Leyeco V told to trim P1B proposed Capex

THE National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (Nasecore) is not entirely against the capital expenditures (Capex) applied for by Leyte-V Electric Cooperative (Leyeco V). Its objective rather, is to reduce the Capex funds sought by Leyeco V.
 

This was bared by Nasecore Regional Coordinator Rodolfo F. Celestial in a power forum last Nov. 26. He is referring to the P1,045,162,099.91 Capex being applied by Leyeco V before the Energy Regulatory Commission to finance its five-year Distribution Development Plan (DDP).
 

The catch is that Leyeco V will raise the Members’ Contribution for Capital Expenditures charge by 7719¢/kWh, from 2904¢/kWh to P1.0623/kWh. “It might not be very much but you must bear in mind that an ordinary household consumes at least a thousand kWh in a month,” Celestial said.
 

He doesn’t see the logic of applying for a Capex for its DDP when Leyeco V has an annual reinvestment fund (RF) representing 5% of its gross revenue. From 2004 to ’09, Leyeco V had P172,146,136.84 RF. He was also informed that Leyeco V didn’t spend its RF from 2004 to ’06 totaling P75,171,658.29 and there was only minimal expense for ’07.
 

“They’ve been collecting from us but they didn’t spend the money. I don’t know where they put that money,” Celestial said. But a Leyeco V source said the RF is meant for System Rehab/Upgrading and/or System Loss Reduction Plan and can’t be spent for DDP.
“What we’re saying here is this: you’re asking for P1 billion; can you please tell us what you did with what we gave you before?” Celestial said, adding that he agrees some of the items in the DDP are actually needed. “We need some of it. But prove to us that you judiciously spent your budget before.”
 

He also said that the DDP items should follow the three criteria for expenses of utilities set by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. These are: 1) it must be needed; 2) must be recurring; and 3) must redound to consumers’ interest. He warned against items in the DDP especially non-network projects worth P136,728,847.37 that have nothing to do with delivering electricity.
 

Included here is a 5,000 capacity covered court worth P3 million. Celestial bets the amount isn’t enough and Leyeco V will still need more money to finish the structure. With their own covered court, Institutional Service Department Manager Maximo Torcende said Leyeco V doesn’t have to rent a venue for its annual general assembly.

Energy Regulatory Board conducted a hearing last Nov. 9 but was suspended by Commissioner Alfredo J. Non who ordered Leyeco V to hold a consumers’ orientation first on Dec. 2 so that questions on the next hearing will be limited solely on the Capex application.
 

“Our presence in the hearing was not necessarily to go against their proposal which is to improve Leyeco V, but to find out if they can be trusted to spend the money that they’re asking for or if we can do something to reduce that,” Celestial said. by Felix N. Codilla III

(WLWE issue of Nov. 21-27, 2011)

Search on jail inmates yields prohibited items

A TWO-hour search at the city jail suggested possible use of illegal substance by the detainees as authorities seized numerous prohibited items including drug paraphernalia. The search was conducted by a six-man team from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) last Nov. 22.

Using a greyhound canine, the team led by Intelligence Officer 1 Ryan Calindo yielded a foil and 24 pieces of lighters that could be used for taking shabu. They also recovered spoons, razorblades, shavers, concrete nails and glass shards that can be utilized as weapons.
 

OIC Jail Warden SJO1 Felix Carcellar said razorblades are lent to inmates during shaving time and should be returned to jail personnel afterwards. Also confiscated are an improvised tattoo machine, cellphone chargers and sim packs, and playing cards that inmates are prohibited from possessing.
 

The search is in compliance with a Memorandum of Understanding entered into between Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Chief Rosendo M. Dial and DEA Dir. Gen. Jose S. Gutierrez which calls for a random inspection in jails nationwide.

DEA Communications and Equipment Operator Raffy Hermo said the inspection in Region 8 began last August at the lockup cells of Tacloban Police Office, and Palo and Tanauan municipal jails, Baybay sub-provincial jail, and the city jails of Calbayog and Maasin. All the mentioned cells turned out negative of prohibited items. This means they found prohibited items only at Ormoc City jail.

