Contreras

'Hello, ma'am'

By Ben Contreras / January 8, 2007

THE "Hello, Garci" man wants us to believe that he did not cheat to make Gloria president, arguing that the justice department just cleared him of any wrongdoing.

He said he hid for a while for security reasons, and because he didn’t know who his enemies were.

Now that he is in the open, free and wanted to run for a seat in Congress, he is telling us that he wants to make the district where he would run a venue to tell what really happened. It’s time for the people to hear his side, he said. All in all, he wants us to believe all these crap.

Well, I don’t give a damn if he wins in his district. The whole nation was fooled and it should be much easier to fool the district where he is running. And if his district feels they deserve him, then so be it.

But the Department of Justice cleared him not because he is innocent but because he has to be cleared in order to keep the truth hidden. The Department of Justice is in cahoots with Malacañang to clear him and to give him what he wants, including support for his candidacy, providing him security personnel and, perhaps, money.

He is no longer with the Comelec and as such, he is merely a plain citizen. Why should an ordinary citizen be accorded security personnel by the government while the rest of the Juan de la Cruzes are left exposed to criminals?

Now that he is free, surely he knows who his enemies are. Are they the opposition, Garci? Coming out in the open should make you fair game for them. But Garci is very much alive because he can’t be dead. Malacañang sees to it that no harm comes to him.

Did Garci win the lotto? How can he afford to distribute rice, clothes and other goods to the people? Where did all the money come from?

No, Garcillano is not going to give his side nor reveal what really happened. Somebody would have to tear his heart out first and try to find the truth there.

And every time I see him smile, I tell myself: Here’s the man who made Gloria president.

Come election time, somebody should play the tape for the whole world to hear again. For those who know him, they can’t miss his voice.

Hello, ma’am... hello, ma’am... hello, ma’am… si Garci po ito, ma’am...

•

Well, what do you know! I was criticized for insisting that Dongkoy would run for vice mayor. My critic says Dongkoy would gun for a seat in Congress because no politician would ever downgrade himself.

What, two Emanos in Congress? Father and son pa gyud! That would really be a feat. But for a very good reason, my critic says Gloria is in dire need of allies at the Lower House in order to avoid another impeachment try. It sounds logical really.

But my tipster says the moment he leaves city hall, he will surely go to prison. Why, because many employees are waiting for him to be out before they go public with the evidence pertaining to anomalies in the city government.

It reminds me of what Dongkoy told me while he was governor of Misamis Oriental. He said city hall employees have given him evidence of then mayor Ambing Magtajas’s alleged corruption.

Ahh, propaganda! You really can’t be sure what to believe.

Anyway, I still think that he would run for vice mayor. And when that happens, Zaldy Ocon can kiss city hall goodbye. Ocon would become a full time broadcaster again.

Are you sure you really want to run for vice mayor, Zaldy?

Oink, oink!

By Ben Contreras / December 9, 2006

REYNATO Puno is the new Chief Justice. He must be aware why he was chosen, and Joe de Venecia has been very vocal about what Puno’s role would be. If Gloria and her allies in the House get what they want from Puno, then the new Chief Justice would go down in history as the one who helped bastardize and raped our Constitution. He would be remembered as the one who held the hands of the victim while she being raped by the House.

But I doubt he would allow that to happen. He has a reputation to protect. For one, Puno has been tagged as someone involved in you-know-what. Another would be too much.

As for the representatives who signed twice to make the required number and they who helped change the rules to tailor-fit their agenda, they have totally lost their sense of decency.

The next time you meet these people, simply say, ‘‘Oink, oink!’’

•

Innove Communications! That sounds like ‘‘innovation’’ and it gives one the impression that it could offer us the kind of service modern communications should.

Think again, because names can be deceiving.

Last Nov. 29, I wrote about my sad experience with my Internet connection. A warning in my second billing! So I paid my bill Nov. 28. That solved everything right? Wrong!

Last Tuesday, my wife complained about the usual problem––no Internet. So she called up the number given to us in case of problem. Calling 714252 is quite an experience. You hear it ring and in a few moments, the sound of the fax machine follows. You wait and wait, and when the phone is not hooked to the fax machine, the phone is always busy.

The next day morning, I went to the office of Innove at the third floor of Knight of Columbus Building to complain. Somebody asked for my address which I gladly gave.

In the afternoon, nobody came to fix the problem. Late in the afternoon, my daughter came home from school and asked if the problem had been fixed. She needed to do some research urgently. I have to cut short my time with a client to attend to my daughter’s need.

Back at the office of Innove, I pleaded for them to have it fixed. The lady was very cooperative. She asked their field technician to drop by our house and check the problem.

Through her computer, the lady found out that my line had been cut. What? Good Lord, I just paid my bill a week ago at the Globe office in Limketkai! The lady called up the office and she was informed that my payment has not been forwarded.

How could that be?

‘‘Sir, mano-mano pa man gud sila didto,’’ she said.

I didn’t understand what she meant by that but that’s ridiculous! A giant like Globe, gamano-mano!

The lady was telling the other end to forward all payments as soon as possible because subscribers are already making a scene in the office with their problems like mine.

I rushed back home and checked the receipt. And then I told them to read my Nov. 29 column.

The line was restored around 10 pm, according to my daughter.

On Thursday morning, as I was writing this piece, my son told me that the Internet was not functioning again.

Pray, tell me, is it fair to get billed given this kind of service––and be compelled to pay or else, putol?

Innove or Globe, that’s service to them.

Monopoly

By Ben Contreras / November 29, 2006

WHAT can consumers do against monopoly? Many things and nothing, really! Many things in a sense that you can complain, shout, curse, denounce, carry placards and rally in the streets. And nothing, in a sense that in the end the monopoly still exists. It’s not easy to fight giants.

Take the case of fuel––gasoline, diesel, kerosene and LPG gas. These are monopolized by giants like Caltex, Shell and Petron. Small players are only trimmings of the industry. They dictate the prices, how much to increase when an increase is imminent and reduce in trickle.

In communication, we have Smart and Globe. Unfortunately, I belong to the Globe users. My experience with Globe is, of course, not a happy one. But because there is not much choice as it would have been the same with Smart, sige na lang.

Lately, I applied for an Internet connection with Globelines Broadband. I know it would be the same experience again as with my plan with Globe, but my children need it very much. So, sige na lang gihapon.

But something is wrong with my connection and as such, we could not fully enjoy what an Internet connection offers to its subscribers. It took quite a while before our complaint was attended to but unsuccessfully.

The first billing came in and understandably, the amount is twice the normal rate because that’s how it works. I did not pay because the defect has not been remedied yet. Finally, the company representatives rewired our telephone line which they believe was the main cause of the defect.

It did solve the problem and since then, we’re getting uninterrupted service. But not for long because the old problem is back though not as bad as it used to be.

Then came the second billing! Wow, it’s only the second billing and already, I got a warning for service disconnection. It says in part that ‘‘non-payment of overdue balance may further lead to permanent disconnection of your line."

Of course, I will pay it. If Globe would care to dig up my record, I don’t think I deserve this kind of letter.

I guess there’s one thing you can do against monopoly. My kids are now asking me to change lines.

As for my cellphone lines, it’s time to get rid of one.

•

Reading books has never been my cup of tea. In my entire life, I could count from my fingers the number of books I have read from page to page. Even the very controversial book of Dan Brown, "The Da Vinci Code." I read the first few chapters and jumped to the last few chapters from which I was already able to get the essence of the story.

It doesn’t follow however that I don’t like reading. In fact, I love reading newspapers from which I get to know what is happening around us and around the world. I read magazines that deal with anything under the sun. Most of all, I love reading articles written by great writers. From them, I learn how to write no matter how mediocre my English and my articles are compared to theirs.

But one writer I admire most when I was in my teens was Max Soliven of the old Free Press. Together with equally good writers like Napoleon Rama, Teodoro Locsin Sr. and J.V. Cruz, I never missed buying a copy the moment I came to love their writings.

Max Soliven is gone and the world of journalism pays tribute to an icon. With his departure his pen stops but his memories live on and his writing continues to influence people. Thank you Mr. Soliven for being a part of what I am today.

What a pity!

By Ben Contreras / September 21, 2006

WHILE waiting for our editor in chief last Monday morning, I saw a copy of Gold Star Daily. It caught my attention. The headline: "Sia attacks Emano memo, SP inaction." I had thought I had a complete set of copies of the GSD issues I missed when I was out of town. What do you know? I missed one that is quite interesting, knowing Sia is a loyal follower of Emano.

Soon enough, I was told that Sia denied it, saying he was misquoted. Sounds like provincial board member Alejo Olano who denied being interviewed by correspondent Lito Rulona. Both lost their balls to squarely face the consequence of their utterances. Perhaps, it’s premature to do so, eh, gentlemen?

Definitely, it would affect the outcomes of city council and committee meetings. You can be assured that any investigation detrimental to the political image of Emano won’t get approved. Hence, Councilor Maya Enteria’s comparison of 374-06 to 464 is 100-percent correct. 374-06 and 464 are not about anything but flaunting power to suppress truth. The two orders only send a message that they can get away with the act of gagging their underlings. What suffers is the public interest on the truth.

Widely perceived to be an Emano political ally of unquestioned obedience’, Enteria defended her boss’ 374-06. She is a lawyer and she should know that the order only shows that the city council is a rubber stamp.

I pity my Ninong who is trying to squeeze out of the cage. But he can’t.

•

Edgar Cabanlas is seeking a disciplinary action against Zaldy Ocon for lambasting the mayor and for the latter’s motion to declare the mayor persona non grata. If Ocon’s statements are derogatory and therefore punishable, certainly the mayor’s statements against Ocon over his favored radio stations can’t be any different.

Is Cabanlas prepared to do the same against Emano? Emano has stooped down to the level of Ocon, so to speak, and shed off all decency to engage Ocon in a word war. What difference is there between the two?

Enteria took a better stance by simply stating that the resolution is ‘‘baseless’’ and that the Ocon proposal would not be entertained by the council. Cooler heads think better and rationally, too.

•

What? General Esperon sees the demise of the NPA by 2010? The gentleman in uniform (?) must be dreaming.

This column is not an admirer of the communist movement. More or less, I know what communism entails. But the military assessment of the strength of the communist movement and the number of NPAs is doubtful. The figures are unclear.

What we read in the newspapers are figures to suit the desire of incumbent President in order to make the administration look good in the eyes of the world or the country. Even military estimates are tailored to fit their desired budget.

Communism is an ideology. You can kill those who carry arms against the government, but you can’t kill the idea or the ideology. Communism, as everyone knows too well, breeds on fertile grounds like poverty and social injustice.

Certainly, the scams, injustices and arrogance of power in government are serving as fertilizers to insurgency.

Tubay-tubay

By Ben Contreras / September 17, 2006

I CAN’T remember why we were there but the local folks called it Tubay-Tubay River. The pristine water was like a nymph inviting you to take a dip into her crystal clear and cold waters. The sound of running water sounded like melodious tunes in the wilderness as if you’re standing in the land of the fairies.

That was way back in 1969 or ’70 and I was working then for Ajinomoto.

Today, Tubay is in the limelight for the alleged destruction of its surrounding natural environs caused by mining. The story goes that the mining activity engaged by a certain firm is not really illegal. However, it is also supposed to be a small-scale mining.

Judging the volume of output shows that this is no small-scale mining. The Tubaynons were reported to be against mining in their place because "it has been declared as a bird sanctuary, a watershed area and is within an earthquake fault line."

If due process of law can be prevented by a policeman in the person of Insp. Benny Esparagosa, then politicians must be behind this bold action to resist. Imagine, a TRO issued by a court and to be served by two sheriffs and a mere policeman prevented them from doing so.

If the story is also true that the Tubay-Tubay River has been affected and is no longer the same river that I have seen more than 30 ago, then the residents of Tubay should make an actual video footage of it and whatever destruction the mining have done to their environment.

It reminds me of our own river in Iponan. It used to have clear water, today we see only brown water. The reason is illegal small-scale mining. Why illegal miners continue to operate is what baffles the mind. Are politicians behind it? Sigh.

•

Elly Pamatong comes as a nightmare to regional Judge Gregorio Pantanosas. At a time when the good judge is ripe for retirement, the greatest challenge in his life appeared in the form of a graft charge filed by Pamatong before the High Tribunal.

Who is lawyer Elly Pamatong? Pamatong is the person we have seen and heard in TV and read in the newspapers, and nothing more. It’s not that he is not a credible person but to compare him to Judge Pantanosas, certainly it’s not difficult to make a clear distinction between the two.

Pantanosas countered with a disbarment case before the Supreme Court. Having done that, let’s just wait for whom the court would rule favorably.

•

It is very unfortunate indeed that Nicole, the rape victim who from the very beginning already found no sympathy from our own Secretary of Justice, would now face the possibility of losing the support of the state prosecutors assigned to her.

An offer for settlement of the case last July was allegedly made to Nicole’s mother with a stern warning that their refusal may force an acquittal as a trade off for JocJoc Bolante to win asylum in the United States.

Poor Nicole! Her case is now made a pawn in a game to save rapists and some people in our government have become willing tools for it. And why not indeed when an asylum for Bolante would make him beyond the reach of our senators who want to question him on the fertilizer scam? Are we seeing the hands of Malacañang?

The call of Rotarians, friends and relatives have fallen on Bolante’s deaf ears. There must be too much at stake on why Bolante chose to become a prisoner, wear the uniform and eat the kind of food given only to people in jail. Whatever, he deserves his fate for serving his benefactor better than the taxpayers that paid his salary as Undersecretary of Agriculture.

Canine loyalty

By Ben Contreras / September 16, 2006

COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas’ canine loyalty to the city mayor is not surprising. One whose political career depends so much on Emano’s support and blessing simply can’t do otherwise.

However, wanting to punish the lone opposition at the city council for maligning the city mayor is to be onion skinned. Insulting words, short of being libelous had been hurled against each others over the radio and in public places. Even inside the city council, when passion runs high, some were heard cursing. But that’s democracy at work.

If the two finally come to blow one day, would it be any uglier and would it make them less honorable? Not when public perception has been that the city council has become a rubber stamp of the mayor. Besides, their being honorable has been put to question repeatedly.

Let Ocon have his say without being antagonized. After all, all the majority group has to do is to vote down Ocon’s call to declare the mayor "persona non grata." To engage Ocon in verbal tussle is to unnecessarily make him popular if not controversial. You’re not taking the bait, are you, Cabanlas?

•

The last thing a seasoned politician would ever dream of is a hostile media. Resolution no. 69-2006 has been taken as an affront to press freedom and media people are crying "foul." The heat now falls on all the provincial officials.

PB member Oliver Actub may have temporarily lost his tact when he asked GSD reporter Lito Rulona to leave the session hall. There is no doubt, it was meant to embarrass Rulona. By so doing, Actub accomplished nothing but to show the world that he is a tyro in politics.

•

What are the criteria to be nominated for the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence? Perhaps, someone could help me on that. There’s no question if the DILG-10 would want to nominate Mayor Dongkoy Emano for this prestigious award.

The problem is, if the DILG-10 is preparing documents to support their nomination and turn a blind eye to the negative factors, then their motive is suspect. If that is how things are done to get the award, might as well recommend the mayor for sainthood.

