understand that the House has met all conditions set forth by the Constitution on this.
However, the manner by which the House met these Constitutional requirements is, for me, hard to accept as moral.
I am concerned with the power play being displayed by this issue. Blatantly, Malacañang is showcasing how it uses its immense powers to the extent of disrespecting co-equal branches of government.
I am concerned that the principal impeachment lobbyist is the most powerful official of the land—the President, who is known to dislike Corona from day one. Given the balance of power in our politics, the impeachment was a given. The overriding perception that this is a Pnoy-versus-SC issue instead of HOR-versus-Corona is disturbing.
I am concerned that the House members were not given time to study the impeachment complaint. Representatives signed on the basis of power point presentations, not the actual document they were affixing their signatures to. On this particular occasion, the House became a rubber-stamp institution. This sets a very dangerous precedent.
Even if some political parties held caucuses on the case, none of them discussed the very crucial actual document they were deciding on. It was like approving a bill in essence without knowing the actual bill’s contents.
My familiarity with how the House works leads me to believe that even IF there were no threats of withholding the representatives’ pork barrel, they themselves felt the threat—as how Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco put it. In short, many need not be threatened, they already were and are.
I am concerned with how the House leadership put it when the representatives were asked to sign, “Just sign and if you want to ask questions, do so during the plenary,” and “sign if you are an ally of the President.” I talked with several House members and they were actually not happy with how things were done.
I am concerned, no, disappointed with how many of the 188 lawmakers made their decision. I can respect those who studied their options and there were those. However, many just gave in to the House leadership. No matter what the leadership said or did, if more insisted on studying the document first, the leadership would not have easily prevailed.
I am concerned with the attempt to shield the President’s role in this. On the evening of the impeachment, Malacañang and allies went on national television and said that what the House did was purely its business, that PNoy had no hand in it, and that nothing was hidden as it was an open process. If these were not lies, I don’t know what are.
I am concerned with the divisions this issue is creating in our country. The Judiciary is fighting back. Legal minds are divided. Even some who used to be allies of Malacañang are joining the fray and criticizing the President. These divisions could have been prevented if House was not in a big hurry to impeach.
I am very concerned with the implications of the impeachment case on the country, on our people. Can a chief justice who is hand-picked by PNoy become truly independent?
Now that the House has proven itself to be an extension of Malacañang, will the Senate be able to resist the Presidential lobby? I am fervently hoping that the senators, for once, will decide based solely on evidence. The country needs nothing less from them."

Original text at:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideOpinion.htm?f=2011/december/17/elizabethangsioco.isx&d=2011/december/17

Possibly the most congested street for a pedestrian to walk in Pasay/Manila

2011-12-13T10:38:00.000+08:00

Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street (formerly Vito-Cruz), specifically that section between Taft Ave. and Arellano Ave. is probably the most congested street for a pedestrian to walk in the Pasay/Manila area.

I teach business law in CSB and I have to walk that length from the SDA campus, where I park my car, to the Taft campus, where I have class, every time I'm there.

First things first, I cannot believe that the local government still allows big 18-wheeler trucks to pass through that street! It's not a highway, for godsakes! Let those road beasts traverse Quirino or Buendia.

Second, why do they still allow pedicabs on that street?! It's enough that those drivers are rude to all commuters, but to be reckless and undisciplined as well?! Oh, my god! Vito-Cruz is obviously a one way street and yet pedicab drivers think that just because they're on bikes the law does not apply to them! They counterflow like it's their birth right! Pag nasagi ka, sila pa galit! Aaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhh! I hate pedicabs!

Third, the jeepneys that ply that route use Leon Guinto and a strip of Vito-Cruz as their terminal! Dun lang sila pumaparada at naghihintay ng mga pasahero. Ano ba?! Ang laki laki ng sign na "No Loading and Unloading!"

Fourth, there are street vendors who obviously do not have any EQ because if they did they would know they are not helping the free flow of traffic when they display their pineapples, pomelos, fishballs, kwek-kwek and other goods in the middle of the road! At mabuti sana kung malinis sila; No! Kinakalat lang nila yung mga used barbeque sticks at balat ng pinya at suha sa daan!

Last, but definitely not the least, the local government REMOVED the SIDEWALK! There's no sidewalk! We have to walk ON the road and play patintero with street vendors, pedicabs, tricycles, cars, jeepneys and 18 wheeler trucks!

Hay, diyoskoporsanto!

There's St. Scholastica's College in the center; Angelo King Campus up north; CSB-Taft on the west; and SDA sa south; why can't they just close that area from motor vehicles and convert the existing roads to one big pedestrian walkway like they do in other college towns? Why endanger the lives of all these students and teachers?

Get rid of cars and trucks. Divert them to other roads. Replace the asphalt with red bricks. Keep the pedicabs (but redesign the chassis) and street vendors. And then we're talking. Pedestrian heaven!

But until our local government get its act together, it's continuous suffering for everyone.

Becoming a Mediator

2011-08-22T20:34:00.002+08:00

I've always believed that alternative modes of dispute resolution are what this country needs to declog our courts and restore the public's trust in the judicial system. The different modes I learned of in law school include negotiation, mediation and arbitration. (For more information about ADR, you can read RA 9285)

Last week, I attended a 4-day seminar on basic mediation to place me one step closer to becoming an accredited mediator of the Supreme Court. There is no mediation office in my province of Ilocos Norte and I hope to be the one to organize it in the near future.

The seminar, organized by the Philippine Judicial Academy, was held in Cauayan, Isabela (PhilJA plans to establish a mediation office there).

At the seminar venue

35 professionals participated in the course. 2 from Metro Manila, 1 from Laoag City (that's me), 1 from Baguio City, another from Nueva Ecija, and the remaining 31 from the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan and Santiago in Isabela province.

8 of us were lawyers, some were court personnel and the rest were from the private sector. (Yes, anyone can become a mediator, as long as you are at least 30 years old, a college graduate and of good moral character. For more information about becoming a mediator, log on to the Philippine Mediation Center website)

DCA Raul Villanueva

We had a total of 9 speakers who discussed various subjects on mediation. On our first day, Atty. Manny Caparas gave the most lectures. He talked about ADR mechanisms and the role of lawyers in mediation; Deputy Court Administrator Raul Villanueva discussed conflict management; and Fr. Raffy Cruz shared wth us his thoughts on social and cultural context in negotiation.

Fr. Raffy Cruz

I stayed in Hotel Andrea, the only boutique hotel in the city. My room was kind of small and had no windows, but it was okay for the price (P1,050.00). May aircon, flat screen TV, hot shower and free wifi naman.

I did not know anyone in Cauayan. The only friend I knew in Isabela was Mayor Jeng Reyes, but she lives in Alicia town, which is a good 45 minutes away. Luckily, my fraternity batchmate, Allen Cortez, who works for URC, was doing his rounds in the area and we had a drink one night.

On Day 2, Justice Tess Dy-Liacco Flores taught us the fundamentals of communication. That as mediators, we should listen to both parties and be aware of verbal, as well as non-verbal forms of communication. Mediation is less rigid than court litigation. Mediators can be flexible when negotiating with the parties. There are no strict rules of procedure. In fact, lawyer participation is optional, if not discouraged!

Also, mediators are not judges or arbiters. They don't decide cases. Instead, mediators act as facilitators. They provide an opportunity for both parties to voice out their concerns.

The seminar was held in the compound of UPHS-Isabela Campus

Later on, the class was introduced to the 6 stages of mediation. Usec. Linda Hornilla started it off with the mediator's opening statement. And then Atty. Caparas followed it up with the parties' opening statement. Justice Flores returned to discuss joint discussion and identifying the issues. The 4th stage was on what to do during impasses (the answer is to hold a caucus with each of the parties). Atty. Egon Cayosa of the Tuguegarao PMC Unit talked about joint negotiation, and on the 6th and final stage about closure.

The goal of mediation is to get the parties to agree on settling their differences outside of court and to enter into a compromise. More importantly, the ultimate mission of mediation is to bring back the peace between the parties. Sa korte kasi very adversarial. Magkaaway na kaagad yung mga parties. May nasa tama, may nasa mali. May panalo at may talo. Not in mediation. Pwede magkaroon ng win-win solution.

Atty. Cayosa

Usec. Linda Hornilla

That's me with Dingdong Agcaoili of Santiago City MTCC (he's not looking at the camera)

Mediation Role-play

In Day 3, Dean Agabin taught us how to write a compromise agreement, while Usec. Hornilla informed us about the PMC grievance machinery, if ever someone complains about our performance in court-annexed mediation.

Dean Agabin

On the 4th and last day, Dean Agabin talked about ethics and reminded the participants that when we sit as mediators we become officers of the court (I already am, as a lawyer. The rule is for non-lawyer mediators). Mr. Jose Name informed us of the fees we will be receiving. As mediators, we get a whopping P1,000.00 for every successful mediation! (Dean Agabin and Atty. Cayosa told us we shouldn't be mediating for the money. Mediation is really volunteer work.) And the last talk was given my Atty. Mark Polonan of PMC. He discussed the mediation forms and the accreditation process.

The resource speakers with all the participants

Me, Mr. Name, Usec. Hornilla, Dean Agabin, Atty. Polonan and 2 other Manila-based lawyer-participants

Having earned my Certificate of Completion, the next step is a two month internship. I have to mediate 3 successful cases within the period. After that, PhilJA-PMC endorses my application to the Supreme Court for resolution. Mark said the process might take another 3 months. So, I'm looking at getting my accreditation by January next year.

But that's still a long time from today. Right now I'm thankful to have been given the opportunity to take the course.

igivebacknow

2011-08-12T10:44:00.001+08:00

A lot of corporations' CSR projects nowadays include the building of classrooms for public elementary and secondary schools (think the likes of Mcdonald's, GMA, Coca-Cola, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, etc.).

But equally important to having enough classrooms is to have an adequate number of chairs and school desks inside the room, right?

Right?!

I mean, what's the use of a classroom if it's empty. The teacher and her students might as well hold class under a tree.

This is where you come in.

Yes, you!

PBSP recently launched an on-line donation facility called iGiveBackNow where ordinary people, like you and me, can give back to the community by donating as little as P100 to help improve public education. The donor can choose to donate to either the President Cory Aquino School Desk Project or the School Chairs Assistance Project.

Did you know that more than 5 million Filipino students do not have a chair to sit on or a desk to write on?

They squat or sit on the floor! 5 million kids!

Which is pathetic because one school desk costs a mere P880! The shirt you're wearing is probably more expensive.

Now is the time for you to give back to the community. Pull out your credit cards or your ATM cards and donate to iGiveBackNow.pbsp.org.ph today!

When Ordinary People Commit Graft

2011-08-05T15:00:00.000+08:00

We usually associate graft, embezzlement and other forms of corruption with high ranking public officials and controversial political leaders.

He stole 5 Million Pesos in a rigged public bidding; He pocketed 100 Million Pesos from a ghost infrastructure project; so on, so forth.

But graft is committed by ordinary people as well.

In a program the organization I work for manages, we discovered some irregularities in the reporting of check-ups by health workers.

The program is supposed to run like this: the patient goes to the clinic everyday to take his medicine. He is given an allowance for food and transportation. At the clinic, the nurse or a health worker gives him the medicine, and the patient drinks it in front of the health worker. The point being the health worker sees the patient taking the medicine, making sure the treatment works. That's the DOTS program. Directly Observed Treatment Short Course. And its used to cure tuberculosis.

This program, conceptualized by the Department of Health and the World Health Organization, would drastically lower the TB cases in the Philippines; and both organizations have shelled out millions and millions pesos to implement it.

But don't you notice, we haven't moved in the rankings?

There's still a lot of people in the country dying of TB.

It's because of corruption.

But there's no big time politician behind this, pocketing the funds for the program. Instead, you have regular people, like you and me, committing graft.

What happens is the nurse or the health worker would just simulate or fake the check-up. It's easily done because there's no way for the upper-ups to immediately find out if a TB patient died. All the nurse or health worker has to do is to "continue" administering the treatment, fill up the form and submit it as if the patient appeared before him and drank the medicine. The nurse or health worker then gets the food and transportation allowance of the deceased. Let's say that equates to P500 per patient per day. Why, that amounts to P3,500 per week and P14,000 per month! And that's only one patient! Imagine how many patients visit the clinic every day.

That's graft, man. No way of denying it.

The sad thing about this is that these nurses and health workers don't think there's anything wrong with what they're doing.

"P500 lang naman eh. Di naman mapapansin. Mas malaki ninakaw ni GMA at FG," they might say.

But stealing is stealing. Que one hundred pesos o one million man yan.

And this barangay-level stealing should be addressed as much as, if not more than, the coverage GMA, FG, Genuino, and other politicians get nowadays.

Corruption is everywhere and we have to tackle it from the bottom up. We cannot turn a blind eye to people stealing P500 because its just P500. Ang nagnanakaw naman ng 5 million nagsimula din sa maliit na halaga di ba?

Hay...

PS: I'm not saying all nurses and health workers working in barangay health centers are corrupt. Ofcourse not. In fact, marami sa kanila sila pa minsan ang nag-aabono sa kelangan gastusin. But there are some who abuse the system, and THEY are the target of my blogpost.

Corruption in the Private Sector

2011-07-16T19:08:00.011+08:00

I originally thought that the source of the nation's ills was corruption in government, and that if we just rid government with its bad apples, the country would be in much better shape, and progress would come faster. But after almost a year in the private sector I realized that corruption is not exclusive to government.
I lawyer for an non-profit organization which oversees large-scale social development programs funded by international donor-agencies. We contract smaller NGOs to implement these projects all over the country. We call these NGOs, Sub-Recipients. Money comes in from abroad and we pass it on to these sub-recipients. They, in turn, use the money to build school buildings, give out medicines, organize livelihood programs or what have you. The fact of the matter is we're all partners in this, and we share one common goal to help people in need.

There's no politico or padrino to deal with. There aren't any election/campaign expenses to worry about. Nothing. So, everything should be fine, right? There shouldn't be any stealing, right? I mean we're all here for the good of the country, right?

RIGHT?!

There shouldn't be any corruption in the private sector.

But there is.

To my utter dissappointment, there is corruption in the private sector.

I naively thought that if we take away the padrino system (which is so rampant in our government bureaucracy) and we take away the need to steal money public coffers to fund a campaign, then things will start to run smoothly.

I forgot one element of corruption that transcends all of these petty things.

GREED.

Pure and simple greed.

And I realized people are greedy, whether in the public or private sector.

As the lawyer of the foundation I work for, one of my duties is to make sure that sub-recipients utilize Grant money prudently and only to forward the interests of the program. Imagine, together with our auditor, we discovered how some of these NGOs siphon Grant funds for their self interests. Man, magugulat ka sa mga pinaggagawa nila. They hold lavish seminars (AKA: parties) in exclusive resorts. They stay in expensive 5-star hotels. They buy luxury and high-end vehicles (putting the CBCP's Pajero-7 to shame) for their personal use. They report simulated and ghost activities. They fake receipts and pad expenses. O, they're so creative. Grabe.

What makes things worse is that these NGOs think they're not doing anything wrong. Kasi nasa budget naman daw.

Huwaaaat?! Seriously?! That's your excuse?!

Hindi ibig sabihin kung nasa budget eh pwede mo na gastusin lahat!

It doesn't mean that if the money's there you have the right to spend it all!

It's some other person's money, dammit! Money he or she donated so that it could be put to good use. Not for you to reward yourself with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at Spirals!

Hay, grabe. Wala na nga ako sa gobyerno, akala ko matatakasan ko na ang lintik na korupsyon na yan. Di ko naman akalain na paglipat ko sa private sector/NGO, ganun din pala.

Now, I honestly believe we will not get rid of corruption in society by simply removing the bad politicians and replacing them with honest public officials. It's not enough.
-----
That's why when President Noynoy Aquino says that our country will be better once corruption is eliminated (or at least substantially lowered) in government, I don't believe him.

And he shouldn't believe himself. Naku, Mr. President, don't be so naive like I was!

If you think you're crusade against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, et al. would lead to "Daang Matuwid," think again!

Corruption is everywhere, in all sectors and at all levels. A witch-hunt will only lead you to another witch-hunt, sir!

The solution is cultural change. First, everybody should admit and accept that we commit or at least consent to corrupt-practices, in one form or another. And second, everybody should agree that corrupt-practices are anti-progress and that we should all stop doing it. Then we're heading towards the right direction.

Amigo

2011-07-13T15:41:00.001+08:00

Caught between watching the remake of Temptation Island or another made-in-the-Philippines movie, I took a chance on the latter. I'm glad I did because it was a really good film.

I watched Amigo, a period film set in the early 1900's during the Philippine-American War. The Bohol-filmed movie, written and directed by John Sayles (Eight Men Out, Spiderwick Chronicles), stars Joel Torre as Rafael Dacanay, Garret Dillahunt (Deadwood, No Country for Old Men) as Lt. Compton, and Yul Vazquez (A-Team, Little Fockers) as Father Hidalgo. Chris Cooper (Adaptation, The Bourne Identity) is also in it, but he has less screen time compared to the others playing the part of Col. Hardacre. I was surprised to see DJ Qualls (Road Trip, The New Guy) in this movie as Signal Corpsman Zeke Whatley.

The 2-hour movie revolves around life in the barrio and how the villagers and their American captors co-exist together.