But the warden defended his facility, saying the confiscated items were not necessarily used for illegal activities but for their Inmates Welfare Development Program. As chairman of the Inmates Disciplinary Board, SJO1 Carcellar confirmed that the foil is used for lantern-making.
No inmates have been observed to be under the influence of drugs, SJO1 Carcellar said, adding that cigarette-smoking is being eradicated gradually. The 60-capacity jail is currently congested with 239 detainees including nine females. by Elvie Roman-Roa

(WLWE issue of Nov. 21-27, 2011)

Lucy grabs credit anew, this time on port project

A TARPAULIN of the congresswoman announcing the expansion of the Ormoc pier was removed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), according to a reliable source at the PPA who asked anonymity so as not to earn the ire of the lady solon.

The source said Lito Cotiangco of the congressional office informed them they will hang a tarpaulin at the port. The Port Management Office (PMO) was apprehensive to grant the request considering the controversy surrounding Senate Bill No. 1967 or the Anti-Epal Bill which seeks to illegalize billboards bearing politicians’ names and faces.

The PMO thus asked Cotiangco to first show them the wordings of the tarpaulin. But instead of heeding the instruction, port workers were surprised to see two tarpaulins on the front and side of the coast guard station facing the parking lot of the terminals for fast crafts.

Coast guard personnel said the tarpaulins were hung on the afternoon of Nov. 17. The tarpaulins bear the signature face of the congresswoman announcing the project made “through the efforts of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez.” Early the next morning, the PPA removed the tarpaulins.

Mayor Eric C. Codilla, upon learning of the incident, said it is deceiving for the congresswoman to claim credit for the project being a national undertaking. He added that the PPA had informed him of the project long before Rep. Gomez was elected and he even lobbied that the deep harbor in Ipil be developed instead.

 World class port
The project, which will run to more than P200 million, entails the expansion of the existing port sideward facing the public market by reclaiming almost one hectare of the sea. On that huge tract of reclaimed land will rise a transit shed, two roll-on and roll-off (roro) ramps and wharf for motorized boats.

The wharf which currently sits in front of Bldg. A of the market will be relocated near the fish/wet section. The fast craft pier will have to be lengthened because of the reclamation. Over at the existing port, a three-storey PPA operation building will rise and a weight bridge will be installed.

Meanwhile, the separate terminals of Supercat and Weesam Express will be merged into a P36 million mega terminal that can accommodate 650 people. It will be equipped with x-ray scanners and walk-through detector while an information technology room, mother and child center, and playroom will be added to existing amenities like comfort rooms, souvenir shop and canteen.

Ormoc PMO Manager Atty. Glenn G. Cabañez said the project will start as soon as funds are available and will be finished between six months and one year. The port expansion is long overdue considering the increasing traffic on passengers, cargo, container and roro, he said.

During a meeting between PMO and city officials last Nov. 11, Mayor Codilla ordered the councilors to pass a resolution interposing no objection to the project as soon as PPA improves its proposed port zone delineation. PPA will have authority to manage and operate the area to be delineated. Atty. Cabañez assured that they will incorporate in their proposal that there will be no expansion at the coast of the plaza so as not to disrupt the bay and sunset views. by Jun Tarroza
(WLWE issue of Nov. 14-20, 2011)

Some Ormocanons are wondering why a billboard announcing the P130 million port expansion project hangs outside the congressional office instead of the port area. The billboard was actually posted at the port to stress Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez's insistence that the project should be credited to her. But the PPA itself took down the billboard which in effect belies her claim, leaving the congressional staff with no other recourse but to move the announcement in their territory where the PPA cannot touch it.

Beboy orders P3M dev’t of cave

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla directed the release of P3 million for Kan Idon Cave in the mountain barangay of Nueva Sociedad. The mayor gave the directive to Councilor Lea Doris Capuyan-Villar who chairs the committee on tourism, during their inspection of the cave last Nov. 12.

Barangay Secretary Cesario Estrera explained that the cave was discovered in the ‘70s when the village was known as Sitio Pikoy back then. The cave was named after a native of that place who used to visit it. It is located half a kilometer away from the main road and can be reached by hiking.

