The Supreme
Court’s somersault

I cannot but express my concern for the major problems presented our city mayors with the latest ruling by the Supreme Court granting cityhood to 16 towns which has previously been junked by the high tribunal.

The law provides the guide rules on which towns can qualify for a change of status from a town to a city. But, apparently, these were discarded by the High Tribunal, the very reason why the League of Cities has filed an appeal for reconsideration with the Supreme Court.

But my concern is not just how much the cities will lose, but also how the reduction in their IRA fund could wreck havoc with their budgets and their employee’s salaries as well as the development funds of each city.

It cannot be denied that most of these cities have already upgraded their plantilla positions to conform to what is provided for by law and the Civil Service Commission.

Now, midstream, they will have to review the whole thing and cut down on employees or reduce what they are now receiving in their status as cities.

Another complication. Some cities will have to determine under what category of city will they belong? That will be the basics for the changes that will be required for salary scales, etc.

Worse, local city executives and Sangguniang Panglunsod will have to review their budgetary outlays for development program and projects.

We hope the League of Cities of the Philippines can convince the Supreme Court to review more thoroughly its decision which can cause more problems to local government units.

Apparently, most of the towns seeking a change in their status may not have realized the problems they have spawned for themselves. It’s not just a question of how much of the IRA share they will get, but also the trouble of readjusting salary scales, etc. to conform to their new status.

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Kudos to the representatives of Negros Occidental for taking a position against the Reproductive Health Bills.

They are Reps. Alfredo Maranon III (2nd), Abelardo Benitez (3rd), Ignacio Arroyo (5th) and Bacolod’ Anthony Golez.

Tuesday, Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, led liturgical ceremonies to ask for Divine guidance for legislators to ward off the forces of evil that seek to impose on this country the culture of death.

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I received last night the news of the passing of former Bacolod City Vice  Mayor Inocencio Lucasan Tuesday afternoon due to renal failure.

He was 90, when Tio Cencio of died according to Benja Lucasan. A ripe and fruitful year for one who has left an indelible record as an undefeated winner in elective positions for several years.

“Tio” Cencio was  a close friend. And, his most endearing campaign slogan was a simple – “nami, nami lang.”

He was not only former vice mayor, and councilor, he was also acting mayor of Bacolod when former Mayor Romeo Guanzon was absent for one year.

Sweet dreams, Nami-Nami Prince.

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Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol “Al – Haj, regional police director for Western Visayas, showed Tuesday his mettle.

He stood pat on his disciplinary action against the three neophyte policemen whose involvement in the nude photo scandal was considerate not worthy of mercy.

One of the three reportedly showed his genitals and that was downloaded in the Facebook.

Querol called it “uncalled for behavior.” He also deplored their failure to live up to the expectation of the public as police recruits who are still undergoing basis public safety course at the Regional Trail Service 6.

To PNP regional chief Querol, our congratulations for display a moral courage in the face of this scandalous behavior of would-be policemen.

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We now envision drastic changes in the profile of the Paglaum Sports Complex with the provincial government now taking over the area after Education Secretary Armin Lusitro has signed a compromise agreement with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr.

Based on the briefing by Jose Ma. Valencia, provincial legal officer, the more dramatic feature is the establishment of a commercial building in lieu of the cluster of unpaid rented kiosks along Henares Street and the ejection of the squatters which have marred the stadium.*

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