Bukal sa Aplaya, Bauan, aangkinin ng Aquadata?

Pahirap ang dinastiyang Dolor (na suportado ni Abu) sa bayan ng Bauan. (Hindi pa nga raw tumutugtog ang kanyang tiyuhing si Dolor, SUMASAYAW na si ABU, tuma-tumbling pa!).

Matapos ibenta nang walang malaman o mapagbatayan kung may kinita ba o wala ang munisipyo, ang serbisyo ng patubig ay monopolyado ngayon ng isang kumpanya, ang Aquadata (sino kaya ang tunay na may-ari nito?).

Mula nang mag-take over ang nsabing kumpanya sa serbisyo ng tubig sa Bauan, lumundag ng mula 100-200% ang singil nito sa tubig. Kaawa-awa ang mga retirado na datihang nakakayanan pa ang P500 buwanang bayarin na ngayon ay umaabot na sa P3,000. May mga napaulat pa na mabilis na takbo ng metro dahil maski solong consumer, lumalagpas sa minimum consumption na 10 kubiko metro kada buwan (ano yun araw-araw isang drum ang paligo at 100 litro ang iniinom?)

Marami ang nagtataka - libre ang pinagkukunan o source o bukal ng tubig sa Bauan, walang kailangang mahal na bayaran sa Estado o pribado mang supplier, dahil sagana sa tabang na tubig ang ilalim ng kalupaan ng Bauan. Ngunit tila iginigisa sa sariling mantika ang mga taga-Bauan.

May ulat pa, na ang lugar ng may akda ng lahat ng pagdurusang ito na si Hermie Dolor (dolorosa o dusa sa Latin), sa barangay Aplaya, isang bukal ng tubig na halos 200 taon na pinakikinabangan ng mga taga Aplaya at karatig lugar, malamang na sakupin na rin ng Aquadata. Ito ang Tarcina, bantog sa kanyang napakasarap at sariwang inuming tubig, himalang maski malapit sa tabing dagat, ay nananatiling tabang at masarap sa panlasa na animo'y mineral water. Bagama't maaari ngang mineralized ito at nagtataglay ng mga mineral na lubhang kailangan sa kalusugan ng tao. Maski ito HINDI PATATAWARIN ng kasakiman.

Ito ang isa sa DUSA ng bayan ng Bauan sa ilalim ng Dinastiya. Kaylan ka magigising at lalaban BAYANG TUMATANGGING MAMATAY (the Town that Refuses to Die)? Huwag mong sabihing isang dating sarhento lamang ang LULUPIG SA IYO???

Giant Nani Perez vs Pawit-wit? - most interesting congressional race in Batangas City

The congressional race in the 5^th District (Batangas City) is very interesting, in a sense that a former political giant is running against neophytes and political nobodies.

Apologies as this will just be my initial observation because in fairness to other candidates, like Danilo Berberabe (DanBer), younger brother of the late Bokal Jun  Berberabe who I still have to research on; and my  declared   bias against the Dimacuha dynasty or any dynasty for that matter that I  do not wish to say more  against its son-in-law   Marvey Marino, at least   not yet; and respect for an old friendship with Philip Baroja who  is  unfortunately a  creation of the Dimacuha  dynasty  and apparently  a pawn  of a new  power play within the crumbling dynastic family;   my conversation in this blog would be   limited to drawing  a  parallelism  between  the  giant Nani  Perez  and the political  self-declared “pawit-wit”  or small  fry,  Carlito Bisa.  Sila din  laang naman   yata ang naglalaban  eh?

Pero kwidaw -   may  sakit   akong hindi mapigilang mag-ingay hehehe.

HERNANDO “NANI” PEREZ

Sir Nani (he was my law professor) has been good to me, in a sense that he mediated between me and Eduardo Dimacuha sometime in 1993 when I was still a cable TV journalist. I have always thought that he prevented EBD, his kumpare from harming me. My branch manager Ed and I were summoned by Jun Magsaysay, later Senator, who owns Batangas CATV (he actually pioneered the industry in the  country) in his Makati  headquarters, and told us to see Majority Floor  Leader Hernando Perez  at the House of Representatives.  We arrived there a little bit in the  evening and  were ushered to  a very big   office,  and listened  to  floor deliberations through piped-in monitor  (my  first time to  enter the Batasan). I think it was past 8pm when Ka Nani came to his office from the session hall and attended to us.