The P3 million will be utilized to construct a steel spiral stairway underground, install lighting inside the cave, and to procure boots and flashlights. At present, there is a slippery bamboo staircase leading underground. Tourists will enjoy seeing stalactites and stalgmites that were formed for thousands of years inside the cave.
 

Mayor Codilla also instructed to include the cave in the tourist package being cooked by Villar. To generate income, Barangay Captain Mario Pasaol said they will pass an ordinance charging entrance fees to the cave as follows: P20 for locals, P30 for those from outside Nueva and P100 for tourists outside Ormoc.
(WLWE issue of Nov. 14-20, 2011)

Editorial: Epal king & queen

AS a neophyte lawmaker, we thought Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez would bring in a dash of decency in politics. We recall how husband Richard boasted that voters had a choice not just of the lesser evil but an “angel” in the person of his wife. So it would have been expected that Lucy would be above the maneuverings employed by trapos (traditional politicians).

We thought wrong. As it turns out, our congresswoman knows a few tricks she is willing to use on the people she has sworn to serve. Topping the list is using billboards that are liberally hung all over the district and painting her name on schoolhouses for the sole purpose of promoting herself.
 

The practice may seem harmless on the surface, but the underlying purpose is far from being noble. How many times have we been annoyed by pictures and names of politicians painted everywhere like overpasses, vehicles, public buildings, etc., declaring that such facility is made possible through the efforts of honorable so and so?
 

In urban barangays like in Quezon City, tarpaulins and streamers are scattered everywhere, hanging on posts, trees, streetlamps and even telephone wires – bearing greetings from a certain barangay official, announcing a free dental checkup courtesy of a councilor, or just about any announcement that would merit the posting of the names and faces of the congressman, mayor, vice mayor, etc.

The tarps are so many that those have become not just eyesores but an assault to the visual sense of the people. It is that culture of shameless self-publicity which the Gomezes are bringing here. Instead of serving as example, the couple is leading the way for other local politicians to follow until our public places are filled with tarps even during off election season.

We dare call it shameless being what it really is. A regular tarp announces a politician’s project but most of Lucy’s tarps lined on our highways bear only her face and name with no mention of any undertaking. Schoolhouses she didn’t even build are painted with her name on it.

Even DepEd test papers are not spared (which is a first; something we have never seen before), as if to condition the minds of pupils that the practice is okay. Only a year and a half in her position and Lucy is showing creativity in trapo tactics. Just imagine how far she’ll go in the coming years. Question is, would it be for the people’s benefit or her own interest and of her family’s?
 

So far we can’t see how her tarps are serving her constituents. What they are are needless expenses meant to cover the Gomezes’ failure to fulfill most of their electoral promises especially in the municipalities. They need to put tarps beside projects of national government agencies to trick the masses into thinking those are initiated by the congresswoman.
 

In other words, Lucy’s tarps embody deception and dirty politics that do not complement her “clean” image. The first time people reacted to the tarps, the congressional office responded by placing even more of such materials as if to mock the Ormocanons. The tarps have become nuisances that distract motorists and obstruct sidewalks.
 

The continued presence of the congresswoman’s tarps are a reflection of her insensitivity to public sentiment. As the only media outlet with balls to point out this wrongdoing, we don’t expect her to take any of our advice. But she’s supposed to listen to the President himself considering how her lapdog newspaper rhapsodizes on how she follows the straight path of President Noynoy Aquino. So why not follow the President’s dislike for political tarps?

(WLWE issue of Nov. 14-20, 2011)

4th Dist. constituents welcome Anti-Epal Bill

PEOPLE of Kananga and Palompon towns generally welcome Senate Bill No. 1967, commonly known as the “Anti-Epal Bill” as indicated by the positive response from interviews by this author. The bill, entitled “An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project,” is introduced by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

It aims to illegalize the placing of billboards and signages bearing politicians’ names and faces on public works projects. “Epal” is a Filipino slang for “mapapel” which Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros describes as “people who are constantly in dire need of attention.”
 