Awards can be dime a dozen if one is willing to pay a price. But Konrad Adenauer, please don’t toy with it.

•

Did I enjoy my trip to Hong Kong and a few places in China? Yes and no. No, because I was not able to go to the known beautiful places. It was sort of a business trip that consumed much of the time we were there, leaving so little for pleasure. Yes, for one most important reason and that is the opportunity to see and be with our nephews and niece, the children of our eldest sister.

Had I not been to China this time, I would not have known how far behind have we become. There is no comparison to make really.

It’s a shame that while the Chinese government is doing what needs to be done, in here we can not do anything without first asking how much is there in it for me.

Most of our politicians are busy enriching themselves or arrogating public lands to themselves. And now they want to change our Constitution for its many defects and that it is no longer attuned to the needs of modern time. Then what?

Charter Change will bring in a new Constitution and a new form of government but with the same people running the old system. How lucky could they get! No wonder someone from the military exclaimed in the middle of a political discussion that what this country needs is a revolution. I say amen to that.

Again, on the helmet ordinance

By Ben Contreras / August 24, 2006

CROSSING that traffic light near Coca Cola plant one morning last week, a motorcycle rider was seen arguing with a police officer over what could only be a violation of the city ordinance against the non-wearing of the helmet.

What is this city ordinance really about? Perhaps, our traffic czar Atty. Ramon Tabor needs to educate the riders about it and strictly implement the city law. Otherwise, we might as well forget about it or scrap it.

What is very wrong is that our authorities have been very lax about enforcing the law. Common sense dictates that helmets are for the protection of our heads. What we are seeing in the last few years are tolerance in simply having it and carrying it but not wearing it.

Then, all of the sudden the authorities began to apprehend riders for not wearing them. The result, many are either unnecessarily fined or mulcted.

A polluted mind would have thought that the laxity in the past was intentional in order to make riders feel that it was okay to simply carry the helmet without wearing it. And when everybody is already accustomed to it, the authorities begin to feast on them.

But this is just one thing. Let me go back to that gentleman in uniform. When I went home that morning, I saw another officer parked his motorcycle at the corner. I slowed down to see if he was carrying a helmet. He didn’t have one.

Later that morning, that same guy was in the act of apprehending a motorist and in his hand was something like a booklet of tickets. The scene was very disgusting indeed. When he violated the helmet law, what moral authority does he have to apprehend others?

Last Aug.22, another police officer was riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The license plate number is 1537.

Let me ask our traffic czar Atty. Tabor, what do you do with people like them? There are many of them who think they are exempted because they are law enforcers. Are they?

Sigh!

•

A national daily sportswriter wrote: Brian Viloria couldn’t merit pity or praise for his soft, undecided stand against an obscure crown challenger in LA. Suddenly, it was no longer easy saying something nice about Brian.

Brian Viloria was one among the Filipino boxers who fought undercards of Pacquiao-Larios championship bout. They all routed the Mexican boxers to the great jubilation of the Filipino people. They were all honored as heroes and you heard nothing but kind words for them.

But in any sport, you can’t win them all. Brian’s defeat came as sudden as the change of heart of people who just recently heaped praises on him. Such is the reality of life. Brian’s loss may be painful, but unkind words can be more painful. Success has many fathers but defeat is an orphan. How true, indeed!

What if Manny Pacquiao loses to Eric Morales this November? What would our sportswriters write about? Would they find it hard to say something nice about him, again? We’ll soon find out.

•

Who killed Ninoy Aquino? Someone is not convinced that those found guilty are the culprits. She believes an eyewitness now living in the United States can attest to it––that Rolando Galman did it.

If there was no cover-up, if some police officer did not conspire to it, then the bodies of Ninoy and Galman would not have been touched and removed from the crime scene as fast as the video clip would show. Otherwise, it would have proven that we have a different style of police work compared to the rest of the world.

No doubt, people involved in the assassination remain free and are either still in the government or are already retired. The issue is too sensitive that anyone who pries into it may only endanger his or her own life.

The mastermind is somewhere out there. Galman is just a fall guy.

Are we prepared for this?

By Ben Contreras / August 18, 2006

MY July 25 column drew immediate reactions from ‘‘The Brethren.’’ From them, I learned about why there was an attempt to smear the name of the man identified only by a weekly paper as ‘‘PLS’’ by linking him to illegal activities.

How unfortunate indeed because the suspect is a good friend of mine.

The latest feedback I got is that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) invited three media practitioners to shed light on the matter. One of them has yet to make himself available for questioning and another has denied knowledge and involvement. The third one allegedly executed an affidavit in which he admitted that he was paid to do the dirty job. He also identified the culprit.

I commend my "igso," Ed Montalvan, for his professionalism. He was allegedly approached and was asked to do it, but he refused because his own investigation into the matter showed that there was no truth to the story.

‘‘PLS’’ may have something in mind but but according to my sources, he is not inclined on filing charges against the suspect and that a public apology may suffice.

It is hoped that the suspect would take a cue from this and rectify what needs to be rectified. Remorse must be coupled with a public apology.

•

Even the most industrialized countries have not been spared by the wrath of heavy rains which caused floodings and landslides that claimed lives and destroyed properties. Third countries suffered the most.

Despite the calamities that hit several places in the country, the government continues to grant or renew permits of some controversial logging and mining firms.

What is happening in some municipalities of Misamis Oriental and the landslides in Zamboanga made me ask this question: Is the city prepared for this?

You touch the natural landscape around us and you destroy that which makes Cagayan de Oro safe from typhoon. We see mountains destroyed in the name of development and we wonder if studies were made on its ecological and environmental effects. This is as far as what the eyes could see. What about those we do not see?

We’ve heard stories about illegal mining, illegal logging, illegal excavations or diggings. A friend even asked me to write about why the Iponan River is always brown? What happened to the once clear and pristine water of that river?

Every time I pass by that place in Ilaya, Carmen, my curiosity is roused by the development there which saw a portion of the mountain side scraped to give way to a new facade. On top rises a big concrete house overlooking the city. Although safety measures were taken in the form of rip-rapping, but we can’t be more careful than to see to it that no soil erosion would occur in the future.

Today, many places in the city easily get flooded. One reason could be the concreting of our roads without considering the effect on the drainage system. High-rise edifices may have been built without a proper drainage system.

All factors considered, I foresee our city to look like Venice, floating in water if rain pours ceaselessly for one month. Again, are we prepared for that?

•

Sen. Nene Pimentel is correct––No terror bill until the killing stops. Though I am in full support for the national ID system, I have my reservations on the terror bill. I feel that the passage of the terror bill is not borne out of necessity but dictated upon us by an outside force. Or, it could be a way to satisfy the demand for a greater power.

If the terror bill is passed in haste, it would likely become a tool to harass anti-Gloria personalities. Today, there are still legal impediments to dictatorial tendencies and practices. With that bill in effect, all obstacles would be removed and we would be back to the Marcos era.

How real is terrorism in our country? History does not tell us so, especially when so many questions remain unanswered like why would a suspected terrorist under heavy guard be able to escape easily? There were even bombings believed to have been stage-managed by our own men in uniform to create an atmosphere of fear to warrant the passage of the terror bill.

How come our intelligence units are good at discovering plots in so detailed pictures when it can not even solve the recent spate of murders?

How long did it take our authorities to find Graci?

Were they able to find Bolante while he was in the country? Or, was Joc Joc allowed to leave and why?

But of course, the answer is pretty obvious.

The hardest thing to find is that which one refuses to see. Sigh!

Lessons for the children

By Ben Contreras / August 12, 2006

INDEED, we were very poor once upon a time. In destitute, two families come to mind. One is the Lim Ket Tho family and the other is Chiu Eng Kim family (better known today as the Yap Chai family).

Mama had very few friends and we grew up knowing Mrs. Lim Ket Tho and Mrs. Chiu Eng Kim to be her closest friends.

The two were very kind to our Mama. Every school opening, Mrs. Lim would give us cloth for our sisters’ school uniforms and from time to time, give us condensed milk. Mrs. Eng Kim would give us five pairs of Elpo shoes for the boys. I believe they also secretly gave money to Mama.

Whenever I am tasked to buy goods from Eng Kim for our sari-sari store, Mrs. Eng Kim would always give something extra––a pack of candies or something to eat.

Their kindness is etched in our mind and we always maintain a very high respect for them and their families. Hence, we always look forward to be able to reciprocate in any manner we could if only to show our gratitude and appreciation.

One of the Yap Chai daughters, Jane, is married to my brother Paul.

To be described as poorer than worms was most unkind but it served as an eye opener for us. As my brothers and sisters sought higher education and greener pastures in Manila, they were all successful in their own right.

My brothers and sisters are not very rich, neither are they selfish. Even with their own limitations, they are always there for whoever needs help and I am humbled to be the greatest recipient of their kindness.

So, why am I writing this? Well, this is it.

I want to leave a written testimony for my children to read from time to time and be reminded of the kind of family they belong to. From it, may they be able to pick up some lessons worth emulating like the importance of caring for each other and the virtue of loving and sharing.

From their lives, I hope my children would learn the importance of education which their father didn’t have and for which reason could not give the kind of comfortable life anyone would ever dream of. And when they become successful in the future, never to forget to whom they owe much of what they have become.

As time draws nearer, I may never be able to repay or even reciprocate what my siblings have done for me. For whatever I may fail to do, I ask my children to do them for me. I take this opportunity to say to them: Thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for everything.

Let me shout to the world how proud I am of you. I love you all. We love you all. God bless all of you always.

To my readers, thank you for your time. Not all big families grow up closely knitted. I have seen a few which are truly enviable and some unfortunately estranged. Each has its own reason for being––money, properties and sheer lack of love for one another.

Robert may be right when he said that we are close because we have nothing to fight over. But Robert is not one who has much to leave for his children or for himself, yet he has never been selfish, easy to part with what he has for whoever is in need.

Love is not love that which comes from one’s lips but from the heart translates into good deeds.

Wilson

By Ben Contreras / August 5, 2006

AH Hian is the eldest in the family. She was born in China and brought to the Philippines when she was two.

I don’t have much memory about her as a little kid except that time when I got sick and she was feeding me fish and “lugaw”.

I was about eight when she got married in a simple ceremony at home. My brother in law made the ice cream himself, chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Before they left for Manila, they brought me along visiting their friends to say thanks and good-bye. I was too little to understand why me.

When they left Manila for China, letters from them were as rare as chicken teeth. There was even a time when we thought they were already dead, probably killed by communist soldiers.

It was sometime in the 70s when we have to do something collectively to let them get out of China to Hong Kong. Lydia was supposed to go to Peking on official duty but had to cancel it to attend to this very important matter.

She and her family started from scratch in their new found home Hong Kong. When they were able to save a little money, they started to produce products that my brother in law has knowledge about. That’s where their fortune began to change for the better.

1986, the year we had our first family reunion. After 28 years, we meet again and her two daughters. It was a bittersweet reunion. The family is complete but at a time when our Mama was very ill from cancer.

I went to Hong Kong in 1987, compliment of our youngest brother. At 37, my sister treated me like a kid, buying fruits and never allow her children to touch them because the fruits are all for me. Wow, am I that special to her? She said so because she finds me like her, a very sentimental person.

In her last visit to Cagayan de Oro, I found her very frail. A few years later, she passed away.

Elaine is the third among four girls and tallest. She is a very good dress maker, a talent she got from our Mama. But she died in Manila of heart ailment at a young age of 29.

She died on the first of May and whenever we hear that song First of May, it reminds us of her.

Ngo comes next to me. He is good when it comes to numbers. No wonder, he is now a certified public accountant. Today, he is a successful businessman, a good husband and a proud father.

I know he don’t want to be mentioned here so I will just say a few things about him or us.

We always share contradicting views on many matters. And when we argue, it would always be a heated one. There is sort of a rivalry between us. What about? I would not know, not ever.

Being the older brother, I usually give in if only to maintain a relatively peaceful and cordial relationship. Besides, my children and his are very, very close. I can’t sacrifice that for anything.

He is all I got here. I have to act as the older but not necessarily the wiser. And every time my wife cooks foods that he likes, I always call him to come over and eat with us. It gives me sort of a sense of fulfillment as an older brother.

Today, it gives me pleasure to realize he is catching up like me.

Wilson is the youngest and the luckiest in the family, luckiest in the sense that he has eight brothers and sisters to love and care for him as a little boy.

We were asleep when Tata roused us from bed one early morning. Mama has given birth to a baby boy, she said.

As a little kid, Wilson is hyperactive, clumsy and accident prone.

He was a teenager when I was having a family of my own. And he would come to stay with us when he has a spat with Mama. My first wife is a good cook and Wilson just love her lechon feet cooked with potatoes best.

He left Cagayan de Oro for a reason slightly similar to Paul’s. He finished his college there and strove to where he is now.

Wilson is one brother who has done so much for me and my children so that even if I offer my life for him wouldn’t be enough. He is not only kind to me but he is in fact very kind to all of us and to his nieces and nephews. He is super magnanimous.

He made good his words when he told his wife before they got married that our family will always be number one.

I feel that he is especially kind to me and I hope I would know why? One thing he said that I will never forget; Sometimes I find it hard to spend a few thousand pesos eating in a fancy restaurant knowing that a brother back home is having a hard life.

Wilson is not only a good brother but also a very good father. How good? I only have these words for his three sons when the four of us were having lunch at their house. It would pain me very much if you become disloyal to your Papa when you grow up to become adults.

History will judge Emano

By Ben Contreras / August 3, 2006

PASSING through Carmen Bridge, you get an eyeful of the 5th bridge being built. It gives me a lot of pleasure to imagine its grandeur when finished.

Another bridge that would traverse from JR Borja to Carmen and an ambitious project of transforming the riversides into huge promenades would totally change the image of the city from the outside world. This is in fact one of the many dreams of Dongkoy for the city.

Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen because Dongkoy won’t be around to make that a reality. And if the next mayor would have other things in mind than building this bridge or the riverside promenades, some may even take time to reflect and say: Kung naa pa lang unta si Dongkoy ’no?

How history would judge him would depend on how successful his enemies would be on the graft charges they filed against the mayor. In the absence of that, the mayor would end up as the one who made so much to change the landscape of the city.

Some may be white elephants, they may be anomalous (and that remains to be proven yet) and the projects may have made some people richer, but the fact remains that they are there. If these projects failed to satisfy the needs of the people at the moment, they likely would in the future.

Marcos had been accused of many things. Today, some people entertain a different view. After Marcos, graft and corruption persisted and public officials continued to rob the government coffers under the guise of pork barrels and intelligence funds. At least Marcos was able to build roads and highways and bridges. Although, he may have made money from these projects, but who didn’t?

Hence, unless Dongkoy is convicted, history would judge him the way some people are now judging Marcos. And when that happens, Dongkoy would be laughing his way to the banks. Or, would he?

Darn, I have to support this 5th bridge project. We need it as much as we need air to breathe. I support the mayor when he says that a project like this should not be held hostage by those who refuse to cooperate. Government has the right to expropriate lands in the name of progress. With a just compensation, of course!

