Guimba, Nueva Ecija: New Vice Mayor installed

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija - The vice mayor of this town, after serving for two years, was unseated.

This after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc dismissed the petition of the incumbent vice mayor in favor of the ruling of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 31 Judge Napoleon Sta. Romana.

Sta. Romana has declared Roseller De Guzman as the real winner over the initially proclaimed vice mayor Angelina Dela Cruz in the May 14, 2007 elections.

De Guzman took his oath of office before Gov. Aurelio Umali at the provincial Capitol before formally assuming his post as "duly elected vice mayor" of Guimba on Wednesday.

In his Nov. 26, 2007 decision, Sta. Romana ruled that De Guzman won over his rival, Angelina Dela Cruz.

"Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered declaring the protestant, Roseller T. De Guzman, as the winner for the vice mayoralty position with plurality of 776 votes," part of the court's decision reads.

Dela Cruz was proclaimed winner by the municipal board of canvasser after the May 2007 voting.

But De Guzman filed the election protest before the RTC which in turn managed to issue a decision, consisting of 689 pages, within the six months regulatory period.

After the recount ot votes from numerous precincts, the court found De Guzman to have garnered 11,373 votes as against dela Cruz's 10,597 votes.

Dela Cruz appealed the Court decision to the Comelec. However, an order signed by Comelec Chairman Jose Melo and six other commissioners dismissed Dela Cruz's petition in an en banc resolution dated April 23, 2007.

De Guzman said the Comelec resolution prompted the RTC to issue a writ of execution on May 19, 2009.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) implemented the writ with Sheriff IV Inocencio Garampil III, said de Guzman.

7TH ID conducted awarding ceremony on Physical Fitness Test Challenge

Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija - The 7^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army conducted the awarding ceremony on its just concluded Physical Fitness Test Challenge on the flag raising ceremony on May 25, 2009 at infront Hqs, 7ID. The Physical Fitness Test Challenge at the 7ID was conducted to determine the physical ability and stamina of one soldier on the performance of his duty and responsibilities. PFT includes test on running and physical exercises (push up and sit up event).

As a result of the FT Challenge following individual are the best performer according to their age category:

Pfc Victoriano A Dimas (Inf) PA - 17 – 25 yrs old 71IB

Pfc Manuel I Pascual (Inf) PA - 26 – 30 yrs old 71IB

Cpl Manolo G Marquez (Inf) PA - 31 – 35 yrs old 71IB

Cpl Shane S Gregorio (Inf) PA - 41 – 44 yrs old 7MIBn

Msg Crispin A Dela Cruz (Inf) PA - 45 – 48 yrs old HHSBn

SMS Ignacio O Morales (Inf) PA - 49 – 52 yrs old 7MIBn

Tsg Precillano A Rica ((nf) PA - 53 yrs old 701Bde

Letter of recognition and monetary award were given to the deserving unit and individual by the Assistant Division Commander, COL RESTITUTO L AGUILAR (CAV) GSC PA.

“The conduct of PFT Challenge at 7ID is indeed a rewarding kind of activity for our soldiers. To regain our physical stamina and mental alertness were the good things brought by this challenge. As a physical fitness enthusiast, I encourage our soldier to participate with the physical fitness test every now and then and immerse himself with this kind of activity. A sound mind and body is a significant tool to performed well our task that is to serve our country and our fellowmen” said MGEN RALPH A VILLANUEVA, Commander, 7ID, PA.

Diorama made of medical scraps

CABANATUAN CITY - Nativity scenes, tall Christmas trees, lights, a community of faithfuls -- all made of hospitals scrap materials.

Medical professionals and employees of the Nueva Ecija Doctors' Hospital proved their ingenuity as they created expensive-looking Cahristmas decorations and dioramas out of wastes such as used X-ray film, empty vials and rubber caps, dextrose, nasal hosts, among others.

The dioramas, numbering 16, are presently placed in different department areas in the four-storey hospital.

Dr. Fulgencio Ruiz, medical director, said the project which bring joy to patients and visitors alike, also showed the creativity of their personnel.

"You see, you can no longer say these things are made of scraps," Ruiz said, saying hospital officials had to pass the hat to "make them (employees) happier."

Other than electricty to lighten up the scenes, the employees were not allowed to use non-scrap material. The costings shall also not exceed P750, Ruiz said

RP tech in milk production, practice in "great magniture" in China -- official

CABANATUAN CITY – The technology being used in China in mass producing carabao milk was acquired from the Philipppines, particularly in Nueva Ecija , ranking officials revealed on Tuesday.

