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The Office of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is supposed to be a fat cow. In government lingo, it is a source of huge funds. With the billions and extensive resources at his disposal, the head of the agency is supposed to be one lucky guy.
But I doubt if Defense Secretary and NDCC chair Gilbert Teodoro feels lucky as he faces the victims of typhoon Ondoy. And yes, Pepeng too.
Just as the floodwater is neck high, Teodoro’s heap of blame also goes neck high.
For a presidentiable, I doubt if this situation is a boost to his candidacy.
* * *
If he got zero in performance for Ondoy, watch his ratings dip further when super typhoon Pepeng lashes additional destruction and mayhem.
If he expects votes next year from the typhoon victims, then I say he must be crazy.
* * *
Urban planner and world-renowned architech Felino Palafox said the recent disaster was not an act of God but a sin of omission of the government and private real estate developers.
Ouch for Teodoro.
Another ouch for Manny Villar.
Palafox said in 1977, the World Bank sponsored an urban guide for Metro Manila entitled Metro Manila Transport, Land Use and Development Planning Project.
The study, Palafox said, had already noted the possibility of heavy flooding in at least 3 sites of urban growth in the Philippine capital—the Marikina Valley and its northern and southern parts.
But government did nothing.
The heavy flooding in the areas identified in the study did not surprise Palafox anymore.
* * *
Gilbert Teodoro will have to inherit this sin.
Not only because he vows to continue with the policies of the present leadership, Teodoro also happens to head the NDCC which is primarily concerned with disaster preparedness.
The NDCC, simply said, is not prepared to deal with disasters.
Teodoro will have to answer for that.
* * *
There is no more question anymore about the power struggle for the Lakas chairmanship in Bohol.
Governor Erico Aumentado said last Friday for as long as nobody is appointed as chair of Lakas-Bohol, then he continues to wield the Lakas baton for Bohol. He is both the provincial and regional chair of Lakas-CMD-Kampi.
His way of saying “don’t count me out yet.” This also indicates an intention to stay on as provincial chair of Lakas-Bohol. Demalas ang maligsan, he, he, he..
Congressman Edgar Chatto says on the issue of chairmanship, he abides by the Lakas’ rules. He agrees that the issue of chairmanship of Lakas is vital because the one appointed as chairman will also be the party bet for governor. Is there such a rule in Lakas? The good congressman is not saying.
Former Congressman Boy Jala said it is common knowledge that the chairman of the party is also the candidate for governor. Since the governor is no longer running for governorship, then it is only proper that there should be a revamp of Lakas chairmanship.
Ha, ha, ha, I don’t think the Gov agrees with Boy Jala.
Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera said if there is a revamp of the chairmanship of Lakas, then it is only proper that the vice chair of the party will succeed. Since he is the second highest ranking official of the province, then he deserves the chairmanship.
* * *
It is understandable that the chairmanship of the party is a hot issue.
Party funds go to the chair, that’s one. He gets to divide and distribute the funds in his possession. So much power that way.
Second, the party chair gets to endorse the official bets. Another power factor.
And third, the party chair takes charge of party activities. He takes control of the schedule of party campaign.
And of course, the chair hosts the top bets of the party. He is seen with the bigwigs. Leaves nice impression to the voters too.
And finally, he also sets the tone of the local party. Any interview, any press release, the chair gives his okay.
As such, it is not surprising why the issue of chairmanship of Lakas-Bohol will generate the most heat.
* * *
The Gov also confirmed our story that the front runners for the governoratorial position – Cong. Chatto and Vice Gov. Herrera – are steadfast in their political plans.
It’s like – it’s the governor or nothing – for each one.
So what happens?
It’s possible that a toss-coin will break the impasse.
I have it in good authority that Herrera is amenable to a toss-coin. No word from Chatto if he agrees to a toss-coin.
Prospero Pichay has another proposal to break the impasse.
If Chatto is anointed, Herrera will run as congressman of the district.
If Herrera is anointed, Chatto’s wife Pureza will run for the position.