•

A fertilizer scam is looming and some officials are already acting like Jocjoc Bolante, snubbing invitations by the Senate. But this time, the amount involved is much bigger.

For expressing disgust over the lack of funds to help our so-called modern heroes caught in the crossfire of warring Israelis and Hezbollah fighters, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Alfrancis Bichara is now in deep trouble.

So what happens now to the Owwa funds worth billions of pesos? Owwa fund chief Mariano Roque says the money is intact. Yet, the needed assistance for the OFWs has not come which led our senators to suspect that people’s money was misused again.

No one is talking about it; not Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, not the DFA and not anybody without the green light of Gloria. Her men only talk when, where, how and what, setting the parameters for her underlings to follow.

Speculation is rife that Bichara’s non-cooperation may cost him his position. Already, a lady undersecretary of education already lost her chance to become the secretary for telling the truth that the country lacks school rooms. What a price to pay for telling the truth.

Gloria, to borrow an Inquirer columnist’s line, has made lying a lofty virtue and honesty a crime. Her political allies are also instrumental in making it possible.

•

Last Monday, I saw Willy Cuenca at a coffee shop in Limketkai; he was very engrossed with his cellular phone.

Sneaking towards him unnoticed, I surprised him by saying "Where are we going to sing?" It’s the usual joke when two persons are wearing shirts of the same color.

He asked me if Gloria’s statement about Dongkoy was meant to be a compliment or to embarrass the latter. I said, whatever, it still delivers the message that Dongkoy’s governance is corrupt and the mayor should not be happy about it.

Then we talked about who is best person to run for mayor––if ever there would be one. Both of us share the view that the has-beens should not run anymore and should give way to the younger generation.

I rooted for Elpie Paras. But Willy has the young Canoys in mind but their mother is not going to let any of them. Are the Canoys planning to stage a comeback and regain lost ground?

Then I noticed someone that looks like Garci and said, "Look, there’s Garci having coffee!"

‘‘Don’t you know the guy,’’ Willy asked me? ‘‘That’s Jun Pepito.’’

Oh really! Surprise, surprise, I didn’t know Pepito looks like Garci. I thought of introducing myself to him and do a brief interview. Why not indeed? But I didn’t. Not the right time, I guess.

Willy was busy with his cellular phone and I thought I shouldn’t be taking much of his time.

Jocjoc and the Four-Way Test

By Ben Contreras / August 1, 2006

SOMEBODY commented that my column last Thursday was very harsh on Mayor Vicente "Dongkoy" Emano. I beg to disagree. Mine was nothing compared to what Emano has been getting from the others.

Emano has been subjected to sharper criticisms, from the ridiculous to the below-the-belt stuff or pure "binastos." Emano not only remains unaffected but may even be relishing the attacks against him. That is his style of politics––that which makes him look like an underdog because he knows Filipinos love or at least have compassion for the underdogs.

Paluoy-luoy, his critics would describe his style.

But like what I said and which was echoed by Atty. Antonio Soriano, let the records speak for it. Bare all, Soriano dared Dongkoy. Oh no, not Dongkoy.

No wonder every now and then, you would hear him over Bombo Radio and over one FM station, defending himself and denying that he has been making a lot of money as a public official.

But his lines of defense are not only very familiar to the ears, they’re monotonous and obviously memorized by him, too. These are lines that we already heard when he was still governor of Misamis Oriental.

I remember one time when one of his allies asked me if I really believe that Dongkoy made money from the projects of the city government. Why not, I said, everybody is doing it. Worse, it has become some sort of an accepted practice in the government.

Would you believe that Boboy bought a brand new pick-up truck just to lend it Dongkoy (the mayor has been using this for years)?

Do you believe that Oling had the money to build a mansion on a hill and then let Dongkoy live there for free?

And who was that secretary of his who made the mistake of asking him about which account he wanted the money deposited?

But all these do not prove anything, not just yet. It could be money from politicians who needed and continue to need his help and support. There’s nothing wrong when a politician gets money from bigger politicians. That will also explain why Dongkoy needs to project himself as a kingpin in this part of the country.

His political enemies have filed charges against him before the ombudsman. His three terms is almost over and nothing positive has come out of it. From the looks of it, Dongkoy would leave CDO with a clean bill. If that would be the case, his enemies might as well learn how he did it.

•

This is the Rotary’s Four-Way Test: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it bring Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

Until a court issues a verdict on the charges against Jocjoc Bolante, Rotary Club district governor Jaime Cura said JocJoc would remain a respected Rotarian and adherent of the Four-Way Test.

Cura must be joking, taking Jocjoc’s name as it sounds. He should ask why the latter chose to snub the Senate inquiry many times. Why would Jocjoc choose to remain a fugitive instead of facing the Senate squarely?

Cura added that Jocjoc’s critics "zero in on the first question but miss out on the other questions on whether doing so would be fair to all concerned" including Jocjoc.

Son!@#$%^&, is Cura trying to tell us that Jocjoc is not lying and that the fertilizer fund scam is fair to all concerned?

Rotarian Harvey Keh had this to say: ‘‘Will the Rotary community just sit down and do nothing? Will Rotary International community just allow Bolante to usurp the Truth from the Filipino people? Your refusal to reveal the Truth is, to us, irresponsible and cowardly. We beseech you to come forward and speak the truth, instead of skulking in the shadows. Do what is right and what is fair and beneficial to all.’’

That is the real Rotarian and not your district governor Jaime Cura. And just in case Cura happens to be in town, please pay a visit to our mayor and find out what the latter has to say about it.

Paul, Tata and Lydia

By Ben Contreras / July 29, 2006

PAUL is not exactly the eldest among the boys. There were twin brothers before him but didn’t survive. They were born premature and incubators that time was rare. The bulbs to keep them warm had not been enough to save them.

So, there are five of us like Do Re Mi Fa and Sol. Paul has always been the favorite or shall we say the favored one. When Mama lost her twin, she had three girls in a row. Then Paul was born, premature and frail. That’s why Paul needed the special attention, the special treatment and the special care from Mama.

As a teenager, Paul is shy. But behind that shyness is a disciplinarian ready to punish us when we, the younger brothers misbehave. He is sort of a “berdugo” that we fear of.

But Paul has the brain. Good grade has never been a problem for him in school. When he finished college at Mapua Institute of Technology as an Electrical Engineer, he passed the exam for scholarship in Holland sponsored by Shell Philippines.

With his good fortune, Paul managed to send home money and excess dollar allowances.

It taught us the meaning of being filial to parent. On this aspect, I failed miserably.

While in college, Paul used to come home during vacation time. A sad experience change all that when he was double dated to a girl of a more prominent family. A relative of the girl sneered at the idea and described our family as “poorer than worms”.

And so, Paul worked his way through college and to where he is now.

***

Tata is the youngest among girls. She is the terror as far as we brothers are concern because of her sharp “kusi” (pinch). You get pinched and you can be assured that it leaves a mark on your skin because she uses her nails.

Yet, she has always been special to me probably because I have always wanted to have a kid sister. I couldn’t have one and she fits perfectly for that role.

I remember her fond of collecting pictures of Amalia Fuentes, her favorite actress in Philippine movies. I remember her who would dress up paper doll girls. I remember her who makes sugar candy we called “Tira-tira” and sell them in school. I remember her who came home and told us that she saw money on a pavement in Divisoria which is now the front portion of Barkadahan Grill. It was raining but we went to check it and indeed picked up a fifty and a twenty peso bills. It was like manna from heaven.

I remember we had a verbal fight and how I love to hit her with my fist but couldn’t. How could I hurt her? You don’t hit someone you hold special, right? So I just cried and was shaking from trying to control my anger.

I have always considered her as the prettiest, that’s why it pained me to see her still alone and unmarried. In a way, I felt responsible for her fate. What happen to me and to my first marriage must have scared her.

Today, what I can not do for her, I let my Kathy do it. Kathy is doing just that, right Teng?

***

My sister Lydia is the most respected in the family and the most responsible of all. What she did for us brothers and sisters can not be equaled or quantified in any manner.

Our eldest sister who got married when I was eight left Manila with her husband for China and left Lydia alone to fend for herself.

Her life in Manila is a story unknown to us. What she went through could only be taken in a capsule by a tale told to us by our father. This happened in Manila.

She was walking with my father one day when an old woman called her “Lydia, Lydia” while approaching. To make it short, she gave the old woman 5pesos. That time, 5 peso is quite a big amount already. So, my father asked her why she gave the old woman that much. She told him that during the time when she was still going to college, there would be time when she has no money to even buy merienda. That woman would give her something to eat.

Through the years, she helped the younger sisters and brothers find job and go through college. It was tough on her, a great responsibility that needs to sacrifice even her personal happiness.

Robert was the last to go to Manila to pursue his college education. I saw to it, too because I wanted to put a stop to her burden.

When I graduated from High School, I took a job as a salesman. When she learned about it, she demanded that I go to Manila and finish my college.

I went there and studied in University of the East for one semester. I didn’t like Manila and came home. Well, the rest is history.

Years later, Lydia finally got married and blessed with a daughter and a son.

These are my brothers Paul and Robert and sisters Lydia and Tata. What good have I ever done for them to deserve their kindness to me and my children through the years? I couldn’t remember any. That’s why I feel very blessed, my children are very blessed to have uncles and aunts like them.

Not a compliment

By Ben Contreras / July 27, 2006

IT really must be something when your name and accomplishments get mentioned in a Sona by no less than the Chief Executive. At least Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thought so.

Putting myself in the shoes of Mayor Dongkoy Emano, I would find it hard what to make of her statement when she said that ‘‘Progress demands good governance. I congratulate Dongkoy Emano for the drop in reports of corruption for public contracts in Cagayan de Oro from 65 percent of firms last year to 38 this year.’’

At face value, it looks like a compliment. Merit it a thought and doubt begins to surface. Dongkoy has been with us for eight years. If reports of corruption in public contracts was 65 percent high last year which was his 7th year in office, you think Dongkoy should be proud of it?

How about the previous years, his 6th, 5th or 4th, were they higher than 65? Whether it is down 38 or 28, the fact remains that there is corruption during his administration and to be reported as such is not something to be proud of.

A thief will always be called a thief no matter how small the amount one has stolen. That’s why I don’t think Dongkoy is elated for being mentioned like that.

Let the records speak for what they are. His critics always accuse him of making millions of pesos in commissions from his big projects. Prove them wrong, mayor, show them the records. Prove to them that their accusations are without basis.

Unfortunately, Dongkoy wouldn’t do just that. He’s not going to dignify them with a reply or show them proof. He would rather choose to just tell them "pag-mayor usa kamo." He won’t even dignify the Cagayanons with a Soca (State of the City Address). Nakakasuka talaga, the Tagalogs would have said it. That’s good governance for Gloria.

But never mind how scathing the words used against him, at least these give him lots of publicity and it’s all that matters to him.

What did one of his allies say about him? Dongkoy is just a creation of the media, he said.

•

I missed half of Arroyo’s Sona but there’s no doubt it was one hell of a production, months in the making and with the aid of modern technology. Hers was a litany of accomplishments, and the opposition is asking for proof of visions that picture the country like heaven and of proposed projects of great magnitude as though our coffers is awash with cash.

She can dream, can’t see? Of course, every one can dream. Nothing is wrong about that really. But she showed bravado and overconfidence by challenging her critics––‘‘for those who want to pick up old fights, we’re game.’’

We have heard lies, witnessed cheating and saw the police and military corrupted. At least, this is the perception of more than 50 percent of the Filipino people. With that, she will get lots of takers for her challenge.

She’s right on one point. The greater majority of soldiers and police are loyal to the flag and Constitution. Only a few generals are not. Their loyalty is only to Gloria, the woman that promoted them to their undeserved positions. What a shame!

Garci said he is writing a book that will tell it all. What’s taking him any way? Is it because the storms have been tamed by time and forgotten? Or, is it because he feels that we are no longer interested of the truth? What’s the truth any way? Hello, Garci?

House Minority Leader Cong. Francis Escudero is right. Once JocJoc tells it all, it would be the end of Gloria or even the support from her allies. But I have my reservation on that. Sa kapal ng mukha nila, I don’t think JocJoc’s admissions regarding the controversial fertilizer scam would change anything.

There is no such thing as old fights. For as long as her legitimacy is in question, the fight will go on and should go on. It’s never a waste of time.

Character assassination

By Ben Contreras / July 25, 2006

SOME people just can’t accept the success of another. Is it personal grudge or simply jealousy? Whichever, it sometimes drives a person to resort to black propaganda or character assassination.

Two enterprising young brothers made it big through the years and carved a name of their own in the field of cellular phones and other related products. They invested through diligence, hard work, perseverance and sheer guts.

But someone has to spread rumors that these two are into illegal acts like smuggling, casting doubts on their integrity and success story.

Another engaged in construction supply has also been the subject of envy. But we know for a fact how this guy’s firm rose from a struggling small and modest hardware and electrical supply to what it is today. We are all witnesses to how he would open his store very early in the morning and close late in order to make more sales.

He has always been a workaholic. His success is phenomenal. And his detractors say he is a drug dealer.

The latest to fall victim to such black propaganda is a certain ‘‘P.L.S.,’’ a Chinese businessman accused of being into drug trafficking.

I got hold of photocopies of a publication called Free Digest (Vol. V No. 5 dated June 14-21, 2006) that carried a special report written by Rudy Balangiao.

Free Digest bannered a story about a ranking public official and a Chinese businessman allegedly in hot water because of the alleged drug trafficking operations. The authors turned out to be Jasper Uy and Ric Ociones.

I know the two of them, that’s why I wasted no time to get in touch with them at the Press Club office. Unfortunately, they were not around to enlighten me about the story.

Nevertheless, their story never mentioned about any ‘‘P.L.S.’’ But the special report of Balangiao which obviously is a copy of Uy and Ociones’ article mentioned about a certain ‘‘P.L.S.’’

Why a special report? Who is Balangiao representing? Did he really write it or was his name just used?

I hope to get some answers soon. In the meantime, somebody is definitely responsible for it. Whatever is his motive, this is no way to do it. It simply is unkind.

Some of the copies of the special report indicated at the lower portion that P.L.S. is Mr. (so and so), an executive connected with Toyota.

Please, spare the guy. You may not like him, you may have something against him and the guy may have done you wrong in the past, but to accuse him of being a financier of drug trafficking operations is a bit unfair. I say to you, you’re full of s@#$, man!

This guy didn’t rise to the top via the elevator. He didn’t reach the point of success via a fast train. He is there because he worked for it. You know that, man. We all know that. So, please stop it whoever you are.

To my friends Jasper, Ric and Rudy, I hope you are not victims and that you are not in any way a part of this character assassination attempt on a very descent and hard-working family man.

•

The plot thickens when I met Ric Ociones last Saturday after the press conference of House Minority Leader Francis Escudero at VIP Hotel.

Ociones vehemently and categorically denied knowledge about the article. Did Jasper use Ociones’ name? Why? Or, did somebody use both their names? Why?

We’ll soon find out.

My brother Robert

By Ben Contreras / July 22, 2006

TODAY, my number one reader is my daughter Kathy. She read my article last Saturday via the Gold Star Daily website before it saw print and was quick to point out my mistakes. She was already 13 and not 11 when her grandmother brought her back to me from Zamboanga. Oh, I also misspelled her little angel’s name from Koleen to Koolen. Well, age is catching up with me, I guess. I stand corrected but so much about you. Okay?

