Thousands of supporters of opposing political parties in Bacolod City turned out during the first day of the campaign for local candidates yesterday.
Candidates of Grupo Progreso (GP)led by re-electionist Mayor Evelio Leonardia held a motorcade around Bacolod City while candidates of the Asenso for Better Bacolod-MKK (ABB-MKK) led by congressional candidate Monico Puentevella started their campaign by hand shaking with residents of Brgy. Banago. The motorcade of GP followed after a 2 p.m. mass at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, and ended at the Pope John Paul Tower at the Reclamation Area where about 10,000 of its supporters in red shirts were waiting. Fr. Jerevel Celestial, who officiated at the mass for Grupo Progreso, highlighted God’s gift of service to the less privileged. “Public service is an expression of love”, he said. “We are now gathered as one family to celebrate God’s gift of service to our city. Let us include in this mass our intention for a peaceful election,” Fr. Celestial said as he blessed the GP candidates led by standard bearers Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and Leonardia at the end of the afternoon mass. Candidates of ABB-MKK, meanwhile, also attended a mass at the Prayer House in Purok Bayanihan, Brgy. Banago before visiting the different puroks to meet the people for handshaking. Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya said they were able to render the kind of service that the people of Bacolod deserve since they, the city officials, have established a harmonious working relationship. Leonardia said he expects a bigger crowd at their political rally at the Bacolod City Plaza on May 11. He also appealed to them to help them achieve a 15-0 victory in the May 13 mid-term elections. The GP opening salvo will be on Sunday at the Bacolod Public Plaza, while that of the ABB-MKK will be on Monday at the South Capitol Road. GP is also composed of re-electionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilors Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Bart Orola, Elmer Sy, Dindo Ramos, Ana Marie Palermo, former councilors Archie Baribar, Al Espino, and Carlos Jose Lopez, Singcang Kagawad Simple Distrito, Marlon Solidum and Israel Salanga. ABB-MKK mayoralty candidate Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said they are praying for a peaceful, honest, fair and clean elections for Bacolod. “I firmly believe that only when we elect leaders the right way and based on the right reasons can we have good governance. Large outpouring of projects using public funds and resources and sharp increase in hiring of personnel show lack of foresight and only creates doubt as to whether these projects are based on real needs of our citizens. I wish we can transcend this style of governance so we can face the future with better strategies from day one,” she said. Other ABB-MKK candidates are Jude Thaddeus Sayson for vice mayor while the candidates for councilor are Edwin Balajadia from a non-government organization, former executive assistant Butch Ebreo, broadcaster Rommel Jamero, businessmen Rico Villafuerte, Augusto “Bob” Montelibano, and Elmer Villanueva, Brgy. 7 Kagawad and former barangay captain Bernabe Sibug, aviator Jason Villarosa, former councilor Homer Bais and re-electionists Claudio Jesus Puentevella and Wilson Gamboa Jr. Meanwhile, acting Bacolod Election Officer Ann Janette Lamban said they had two teams that were able to conduct “Operation Baklas” to remove illegally posted campaign materials yesterday and found many violations. Lamban said she called the attention of Villafuerte and Villarosa to remove their oversized campaign materials, while there were other candidates who posted their campaign materials on electrical posts in violation of election laws. They will conduct Operation Baklas every Friday, she said. Lamban reminded candidates to serve as good models by obeying laws if they want to be elected by the people.*
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Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (seated) signed an Alliance Agreement yesterday in the presence of Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Singcang Kagawad Simple Distrito, Councilors Renecito Novero, Cindy Rojas, Ana Marie Palermo, former councilor Archie Baribar and Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya (l-r, standing).* (Andy Alvarez photo)
NEGROS. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio endorses Grupo Progreso, led by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, during the campaign caravan of Hugpong ng Pagbabago at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. (Photo by Merlinda A. Pedrosa) “I FEEL that it was a blessing in disguise.’
This was stressed by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia after his political group Grupo Progreso (GP) signed an alliance with the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) for mutual support and cooperation in the May 13 elections. The alliance agreement was signed by Leonardia, head of GP, and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, chairperson of HnP, during the campaign rally for the HnP senatorial candidates held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City on Monday night, March 25. “That formalizes our plan and I feel that it was a blessing in disguise that it did not materialize in previous years because of some circumstances and this could not come at a much better time,” Leonardia said. With the HnP alliance, he said that it’s also a recognition of not just the existence, but the value of GP. “Before they (HnP) decided, they also held a background check on our group,” he added. The mayor noted that GP was organized between 2006 and 2007. The agreement stated that the parties shall cooperate within the framework of their respective mandates and authority in the implementation of their responsibilities in pursuit of the agreement. It added that the agreement shall be effective for purposes of the 2019 senatorial and local elections and that the alliance shall endorse a common senatorial lineup comprising 13 senatorial candidates. The parties shall carry, endorse and campaign for the senatorial candidates in the lineup. The agreement is effective on the day of the signing of agreement and will terminate on June 30, 2019. HnP senatorial candidates include Senators Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos; former presidential assistant Bong Go; former senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Bong Revilla; Deputy Speaker and Taguig City-Pateros Rep. Pia Cayetano; former Philippine National Police chief director Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa; Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu; former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino, and former broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad. Of the 13 senatorial candidates, only Pimentel and Cayetano were not present during the rally at the Panaad Park and Stadium, which was attended by at least 15,000 Bacoleños, while Marcos was represented by her brother, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “In this time, the Duterte Era, we are happy because Bacolod has been chosen by the HnP to host one of its campaign rallies. As early as October, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte promised they will be here on March 25 and we are happy that she endorsed us,” Leonardia said. Representative Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran also said they are thankful for the trust of the HnP and for endorsing the slate of Grupo Progreso. “We were humbled by that endorsement and rest assured that we will continue to work and implement the programs and projects for the people of Bacolod,” they said. President Rodrigo Duterte (center) meets with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia (right), Rep. Greg Gasataya (left) and their Grupo Progreso partymates after the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial campaign rally in Victorias City, Negros Occidental last March 8. (Contributed File Photo) BACOLOD CITY -- Mayor Evelio Leonardia has thanked President Rodrigo R. Duterte for clarifying that he is not included on the narco-list of politicians and for endorsing his reelection bid in the May 13 elections.