He  knew me because  it was not the first time  we were  seeing  each  other (a few weeks or months  earlier, his staff knocked in my apartment in Brgy. Cuta very early in the morning to  say,   the   Congressman  wanted  me  to interview  “someone  important”  for   my cable TV shows.   So early yet I obliged to come to the studio in   Brgy. Alangilan, Batangas City.

And wow, you know who was with him?  It was the beautiful, petite, daughter of a former President and DTI Undersecretary in-charge of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) -  yes, Gloria  Macapagal-Arroyo. They rode on Ka Nani’s Pajero,  followed by another  car of security  personnel. And so I asked him, “ang aga nyo  po, saan kayo  galing?”  And he said, “sa Mabini” with  a smile  (need  I ask  for  more?)

I was quite rattled in the presence of his “guest”, but regained my composure, started setting up the interview, and grasping for words, I said, “you know what mam, I am an admirer of your dad, former President Macapagal?” Little did I realize that I was too young to know her dad being a martial law and Marcosian era baby!  Well, anyway, one has got to do what one has got to do. So I did the interview and either Mrs. Arroyo was too brilliant and I was too ignorant,   but I was not impressed with her answers to my questions. Anyway rest is history, she placed 13^th in the 1992 senatorial race for her   first 3 years in the Senate, but ranked first the next senatorial elections for a full 6-year term, became VP and President for 9 years.

Going back to my first meeting at the House, Sir Nani started   the conversation, “Utoy, galit na galit sayo  si Pareng Eddie   eh, kaya ang sabi ko ay kakausapin muna kita.” And a few other details were discussed. But when he suggested  that I go and see  EBD,   my  naiveté surfaced  when I blurted,  “Eh   galit pala ho sa akin paano ko kakausapin?” Well, the nice Ka  Nani  was very  patient to me,  took out a  piece of his stationery and scribbled some notes “Dear Pareng Eddie.” Rest is history again.

So why the introduction?  Because  I do  not want anyone  to think  that I have anything  personal  against Sir Nani.  My political views are based on what I think are pure, simple and plain truths any other person can see.

Ka Nani  has been  up  there, and we all revel in the heights he conquered  -  bokal, opposition  Member of the  Batasang Pambansa, Minister of  Transportation   & Communications, Majority Leader, Deputy Speaker, and Justice Secretary.  No one can match   him in what he has achieved, even now as President of my Alma Mater, University of Batangas   (he was also Law Dean,  Book  Author and Professor still). 

But Sir  Nani has also  been a villain  -  he has  faced, though  conquered a lot  of accusations of graft and corruption;  has had  a fair share of scandals, including  with Jolly Benitez,  erstwhile  right hand man  of  Imelda  Marcos   in  the Human Settlements Ministry;  scandals that sent him  to an  abrupt political furlough  and resigned in disgrace as DOJ Secretary of  GMA  because of  allegations  of extortion and abuse of  power.  In addition, media reports were replete of his bravado, flamboyance and feisty demeanor (typical  Batangueno,  abogado   pa!) But all these he can say, I have conquered them all.

So why the comeback to the limelight at the age of 76? Why not, why Enrile?  Oh yeah, Enrile!

So his “political resurrection” is really a big subject of speculations and suspicions.  Is he out to rehabilitate his stained national image through the best venue he has mastered -   Congress?  His media statement  - “I AM  TOO  OLD TO THINK OF MYSELF”   -   caught  my  attention.  I know I   will never win a discourse against a good lawyer, but what did he mean by that? That he thought much of himself before, but now ready to think of his City  and Country?

He could have been a Senator,   Vice President or even President before,  if…  Unfortunately,  that was  not the case.  So should Batanguenos give him this belated chance again?

CARLITO “LITO” BISA

I got to know the guy better through my slain friend, Mei Magsino. She was an avid fan of him because he stood   his ground against the Dimacuha  Dynasty when there were still very  few of us fighting it at the risk  of our lives.  And he never budged ever since.

He’s got no political position of the past  to speak of, nadaya eh paanong gagawin? Many people even think that he does   not have the pedigree befitting the title “Honorable Congressman” because he is too gutter-level minded, straight talker and too mass-oriented  (maka-masa at maka-misa).  But maybe he might just reject the Honorable title if he wins knowing how much horror  that title  has wrought us throughout history.