Like I said, I am going to write about my brothers and sisters in Canada but not without reservation because they may not like the idea of being talked about. I’ll take the risk, though. I feel that if I don’t do it now, I may never be able to do it at all and regret it later.

Let me start with my brother Robert who called me up the other night and expressed his support for what I am doing.

In a brood of 11––four girls and seven boys––Robert is the eighth. He was born in the year of the Ox and so was I. The 11-month gap didn’t make us especially closer and there was not much to share any way having been very, very poor when we were little kids in the neighborhood.

But there are a few things I remember when we were just kids. I remember both of us dancing to the tune of our favorite music, something like a stick or feather duster in our hands, climbing the chairs and to the table and down while chanting "Jinga, jing, gajinga jing gajing."

I remember going to the pier with him one night in December to meet our sisters who were coming home. You just don’t know what it meant to poor kids like us to see our sisters come home for vacation. It meant goodies––candies, fruits and things that we didn’t normally see or enjoy during ordinary days.

We saw the glowing faces of our friends and classmates who were also there to meet their brothers and sisters as they disembarked. And when the vessel was almost empty, we finally realized that our sisters were not coming home at all.

We went home with a heavy heart and feeling so empty. When we were in bed, I heard Robert sobbing. I could empathize with his sadness because I was too young to fully understand why.

Robert broke a tooth during a kids’ game. He was being chased and he slipped while running on wet pavement. His broken tooth became his ‘‘signature.’’

He loved to play basketball. He still does today. Basketball brought him to other cities in Mindanao but not me. I also play basketball, but I was always a lousy player. Bundagul, he would describe me. In basketball, I found myself protective of him. Well, blood is always thicker than water.

In one game with high school kids from another school, the game turned rough and very physical. I sensed that it was going to end up in a brawl. Whenever I saw him pushed or shoved, it made me feel very uncomfortable and angry. I had a piece of barb wire in my hand ready to swing it on the players from the other school and to protect my brother.

When he was having a pen pal from Malaysia, I pried into his letters. He was mad at me and told me never to do it again. Don’t touch anything that don’t belong to you, he said.

That was my first lesson from him.

The second lesson he taught me was to share. He had a tutoring job while in high school. Whenever he got his pay, he never forgot to share a few centavos to me and my younger brothers or buy something to eat and drink at the school canteen for us. Paul did it. Robert did. When it was my turn, I did it, too.

Was it all about love or was it about being responsible for the needs and welfare of the younger siblings? Or, was it just a natural thing for a big brother. Perhaps, we may never understand why we acted that way, not until today.

Robert is doing a lot for me and my family more than I deserve. He takes time to call me up and ask if I need something or do I have enough money to sustain the family expenses or tuition for my children who are now in college.

There was a time when my wife behaved rather very strangely. Every time we watch pieces of jewelry in display, she would ask me if I would like to have a Chinese gold bracelet. I began to suspect something and forced her to tell me what was going on. Robert gave her 200 dollars and asked her to buy me anything that I have been yearning to have all my life. She thought I wanted to have a bracelet. That was farthest from my mind.

Why did Robert do it? He told my wife that "palangga ko baya na si Bingats."

I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even have the guts to tell him I already knew about it and thank him, at least. It’s out of the bag now.

That’s my brother Robert. But this is no time to thank him, not until I am finished with my story about our family. To be continued

No delicadeza

By Ben Contreras / July 20, 2006

COUNCILOR Edgar Cabanlas is defending the hiring of consultants by citing the fact that it is being done not only by the city government but by the provincial capitol, too.

The good councilor is missing the point. Hiring is not the problem but the people hired as consultants. If Cabanlas is an honest-to-goodness gentleman, then he would have not voted for the renewal of the consultancy contracts.

One form of corruption is the hiring of consultants. Indeed, practically all politicians elected to office have consultants. These consultants could be doing nothing, not around most of the time or mere fixtures in air-conditioned rooms. It is more of a political accommodation to friends and supporters. The worst would be when they are ghost consultants. No wonder some would bewail it as institutionalized corruption.

Take a closer look at the people being hired as consultants. No, I don’t have to go into details only to hurt someone. But the honorable (?) ladies and gentlemen in the council should have the decency to admit that a few are not only undeserving but also invisible most of the time. I could only think of one service they give to the city government and that’s "lip service." Isn’t a P15- to P20-thousand pay too much for that?

Sigh.

•

There’s no doubt that the CBCP statements disappointed more people than it would please, confused more than enlighten the people of its stance on certain issues and have subjected some bishops to unsavory but speculative accusations of receiving money for a toned down, if not supportive statement.

The bishops who accepted cash gifts only have themselves to blame. At a time when all eyes are watching, prudence would have dictated that it would not be wise to accept money for whatever purpose, especially when the money comes from Malacañang.

Malacañang has been offering juicy positions to known supporters of impeachment in the past, buying out lawmakers to secure a majority in the Lower House, and channeling money to the church projects. All these are intended to kill any attempt to impeach Gloria and to silence men in holy robes.

If the Church decides to involve itself in politics as it already has, then it should not flip-flap and be more precise in its pronouncements. If the Church wants to take the side of the Palace occupant, then let it be known. At least people would stop depending on them for moral guidance in view of the public perception that Gloria cheated and lied.

But bishops are after all humans who also err. They’re not even any holier than any ordinary mortal. Like politicians, some of them have also lost their sense of "delicadeza" by accepting envelops with money.

Somehow, it reminds me of a joke shared to me by a childhood friend Tony Uy and this is how it goes.

A church was undergoing major repair and the priest in charge was always overheard by his wise talking pet parrot ordering 20 bags of cement.

One day, while checking the bills, the priest noticed some discrepancies in the billing. He couldn’t recall having made an order of 20 bags of cement at a particular date. He called up the supplier and was politely told that they received a call for such an order.

One afternoon, waking up quite early from a siesta, the priest heard someone talking over the speaker phone. He tiptoed toward the voice and found his wise talking pet parrot ordering 20 bags of cement.

Aha, ha, ha, now I got you. It was you who made that order. For that, the priest punished the poor little bird by hanging her on the wall with her wings spread.

After a while, quite exhausted in that position, the poor parrot turned to her right and saw Jesus on the cross. It blurted out: ‘‘Did you also order cement?’’

•

Some people are truly admirable. They have the gift to turn a word or a phrase into another word or phrase that have almost the same meaning––or at least closely related.

Allow me to give you a few examples––again from my childhood friend Tony Uy.

Dormitory – Dirty room.

Desperation – A rope ends it.

The eyes – They see.

Mother-in-law – Woman Hitler

Eleven plus two – Twelve plus one

Election results – Lies, let’s recount

Amazing.

That's power

By Ben Contreras / July 18, 2006

ENGR. Alfonso "Toto" Lim has the knack and rare ability to create things only very few people could. His natural gift belongs to the realm of the geniuses and those who really knew him could only agree with this column 100 percent.

Decades ago when we were in our early teens, Toto was already driving a low four-wheeled engine driven machine which in modern time called the kart. It roared like thunder and zoomed like a supersonic aircraft around Plaza Divisoria.

At his age today, he never stops to think and put to creation his ideas. You only need to be at his residential compound and see for yourself what I mean.

But this is really not about him. This is about my "agaw" who was with Toto Lim the last time I visited the 5th bridge. The two were about to leave the place on a river craft (another creation of Toto) and I waved at them. I was reciprocated with a blank look as if I was a perfect stranger.

In his written reaction to my previous column, he still addressed me as "gaw" and I thought he was leaving room for reconciliation. With his attitude at the river, I guess the sign is clear. Let it be. At least there is no need anymore for "plastikan" in private or crowded places.

•

In trying to get back at former mayor Pablo Magtajas, Councilor Reynaldo Advincula is now spilling the beans, so to speak. He now accuses former city officials of titling public lands and pointed to the Magtajases, among others, who did. How big are the lands titled to the Magtajas family? I ask this question in view of the letter of my tokayo Ben Ranque that former mayor Magtajas donated the almost five-hectare property where the convention center of the only senator in Mindanao stands but remains unfinished.

Ah, na, na, na, na! (Mike, pahulam sa imong expression. I got it right this time––four na’s.)

If the accusation of Advincula is true, would it be farfetch that the officials of the present city administration are also into it? There is a need to check it out with the realty and land titling division of the city government––that is, of course, if these people are willing to answer questions and show any Juan de la Cruz records without the permission of Dongkoy.

There was a time when Dongkoy’s critics were questioning his mansion at the top of the hill in Aluba. His critics were never able to come up with information from the concerned office. That’s power to you.

So, who really owns land around the newly developed area where cemented road zigzags and crossees the bridge in nowhere land? How did these people acquire them? I have a few names, including even the highest ranking official of the city, but they are just names. We need to find out if they are indeed the title holders.

Good work, Councilor Advincula. You should not stop there, however. You should check also whether your present political allies are into it, too. Meantime, enjoy hunting.

•

Zaldy Ocon did it again, blowing whistle on 11 consultants.

Did Ocon say the renewal of the 11 consultancy contracts? If so, the city government has been throwing away precious taxpayers’ money for naught.

Ladies and gentlemen of the city council, what do you take the Cagayanons for, uto-uto? Except for a few, the rest are either non-performing assets or too rich to even honor such a pittance pay. Gahugawhugaw lang sa ilang ngalan, wala man diay gabuhaton. Besides, you hardly see a few of them in the city, right?

But who cares? Not our ladies and gentlemen at the city council. Not even the great Dongkoy. Pag-mayor usa kamo!

Child

By Ben Contreras / July 15, 2006

HOW do you make the outside world reach and open our website? The answer is pretty easy. You only need to write about them.

And so my dear reader, bear with me because I am going to write about my daughter, my brothers and sisters who are living in Canada.

My Kathy was an ‘‘unwanted’’ child. She was conceived at a time when my marriage was at the most turbulent period. Her mother wanted her aborted and took pills to do it. My Kathy clung to life as ivy would to a wall.

Her birth brought us good fortune in a way. I found a new job with a shipping line. I won a Beetle Volkwagon in a raffle and was able to build a modest house. But all these good fortune didn’t save our marriage.

I lost Kathy to her mother when she was about three years old. She missed our family reunion in 1986 because her mother wouldn’t allow her despite my effort to fetch her in Butuan City twice.

I thought I was going to lose Kathy forever when her mother decided to move to Zamboanga with her new family. She took Kathy with her against the advice of my mother in law who insisted Kathy should be returned to me.

When Kathy’s mother passed away, my mother-in-law fetched Kathy all the way from a small town in Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro City.

After losing her for more than eight years, I thought it was going to be a happy reunion. It was not, temporarily though.

There she was, petite and looked famished at 11. My first reaction was to kiss her on the lips as I used to do with her as a little girl. How she felt about our first meeting was beyond.

She was back with me alright but not without hitches. She wanted to stay with her "lola" in Butuan and study there. She would be with me only during vacation.

My sister-in-law came to the rescue. She offered her home and she accepted it. You think I got any choice? No, I didn’t have any but to accept the deal.

I guess it was a blessing in disguise. My brother is a religious man and so is his family. Growing up in a family like that made my Kathy a religious girl, too. What more can I ask for?

When she was about to enter senior high, my sister-in-law asked her to give me a chance to perform my duties as a father. She agreed but not without a slight resistance and doubts in her mind.

Her stay with us had been initially quite disturbing. She had to adjust to a new environment, living with a half brother and sister and a stepmother. She had to adjust to my way of running the family. She had to make do with what I could offer my kids unlike being pampered by my brother.

We argued a lot. One morning, I was shocked to find out she was no longer in her room. She sneaked out in the middle of the night and went back to my brother’s house. It was a big blow to me but I didn’t give up the fight to win her back.

Things began to change when she was in college. I had but one request from her. Finish college and no boyfriend until she would have gotten her diploma. She promised and made good her words.

Her relation with her stepmother turned for the better and I guess at its best today. Her forthcoming graduation compelled me to write an article dedicated to her. In part, the article wrote about her character likened to her father. One line she wouldn’t forget, according to her is that line that says, "After all, apples don’t grow on banana trees."

She met her husband when she was taking a caregiver course. I had nothing against their relationship. They didn’t obey my words and that turned our relationship sour for a certain period until Koleen.

Kathy’s visa came at a time when Koleen was around 10 months young. The visa was the culmination of her dream to work abroad.

How time flies. This October, Kathy would be coming home for a vacation. I missed her life for eight years. She missed Koleen’s life for more than a year. There was so much doubt in the air when we met. I hope there won’t be any when she meets her little angel Koolen. To be continued

MJ who?

By Ben Contreras / July 13, 2006

MANY months ago, while trying to solicit a few hundred pesos from my friend for our barangay needs, one of the waiters of this famous hotel approached me.

Waiter: Sir, Ben, nia baya si Mark Jimenez. (Sir Ben, Mark Jimenez is here.)

BC: Asa man? (Where is he?)

Waiter: Naa sa iyang room, nanghipos kay mu-check out na man. (He is in his room packing. He’s going to check out this noon.)

BC: Unsa may tuyo niya diri? (What is he here for?)

Waiter: Ambot lang. Gikan pa man kuno sa Bukidnon, nanghatag kuno ug kuwarta. Nanghatag gani iya tawo sa amo ug tag P500. Magpalista lang ka, naa ra man sa restaurant, (I am not quite sure. He just came from Bikidnon and was allegedly giving out cash. In fact, we were given P500 each. All you have to do is have your name listed on a piece of paper and go to the restaurant.)

BC: Mao ba? Sige, salamat. (Is that so? Okay, thanks.)

When I entered the restaurant, all the employees of the hotel were lined up waiting for their turn to receive their cash gift being distributed by a certain Joey.

BC: (I thought Joey hails from Luzon.) Mang Joey, puede bang makahingi ng donasyon para sa barangay namin? (Mr. Joey, can I ask for a donation for our barangay?)

Joey: Puede, pero kailangang idaan mo sa written request. (You may, but you have to do it with a written request.)

BC: Mang Joey, I am not asking for a big amount. P500 will do, just like the others.

Joey: I can’t just do that without a written request.

Well, I told him, never mind.

On my way out, I met the waiter again.

Waiter: Sir Ben, nakadawat ka? (Sir Ben, did you get any?)

BC: Wala. Gipangayuan pa man ko ug written request. (Nope, I was told to make a written request.) Naa man lagi mga police sa silong! (I saw police officers at the lobby.)

Waiter: Lagi, nakigkita man sila kang Mark Jimenez. Nakadawat pud siguro. (Yeah, they met with MJ. They must have received money, too.)

The following day, I met a friend.

BC: Do you know Mark Jimenez was here yesterday?

Friend: Of course. He was handing out envelopes, something like a thousand or two.

BC: Did you get any?

Friend: No, I was not able to attend the presscon.

BC: What was he here for?

Friend: I am not quite sure. I heard that in Bukidnon, he was with a religious group and was giving donations left and right.

BC: Wow, just like that, eh! Where do you think the money comes from?