Thus Dr. Libertado Cruz, executive director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) based in Science City of Munoz said the country can produce cattle milk as much as the China does if only the money being spent in importation be used to help local farmers.

Cruz placed at $450-million the estimated expenses in milk importation per year. That is roughly equivalent to P25 billion a year, he stressed.

Cruz said Chinse officials have surprised his team once in a visit.

“Akala namin ay may seminar kaming dadaluhan,” he said. But to their surprised, they were toured in several villages where milk production technologies from Nueva Ecija were being applied.

“Mas agresibo nga lang,” said Cruz, adding the Chinese government has intensified the use of Philippine-earned technologi
Cruz disclosed the demand for carabao milk surged in the last few weeks. The supply, however, was not enough to satisfy need of the market that includes producers of pastries and other milk-based products.

The PCC, he said, is looking for milk popwedering machines so that losses of milk during periods of high production can be prevented and preserved for periods of high demand.

This is to answer the problem where the peak of carabao milk supply happens when the deman is in its lowest while the demand surges when the production decreaseses. "our technology is applied only in great magnitute," Cruz said. -30-

DA distributes 1,000 bags of fertilizer; party list solon, multicabs

JAEN, Nueva Ecija - The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed 1,000 bags of granular fertilizers to farmers in this town even as the Buhay Party list released multi-cabs to 18 barangays here over the weekend.

Mayor Santy Austria said the fertilizers that were coursed through the DA was the realization of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's promise during her visit in this town last September.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, 4th district, said the distribution has no connection with the controversial P728-million liquid fertilizer program that was reported to be scam. "nakasako ito," Antonino said.

Antonino and Austria, along with other local government officials, led the distribution. They also assisted Buhay Party List Rep. Carissa Concoslluela in the distribution of the multi-cabs to 18 barangays here.

The party list solon, according to Antonino, also handed down to Austria another piece of grant worth P1.5 million. -30-

Rice farmers told: Make it 40

Sowing the right amount of seeds results in strong and healthy seedlings. Hence, rice experts recommend the use of 40 kg certified seeds of an inbred variety or 20 kg hybrid for one hectare.

This 40-kg technology disproves the common belief that more seeds planted per hectare ensure enough and healthy seedlings.

According to experts, 1 kg of palay seeds is equivalent to approximately 40,000 seeds, thus, for 40 kg seeds, there are approximately 1,600,000 seeds. If two seedlings (20 to 25-day old) per hill are transplanted at a distance of 20cm x 20cm, a hectare would require some 500,000 seedlings.

Field trials show that even if 50% of the seeds from the 40 kg seeds do not germinate or get eaten by birds or golden apple snails, the remaining 50%, which is equivalent to 800,000 seeds, would still be more than enough to transplant a hectare of ricefield.Experts explained that 40 kg seeds should be sown in a 400m2 seedbed to produce enough healthy seedlings. At this density, the seedlings will not compete with each other for nutrients and sunlight.

However, sowing seeds greater than 40 kg or using less than 400m2 seedbed can result in too close spacing between seedlings. This will make the seedlings tall and thin. Such seedlings may not survive or have a hard time recovering when transplanted in the field.

Healthy seedlings, on the other hand, can produce a good canopy and compete better against weeds. These seedlings are green, with good growth, free from pests and diseases, and can produce sufficient productive tillers and panicles.

The 40-kg technology also stresses the importance of certified seeds which have high germination rate and high seedling vigor, thus, better survival and growth. These seeds will produce uniform plants, and have a 5 to10 percent yield advantage over farmers’ home-saved seeds.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government-owned and –controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture that aims at developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

Kenney: RP, US cooperation to continue amid global financial slowdown

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija - United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney expressed belief the cooperation between the Philippine and American forces will continue despite the recurring global economic slowdown.

Kenney led the inauguration of a classroom built by soldiers participating in the annual Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercixe (Phiblex) in the far flung Bagong Barrio Elementary School in this town Sunday.

Askef of such activities would continue amid feared global financial crisis, Kenney cited the disasters where Filipino and American soldiers have worked together in opursuing the interest of the victims.

She also noted the surging cooperation among nations affected by the financial turmoil.