But take a second look, this ex-seminarian is no lightweight. He is actually  an acknowledged  unionist ,  sans the negative connotation, because  he is National  President of the Federation of Employees’  Unions of  the  biggest bank  in  the country – BPI.   Kaya masa na, maka-manggagawa pa. Kaya yung  habla ni Atty.  Teddy Deguito sa Bangko Sentral laban sa kanya para pisilin ang BPI na tanggalin sya ay  isang  suntok sa buwan dahil HINDI GANUN  KADALING  KUMILOS ANG ISANG EMPLOYER  LABAN SA PINUNO NG  ISANG  UNYON  (ano sinuswerte eh  di nagkagulo?) I know, because I am an employer panel negotiator with unions.

He   maybe a rank  and file employee of the BPI  branch in Batangas City but he is  a  primus  inter pares (first among equals),  also being President of the BPI Employees Union of the entire Southern Tagalog Region. So that explains the fierce and brave stand on anything. When he joins Congress, expect him to fight tooth and nail for the people.

And like me (allow me your indulgence as I want to compare myself with good people), he is an educator (Faculty member of several schools) and former editor/writer, and we both attended several graduate studies and law school, but didn’t finish. But tell you, finished or not,    what we learned are still there to guide and   make us the kind of fearless advocates that we are.

We are both against political dynasties, but Lito’s proven advantage  - NAGAWA NYANG IHABLA ANG MGA DIMACUHA AT KASABWAT NA TAGA CITY HALL. Sino may ganyang tapang? Maski ako, wala.

And   so we are given a distinct privilege to choose our representative to the halls of  Congress, and for the first time as a lone district. Take your pick – ang dati o ang bago?

  

Drawing the lines between Good and Evil in Batangas: The Tale of 3 candidates: a missed leader, a self-confessed politically-naïve single mom beating the odds of a well-entrenched dynasty and former in-laws, and a persistent knight against a political monster

In the next weeks and months, we will be bombarded with all sorts of political propaganda.  Candidates  will  do  everything to  win our votes, and those with personal  axes  to  grind  will  surely come  up with  all  sorts  of issues  against candidates, while the sycophants will heap empty praises  to their  candidates with an  expectation  to get favors  once their  bets  win. Realistically that is what election seasons bring about - an artificial euphoria of sorts. Then when the elections smoke is gone, we are confronted with the reality that we voted into office idiots, incompetents, corrupt and undeserving people.

As   an independent writer/observer, it is my distinct advantage of being free from any political or personal affiliations with these candidates. I can say what I want, express what I observe and give personal judgement.  Though I have also taken it as my duty as a citizen to share my thoughts. In the first place, I am a graduate of Political Science at the University of Batangas (though I have doubts that it even recognizes me as an alumnus).

Kaya maaga pa po, ibinabahagi ko na  ang sa aking palagay  ay mga  natatanging kandidato na may dalang magandang kinabukasan sa bayan:

Batangas Province

Dodo MANDANAS

Umpisahan  natin  kay dating Gob. Hermilando  “Dodo” I. Mandanas or HIM for short. Hindi Ito Magnanakaw, Hindi Ito Mamamatay-tao, and lalong Hindi Ito Magkakandili ng droga.

Kumakandidatong mag-isa (walang partido at walang bitbit na ibang kandidato), sinabi nya na mas mabuti na ang hindi makasama ng mga may bahid dungis na partido.

Hindi malilimutan ng marami ang kanyang mga programa na pinakinabangan ng libu-libong mag-aaral sa kanyang scholarship program. Maski  sa pribadong kapasidad, matagal na nagsilbi  ang kanyang Batangas Social Development Foundation (BSDF) na nakabase noon sa Aplaya, Bauan.  Dinayo ng marami ang kanyang lumang bahay sa Aplaya, kumita maski maliliit na tindahan sa mga bisita. Sa mismong Aplaya, nagpagawa sya ng mga  silid-aralan, pinakamalaking covered court, ipinaayos ang mga kalsada, nagpagawa ng sea wall, at mga medical missions.

Bilang Gobernador, pinakikinabangan pa ng Lalawigan ang mga programang pangkaunlarang kanyang nasimulan, mga development master plans na patuloy na nagpapatatag sa economic foundation ng Lalawigan. Ang mga pagawaing-bayan na nanatiling nagbibigay ginhawa   sa mga liblib   na lugar, at ang mga hinahanap-hanap na mga serbisyong medikal at panlipunan  na bukas sa lahat ng tao. (Naaalala nyo pa ang People’s Day at the Capitol  tuwing Lunes?) Maraming ang naghahanap ng ganyang pagkalinga mula sa isang puno ng lalawigan – yung lider na personal mong nakakaharap, di man magawang pagbigyan ang lahat ng kahilingan.