Judith Merriam Fontanoza, tourism officer designate of Kananga town describes as “shameless” politicians who are fond of displaying their names and faces. “Nganong dili man sab sila mauwaw?” she said, referring to the tarpaulins bearing the faces of the congresswoman and her brother scattered all over town.

Another municipal employee, Ricardo, 28 of Brgy. Montebello believes that the bill’s approval should be fast-tracked to remove what he termed as “eyesores.” He cited an example the name of the congresswoman painted on schoolhouses as if laying claim on those buildings even if she didn’t build them.

Barangay Captain Noel Gomez believes that strict enforcement should be observed once the bill is approved. He also couldn’t see the logic of writing the name of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez on schoolhouses’ walls.
 

Uldarico Navarro, 33, president of Mahawan Farmers Association in Kananga said politicians should set an example to their constituents. “Dili man sab maayo tan-awon nga malukop na lang sa nawong sa politiko ang mga karsada,” he commented.
 

Rustico Tapales, 40, owner of a shoe repair stall in Palompon town observes that the tarpaulins of Rep. Gomez are scattered at the Palompon-Isabel highway even if there are no project announcements. “Na, mapono na lang ang mga karsada og mga tarpaulin kung dili ni sila bawalan, magpatuyang lang!” he said.

Efren Naya, 36, an overseas Filipino worker of Ipil I, Palompon is convinced that the bill has more advantages than disadvantages considering the practice of putting up tarpaulins has been abused in Leyte 4th District. His father, former Barangay Captain Alfredo Nayra agrees, saying the practice is unnecessary. by Gerardo C. Reyes, Jr.

(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)

Leyeco V plans to borrow P945M

LEYTE-V Electric Cooperative Inc. (LeyecoV ) plans to borrow most of its required P1.14 billion capital expenditure (Capex) to finance its five-year Distribution Development Plan (DDP). This was learned at the hearing of Leyeco V’s application for the approval of its Capex and DDP on Nov. 9.

Leyeco V Finance Services Department Manager Jannie Ann J. Dayndayan explained that internally-generated funds will not be enough to cover its DDP. They expect to raise only P198,615,950.92 from the Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures in the 2011-15 period.
 

This represents only 17.35% of the needed P1,144,391,024.98 needed for the DDP. Leyeco V thus intends to raise the rest of the P945,775,074.06 by borrowing from National Electrification Administration (9% p.a. interest), Rural Electrification Finance Corp. (9%) and banks (10%). The loans from these institutions are payable for five years.
 

Meanwhile, Energy Regulatory Commissioner Alfredo J. Non who presided over the hearing cut the proceeding short after intervener Pete Ilagan, president of National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, kept asking technical questions from Leyeco V.
 

Non decided that Leyeco V first conduct a consumers’ orientation to answer Ilagan’s queries so that the clarificatory questions on the next hearing will be limited only to those involving the Capex and DDP. Leyeco V has scheduled the orientation on Dec. 2. by Felix N. Codilla III

(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)

Concreting project in Springfield

The 100-meter road concreting in Springfield, San Isidro, this city is just one of the countless projects of Mayor Eric C. Codilla’s administration.

PROJECTS by the administration of Mayor Eric C. Codilla continue to pour in barangays. One of the communities that benefited from these projects is Purok Springfield in San Isidro where a 100-meter road concreting began on Sept. 29 and is expected to be completed within 45 days.

The project is located particularly in Pepito St., named after former Barangay Captain Isidro Pepito who donated the land for the road. Project cost is P750,000. Incumbent Barangay Captain Carlito P. Hermosilla said a phase 2 is now being prepared which will extend the concreting to 200 meters more. The project will benefit 16 households that are thankful no

w that their street will not be muddy when it rains. by Jun Colo
(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)

Ombudsman dismisses graft charge against CSWDO chief

CSWDO Chief Marietta S. Legaspi

THE Ombudsman dismissed the graft case filed against City Social Welfare and Development Officer Marietta S. Legaspi. Aside from violating RA 9013 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Legaspi was also charged with violating Art. 286 of the Revised Penal Code or grave coercion.