Rafael is the barrio captain of San Isidro (sorry I don't remember what province this was set in). He is married to Corazon (played by Rio Locsin) and they own much of the lands in their area. One day, the U.S. Army's Lt. Compton and his men take over San Isidro and, upon orders of Col. Hardacre, establish a garrison to defend the American forces in Sta. Ana, and to help look for Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and other insurectos.

Lt. Compton allowed Rafael to remain as village chief and started calling him, 'Amigo.' Because there is a language barrier between them, Lt. Compton got Fr. Hidalgo to be his interpreter. At first, the soldiers looked down on the locals, but eventually got comfortable with them, and even participated in the celebration of the barrio fiesta. But then there's Simon (played by veteran actor Ronnie Lazaro), brother of Rafael and local rebel leader. He and his soldiers are hiding in the forest and plan to attack the garrison in San Isidro.

That's as much as I can tell you about the story. Spoilers na kasi ang kasunod. Better to watch it and find out for yourself what happens to Rafael, Corazon and the people of Barrio San Isidro.

I enjoyed watching this movie because I found the story unique and interesting. It's not your typical war movie where the characters just fight each other. There's that, of course, but the movie is really more about how two different cultures learn about one another.

I also liked the dialogue. Hindi siya pilit. There were a few side jokes said by both american and filipino characters, pero hindi cheesy at corny ang dating. The humor came out so natural and spontaneous, akala mo katabi mo lang sila nung humirit.

And the actors were excellent. I don't know Garret Dillahunt, but he portrayed his character of Lt. Compton very well. He reminded me of a young Bill Paxton. I also liked Yul Vazquez's take on Padre Hidalgo. I have to salute the guy for trying to speak our language. I mean, most of the time he pronounced the words wrong, but you have to give him an A for the effort. I even thought he was an expat married to a Filipina based in Cebu who they pulled out of just to play this role. I didn't know he was General Javier Tuco in A-Team. And the other American actors who played the soldiers were pretty good too. Hindi sila over-acting.

Perhaps the only one-dimensional role in the movie was that of Col. Hardacre. But I don't think you can blame Chris Cooper for this as he had so little screen time to develop his character.

As for the Filipino actors, well what can I say? How can you go wrong with Joel Torre, Rio Locsin, Ronnie Lazaro, Pen Medina, John Arcilla and Bembol Roco? I'm glad John Sayles hired real Pinoy morenos and morenas to play the parts of the villagers. Even the actress who played the village lass looked raw and very local. Ayun tuloy ang ganda ng courting scenes niya with Private Gil (Dane Dehaan). Sayles stayed true with his setting. Pag mainstream actress siguro ang nag-play ng role na yun (think Julia Montes, etc.) baka hindi maganda yung kinalabasan.

There is a negative, though. But it has nothing to do with the story, the acting or the directing. I wasn't pleased with the cinematography. The movie looked like it was shot with a home video camera. I'm not downplaying the video equipment they used, I'm sure its industry standard. It's just that it looked too plain. Kulang ng mmmpphh.

But other than that, I give this movie two thumbs up!!!

Amigo opened last July 6 in select movie theaters around Metro Manila. Before it gets drowned out by Harry Potter 7 Part 2, may be you guys can watch this movie first. Though fiction, Amigo's depiction of 1900 rural Philippines is as real and authentic as it gets. And the story is real nice.

PS: One more thing. Don't wait for it in pirated DVD, please? Filmmakers like John Sayles and actors like Joel Torre need your help to continue making quality movies. Let's support them by watching Amigo in theaters and special screenings.

The Gov. Roque Ablan Shrine and Library (from concept to reality)

2011-05-18T21:25:00.000+08:00

My grandfather, Roque Blanco Ablan, Sr., was a World War II hero. He was provincial governor of Ilocos Norte during the Japanese occupation and he was one of the few local public officials not surrender to the Japanese. Instead he transferred the seat of government from Laoag City to the mountains of Vintar and Solsona. He continued serving as local chief executive and was even allowed by Pres. Quezon to issue war notes (some are kept at the Bangko Sentral). In one of his encounters with the enemy, my lolo was separated from his unit. When the dust settled, he was nowhere to be found. Historians believe that he was killed by the Japanese. My lola, Manuela Ravelo Ablan, searched for my lolo's remains throughout Northern Luzon after the war to no avail.

For his heroism, my lolo was awarded the Medal of Valor (posthumously) by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos. A shrine was built by the National Historical Institute in Brgy. 20, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, to commemorate his bravery and remind others not to forget about the many lives that were sacrificed so that we can enjoy freedom and democracy.

The Gov. Roque Ablan Shrine in 2006

In 2009, my Dad spoke with the people over at the NHI (now NHCP) to rebuild and fix the Roque Ablan Shrine to make it into a public park and to house a mini-museum. Construction soon followed.

The new Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Shrine was completed in mid-2010 and it was inaugurated in August of the same year. The Gov. Roque and Manuela Ablan Foundation (GRAMAF) was tasked to occupy the museum and fill it with my lolo's memorabilia.

Unfortunately, we hit a snag because most of my lolo's memorabilia got lost or destroyed during the dismantling of the old shrine. We didn't have enough things to display in the museum.

Luckily, though, we met Quintin Pastrana of Library Renewal Partnership (LRP) through my sister Annette, and the idea of having a museum/library came into play. It would be great, we thought, if the community could visit the shrine not only to remember the province's heroes, but also to learn. I mean aside from the provincial and city libraries, which are both small and cramped, there isn't any other place for students to continue studying after school.

And so in February 2011 we partnered up with Quintin's group, who had opened more than 50 other libraries prior to us (mostly in the Visayas), and readied the museum to become a community library.

LRP acted fast. Within a few weeks, I was at Bato Balani Foundation picking up over 40 boxes of textbooks. From Manila I brought the books all the way up to Laoag.

LRP donated all kinds of books. We had pre-school books for little kids.

We had textbooks in Math, Science and English for elementary students.

We had textbooks for high school students.

We also had a collection of encyclopedias, college textbooks and fiction books.

My sister Annette putting in the finishing touches before the opening.

Last April 25, 2011, the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Shrine and Library opened its doors to the public.

GRAMAF Scholars volunteer to man the library.

With Bato Balani Foundation Exec. Dir. Ching Jorge and Quintin Pastrana

Explaining to the media the rationale of the library

Dad invited over NHCP Executive Director Ludovico Badoy to lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Fr. Elarmo blessed the shrine and library.

As Executive Director of GRAMAF, I signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Ching Jorge of Bato Balani Foundation.

Dir. Badoy officially turning over the shrine complex to GRAMAF.

Quintin Pastrana explaining the LRP Program. Another LRP sponsored library might be sponsored in Solsona. Another one just opened in Adams.

Right after the ceremony, we let kids come in and start reading the books.

This project wouldn't have been materialized without the help of my Dad, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Library Renewal Partnership.

The library is open 8am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. It is open to the public. Here are the house rules:

Introduction to Rowing

2011-05-15T08:28:00.001+08:00

I've been talking to Library Renewal Partnership's (LRP) Quintin Pastrana for about a month now about the possibility of making Paoay Lake a training facility for the Manila Boat Club and the Philippine National Rowing Team. Rowers currently row at the Pasig River and La Mesa Dam, but they are looking for a better option. Paoay Lake is an excellent alternative because of its accessibility (Laoag has an international airport), the lake is clean and calm, and there are currently no jurisdictional/political squabbles over the area. We've actually talked to the Punong Barangay of Nagbacalan, Paoay, and Provincial Board Member Jessie Galano about the proposal, and the guy was very receptive. We've also sent a letter to Ilocos Norte governor, Imee Marcos, about supporting the idea. Hopefully, we meet her this coming June.

In the mean time, Quintin offered me to try out rowing at the Manila Boat Club near the Sta. Ana Race Track in Manila.

And so I did.

The Boat Club's dock is at the Pasig River.

Surprisingly, the river was not stinking that morning. The last time I took the Pasig River Ferry (which was more than 2 years ago) I could smell the stench even inside the air-con cabin. And yesterday, I didn't smell a thing. Also, I noticed the water to be cleaner. I mean sure, it's still brown and murky, but at least the floating trash have significantly lessened.

The club is more than a century old. Most of its current members are expats who used to row in their respective countries like the UK, the US and Switzerland.

Rowing Rules

They have a wide range of racing row boats for a single person, two persons, four persons and even for eight people.

I was told that only the old boats are made of wood. The boats they use now are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and other high-tech composite materials.

Here we have Quintin, Max and Mang Ben take out a quad scull boat from their boat house.

Here they are laying the boat in the Pasig River.

This is where I sat. The sculling oars are held by oarlocks on the outriggers. The seat slides front and back to aid the rower in rowing. The feet are held stationary by a shoe assembly fixed on the boat.

This is us (Max, Quintin, me and Mang Ben) about to leave the dock.

Mang Ben is teaching me the proper technique in rowing. I can tell you right now it's harder than what it looks like.

I had trouble early on coordinating my lower body and my upper body. Minsan tumatama yung handle sa tuhod ko. Minsan nagbabanggaan yung mga kamay ko. Minsan sablay yung pag-row ko.

It took me quite a while to get the hang of it and "sync" with Max and Quintin. But once you do get in rhythm and be "one" with the other rowers, you feel good inside because you feel you're part of this well-oiled machine gliding quietly through the river.

This is us after 3.5 kilometers, near the Guadalupe Bridge.

With my baseball cap and shades on, I look like someone in the witness protection program.

This is us on the way back to the Boat Club. Notice me checking my Blackberry. Hehe. We rowed a total of 7 kilometers to and from Guadalupe. I actually enjoyed the experience and am interested in doing this as a cross training sport if ever it catches on in my province.

Here are my "war wounds." My calves kept on hitting the edge of the seat tracks. Result of wrong positioning of the seat and the foot stop.

Had blisters on my heels as well.

And that was my rowing experience at the Pasig River, courtesy of Quintin Pastrana and Max Makowski. Thanks for inviting me, guys! Rowing is a cool sport. The boats are expensive, yes, but once you have that, all a person needs is an oar, himself and a body of water, and your good to go!

I do hope more people get into rowing because it is a beautiful sport. And for a country that's an archipelago with a lot of coast, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, why shouldn't we?

Philippine Business for Social Progress

2011-02-15T10:34:00.002+08:00

After my stint at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Board, I wanted to continue helping people. But since I was covered by a year long ban to work in government, I had to do it in the private sector.

I found out about Philippine Business for Social Progress, allegedly the largest corporate-led foundation for social development in the Philippines. It is comprised of over 200 member companies who pool in their resources to empower the poor and underprivileged through social development projects like building schools, awarding scholarships, providing credit facilities and conducting livelihood programs. Member companies include Smart Communications, Landbank, Petron, Nestle, IBM, Aboitiz, TV5, and ICTSI.

PBSP also acts as program managers of development agencies. The foundation currently implements projects for USAID, AECID and Global Fund, and has potential projects with AusAID and CIDA.

We have so many projects that its hard to keep track of each and everyone of them. There's the Smart Schools Program where SMART donates 2 computers with 1 year internet connection to public schools all over the country. The program includes training the teachers on how to use the computer.

Then there's the school building program funded by the Angelo King Foundation and Coca Cola, among others. Just like what FCCCI and other NGOs do, PBSP also builds classrooms in public schools.

Like I mentioned PBSP has a scholarship program as well. We implement the scholarship program of Petron and Landbank. We support the student from high school all the way to college.

For health, we are implementing the Two Billion Peso (PhP 2,000,000,000.00) Sustaining TB Control and Ensuring Universal Access to Comprehensive Quality TB Care Program of the Global Fund. It is our biggest project to date, which aims to reduce TB in the country. Did you know we rank #9 in the world in terms of TB cases?

PBSP is also into microlending. We provide financial assistance to small and micro enterprises, sourced from USAID and KFW. Other poverty reduction projects include empowering mutli-purpose cooperatives with their livelihood and building livelihood centers for them.

I joined PBSP last November as their legal officer. Among other tasks, I review all contracts and agreements entered into by the foundation. I draft legal documents. I act as Assistant Corporate Secretary. And I also represent PBSP in its cases--the ones I can handle of course. More delicate stuff is handled by our partner law firm.

PBSP recently celebrated its 40th Founding Anniversary last January 25. The foundation is headed by Rafael C. Lopa as its Executive Director and Nicolaas Oreel as its Chief Executive Advisor. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Manny V. Pangilinan.

PBSP Headquarters in Intamuro, Manila

PBSP Regional Office in Davao City, Mindanao

Management Team Meeting led by Executive Director Rapa Lopa and Chief Executive Advisor Klaas Oreel

PBSP Board of Trustees Meeting led by Chairman Manny Pangilinan

Annual Membership Meeting (25 January 2011)

40th Founding Anniversary of PBSP with Pres. Noynoy Aquino as Guest Speaker

PBSP is open to all companies, whether small business or MNC, to join the foundation to help reduce poverty in the Philippines. Member companies contribute a small portion of their gross income to PBSP so that we can implement various social development projects. Or, member companies can opt to fund their own projects through PBSP, like what Smart, Petron and Coca Cola did.

For more information, visit the PBSP website at http://www.pbsp.org.ph/ or call Membership at +632 5273742.

Life after losing in the elections

2011-02-05T15:08:00.003+08:00

Nine months ago I lost in an election contest to represent the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 15th Congress of the Philippines. It was a tough race between 5 candidates: Reynolan Sales was a former town mayor of Pagudpud and was running for congressman for the 3rd time; Rudy Fariñas was a former city mayor of Laoag and governor of the province; Chito Ruiz was a former town mayor of Sarrat and a family friend; Renato Peralta, was a colleague at the Provincial Board; and myself.

I campaigned hard for 45 days, going from one house to another, informing voters of my platforms and legislative agenda. Looking back, I think the stands and positions I took on a number of issues were unpopular to a lot of voters and I lost their votes. For example, I was in favor of the national government having a comprehensive reproductive health program. The church was not happy about that. In a congressional debate, the other candidates said they were devout catholics and the RH bill was against their beliefs. Well, I couldn't lie. Not even just to please the priests. I said I was a christian in favor of a national reproductive health program. I believed then, and I still do today, that it is the duty of the State to educate the people about reproductive health, especially since we cannot solely depend on parents to do so. The State has an obligation to provide its people access to reproductive health programs the same way it provides them access to other health concerns like TB, Measeles and Dengue. Was my stand final? No. I admit I don't know everything about the subject-matter and I'd still like to hear other arguments against having a state-sponsored RH program. If I won, I would have organized town hall meetings in schools, the farmlands, the hospitals, the church and far-flung barrios, so that I can get the pulse of the people. But I guess, here in the Philippines, just because you're in favor of a reproductive health program, the church conveniently and immediately labels you as anti-life and not deserving to be elected to office. Never mind the womanizer, the gambler, the drug addict and the killer--you can elect them. But an RH advocate? Junk him in the elections.

I also was pro-environment--another unpopular stand. In 2007, I lobbied for a province-wide conversion of 2-stroke engines (used by 60% of tricycles) to direct in-cylinder engines, which were more eco-friendly. My proposal was met with opposition from, surprise surprise, the tricycle groups. And they even threatened not to vote for me if I pursued the measure. This did not deter me, but my colleagues in the provincial board told me to go easy on tricycle drivers.

In 2009, I sponsored an ordinance imposing a special green tax on the use of plastic bags and an ordinance banning the use of styrofoam products in commercial establishments. These two products clog our canals and waterways, not to mention poison the sea and kill marine animals. Guess what, it was opposed by businesses, and both measures were tabled by the Committee on Trade and Industry.

To cut the long story short, I made a lot of unpopular stands during my 3 year term as local legislator and it may have contributed to my loss. Do I regret making them? No. Definitely not. I think it was important for me to communicate to the voters where I stand on national issues. They had a right to know, and I didn't want to lie or deceive them.

And if the voters didn't vote for me because we didn't share the same views, I accept it.

---

I came in second. But it wasn't even close. I lost in all 80 barangays of Laoag City. I even lost in my barangay. In towns I thought were my bailwicks, I lost. I lost in Bacarra, Pasuquin, Sarrat and Vintar. On the bright side, I won in Burgos, Adams, Carasi and surprisingly, Bangui. If I hadn't thank the people of those four towns yet, let this blog make it known that I am forever grateful for their votes. That also goes to the 40,000 voters from all over the 1st District who believed in me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. If there's only a way for me to know who voted for me, I'd go to each of my supporters and thank them personally. I hope that some day, I'll be able to serve you again.

---

Life after losing in an election is not all that bad. It's not the end of the world. Sure, I won't be able to continue doing what I enjoy doing, which is to help shape policy, but I get to appreciate the important things I took for granted when I was busy, like family. : )

These past 9 months, I got to get closer to my wife and help her in raising our baby daughter, Bea. I took Bea to the doctor's office when Ria went back to work. I was there when Bea took her first solid food and when she started to crawl. I give her baths and make timpla her milk. Na-sukaan na ako. Na-ihian na ako (iniintay ko na lang na ma-taihan eh). I enjoy being a dad, more so now as Bea is transitioning from infant to toddler. She still needs me to hold her hand when walking, but one of these days she'll be able to walk on her own. I only feel bad that I am not able to do everything my wife does for Bea, but I try to compensate in other aspects.

I also got to finally do the stuff I put in the backburner the past few years, like organizing our family's foundation. The Governor Roque and Manuela Ablan Foundation was registered at the SEC last August 2010, and it will get its DSWD accreditation this February 2011. We already have a number of scholars in MMSU and have a law scholarship for MMSU, NWU and UP.