Ang campaign  tagline ni Ka  Dodo ay  “Walang Kurap, walang mahirap. Pag ang puno ay kurap, mamamayan maghihirap.”

Pero  marami ang may  mga saloobin laban kay  Ka Dodo, subalit  kung  pakikinggan  mukhang nagmumula sa  mga personal na pabor na hindi  napagbigyan.  Ngunit  tanungin mo, kung  may masama  bang nagawa sa bayan, wala namang maituro. 

Kung  pansarili  ko  lang, pwede ko  na ring  sabihing may  rin sama ako ng loob sa kanya. Hindi dahil may hiningi  akong hindi naibigay,  kungdi  sama   ng loob  na sya ay nagpalaki  at tumulong  sa  mga  taong  walang  utang na loob, kagaya  ni  Rep. Raneo Abu  (wala namang mararating yan kung hindi itinaya  ni Ka Dodo ang  kanyang  pangalan sa kanya). Subalit ngayon nasaan  na si  Abu  at ilang tauhan  ni Ka Dodo? Ang balita  ko pinagpaplanuhan  pang ilaglag  sya sa sariling tinubuang barangay sa Aplaya, Bauan. Bunga  ito  ng pikit  matang  pagsuporta  ni Abu  sa Dinastiyang  Dolor ng Bauan kung saan sya ay manugang sa pamangkin.

Batangas City

Kristine  BALMES

Si Maria Kristine Josefina G. Balmes, dating manugang ng puno ng Dinastiyang Dimacuha, ina ng nag-iisang anak kay Barangay Captain Dondon Dimacuha (dating Mayor at Konsehal, ngayon ay ABC President kaya ex-officio Konsehal ulit dahil patuloy na nirere-recycle ng dinastiya), pagkatapos humiwalay sa kanyang asawa at magising sa sitwasyong panlipunan at pampulitika ng Lungsod, tumakbo at nanalong Konsehal noong 2013 (ikalawang pagbabalik, dahil konsehala din sya noong masungkit ni Dondon).

Nagsisilbing de facto leader ng oposisyon, pinatunayan ang liderato sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng mga pagbabago at pagkiling sa mga usaping maliwanag na taliwas sa lahat ng gusto ng dinastiya, kagaya ng pagtutol sa mga kwestyunableng paglulubog sa utang sa pamahalaang lungsod para umano sa mga proyektong kaduda-duda, mga kontratang malinaw na “disadvantageous” o argabyado  ang mamamayan gaya ng PPP sa terminal sa Balagtas, likong pamamahala (by proxy, maling priorities, may pansariling interes gaya ng EBD cards gamit ay pondo ng gobyerno, atbp), mga karahasang nagaganap sa Lungsod kabilang na ang pagpatay sa mga kalaban at kritiko ng dinastiya (personal na nakiramay at nagsalita si Kristine sa libing ni Mei Magsino, mahigpit na kritiko ni Dimacuha), mga usapin ngn pagkiling sa mga kumpanyang sumisira sa kalikasan at hindi nagbabayad ng buwis gaya ng JG Summit Petrochem at pagtatayo nito ng plantang gagamit ng uling (coal).

Tatakbo bilang Mayor, isang babae, walang masasabing 3G’s (gold, guns and gold), subalit naniniwalang ito na ang PANAHON NG PAGBABAGO.

In the guise of Private-Public Partnership (PPP), it now now turns out to be Punyetang Pamemera sa Pamamahala

Ang plataporma ni Kristine, malinaw na pagtalikod sa nakakasuka nang landas na tinahak ng Lungsod sa loob ng 28 taon – “will center on pursuing political and development reforms through the active participation of our citizen and by establishing inclusive growth. My goal is to create more jobs and offer sustainable livelihood projects for our people, help provide education to all deserving students, establish a universal health care program, more suitable for our constituents, and conceptualize a master plan that will address issues on urban planning and development. I would also like to promote a more transparent, red tape free and God-fearing government that respects the environment, natural resources and our people. Tourism will also be greatly improved. And lastly, restore the discipline, respect for others and care for humanity among our people.”