Friend: He was quoted as saying, "Jueteng money ito. Buti pang ibigay sa mga tao kay sa ibalik sa gobierno at nanakawin lang.

(This is heweteng money. Better give it to the people than return it to the government only to be stolen by crooks.)

You think Mark Jimenez would be a good president?

I am not quite sure. Joey was giving P500 to hotel employees for no reason at all. Yet, he refused to give some for our barangay unless I have a written request.

If M J is what my neighbor describes him to be, then Joey needs a scolding from him.

It is hard how to make of his donations and cash gifts. Though it came from jueteng money, it is still an act of kindness, right?

Still, his motive is suspect. Not my vote, Mr. Mark Jimenez.

Sorry, my dear neighbor.

Misreading the signs

By Ben Contreras / July 11, 2006

POLITICS has always been a guessing game. You’ll never know who’s going to be your friends and allies or enemies until your interest has been clearly defined.

Jun Pepito is still agonizing from being stabbed in the back by his allies in the opposition in the last elections. Ed Tamondong, when I chanced upon him at the PAL office, has nothing but hatred for Nene Pimentel.

Both gentlemen and their allies put much of the blame on Antonio Soriano and the only senator from Mindanao (to borrow my tokayo Ben Ranque’s words) for the dismal defeat of the local opposition. The wound has not healed and the pain lingers on, serving as a schism and enmity within the opposition.

No wonder Pepito would rather join the group of Dongkoy Emano should he again decide to run in the coming 2007 elections.

Tamondong has all the reason to be mad at Pimentel. But to think that he could win against Emano was to commit the same mistake Koko did. You can’t just appear out of nowhere and tell Cagayanons "I am the alternative to Emano." While Koko carries the name of his father, Tamondong had nothing to offer but a sincerity that has not been proven yet.

Emano did not just show up in Cagayan de Oro out of the blue, he planted seeds for his bid as early as the beginning of his last term as governor of Misamis Oriental notwithstanding the fact that he was already popular in the city. That made the big difference.

Tony Soriano was a vice mayor, he has more political experience and an untarnished name and image. Yet he was not quick to jump and accept the offer to run for mayor for a good reason, too. One cannot run against Emano without enough money. When we talk of enough, it means millions. So, if the accusation against him that he was just waiting or was after the money, then Soriano was just being pragmatic. Besides that, nothing can be raised against Tony.

At the moment, a united opposition is like a dream. Aside from the internal squabblings, some may even attempt to join Emano’s camp since almost all of the incumbent councilors are already on their last term.

To think that there would be an exodus to the opposition camp just because Emano is on his final term is to misread the signs. Dongkoy would be very much around, not necessarily as a keeper of his ward but as a candidate, too. Hence, the opposite is likely to happen as the door of the PaDayon Pilipino would be open to candidates to fill up a slew of vacancies.

As for the mayoral post, I don’t see any serious bet from the opposition. There would be a few wannabes, but no serious threat to Emano or his anointed; not Magtajas, not Soriano, not just yet.

With the current economic situation, who’s going to spend money for an elective position? Of course, only those who have plenty to waste would run. And who has that kind of money? Did I hear you right? Yes, he has.

•

Now it can be told why Engr. Richard Valerio was relieved as operation chief of RTA.

It was not just because he closed the pedestrian under the skyway of Gaisano; it was mainly because someone who is a wedding godson of the mayor was sowing intrigues on the good performance of Valerio.

Valerio, according to one RTA insider, was well-liked by his co-workers. I believe him because those who were there at the skyway said the same thing of Valerio. In fact, they agree with Valerio’s decision to close the pedestrian under the skyway.

Today, the traffic situation under the skyway remains messy. RTA personnel are helpless in maintaining order because to do the right thing is to court the ire of the mayor who wouldn’t hesitate to favor a friend at the expense of the general public. Sigh!

More talk, more mistakes

By Ben Contreras / July 8, 2006

OF all the major and big projects of Mayor Dongkoy Emano, the 5th bridge is the one I find most fascinating. That’s why I always find time to monitor its progress whenever I pass by the area, and for a few good reasons, too.

First, the design which has a rotunda is something new for the city. When finished, I am sure it would become sort of a strolling area in the evening. It would even attract those engaged in eateries and recreations. It may even be ideal for a truly ‘‘Night Café,’’ not the kind you find in Divisoria.

Second, it would help a lot in easing traffic problems in some parts of the city. It should have been done earlier than that bridge in nowhere land or that losing western side market and terminal.

Third, the contractor has agreed to construct the 5th bridge at the original cost of P190 million for the bridge and P141 million for the road network. The story goes that the total cost of P331 million is still based on the estimate five to six years ago. If a rebidding would be done today, the cost could shoot up to several millions more considering that the prices of the main construction materials like steel bars and cement have soared quite high.

I had it on good authority that UKC has been doing a few breaks even if not losing projects. Like I said in my previous article, the 5th bridge is like an accommodation to the city government which has given UKC most of the juicy projects. Give and take, so they say. But believe it or not, the 5th bridge will benefit the Cagayanons definitely.

The first time I went to the site was in the second week of June 2006. Dodong Uy was there with two German engineers whose expertise is on bridge foundation. The following week, they’re already working in the river for the bridge foundation. At the rate it is going, we may see a new bridge before the year ends but not exactly serviceable. I guess not just yet.

•

Councilor Advincula has chosen to ignore the good admonitions of his friends and critics including those that belong to the opposition. The revelation of his ally Councilor Juan Sia is now aggravating his problems.

Credibility wise, people would tend to believe Sia than Advincula and for obvious reason, too. Advincula talked too much and his statements were contradictory. He seemed to have forgotten that silence is golden. More talk more mistakes, no talk no mistake. Understand, sir?

•

Roy Señeres’ revelation involving personalities like big businessmen, former government officials and men in uniform to the failed coup is threading on dangerous ground. If he is not telling the truth, I can’t imagine the amount of libel suits that would be filed against him. If he is, he runs the risk of being liquidated by those whose names need to be cleared to elude prosecution.

The government needs not rush things, however. To do so may push these people to the wall and fight back. Thus, it would put to an end to the unfinished job.

These giant businessmen have the money. In the Philippines, money could buy everything, including loyalty. When that happens, like the Americans love to say, all hell breaks loose.

The video tape of General Lim should not cause Malacañang to rejoice. It may prove and justify the imposition of 1097, but it also proves that the military is really in bad shape and very divided, belying the AFP’s pronouncement that it is solid.

The suggestion to break the marine organization has a hidden danger in it. It could make these soldiers nervous, irritant and cocky. An accidental shot may trigger a shooting spree. But then, isn’t it what some people want?

Imagine

By Ben Contreras / July 6, 2006

MY tokayo, Ben Ranque must be insinuating that my June 20 column about the convention center in dreamland was nothing but a product of my imagination and intended "to destroy the good reputation of the only senator from Mindanao." Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made that challenge for me to see it for myself.

Was I imagining things? Let me take it from there.

I imagined myself with my brother on a leisurely motorcycle drive along that road one Sunday afternoon. The weather was fairly sunny but humid. The new road that traverses through the bridge of Mayor Dongkoy Emano in nowhere land connects with the highway going to the airport on the left and to SM mall to the right.

I imagined driving on a road devoid of trash and debris, making our joy-riding truly pleasurable and safe. And when we came to that portion that would lead us to the convention center, I imagined telling my brother, "Why not go up there and see for ourselves what this much talked about convention center really looks like?’’

And so, I imagined the two of us driving through a steep and winding but paved road with scattered stones and gravels toward the site. And when we reached the end of the cemented road, there it is––the convention center towering like a skeletal structure.

The steel bars lay bare and exposed to elements of water and air that spell rust.

And so, we imagined ourselves expressing disgust over such a waste of money if this product is not finished as early as possible. And I imagined telling my brother that if I were asked to continue with that project, I would opt to tear it down and start from the beginning for fear that rust may have weaken the strength of the exposed steel bars.

But my dear tokayo, I was not imagining things and have no intention at all to destroy the only Mindanaoan senator’s good reputation. I was just writing what we saw there. Have you been there lately? If so, you really should agree with my story.

As for that item about past mayor Ambing Magtajas being the donor of that close to five hectares, I have no idea at all that Magtajas is that landed to afford such a big donation. Such magnanimity is indeed very rare.

This column does not write to destroy anyone’s reputation without basis. This columnist only writes what he saw and experienced, otherwise he’d write about life and sweet nothings. He even writes to humor himself with his own humorous experiences in life.

Mayor Dongkoy Emano has always been criticized in this column but this column also accords him credit where credit is due. The same goes for your beloved senator if you cared to read my column as often as required by your position in his office.

Yes, I need to see that convention center again. I need to ask more questions about it. Maybe, I would take a few pictures of it and write again so the public may know the real score as you put it.

•

In war, it is the victor that writes history. In boxing, it is the winner that does the talking.

I would have admired Pacquiao more if he just acknowledged his opponents as better than what many perceived Larios to be. But Pacquiao had to boast and crow that he intentionally prolonged the fight to give his supporters the pleasure of watching a 12-round fight fought to the last.

No boxer would ever think of fighting to the last round. All boxers would always prefer an early end to the fight and remain victorious. To intentionally prolong the fight is to give one’s opponent a chance to make that fatal lucky punch.

The fact is, when all three Filipino boxers won against the Mexican opponents, the pressure on Pacquiao became more heavy, intense and unbearable that led one in the audience to exclaim "luspad man ang itsura ni Pacquiao."

After that win, Pacquiao talked too much, putting aside the fact that he has an impending second rematch with Eric Morales. What if he would be beaten by Morales come November? With his big mouth, I can’t wait to see his reaction. Never mind his fans. They come and go as champions in boxing would.

Three much awaited events

By Ben Contreras / July 4, 2006

THERE were three much awaited events last week. First was this paper’s 17th anniversary, then the live concert of The Cascades and the "Mano A Mano" between our Manny Pacquiao and Mexican slugger Oscar Larios.

The Gold Star Daily anniversary was a well attended celebration with members of the GSD family from different places in Mindanao gracing the occasion.

It was my first to be in my boss’ rest house. It is nestled in a two-hectare property overlooking an array of green mountains. The place has plenty of fresh air and sunshine on a fair day. No wonder Toto’s mother loves to be there everyday. At her age, it is simply the most ideal place to stay.

The abundance of food made me wonder who’s going to consume all the stuff. But then, I left the scene quite early due to an appointment at one o’clock in the afternoon. I guess a lot more visitors were expected then to come. Besides, the celebration could have lasted until late in the afternoon or evening. Who knows?

It was nice to have finally met Totoy Muñoz, our Zamboanga City agency manager. My kumpare Quintin Yeo talks a lot about Totoy and how they would always eat together with some friends, calling themselves the Aristocrat Boys. Pare, it sounds like " Aresto ka, boys"! Hehehe!

A morning appointment almost made me miss attending this celebration. It was Herbie’s text message that made me change my mind and I rescheduled my appointment in the afternoon. It was a blessing in disguise.

My wife wanted to watch the Cascades but the price, cheapest at P800 was just not affordable. Herbie came to the rescue. He got one complimentary pass he wouldn’t want to use because he is not so much a Cascades fan. When he asked me if I would be interested, my answer was a quick "yes." Well, I couldn’t help breaking the good news to my wife. She had a wonderful evening. Thanks again, Herbie.

•

Boxing experts overrated the prowess of Manny Pacquiao and under-estimated the Mexican slugger Oscar Larios. Their prediction that Larios would be knocked out in the early rounds did not happen. Even coach Roach was over confident to predict a KO in the 6th round.

Oscar de la Hoya was correct when he said Pacquiao is the better fighter but in the ring, both fighters will always fight to win. Thus, it’s really a 50/50 chance, de La Hoya added.

Pacquiao almost got the shock of his life when he was almost knocked out in the third. Roach may also have squirmed uncomfortably about that time. The better fighter prevailed but the underdog proved the experts wrong. Larios got what it takes to be a worthy opponent of Pacquiao.

It’s hard to be on top of the world. People expect too much from you. While you wallow in the luxury of popularity and good fortune, your fans also expect you to be always there and not to disappoint them. Your fans tend to forget that you too are but human and may one day fail to win.

Pacquiao’s fans fear for his defeat but he won and escaped what could be fruition of Ermita’s anxiety. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said it would be the height of embarrassment if Pacquiao lose in his home country. "I think he has no choice but to win if he wants to continue to be the idol of the people."

Since when had boxing become a choice of winning and losing? Not unless a fight is fixed to favor one over the other, a boxer will always fight to win and losing is never a choice.

For this reason, I find Ermita’s statement unkind to Pacquiao. What does that tell us––a winner has many fathers while a loser is an orphan? I guess Ermita is one of its adherents.

Not a voice in the wilderness after all

By Ben Contreras / June 27, 2006

I’M not, after all, just a voice in the wilderness. Finally, there’s Raul B. Padua of Kauswagan who shares the same sentiments expressed in this column regarding the practice of some business entities in imposing surcharges for delayed payments. That makes us two. Not bad for a start. Do I hear more?

Imposing a surcharge is just one of the problems. Cutting your line is another when you miss payments for two months. So when business is bad and you earn less for a certain period, you find it hard to make both ends meet. And the most logical thing to do is prioritize your expenses on food on the table as number one on the list, tuition for the kids comes next and the rest depending on the remainder of what one has earned.

But then, you can’t survive without water. Fortunately, COWD is not as strict as Cepalco and Parasat. COWD allows its consumers to stretch their delayed payment to as far as six months before they finally cut your connection. That’s my personal experience.

You can’t do without electricity either. So you have up to 60 days to find the money or suffer the cruelty of darkness.

My experience with Parasat takes the cake. Sometimes, I lose my civility and raise my voice in anger. How many times had I allowed Parasat to cut my line––twice or thrice I guess? I have to make do watching DVDs in the evening. But I also need to know what’s going on outside and I need to watch the news. In the end, we have to kowtow to the almighty Parasat.

I remember a few years back when I was invited to a beach party in Naawan, my friend Elpie Paras was having his own party there with his staff and crew. Elpie was making a speech. He was talking of their problems, too––non-payments or delayed payments, subscribers’ all sorts of complaints.

As a subscriber, I could easily echo the same lines which means, his problems have parallelism with ours. Sana give and take na lang.

As to Padua’s plaints (subscription rates and channel contents), I believe Parasat has not been remiss on that. They have leaflets that show exactly what channels to expect from a particular rate. Try look for it at Channel 2.

Padua can be assured however that the management of Parasat is not that difficult to talk to. In fact, whenever I bring my problem to their office, their willingness to help is there as long as it does not run against company policy.

Elpie Paras has been equally kind. He immediately solved my problem when I brought it to him personally. Oh yes, Lenny, Mrs. Rose Paras’ sister! How could I forget her? She’s always been very helpful to me. God bless you, my dear friend.

•

Mike ‘‘Ah, na, na, na’’ Banos, my handsome neighbor, seems very elated over the promulgation of the law that would finally ban huge billboards near our streets and highways. So am I, my friend. So am I.

It’s about time really, especially those that are found on overpasses and skyways. Overpasses that are almost fully covered with billboards become breeding grounds for all sorts of crimes––sex, drugs, snatchings and physical attacks.