I got to read a lot of books, including, Shop Class for Soul Craft, Sway, Black Swan, Outrage, Free Lunch, Team of Rivals, and, yes, even Eat Pray Love.

---

Having lost in the elections, I am banned from government employment for one year, not that I am patay-gutom to go back to government.

There were several opportunities for me to revive my commercial law practice, but I am just not interested to join the corporate world again. I tried that before and it left me feeling empty.

Working in the provincial government gave me the opportunity to help people, and I wanted to continue doing that. I applied for positions in international aid agencies like AUSAID, AECID and USAID, but the problem is I haven't logged in enough experience in development projects.

And then I found out about Philippine Business for Social Progress, the largest corporate-led foundation for social development here in the Philippines. It is composed of almost 300 companies contributing a percentage of their income to implement projects designed to reduce poverty in the country.

I joined PBSP in late 2010 and I've enjoyed my work so far. Sure, corporate pa rin, pero at least it wasn't interested in just making profit, but in helping people. We're working with Petron and Landbank in funding scholarships for over 200 poor but intelligent and deserving students. We're working with Smart to equip public schools with computers and internet connection. We're working with Coca-Cola and the Angelo King Foundation in building classrooms and laboratories. PBSP is the implementing agency for the tuberculosis program of Global Fund and USAID. And that's just the educational and health parts. We also have projects for the the environment and livelihood.

---

I lost in the elections. My dream of representing the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 15th Congress was shattered.

It sucks. Really.

But the world continues to turn

and life must go on.

Renewing my passport at the DFA

2011-01-18T16:46:00.000+08:00

My current passport will be expiring in a few months, so I decided to renew it. I started my renewal process by logging in at DFA's website. I filled up the form and included Bea's application as well. I set an appointment at the DFA's Consular Office in ASEANA Business Park, Baclaran, Pasay City.

Within the same day, I received an e-mail confirming my application and appointment date. I printed the e-mail which included an already filled-up application form.

Here are the documents you need to bring at DFA for renewal of Green Passport (those issued after May 1, 1995).
1. Current passport and photocopy of pages 1, 2, 3 and last page.
2. Pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

For Bea, here are the documents needed for new minor applicants:
1. NSO Birth Certificate
2. Photocopy of passport of both parents

Our scheduled appointment was last Friday at 8:30am. The instructions told us to be there by 8am. We were there by 8:10.

We showed our application forms to the appointment counter just outside the entrance. The clerk stamped his name and instructed us to go up to the 2nd floor.

There's a special processing area for Government Employees, Senior Citizens, and Families with Children. We got our queue number and waited to be called. There were only 2 DFA officers working on Families with Children applications so we waited quite a bit. WAITING TIME: 60 MINUTES.

Processing Area on the 2nd Floor for government employees, senior citizens and families with children.

When we got to the counter, the DFA officer received our application forms and accompanying documents. He signed, stamped and attached a paper to our forms. After processing, we went to the cashier to pay our fees. The website said the regular passport fee was P950.00. But for some reason, our applications were considered RUSH. So we paid P1,200.00 each.

From there, we got another queue number thinking the "courtesy lane" for Families with Children would continue to the encoding section. Hindi pala. Hanggang processing lang pala. Nahalo na kami sa lahat ng applications. Our number was more than 200 away from the one being serviced. Grabe naman!

I found out that the "courtesy lane" for Government Employees continued. DFA dedicated 5 counters for government employees. So, since Ria still works in government, I photocopied her ID and presented it at the processing counter and the guy there annotated our application. We were able to line up at the courtesy lane for government employees. WAITING TIME: 30 MINUTES.

In encoding, the clerk took our picture, signature and fingerprints. We had a bit of a problem with Bea's picture because she wouldn't look at the camera.

Then that's it. Our "RUSH" passports would be ready for pick-up within 10 working days. Ria and I couldn't get off work that day so we were forced to avail of the home delivery via LBC. Lined up again and paid P120.00 each. So, we'll just wait for our passports in the mail.

Whole process took 100 minutes. : )

the bike as transport

2010-08-30T08:03:00.000+08:00

When people find out that I bike they often ask, "mountain or road?" That's because biking here in the Philippines is known to be a sport. It's highlighted as such right now with the popularity of triathlons.

But biking is not just a sport. It's also transportation.

I own 4 bikes. A Trek Allant, a Trek Valencia, a Dahon Jack, and a Japanese bicycle. And yet I feel out of place when my friends talk about their MTB adventures in Timberland in San Mateo, Rizal, or when I see the Sokisok Bikers who just came from the trails in Vintar. That's because none of my bikes are mountain bikes.

I also can't bike alongside other cyclists in SM MOA, who are training for the Tour of Luzon, well, because none of my bikes are road/racing bikes.

Not for mountains? And not for roads? So, what kind of bikes do I have? And where do I use them?

All 4 (2 in Laoag and 2 in Manila) are commuter-type bikes. And I use all of them as alternative transportation.

You see, back in 2007, when I worked in Laoag, my office was just 500m away from my house. I felt it was a waste of gas and parking space to use my car. At the same time, I thought it was too hot and humid to walk. I didn't want to drive and I didn't want to walk. My solution was to commute by bike. I'd get there faster, get some exercise, take up less space, and save on gas (which is quite expensive in the province).

And that's where it started. I bought a bike and rode it to go to the office. I later found out that 40% of our trips are just within a 4-5 km radius, and 90% of that time, we drive our cars. So I told myself, if the place I'm going to was near, I'd use my bike.

I biked to the bakery. To the drugstore. To Mcdonalds. To the coffeshop. To the barber. To the mall. I even biked 11 kms to the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center just for breakfast.

Back here in Manila, I try to commute by bike, but it's much, much difficult. There are more cars, buses, jeepneys, and motorcycles to deal with. Plus the roads are narrower and have more potholes. In fact, I've only managed to bike around the metro by joining the monthly critical mass rides of the Firefly Brigade. Other than that, it's just short trips to Starbucks, the supermarket and the gas station--places not farther than 2 kms. Beyond that limit, EDSA and South Super Hi-way stand on my way.

Until the other day.

I forgot to claim my drivers license at a sports equipment warehouse (Sonak Trading) in Sucat, Paranaque. I only realized my license was missing when I got home. The next day, being the law abiding citizen that I am, I didn't drive (I had no license on my person). I went back to Sucat using my trusted bicycle.

I never biked West Service Road before so this was my first time. I kept to the right most part of the road and drove as straight and predictable as possible. Even then, I got nervous when I'd encounter a truck (and there are a lot of trucks using West Service Road). Laking takot ko na masagi ako. And then there was the air pollution. Sobrang mausok. Feeling ko nagka-lining na ng asbestos yung mga baga ko. Anyhow, I got to my destination with all my body parts intact. I claimed my drivers license. And then I biked back to our village. 17 kms total distance travelled. Oh yeah, before I got home, I almost got bit by a dog that chased me half a block.

That experience aside, I'd still like to use my bike to commute. But the roads just have to be safer for cyclists. Drivers are so reckless in Metro Manila. Also, there's a problem about bike parking. Either there's none, or the bike parking area is at the back of the building which makes it susceptible to bike theft.

The only way for our government to listen to our concerns, and to convince motorists to respect bikers, is to go out and bike. And we show our force through the critical mass rides organized by groups such as the Firefly Brigade. Hopefully, more people bike.

Because biking is not just a sport. It's also a form of transportation.

Ang Pag Gamit sa Damo Pagkatapos Mamatay ang Kabayo

2010-08-03T20:52:00.003+08:00

Earlier this year I wrote about a proposal to monetize the 250 Million Tobacco Excise Tax share. Because of monetization, the province would only get 175 million. I was originally opposed to this because I believe we should get the whole amount. BUT, considering that the recipients of the fund, the farmers, needed it to protect their crops from the hot and dry weather, I supported the measure.

And as I wrote, the proposal was blocked by 6 board members. The motive was political. It was obvious. The 6 belonged to the rival of the incumbent governor and they didn't want the latter to be mabango to the public 2 months before election.

Of course, the 6 denied it and said they were against the ordinance because of the discount. EVEN though they approved similar ordinances (monetization, discount, etc.) several times before.

They stuck to their story. They were against the proposal because they wanted the farmers to get the whole amount.

I didn't believe them then. I don't believe them now. I think it's all baloney.

Anyway, the measure was blocked, the 175 Million did not come. No aid to the farmers. And the heat wave destroyed a lot of crops during the summer. In other words, dahil walang damo, namatay yung kabayo -- or at least, nanghina.

On the bright side, the plan of the other group worked. The incumbent governor lost. As did I.

Fast forward to August 2010--several months AFTER the election. The new governor, together with some of the board members who opposed the proposal last January, suddenly had a change of heart.

Now, it's okay to use the 250 Million.

You might be wondering if they got the whole amount, the 250 Million. After all, that was their main argument before. That the farmers deserved the whole amount, and they wouldn't accept anything less.

Well wouldn't you know, they used the 250M as collateral to a bank to get.....

Wait for it.....

175 Million.

THE SAME AMOUNT THEY OBJECTED TO 6 MONTHS AGO.

So what was all the fuss about before?!

Why the sudden turn-around? I thought they were fighting for the farmers?

Now it seems they were fighting for their asses. What hypocrites.

What use is the fund now? Second cropping is done. And crops had been destroyed by El Nino.

Tapos na. Saan na gagamitin ang damo eh patay na nga yung kabayo?

What will the new provincial administration do with the farmer's money now that the dry season is over?

...waaaaaiiiit for it...

...Among other things, they're building a new office for the governor and the board members.

Talaga nga naman...

The Assumptions are Not True

2010-03-14T23:03:00.012+08:00

Many people assume that my running for congressman this coming May 2010 is a result of a life-long calculated plan of my dad--the ever consummate politician. After all, that's what politicians do to perpetuate themselves, right?

And many believe that my dad is responsible for me taking up law, running for USC chairman, running for provincial board member and eventually running for congress in 2010 to take over after he reaches the mandatory 3-term limit.

Fair assumptions, but not true.

First, the law degree. My dad never told me to become a lawyer. Proof is that of the 9 brothers and sisters, ako lang ang nag-tapos nang pagka-abogasya. Dad didn't force any of us to study law.

I chose to study law. It was my decision. Sure, I was influenced by the fact that my grandfather and father were both lawyers. But the truth is, I never saw either of them practice law. What really made me take the UP Law Aptitude Examination (LAE) was the hunger to know and understand the law. While taking up some Philosophy subjects in Ateneo, I realized that our lives are greatly governed by laws. In every aspect of society, be it family life, business, environment, health, there are rules and regulations. If a person did not know the law, he would either be left behind or taken advantaged of. The only way to survive, is to learn the law. I wanted to study law so that I could teach others about it--so that I could empower them.

The movie "My Cousin Vinny" also influenced me. Others would have been inspired by "A Few Good Men" or "The Firm." Not me. It was "My Cousin Vinny" starring Joe Pesci as Vinny Gambini. Sobrang babaw ng rason ko. If Vinny could be a lawyer, I could to. Unknown to many, but that movie made me survive law school. : )

Second, the USC Chairmanship. Dad never talked to me about it. In fact, when I told him I was interested in running, he didn't support me at first. Ayaw niya ako tumakbo. Only after his fraternity brods talked to him that he gave me some money for posters.

Third, running for bokal. After taking the bar, I knew I wanted to be a public servant. 'Di kami nag-usap ni Dad pero alam ko gusto kong pagsilbihan ang bayan. I didn't want to practice corporate or tax law. And I didn't want to litigate. But just to be sure that public service was my calling, I tried them both first.

I worked as a corporate attorney in Makati. The pay was okay, my boss was nice and my officemates were friendly. But after a year I felt like throwing up every time I went to work. Literally, nasusuka ako sa ginagawa ako, hindi ko alam kung bakit. It wasn't for me.

Then I tried litigation by working for the Office of the Solicitor General. I was serving the public by representing the government in its court cases. My boss was kind and my officemates were helpful. So dapat okay. Pero hindi. I was miserable. It took me such a long time to draft my pleadings. Sabi ng iba sanayan lang yan, pero hindi eh. Whenever I was in my cubicle I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I'd always have to go out for fresh air. I couldn't wait to get out. Buti na lang during that time, I was assigned by my boss to the OSG Bill Task Force. Since my dad's a congressman, SolGen (now Justice) Nachura tapped me to help lobby for the passage of the OSG law. This assignment allowed me to visit my old officemates in Congress and friends in the Senate. Kilala ko mga committee secretaries and legislative officers dun that we were able to calendar the bill and prioritize it in the floor and have it passed in a matter of months. Nag-enjoy ako sa ginawa ko. Nabuhayan ako.

This was a turning point in my life. It was through this time period that I realized I was really not cut out for the regular practice of law or litigation. And I also realized that I enjoyed lobbying and legislating.

Only then did I approach my dad about running for public office. Prior to this Dad never talked to me about politics.

And the only time my dad had anything to do with my decision to run was when we discussed what position I would be gunning for in 2007. The options were City Councilor, City Vice-Mayor or Provincial Board Member. I chose the latter. And I'm glad Dad supported me in my decision.

The rest, my friends, as you know, is history. : )

Lastly, my run for congress. Yes, my dad is a third-term congressman. Yes, that means he's graduating. Yes, I am the perfect and expected replacement. And it's safe to assume that I am running because of those reasons. But I'm not running for those reasons.

I run because I want to.

I run because I believe that local government units, particularly the provinces, must be given more powers to govern themselves. And the only way to make sure that the Local Government Code is amended to achieve such goal is for me to run for congressman.

I run because I believe that the constitution must be reviewed and overhauled after 23 years of being untouched. I have so many proposed changes and improvements for our constitution and the only way to get them there is for me to propose them myself in Congress.

I run because I want to review and possibly revise the Sangguniang Kabataan Law to make it more relevant to the youth. I run because I want to decentralize the Department of Education by giving more power and autonomy to the Local School Boards. I run because I want Congress to grow some balls and pass a comprehensive reproductive health care program. I run because I want to lower income taxes. I run because I want to create small claims courts and special traffic courts around the country.

I run because I want to shape national policies and be a part of a new administration that would do whatever it takes for the country to get out of this rut and shrug off the image of being the basket case of Asia.

So, I hope that's clear. : )

I am running for Representative of the 1st District of the Province of Ilocos Norte, not for anything else, but to serve my country and make a difference.

A MAN OF IDEALS: ATTY. KRIS R. ABLAN

2010-03-14T21:42:00.001+08:00

By ROLAND R. AGRA, President of the Supreme Student Council, NCC

06 March 2010, launching of Kabataan Kaisa ni Kris

Provincial Capitol Auditorium, Laoag City

Before I start may I greet every one a good afternoon. May I also congratulate Atty. And Mrs. Kris Ablan for their first child, Baby Alicia Beatriz. I hope she’ll have a baby brother in two-three years time.

I was heading home from my 6 PM class, when I received a text message from RB Ablan. He was requesting me to make an anecdote about Sir Kris, which will I deliver afterwards. I was hesitant at first because I have many paper works to do. However, I came to realize that I have a moral responsibility to share to you how this good-looking and debonair public servant affected my views on leadership and public service.

I first saw Atty. Kris three years ago. My landlady gave me a polyetos. When I saw that polyetos, the first question I asked myself was, “How is he related to the Ablans?” Later, I found out that he is a son of Rep. Roque R. Ablan. Atty. Kris won a seat in the Provincial Board during the 2007 midterm elections.

Come July 2009, when I won as the president of the Supreme Student Council, we were given the chance to sponsor our first leadership seminar. During our meeting, an officer raised a motion on whom to select as lecturers and speakers. I rose from my seat and nominated Board Member Kris Ablan. After that, Atty. Kris was selected as one of our four lecturer-speakers. Some fellow officers insisted on choosing the SK Federated President. They reasoned out, “He is a member of the youth like us”. I said, “He was once the chairman of the University of the Philippines Student Council. That’s heavier than your argument.”

When he came, I was uncomfortable not only because I would introduce him that afternoon, but I was disturbed by how he approached my fellow student leaders. He was very warm and friendly. No signs of pakitang-tao or plastikan. I admired how he delivered his lecture. He was not boring. He was able to relate himself with his listeners. From then on, I imitated how he delivers his speeches; not boring, confident, full of energy.

Tumatak sa isipan ko na si Sir Kris isang mabuting halimbawa lalo na sa kabataan. After the leadership seminar, we invited him to be our guest of honor and speaker sometime in October and again last January as the main lecturer of the voters’ education forum.

I consider myself privileged not only because I had met him many times but I always learn something from him every time we had an opportunity to be together. He is an idealist, just like me. He believes that we can achieve real and substantial change if we are disciplined and law-abiding citizens. No contentions about that. I agree with him that what are important are the principles and ideologies you are fighting for and not the personalities you are with every day.

Don’t dare accuse him as a trapo or else tamayen kayo. His track record in the Provincial Board is a manifestation of his dedicated performance, unquestionable competence, and unwavering love for the Ilocano people.

May I be allowed to recite some portions of the famous; I AM FILIPINO poem of Atty. Alex L. Lacson, a product of the Harvard Law School, who visited NCC last February 26. I made slight modifications to suit today’s affair.

Kris Ablan is a Filipino. Who is he today is because of the role God wants him to play. He is born to succeed. God has equipped him, within him and around him. With all the essentials he needs to succeed in this world…He is destined to be great…for God truly wants him to add more beauty and greatest to our world.