The mayor issued the statement Friday, a day after the President released a video message on his Facebook page, dismissing the claim of Leonardia’s predecessor, Monico Puentevella, that the incumbent mayor is involved in the illegal drug trade. “I am truly humbled by the President’s gesture. This was unexpected but truly welcome,” he said. Leonardia pointed out that the Chief Executive “did not only deny Puentevella’s dirty tactic” but “also endorsed my candidacy,” saying “I was the better choice for Bacolod mayor.” In the video message, Duterte said it is not true that he named Leonardia as one of the mayors involved in the illegal drug trade when he called him during his speech at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan senatorial campaign rally in Victorias City, Negros Occidental last March 8. He also admonished the former mayor, who is seeking a comeback as congressman, for “purposely and intentionally” twisting his words and using it against his political opponent. “You used my name. My speeches were spliced then you padded and mixed it. You made it appear that I mentioned Mayor Leonardia at the end. That’s wrong,” the President told Puentevella. Leonardia said the Chief Executive’s statement of support is a vindication for him. “Now, the President himself has vindicated me. There is no better proof of Puentevella’s genius and unconscionable expertise at distorting facts than this,” the mayor said. “Thank you, Mr. President. By this single gesture, you have unmasked Puentevella and his deceptions. I and my family will forever be grateful,” he added. Leonardia earlier said the President met with him and his Grupo Progreso partymates, including Rep. Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, after the campaign rally in Victorias City. “We were the only ones who were called to meet with him,” the mayor revealed. (PNA) The new Vocational Sheltered Workshop Center for Persons with Disability located in the Home for the Blind compound in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO) BACOLOD CITY -- The city of Bacolod has opened its own Vocational Sheltered Workshop Center for Persons with Disability (PWDs) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The PHP3-million facility, located in the Home for the Blind compound at Barangay Mansilingan, was unveiled on Wednesday during the blessing and inauguration rites attended by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who represented Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and other city officials. Pacita Tero, head of the City Department of Social Services and Development, said the center was constructed through funding provided by the DSWD. “The construction of the building was initiated as a Bottom-Up Budgeting project. Our PWDs proposed a training center through the DSWD,” Tero said. The facility includes a training room and other features that will be used for skills training and capability building activities of PWDs in the city. In Bacolod, there are more than 8,000 PWDs who are members of some 40 associations. Also present during the opening rites were Fr. Dimitri Gatia, who led the blessing of the center, Councilor Ana Marie Palermo, and Mansilingan village chief Rodolfo Pico. The DSWD, as mandated under Republic Act 10524 or an “Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),” aims to improve its facilities that provide livelihood and skills training to PWDs to enhance their employability. These facilities provide programs and services such as social, medical and psychological services, livelihood and vocational skills training, job placement, sheltered employment, and capability building activities, which are geared towards socio-economic independence and productivity enhancement of PWDs. RA 10524, which amends RA 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, also seeks to increase their access to employment opportunities by encouraging g BACOLOD City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said on Thursday, March 14, that he respects the opinion of Senator Grace Poe on the construction of Bacolod MassKara Coliseum in the city. Poe, who was in Bacolod City early this week, questioned one of the city’s priority projects, the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum worth P800 million. Poe said that Bacolod City, given its large population, should have its own hospital. “Why a coliseum? Build a hospital instead,” she said. “It’s her opinion. Maybe she doesn’t know the annual budget of Bacolod City, if we’re the same with Makati City or Metro Manila. We can’t afford to build and manage a hospital,” Familaran said. He said the City Government could not afford the hospital and its attached expenses for maintenance, personnel, equipment, among others. “But if they mean a small hospital, we already have a lying-in clinic which was managed by the City Government in partnership with the Riverside Hospital,” the vice mayor continued. It can be recalled that a civil complaint involving the P1.7 billion loan, which will fund the city’s four flagship projects, was filed in January. This was a month after the City Council ratified the loan agreement and continuing deed of assignment with a hold-out agreement between the City Government and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Named respondents were Mayor Evelio Leonardia; Familiaran; Councilors Caesar Distrito, Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Em Ang, Elmer Sy, Ana Marie Palermo, Dindo Ramos, Bartolome Orola, Sonya Verdeflor, Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen and Ayesha Joy Villaflor; City Council Secretary Vicente Petierre III; City Treasurer Giovanni Balalilhe; City Budget Officer Maria Imelda Williams; City Accountant Corazon Cardel; and DBP Negros Occidental Lending Center head Bernardo Catillion Jr. It was former vice mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, former councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and businessman Antonio Wong, who filed the civil case for certiorari, prohibition and annulment of contract with a prayer for a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and/or preliminary mandatory injunction. The other three projects are the development of Progreso Village