Rafael L. Oriel, Jr.
31 Jan 2007

Mr. Carrera, I have a big question for you. Which side of the law are you in? You made it sound that you are in the wrong side of the law when you said to Mr. Delfin, “I completely agree with your posting about the system and the solution-one execution of a heinous crime (especially plunder) a day will start the fixing of the problem away.” The solution you had presented here to start fixing the problem away is the execution of a heinous crime of plunders a day. That will be more than 300 heinous crimes a year. That is lots of crime executions that will surely increase the rate of crime in the country.

By the way, what problem are you talking about that needs to be fix. You said that this is just the start. Do you mean that something much bigger scheme is coming next? At a minimum of Php50,000,000.00 per crime of plunder a day, we will come out to a total of more than Php15,000,000,000.00 in a year. That is lots of taxpayers’ money wasted per year.

The point I am trying to make is that there are lots of problems around us that are masquerading as solutions. If we look at them closely, it will become apparent that they are actually part of the problems instead of being part of the solutions that they want us to believe. Good examples are the part of the constitution that cannot be implemented because of the absence of enabling law such as the people’s initiative as one of the methods to change the charter and also the part of the charter against political dynasties. Other good examples are the senators who are proud about their legislative performance of low efficiency at a cost of billions of taxpayers’ money. I do not think that the gridlock-prone (or shall we say greedlock-prone?) Senate of the current Congress became part of the solutions to the country’s problems considering the excessive wasted time they consumed investigating in aid of legislations.

Filipinos need to ask the Senate what overall accomplishment they had achieved in return to the billions of taxpayers’ money spent. Perhaps electorate can use their response in making intelligent decision whether to abolish or not the Senate. I wish that the next batch of senators who will be elected this coming May election will become part of the solutions instead of becoming part of the problems that are devastating the country.

Again, it is all in the hands of the electorate who are going to elect the next set of government officials. I hope and pray that they will make the right decision this time. One of the valid concerns of many Filipinos is the fact that some groups of people who wanted to kick out the current administration are unknowingly or knowingly helping groups of problematic clowns to take over or to return to power that can possibly result in a far worse or much more inferior state of affairs for the country and its people.

Jeremias Andrade Carrera
30 Jan 2007

No Bird Flu Virus report does not automatically mean virus free:

Any person who uses common sense will not make such assurances like Mr. Perez. His statement is misleading the public because there is no mention of what kind of monitoring methods and tests that was conducted by his department. What makes him so sure that the Philippines or even Pangasinan is free from the virus and what program was implemented to control the spread? Those migratory birds are all over Luzon and how does he know that not a single bird carrying the virus had not spread it elsewhere? Even the USA can not make that positive statement. Making that statement makes him look good and work less at the risk of the public. There are no words of caution to the public at all.

Isidro Ramos
30 Jan 2007

Mr. Gerry Garcia, thanks for the “good old days” and lots of it in Dagupan especially during my high school days at DCHS. Sometimes I yearn for the years gone by, however, I know the earth is not flat so life goes on. Thanks again.

history2005
29 Jan 2007

I would like to post a friendly comment regarding the recent article about Gen. MacArthur’s landing in Bonuan on November 9, 1945. Actually, the landing took place on January 9, 1945 on a 20 mile-wide beach-front from Lingayen to San Fabian (Bonuan included). There are MacArthur’s forces landing memorials in Lingayen, Bonuan & San Fabian. I have researched extensively in the Internet about Pangasinan during the Liberation from Japan in World War II as well as own some books by John Toland “The Rising Sun”, “Liberation of the Philippines” by Stanley Falk, and “Return to the Philippines” by Rafael Steinberg.

Soul-searching season

So far, at least four names - Vice Governor Oscar Lambino; Dr. Jamie Eloise Manzano-Agbayani, wife of Governor Victor Agbayani; 2nd District Rep. Amado Espino, Jr.; and most recently, “Spice Boys” member and Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza - have been floating around as very likely aspirants to become the next governor of  Pangasinan, the country’s biggest province in terms of population.

