8888 Hotline Segment 27 November 2016

Pinched hit for Sec. Panelo in his 8888 Hotline Segment in PTV News on 27 November 2016.

Malacanang Press Briefing 24 November 2016

Press Briefing as Assistant Secretary of PCOO on 24 November 2016 at the Malacanang Press Briefing Room.

Malacanang Press Briefing 5 September 2016

Here is my press briefing as Assistant Secretary of the PCOO held on 5 September 2016 at the Malacanang Press Briefing Room.

I Explain the New Features of the Vote Counting Machines to be Used in the 2016 National and Local Elections

Explainer | Mga bagong features ng Vote Counting Machines na gagamitin ngayong 2016 elections.Watch the livestream now at www.bilangpilipino.com and www.news5.com.ph #BILANGPILIPINO
Posted by News5 Everywhere on Sunday, March 20, 2016

The Assumptions are Not True

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

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.

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

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

2008-2009 Annual Accomplishment Report

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