Kris Ablan was born of freedom…as such, he dedicates that freedom to ensure that the people shall remain free…he shall use his freedom to help other people…he was born of love, out of God’s immeasurable love…it is what He wants him to bring into this world, so love shall be who he is.

Kris Ablan is a part of the whole, as part of the answer to the question, as part of the solution to the problem, as part of the hope of our people…and soon…he shall build a more beautiful and better community not only for his family but most especially for the Ilocano people.

That is Atty. Michel Kristian Riego Ablan. He is KNOWLEDGEABLE. He is RESPONSIBLE. He is an IDEALIST/INTELLIGENT. He is a SELFLESS public servant. That makes him a brilliant future congressman: mapagpiaran, napudno, ken naayat nga agserbi itit kaaduan.

An article on the Congressional Forum in DWCL

2010-03-05T13:36:00.003+08:00

Eloquent Rudy, idealistic Kris, and Confused Atong

by: Herdy Yumul

I WANTED Teteng Sales to be in the forum sponsored by student journalists of the Divine Word College of Laoag last Feb. 24. The former Pagudpud mayor, who claims he won the congressional race in 2007 over incumbent Roque Ablan Jr., intrigues me. I know so little about his position on issues, and I wanted to validate the general impression that he is an intellectual lightweight.

Apparently, however, he ignored the invitation to the event, the first congressional forum to happen in the province after the filing of certificates of candidacy. According to organizers, Teteng’s camp received the letter of invitation, and no less than his wife Maja was informed of the undertaking, but that they never sent a word, which is worse than begging off.

Former Sarrat Mayor Chito Ruiz was also unable to attend as he was in Manila, but his staff took time to convey the candidate’s regrets.

There was another congressional forum that was supposed to transpire last Feb. 26, the Anti-Kadiri Movement’s Congressional Hour. It was postponed, however, because Gibo’s visit to the province on that day made some personalities unavailable. Leaders of this anti-trapo movement say Teteng has also been ignored them.

This is sad, dear karikna, because candidates owe it to us, the voting public, to explain their stands on matters of public concern. Teteng’s popularity in the past was mainly due to the people’s tiredness of the old Ablan, a traditional politician who has been a fixture in the local political scene for decades. I say this will no longer be enough political capital for Teteng as he now faces four other candidates: Ruiz, Former Congressman/Governor Rudy Fariñas, Board Member Atong Peralta, and Ablan’s son Kris.

Rudy Fariñas was in his usual element. He was eloquent and sharp, an observation shared by Prof. Fides Bitanga, forum moderator.Some people perceive the 1978 bar topnotcher as arrogant and aggressive, but I did not see those qualities in him that afternoon. What I saw was a person who was simply raring to serve again. While he did not actually say these words, the message I got from him was: I am qualified, I have served you well before, and I am most willing to serve you again.

Kris Ablan was refreshing. He was somehow successful at conveying the message that he is different from his father, although he also occasionally justified, even took pride in, his old man’s actions. Nonetheless, there was sincerity in his voice.

What I wanted about both Kris and Rudy was their very clear positions on issues. Invited as a panelist, your karikna asked them about the Reproductive Health Bill. Kris said we really need one. Rudy said he is against it because he is Catholic, and that he considers the proposed legislation as “anti-life”. Then spoke Atong who said that it is an issue so complicated and controversial that he would rather not give a position.

I also asked them of their individual views on the Sangguniang Kabataan’s abolition pushed by some quarters because, 1) SK officials have become puppets of traditional politicians and political dynasties, 2) SK has become a breeding ground not of leadership, but of corruption and ineptitude; and 3) Because their projects are superficial, e.g. Search for Ms. SK, construction of basketball courts, and the like.

Rudy, father of the SK Federation presidents of Laoag City and of Ilocos Norte, said he is against its abolition, and went on to argue against contentions 1 and 3. Kris said he is also against abolition, but that he will propose reforms to the SK system.

You guessed it! Atong found the issue to difficult to handle so he did not make a stand. How confused can he get? Confused or compromised? Or afraid? I have never doubted the brilliance of this veteran politician, and that is why it was so disappointing when he chose gray when the lines between black and white were so clear.

Remember what Dante, the greatest Italian poet said about indecision? “The hottest place in hell is reserved for those people who, in time of crisis, remain neutral.”

But let’s give credit to Atong, at least he came, unlike two of his opponents. And he could do better in gatherings of similar nature soon. There are two congressional forums that we anticipate in March. The Kadiri Movement’s and the Laoag City Hall Press Corps’.

Your karikna (extreme left) together with other forum panelists

*****

Straw voting was done before and after the event to determine how much the forum has changed voters’ preferences. Over 200 students from various universities in the province cast their ballots.

According to Jaime Lao, editor in chief of DWCL’s The Williamite, the entrance poll yielded the following results, in percentage: Ablan, 34.6; Fariñas, 26.7; Ruiz, 5.8; Sales, 5.3; Peralta, 1.6; and 26, undecided.

After the forum, the undecided fell to only 5 percent. Ablan’s figures rose to 60.3 percent while Fariñas’ had a slight decline at 25.2 percent. Ruiz and Peralta maintained their single digit figures but Sales’ votes votes plunged from 5.3 percent at the entrance poll to less than one half percent (.047%) after the forum.

It is safe to infer that most of the undecided voters, after listening to the candidates, decided to choose Kris, the youngest among the contenders.

The thirty-two year old lawyer and former UP Diliman Student council president radiated youthful idealism when he said that a congressman’s primary interest must be legislation and not the pork barrel fund. Fariñas was more pragmatic. He said that a congressman has two jobs: to legislate and to gather funds for his district, because local official come to them for help. Kris, in an interview I made with him before, categorically said that he is, by principle, against the concept of pork barrel fund, but will accept his district’s share if it is appropriated. In an article he posted at his Facebook account which is open to the public, he categorically labeled his dad, who finds no fault in the pork barrel fund largely perceived as fountain of corruption, as “traditional politician.”

The forum confirmed what everyone knew all along. The youth sector is Kris’ bailiwick. It was all worthwhile then that, for the forum’s sake, he postponed an important trip to Manila where his wife Ria gave birth to firstborn Alicia Beatriz.

---

Published in Ilocos Times dated February 22-28, 2010

PhP 175 Million down the drain (PART 1)

2010-02-09T22:53:00.003+08:00

History will be the ultimate judge whether what the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte did with the RA7171 Monetization was right or wrong.

---

PART I

As a member of the SP, I am obliged to tell my point of the story so that farmers and their children will know about and understand what happened to their tax money.

Let's start with the source: Republic Act 7171. This law, which was passed in 1992, apportioned 15% of the total taxes collected on locally manufactured Virginia-type of cigarettes for the Virginia-tobacco producing local government units (LGUs), namely, the Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union, including all their cities and municipalities.

That 15% shall be divided by the LGUs on a pro rata basis.

The law does not specifically say when and how often the money would be given to the LGUs except that it should be directly remitted to them. That's it.

I do not believe any Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was ever released and published, so until this day implementation is rather hazy.

Ever since the law was passed, LGUs never knew when the money from the Tobacco Excise Tax would come. I was told by some mayors that there would be some years that they wouldn't receive any money at all. And when they got money, they considered themselves very lucky.

When I was elected Provincial Board Member and we received our share in 2007, I asked for a computation. We got 11.5 Million that year. I asked my elder colleagues how we arrived at that amount, and no one could explain it to me. One of them even told me that although there was a formula, it was just too complicated to understand, and so we should just accept the 11.5 Million.

We had no computation, no running balance, and practically no relevant data whatsoever. Just 11.5 Million which was our supposed share for 2006. I asked if we could defer passing the measure until we could invite an official of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) to explain to us how the whole system work, but my proposal was shot down. I had to yield to my more learned colleagues.

So, from what I understand, the Province, or any LGU for that matter, does not know how much it would get from RA 7171, or even when it will arrive. We just wait and receive whatever is given. Ganun ang patakaran. Ganun ang napagsanayan. That was the message relayed to me.

Let's fast forward to November 2009. A resolution was presented to us hiring a consultancy firm to broker for us some money from RA 7171. Apparently, based on the computations of NTA and other government agencies, the National Government owed the Virginia-tobacco producing LGUs a total of 5 Billion Pesos--accumulated since 2002. The resolution said this consultancy firm would work for the fund's monetization so that the money will be released immediately. In return, the consultant will take away a 5% professional fee.

I objected to this resolution on the basis that the consultancy firm was based in HongKong. I did not want us to deal with a foreign consultant. I told my colleagues if we were going to hire a consultant to broker for us, might as well make it a Filipino company. That way, if $%# hits the fan, at least we can take them to court. Kung foreign based company yan, mahihirapan tayong habulin sila. Despite my manifestation, the Provincial Board passed the resolution. This is now Provincial Resolution 138-2009. You can get a copy from the SP Office. And you can even see who voted in favor.

Fast forward to January 2010. Two resolutions were presented to us regarding the Province's participation in the RA 7171 Monetization Program. Based on my understanding of PR 138-2009, I knew that these twin resolutions were outputs of the consultant we hired in November. Eto na yung resulta ng pag-broker niya. Since PR 138-2009 was still good law, we were bound by it. And so, based on PR 138-2009, approval of the twin resolutions should be ceremonial.

Imagine my surprise when there was a split vote! 7 in favor and 6 against. (Although majority, not enough votes for a qualified majority)

Those who voted for it were Barba, Nalupta, Salenda, Peralta, Ong Sin, Lazo and myself.

Those who voted against were Chua, Marcos, Ranada, Castro, Galano and Farinas.

I was so surprised because most of those who voted against were the same people who voted in favor of PR 138-2009. In fairness, Marcos was absent in that November session, while Farinas voted against. The rest (Chua, Ranada, Castro and Galano) voted in favor of PR 138-2009 in November, so I did not understand their vote in January.

These guys first agreed to hire a consultant to broker for the RA 7171 Monetization Program and practically gave that consultant the blanket authority to do whatever was needed to be done, and then later on they don't want to approve an agreement the consultant entered into on behalf of the provincial government?!

I told them back in November to read the fine print, but they didn't listen to me!!! They still voted for it.

They reason out that they made a mistake.

What do they think, that we were born yesterday?

That's no mistake, my friends. That's GROSS NEGLIGENCE. That's dereliction of duty. Dapat binasa muna ng mabuti yung resolution bago in-approve. Trabaho natin yun.

Ay dios mio.

For me, as long as PR 138-2009 is valid, then the SP has no choice but to "follow-thru" and approve the twin resolutions. Otherwise, we may even be later on held civilly liable by the consultant for breach of contract.

Now if they really thought that PR 138-2009 was a mistake, then they should've proposed a resolution repealing it first. With PR 138-2009 repealed and gone, then we are no longer bound to the consultant and we are not obliged to approve the twin resolutions.

Ganun dapat yung ginawa para maayos at nagkaintindihan ang lahat, hindi yung nangyari. Sa pag-aaway namin sa isa't isa, hindi naman kami ang kawawa--ang mga tobacco farmers ang kawawa, and so I would like to apologize to all tobacco farmers. Sorry po, at hindi kami nagkasundo sa SP. At dahil dito, kayo po ay nawalan ng tulong pinansyal na umaabot sa 175 milyon pesos.

Dumawatak ti dispensa yo, apo.

to be continued...

Do we really want change, or are we just pretending?

2010-01-11T08:04:00.004+08:00

Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it being a non-traditional politician (non-trapo). I mean everywhere I go people are asking me why I am not yet campaigning. Why should I? It's not yet campaign period. That starts on March 26. That's 74 days from today.

Traditional politicians (trapos) have started their 'campaign' as early as March last year when some of them came out with streamers congratulating graduates. One person had a streamer in every public elementary and secondary school here in the district. Others started their campaign a bit late when they gave out their x'mas gifts (wink, wink) to barangay captains only this last December.

I haven't started yet because the LAW tells me I have only 45 days prior to election day to do that. Having said that, rumors are already spreading that I am backing out.

What's up with that, folks?!

I'm also not campaigning yet because I still have a job to do. The people elected me as one of their local legislators last July 2007 to serve a 3-year term. If I started campaigning as early as December 2009 then I would be shortchanging the people who elected me to office by 7 months.

I took an oath 2 and a half years ago, to serve to the best of my ability the Ilocano people for three full years, and I intend to keep that promise. I have ordinances and resolutions to pass. I have committee reports to submit. There are appropriation bills I intend to fiscalize. There are still admin cases needed to be heard. Boundary disputes to be settled. And projects to be implemented. I do not plan to renege on my obligations just to 'keep up' with my opponents. No, sir. Not until March 26 when the election code allows me to do so.

Am I being idealistic? Yes, I don't deny that. I believe we can achieve real and substantial progress by being disciplined and law-abiding citizens first.

Am I being too idealistic? No, I don't think so. I mean, I'm not naive or unaware of traditional politics in the Philippines, heck, my dad is a traditional politician. So I have first hand knowledge. And it is exactly because of this exposure that I turn away from it.

Shouldn't I just be more realistic? You mean to be more practical and pragmatic about politics? NO. Heck, no. If we settle for practicality; if we settle for pragmatism; and if we settle for trapo politics, then we're not moving forward. We'd just be walking in place. And with a ranking of 71 (behind Vietnam) in terms of Global Competitiveness, we'd be stupid to settle for that. For christ sakes, we're called the basket case of asia--you want to be pragmatic with that?

I hope and pray that in this coming national and local elections, we don't base our vote on who put up the streamers the earliest. Or who put up posters the most. Or who had the most TV or radio time. Or who gave out the best x'mas gifts or giveaways.

I hope we don't settle for someone just because he's winnable.

I hope we don't vote for someone because of spite for another person.

I hope we don't vote for someone just because he's popular and siya na yung nakasanayan.

I hope, this 2010, we vote based on track record. I hope we vote based on competence and performance. I hope we vote because of a shared vision.

If I don't win because voters don't believe in me, that I have neither the competence or track record to do the job, then I am ready to accept that. But if I don't win because I didn't campaign early or because people didn't see my face in every nook and cranny of the province, well, then may be we don't really want change after all. May be we're fine with the status quo

Some Comments on MMFF 2009

2010-01-07T00:08:00.004+08:00

Every December I make it a point to watch the entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival. This has been my annual ritual for the past 11 years I think.

This year, because of the very few watchable films to choose from, I was only able to see three. Mano Po 6, Ang Panday and I Love You Goodbye.

Here are my comments:

Best Movie: Mano Po 6. Because the story was believable. I didn't say realistic. I said believable. And as long as I can believe it, it's okay with me.

Best Actress: Angelica Panganiban (as Lizelle in I Love You Goodbye). Because she acted naturally. Runner-up: Zsa Zsa Padilla (as Olive Uy in Mano Po 6). Of all the pinoy actors who tried to impersonate chinoys, she was the closest. She had me at, "May nakakita ba ng Pei Pa Koa ko?!"

Best Actor: I hate to say this, but believe it or not, Gabby Concepcion (as Adrian in I Love You Goodbye).

Worst Screenplay: Ang Panday. Lousy plot. Excruciatingly slow dialogue. Gee-maneez.

Worst cameo appearance: TIE. Anne Curtis, John Lapus and a whole bunch of other actors in Ang Panday. Ang daming segways at sub-plots na pampagulo lang.

Worst Actor: TIE. Joonee Gamboa in Ang Panday. I used to like his voice overs, but his dialogue and acting were both over the top. And Phillip Salvador, also in Panday. That was a real bad portrayal of a villain.

Worst Actress: My namesake, Kris Aquino. Just didn't like the way she portrayed her character in Mano Po 6. It looked a bit OA.

I didn't bother to watch Wapakman, Nobody but Juan, and the others. I hope next year, mas madaming watchable na entries.

I remain with Lakas-Kampi-CMD

2009-11-19T20:01:00.001+08:00

This morning I attended the National Convention of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party at PICC. I twitted it on Facebook. My best friend asked me why I was still with Lakas, when to be linked with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's party would mean the 'kiss of death' to any aspiring politician.

His question reminded me of the answer of one former cabinet secretary on why he joined an opposition party as its senatorial candidate. The guy said he and his showbiz wife scoured their province and asked for the pulse of the people. Allegedly, their constituents wanted them to support Noynoy Aquino because he gave them hope. Noynoy was the standard bearer of the Liberal Party. And that's why the former lawmaker jumped ship to LP. To run under the party of Noynoy.

In a sense, the LP has become Noynoy's Party.

And this is precisely the reason why I remain with Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Not because of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Not because of Gilbert Teodoro. Not because of any person, past or present.

I am with Lakas-Kampi-CMD the same way Al Gore was with the Democratic Party. The same way John McCain stuck it out with the Republicans. The same way Gordon Brown is with the Labour Party. And the same way why Angela Merkel is with the Christian Democrat Union.

Because we believe in our party.

We believe in its principles and ideology.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD is not about GMA or Gibo.

It's about respecting the rights and dignity of every person.

It's about advocating for policies rooted with Christian values.

it's all about the attainment of the common good as the objective of political society.

it's not being too liberal, and it's not being too conservative. It's being at the center.

it's adhering to Aristotle's teachings on balance and obtaining what Ateneo Prof. Ibana taught me in Philo. class as the 'medyo-medyo'--the mean.

To be specific, to believe in Lakas means to be liberal enough to believe in the free market economy. Let the market decide for itself. But at the same time to also be conservative enough to believe in some regulation, so that incidents like Lehman Brothers and the Sub-Prime Crisis could be avoided.