The case was filed by American national Daryl Eugene Tillman whose residence was raided on June 10, 2010 for harboring three minor-aged sisters who worked for him as housemaids in the absence of their parents. The eldest among the girls was aged 16 that time.
 

Tillman alleged that Legaspi and 30 personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) barged into his house and forcibly opened his safety deposit box and took away his cal.45 pistol which was the basis for the grave coercion charge. He also accused her of extorting P150,000 from him.
 

Tillman alleged that the amount was to facilitate his immediate release and will be divided between Legaspi, the CIDG and the prosecutor who will get P50,000 each. But the Ombudsman did not give credence to his claims and gave more weight to the testimony of Barangay Captain Emmanuel Quilantang that the search warrant was implemented in accordance with law.
 

Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Mona Chica Cabanes-Gillamac thus recommended the case’s dismissal for lack of probable cause which was approved by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio and Asst. Ombudsman Virginia Palanca-Santiago.
 

Legaspi applauded the decision and thanked non-lawyer Fidel D. Banzon, member of the People’s Law Enforcement Board, who prepared her counter-affidavit based on the documents she submitted. Tillman is married to a Filipina from Cagayan de Oro and holds a Philippine permanent resident visa. by Elvie Roa

(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)

Ex-city jail inmate turns a new leaf

LIKE most other facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, drug-related crimes top the offenses committed by detainees of Ormoc City Jail. As of Nov. 4 this year, 25.85% of jail occupants are charged with violation of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act, three of them women.
 

They are followed by murderers, 16.95% which includes one female; other non-index crimes, 17.8%; rape, 13.98%; theft including two women, 13.68%; robbery, 10.59%; then homicide, 9.75% (see table above). But Jail Warden CInsp. Joseph Y. Nuñez said they have a transformation program that helps inmates change their ways.

One of the products of this program is 51-year-old Danny Du who was acquitted after four years of detention at city jail for drugs. He was nabbed with eight other suspects when the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) headed by Supt. Neil Montaño raided his house in 2008.
 

Du was charged for violation of RA 9165 sec. 6, 11 and 12 while his co-accused walked off with a lighter charge of violating section 7 which is just visiting his residence. Last Oct. 26, Judge Apolinario Buaya acquitted him after the DEA failed to establish that his house was a drug den.
 

But Du doesn’t blame anyone for what happened to him as he admitted being a drug user. Thanks to the jail’s transformation program though, he was able to see the light. Inside the jail, he formed a choir and spearheaded activities like religious appointments and sports, and did emceeing jobs. His health also improved.
 

If there is one regret he has, it is the foreclosure of their house in Mabini St., Dist. 23 which was raided. His brother, the sole heir of their parents, used their house as a loan collateral and he didn’t know it was foreclosed. He plans to continue serving God in a church in Capoocan town where he lives. Being gay, he doesn’t plan to get married.
(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)

Man steals motorcycle, shoots owner in Alegria

A SUSPECTED carnapper shot the owner of the motorcycle he allegedly stole on Nov. 11. Surviving a gunshot is Florencio Gonzales, married of Alegria, this city while the suspect is neighbor Alfred Cris “Alcris” Batista. The problem began on Oct. 8 when the victim lost his motorcycle parked in his garage.

After one month of trying to find his vehicle, Gonzales received a tip that Batista sold his motorcycle in Baybay City. Accompanied by a friend, he went to the buyer identified as Entero Castañares of San Agustin in Baybay on Nov. 10. Castañares admitted buying the motorcycle for only P5,000 but re-sold it to another buyer because he needed money.
 

The next day, Florencio went back to Castañares, this time accompanied by two officers of Precinct 3. This time however, Castañares denied knowledge of what the complainant was talking about despite warning from the accompanying policemen he might be charged for violating the anti-fencing law.
 

For failing to recover his motorcycle, Gonzales decided to file carnapping charges against Batista. When he learned about this, the suspect warned the complainant through a text to watch his back. That night, the suspect went to Gonzales and shot him. Luckily, the bullet merely scratched his chest and now the suspect is also facing a case of frustrated homicide. by Dong Arañez

(WLWE issue of Nov. 7-13, 2011)