Kenney also said the feared crisis would end soon having all contries "working together."

Meanwhile, Board Member Edmund Abesamis, president of the Federation of Barangay Captains in Nueva Ecija, said the project shows the "true picture" of what the cooperation between two nations can do.

Vice Mayor Lenny Dela Cruz of Guimba said the classroom donated by the Talon Vision Piblex would greatly help the children in the village.

No let up on HB 5043

CABANATUAN CITY - Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan called on the faithfuls here to fight the controversial Reproductive Health Bill or House Bill 5043 to the end.

The call was made by Bishop Sofronio Bancud as he led the canonical erection of the new St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish that holds jurisdiction over 19 villages here recently.

"Malinaw ang posisyon ng Simbahan, tutulan natin ang Reproductive Health Bill 5043 ngayon ay kailanman," Bancud told faithfuls in his homily.

Bancud earlier anointed Rev. Jose Salvador Mallari as Parish Priest and sked him to reach out with the community to let the people receive the word of God.

The Bishop said respect with the dignity of life is a responsiblity of the people to God and their selves. This, he added, is within the spirit of vocation.

The call was readily accepted by the Knights of Columbus, an association of Catholic men, saying the group has since stand against abortion.

Blood shed!

IN HOUSE BLOOD SHED. Some 40 members of the Nueva Ecija POlice Provincial Office under Senior Supt. Ricardo Marquez, along with 12 barangay peacekeepers, donate 52 bags of blood to the Philippine Blood Council (PBC). The blood will be stored at the local Red Cross blood bank for local patients.

Gapan vendors want ordinance blocked

GAPAN CITY - The officers and members of the 500-strong marvet vendors association n this city have filed a mnifestation before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to block the ratification of an ordinance that provides for the increase of fees in market stalls and spaces.

Adelina Roque, president of the Gapan City Market Vendors Association, said they appealed to the SP to block the ratification of the Resoulution No. 24 Series 2008 or City Ordinance no. 02 series 2008 of Gapan City.

The measure, "an ordinance regulating the establishment, classification, administration and operation of government owned/operated public markets in the local government of Gapan," was approved by the city council, presided by Vice Mayor Christian Tinio and approved by Mayor Ernesto Natividad.

Otherwise known as Market Code of Gapan, the ordinance explains that the "on going and future development projects for the improvement and expansion of sxisting city owned, controlled or operated public markets designed to promote and improve the capabilities of the local government to deliver desired public services, and to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of vendor and the buying public."

Such goals, the council raesones out "can only be achieved if the administration of the city markets are improved or stremlined" and the "income from the operation thereof are made more realistic."

But Roque's group claimed there was not even a public hearing for the measure. This, the group said, violated the Article 276 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Local Government Code.

The old public market of Gapan City was razed by fire on Aug. 12, 2007. It was rebuilt through a bank loan of reportedly P238 million.

Roque said under the recently approved ordinance, vendors are asked to pay P17,000 to P22,00 per sq meter for the wet section and P22,000 to P27,000 per sq meter for the enclosed stalls.

Arroyo visits family of road accident victim

SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija : President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally expressed sympathy and extended assistance to the family of Leopoldo Odulio, the 60-year-old man, who died in a vehicular accident during her latest visit in the province.

Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of this town said the Odulios were very thankful that the Chief Executive had to attend to them personally despite the fact that what happened was an accident and she was actually not directly involved."

She has since wanted to visit the family. Kahit hindi naman niya talaga alam ito," Lorenzo said.Odulio was backriding a single motorcycle when it was bumped by a military truck that transports the K-9 units used earlier for security when she led the inauguration of a bridge in the nearby town of Cabiao.

Two others were hurt during the accident.Fourth Dist. Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said Mrs.Arroyo put up a thrust fund for the education of Odulio' 12-year old son, Roy, and business capital for the family.

She also encouraged Juliet, the daughter, to finish her computer studies. Julieta supposedly stopped attending school with still one year to finish the course."

Dati na nating nakikita 'yang sinseridad ng pangulo. Ngayon alam naman natin na pwede niyang iutos na lamang ito pero ganoon talaga katindi ang kanyang concern sa pangyayari na ito," Antonino stressed."

Lahat po ng kailangan namin ay ibinigay niya," Julieta said.

Massive vaccination vs cattle disease held

CABANATUAN CITY - The veterinary officers in this city is waging an all-out war against the dreaded cattle disease that was found positive in provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga, a ranking official said on Thursday.

