New anti-smuggling czar

By Eva C. Visperas

He phoned in the good news to me a few days ago. But   truth is, he had been saying his reservations about accepting his new position because it’s really a very tough job.

In fact, when the news was relayed to him no less by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about his new appointment prior to the elections, he asked for some time to think about it first.
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Heal the wounds and move forward

By Eva C. Visperas

When Filipinos say we are poor, that’s false.

Look at the May 14 elections. Money was overflowing. Resources were dropped through choppers, runners traveled to and from Metro Manila and anywhere else for other sources of funding to boost the candidates’ campaigns.

Someone even projected himself through media that he could be the savior of congressional district only to be beaten dismally. But that proved to be a good ploy. Help from left and right poured in.
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Most expensive election

By Eva C. Visperas

The campaign for the 2007 elections has been the most expensive so far, according to Pangasinan politicians.

This, as the candidates who declined to be identified, said voters have become more demanding and vote buying became the name of the game.

“I never thought I would spend this much,” said a vice mayoralty candidate who has held several positions from past elections.

He said he prepared P5 million for the elections as he is already banking on his services rendered to the people but at the rate vote buying  is going, he said he has spent P12 million already.

He said he is dismayed at the kind of system now prevailing during elections.
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The last time

By Eva C. Visperas

People remember people, events or places either the first or the last time.

The last time I visited San Carlos City was when I passed by to see my son two weeks ago in Basista doing a special school mission. The place was aglow and many people were around the streets obviously enjoying the peace therein.

April 28 around 3:00 p.m., Mayor Jolly Resuello and I talked over the phone.

I extended an invitation from Biskeg na Pangasinan where he was a ranking member for a special meeting last May 2.
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Returning to my Alma Mater

By Eva C. Visperas

Long time no see. That’s really what it was when I recently returned to St. Louis University in Baguio City.

March 1988, I bade goodbye to this university where I obtained my Mass Communications degree. I didn’t know then when I would return.

Last April 21, I was glad to be back. This time, for the graduation of my daughter who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

“Akulaw ka la amiga (You’re already old friend),” someone commented.

Ouch, I protested and retorted, “Andi, asakbay ak labat ya aloko na laki (No, it’s just that I was fooled early by a man)”, coupled with my crisp laughter.
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Where is the accounting?

By Eva C. Visperas

No doubt the Bangus (Milkfish) Festival is a hit, not only locally but internationally as well.

Only Dagupan has this kind of festival. People from all walks of life have always looked forward to this festival started by Mayor Benjamin Lim.

In the previous years’ celebrations, sponsors were plenty, money for sure was also abundant. Sponsorship means money, anyway. The list of corporate sponsors was long, including telecommunications companies, beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, bottled water, frozen products as the festival itself is a certified crowd-drawer.

So, let’s not talk politics here as we had been hearing that every minute of the day in the radios from opposing camps these coming elections.

Let’s talk about accounting.
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A letter to fellow Binmaleynians

By Eva C. Visperas

Three years ago, I wished and prayed hard for development to come to my beloved hometown of Binmaley. It seemed it was hopeless then. It looked like I was wishing for the moon and the stars. But I held on to my dreams.

Money was overflowing then. Many people were vulnerable too. Fellow mediamen also thought our efforts would be just futile. But deep in our hearts, we knew we were on the right direction. Little by little, we proved that money was not everything.

So a new leader was installed. Mayor Simplicio “Sammy” Rosario proved to all that he was our right choice for change. From darkness, we saw light in the form of projects he tremendously and unceasingly did.
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Longing for love

By Eva C. Visperas

His song said what he felt. The singer, a boy, expressed how it feels living without the care of his biological parents. He belongs to a group of about 10 boys who found temporary home at The Haven, Home for Street children in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City.

As I was seated in front, I felt a pinch in my heart as the lyrics of the song penetrated my heart. Here is a boy who longs for his real parents’ love and care, who begs love from others, who wants to live a normal life.

Unknowingly, as the boy continued to sing, tears suddenly flowed down my cheeks. I tried to immediately wipe the tears but the guest speaker, Kimi Cojuangco, wife of fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, noticed me. She told the crowd in her speech about what she saw. I didn’t expect that she would know me or even my name, as I haven’t interviewed her before.
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Powerhouse team vs. “TH” line-up

By Eva C. Visperas

Maybe you want a peek of the big day when the Fernandez-Fernandez camp versus the Lim-Mata line up filed their certificates of candidacy for the May elections, particularly for Dagupan City.

At high noon March 29, cheering supporters, with hundreds of tricycle  drivers, ordinary folks, placard-bearing voters, and countless other patrons, relatives of resigned Immigration Commissioner Al Fernandez now running for mayor and successful businesswoman  Belen Fernandez for vice mayor trooped to  the city Commission on Elections Office.

Their complete slate for councilors also joined them, including Dr. Jess Canto, Dr. Alfie Fernandez (also an Atty.), Fred Quinto and the seven re-electionists, namely: Dada Reyna, Farah Decano, Jose Netu Tamayo, Alex de Venecia, Pacoy Torio, Michael Fernandez, Chito Samson.
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Political twists

By Eva C. Visperas

One week more to go and Pangasinenses will finally know who will be the candidates in several elective positions in every town, city, as well as the provincial level of Pangasinan.

Last Monday, Undersecretary for Local Governance Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr. said that he will not run anymore, despite the strong backing from his allies, financiers included, to support his candidacy. He said it’s a big sacrifice on his part and he knows pretty well it’s something that he can readily do just to preserve unity in Pangasinan.

No wonder he got praises from no less than President Gloria Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia for his supreme sacrifice.

Then, last Wednesday, retired Philippine National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao of Mangaldan town announced in a small gathering of his supporters that he is backing out from the fourth district congressional race.
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