No word from both Herrera and Chatto if they are amenable to the proposal.
* * *
Late Thursday night, I got a call from Governor Aumentado.
He reminded me about the Gov’s Report the following day. He said he would be making an important announcement. I asked if we could still propound questions and he answered in the affirmative.
He told me to be present because he has a very important announcement to make.
When I asked and later insisted when he refused to tell me about it, the Guv told me it has something to do with his resignation as governor.
Goodness, what could have happened during his meeting with the President and Cong. Chatto that he was now talking of resignation, this was the question in my mind.
Saturday morning came and I was there in the People’s Mansion for that “very important announcement” of the Guv.
True enough, the Guv spoke about the topic of resignation as governor.
He said he would no longer resign, as he promised months back, because the President has committed to help jumpstart the Panglao Airport Project before his term ends.
He did not exactly say when – meaning which month – but he said the project will be bidded soon and after that, construction will finally start.
He also said MIAA boss Al Cusi is now accepting bets that the airport project in Panglao will really push through.
And the Guv went blah, blah, blah, blah in his Guv’s Report.
* * *
When asked when the airport project will really start, he answered that it would soon be bidded out and construction works would start after.
No date, no month, take note.
Unlike before, he said bidding would be done by September, a month after that and the construction works would start. Meaning, by October this year, works would already commence.
As we have already known, works have not been started yet on the airport project.
Now, there are only 2 months plus left before the year ends. By February next year, the campaign period starts and there will be a ban on government projects.
If the airport project now has the green light, as repeatedly promised by the Guv, then works should start this year or early next year.
Otherwise, its bye-bye Panglao Airport Project.
* * *
Is there a need for the Guv to resign?
Well, whether he likes it or not, his term ends on June 30, 2010.
By November 30 this year, the Guv will have to file his COC for a congressional seat in the 2nd district.
When he starts campaigning for the congressional seat, we shall have known by then if the airport project was a go.
Otherwise, there will be a heavy price to pay.
* * *
At least 11,000 people were “treated” by renowned priest Fr. Fernando Suarez last week at the K of C Lourdes Church.
For three days starting Tuesday, September 29, Fr. Suarez celebrated healing mass and administered a “healing session” thereafter.
It’s difficult to describe how things have happened but there was a common experience among those who attended.
A young Leukemia patient who was carried inside the church, together with his oxygen tank got “healed” and walked on his legs out of the church after tearfully embracing and thanking Fr. Suarez.
Several wheelchair-bound people, men or women, young and old, suddenly found the strength to walk on their own legs.
Back pains, chest pains, shoulder pains, leg pains and other body pains gone. There were some who were immobile for some time have become very mobile when Fr. Suarez prayed for them.
It’s a miracle, some were saying.
But Fr. Suarez said it was God who healed, he was only the instrument. And he admitted that his “talent” is for others because he could not heal himself.
That’s why he has with him some Advil for his headaches.
* * *
During “healing” time, it was not all serious stuff.
I saw him banging heads, heads of nuns included, I saw him slapping faces, slapping ears, pinching the nose or face, pressing the different parts of the body, pushing or pulling those who have been immobile for several years, striking the ears using his curled fingers and many other funny stuffs.
The “victims” didn’t seem to mind. It was probably his way of easing up on things so he could carry on the task for a long period of time.
Unlike Fr. Corsie before, Fr. Suarez was more “down to earth,” he was simple, very friendly and he was more “powerful.”
He likes to play Tennis and according to his opponent, he was a strong and powerful player.
He might be back because he said he likes the place and the hospitality as well.
Per agreement with Bishop Leonardo Medroso, half of the proceeds of the kolekta (3 masses in all) went to the Foundation headed by Fr. Suarez.
There in Monte Maria in Batangas stands the highest statue of Mama Mary, courtesy of Fr. Suarez.
There was also brisk sale of rosariohan and other religious stuff featuring Mama Mary. There were also CDs and other reading materials featuring Fr. Suarez. That took care of the monetary side, I suppose.
More when we return, stay tuned for more.

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