Follow the Law (please)

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)


Hi there! It’s another weekend. A rainy one if I may add. But certainly the rain is no match to the heat that characterized the news lately - that we have a new Senate President and that some of our lawmakers are still enjoying the media mileage brought about by the issues on Bolante and the Euro generals. Do we include the usual kidnapping, killings and road mishaps? And Yes, I’m beginning to miss the “away mag-asawa” that make it to the news on national TV.

A few days ago, news had it that text messages will cost mobile phone subscribers only 50 centavos (per text message); and that it stays that way until further notice. Needless to say, this is good news. After all mobile phones or at least texting that goes with it is no longer a luxury. And what did the telcos say? Can they afford it? Some of them gave a safe answer by saying that the promo stays until further notice. Immediately after that line hit the news, a telco announced (no, I think it was more of complaining) that their profits dipped significantly (do we say thanks to the economic crunch?). That their earning was much lower than what they have projected for that certain period of the year. Just the same, if I heard it right, the amount earned is in the billion-peso mark. Whew! You raked in billions (or millions, to say the least) and you still consider yourself loosing much? What if these were normal times for the economy? No need to do your math on that.

Meanwhile from the land of Uncle Sam. Hilary as Secretary of State? That’s travel all the time. And Bill’s reply? Yes! You know in the manner or way that yes is said by people who are into something mischievous. (Smile, it’s a weekend)

And what’s this? Here’s a line I got from an entertainment (section) report from yahoo: “Anne Hathaway’s ex-boyfriend not enjoying prison.” Duh! Need I say more?

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The big news for the week (at least for the LGUs around the country) is the Supreme Court decision declaring 16 citihood laws as unconstitutional.

During last Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Mel Sarmiento delivered a message which was in way directed to his critics especially in the region. That message called for everyone to stand up for principles and to follow the law.

“Dire ini personalay”, or so said the City Mayor. While the issue on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) remains part of the issue, the case on hand is not about not wanting to have municipalities converted into cities. It is a case of following what is prescribed by the law. He recalled the Calbayog experience. Then Senate President Jose Avelino did not flex his power (as Senate President) and do shortcuts in creating the City of Calbayog. Senator Avelino followed what was then prescribed by the law.

Some quarters have forgotten that it is not the petition of Mayor Sarmiento. It is the petition of all the cities (or LGUs) who are members of the League of Cities of the Philippines led by Ilo-ilo Mayor Jerry Treñas as National President with Mayor Sarmiento as Secretary-General.Mayor Sarmiento further said that we are fighting for the future of the city, the employees and their children. And that he would like to have among his legacies for Calbayog a balanced budget by 2010.

He further called for more vigilance with 27 house bills on the citihood of various municipalities still pending in congress.

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Samar Politics. Board Member Nancy Rosales took oath as the Acting Vice Governor of Samar. She took her oath before Mayor Mel Sarmiento last Monday.

Board Member Rosales was sworn in to the position after Samar Vice Governor Jesus Redaja took oath as Acting Governor of Samar following the 90-day preventive suspension that the DILG served on Governor Mila Tan.

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THE CKC - JOSE GOMEZ ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT

The CKC - Jose Gomez Orchestra will have its Concert on December 12, 2008. The event will be held at the Frs. Leopold and David Auditorium at the CKC Campus. There will be two performances on that day, a matinee at 3:00 pm and gala performance at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are priced at 100 pesos. 500-peso sponsor tickets are also available. Proceeds of the concert will form part of the funds being raised for the renovation of the auditorium which will serve as the official home of the orchestra.

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Belated birthday greetings! My mother Victoria Ladrero – Ricafort turned a year older last Monday. (Belated) Happy Birthday!

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Let me leave you with something that tells us about one of the sad realities of life. I got this from – of all sources – the Jay Leno show: “Victory has a thousand fathers while defeat is a lonely orphan.”

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This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!