This, in a nut shell, is what Lakas means to me.

And I remain loyal to it--GMA's kiss notwithstanding.

Because the party, like i said, should be about ideology. Not about personality.

Eh kung hindi rin lang, eh 'wag na tayo maglokohan. Abolish the Nacionalista Party and call it Villar's Team. Abolish the Liberal Party and name it Noynoy's Posse. And abolish Lakas-Kampi-CMD and rename it to Gloria's Group.

Herdy Yumul writes about me in Ilocos Times. Thanks, Herdy!

2009-08-22T09:26:00.001+08:00

by: HERDY LA. YUMUL

IT’S BEEN five weeks since I did an interviewee with the young man, but I have been dilly-dallying on writing about him.

And it’s not because the congressional-son-cum-Sangguniang-Panlalawigan-member is uninteresting.

In fact, Kris is any journalist’s ideal interviewee. He is brilliant, conversant, open, candid, reflexive, and, above all, sincere. He is also sensitive. You can talk to him for hours (in my case three) without hohum. But then you may say that I am an academician, and, being such, I can stand long conversations even with the nerd of nerds with the thickest spectacles ranting with nosebleed- inducing jargon. Maybe so, but not quite.

I first met Kris when he ran as chair of the UP Diliman Student Council in 2004. “He is the son of Congressman Ablan,” said my friend, pointing at Kris who was then doing the “otso-otso” routine during a campaign activity in a student dormitory inside the campus. Surprisingly, Kris, then a virtually unknown at UP, won over Atom Araullo (now with ABS-CBN), standard-bearer of STAND-UP, the more popular political party.

You would expect, dear karikna, that I voted for Kris. After all, he is our kailian, and Ilocanos are known to be a tight group. Nope, I voted for Atom, and for good reason. He was a brother in the struggle. In the streets, I had locked arms with Atom a couple of times fighting a regime Kris’ father so ardently supports.

Three years after, I would meet Kris again in front of my house at Ablan Avenue, Laoag City. He was then campaigning for a seat in the provincial board. Warm and convivial he was, but, he did not, yet again, earn my vote. Let me explain to you why. Roquito Ablan is known to be a skilful politician, you would think that his son Kris’ venture into local politics is part of the former’s political master plan. Having served the maximum number of consecutive terms, the old Ablan could just be fielding his son as a dummy (like one mayor in the second district is perceived by many).

“Not really,” says Kris, who explains that he, the youngest among nine siblings, is the only one drawn to law and politics. Thus, their family does not constitute a political dynasty, unlike many other known clans in the country. Kris says his father never pressured him to take up law, but that he was happy, no doubt, when he followed his footsteps. He adds that when he was growing up, his dad was already “just an ordinary congressman,” no longer the force he was during the Marcos dictatorship.

That Kris is the first district congressman’s son is a doubleedged sword. On one hand, having an institution for a father means the political infrastructure is laid out on a red carpet for him, which could prove helpful as Kris is now a hundred percent bent on running for the post his father will be vacating next year. On the other hand, a lot of people I know are not inclined to vote for Kris simply because he is his father’s son.

Remember that Teteng Sales, a lightweight, almost beat the reelectionist congressman in 2007. In fact, Ablan’s win is even under protest as Sales challenges the veracity of poll results. Sales almost won not because he had sterling credentials, but simply because the people have grown tired and weary of the old Ablan. Many would say, “Ubingak pay lang ket Ablan idin, awan met mapaspasamak.” (It’s been Ablan since I was a child, but nothing is happening.)

Kris agrees that his father is not much into doing landmark legislation nowadays but it is because he allows the younger ones to carry out that role. He further defends his father by saying, “It is not in the mould of an Ablan (he speaks of the name, fully cognizant of its prestige) to brag about his accomplishments.”
But a colleague in media texted me this when he learned that I was going to write about the bokal, “Kris is in a bind. He’s sincere but he’s still the son of the prince of darkness. If only you know how much damage the father has and is doing to our Ilocos Norte.”

Methinks Roquito Ablan may, by all measures, be a traditional politician, but mainly because it was the game of his time. He served his province by playing politics in ways he saw fit, which include swaying loyalties from one power to the other, and just by simply being the typical congressman who savors receiving his share of the pork barrel fund, a fuel for corruption disguised as support for countryside development. He may not have been a spectacular legislator, yes, but he was not terrible either. At 78, he will soon take a bow from politics, without getting himself and our province embroiled in any major controversy.

But, Kris is his own man. In spite of (or is it because of?) his father, Kris consciously packages himself as politician of a new breed. He first got my approval when, last January, he released calendars that featured beautiful scenery here in Ilocos Norte. Kris thought well not to include his face in the calendar. He only had his name on a small corner. The print was so miniscule, most people would need a magnifying glass to read it.

In his blog, window to his ruminant mind, Kris wrote, “The project was actually conceptualized many, many years ago when my dad came out with calendars with his face as the main picture (like all politicians with calendar giveaways). I thought to myself, ‘What if people didn’t want to look at your face every day?’ ‘What if they just wanted to see scenery?’” From then on, he got my attention.

While opposing parties engaged in a media war at the height of the proposed Laoag mall controversy, Kris worked swiftly, bringing in Ivan Henares of the Heritage Conservation Society to drum up support in the fight to save a rare architectural beauty which the city government and the Diocese of Laoag wanted torn down in the name of profit. He would later sponsor a resolution imposing a moratorium on tearing down or renovating school properties at least fifty years of age, thus saving the majestic Laoag Central Elementary School. It is a breath of fresh air that Kris performs his duties fully cognizant that the power he bears I not a birthright, but a mandate emanating from a people he is duty bound to serve. For instance, even if it’s not required by law, he distributes an annual accomplishment report which details his legislative accomplishments, and his disbursements of public funds for programs and projects.

At one point during the interview, Kris was even teary-eyed (or so it appeared to me). The struggle he faces is real, and I could feel it. He has to win an election, but our rotten and immature political system makes it very hard for decent people to claim victory without sacrificing ideals, without being desensitized. Still he is unafraid to make decisions his jaded colleagues consider as political suicide. Also, Kris refuses to engage in tried-but-tired political propaganda, unlike his potential opponent who has cluttered public spaces with “Happy Graduation,” “Happy Fiesta,” and other happy greetings. Likewise, he refuses to have his name bannered prominently in any project, big or small.

The moment I saw some of my students and colleagues at the state university silently shed tears while the bespectacled young man, in a well-attended forum, detailed his sojourn as a young politician crying for reform, I knew, Kris Ablan is an antidote to politics-as-usual. But, while showing qualities that run counter from those of his father, he may eventually have to take advantage of the perks of being an incumbent’s son. That is why he has been seen lately in inauguration and turnover ceremonies of his father’s projects funded by the pork barrel fund. Kris can be a noble congressman, but first he has to win.

There are many other interesting things Kris told me “off the record,” but I assure you, dear karikna, that they are all good, and they but heightened my respect for the young man.

I dilly-dallied on writing about him but only because I did not want to be so hasty in saying: Let’s support Kris, in spite of, not because of, his father. If you are a decent, mature, forward-looking citizen, there is no way you cannot like him. Unless he gets desensitized too soon, Kris may yet be the Ablan family’s biggest contribution to the nation.

www.riknakem.wordpress.com

What we at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are doing to improve the services at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr Memorial Hospital

2009-08-10T17:05:00.000+08:00

I haven't blogged in Multiply for the longest time. Parang napabayaan ko na ito sa Facebook.

Starting today, I will update my contacts here in Multiply and Facebook on what's been happening at the Provincial Capitol.

For my first entry, I will talk about the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH).

GRBASMH is the Provincial Hospital of Ilocos Norte. It was a project of my late grandfather when he was still governor in 1939. That's the reason why it was named after him. For the record, the Ablan family does NOT own GRBASMH, the same way the Aquino family does not own the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. GRBASMH is PGIN property. It is located in Laoag City and is a tertiary level hospital.

I don't know the quality of service at GRBASMH or ownership thereof prior to 1991, but I know after the passage of the Local Government Code, HEALTH CARE was devolved from the National Government (DOH) to the LGUs. And since that time, I've heard, the quality of service rendered in GRBASMH has deteriorated.

From my studies, the reason why service is bad is because the PGIN was not prepared or trained to operate a hospital. This problem is not unique to Ilocos Norte--there are dozens of public tertiary hospitals out there that are poorly managed by local governments.

At present, the GRBASMH is handled like a typical gov't office. It submits a yearly budget along with other offices to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at around September-October and then we scrutinize it. We approve their budget in November and the Governor signs the Annual Budget in December.

The problem with this set-up is that unlike other local gov't offices that can be sustained with a fixed annual budget, a hospital can't. For example, there may be medicines/supplies available in January (since it's the start of Quarter 1), but come February and March, the hospital would run out of these supplies. It has to wait for Quarter 2 (April) to come in for the 2nd release of funds. The same problem appears at the end of Q2, Q3 and Q4.

Another setback is that what the hospital earns in a year does not necessarily mean it will also get the same amount for its budget the next year. For example, let's say the hospital earned 20 million in 2008. In 2009, it won't get 20 million. It will probably get 15-17 million only. The 3 million goes to some other department. This is because all the income of the hospital goes to the general fund of the PGIN. Kaya nag-de-deteriorate yung services sa ospital. Hindi ginaganahan ang mga doctors and staff kasi yung hirap at pagod nila, hindi naman bumabalik. Walang incentive to work hard.

A third dilemma was the outdated rate of the medical/laboratory fees. Some were not changed since 1992! And it turned out that the hospital was subsidizing a lot of the services it was rendering for a long time, which I felt was counter-productive.

SO, WHAT HAVE WE DONE ABOUT IT?

Well, for starters, we updated the rates of the medical/laboratory fees. Para mabawasan na yung malaking subsidy na pati yung mga non-indigent eh nakikinabang.

Second, we authorized Gov. Keon to hire Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital's Dr. Otayza to take over the management of the GRBASMH. She brought with her her training on managing a profitable, efficient and service-oriented healthcare center.

Third, we created a trust fund for medicines and laboratory materials. So instead of going back to the general fund, income from medicines and laboratory materials go to a special revolving fund that would be used to purchase more medicines and laboratory materials.

Last, the Governor, Dr. Otayza, Dr. and Board Member Castro, and we at the SP are currently drafting an ordinance converting the GRBASMH into an economic enterprise, similar to the ones in Negros Oriental, Pangasinan and La Union, so that in the future GRBASMH would be self-sustaining.

So, there. That's what your local legislators are doing to improve the delivery of health services here in the Province.

See, your taxes are working!

Voters Registration in Northwestern University on August 12

2009-08-04T17:00:00.000+08:00

Who: To all NWU Students who are residents of Laoag City and who have not yet registered for the 2010 Elections.

What: COMELEC On-Campus (Satellite) Voters Registration

When: 12 August 2009, from 830am to 4:00pm

Where: Student Center, Northwestern University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Organized by: Youth Vote Ilocos Norte

COMELEC

Northwestern University

Magparehistro na!

2008-2009 Annual Accomplishment Report

2009-07-07T21:26:00.004+08:00

30 June 2009

Dear Kailian,

Kablaaw!

I am proud to report to you the accomplishments of my 2nd year in office as one of your Provincial Board Members in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Ilocos Norte.

LEGISLATION

First and foremost, as your local legislator, I filed another nineteen (19) draft provincial ordinances this past year. I am happy to inform you that nine (9) of my proposals were enacted into law.

For the welfare and protection of our youth, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice-Governor Windell D. Chua, approved Provincial Ordinance No. 30-2008, imposing fines to parents of minors caught operating motor vehicles; Provincial Ordinance No. 32-2008, regulating the sale of inhalants, particularly paint thinners, solvents, adhesives and rugby to minors; and Provincial Ordinance No. 37-2008, regulating the registration and use of airsoft guns in the province.

To help our indigent brothers and sisters in need of blood, we increased the province’s financial assistance to the Blood Handling Fee Fund of the Philippine National Red Cross through Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 45-2009, also known as the Blood Samaritan Ordinance of 2009.

To repay our fellow Ilocano Balikbayans who have been giving so much of their resources to the community, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Ordinance No. 42-2009, more popularly known as The Balikbayan Benefits Ordinance of 2009.

And in the matter of increasing local revenue in order for the Provincial Government to serve you better, we revised the Ilocos Norte Revenue Code (Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 01-2008), which took effect 1 January 2009.

Other proposals, which are still pending in the committee-level, include the creation of an Ilocos Norte People’s Council, imposing a tax for the usage of disposable plastic bags, granting additional benefits to Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, prohibiting patient dumping, granting a special leave to employees for their business transactions, and allowing free admission to senior citizens at the Rizal Park,

I also drafted sixteen (16) resolutions. Among the nine (9) approved were resolutions expressing support for Senate Bill 2404—creating the Health and Education Acceleration Program (HEAP) Corporation, SB 3014—strengthening the National Cultural Commission for Culture and Arts, SB 2923—constituting a Constitutional Convention to amend the 1987 Constitution, HB 4244—protecting the Red Cross emblems, and SB 2357—the Anti-Video Voyeurism Bill; urging first-time voters to register for the 2010 National Elections; and, requesting the Supreme Court to designate a Small Claims Court here in the province.

I enclose a list of my legislative accomplishments for year 2008-2009 (Annex “A”) for your perusal and review.

PROGRAMS

Second, from July 2008 to June 2009, with the help of various government agencies and the private sector, we were able to organize a number of activities, which I hope benefited our constituents.

A. Japan Skills and Technology Transfer Program – With the help of Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation (OBAF) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), trained selected individuals for 3-year internship/skills training (i.e. electronics, welding, painting, etc.) in Japan. As of 30 June 2009, 6 have been deployed to Japan, while 2 are awaiting their deployment in October. Most of the trainees come from Bacarra.

B. Adult Legal Education Seminars – Together with the U.P. Law Center - Training and Convention Division, we organized adult legal education seminars for barangay officials and lupon members under its Popularize the Law Program (POPLAW). Topics include the Local Government Code, the Katarungang Pambarangay Law, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. For 2008-2009, we held seminars in Vintar and Sarrat.

C. Inmate Skills Training and Livelihood Program – In cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail (INPJ) and TESDA, gave a welding machine (with materials & equipment) and are in the process of providing skills training to inmates of the INPJ for them to fabricate trash cans, road signs, window frames, and other steel products for use of the community.

D. Additional Saguip Maestra Teachers – Sponsored additional teachers to teach in public elementary schools not covered by the Saguip Maestra Program. Beneficiaries of this program include Sta. Maria Elementary School in Laoag City and Gubang Elementary School in Vintar.

E. Vocational Course Scholarships – Sponsored poor but deserving students to study Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW II) and Care Giver courses in INCAT, PrimaCare and Takuat Training Center.

F. On Campus Voter Registration – In cooperation with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Youth Vote Philippines, we organized on campus voter registration for college students. Held one in Mariano Marcos State University – Batac City last February 2009. Will conduct similar registration in Northwestern University, Divine Word College of Laoag and Northern Christian College this coming July - August 2009.

G. Sports Clinic – In cooperation with the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Council (INSDC) and the Department of Education (DepEd), we organized a sports clinic for softball players and a seminar for coaches and umpires. The 3-day event, held on 12-14 June 2009 at Marcos Stadium, was participated by over 150 coaches and close to 50 players.

H. Sports Equipment - Courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission, we are giving various sports equipment to schools and youth organizations. Early recipients include the Piddig South Central Elementary School, the Cavit-Araniw Elementary School and the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail.

I. Bikes for the Barrios – With the help of Wheels 4 Life Foundation, we gave twenty-five (25) bikes to poor but deserving high school students living in far flung barangays for their use in commuting to and from school. Recipients include students living in Adams and Dumalneg.

J. Tourism Promotion – Winning photos of the Zoom IN photo contest were used to produce 2009 calendars, which promoted Ilocos Norte tourism.

K. Medical Mission - Together with the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Memorial Hospital, the U.P. PGH and the Office of Rep. Roque R. Ablan, we conducted a medical and dental mission in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin last 7 June 2009.

L. Feeding Program – Sponsored a two (2) month (for July-August 2009) feeding program for elementary school students in Carasi.

M. Natural Family Planning Program – As acting chairman of the Population Development Committee, with the assistance of the Population Commission (POPCOM), conducted reproductive health seminars in schools and barangays around the province; and with the help of the INPJ Women Inmates, we manufactured menstrual cycle bead necklaces for distribution to married couples.

PROJECTS

Finally, of the Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 750,000.00) entrusted to me by Gov. Michael Marcos Keon from the Provincial Development Fund (July 2008 to June 2009), much was used to support barangays projects. Assistance came in the form of cement, G.I. sheets, plywood, grass cutters, mountain bikes, monobloc chairs, gasulettes, and tents, among others. I enclose a record of all my disbursements (Annex “B”) for your information.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent the People of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.

I look forward to serving you in this last year of my 3-year term.

God bless the People of Ilocos Norte!

Very truly yours,

(signed)
Kristian R. Ablan
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Annex A
Annex B

Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood... One Cemented, the Other Not...

2009-06-26T11:16:00.001+08:00

I drove to Brgy. Visaya in the mountainous area of Vintar the other day to deliver some cement. The road leading up to the barangay is not cemented. Neither is it asphalted. It is a dirt road with some sand and gravel spread out so that tires could hold on to something. I recon it would be difficult to drive during rainy weather as the dirt would turn into mud.