Talks are also rife about the likely race between House Speaker Jose de Venecia and Dagupan Mayor Benjamin Lim for the 4th district congressional seat. Corollary to that, Lim appears to be already grooming his son, Brian Lim, to run for the post he is vacating, which is reportedly being eyed by Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez.

Many other parts of the province are likewise abuzz with tittle-tattle as to who is running against whom for what in the national and local elections in May.

Some aspirants have even been wily enough to engage in subtle (though obvious really) methods of campaigning even before the campaign period officially starts.

Amidst all these election hullabaloo, as public servant-wannabes - whether re-electionists, kith and kin of incumbent officials, descendants of political clans, popular personalities, or even ordinary folks considering government service - jockey for position, we beg for a moment of calm.
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What’s Mr. Lim up to?

By Ermin Garcia Jr.

First, what’s Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim up to in the election front?

            He is having fun giving the impression that he will push both Speaker Jose de Venecia and Immigration Commissioner Al Fernandez to make a run for their money by threatening to contend for the 4^th district while making plans for his son to succeed him as mayor of the city at the same time.

            Is he serious? Is he really keen on spending all the money he earned legitimately in his business and those he piled from his being in government (from being the head of the Duty Free Shop, congressman to being the mayor) just so he can thumb his nose at Speaker JDV and Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, his erstwhile allies? Nope!

            The way I read it, he’s much too smart (and wily) to risk his multi-millions in politics. What I think he is doing is actually what he does best -  plotting to generate more money for his purposes and this time it will be at the expense of JDV! Or so he thinks.
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During happier days

By Gerry Garcia

IT took quite some time, at least more than half a century, for the P2 to the dollar exchange rate of pre-war years to soar to its around P50 level of the present day . . . and it probably would take a longer time, if at all, for it to go back to its original P2 to the dollar value before the war years.

Unfortunately, if this ever happens, it will certainly not be within this writer’s rapidly diminishing time.
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“Mga Dakilang Lakan”

By Jun Velasco

THE Rotary Club of Metro Cubao had a great time last Wednesday viewing a documentary of all the Philippine presidents beginning with General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Produced by our friend, lawyer Ramon Dino, who works with the Millora Law Office, the docu film titled, “Mga Dakilang Lakan,” should be a must-see for the general public especially the young.

While viewing the l and a half hours film, we were struck by the political rhetoric during the country’s young years. There was no mention whatsoever about the issue of graft and corruption in electoral campaigns. Most issues were peace and order, winning Philippine independence, repatriation, health and love of country (that overused shibboleth!)                                                                 

Which must  show, we thought, the direct connection between economic progress and graft and corruption. For as all of us know, the Philippines was second only to Japan in economic progress during those years. Where are we now?
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Ano ba yan, Manong Joe?

By Gonzalo Duque

FIRST the good news.

Bear with me if I start with the successful Lyceum Northwestern U’s nursing alumni homecoming held very recently in the city.

A lot of people wondered how our LNU which started small has grown this much. Well, it has, and I, in behalf of the family, wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

I wish to make special mention to alumni Myrna Esguerra, Sally Makkil and Freddie Duque who were largely responsible for the great reunion event.

Our alumni are the most indelible proof of our institution’s contribution to God, country and people. But we are humbled by your support through the years.

Thank you!
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Pride and joy of Mangatarem

By Al S. Mendoza

I AM PROUD once again for being a son of Mangatarem. 

For that matter, everybody should take pride and joy in his/her land of birth.  Every hometown has a spot that is special to all its residents.

I am saying this again after I had visited Manleluag Hot Springs last Sunday, January 21.  It’s been years since some friends and I went there for a picnic. And what a rewarding trip it was.

Not only did I immensely enjoy the place, my classmates in The Spirit of ’67, many of whom are balikbayans, also did.

Everybody was gushing, saying endlessly that, truly, we are blessed. Manleluag is but a breeze coming from the town proper and, hence, it’s so easy to go there for a picnic. 

The two swimming pools there, what with their warm, mountain water, are soothing to the nerves and soul. 

The picnic huts and grilling areas are perfect in a setting embraced by Mother Nature.
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