As for the skyway, well, I am sure a city ordinance prohibits it. If this is being violated continuously, it is now up to the authorities. I have written enough about that already.

But my friend, we seem to have missed one thing. Look at our public markets. Aren’t they like wearing a wrap around for ads? Even our bridges, lamp posts that line up the sides are being used for advertising. Our city fiesta is coming soon. Expect these materials to ‘‘embellish’’ our lamp posts, electric posts, trees and wirings.

I guess it has something to do with our traditional practice. We can’t really shake it off, eh?

Pack up, Nanding

By Ben Contreras / June 24, 2006

HAVING read my Tuesday column, a friend sent me a text message about his research on the prices of Ingersoll-Rand compressors through the Internet. It shows that a brand new Model P185WIR compressor is priced at US$13,500 or about US$715,500 based on a P53/dollar rate and it’s US$9,996 or P529,788 for a second-hand unit.

As for the model P185 Platinum series, the search is still ongoing and he promised me to provide me the information as soon as he has it.

In fairness to COWD, the letter sender failed to scrutinize the documents carefully. Had he done so, he would have discovered that the price of P984,500 is for Model P185WIR and the P1.8 miliion for the P185 Platinum series. In other words, the price was not revised but the model.

If you go to the specifications and details of both models, they’re almost identical. But a different model sometimes spells a huge variation in prices. Hence, to determine if there was overpricing on this item, we need to wait for further information or further research.

As for the water meters, sorry gentlemen, it looks pretty obvious already that you paid too much for a cheap brand. If that was not overpricing, then there is only one honorable thing to do. Investigate and find out who is responsible for this lapse.

•

If I were Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, I would shut up and pack up. Owning stalls in the markets is not only about legality or conflict of interests, it is about abuse of power. Being a councilor, Advincula has always thought that no one would ever pry into his business interests at the markets unless one would like to cross swords with him.

Many years ago when Magatajas was the mayor and Advincula was still a private citizen, he (Advincula) was heard to have told the squatters in Agora area not to leave their homes because "ato ang city hall." If Advincula, as a private citizen then, could be that abusive––flaunting his closeness to Magtajas––what more today when he is a government official and perceived to be a close and loyal ally of the god at the city hall?

Would Advincula dare say same line again: ‘‘Ato ang city hall?’’

He voted for the ordinance that condoned rentals of stallholders when he is one of the delinquent stallholders. Advincula should have divested himself of all his interests at the markets the moment he became a public official. He would have not been in hot water as he is today, giving his enemies a chance to bite into his flesh and dig his political grave.

Advincula is a third termer. It would do him good to clean up the house before leaving instead of picking a fight with his critics and detractors. Nothing is more humane and honorable than to admit one’s mistake and say "I am sorry." Given the nature of the issue against him, people would tend to be forgiving.

What say you, councilor?

•

Before the first encounter between Manny Pacquiao and Eric Morales took place, the former was boasting of having a secret weapon to beat the latter. Unfortunately, Pacquiao was beaten. It was tough luck for Pacquiao for sustaining a head butt in the early rounds. It made the difference for the outcome of the bout.

Their rematch saw Pacquiao boasting nothing but simply being himself, the fighter. He won by flooring Morales with heavy combinations and became the first boxer to beat Morales.

With the coming bout between him and Larios, there he goes again boasting a "pamatay" for Larios. We all love to see Pacquiao win and many believe he would. But Oscar de la Hoya had this to say of the bout: Pacquiao may be a better fighter but in the ring, both men will fight to win. So, it’s really a 50-50 chance.

My gut feeling tells me it is going to be an upset. Place your bet, gentlemen.

Who are the real terrorists?

By Ben Contreras / June 22, 2006

MICHAEL Moore’s documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11, was shown a week ago via HBO. The film gives its viewers an insight into the intricate connection of events in the past and that fateful day the world came to know as 9/11.

It identifies people that were once upon a time closely related to the Bush family and how they got appointed to high and sensitive positions in the government of the most powerful nation in the world.

It traces dealings entered by the Bushes with known leaders in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and the Bin Laden family.

It seems to imply also that because of the young Bush’s waning popularity at home, he decided to take a long vacation. But while on vacation, a conspiracy was concocted that culminated in the bombing of the Twin Towers.

You can’t help but think that Michael Moore may be right. It may look absurd to sacrifice lives and property to attain a desired sinister end, but history is replete with events that leave many questions unanswered.

In the United States, nothing is indispensable, even the president. This is one line an American told me some 20 years ago. This reminds me of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Pearl Harbor, the sinking of the American battleship with more than a thousand men killed and the bombing of another navy ship with the use of small craft.

Why create an atmosphere of fear and panic in the homeland? Was it calculated to win the support of the American people on the war on terror? But who are the terrorists?

Bush points to Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, the Talibans, the Hamas, the JI group, short of saying the Muslims. All of the sudden, the Muslims gain notoriety of being terrorists. Are they?

Many countries joined the "coalition of the willing," including our very own nation. The VFA allows American soldiers on our soil after our Senate drove them out of our shores. They are back to train our soldiers to fight terrorism. Perhaps, they will also train Filipino soldiers to kill fellow Filipinos.

Today, we find many nations willing to fight for America’s war. They bombed Afghanistan, Iraq and soon, God forbid, Iran. In the name of what? To protect Americans and their way of life as freedom-loving people?

Moore took time to interview senators and congressmen if they would were willing to have their sons fight the war for America. Except for one who already have, the rest either answered in the negative or shunned the question altogether.

No wonder, only the poor in America fought for America. And when the number of casualties reminds them of their folly in Vietnam, when the poor would no longer fight for America, they are now recruiting people from other nations to fight for their war. They are now recruiting Filipinos to fight for their war.

Although Gloria made a laughing stock of her country in the ‘‘Coalition of the Willing’’ when a Filipino was held hostage by Iraqi rebels, she is today sticking it out with the US not exactly to fight terrorism but to save her neck.

She’s going to crush communism in two years. She allocated a billion pesos to finance this fight. She’s almost confident of it and her generals, cabinet officials and political allies, too.

How many presidents do we have in the past that made the same pronouncement? Practically all and the communists are still here. Why? It is because a corrupt government is the best recruiter for the communist cause.

But Gloria is not out to fight the communists. She is not out to fight terrorism. She is in fact out to protect and ensure her continued stay. She has her own ‘‘coalition of the willing’’––her political allies, her generals, her businessmen, her religious groups and the mercenaries.

Norberto Gonzales is a good national security adviser. He has good intelligence network. Today, he attributes the bombings to a ‘‘destabilization group,’’ tomorrow to the opposition, then the Magdalo group and a never-ending series of names that may take his fancy. All, except one and that’s themselves.

This scenario is best to prevent one thing: Impeachment part 2.

Bombings here and bombings there and the situation becomes ripe for declaring another state of emergency. Voila! Everything would be under the control of the military led, of course, by Gloria’s generals.

So, who are the terrorists? Moore could have asked this question but didn’t.

Moore may have the answer, but wouldn’t say directly.

Well, for certain, the terrorists are those who are afraid of the truth. I can name two who are afraid of the truth. One is in America and the other here in the Philippines.

Take a guess. Yours is as good as mine.

A convention center in dreamland

By Ben Contreras / June 20, 2006

MY latest water bill shows that I consumed 37 cubic meter of precious water in 30 days. The bill reads: reading date May 09, 2006, date due May 29, 2006, amount due after due date 703.45. That’s 10 percent automatically added to the amount due if I fail to pay it on the due date.

You see, this is something I’ve been itching to write about for a long time. COWD, like a few others have been adding a 10-percent surcharge for delayed payment. I think this is grossly unfair.

My question is, are they paying their accounts as early as they want us to pay them? Were they ever charged surcharges by their creditors? I know for a fact they are not charged even when they settle their accounts in months, sometimes more than a year. Yet, they have the gall to add a 10-percent surcharge after their set due date.

A matter of company policy, they say. Fine, I have no quarrel with that, not even when they raise the price of water to its current level. It’s the expansion, so they say again. Besides, do I hear anyone complaining? Hello, are you complaining? Nah, I hear no one.

But something came up that needs to be investigated. A letter was sent to Councilor Zaldy Ocon alleging that some transactions at the COWD were anomalous. The letter sender cited three transactions that were highly overpriced: Asahi water meters, a compressor and a welding machine.

It says that the technical staff of COWD conducted a study on the Asahi water meter and revealed that these were infrerior. COWD chairman Rey Java and director Joel Baldelovar have a different view. Both say that the report submitted by the technical staff was erroneous. Ergo, COWD continues to use this brand and pay P1,900 for each when the market price is only 1,200, suggesting an overpricing of P700 each. Wow, some people hit the jackpot.

I sell water meters of another brand which is better. It costs P900 only. I think Asahi should cost around P600 to P700 a piece. I called up a friend and asked how much they’re selling Asahi brand and I was told ‘‘P860 each.’’

If the letter sender is telling the truth, then the water meters alone made a few people richer. What about the compressor that was quoted for P895,000 in a letter dated March 30, 2005, but revised to P1.8 million in Oct. 11, 2005, the purchase of which was approved in a resolution dated Nov. 11, 2005?

And what about the welding machine? Why buy the one that costs P984,000 when another brand of the same category would cost only P500,000 or even less?

These are questions that cry for answers. These might even be just the tip of the iceberg.

We don’t mind paying more for our water. But if the story is true and money goes into the pockets of some people, then we have all the reason to be angry. You bet, I am angry.

•

Mayor Dongkoy Emano once complained on why people criticize his projects and nothing negative has ever been said of Nene Pimentel’s International Convention Center. He is quite right on that point.

While Dongkoy has a bridge in nowhere land, Nene has a convention center in dreamland. While Dongkoy’s bridge is already a finished product, Nene’s convention center remains unfinished and is now in a state of decomposition.

See it for yourself. Chances are you’ll find it revolting. How could millions of pesos be put to waste just like that? If there was not enough money to finance such an ambitious project, it shouldn’t have been started at all. It was left unfinished.

The center looks like a scare crow overlooking a field. No, it’s not even that. Scare crows have straws. The center looks practically bare, a skeleton of concrete and rusting steel bars.

Dongkoy is right, the opposition closely identified with the senator should ask their boss to explain this.

Pictures tell no lies

By Ben Contreras / June 17, 2006

PICTURES tell no lies but with modern technology, even pictures can be faked.

When the Philippine Daily Inquirer bannered the picture that shows Gloria marching with rape victim and other personalities in support for the restoration of the death penalty, surely the picture must be genuine. As such, it belies the claim of Malacanang that Gloria has always been against capital punishment.

So, what does the picture reveal? It reveals that someone or some people are not telling the truth and continue to peddle lies––Gloria, her minions and the mercenaries waiting to be paid for their service.

What is incomprehensible is the swiftness with which the law was repealed with 16-0 at the Senate, the Upper House perceived to be in constant loggerheads with the executive department. The result is indeed a compliment to the occupant of the Palace.

Never mind the Lower House; it’s been dominated by lapdogs and mercenaries.

Is there now a change of heart at the Senate? If so, has the elections next year anything to do with it? With the money, power and machinery of the incumbent, there is logic in shifting loyalty to ensure victory if at all.

Turncoatism has always been a part of Philippine politics. It is something our politicians no longer consider as taboo or shameful. Who wouldn’t go for the buttered side of the bread, anyway?

All it takes for political enemies to become allies is to see eye to eye on one issue. The smiles and handshakes easily follow and voila, you know what I mean! Sigh!

•

Nothing can be more crucial than each game of the championship games of the NBA. The victory of the Mavericks at the home court of the Heat was already at hand, so it seemed. But the Mavericks blew it or did they?

A 3-0 card would have ensured the Mavericks the championship trophy. No team has ever come back to win the championship under such circumstance. But after leading some 10 points with less than five minutes left to play, the Mavs suddenly played a different game or so it seemed.

Mavs defense suddenly turned loose and lax, starting with the three-point shot made by Wade before a reluctant defender, the Heat making easy penetrations and the Mavs missing their shots. The audience saw something fishy. Were the Heat allowed to catch up and win the game? I am going to leave this question answered by NBA enthusiasts. I don’t want to speculate on something I am not an expert on.

•

My youngest daughter’s ninong fought a rare disease for more than three years. The battle against this malady ended last Wednesday evening.

For all the time that he was bed-ridden, I failed to visit him even once. Having heard all those stories from people who did, I lost my guts to watch him in his state of condition. Now that he is gone, I feel awful and ashamed of my cowardice and moral lapse. I am sorry, pare. To my kumare, Rose, who’s always been good to me, I apologize. To the family, we share the grief of their loss.

Taurino Ong was 64, a simple man, a good husband, a loving father and a worthy brother. Please, let us pray for his soul.

Failing mark

By Ben Contreras / June 13, 2006

IF we are to judge the administration of Mayor Dongkoy Emano by the big projects undertaken during his three terms, he probably would get a low, if not a failing mark. It’s not even being unkind to him because his lack of transparency contributed much to the controversy that surrounds the implementation of his projects.

The Bulua terminal, the bridge in nowhere land, the markets in Cogon and Carmen––the real cost of each remains shrouded with mystery until today. Not one of his allies is talking and answering questions. The public is being kept in the dark. How the deals with the contractor were consummated and the terms and agreements that went with them are information held in utter secrecy. The lending banks are not even free to give pertinent information regarding the projects they financed.

Take a careful look at the pictures of these projects. They are all so unlike the finished products. Can you blame people from being leery and suspicious of their true cost? If these are meant to be world-class projects, I am sure the contractor won’t put their name at stake. But the contractor did and for a very good reason. Perhaps, it’s what they call "You win some and you lose some." Another word for it is ‘‘accommodation.’’

There is one project however that would likely serve as redemption for Mayor Dongkoy Emano. It’s the 5th bridge that is now under construction. The bridge connects Vamenta, Carmen to Tomas Saco via a rotunda with road branches that connect with Pabayo Street and cut towards Bell Church.

This project has been in the drawing board ahead of the Bulua terminal. Why it was deferred in favor of the Bulua terminal only the planners at city hall know. Its implementation today is seen to highly ease up the city’s traffic problem.

The bridge is going to cost Juan de la Cruz P190 million and the roads P141 million. UKC boss Dodong Uy told me that it’s going to be a losing deal because these estimates are based on the 2000 computation of cost of materials. Cost of construction materials have since skyrocketed, leaving no room for a decent profit. That’s accommodation to them.

Do you want to know why it’s UKC again? Easy! Just go and see what UKC has in terms of heavy equipment. If others have the same, then you are right. UKC has been favored too much. But if others don’t have them, then you will understand why. We may even have to thank UKC for being there.

I’ve been to the site and I am very optimistic of its effects to the surrounding areas. It is going to open the gate to more growth areas and boost the image of the city. This, you will have to credit the mayor.

To those who have the itch to criticize, please see for yourself. Go there, observe and imagine how it would look like when it’s finished. I am sure you will be delighted.

•

Tuesday, June 6, 2006, was supposed to be just any other day. But others saw ‘‘666’’ in it, suggesting the number of the anti-Christ. To the superstitious, it was supposed to be a bad day. Not to me. But something queer did happen.