Dr. Ricardo Bautista, head of the Cabanatuan City Veterinary Office, said that on order of Mayor Alvin Vergara, his men are conducting massive vaccination against the flu-like Hemorrhagic Septicemia in rural barangays.

They target to treat at least 2,000 carabaos from at least 45 of the city's 89 barangays.Besides giving vaccine which supplies come from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) regional office in Pampanga, Bautista said, his office also gives doses of vitamins to cattle."

Masyadong masakit sa isang magsasaka na mamamatayan ng kalabaw dahil napakamahal nito at kailangang-kailangan sa pagsasaka," Bautista said.

The youngest animal, he said, costs for about P20,000. The working age is at P50,000, he added.Cabanatuan City is still considered agricultural in nature despite its booming industrialization.

Bautista said the effort was prompted by confirmation from the provincial veterinary office of Nueva Ecija that the disease was found in the two provinces.

The disease, he said, is highly contagious and can be acquired by the animal through various ways, including contact and feeding.An infected animal would die from 8 to 12 hours after the bacteria is acquired.

Military, town gov't try reach

SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija - Military and local government officials are trying to solve the the legal battle between them over the right on a two-hectare land where the municipality's material recovery facility, a systematic garbage processing system, is installed in Barangay Mapalad here.

The Army's 7th Infantry Divsion under the command of Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, wanted to stop the operation of the MRF on the contention that the land is within the Fort Magsaysay Military reservation.

Being a military reservation, according to Villanueva, the area cannot be converted into any other purposes based on a Presidential Proclamation issued in 1955.Municipal officials explained, however, the piece of land was bought at about P1-million by the town government from a private individual in 2003 purposely for the implementation of the Solid waste Management Act or Republic Act 9003.

Villanueva said the military has already informed the town government of its position since the initial stage of development "but they continued."A town official said the municipality produces about 2o tons of garbage a day.

He underscored the need for the proper disposal to keep the town's vicinity clean ands promote the health and welfare of its constituents.Villanueva said his officer was told the Santa Rosa government would insist its law. "Sabi namin, the laws of Santa Rosa does not apply within the military reservation."

The facility where fertilizers and office materials are being processed out of recyclable wastes are complete with heavy equipment and processing tools.

FortMag sends troops to Mindanao

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City: The Army's 7th Infantry Divsion based here sent a total of 428 soldiers to help in the fight against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front lost command, a ranking military official said on Wdenesday.Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, 7ID commander, said the troops from its unit, 69th Infantry Battalion, was led led by ed by its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Cesar D De Mesa.Loaded in a six by six trucks, the soldiers were brought to the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City where they boarded the C-130 plane bound to Mindanao, Villanueva said.“The Mindanao deployment of 69th IB is a part of the government’s effort for national peace and security and end the on-going armed conflict,” he added.“Discipline, training, and experience will be the weapon of the 69IB troopers to surpass the challenges in pursuing their mission. Our soldiers are at all times ready to risk their lives but we always observe force protection in our operations. However, it is better that our soldiers continue to live to protect the people and preserve our territory,” said Villanueva.

CABANATUAN CITY - Ipinagmamalaki ng mga kandidata sa Bb. Nueva Ecija ang mga lugar sa lalawigan na bahagi ng kasysaysayan at natatangi para sa turismo.Sa ginanap na press presentation noong Lunes ng gabi sa Microtel In and Sites sa lunagsod na ito, inisa-isa ng mga kalahok sa Bb. Nueva Ecija pageant ang mga anila'y "pride ng Nueva Ecija."

Kabilang dito ang makasaysayang Plaza Lucero kung saan pinalsalang si Antonio Luna, Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park na ipinagalan sa martir na dating Sen. Benigno Aquino at moog para sa mga di-kilalang bayani, (kapwa nasa Cabanatuan City), Pantabangan na kinaroroonan ng kauna-unahan at pinakamalaking earthen dam sa Souteast Asia, Palayan City bilang sports tourism capital.

Inihirit din ng isang kalahok ang Sciece City of Munoz sapagkat naroroon ang mga scientific institution na tulad ng Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Bureau of Post Harvest Research Institute (BPRE), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

Para naman sa kandidata mula sa bayan ng Laur, pinaka-dapat bigyan ng pansin ang pagiging onion basket ng Bongabon sapagkat ddoon nagmumula ang pinakamalaking bahagi ng kinukunsumong sibuyas ng bansa.

