Say Chiz

SAY CHIZ. Opposition Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero (right) shares a light moment with Gov. Amado Espino Jr. (left), Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., Rep. Mark Cojuangco and Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas during his visit to the provincial capitol in Lingayen. Escudero embarked on a six-town, two-city barnstorming in Pangasinan on Friday to feel the people’s pulse if and when he decides to run for President in the 2010 elections.

Malasiqui mayor denies violating anti-graft law

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

MALASIQUI – Mayor Armando Domantay denied having violated the Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) when he entered into a 40-year lease-contract with Magic Group of Companies (MGC) which planned to construct a mall here.

Domantay claimed that he was allowed by law to enter into the contract even for 50 years, explaining that the 25-yeas contract his critics have been publicly announcing that he should follow, is only for exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources provided in the Constitution.

“We are not exploring as we are only allowing MGC — based on the resolution provided by the Sanggunian Bayan — to lease and not explore. I think it is but lawful to allow MGC to rent the idle place for 40 years,” he explained.

De Venecia, Agbayani, Espino, Boy laki-mata, and brownout

I thought star-struck is only to movie and rock stars. But star-struck is also to politicians.

After our press conference with presidential wannabe Senator Chiz Escudero, I asked my media side-kick Boy Mata to hold my digital camera and take a shot after I cornered Senator Chiz who would be in a hurry for another speaking engagement.

After I obliged him, I called Boy Mata to level the camera near his right eye and push the shot button with his right forefinger.

After some eternities, there was no flash that comes from the cam.

3 Calasiao villages to get P 30M grant

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

CALASIAO – The people of the villages here would surely welcome the entry of the Local Water Utilities Administration to build them a sewerage system after public franchisee Water for Calasiao failed to build them one.

According to Mayor Roy Macanlalay, barangays Nagsaing, Doyong, and Ambetel would be getting a P 30 million grant from the LWUA for the construction of their potable water system.

“Somebody is giving you P 30 million, why not grab it,” Macanlalay said.

He stressed that it would not be problem with Water for Calasiao because it already agreed to give a waiver for this town to accommodate another provider for the three villages located at the southern part here.

Runners all

MILO MARATHON. More than 6,000 joined last August 16’s 33rd Milo Marathon Dagupan elimination race which started and ended infront of the Stadia in the city.

Chiz bats for registration extension

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the registration of new voters up to December give more of the youth the opportunity to vote in the May 2010 elections.

“The youth is not apathetic as some would want to portray them, because it is they who will inherit this country,” the 39-year-old senator said at a student forum held at the University of the East.

“If some of them are apathetic, then it is government that has failed to inspire them to register and vote,” Escudero added.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported that only 800,000 new voters have registered, with the deadline set on October 31.

GMA orders prompt action vs jueteng

Thus reads a heading in big bold letters published by a well known broadsheet (PDI) dated 27 February 2009.

It was reported that no less than the President of the Philippines said that her administration was “obligated” to continue the campaign against illegal gambling because past administrations failed to stop it.

Hence, it was said that the same extra powerful highest public official in the land “ordered” the Department of Interior and Local Government plus the Philippine National Police to stop “anything illegal in Pampanga.”

Sta. Barbara folk receive PhilHealth cards

STA. BARBARA – Some 4,300 less privileged residents of Sta. Barbara received the PhilHealth cards during a program on August 15 at the Orbos Gym.

The Philhealth cards distribution was sponsored by the Municipality of Sta. Barbara and Third District Rep. Rachel “Baby” Arenas.

The cards were distributed through the effort of the Department of Social Welfare and Development headed by Ms. Wilma Coquia.

Ako ang simula

AKO ANG SIMULA. Students join the ABS-CBN’s Ako Ang Simula, Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo project during its launching in Dagupan City last week. The students affix their thumb marks at this project marker. Same launching was also done in some parts of the country.

Drive vs theft of transmission parts continues – NGCP

DAGUPAN CITY — The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) appealed to people near the transmission lines to avoid kite flying, construction of houses or other activities that may endanger both life and property.

Gerardo Torres, newly-installed district head for Pangasinan, also asked the public, the police and barangay officials for their continued support in guarding the transmission lines and towers against saboteurs or thieves.

While pilferages on tower parts have gone down, he said his office receives reports about missing tower parts especially braces and bolts.