Bauan, Batangas

Former councilor and vicemayor, opposition  leader Atty. Juan “Johnny”  Magboo will make another attempt to unseat the Dolor  dynasty.

Ang kanyang ibangon ang Bauan upang MAGBOO  ng panibagong bukas sa nalugmok  na dating 1^st class na  bayan ng Bauan ay isang malaking hamon. Hawak ng dinastiyang Dolor ang Bauan sa  mahigit 18 taon, na  inumpisahan ng ama na si ex-Mayor  Hermie Dolor (ngayon  ay ex-officio Bokal bilang Pangulo ng Association of Barangay Councils ng Lalawigan). Kasalukuyang nakaupo ang kanyang  anak na si Ryanh bilang mayor na nasa huling termino na.   Kaya  kagaya  ng gawain  ng alinmang dinastiya,  magre-recycle ulit ng basura, at ngayon muling lalaban   ang dynasty founder na  si  Hermie Dolor, bilang Mayor.

Johnny  MAGBOO

The Dolor dynasty is characterized by  a typical story of political abuse that  should have no place in a modern democracy.  Nakapagtatakang  ito ay  hindi napapansin ng  media gayong napakalapit lamang sa  kabihasnan. Maging mga mamamayan  ay natatakot magsalita, at mangilan-ngilan  lamang ang naglalakas-loob, kabilang  na si Johnny Magboo.

Ilan sa mga usaping matagal  na  nyang tinawag  ang pansin  ng publiko  ay ang mga sumusunod:

• 1.    Ang pag-utang ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng P150 million sa Comnet Management Inc.
• 2.    Ang pagsasanla sa Pamilihang Bayan sa Comnet Management Inc.
• 3.    Ang pagsira sa plaza at pagpayag na gawing commercial building (Bauan Plaza  Hotel)  ang bahagi nito ng Comnet Management Inc.
• 4.    Ang planong gibain ang Bauan East Central School para gawing terminal sa  pamamahala ng Comnet Management Inc.
• 5.    Ang pagbenta ng Bauan Waterworks System sa Aquadata na nagresulta sa mataas na singil
• 6.    Ang pagbenta sa Bauan Electric System sa First Bay Power Corp.
• 7.    Ang 5 taon nang sinirang munisipyo na bagama’t may plano na  raw pasinayaan  (timing sa halalan) ay  kakatwa  sapagkat ang Bauan  na  isang maunlad na bayan ay natatanging walang sariling munisipyo

Bukod pa dyan  ang  maraming samut-saring isyu tulad ng laganap na patayan na halos hindi nababalita, mga alegasyon ng katiwalian sa mga transakyon ng pamahalaang bayan, alegasyon ng pagpapayaman sa sarili  (pagbili  ng rest house, bahay at mamahaling sasakyan) ng pamilya ng namumuno,  at pag-abuso  sa mga  tao  (pananakot,   pagmumura at pagtutungayaw).

Ayon  sa Commission on Audit Report na isinalin  sa wikang Filipino ni G. Chito Mandanas  (dating kaalyado  ng mga Dolor):

“Ang pagkabenta Bauan Waterworks system at lahat ng mga pag-aari nito sa Aquadata Incorporated ay taliwas sa isinasaad ng Section 379 & 380 ng Republic Act 7160, at hindi ito makakabuti sa interes ng Bayan. Habang nakabinbin pa ang patakaran ng COA Head Office sa legalidad ng kontrata ng bentahan ay inerekomenda ng Audit team, na ang Mayor ng Bauan ay dapat hihingi muna ng pagsang-ayon ng COA sa bawat bentahan ng kahit anong pag-aari ng Munisipyo sa mga susunod na pagkakataon para masiguro na hindi agrabyado ang mga mamamayan, manapa'y kapakipakinabang dapat para maprotektahan ang interes at kapakanan ng mga Bauangueño.

Ang kontrata sa kasunduan sa pagitan ng Bayan ng Bauan at Comnet Management Corporation para sa pagpapaupa ng 1,734 metro kuwadrado na lupa na pag-aari ng Bauan ay lumabag sa "Section 198 of the Rules and Regulations on Supply & Property Management in the Local Government" na nakasaad sa ilalim ng "COA Circular No. 92-386" na may petsang Oktubre 20, 1992. Napag-alaman din na ang mga kundisyones na nakasaad sa kasunduan ay hindi naaayon sa interes o' kapakanan ng Bauan kung saan pwedeng may nakaambang pagkawala ng napakahalagang lupa ng Bayan na maaaring magbunga ng katampalasanan sa sambayanang Bauangueño.”