Relocation Site worth P350 million, Bacolod City College site development and facilities at P350 million and construction of roads and bridges worth P200 million. (MAP) “IT’S a vindication.” This was the reaction of Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran Friday, March 15, after President Rodrigo Duterte released the list of 46 local government officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. None of those in the list come from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. Familiaran said it’s a vindication to those who were earlier included in the fake narco-list that was circulated on social media. The list included officials from Bacolod and Negros Occidental. “I am happy that there are no politicians from Negros Occidental involved in the illegal drug trade,” he said. Duterte released the narco-list during the National and Regional Peace and Order meeting at Arcadia in Davao City Thursday night. Of the 46 politicians in the list, five are from Western Visayas. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) already filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against the 46 officials. Familiaran said the campaign against illegal drugs is also one of the top priorities of the City Government. “It’s the directive of Mayor Evelio Leonardia to our policemen to focus on illegal drugs, and identify and arrest the drug personalities here,” he said. He added that Bacolod City Police Office also intensified its operations against illegal drugs in various areas of the city. (MAP) THE Bacolod City Council is planning to review and amend the implementation of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance in the city.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairman of the City Council committee on laws and co-chairman of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, said he received a communication from Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran informing him that the Bacolod City Police Office will aid the City Government in arresting violators of City Ordinance (CO) No. 641, series of 2013. “We will make the necessary review, and if it is necessary to amend the ordinance, we will amend it so that our policemen will also be involved in the apprehension of anti-smoking violators,” Distrito said. Starting last year until February 2019, more than 1,000 violators, including business establishments, have been apprehended for violation of CO 641. At present, aside from the task force, the school officials and teachers are also authorized to arrest violators within their areas of jurisdiction, as well as the barangay officials. In 2013, the City Government created the task force for the implementation of CO 641, which regulates smoking in public places, including public conveyances, and advertisements, promotions and sponsorships of tobacco products. Violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense and P2,500 and possible imprisonment for the third offense. Business establishments will also be fined P1,000 to P5,000 and may lose their business permit if they sell cigarettes to minors or fail to provide the appropriate designated smoking areas. Distrito said it is prohibited to smoke in a building with no designated smoking areas such as schools, plazas, hospitals, laboratories, clinics, food and beverage factories, public utility vehicles and malls. (MAP) President Rodrigo Duterte met with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and his group after the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) political rally at the Victorias City Coliseum last night.
Leonardia and his Grupo Progreso party mates, Rep. Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Archie Baribar, Bart Orola, Ana Marie Palermo, Al Espino, and Simple Distrito were ushered to a room for a meeting with Duterte where they also had their photo taken with him. “For us, it’s as good as an endorsement. It was a special treatment and we treat it as an endorsement,” the mayor said. Leonardia who sat next to Duterte during the photo opportunity said he told the President he was sorry because he couldn’t hear his speech earlier, and the President said the venue had a bad sound system. Leonardia also said that what Duterte asked him was if he had been in the meeting in Manila with the mayors where he warned them against illegal drugs. Duterte reiterated his strong stance against illegal drugs and criminality, adding that illegal drugs will not only destroy the country but the family as well. “If the father takes drugs, the family collapses. That’s social dysfunction,” he said. He also said that drug personalities were later jailed. “Tanungin niyo city mayor ninyo. Tinawag ko ‘yan sila sa Malacañang. (You ask your mayor. I called them to the Malacañang).” Duterte asked Leonardia if he was present when he called all the mayors in the country for a meeting a few months after he assumed the presidency. The President said he warned all the mayors as well as the governors not to engage in illegal drugs. Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon, who was also at the political rally last night, confirmed that Duterte was merely asking Leonardia if he was there during the meeting with all the mayors in 2016.* BACOLOD City – Solid Waste Action Team (SWAT) chairman Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran called for the reorganization of the solid waste management enforcement unit in the city.
“I will send a request to Mayor Evelio Leonardia assigning 200 personnel in the unit,” he said. The enforcement unit was deactivated last year after its personnel were assigned to other functions. “The monitoring and apprehension under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or the Republic Act 9003, is now handled by barangay officials,” the SWAT chairman said. Familiaran stressed the necessity to reorganize the enforcement unit due to “massive irresponsible” waste disposal in the city. The unit’s personnel will be deployed to 61 barangays, he added. Those who will be caught violating local environmental policies will be fined P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense and P2,000 for third offense with community service./PN |
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