The situation has been like this for the longest time. I often ask myself why it hasn't been asphalted or cemented yet.

On the other hand, a few days before I went to Vintar, I drove through Piddig. On the way to the wake of my friend Eddie Gregorio, I encountered some road construction. What puzzled me was that just last month the same road seemed perfectly normal to me. It was cemented--flat and solid. In some parts, the construction workers were putting soil, as if to raise the height of the road. In other parts, they were destroying the cemented road. Still, in another portion of the road, they were pouring asphalt over the existing cemented road!

Why ruin a perfectly fine road to make another one?

Then I realized the difference between the road in Vintar and the road in Piddig.

The road in Vintar is a Municipal Road. Hence, the burden to develop and cement it is on the local government. And since the municipal government of Vintar doesn't have enough funds to maintain its roads, they remain to be the way they are--dirt roads.

On the other hand, the road passing through Piddig is a National Road, and hence under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Apparently, the national government has cemented all of the national roads here in the first district and they have so much money because of GMA's stimulus package, that they have no alternative but to destroy perfectly fine cemented roads to build new ones.

Can you believe that? Such a waste of taxpayers money!

And even if we get to convince the District Engineer to cement the municipal road, under the law the DPWH cannot. It would be illegal.

Because by virtue of the Local Government Code of 1991, the maintenance of municipal, city and provincial roads have been devolved to the LGUs.

But the problem is not all LGUs can maintain their road networks. Hirap sila. Either maliit ang IRA-share nila, or they have so many concerns more pressing than road concreting (i.e. health, education, etc.).

And so we are where we are. The municipal road in Vintar remains to be a dirt road because the town cannot afford to cement it, while the national road crossing Piddig is being "upgraded" once again because, well, they ran out of national roads to construct.

What a dysfunctional system we have.

Why go by bike

2009-06-21T13:50:00.002+08:00

Read this 30-page on-line book and learn why riding a bike can help the environment and your health!

http://issuu.com/cicle/docs/bicycle-lifestyle-guide

My PRK Laser Eye Surgery Experience

2009-05-13T22:25:00.007+08:00

I've worn eye glasses since Grade 6, I think. I found out when the school conducted its yearly medical check-up for all students. The doctor at the school clinic told me I had a problem with my vision and it would be best for me to go to an eye doctor. And since then, I've been wearing glasses. Here is what I looked like with glasses back in 2005, when I graduated from the U.P. College of Law:

My wife told me I look cute with glasses. But for more than 20 years I've been wearing them and it gave me some problems. It held me back in doing a lot of things. I couldn't play sports that much. I played baseball wearing normal glasses when I was in grade 7 and a ball hit me in the eye. As a result, I had to get those geeky-looking sports goggles for me to wear every game. It really looked.

I didn't (and still don't) enjoy swimming because I can't see. The grades of my eyes have jumped to 900.

It's hard for me to jog because after a while, my glasses slip from my nose bridge due to the sweat.

I don't enjoy the beach because the sea mist cloud my lenses.

I've had my share of bad haircuts because I couldn't correct the barber while he was cutting my hair.

I could never fall asleep while watching TV because I always had to remove my glasses before going to bed.

And the list goes on and on. It gets tiring, you know.

Last month, I noticed that the arms of my eyeglasses were about to break. It meant I had to buy new frames. And not just any kind of frame. I need to find one that could accommodate the thickness of my lenses. And that is a hard task. Even if I'd make 'em ultra-thin, my lenses would still be thick.

And I didn't want to do it all over again.

After 20 years of wearing spectacles, I wanted to see the world with my own two eyes. I wanted to have laser eye surgery. I've heard about this way back in 2001 and have been saving some money for this particular procedure ever since.

So I went to the Asian Eye Institute clinic in SM Mall of Asia for the screening. They checked my eyes using several machines and the doctor there told me I wasn't qualified for LASIK. (shoot!) My corneas were too thin for LASIK. I was qualified for PRK though. What happens in PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is instead of slicing a flap of your cornea to perform the laser surgery, here there is no flap. The eye surgeon will perform the laser surgery directly over the surface of my cornea. In lieu of the flap, he will place contact lens. Also, in PRK the recovery period is longer (Instead of a couple of weeks, its about 3 months). And mas-mahapdi siya sa mata.

This setback didn't deter me. I told the doctor I wanted to push through with the eye surgery.

Last May 4, I went to Asian Eye Institute in Rockwell for my PRK eye surgery. They checked my eyes again using several machines, to make sure I was qualified for PRK. Then they had me put on a scrub suit. This is me before entering the operating room:

It was like a factory in there. While I was being prepped up, there was a patient in the operating room and another patient who had just finished the eye operation and was being debriefed.

Then it was my turn and Dr. Robert Ang, the Lasik specialist, called me in. It was cold in the operating room and he had me lie down the gurney. He taped my eyelids to keep them from closing. And he also put a metal contraption over my eye to make sure the tape worked. Then, for a moment, I got scared. What? You won't put me to sleep? I'll actually see the doctor cut my eye with a scapel?! I thought I was going to faint... either that or wrestle the nurses to escape.

And then I remembered laser pala. So no knives of any sort. I just saw colors. Red and green. Yun na ata yung. Kasi after a couple of minutes, yung kabilang mata naman. And then that was that. Dr. Ang dropped a few eye drops on my eyes and led me out of the OR. Sabi ko parang factory kasi while I was being debriefed, there was another patient being prepped up for surgery.

Everything happened in a flurry. I wasn't able to say good bye to my eyeglasses, eyeglass container, glass cleaner and cloth. Good bye eyeglass items. Thank you for serving me well. Though I've said many things not-so-pleasant about you, I want you to know I wouldn't have survived without you.

Like I said, if this were Lasik, I would have clear vision in a few days. This was PRK, and there were a lot of che-che-boreche. Here a few tips for those of you who are planning to have laser eye surgery (that I did not know about when I entered the operating room):

1. You will have to wear these goggles for at least one week after surgery. I think it's to protect your eyes from the elements and from glare.

2. You will be prescribed these eyedrops to be administered 4 times a day (8am, 12nn, 4pm and 8pm) hanggang maubos. And you can't drop them all at the same time. Kelangan 5 minutes apart. The big blue-green box are eyedrops to be dropped 1 hour after the first 3 eyedrops.

3. You cannot wet the eye for the first 3 days after surgery. It means you cannot have a full shower (shampoo and wash your face properly) for 3 days. Hirap maligo niyan.

4. You are not allowed to engage in sports or do strenuous activities for 1 week.

5. You are not allowed to drive the first week. Get a driver (or like me, use public transportation).

6. No swimming for 1 month.

Good luck!

As for me, within 3 months, I expect be able to wear shades without being half-blind; I expect to be able to tell the barber not to shave my sideburns; I expect to run without fear that my glasses would fall off; I expect to be able to watch the news until I fall asleep. In 3 months, I expect to do a lot of other things with my new vision.

But until then, I'd have to suffer looking like Chavit Singson's long lost son:

TESDA PGMA-TWSP Scholarships available in Ilocos Norte

2009-04-22T12:43:00.002+08:00

a. Aquaculture
b. Tour Guiding Services
c. Massage Therapy
d. Bartending
e. Commercial Cooking
f. Housekeeping
g. Food and Beverage Services
h. Shielded Metal Arc Welding
i. Front Office Services
j. Baking/Pastry Production
k. Automotive Servicing
l. Food Processing
m. Consumer Electronics
n. Dressmaking
o. Tailoring
p. Horticulture
q. Crop Production
r. Carpentry
s. Masonry
t. Tile Setting
u. Animation
v. Computer Hardware Services
w. Health Care Services
x. Building Wiring Installation
y. Deck Seafaring
z. Engine Seafaring
aa. Driving
bb. Security Services
cc. Slaughtering Operations

Interested parties may apply at TESDA Ilocos Norte Provincial Office,
P. Gomez St., Brgy. 2, Laoag City
Tel. # (077) 773-2198
E-mail: tesda1_in@yahoo.com

Delivering and Shaking

2009-04-02T19:14:00.000+08:00

Delivering farm equipment and shaking hands of graduates that is.

This is what's been keeping me busy these past few weeks.

Here I am handing over jetmatic water pumps and knapsack sprayers to farmer-beneficiaries in the towns of Bangui and Pagudpud. The source of funding is President GMA's Social Fund through the Department of Agriculture.

And then here I am shaking the hands of the graduates of Binsang Elementary School in Pasuquin town this morning. I've gone to similar ceremonies in Vintar, Piddig, Laoag City and Bacarra, as well.

It's been a tiring March. And April's pretty much gonna be the same.

9 MAY 2010

2009-04-01T16:44:00.000+08:00

10:35 a.m.

Guy 1 : Manang, eleksyon na bukas ah. Mukhang malakas si xxx ah? Mukhang panalo na

siya.

Woman: Ay, oo, ading! Panalong panalo yun!

Guy 1 : Sige, manang, salamat. Alis na ako.

9:23 p.m.

Guy 2 : Manang, magandang gabi. O eto, kunin mo na 'to. (hands some money to her) 'wag

na lang po kayo bumoto bukas. Total, mananalo naman si xxx. 'di na kelangan ng boto niyo. Sige na, manang.

Woman: Okay, barok. (takes money)

9:25 p.m.

Guy 3 : Manang, nakita ko tinanggap mo yung pera ha. (brandishes his gun tucked under his

his shirt) 'di namin kayo makikita bukas sa presinto ha.

Woman: Huh? Ah, oo, sige.

This is a scenario that could definitely happen in next year's local elections (because they started doing this last 2007).

Groups paying off voters NOT to vote... and threatening them if they do.

Tsk... What to do to counter this?

Jitters in first court appearance after almost two years

2009-03-20T06:39:00.000+08:00

I do not litigate. I haven't appeared in court in almost two years. Today that streak ended as I went to the Regional Trial Court here in Laoag to appear as collaborating counsel in a Petition for Certiorari against us Board Members.

Note, collaborating counsel. Meaning, Atty. Lazo (My co-Board Member and a seasoned litigator) was supposed to be the lead counsel--the one to do all the lawyering, and I'll just be decoration.

Last night, Atty. Lazo had to rush to Manila to attend to his son who got into a car accident. I learned about it just before I walked in the judge's sala.

Oh, crap.

Now, Im the leading counsel?! Are you kidding me?! Where's the Vice-Governor (who's also a lawyer)? Where's the Provincial Legal Officer? Where are his assistants?

What the hell?!

Panic-panic-panic!

I haven't opened my Rules of Court since 2007!

What do I do?! What do I say?!

You know, I feel so at home in the SP Session Hall, I never get nervous when I speak. Perhaps because I feel so confident with my knowledge in parliamentary procedure and legislation that it's so easy for me.

Pero sa court? Pag litigation? Ewan ko bakit kinakabahan ako. And kinabahan nga ako kanina. It's a Petition for Certiorari with Motion to Issue a Preliminary Injunction. Ano daw?

I called Atty. Lazo to ask if I should argue the case or what. He told me to just ask for a postponement since he also wanted to appear.

Okay, I can do that.

I talked to the opposing counsel, who didn't object to the proposal.

So when the case was called that's what I said. "Move to postpone, your Honor, as lead counsel had to rush to Manila to attend to his injured son."

And the judge reset the hearing to this coming Monday.

phew!

Yes, na-survive ko din. Akala ko wala ng Wow, Mali.

But before I left I said, "Thank you, Mr. Chairman.... uhhh... I mean, Your Honor!"

Oh, brother... That just HAD to happen.

It's all about the kids

2009-03-19T13:22:00.000+08:00

My previous entries were all gloomy so let's brighten it up a bit.

Early today I handed over an airplane teeter-totter (see-saw) to the children of the Brgy. San Miguel (Laoag City) Day Care Center.

The teachers requested last August for an outdoor recreational toy for the kids to complement their swing set. Due to budget constraints (and very makulit barangay captains asking for cement and steelbars) I couldn't give them what they want.

Until today.

I bought this airplane teeter-totter at S&R in Manila at a cost of P12,000.00. I originally wanted to have a slide fabricated here in Laoag but I was afraid of child-safety issues. Baka mamaya hindi pulido yung pag-weld sa slide at may maaksidenteng bata.

So I went with this Big Stuff Ace Flyer Teeter Totter Airplane from S&R. Atleast child-tested na siya. And I googled the product sa internet at maganda naman ang mga reviews.

When I turned over the play set to the children, hala, dinagsa yung eroplano. The box says it can accommodate 7 kids at one time pero more than 15 ata yung dumumog sa laruan!

And then the parents from the neighboring barangays who saw the contraption requested if I could also give the same thing to their day care centers.

Hehehe, ang mga obligasyon ng isang pulitiko, never ending.

I should be depressed with all these requests, but it was just so nice and heartwarming to see the smiles on the children's faces playing the thing. Ang saya saya nila.

This is why I'm in government service.

Public Bidding is a joke

2009-03-18T11:04:00.000+08:00

I knew this all along, of course. With the World Bank report and other DPWH exposes, who would think otherwise? Public Bidding in this country is a sham. It's a joke. It's all pretend.

Pero iba pa rin ang feeling if it hits close to home. Mas nakakalungkot. Mas nakakadepress.

Public Bidding is supposed to be the process to get the best deal at the lowest price. If there was no bidding, then it's possible for the Governor, Mayor, Congressman or Agency Head to get a not-so-good kind of deal, worse, baka sobrang mahal naman. And since we're talking about hard earned money of the people, dapat sulit.

At para maging sulit, a.k.a., "The Best Deal," our policymakers came out with this Public Bidding nga.

Paglabanin mo mga suppliers at contractors. Let them bid for the projects. Kung sino ang makabigay ng lowest bid, siya ang mananalo. Bale, matira ang matibay.

That way, we get to SAVE money. The money saved can now be used for another project. Ganun dapat, di ba?

But we all know that doesn't happen. We don't get the best deals. More often than not, we get the worst deals.

You know why? Because public bidding is a sham. It's a role playing game. You think they really place their bids? No, they don't. Nag-usap na mga yan. One contractor will cut a deal with the implementing agency and the other contractors na sa kanya na yung isang project. Then they will just simulate that a bidding was done. The other contractors will submit a 'higher' bid so they'll lose.

And then sa ibang project naman, yung other contractor naman ang magiging winning bidder. Ganyan. Nagbibigayan sila. Hati-hati sila sa mga project.

But you know, contractors are human. They are susceptible to greed. Pagnakatikim na yan, gusto na niya lahat ng projects sa kanya. Dun nagkaka-poblema. When one contractor eases out the other contractors by getting closer to the Implementing Agency or the Mayor or the Governor or the Congressman or the Dept. Head. Palakasan na. Tapos awayan na.

And what about the price? Wala na. Imbes na 1.5 Million, magiging 2 Million na.

So do we save money with this public bidding? No. In fact, we lose more money.

And It's just so sad dahil naglolokohan lang tayo.

I don't care where you're from, having sex with a kid, videotaping the act and circulating the video via cellphone is wrong

2009-03-10T16:56:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, the Provincial Board of Ilocos Norte came out with a decision suspending an SK Federated President of a town here for having sex with a 14 year old girl, videotaping their act and circulating the video around the community.

Before the release of the decision, a couple of people had approached me (as a member of the Committee on Laws) to lower the penalty or to not punish the guy at all (apparently, word leaked out that we were going to suspend him).

According to these concerned people, kawawa naman daw si SK President. Siya lang daw ang breadwinner ng family and if he gets suspended mawawalan ng income yung family niya. Also, there's a criminal case filed against him for the same offense and he had to borrow 200k to post bail.

Another argument they raised was that the sex was consensual and it was the girl who initiated the act and who videotaped the whole thing. They even said that the girl is a 'whore' and is a nymphomaniac and pineperahan lang daw si SK President.

I don't care what you say, having sex with a kid, even if she consented, videotaping the act and circulating the video around the town is WRONG.

Kung ako lang masusunod, I'd rather not involve myself with this case. Let the courts decide this matter. Let the SK Provincial Federation deal with this. Kasi kung anong mapagdesisyonan mo meron at meron talagang magagalit sa yo.

But the complaint was filed in our office. We have to do our duty. We cannot be politicians and dilly-dally. We have to hear both parties, study the law and make a decision.

And we did. SUSPENSION. Bahala na ang election. I'm pretty sure nawalan kami ng boto sa lugar na yon.

Sabi ko, mabuti na mawalan ng boto pero maparusahan ang nagkamali kesa naman wala kaming ginawa at maulit muli yung nangyari sa ibang babae.

I don't care what you say or where you're from, having sex with a kid, even if she consented, videotaping the act and circulating the video around the town is WRONG.

Let this be a lesson to all.

Congratulations, MC Entrep Batch 2009!

2009-03-04T17:44:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I submitted the final grades of my taxation class in Miriam College. All 25 students passed naman. And if its any indication, I think all of them will graduate this coming March 28 (except you, Diane )

The picture on the left was taken on the last class day of their senior year (February 21), which also happened to be my last class in Miriam (I will be transferring all of my teaching load to Ilocos next sem).