Magboo, like   Kristine, is a symbol of  CHANGE. They are both up  against  well-entrenched, powerful  and at times, violent politicians.  Ka  Dodo, meanwhile  is up against  traditional politics,  where parties  and machineries work to  place their  people  and  own   kind  and  perpetuate  a  political system that makes people powerless,  and enriches  those  in power.

AASA NA LAMANG TAYO NA ANG TAUMBAYAN,  bagama’t saklot ng takot  ay  MANININDIGAN SA BALOTA.

Age copes up with two Batangas dynasties: WINDS OF CHANGE BLOWING

Batangas City's Eduardo Dimacuha or EBD is the most pitiful political dynast today

Seriously sick, physically and mentally frail, he had no choice but to keep holding on to power for his own and his family's sake he may leave behind anytime. My friend told me "kailangan nya protektahan ang mga maiiwan nya - sa daming kalokohang ginawa sigurado kaliwa't kanang kaso ang aabutin."

Same thing with the ageing Hermie Dolor of Bauan. His "manufactured politician" son proved to be a disaster as Mayor. With practically NO ACCOMPLISHMENT to show, but more of highly questionable contracts that have caused the people a lot of difficulties, including paying high costs of electricity and water

DUSA NG TAGA BAUAN (credits to photo owner)

bills. And the legal complexities seem to have been "cured" with the collaboration of nephew-in-law Rep. Raneo Abu by filing bills in Congress that will protect and empower the dynasty. Even more appalling, Bauan has had no municipal building for 5 years because the mayor had the old one demolished, defaced the plaza, and plans to sell the historical Bauan Central School. 

And unless the case of the dastardly assassination of journalist Mei Magsino is resolved before May 2016 elections, it will haunt these dynasties because they were thought to be her worst enemies.

WHO CAN FORGET WHAT THEY DID TO HER
ON APRIL 13, 2015 IN BROAD DAYLIGHT?

And the writings on the wall are - these dynasties are doomed. Nalalapit na ang katapusan ng paghahari nila.
But I don't want EBD to die just yet. That will upgrade his nephew, Vice Mayor Doc Jun Berberabe. And becoming a sudden Mayor will make it difficult for Kristine Balmes to defeat him. Unlike her erstwhile in-laws which will remake Kristine a giant slayer like David. Because the general sentiment now is ANYBODY BUT DIMACUHA.

Kristine CAN BE Batangas City's New Hope - she will hopefully represent what many of us have been craving for - CHANGE because the past 28 years is just horrible. We need a breath of fresh air, someone who has shown the world that she can stand on her own - even standing against her former in-laws and his family, including resisting the maneuverings of the Berberabes.

Exciting days ahead indeed, but at a bloody cost.

Unsolicited advice to Patmon: Resign and spare Lipa City

The recent story that broke out regarding the alleged rape of a young lady Councilor of San Pascual, Batangas by a Lipa City Councilor named Nonato Rodelas Monfero

scandalized Batangas, Lipa in particular.

The alleged assailant, an independent politician, as he projects himself to be in various social media pages, is also undoubtedly filthy rich. An owner of 2K8 BUILDERS & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES CORPORATION, a DTI accredited contractor, Nonato or Patmon to many, is also a licensed Safety Practitioner (BOSH) in construction. His wife is related to San Jose Vice Mayor Valentino Patron, a self-made businessman who built his empire comprised of hospitals, a chain of construction supply/hardware stores, a batching plant, car accessories, a franchised dermatological clinic, and others.

The victim, an independent councilor of San Pascual whose votes surpassed even that of the winning mayoral candidate, is a daughter of former Councilor Ramil Fernandez. Ramil or Uban to many of us during college days was a no-nonsense activist. He is married to Fe Dimaandal, sister of my friend Ellen, who was a colleague during our activism days in Lyceum of Batangas during the early part of the first Aquino administration.

I have not seen Mara, but I am pretty sure she must be really beautiful, considering how Fe and Ellen, and of course, Ramil look like.

There have been so many speculations about how and what really happened. But that should be for the Court to determine. What is clear – an elected official of Lipa is involved in a very serious crime, that of violating a young woman. They previously did not know each other, just that they were both accommodated in a house of another Lipa Councilor, K Briones, for a seminar on governance in preparation to their taking office.