Early that afternoon, my son-in-law sent me a text message greeting me "happy anniversary." He can’t be faulted however. A day earlier, my daughter Kathy called up from Canada. There must have been some sort of a misunderstanding in our conversation. It was she who told her husband that we just celebrated our anniversary.

She got the date mixed up. Our anniversary is June 9, the day I and my wife met and the day we chose to be married.

For a tumultuous marriage, everyday is like forever. For a happy one, everyday is a brand new day.

We’re on our 23rd, not exactly a perfect union sans the trials of life but relatively peaceful and blissful. I made her a promise that I would love her as much as she would love me. Unsay iyang ihatag kanako nga pagpangga, mao usab and akong isukli kaniya.

So far, nothing threatens to stand in the way except our failing health. My wife went through a major operation years ago and it made her susceptible to many side effects. At my age, though nothing has been found failing, I know anything could strike without warning. Minus all these, it’s going to be quite a long journey ahead.

I thank my God, the Almighty One Who I believe in, for the blessings He continues to bestow on us and for being forgiving for my mistakes and sins.

To my wife Flora, I may know what lies ahead with you by my side, but I will never know what emptiness means without you. I love you.

Learn from Marikina

By Ben Contreras / June 10, 2006

THE worst has been averted. All’s well that ends well. Carmen Bridge has been opened to the public last Monday making my Tuesday column topic irrelevant and immaterial.

The contractor made good its promise to open it by June 5. They were on target and deserve our appreciation. Credit also our city government for the little pressure on the contractor to deliver the goods on time.

Everything is back to normal now except, well, my usual plaint which seems to be getting worse. The situation under the skyway has been aggravated by a new practice of some drivers of delivery vans to park, unload their goods and wait for quite a while to finish the delivery at the right shoulder of the road, totally blocking the only remaining way for vehicles.

Not only that. Jeepneys are also seen waiting and picking up passengers. To tell you frankly, RTA personnel seem helpless. They no longer reprimand these errant drivers. Hello, are you listening?

The management should tell their suppliers to park their vans or whatever type of delivery vehicles they use at the parking lot.

•

Marikina is aspiring to become a little Singapore. She will never be because to be like Singapore, it’s not just about building infrastructure and urban planning which may be attainable but its also about discipline––human discipline.

However, Marikina thus far has achieved a lot compared to other cities in the country. One good reason is that its mayor––or the Fernandos in particular––are no-nonsense public officials. They don’t play footsy with their constituents to win votes.

Notable in Marikina is the cleanliness of the surroundings. Everything seems in order; the roads to the motorists, the sidewalks to the pedestrians and signal lights are functioning.

Our city officials would do well to learn from Marikina. But ours are too proud to do that. Besides, everything has to have the blessings of the great god at city hall.

•

I miss the good news, bad news stuff. Let’s try some.

Good news: Ysalina Bridge is now open.

Bad news: City government suspects it is half-baked.

Good news: Trampe out.

Bad news: Montalba in, again?

Good news: Traffic back to normal due to reopening of the Ysalina Bridge.

Bad news: What is normal is messy just the same.

Good news: My column can now be read at this paper’s website, gsd9000.tripod.com.

Bad news: My brothers and sisters may not agree with me. Oh yes, especially my daughter. Hehehe!

Good news: My daughter called up the other night.

Bad news: She warned me to be careful with what I write.

Good news: Ayala’s groundbreaking seen late this year.

Bad news: Ground breaking only. The real one would be five to 10 years from now.

Good news: Gloria says we have enough school rooms.

Bad news: She lied, as usual.

•

Poor Trampe, he obviously didn’t lick someone’s behind. That made him fair game for intrigue and political crossfire.

I have nothing personal against Montalba really. Once upon a time, he tried and did his best, but his best just was not good enough. Ha, ha... a line sounds familiar from a song.

If criminality is rising in the city, let’s not totally blame the failure of the police. The city government shares the blame for creating environments that become breeding grounds and hideouts for criminals. Look around gentlemen, open your eyes and if you can’t see them, well, Manglapus once said, if you can’t prevent rape, enjoy it.

Sigh.

Back to school

By Ben Contreras / June 6, 2006

IT’S back to school and the sign has been most evident in the throng of people at the Gaisano Mall last Sunday trying to beat the deadline to buy all those stuff needed by their kids: notebooks, pencils and ball pens, papers, crayons, school bags, uniforms and what have you.

Classes usually begin in June, that’s why May has always been unnecessarily bad for other types of businesses. Parents save their money for the tuition of their children. Schools and universities siphon the bulk of the precious cash.

For the rich families, they pay their kids tuition in full. The middle class pay their in installments. The poor either transfer to public schools or quit schooling.

Whatever, let’s go to the potential problem that may be brought about by school opening: traffic. Everyone is apprehensive the worst may soon be upon us. I agree.

So, how do we prevent the worst? To begin with, let’s try car pooling. Share a ride. Get in touch with your close friends whose kids are your kids’ classmates. Or, even your officemates who own cars, you could always use one car alternately and save fuel. This will reduce the number of cars in the road.

Let’s walk. If your place of work is not very far, wake up earlier than usual and walk. You not only save money, you also make yourself healthier.

The contractor should endeavor to make the Ysalina Bridge passable for pedestrians and single bikes. Most important of all is for the contractor to hasten the completion of the project.

The city government was reported to be adopting a scheduled reporting system for their work force. Some would be required to report at 7 am in the morning and the rest at eight. This system, I believe, will help.

That bridge in nowhere land should now be fully used. We are in an abnormal situation and we need drastic solutions. It may be farther but the additional time could not be worse than being caught in a traffic snarl.

Big delivery trucks and prime movers should find a better time schedule when traffic is usually light. From 1 pm to 4 m, traffic is always been observed as sparse and light.

For our RTA, the big test is now before you. Perform your job conscientiously, implement the laws without favor and see to it that motorists observe road courtesy.

As for us citizens, let us be more responsible.

All these could mean a lesser problem for everyone. But if you have better ideas and suggestions, please be heard.

•

The onset of the rainy season should awaken our city government to its responsibility of seeing to it that our streets are free of garbage. Unclogging our drainage system is a must to avoid floodings.

There are many places in the city that are now easily flooded and this can be attributed to the fact that when we paved our streets, too little if not, nothing at all was done to ensure an effective drainage system.

Buildings sprout in many areas without careful study on how these affect the existing but old drainage system. The result is catastrophic. If the rain comes heaviest during classes, I bet everything would come to a standstill when floodings occur in many major roads in the city. Vehicles are expected to move at a snail pace as they wallow in knee deep waters. Is the city prepared for this?

What about Bitan-ag Creek? Are we going to see flashfloods all over again at the LKKS complex and Recto Avenue? Or, would it be the same old finger-pointing and promises again from our government? It’s going to be a vicious cycle. Yakity, yakity, yaks. All talks but so little action.

•

Well, I finally got back my P5 thousand earlier than expected. I can now pay my debts and sleep comfortably. Thank you, Lord.

Dongkoy's options

By Ben Contreras / June 3, 2006

HERE in the country, contractors with dubious records can register under a different name and they can negotiate with the central government for contracts because we have the so-called under-the-table system. This is more or less the statement given by Mayor Dongkoy Emano as an offshoot of his and his allies’ disgust and dissatisfaction over the performance of the contractor of the retrofitting project for the Carmen Bridge.

The statement of the mayor is a slap against himself. It’s not even the first time that he did that. First, we don’t even need to look beyond our shores and take note of how contractors deal with our central government. Contracts in the city are very much the same. The big ones go to a favored contractor and the smaller ones allegedly go to favored friends and political allies using dummies.

Second, using a different name for an old outfit to evade suspicion of favoritism is a practice as old as prostitution. You see projects undertaken by certain contractors as the poster boards suggest, but try to make an inquiry as to their addresses or even telephone numbers, chances are you won’t find them. The workers are even trained not to answer questions from anybody.

But of course, some people know who the real contractors are. The only problem is that, when you get the chance to ask them, they just smile and shrug you off. Sigh!

•

MIG-15. Does that sound like the dreadful Russian Fighter jet? No, it’s more dreadful than the MIGs of the Russian air force. It’s the Military Intelligence Group that could just knock at your door, make a warrantless arrest, torture you and manage to remain incognito in the name of national security (?).

And I thought that our Armed Forces are there to protect us, the people and our rights. The way our generals defend this group of uniformed men that act like Gestapos gives me the creeps. Are there policemen involved? If so, then we are in real big trouble.

Invoking security reasons, their identities are being withheld by their superiors. What about the security of ordinary citizens, if I may ask? Have we now become dispensable? Is this now the rule of the day?

I am angry and you should, too. If you don’t, one of these days the next person to fall victim to this kind of atrocity may just be your loved one.

•

There were speculations that Dongkoy would resign and establish his residency in the province to be able to run again for governor. Did he or didn’t he?

To keep anyone guessing has always been Dongkoy’s political forte. Although I agree that pitted against the incumbent governor, Dongkoy may see the demise of his political clout in the province.

Gov. Oscar Moreno is doing quite pretty well and has made a name for his own. Thus far, nothing can be raised against Moreno. He manages to come clean and untainted. That makes him a formidable opponent even to the so-called political kingpin of Misamis Oriental.

Dongkoy has a few options. He can support Gloria’s Chacha and hope to stay longer or run again via the technical route. He can turn against the administration and drum up anti-Gloria sentiments and run in the province against Oca. Dongkoy is good at it, you know.

Or, he could simply run as vice mayor to his anointed. This is the easiest route for him to stay longer in city hall. This is what I believe would likely to happen. This would make his opponents squirm uncomfortably.

Favorite contractor?

By Ben Contreras / June 1, 2006

HINAY-HINAY lang with your tirade against Adhi Karya-VT Lao Construction, councilors. You can’t ban the firm even if it fails to finish the Ysalina Bridge project on time. Even if you can, it would only show your bias towards them.

I sense a favorite contractor here. Did that favorite contractor finish its projects on time? And I dare add: Were the agreements between the city and the contractor in order before they even started? Was there transparency in all these dealings? If so, why are people asking many questions––questions that have remained unanswered?

City hall has never been really transparent in many transactions it made with this favorite contractor. Our officials don’t answer questions without the go-ahead of the mayor. They can’t blame people from calling them "tuta" because truth is, they act like "tuta." And you’re supposed to be intelligent people.

So, why are you showing so much disgust against VT Lao? You should share some of the blame for not acting on the firm’s request to start the project immediately. Please, no more grandstanding. You won’t look any better by passing the buck. Let us all wait. Tell the people to bear with you.

•

Now that Saudi Arabia has promised Gloria of continued supply of oil, now that Saudi Arabia had released Filipinos from jail upon the intercession of Gloria, it’s payback time.

The OIC is now asking our government to release Nur Misuari. My bet is, Misuari would be released as a sound reciprocation for the favor she got from the Arabian King.

Misuari has always been a rebel, a leader fighting for a cause and fighting for his people. Is he guilty of rebellion? That’s for our courts to decide. Misuari has been in jail for some time and without conviction. If he is not guilty, he should be released. But to delay the prosecution just to keep him inside is unfair. And that is how things look.

And that is why I believe he would be released soon. Gloria wouldn’t look good if Misuari continues to stay in jail.

•

‘‘Buking.’’ This is the word we use when one is caught telling a lie. But to expect Norberto Gonzales to apologize would be like asking for the moon. Not even from any rabid ally of Gloria. They don’t only cover up for her, they lie brazenly for her.

Bukidnon had been used to advance a sinister plot being cooked elsewhere. Thanks to the Zubiris for exposing the big lie. It’s only fair that Gonzales be declared persona non grata. He deserves more than that really.

Lying seems to be the trade being practiced by people loyal to Gloria. Even some military personnel tell lies. The next time you do, gentlemen, please remove your uniforms. You don’t make the Filipino people proud.

•

Last Tuesday, I went to fetch my younger brother who arrived from Cebu City via Trans-Asia. This time, I paid P25 for parking fee, like before. Only, this time, I was given three tickets––one, for five pesos and two at P10 each. I decided to ask the guard why they are using different types of tickets for a single purpose. The answer they gave me was, they are just selling the remaining tickets used for other purposes in order to save money.

Okay, I’ll buy that. My next question is, how come the two P10-tickets didn’t bear consecutive numbers? One ticket bears the number SN17830662 and the other is SN17830671. It is very odd and unusual for one to issue two tickets like this. I smell something fishy here.

I don’t mind if we will be asked to pay more than P25 as long as I won’t be given any reason to doubt that the money would really go to the coffers of the government. Let’s be clear on that.

She's got government moolah

By Ben Contreras / May 30, 2006

A STORY on the front page of a national daily reads: "Pro-impeach bloc infiltrated by Arroyos moles.’’ This should not be surprising at all. With government moolah at her disposal, she could buy almost anyone, uniformed or not, principled or not, except for those dead set to see her down and out. Didn’t she do that in the first attempt to have her impeached? Of course, she did.

The second attempt to impeach Gloria is bound to fail again, not only because the opposition won’t have the numbers but also because they don’t have the money. Besides, the opposition bloc is crawling with sleepers. This is no longer about truth, this is about power.

Gloria was on the brink of collapse. Money saved her. She bought off politicians, military men and generals, including those who are supposedly Ramos’, and she used the power of the gun and the department of justice to cow people against her. And she succeeded.

What can stop her to do the same today? Who wouldn’t spy for her, if it pays and pays handsomely?

Still, any attempt to impeach her would give her a lot of headaches just the same. There would always be that equal amount of bad publicity and humiliation.

Talking about moles, the same is true in our city. The opposition is also infiltrated with moles, not only now but a long time ago. Emano is a great ‘‘farmer.’’ He knew that before you could have something to harvest, you’ve got to plant something. So, he planted moles here and there and harvested a few information here and there. That made him a winner.

•

I never gave it so much thought until I experienced it a few days ago. Is it right for hospitals to ask for downpayment or advance payment from their patients?

A nephew was hospitalized for an illness. After five days, he was discharged by his doctor. The problem is, the family didn’t have the more than P16 thousand to pay off the accumulated bills.

They came to me for assistance. I just got my P5-thousand commission from a legitimate transaction which is not even enough. I talked to the management of the hospital if a promissory note would do. The management politely told me no.

One question lingers in my mind. What if they can’t produce the money, thus can’t check-out, what’s going to happen to their bills? The room bill will just add up through the days. Is that fair? Maybe not, but you can’t blame the hospital either because it is not running a charitable institution.

I think there is logic in asking for deposit but when it comes to matters of life and death, saving life should come first.

I was not able to help my nephew except for the P5 thousand which could have paid my bills with A&A Hardware. My debts can wait, his needs can’t. That’s life.

•

A reader sent these "quotable quotes" for inclusion in this column.

‘‘A day without laughter is a wasted day.’’––Charlie Chaplin

‘‘A true friend stabs you in the front.’’––Oscar Wilde

‘‘Never explain; your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.’’––Elbert Hubbard

‘‘If you are not curious, it’s a sign that you are stupid.’’––Dr. Frank Crane

‘‘It’s better to be hated for what you are than be loved for what you’re not.’’––Andre Gide

‘‘It’s never too late to be what might have been.’’––George Elliot

Feeling the heat

By Ben Contreras / May 25, 2006

Signs that city hall is feeling the heat from the citizens are evident in their last sessions where representatives of the contractor of the bridge retrofitting project were invited (but were a no-show) to shed light on its progress and completion date.