I started teaching in Miriam in 2006. My law classmate, Joey Tapia, had to leave for the States and was looking for someone to substitute for her in September. She actually offered it to Kai Jiz, but I think the latter was busy. I was getting bored in the firm I worked for so I grabbed the opportunity. I remember after my holding my first class I felt so accomplished. Like what I did actually meant something. You see, I got depressed working in a law firm. There, it's like things take forever to finish. Everyday na lang it's the same old case. And if ever that ends, there's another case. It was a vicious cycle of never-ending cases that I felt useless. Teaching made me share my knowledge to other people. And when I saw the faces of my students, especially their eyes, conveying that they understood what I was saying and that they were learning, I felt good. Honest to God, I felt good.

Joey didn't return to Miriam the next semester so I took her place permanently. I taught for 3 school years. I enjoyed my stay in MC. My dept. chairperson, Mona Serrano, has always been very nice to me. Our dean, Dr. Lupisan, always greets me by my first name even if we barely know each other. The staff at CBEA, Lessie, Airene and Mel, don't forget to remind me of all the meetings and activities. And of course, my students. I was lucky enough to always have a good set of students every semester. Bright, well-behaved, inquisitive and cheerful. Maswerte ako at never ako nagkaroon na bulakbol na student sa MC. I don't know if all MC students are like that o sa mga naging class ko lang. This last batch was no exception.

Jen was a quiet one who sat at the back of the room. I didn't know she was a good dancer until nakasama ko siya sa Teacher's Day program dancing the macarena. Game pala tong batang to.

Alou was the class beadle/president/utusan. She was always dependable. I would communicate to her all of my needs (Projector, air-con room, i'll be late, etc.) and you'd think she's in class na. Pagdating ko, wala pa pala siya, so all that time she was coordinating those things to her other classmates. Very responsible.

Mary Grace was the foreign student of the class. Foreign meaning she belongs to another year and course. I didn't get to establish a rapport with this girl just because she was very quiet, was absent a few times, and sat at the back.

Geols, who also sat at the back, was another quiet student. In front of her, Cla, on the other hand, was the opposite. I believe she was the source of all the tsismisan at the back. I think their attention span there at the back was around 15 minutes (the worldwide average) 'coz after 15 minutes, Jackie and Danica would turn their heads to Cla and they would start their own showbiz talkshow at the back.

Kaye, the daughter of a party-list colleague of my dad, was the reluctant 'guest host' of the 4. I notice she would try to pay attention in class, pero sometimes, siguro juicy yung tsismis sa likod, she'd also turn her head toward Cla and join the conversation.

Across Kaye was Em-em. She was quiet and attentive. Next to her was Epie. This girl also belonged to another tsismis group. Epie was with Madam, Jamie, Anik, Jaja and Jia. Madam was called madam because allegedly her family owns 1/3 of Antipolo. Jamie's family apparently owns D'Mall in Boracay. Anik is an ilocana townmate who is also a part-time dance instructor. Jaja is also from Ilocos and Jia I don't know where she's from but I do know that her boyfriend is a basketball player. This group I call the laptop bag group because they sold laptop bags.

Then there's Des. She's the rocker of the class. She plays guitar (Kaye plays the drums naman). She's quiet, but she's smart. Rina M., I guess, owns the other 2/3 of Antipolo because her family owns 3 (?) resorts there. Beside her is the dynamic duo of Genine and Bea. These two are very smart. They always get high in my quizzes and exams. I have no problems with these two.

Now the front row. Rina L. is my returning student. She was in my business law class last school year. She is deaf and she has an interpreter during class, but she speaks very well for a deaf person. Very audible. And I don't think she needs the interpreter because I think she understands what I say. Either that or I talk really loud.

Alexa is the loud one. She's very noisy. She's the most absent. And if she comes, she's always late. But I love her because she reminds me of my niece Rosanne.

Tere is another smart student. She aces all of my exams. Of all my students she's the most participative. When I ask the class a question, 99% of the time, it's Tere who'll answer. But sometimes I feel she's bordering on sipsip na. But other than that, she's a model student.

Diane is another good student. She asks a lot of questions. Karen, for a student who sits in the front row, is very quiet. Last is Muymuy, who like Karen is very quiet and demure. She looks 15, small and frail. But my God, when i saw pictures of her in a multiply site of one my students, press release lang pala niya yun kasi nagsusuot pala yan ng baby-t na nakikita na yung puson. My gosh. scandal.

Well, those were my students this sem. My last one in Miriam. Congratulations to all of you! I hope and pray that all of you become successful in all your endeavors. Disappointment will come your way, but do not falter. Hold on! Opportunity will come knocking.

Thank you, Miriam College, for taking me in to teach business and taxation law. It might have just been 3 hours a week. But it made a lot of difference to me as a person.

Til we meet again.

Development Fund Projects Breakdown (July-December 2008)

2009-03-03T18:06:00.000+08:00

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Publish at Scribd or explore others: Business & Legal 2008 barangay

Youth Vote Ilocos Norte

2009-02-26T16:25:00.000+08:00

YVote Philippines is a non-government organization committed in making the youth vote count in the May 2010 elections. One of its flagship projects is holding voters registration inside campuses of colleges and universities. They've done it in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

I thought to myself, why not here in Ilocos Norte. So, I contacted them and told them if I could organize a similar activity here up north. They allowed me as long as I tie up with a TAYO organization here. Unfortunately, that org never contacted me. This did not deter me from pushing through with this project.

My first choice of holding student voters registration was here in Laoag. Either sa Northwestern University or sa MMSU-CTE. Kaya lang, hindi daw available yung Laoag Comelec Office.

So I turned to MMSU-Batac. I tied up with its Central Student Council, headed by Ace, the Batac Comelec Office, headed by Mrs. Josie Balbas, and Student Affairs Director Henedine Aguinaldo. They were all very accomodating.

And so, YVote Ilocos Norte inaugurated its first student voters registration in Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City on February 24.

Maganda naman yung registration turn-out. From 10am to 5pm, Provincial and Batac Comelec held voters registration and validation at the Teatro Ilocandia Basement. In the end, 126 students from Batac were able to register!

Not bad, considering Batac Comelec lang yung nag-participate. (We also invited San Nicolas, Paoay, Badoc and Currimao, but apparently, there is a Comelec circular prohibiting local offices from conducting off-site registration outside their jurisdiction) We will try, though, to convince Comelec National Office to revoke that circular so that other students of MMSU can register as well.

I could say the activity was successful. I'd like to thank all those who helped out:

The Central Student Council (Ace and Khristian) for pushing the activity with the MMSU admin;

The MMSU admin. for allowing such activity and scheduling it the same day their were a lot of students in the venue;

Batac Comelec for spending an entire day doing voters registration in MMSU;

Ilocos Norte Comelec for assisting in the registration;

Ms Tanya Hamada of YVote Philippines for coming over to supervise the activity; and

All the students who registered! (This is the first step in your involvement in government)

'til the next voters registration in your school!

ISM high schoolers vs. Ateneo alumni

2009-02-24T13:43:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, my Ateneo teammates in the Alumni Slo-Pitch Softball League (ASSL) played against a team from the International School-Manila.

We were laughing before the game because I told them these kids were half my age (I'm 31 and I think may mga 16 year olds dun).

Anyway, the sad thing about it was that I was already one of the YOUNGEST in OUR team. The Ateneo Alumni team kasi is comprised of former baseball players sa college and high school. Our age range is 26 to 50+. So ang tanda talaga kami compared to the ISM team. (Ang tanda ko na talaga)

So what happens when you pit a young, physically fit, well-exercised and properly trained team against a bunch of old, out-of-shape and no practice guys?

A MASSACRE!

Nung first 3 innings sumasabay pa kami. 2-1 lang yung score. Tapos nung 4th inning na, hala, tinambakan na kami. They scored 17 runs in a 1/2 inning! Tama lang sila ng tama ng softball sa mga butas sa outfield namin. Hingal na hingal kami sa kakahabol ng mga bola. Umitim na mga braso ko sa tagal ng pagbilad namin sa outfield. Lumamig na nga yung hamburger na inorder ko sa food stand.

The umpire had to call of the game due to 'TAMBAK.'

Oh, my gulay. These kids were just faster, more aggressive, and had the stamina to outlast us. I don't know why the league allowed them to play with us. It was embarrassing.

But being true Ateneans, we all brushed all that negativity off and just enjoyed the game.

(Kris, Rick, RT, Julius, Chris, Jun, Johnny, Francis, Bogie, Paolo)

(vs. UPLB)

Movie Matinee

2009-02-21T14:04:00.000+08:00

When I told my students this morning that me and the wife were catching a movie right after class they mocked me (paging tere, diane and anik). Bakit daw ang aga ko manuod ng sine.

It never occurred to me that watching the first showing of the day was odd or unusual. Apparently, to my 20 year old students, it is.

Ever since I was a kid I had always watched the matinee showing. I guess it started when I watched movies in the U.S. My sister would take me to the matinee showing (between 11:00am to 5:00pm) because the tickets were cheaper, there were fewer people and it gave us a chance to watch another movie right after. Nakasanayan ko na.

This doesn't mean I don't watch at night, I do. I watch the 8pm or 9pm showing with my Xavier friends, Barnett and Jamieson.

But when I do have the choice, I still try to catch the matinee showing.

Ilocos Norte government saves old schoolhouse from demolition

2009-02-16T17:49:00.000+08:00

Old schoolhouse saved from demolition

By Augusto Villalon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:10:00 02/16/2009

Filed Under: Monuments & Heritage Sites, Crime

READER response has been high regarding the proposed conversion of the American-colonial structure Laoag Central Elementary School into a shopping mall, and the planned demolition of the Spanish-colonial church façade in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte board member Kristian Ablan says a public hearing was conducted on the proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 2009-02-083, “An Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on the Conversion, Use and Demolition of Buildings, Edifices, Relics, and Other Structures Deemed as Part of the Cultural and Historical Heritage Found and Situated within Ilocos Norte.” It was conducted with the provincial board’s committees on laws and tourism on Feb. 6.

Ivan Henares of the Heritage Conservation Society and Icomos Philippines wrote to Ablan: “Congratulations on a very successful public hearing! I was elated by the news that the attendance was astounding—the session hall was packed to the brim and could not accommodate all those who came, so another room had to be opened to allow people to listen. It’s heartwarming to learn this issue has generated so much interest among the local community of Laoag. Heritage is, indeed, in the mainstream!”

It was argued the building was not a heritage building because it did not appear in the DepEd’s roster of Gabaldon-type schools dating from the American colonial period.

But architect Reynaldo Inovero of the National Historical Institute debunked the argument, stating the structure was clearly of the Gabaldon type and definitely a heritage structure built during the American colonial period.

Moreover, generations of graduates, numbering in the thousands, share the school’s heritage, adding a wealth of intangible value to the structure and its surroundings.

It was also argued that since the school stood on church property, due to church-state separation, its future use was immune from civil and citizen intervention, a view overturned by the voice of the citizens who demanded that their school remain.

The National Historical Institute’s certification that the historic value of the school merited conservation gave strong substantiation to the preservation demands of local citizens.

Gov. Michael Keon held a press conference later and announced the passage of “the ordinance that will precipitate the NHI [National Historical Institute] and National Museum in declaring the Laoag Central Elementary School a historical landmark which will block the demolition of the school and block the mall.”

Now passed and enacted, Ordinance 2009-02-083, which recognizes the value of heritage within the province, defining what structures are considered heritage structures despite their status of being publicly or privately (or Church-) owned, and providing for the preservation of these structures to the benefit of future generations, is a landmark heritage legislation in the Philippines.

That citizens supported the ordinance by attending the public hearings showed public concern for heritage. Thank you to the people of Ilocos Norte and all the provincial officials of Ilocos Norte.

Inquirer article on our Moratorium Ordinance re: LCES

2009-02-13T07:04:00.000+08:00

Heritage school demolition blocked

By Cristina Arzadon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:58:00 02/12/2009

LAOAG CITY – The proposed demolition of a heritage building has continued to fuel debates among local leaders who support the conversion of an elementary school compound into a shopping mall and those who want to preserve the structure.

The proposed mall project has also pitted city officials against provincial leaders who are opposed to the city’s plan to demolish the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) housing a two-story Gabaldon-type building, a structure used by the country’s public schools in the early 1900s.

On Monday, the provincial board passed an ordinance calling for a one-year moratorium on the demolition and conversion of heritage structures in the province. The prohibition covers the LCES.

During a public hearing before its passage, city officials, led by Mayor Michael Fariñas, questioned the board for including the LCES and other structures in the resolution without consulting them.

Fariñas also questioned the board for its supposed “insidious” action of deliberating and passing a measure at a time when the city government has a plan to demolish the school building.

“Why only now that the province is moving to declare [the school] a historical landmark?” Fariñas asked the board.

But Board Member Kristian Ablan, son of Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan Jr., said it has been a provincial government policy to protect heritage sites.

“The ordinance was filed because of the threat [over the school’s demolition]. As provincial dads, we have to take up the cudgels and move to protect it,” he said.

“Will the city officials wake up and come to their senses that the edifice is of historical import to the province?” he asked.

Fariñas, however, said he has records to show that the LCES is not a Gabaldon-type building and it does not need preservation.

“It is unfortunate and painful that despite our explanations [on the status of the LCES], the board went on to pass the ordinance,” he said.
Fariñas, however, said the school’s demolition would take off even if it takes a longer process.

Architect Reynaldo Inovero of the National Historical Institute said the LCES is consistent with the character of a Gabaldon schoolhouse.

“The LCES is a rare two-story Gabaldon building that was designed for tropical countries ... it has wooden sidings, swing-out windows with capiz panels and an elevated ground floor for additional ventilation,” he said.

Inovero, who attended the hearing, said the Laoag school building is a typical structure from the American colonial era.

The city government acquired the school lot from the Roman Catholic Church through a donation in 1924.

The shopping mall project, signed in December last year, is covered by a 25-year lease agreement executed by the city government, the Laoag Catholic Diocese represented by Bishop Sergio Utleg and mall developer Bellagio Holdings Inc.

Under the agreement, the school will be relocated to a five-hectare lot fronting the Laoag bishop’s residence at the city’s northern section.

The mall developer will bear the cost of acquiring the lot and building the school and later donate the properties to the city government. It will also pay monthly rentals to the city and diocese.

The proposed school site will house three separate buildings with 24 classrooms and complete education facilities such as a library, music room, auditorium, computer room and facilities for nursery and kindergarten.

The school will also be provided with shuttle buses whose operation will be borne by the city government.

UDPATE RE: Laoag Central Elementary School demolition

2009-02-11T05:25:00.000+08:00

January 12:

I filed Draft Provincial Resolution No. 2009-01-122 declaring the Laoag Central Elementary School an Important Cultural Property.

It is said to be too controversial, so is referred to the committee on laws for further review.

February 3:

A new proposal is filed. This time, an ordinance (imposing a moratorium in any demolition and construction involving a cultural property), introduced by the Committees on Laws and Tourism AND covering not only LCES but the provincial capitol and other nearby buildings as well--thereby superceding my earlier resolution.

February 6:

A public hearing is called (see picture above). All stakeholders attend, including the principal, the parents, the business community, barangay chairmen, some city councilors, THE MAYOR, and the entire Farinas clan.

The National Historical Institute sent an architect and an engineer.

I asked them to verify if the LCES is indeed a Gabaldon school. They certify that it is.

Arguments in favor and against are voiced out by the stakeholders. The joint committee, under the leadership of BM Salenda and BM Lazo take not of all comments.

February 9:

After a few amendments, the Provincial Board passes the measure on 2nd Reading. IN FAVOR: Barba, Chua, Nalupta, Marcos, Salenda, Ranada, Ablan, Castro, Galano, Lazo. AGAINST: Farinas. ABSTAIN: Ong-Sin.

Later, the measure is passed on 3rd Reading. Same voting profile. 10-1-1.

Draft Provincial Ordinance No. 2009-02-083 is APPROVED.

Awaiting signature of the Governor. Then publication. After 15 days, the law takes effect.

Hopefully, that's enough to save the school.

I can't believe they hacked a live dog in front of me

2009-02-02T16:50:00.000+08:00

Today, February 2, is the 191st Foundation Day of the Province of Ilocos Norte. As part of the day's celebration, all the municipalities and cities sent their respective delegation to perform.

Some towns sent their best dancers, others their best singers, and a few sent their best marching bands.

Four towns, sent their indigenous people to present their native rituals. Nueva Era presented a courtship dance. Dumalneg showcased their peace dance. While Adams and Carasi prepared a death ritual.

It was very educational. I was fascinated with their chants and dances. Imagine my horror then when right before our very eyes one of the itnegs grabbed a dog and hacked it to death! I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe they would slaughter a dog in front of us. It was a real, live dog! I saw it being pulled on stage and tied to a make-shift bahay kubo earlier in the presentation.

Out came its flesh and blood.

I wasn't the only one outraged (you know, that's against the law. It's animal cruelty). The other local officials also looked dumbfounded. When we confronted the town mayor, she explained that it was necessary. The itnegs believed if a dog is not killed, then the ritual is not complete and one of them might be harmed.

Okay, okay, okay, fine. If they insist. Pero warningan naman kami sana next time. Para naman mapaghandaan ko yung reaction ko.

Our tricycles should be redesigned!

2009-02-01T09:38:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I wonder why our culture is so different from our ASEAN/asian neighbors. It can't be because we're an archipelago. Indonesia is an archipelago, but they have more in common with other ASEAN/asian countries than we do.

Take for example the auto rickshaw--the taxicab of asia. Look all over the continent and most, if not all, auto rickshaws are designed the same way: long and narrow.

The obvious example is Thailand's tuktuk, shown here:

See, long and narrow. The driver is up front while the passengers are at the back. Tuktuks are very popular in Bangkok.

