Proposed revenue code still at committee level

COUNCILOR Ruben Capahi denied rumors that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will pass the proposed Revenue Code before year-end, saying the measure is still at the committee level. The Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Orcham) expressed concern the SP might expedite the passage of the ordinance.

The group is against the increase in business taxes introduced by the proposed ordinance. It pressured the SP to indefinitely suspend the Revenue Code’s passage during a public hearing in Dec. 22-23 last year. However, Orcham received information that the SP is set to pass the measure on second reading.

Orcham’s basis is the preliminary statement of a leaked draft ordinance. It states that the Code was thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon during the two-day public hearing last December and is thus ready to be passed. Orcham VP Iñigo Larrabal said at the forum last Nov. 26 that they were made to believe the SP will conduct roundtable discussions with business sectors that will be affected by the tax increases. These discussions were never held.
 

But Councilor Capahi in an interview denied making such a statement. He clarified that the SP will make more consultations on three contentious items for further clarification namely water service fees, real property taxes and fees for the usage of the Superdome.
 

And since other items have been discussed already, those to be approved in the proposed ordinance are business taxes, regulatory fees and other revenue measures. Capahi said prolonged discussions on these items will be redundant considering these have been taken up already.

He cites an example provisions in the Building Permit and Miscellaneous Fees which was only lifted from the Building Code and as such, no longer needs revisiting in a public hearing. He also denied that the SP has already calendared the proposed ordinance on 2nd reading, saying the measure is still at the Committee on Ways and Means which he chairs. by Felix N. Codilla III

(WLWE issue of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2011)

Seafaring coed clinches Miss OCIT 2011 crown

Ms. OCIT 2011 Jhanica Shaira Mae Sescon is joined on stage by Mayors Eric Codilla and Joy Roble; Jingjing Maglasang-Codilla, chairperson of the Board of Judges; OCIT Treasurer Cristina J. Salcedo; as well as 1st and 2nd runners-up Jessa Guada D. Fernandez and Virginia Joanna R. Losorata.

ORMOC City Institute of Technology’s (OCIT) annual beauty search once again rocked the Superdome last Nov. 26 wherein 10 lovely candidates vied for the coveted crown. As in the search in previous years, proceeds from this year’s pageant will go to charity, particularly for building a chapel at Lingap Center.

OCIT put up an entertaining show from the candidates’ opening dance number to the performances of guest ABS-CBN teen stars Daniel Padilla and Neil “Nicos” Culeta. There were also fire dancers and standup comedians from Cebu. The stage was also beautifully designed with a boat replica as the centerpiece to describe OCIT as Ormoc’s premier seafaring school.
 

The candidates were judged based on the following criteria: production number, 15%; swimwear, 25%; evening gown, 25%; and question and answer, 35%. The mayor’s wife Jingjing Maglasang-Codilla served as the chairman of the board of judges which consisted of Hilongos Mayor Joy Roble, City Administrator Dr. Dennis S. Capuyan, Education Department Asst. Division Supt. Dr. Marissa Magan, Globelines Territory Manager Bremegilda Restauro-Yoo, LMS Travel & Tours Proprietor Jens Uwi Kruska and Mr. Ormoc 2011 Patrick Grand Kierulf.

The crown eventually went to Jhanica Shaira Mae Sescon who also took home the major awards best in swimwear, evening gown, production number and talent. She also won one semester scholarship with free board and lodge at the dormitory, a cellphone unit from OCIT VP Cristobal Mendola, a roundtrip ticket for one from Supercat and another roundtrip ticket to Cebu for one from Cebu Ferries.

Jessa Guada D. Fernandez and Virginia Joanna R. Losorata, 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively, got 45% discount on tuition for one semester. Minor awards were also distributed namely Mis. Human Nature, Ms. Globe, and Ms. HBC. by JCorregidor

(WLWE issue of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2011)

ACLC-Ormoc reaches PCCL Sweet 16 level

ORMOC’S attempt to go past the Sweet 16 phase of the Philippine Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) was foiled when Southwestern University (SWU) defeated ACLC College-Ormoc last Nov. 29 at the Superdome. ACLC’s home court advantage was of no use to the Cebuanos’ superb shooting prowess.

ACLC is a consistent mother league champion of PCCL but this is the first time it reached the regional level after defeating Western Negros University during the zonals the previous day. It was a close fight throughout the game highlighted by a 62 deadlock at the 4th quarter but the Titans prevailed over the Mustangs 71-69.
 

But during the step ladder to the final four, ACLC wasn’t able to stop Bonifacio Guillena Jr.’s successive three-pointers, in contrast to the Titans’ missed attempts at the basket including the free shots. The Ormocanons were obviously intimidated by their rivals' height as well as the 250-member cheering squad and band which SWU brought all the way from Cebu. The result was a 17-point deficit on the first quarter at 9-26. ACLC never recovered as SWU’s lead widened to 30 points. Final score was 90-61 in favor of SWU.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian College became the Luzon-Metro Manila bracket overall champion after it defeated San Juan de Letran last Nov. 30 also at the Superdome. The game belonged to the Golden Stags from the beginning thanks to Calvin Abueva’s outstanding performance including two slam dunks.

The Knights suffered some setbacks when Raymond Almasan suffered an elbow injury but was still made to play. Hope shined for Letran with a series of deadlocks at the last quarter. But the lucky break didn’t last when Almasan was fouled out and San Sebastian led seven points 83-76.
(WLWE issue of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2011)