So moral concerns, even revolt comes to the fore. Secondly, since this case involves moral turpitude which is a very fundamental requirement in public office, the fitness of the assailant to serve his constituents is now in doubt.

If Patmon cannot find it in his heart to see these things, at least the Patron family, his in-laws, should see that. Out of delicadeza, he should resign, and spare the people of Lipa from shame and ridicule. That is if he really cares for Lipa.

And much more, if he cares for the name and honor of his in-laws, with more reason that he should resign.

In this case, I can sense that Patmon will really have a run for his money – he has engaged a worthy enemy – the Fernandezes (San Pascual) and Dimaandals  (Batangas City) who may not be rich, but have the track record to fight a good cause, a support network to rely upon, and above all, a good name.

So my unsolicited advice to Patmon: Resign now! If in the end, he is acquitted, then that may be the right time for him to return to politics and redeem his name. A BIG IF!

His resignation will bring back decency in public office in Lipa, and would deflect some pressures on the accused. Well, it doesn’t affect the case as it is, but it will somehow relieve the people of Lipa the agony of the prospects of having a sitting councilor hauled in Court for a capital offense, be scandalized deeper, and the possibility of conviction. Lipa will be spared as well of the speculations that Patmon can eventually use his political power to manipulate the case, such as influencing witnesses like a fellow Lipa councilor. Besides, I seriously doubt if he can discharge his duties effectively under the circumstances.

TAYO GUMAGAWA NG BUHAY AT KINABUKASAN NATIN SA BANSANG ITO - repost from May 13, 2013

REPOST: Eddie Dimacuha’s ex daughter-in-law – Kristine G. Balmes Part 3

first posted on MAy 28, 2013...

For 25 years, the Dimacuhas of Batangas City, headed by patriarch Eduardo, have been in power since 1988. After his first 3 terms as mayor, Eduardo was replaced by son, Dondon. Then he made a comeback and was Mayor again for 9 years. In 2010, after completing yet another 9-years or 3-terms, he was replaced by wife, Vilma, the incumbent. This elections year 2013, he is running again to reclaim his old post as mayor.

The first political challenge to Dimacuha happened in 1998 (erroneously mentioned as 1997 earlier), after his mandatory third term. His son, Angelito or Dondon, was first councilor, and he wanted to make sure the latter would succeed him so a comeback would be easier. The elder Dimacuha enlisted the support of practically all the viable influential families in the city, and gave some of them a place in his slate. To his surprise, a relatively unknown young lady candidate from the Gonda-Balmes clan, Kristine Balmes, emerged as top councilor. Of course, that can pose a threat to his comeback. But the young Balmes was soon swooned to her feet and fell in love with Dondon. They later married, bore a daughter, and eventually separated. She is now running under Liberal Party, an opposition to Dimacuha, to reclaim her council seat.

Kristine Balmes, a beautiful and young promising leader topped the council elections under Reporma, party of then Batangueno presidential bet Rene de Villa. Dondon Dimacuha won, as neophyte mayor that city hall was actually being run by his father, Eduardo, who had his own office space inside the Planning Office, but accessible via backdoor from the mayor’s office.

Many saw a political future for Kristine then. She could be the next vice mayor or even mayor. Her becoming a vice mayor would be a nightmare to the Dimacuhas because they could never be sure if she would bow to their wishes. So there must be another way.

Dondon courted Kristine, and the rest is history. They separated later after siring a daughter who is with Kristine. Last news about Dondon is that he settled somewhere abroad, remarried and has a new child.

It could have been just another love story, but it also undermined Kristine’s political career, albeit halted her momentum, and forced to be a quiet observer for a time.

Then in 2010, she resurfaced, not as a candidate, but as deputy provincial campaign manager for the then struggling Liberal Party of Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas in Batangas (struggling because they were in opposition to the hated administration of strongwoman Gloria Arroyo). As history would have it, Noynoy won as President.

Kristine could have asked for any job that could propel her to popularity, but she did not. Instead she quietly assisted presidential sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada in social development work as Batangas Coordinator of the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation.

Now comes elections 2013, and with all her strong presidential connections, Kristine could have asked to run as vice mayor at the very least. Why not when she had been a top councilor already? But she did not. She must have imbibed the humility of her late grandfather, former Board Member Ding Gonda. Instead, she opted to make another run in the City Council.

