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.