Ang Pangatian Shrine and Sundial Monument kung saan naganap ang kilala sa buong mundo na "The Great Raid", o pagliligtas ng magkasanib nga puwersang Amerikano at gerilyang Pilipino ang dapat isang maipagmamalaki ng Nueva Ecija, ayon naman sa Bb. Nueva Ecija candidate mula sa bayan ng Llanera.

Ang Bb. Nueva Ecija ay isang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng "Unang Sigaw ng Nueva Ecija" na ang kulminasyon ay sa Sept. 2, ayon kay Board Member Edmund Abesamis, pangulo ng Araw ng Nueva Ecija 2008.

Ang Bb. Nueva Ecija ay inorganisa ng Provincial Tourism Office sa pangunguna ni Carolina de Guzman-Uy at Wyzminds Event and Productions.Ayon kay Uy, bukod sa P50,000 piso na cash prize sa magwawagi, magkakamit din ito ng scholarship grant mula sa isang technical school.

Ang kaibhan, gayunman, ng pageant na ito sa mga naunang edisyon ay bibigyan din ng gantimpala tulad ng cumpoter set at iba pa ang munisipyo na kinakatawan nanalo, at bawat barangay sa nasasakupan ng naturang bayan ay bibigyan ng maliit na regalo.

Ang Grand Coronation ng Bb. Nueva Ecija ay gaganapin sa Aug. 31.

Recall move vs. Umali dead

PALAYAN CITY - The Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (Balane), the political party led by the influentrial Joson clan, has finally dropped the idea of seeking a recall elections against Gov. Aurelio Umali.

First District Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson, party chair, said the idea which was floated as early as December last year, could have been best way to remove Umali from office owing to the governor's "failure to deliver," good governance."But the party decided not to go with it," Joson said, saying the decision was reached during the recent meeting among party officials and members in Cabanatuan City.

He maintained a recall election was all for the advantage of a party candidate.

"Una, maliit ang gastos dahil one on one ang laban," he said. The campaign could be conveniently carried by party members since they are not in a fight. "Ikaw lang ang ikakampanya nila," Joson added, pertaining to whoever the party will field against Umali.

He also believes that Iglesia Ni Cristo, a powerful religious group that effectively endorses some candidates during elections, would take a neutral side this time.

The INC reportedly favored Umali during the 2004 gubernatorial elections over Joson's younger brother , former Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson.

Umali said he was not in a position to comment of the "wisdom and efficacy" of the decision to "recall the recall" but vowed an un-distracted discharge of duties and Nueva Ecija's chief executive.Being not a member of Balane, he said, he would not know the reason behind the move.

He said the reports of a drive to subject him to a recall elections cropped up even he was only a few months from office.

Joson also said the party has yet to decide on the who will be it's standard bearer for the 2010 elections. This amid reports that former Gov. Tomas Joson, his elder brother, would be the strongest bet.

N. Ecija has new dev't plan

PALAYAN CITY - The new medium term development agendaof the Nueva Ecija government was approved, yearsafter the prrevious version lapsed, by members of theprovincial development council (PDC) the other day.

Gov. Aurelio Umali, PDC chair, said the new mediumterm development plan that tackle of economic andhuman resources of the province was a product ofextensive study by the local chief executives andtheir municipal or city planning and developmentoffices.

Dr. Abraham Pascua, director of the Department ofInterior and Local Government (DILG)-Nueva Ecija,presented the pplan to PDC memebrs that includemayors, MPDCs and non-government organizations, duringthe first general assembly meeting at the Nueva EcijaConvention Center (NECC).

Umali explained that the MTPDP serves as the farmeworkof development of all LGUs, in coordinbation withnational implementing agencies for 2008 to 2010.Bert Bolinao, city planning and development officer ofPalayan City, moved for inclusion of some otherprojects which the local government is readying.

MayorLorna Vero of Llanera town said irrigation andenvironment projects are on top of their local agenda.All these issues, Umali said, will be tackled laterand the plan could actually be subject to amendments.The province, according to the governmenr, has indeeda large room for development.

Ecija police scores big in anti-drugs drive

CABANATUAN CITY – A sustained anti-drug abuse campaign by the police, in cooperation with civilian-led Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), has "dramatically" reduced the number of drug-infested territories in Nueva Ecija, the police reported.