In her campaign, she avoids being linked, or say anything about the Dimacuhas. Pressed to comment why she did not run under her ex-biyenan, she would politely say that she never was politically affiliated with the Dimacuhas in the first place, and that she is committed to the Aquinos (considering the connections).

Such is the humility of the person. She must have been through a lot, and probably know about the Dimacuhas more than anyone, but she would rather be herself again – the idealistic Kristine Gonda Balmes, committed to true public service. 

-to be continued-

REPOST: Eddie Dimacuha and his City of Batangas

first posted on April 26, 2013...

For 25 years, the Dimacuhas of Batangas City, headed by patriarch Eduardo, have been in power since 1988. After his first 3 terms as mayor, Eduardo was replaced by son, Dondon. Then he made a comeback and was Mayor again for 9 years. In 2010, after completing yet another 9-years or 3-terms, he was replaced by wife, Vilma, the incumbent. This elections year 2013, he is running again to reclaim his old post as mayor.

I came to Batangas City in 1986, as a first year college student in Lyceum , and have since witnessed the transformation of Batangas City. But this transformation is not necessarily attributable to strongman Eduardo Dimacuha, because luck was on his side. Under President Cory Aquino, local governments were strengthened and given more autonomy, especially in raising and managing their own revenues, plus the fact that cities such as Batangas City enjoys a sizeable share in the national government’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). And Batangas is so blessed to have so many big business locators that the city’s income from real property and local business taxes alone are more than enough to propel the city to greater heights, probably ten-fold that what it has achieved under the Dimacuhas if fiscal and development management were done correctly, instead of fattening one’s own business interests.

Eduardo or Eddie Dimacuha is a very charismatic leader, and if you are in good graces with him, you will not find difficulty seeking practically any help from him. He is easy to talk with, and hardly says no or deny anyone a favor or two.

But while he shows off a very amiable personality, a lot of people are also aware of his hideous reputation – a large clan from both sides of the Berberabe and Dimacuha families who are reputed to have the capability to exact revenge by all means; a huge business network in port, hauling, gas dealership, real property and other businesses; and alleged arsenal of firepower that include both able men and arms. And he has vast network in the police, military and even port authorities.

The first political challenge to Dimacuha happened in 1997, after his mandatory third term. His son, Angelito or Dondon, was first councilor, and he wanted to make sure the latter would succeed him so a comeback would be easier. The elder Dimacuha enlisted the support of practically all the viable influential families in the city, and gave some of them a place in his slate. To his surprise, a relatively unknown young lady candidate from the Gonda-Balmes clan, Kristine Balmes, emerged as top councilor. Of course, that can pose a threat to his comeback. But the young Balmes was soon swooned to her feet and fell in love with Dondon. They later married, bore a daughter, and eventually separated. She is now running under Liberal Party, an opposition to Dimacuha, to reclaim her council seat. (More of this later).

So for the past 20 years, Dimacuha looked like invincible, and no one dared to challenge him, until his former Vice Mayor Florencio de Loyola, with the support of another formidable family, the Chavezes, made an attempt in 2007 to unseat him. But not only luck was on Dimacuha’s side; so were the people wary of a weak successor in de Loyola, whom they fear could be manipulated by his running mate, Councilor Wawing Chavez. Besides, Dimacuha has made sure he had practically 95% of the kapitans on his side, and elections then could be easily manipulated, either by controlling the barangay leaders and teachers managing the elections, or switching the ballots. Without the support of barangay leaders, plus the physical terrain and distance of many barangays from the urban center, who could have dared to spill the beans of cheating and electoral fraud during those times?

So the comeback for the elder Dimacuha in 2000 was a walk in the park, so to speak. And many thought that since Dondon has since lived in oblivion abroad, Dimacuha would retire at the end of his term. But that is not in the plan, so he made his wife Vilma to run as barangay captain and handily defeated a performing kapitana whos roots are from Romblon. Then Vilma became the kapitana of all kapitans or President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) making her a member of the City Council, giving her a lot of leeway to be involved in city affairs other than being first lady. So she became mayor herself in 2010 replacing the husband who just finished his second third term in office.

Now visibly old and ailing, Dimacuha is making yet another comeback. His former ally, although he had won many times as an independent candidate, Jose or Joe Tolentino, the incumbent vice mayor is challenging Dimacuha for mayorship.

                                           Eduardo and Vilma Dimacuha at the Comelec, 2013

Will he win again or will there be a dramatic leadership change in Batangas City? That will be my next topic. 
-to be continued -