The heat must have become so intolerable that our city dads are now contemplating on declaring these people persona non grata mainly because they failed to appear in their last session.

Then what? Would that necessarily hasten the completion of the job? Would that put our ladies and gentlemen at city hall in a better light like say, being truly responsible government officials? Or maybe, just maybe, some of them just find the representatives of the contractor willing whipping boys for their grandstanding.

This is no time for blaming. The project is being done and ongoing. If it has aggravated our traffic problems, would our traffic problems be any worse? Why not try something new?

Stop blaming others. Let’s start blaming ourselves. After all, who among us can honestly claim that he or she has really been an abiding citizen or a truly responsible motorist or pedestrian?

Let’s all have patience. Keep our heads cool. The problem that bridge project contributes is temporary, unlike that problem I’ve been fighting for years now.

•

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. A rose is not rose but only by its name when you don’t see it as something beautiful. But a beautiful rose no matter what the color, is sublime. This also applies to a woman.

Many, many years ago, I was so attracted to a woman that I was not able to control myself. But it was just an attraction just as one is attracted to a beautiful rose; just as women would be attracted to Adonis.

Well, I don’t want to go into details. She got married after a whirlwind romance, sealed their destiny with a solemn vow and the couple’s living happily somewhere no longer within my view.

But fate has a way of playing with our lives. I already had my dinner at home that evening when my cellphone rang. It was Ireneo Sia, inviting me to have dinner at Dynasty Court Restaurant. He was with a friend and insisted that I go join them. I obliged.

A group of people were at the next table. When I went out of the room to answer the call of nature, I looked at them and simply smiled which drew equal reciprocation from a few of them. But when I got back––wow!––I didn’t know how to describe what I felt when a lady from that table stood up to greet me. It was her. My lovely rose of yesteryears.

I never thought I would see her again. I may have forgotten all about her, but her face, still as exotic as she was years ago, brimming with youth. How can I forget a face like Ness?

If life is a tape recorder, it would surely be a wonderful thing to rewind and go back to those memorable days in the past. But time moves on, life moves on and we all move on, until by sheer accident or fate playing her game on us again, beautiful things happen. Sigh.

•

I’m glad that I don’t live in Manila. I’m glad that we don’t, on second thought, we do have people like Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. here in Cagayan de Oro. But Abante is worse. He wanted the House to investigate MTRCB and its chair, Consoliza Laguardia, for failing to "protect the public from films that erode morality." He was referring to the, hmmm, Da Vinci Code.

Manila, of Manila! What beautiful names has thou gained in the name of morality? I remember one, Sin City. Wait, wait, wait, there’s another: Kidnap Capital of Asia. Nah, there’s more. I am not going to say further.

Abante is a no kid next door who doesn’t know what’s going on around him or in the city of Manilahhh!

Poor Manilans, deprived of the right to watch a movie like Da Vinci Code. What the film could do to anyone is just a "kaspa" compared to prostitution, drugs, kidnapping and all sorts of immorality and crimes happening in Manila.

Hypocrites!

It's all about faith

By Ben Contreras / May 22, 2006

THE long wait is finally over. Not that I wanted to watch it in a moviehouse because I could always wait for the DVD copies, but because my brother, my sister-in-law and her sisters and a nephew wanted to see it last Sunday.

We entered the moviehouse with not so much people inside. The eerie silence gave me the creeps considering the publicity and media hype it drew before. But before long, the audience grew larger and larger. By the time it was over, I dare say the moviehouse was just about full. A few managed to applaud amid the great silence of the majority.

On our way down the escalator, I met my son with his friends. My daughter was with her classmates. Both were going to watch the movie also.

Well, that’s The Da Vinci Code, the movie that some members of the Church tried to stop, some government officials wanted banned and some citizens admonished to ignore.

It could have gone the way James Bond movies did––entertaining, suspenseful, truly thrilling but fiction just the same.

I asked my sister-in-law’s sister how she felt about it. Nothing, it’s just a movie, she said. Precisely, that would have been the reaction of anyone had it not been talked about so much that it unnecessarily earned the kind of publicity more than it deserves.

In the end, what is important is what you believe in. This line overshadows everything you see in it. If you believe in Jesus, then no amount of contradictions could sway you to believe otherwise. It’s really all about your faith.

For one who questions so much the divinity of Jesus, the movie should have strengthened my doubts. It didn’t. As such, my search for truth about Jesus continues. And like I said, I want to know what Jesus is not so that I could believe what Jesus is.

For those who have not seen it, take time to watch and simply enjoy it as, well... a movie. That’s it. Who knows, it might even strengthen your faith.

•

When it used to be only more than P5 something, vehicles are now charged P25 to enter an area where you could meet and fetch your passenger/s. Exorbitant? Maybe, but I was not complaining until someone did.

My attention was initially drawn to the fact that two tickets were given to me. A red one which is marked P15 and a yellow one marked P10.

Why two tickets for parking fee? Why, indeed when one would suffice?

Thank God I still have them in my car. Giving two tickets for a single purpose is suspicious. The red one is quite all right. It reads, ‘‘Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, VAT Reg. TIN 000-352-232-000, terminal Fee Ticket, Not Valid Unless Stamped On The Back Payee, Name of PMO and Date Issued.’’ This ticket bears the number SN AB No.07821966, all in red ink. The ticket had been stamped "Paid."

The yellow one is an ‘‘Official Cash Ticket.’’ I don’t know how to take that for. The ink used is yellow but the number is black and that aroused my curiosity. It’s not even stamped "Paid" like the red one. One thing in common though is that both tickets are not stamped as the ticket itself requires.

I am not insinuating anything. I just feel an explanation is in order here. The tickets will be safely kept in case someone would be need evidence in the future.

Nanding acts strange these days

By Ben Contreras / May 19, 2006

COUNCILOR Reynaldo Advincula seems to be acting rather strange these days. He should think and weigh matters well first before he opens his mouth. It was only very recently when he publicly admitted that he bought a pirated copy of the Da Vinci Code movie.

Of course, there’s no way he could have bought a copy of the movie since the said controversial film has not been released for viewing yet. What he was referring to must be the one shown on National Geographic channel and a documentary. Just the same, it was imprudent to admit publicly as a government official that he is patronizing illegal materials.

This time, Advincula blames the city council for lack of study in totally closing the Carmen Bridge. Advincula must have forgotten that the total closure of the bridge was upon the order of the city mayor and as such, it would be tantamount to blaming the mayor for the fiasco if it could be describe as one.

But then, why blame the city council or the mayor? The mayor did the right thing and he only had the best interest of the general public. Our traffic problem has been with us all the time. Would it really matter if the problem gets worse just because the bridge was totally closed? I don’t think so. The full force of RTA personnel is very visible doing the assign tasks. You see them scattered all over to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Please, let’s be patient. The mayor is doing everything to prevent matters from getting worse. Like I said, let’s do our part by being responsible and traffic abiding motorists.

***

According to one Feng Shui expert, the Year of the Dog is good for tying the knot. It must be, judging from the three weddings that occurred on the same day.

May 14, 2006, a very special day for Jordan Tiu and Sandy Gaisano, two young lovers destined for each others. I may not know Jordan personally, but the way his mother raised her kids, I can assure any one that Sandy’s future with Jordan would be a happy one.

Sandy has always been sweet looking, especially when she cracks a smile, the kind of smile that you see in his father’s face. It must be very painful for Steve to give the hand of her only daughter, but he could always take comfort that she would be in good hands.

It was also a very special day for Christopher Lui and Irene Anne Sia. Irene’s aunts and cousins insist that Irene looks like Kris Aquino. I would rather see her as the look alike of that actress in Jet Li’s movie, the Hero.

I never expected the hospitability of my classmate Leonardo Sia to be that warm. We were already checked in at the Century Hotel when he called up and insisted that we move to Castle Peak Hotel where he already made reservations for us and Tony Uy.

The wedding of his daughter was an opportunity to meet long time personal and family friends. Rosita Go flew from Hong Kong to witness the wedding. And there was William Yu and Leonardo’s sisters Tata and Chin Hua whom I have not seen in many, many years. My cousin Lim Keng Seng and his wife Jasmine were also there.

To make the long story short, many Cagayanons were there––from the side of the Lui family and the Sia family. Not surprising really because Leonardo is after all from Cagayan de Oro.

The wedding at Sacred Heart started on the dot. The reception was held at the Casino Espanol, a place exclusive for its members only.

Quinciano Lui, the proud father of KitKit made a surprising valedictory address and injected humor by saying that he was graduating from parenthood because KitKit is the last in the family to be married. Loloy has never been a good talker, but when he talks, he simply makes you laugh with his wit and humor.

The third couple to be married that day was Kenneth Tan and a lady from Cebu City.

Kenneth is a nephew of Macduffy Tan (Did I get your name right, bro?). His wedding followed Kit’s.

Well, for the newly wed young couple, your future is what you make it. Be faithful and be productive. God bless all of you.

Soon, a better, stronger and safer bridge

By Ben Contreras / May 16, 2006

I FULLY agree with the proposal of Mayor Dongkoy Emano to completely close the Carmen Bridge if it would be hasten the completion of the project. I believe it would. There should be no problem with the contractor also, presuming that all materials and equipment are available.

Whether we like or not, traffic at the Marcos Bridge has always been heavy and it gets worse during peak hours. The partial closure of Carmen Bridge may have contributed to the problem, but we all know that it’s just temporary in nature. Besides, RTA personnel are doing their best. Their presence in full force helps in averting the worse you can think of. If we motorists cooperate by observing road courtesy, everything would be negligible.

The fruit of our sacrifices would be a better bridge, stronger and safer. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?

***

The Traffic Management Group (TMG) should not only ask the city government to get rid of the vendors near the Carmen Bridge--all vendors should stir clear from all sidewalks and streets.

Look around. You see a sign that says “No Parking” and yet vendors are allowed not only to hawk their wares but also to build permanent structures as if they have a permanent lease on the areas.

The number of vehicles in the city is growing faster than the number of streets being opened for public use. Vendors are competing with vehicles in the use of our streets which is wrong. The city government should address this seriously and must endeavor to find a place for then, relocate them in a place that won’t disturb the smooth flow of traffic.

Yes, it may be a political move but it is the right move.

***

Someone heard over the radio that Dongkoy is endorsing the candidacies of prominent businessmen for the coming 2007 elections. The name of Albino Limketkai was said to have been mentioned. What about Mr. See Hong and Mr. Stephen Gaisano, mayor? Oh, I almost forgot Mr. Dodong Uy of UKC.

But, of course, Dongkoy was just joking. These people will never enter politics. They are Dongkoy’s financiers, allegedly in his junkets to foreign lands. But Elpie Paras is different. We have seen Elpie build an empire through sheer guts, hard work and perseverance.

I don’t mind if Elpie will be with Emano’s camp. I will choose my candidates beyond party lines. I do hope Nagkahiusang Kagayanon ’07 led by Roger Abaday would really be able to come up with new faces and young blood to face off with Emano’s chosen.

***

Joel Rocat is one businessman from Lapasan who has had a bad experience with our RTA. After shopping at Gaisano Mall, he was having a difficult time passing through Corrales Extension towards Recto Avenue. Why? It’s because motorelas are blocking the way even when there's a green light. He was looking for an RTA aide, but not one could be found. When he finally made it through, five to six RTA men were at the shade chatting.

Dear traffic czar Ramon Tabor, puede ba nimo mahangyo si Steve Gaisano nga sarhan na lang ang pedestrian lane ilalum sa ilang skyway? Let’s again try what Engr. Valerio did before. His men gave me the feedback that it worked quite well. Please, Bro. Kada agi nako diha, pirme lang ta saputon.

Seriously speaking, RTA should really give it a try again.

***

Ahahah, who is that motorcycle-riding policeman with a cowboy-like hat crossing the Marcos Bridge without a helmet--I mean not carrying one? And why is it that police car allowed to make a left turn from Velez St. to Abejuela St.? I am sure it’s a no-left-turn there.

Conscience

By Ben Contreras / April 6, 2006

TWO things hit me the other day like exploding bombs. One was written by Inquirer columnist Isagani Cruz which dealt on how people die not of their ailments but for non-affordability of medicines. The other is the news in this paper that eight schools (two universities and six private schools) are seeking increase in their tuition.

Mr. Cruz cited one particular vital drug that is more than 600 percent more expensive compared to those manufactured in three other Asian countries.

I believe there are many drugs that are a lot more expensive compared to that of other countries. The reasons behind are not unknown to our government, but our leaders seem inutile about it. In fact, this has been used by politicians to advance their image by promising to do something to make drugs more affordable to every Juan de la Cruz.

How many people died and are waiting to die because they can’t afford the medicines prescribed by their doctors? How many seek alternative medicines because if they don’t, it’s going to drain their finances dry with no guarantee of getting well? How many just take their own lives to spare their love ones of the possible financial troubles?

I remember one kumpare of mine who told his wife that in case of emergency, never attempt to save him otherwise "iutong na lang kuno niya." One day, it did happen. On the way to the hospital, he held his breath and died inside the vehicle that was to bring him to salvation.

You think these drug companies have no conscience at all? That’s not for anyone to judge because these companies have to recover the huge amount they spent for doctors and hospitals. You think doctors and hospitals have no conscience? You can’t judge them either because to become a doctor now a day, one needs to invest a fortune to become one while hospital investment involves hundred of millions.

Maybe, if our government reduces drastically the taxes that contributed to the cost and the drug companies stop giving free plane tickets and free hotel accommodations to doctors, medicines would be more affordable to the poor. People won’t have to die unnecessarily.

To our schools and universities, I have no intention to prick your conscience. You know children need education. Parents, no matter how poor, always strive to send their kids to school at all cost, and that includes resorting to criminal acts like stealing that sometimes led to murder. Some sell their bodies if not their souls just to be able to pay their tuition.

I am not questioning your right to make money or even your dreams to become extraordinarily big. But making your tuition beyond an ordinary person’s capability would deprive one of education. A person deprived of education would likely become a liability in our society.

Please defer your petition for a tuition hike.

***

I was visiting a customer in Carmen when she told me that our police and RTA are again actively apprehending motorcycle riders not wearing helmets. Oh, really? But when I drove around Carmen market, I saw one rider talking with two men in green uniform and he sure didn’t have a helmet with him at that moment. Why wasn’t he arrested?

That same evening while waiting for the green light at the intersection, several riders were without helmets. Traffic enforcers did not only ignore them, but one chose to apprehend a passenger jeepney. Earlier that morning, a man in blue uniform also drove without a helmet on.

Like I said, there really must be a respite even for our city ordinances and that includes the anti-jaywalking ordinance which Councilor Nacaya wanted to revive.

Ladies and gentlemen of the city council and police and RTA, this helmet law is a joke. Helmets are meant to protect the head and not just to be dangled or placed at the back of the motorcycle. You can’t implement the law, right? So you might as well abolish it. After all, its weight is taking a toll on my neck.