Nueva Ecija police director, Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, that of 32 towns and cities of the province, 14 have already been declared drug-free. This accounts to only 51 of over 859 villages.

Of the five cities, Palayan City was declared drug-free while the drug-freetowns are Aliaga, Bongabon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Lupa, Nampicuan, Pantabangan, Quezon, San Isidro, Sta. Rosa and Zaragoza, accoprding to police records.

This as the police keep a tight watch on at least 252 drug users and pushers even as it enlisted the help of the Barangay Anti-Drug AbuseAction Councils in fighting the menace, a report to Gov. Aurelio Umali disclosed yesterday.

The report, submitted by Taas also showed that the suspected drug offenders are mostly in Cabanatuan City with 56, followed by Guimba,34; 29 in GapanCity, 25 in San Jose City, 21 in Gen.Tinio, 18 in Talavera, 17 in San Leonardo, 15 in Carranglan, 8 in San Antonio, seven in Gabaldon, four each in Cabiao and Penaranda, two in Sto. Domingo, one each in Talugtog, Cuyapo and Rizal.

CABANATUAN CITY - The city government yesterday announced a plan to implement a "no segragation no collection" policy in garbage collection here, a highly urbanizing city dubbed as trade and education center of Nueva Ecija.

Mayor Alvin P. Vergara said the policy, is in compliance with the provision of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecoligical Solid Waste Management Act of 200, will be implemented starting July 16.

The step is aimed at reducing garbage dumped in the city's dump site, currently situated in Barangay Valle Cruz, Cabanatuan City. The dumpsite is now subject of conflict between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the city government.

The DENR wants the dump site closed with its operation supposedly against RA 9003. Despite attempts, however, the previous city administration, under former Mayor Jay Vergara, failed to establish new sanitary landfill due to resistance of residents in identified areas.

Vergara said the garbage trucks will also be color coded for easy identification.

Trucks to be used in collecting biodegradable materials, for instance will be colored green while those of the non-biodegradable has yet to be determined.

GMA vows heads will roll in ferry sinking

BALER, Aurora – President Arroyo yesterday vowed that heads will roll in connection with the ill-fated sinking of the Princess of the Stars off the coast of Sibuyan Islands last week, including the cancellation of the franchise of the Sulpicio Lines,Inc. (SLI).

Speaking during the sixth anniversary of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day at the Quezon Memorial Park here yesterday morning, Mrs. Arroyo said those responsible for the tragedy will not go unpunished.

“We demand full accounting. Pananagutin natin ang lahat ng mapapatunayang nagpabaya at naging sanhi ng pagkamatay ng marami nating kababayan (We will hold accountable those who will be proved to have been negligent and caused the deaths of many of our countrymen),” she said

It was her first official statement about the incident since arriving in the country at dawn yesterday. The tragedy, the offshoot of typhoon Frank, struck when she was on official trip abroad.

The President, who flew here a few hours after arriving in the country, said that even before she flew to the United States to meet with President George Bush and other officials, she already directed the various government agencies to brace for the coming typhoon. She said it was a difficult decision to forge ahead with the trip but she went ahead nevertheless because of several reasons.

She said that as President, she had to make the difficult choice whether to cancel important meetings with Bush and leaders of the US Congress who specifically asked that she be in Washington to lobby for pending legislation on the Philippine Veterans’ Bill.

She added that while in the US, she was overseeing relief efforts and was in constant touch with officials on the ground and personally directing activities.

The Chief Executive said that over the next few days, she and her Cabinet would be meeting with government officials for the rescue and relief operations to ensure the speedy rehabilitation of the affected areas.

She said she will fly to Cebu tomorrow to meet with the families, express condolences and to pledge to them that the government will get to the bottom of the tragedy.

She also thanked the Spanish government for being one of the first countries to extend assistance to the Philippines in the wake of the typhoon and the ferry accident. She said that a plane of the Spanish Air Force is now on its way to the country to deliver relief goods.

In an earlier speech, Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias-Romero conveyed his government’s condolences to the victims of the ferry accident.

At the same time, Mrs. Arroyo said the government should take pains to be more prepared in the event of another typhoon. She said the government will install new Doppler radars or weather forecasting instruments in Surigao del Sur, South Cotabato, Mactan, Tagaytay,
She added that two Doppler radars in Baguio and in this province will be upgraded to make them more responsive during calamities.