But the design of the tuktuk is not confined to Thailand. They're found that way all around the world. Here are other auto rickshaws used in other countries:

5. Jakarta, Indonesia

Everywhere, the design is long and narrow. Driver in front. Passengers at the back.

Except in our country.

Here, our very own auto rickshaw, the tricycle just had to be different. And in a bad way.

We got a motorcycle and, with no foresight whatsoever, attached a sidecar on one side.

I said lack of foresight because the auto rickshaws around the world were made narrow for a purpose. So that they take up lesser space on the road.

Let me explain.

A typical road/car lane is 2,400 mm wide, enough space to accomodate a standard-sized sedan. The Toyota Vios is 1,700 mm wide while the Innova is 1,770 mm wide.

A typical tuktuk is 1,250 mm wide. Hence, there's still 1,150 mm of space available for another tuktuk, or for another car to overtake and pass it.

On the other hand, typical tricycle is 1,600 mm wide! (that's almost the width of a Vios!) It means there's just 800 mm of space left. From experience, that's not enough space for me to overtake a tricycle in a single lane road.

And with an average speed of just 40 km/h, no wonder a tricycle really slows down the traffic.

Lumalabas, parang kotse na rin ang isang tricycle kasi it takes up the same space as a car.

I know I'll be committing political suicide if I even suggest this in the provincial board, but shouldn't we rethink granting tricycle franchises to tricycles with the present design?

Can't the municipal and city councils and the TODAs all sit down and meet and redesign the tricycle? Make it long and narrow just like the tuktuk so that regular cars can have an easier time passing them on the road?

Our country is definitely a retail country

2009-01-31T18:22:00.000+08:00

While driving from one end of the MRT to the other I noticed that most of the stations have a shopping mall.

Taft Station has Metropoint.

Magallanes Station will have the Southgate mall soon.

Ayala Station has Glorietta.

Buendia Station : none... yet. Although Rockwell's Powerplant is nearby.

Guadalupe Station has the Guadalupe Commercial Center.

Boni Station has Robinsons Pioneer.

Shaw Station has Shangrila Plaza.

Ortigas Station has Robinsons Galleria and SM Megamall.

Santolan Station: none... yet. Although Greenhills Shopping Center is nearby.

Cubao Station has Gateway.

GMA-Kamuning: none... yet.

Quezon Ave Station: none... yet.

North Ave. Station has Trinoma and SM North Edsa.

That's 13 shopping malls in a 17 km stretch. (or 1 mall for every 1.3 kilometers)

Forget manufacturing, mining, farming and other important industries a country needs to survive in this world, the Philippines is content with buying and selling products. Retail. Shopping. That's it.

We don't need more factories. We'll just put up malls. That's it.

Militarization of the Executive Branch

2009-01-30T04:36:00.000+08:00

I rarely agree with my leftist friends on matters about government because I think they believe that it's still 1972. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself agreeing with them on this particular issue.

I agree that appointing all these ex-military brass to top civilian positions is very, very alarming.

To name a few:

1. General Angelo Reyes in the DOE

2. General Eduardo Ermita as Executive Secretary

3. General Hermogenes Ebdane in the DPWH

4. General Leandro Mendoza in the DOTC

5. General Hermogenes Esperon as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

6. General Alberto Suansing in the LTO

7. General Thompson Lantion in the LTFRB

8. General Roy Cimatu as Special Envoy to the Middle East

In a TV interview about the issue, General Reyes said that there are best practices from the military that can be proven useful in government administration, or something to that effect.

True, but that doesn't justify the appointment of ex-generals to the positions. I can also argue that there are a lot of best practices from the corporate sector that can be implemented in government, so why not appoint more business executives in the cabinet? I'm sure there are some who are willing to take a leave from their profitable jobs to serve in government.

I can also argue that there are a lot of best practices from the academe just waiting to be adopted in the government bureaucracy, so why not appoint more technocrats?

So, it still begs the question, why appoint all these generals to high positions in government?

Baka nasa isip ko lang to, pero nakakatakot ha. You know, I get scared when I watch General Reyes on TV. Para bang any moment now pa-pa-push-up niya ako.

I know they are qualified, Madame President, but there are others who are as, or more, qualified than them. I have no problem with a few token appointments for military officers, but a whole lot of them? We're one general short of a military junta.

What does P500,000 look like?

2009-01-21T04:44:00.000+08:00

Do you see the structure at the center of the picture? That is an unfinished classroom building in a public school here.

Now this might get me in trouble, but I'll talk about it anyway because it affects me as a locally elected public official.

My dad allocated from his pork barrel funds P500,000.00 for the construction of a classroom building in this public school.

Does that look P500,000.00 worth to you?

I'm not an engineer, but I have been procuring cement and steel bars for the past two years and I can tell you that does not look like 500,000.

But that's what the contractor said to the school principal after the latter complained of the incompletion.

Ubos na daw yung 500,000. Kung gusto daw nila matapos yung building, humingi nanaman daw sila kay Congressman.

And that's where I come into the story. The principal went to me to complain about the project. He showed me the picture and I must agree with him. That did not look like 500,000. Poste lang at flooring yun eh. 500,000 na yun? Pwede ba yun.

You give me 500,000 and I'll come up with two classroom buildings (the way the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce does its school building projects with Senators Drilon and Gordon).

So when I went to Manila I confronted my dad and showed him the picture. He asked me who the contractor was. I told him I didn't know. He told me to go back to Laoag and confront the District Engineer of the DPWH about it.

And that's what I plan to do.

500,000 my ass.

Holding President Obama Accountable For His Campaign Promises

2009-01-20T19:04:00.000+08:00

Today, 20 January 2009, the U.S. inaugurates its first african-american president. I am no big fan of President Barack Hussein Obama. I think he's all talk (but for the sake of the U.S. Economy, I hope I'm wrong).

To hold him accountable for all of his 500+ campaign promises, the good guys from www.politifact.com came out with the Obameter. Here's the link:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

It's pretty cool. I hope we have a local version of this after we elect our 15th President in 2010.

Interesting Joyful Attraction

2009-01-12T04:21:00.000+08:00

Nubija, short for "Nearby Useful Bike, Interesting Joyful Attraction", is the bike sharing program of Changwon City in South Korea.

It works similar to the bike sharing program of Paris (Velib) wherein there are bike stations all over the city. You want to use a bike to get from Point A to Point B? Just pay with your credit card at the terminal and a bike is released by one of the bike stands. You bike to Point B. If you get there in less than 30 minutes, the ride is free. If not, there is a small fee. You return the bike in a bike stand. Electronic diagnostics will determine if the bike is fine (no flats, missing parts, etc.) and then okay na! Eto yung "How to Use" Guide nila:

Galing! Check out their website. Sana someday, magkaroon nang ganyan dito sa Pilipinas. Para ma-obliterate na yang mga pedicabs na yan na nakakainis.*

*: Yes, pedicabs use pedal power and do not contribute to global warming, BUT THEIR DESIGN IS TOTALLY WRONG for me. The passenger cars are at the side, making it wide enough to take up space of a regular car. It takes up a lot of road space, which contributes to heavy traffic, which makes cars exhaust more polluted air. Check out the rickshaws in China and Japan, the driver is in front while the passengers are at the back. They're narrower in design, that way, other vehicles can pass them with ease. Even in Thailand, the tuktuks have the passenger car behind the driver.

That's why unless mapalitan ang desing ng pedicab, galit ako sa kanila. Mas mabuti na lang tong bike sharing program.

533,000

2009-01-11T16:03:00.000+08:00

533,000. The number of U.S. Jobs lost in November 2008--according to TIME Magazine (22 Dec. 2008), the biggest monthly drop since 1974!

Wow.

533,000 lost their jobs just before Christmas. How f*#%ed up is that?

And it hits closer to home more than you could imagine.

Case in point. I have a group of friends from law school who quit their regular law firm job last year to work for an outsourcing company doing legal work (due diligence) for companies based in the U.S. They were sent to Texas for training and flew back here to do the job. They worked reasonable hours and were earning in dollars.

And then late December, after Christmas day, they were informed that they were being laid off.

Another friend of mine, from high school, worked as an architect in Canada. He had been with that firm for 3 years already. Then, in November, his boss gave him his walking papers. My friend was speechless as he didn't expect it. But he himself told me that he should've known it was coming. Architects earn income when companies hire them to draw buildings. Those companies need extra capital from big banks. If big banks go bankrupt, these companies can't borrow money. If there's no money, there's no building. And if there's no building, there's no work for the architect.

I'm actually scared of what 2009 has in store for us. Already, hundreds of OFWs from Taiwan and the Middle East have lost their jobs due to this global financial crisis and they're all coming back to the Philippines jobless.

That's gotta affect us in a big way. I'm sure liliit and mga remittances natin this year. Then we'll see how that affects the local economy.

I sure hope our policy-makers and national leaders did their homework and installed the necessary safety measures to protect and preserve our economy.

Otherwise, the next time we 533,000 jobs lost, it might be in the Philippines.

Checkmate, Bambee

2009-01-09T04:53:00.000+08:00

Dad, Son and Daughter (Bambee) go to Golf Course to play a round of golf.

While playing, a group overtakes them in the course--a golf no-no.

Dad goes to group to complain. They get into an argument. Punches are exchanged. Son intervenes to stop the fight. The Group, headed by a mayor from Mindanao, instead of stopping, includes the kid in the brawl.

Daughter shouts for them to stop hurting her dad and 14 year old brother. They beat the two to a pulp.

Dad, Son and Daughter report the incident to the golf course administration. Their complaint is ignored.

They go to the police. The latter is slow in processing the complaint.

Daughter turns to the internet and blogs about the incident. It catches media's attention.

Spotlight on Mindanao mayor and his Secretary dad. They wash their hands in TV land saying it was the Dad, Son and Daughter who started the fight and they were just acting in self-defense.

Pressure on mayor and secretary dad to apologize publicly.

The two refuse to, reiterating their claim that they didn't start the fight.

Dad, Son and Daughter persist on filing a criminal case against Mindanao mayor.

Mindanao mayor fights back by filing a LIBEL case against Daughter for her blog in MINDANAO.

Checkmate. Mayor will win this battle.

"This is the story of Bambee dela Paz and her dad and brother. Instead of pursuing the case, there are now talks of settling the case out of court. You know why? Because of the libel case filed by the mayor in his home town, which would require Bambee to physically go their to answer the charges. The law on libel allows the aggrieved party to file his case in his place of residence. This flaw was utilized by the mayor as a bargaining chip against the Dela Pazes who were hell bent in suing him.

And I think the mayor won. Can you imagine Bambee travelling all the way to the mayor's territory to answer charges of libel? It's not just about transportation costs, Bambee is a student athlete on a golf scholarship in the US. How can she continue with her studies if she is in Mindanao?

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Matalino lawyer ni Mayor. Checkmate, Bambee"

[But I wouldn't call this game over yet. Bambee's lawyer is Raymond Fortun. This guy is smart enough to outwit the libel charge. Let's see how it goes.]

"Death of a Laoag Heritage School" (from PDI)

2009-01-07T11:38:00.000+08:00

Link

As it stands (no pun intended), the Laoag Central Elementary School will be relocated to another site to give way to a commercial establishment.

Initially, I was against it since the condition of the donation by the church to the city was that the land be used only for educational purposes. Since leasing for commercial purposes is not education, ma-re-rescind yung deed of donation.

That's why I attended the public hearing called by the mayor last year. I thought magkakampi kami ng simbahan at ng DepEd. Hindi pala. Oddly enough, in favor yung church at yung DepEd.

So I said sa public hearing, "Eh ano pa masasabi ko, eh kung yung mga stakeholders ay pabor sa demolisyon at relokasyon, tapos na ang laban."

I thought that was that. LCES would be transferred and a new mall would take its place in central Laoag City.

And then na-mention ko sa brod ko na si Ivan Henares, a trustee of Heritage Conservation Society, yung LCES. Tinanong niya kung Gabaldon yung school.

Gabaldon? Ewan ko.

I took a picture and MMS to him.

He replied, "That's a Gabaldon school, Kris. And it's two stories. That's rare."

"That should be protected," my brod continued.

Yada-yada-yada, Ivan did his magic, and out came that article in Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Will it change anything? I don't know. Mayor Farinas is determined to put up that mall.

My 2009 Ilocos Norte Calendar Project

2008-12-25T10:46:00.000+08:00

First things first: Merry Christmas, everybody!

Now on to today's journal entry. After Christmas dinner and after opening all Christmas presents and gifts, one prepares for the New Year, right? And we begin the year with replacing our 2008 calendars.

Enter my 2009 Ilocos Norte Calendar Project. With the help of my niece, Triscia, and her friend Ivan, the photo entries of 2007's Zoom IN Contest, and my high school friend Michael Pesengco, we came out with a calendar.

The project was actually conceptualized many, many years ago when my dad came out with calendars with his face as the main picture (like all politicians with calendar giveaways). I thought to myself, "What if people didn't want to look at your face every day." "What if they just wanted to see scenery."

If a politician wants to be "remembered," why doesn't he just put his name at a corner of the calendar and put some worthy pictures instead.

It was only when I was armed with pictures from the Zoom IN contest aided with the help of Triscia and Ivan and sponsored by Michael that this personal dream came true.

Thanks, guys! I owe you big time!

And here is the final product:

It reads, "Intayon, Ilocos Norte," which translates to, "Let's go, Ilocos Norte." It means several things. It can be a battle cry for Ilocanos to be better. It can be a slogan to entice tourists to come. So on and so on.

The calendar features 14 tourist spots of the province, namely:

1. The La Paz Sand Dunes (alternatively, people can visit the Paoay Sand Dunes, which they say is much, much better);

2. Malacan ti Amianan, or Malacanan of the North, and Paoay Lake;

3. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos;

4. Saud Beach in Pagudpud;

5. The Sinking Belltower in Laoag City;

6. Currimao;

7. Pasaleng Bay in Pagudpud;

8. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos;

9. Northwind Windmills in Bangui;

10. The Tobacco Monopoly Monument in Laoag City;

11. Maira-ira Cove in Pagudpud;

12. Museo Ilocos in Laoag City;

13. Paoay Church; and,

14. The Marcos Museum in Sarrat.

Although this is my project, you see no picture of me. Not even a shadow. No big KRIS ABLAN name either. Just a small logo in the upper right corner. My name is spelled so tiny I don't even think you can read it.

When I showed it to some people here in Laoag, they asked me where my picture was. I told them, "wala." "Bakit wala?," tanong nila. "Eh, wala eh."

I don't think naintindihan nila yung concept ko.

Anyway, beginning today I've been distributing these calendars around the area. I hope people appreciate it and I provoke them into being "tourists" in their own province. I am sure a lot of Ilocano haven't gone to Kapurpurawan Rock or to the Paoay Sand Dunes. I hope, even in a small way, this tourist calendar would spur a little interest in my beautiful province of Ilocos Norte.

Here are some other drafts that did not make it to print:

Continuous Mocking of the 1987 Constitution

2008-12-22T06:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday in the Philippine Daily Inquirer I read an article about Pres. Joseph Estrada and Senator Loren Legarda being 'pushed' to run for President and Vice-President in the coming 2010 National Elections.

I was eating breakfast in Jollibee at that time and literally nawalan ako ng ganang kumain.

I cannot believe that Mr. Estrada is even thinking of running for president.

I cannot believe, with all of his lawyer friends, that people around him are pushing him to run for president.

Every law student knows (having studied Consti Law 1) that an elected president is barred from running for a 2nd term. The Constitution is clear on this point. Art. VII, Sec. 4 par. 1 reads:

"Section 4. The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six years thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time." (emphasis mine)

What part of "shall NOT be eligible for any re-election" don't these people understand?

President Joseph E. Estrada is not eligible to run for President again.

And yet.... at ito yung masakit... they will let him run.

They will try.

They will see if they could get away with it.

And it's just so sad that we continue to mock our constitution like this.

If the constitution was a person, it'd feel insulted.

The United Opposition will most probably argue that since President Estrada didn't serve more than 4 years (the period barring successors from running for president), the provision doesn't apply to him.

That's splitting hairs na.

The intent of our constitutional commissioners was to completely bar a president from seeking a 2nd term. This was their knee-jerk reaction from Pres. Marcos' 20 year rule.

I hope President Estrada isn't serious in running. I hope it's all just a threat to jitter their opponents.

Otherwise, I'd write a letter to all law deans asking them to stop teaching consti law since no one seems to respect it.

On the other hand, here are the KAMPI congressmen trying to get 198 signatures of fellow congressmen to amend the Constitution. They adjourned last week to go on Christmas vacation but you can count on them to revive the signature campaign come January 2009.

This is another blatant mocking of the 1987 Constitution.

Art. XVII, Sec 1 reads:

"Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by:

(1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or

(2) A constitutional convention." (emphasis mine)

Administration congressman are mocking the Constitution by claiming that the 3/4s vote requirement means congress voting jointly (240 congressmen + 23 senators) kasi daw wala naman nakasabi na "voting separately."

Granted, hindi nalagay "voting separately," the intent was for them to vote separately. Otherwise, mawawala lang yung delineation between the two chambers of our legislature.

Obvious naman na nakalimutan lang lagyan ng "voting separately" (the legislative branch was supposed to be a unicameral assembly but the proposal lost by 1 vote).

Pero they will still insist na 198 signatures of congressmen is enough.

Haynaku.