Candidates who add colors to COC filing

Wake-upper:

Scene: Congratulations to AJ Wincielou Johanna “Cielo” Araoarao Gabin of Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, Bohol who is 5th placer nationwide in the August 12, 2018 Civil Service Commission Career Service Exam Pencil and Paper Test with a rating of 91.66. It may be recalled that in the March 18, 2018 CSC CSE Sub-Prof Exam, she landed in the Top 6 with a rating of 88.02. She is the daughter of Engr. Jerome John and Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin.

***

Three colorful characters filed their intentions to run for the May 2019 midterm polls.  But I was able to catch only two perennial filers-- Santos Amaga Abella and Amay Bisaya- who filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Tagbilaran.

Roberto “Amay Bisaya” Reyes ( standing, with Atty. Eliseo Labaria,
 provincial election officer IV)  on running for the May 2019
elections: ‘I am more qualified (to be the next governor).
You cannot be an actor if you’re crazy.’ Photo by Leo Udtohan

These two aspirants added color to the festive atmosphere at the provincial Comelec Office. 

Santos Amaga Abella has set aside his senatorial ambition for a seat in the Provincial Board because he didn’t have the enough money to go to Manila.

But he vowed that he would still be as hardworking if elected into office.

Clad in a Barong Tagalog and black pants, Abella, 56, a farmer from Dagohoy town, filed his certificate of candidacy on Tuesday afternoon  at the provincial Comelec office.

He said he wanted to run for senator but he didn’t have enough financial resources to go to Manila and file his COC.

“I should run for senator but since I don’t have money to fly to Manila I ran for board member instead,” said Abella.

But he said his dream to be a senator could wait.

Abella said he ran for the same position in 2016 polls but received only 10,000 votes.

This time, he added, he planned to change his strategy that involved seeking the help of village chiefs.

If someone would help his candidacy, he loved to include Facebook in his campaign to increase his chance of winning.

 Santos Abella on winning the election: ‘Ang aking kabaitan
at ganda kong lalaki’  Photo by Leo Udtohan

“Sama na yan sinong magbibigay ng tustus na tulong sa akin isama na ang Facebook sa service

para naman makikita ko sila, sayang naman gandang lalaki pa natin,” he said.

But, he admitted, he had no social media account.

Asked what would be his edge over the other candidates, he replied: “Ang aking kabaitan at ganda kong lalaki (My being a good person and a good-looking man).”

He admitted he would not like to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle for rent) to campaign in the remote areas because he didn’t want the voters to look down at him. He also said he would use “kumpit” (a fast sailboat) to campaign in island barangays.

According to Abella is also a singer.

To showcase his singing prowess, he started singing an unpopular Visayan ballad which amused everyone inside the Comelec office.

“ Gisimba, gialagaran sa kanunay ang imong kabuotan niining dughan.... kay ikaw...”

And another song, “Fresh release me let me go....”

***

When comedian Roberto Gloria Reyes, popularly known as “Amay Bisaya,” entered the office to file his candidacy, he tickled our fancies and our funny bones.

He wants to be the third wheel in the battle between two political giants.

Reyes, 60, and a native of Tubigon town, filed his certificate of candidacy for governor at the Commission on Election provincial office on Wednesday.

His two opponents are no-joke: Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol’s 3rd district and resigned Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. who are both allies of President Duterte.

Reyes said he can run the province.

“I am running because it is time that Bohol will have a new governor. I am well-known,” he said.

He admitted that he ran twice for governor, for senator and vice president but had not won at least once.

“I am more qualified (to be the next governor). You cannot be an actor if you’re crazy,” he said.

Reyes was confident that he would be able to beat Evasco and Yap.

“I was not even scared when I ran as vice president of [former first lady) Imelda Marcos against GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo). Long live Bohol. We should continue providing economic development and peace especially to the poor like me,” he said.

To beef up his campaign sorties, Reyes said he would invite some of his showbiz friends and politicians who were his close friends.

In 2013, Reyes ran for Bohol governor in 2013 but lost to incumbent Gov. Edgar Chatto.

Reyes was known for his sidekick roles in movies like “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” “Ang Panday 2” and “Sigaw ng Katarungan.”

While waiting for the acceptance of his documents, Reyes showed his karate techniques.   Front kick. Side kick.

And we were carried away....

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Bohol movement launched to urge Bong Go to run for Senate seat

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Families were worried for the missing of the three village chiefs in Pilar town last week.  Police had deployed a large number of officers to investigate the disappearance. It turned out that these men attended a “party” in Tagbilaran City. Pilar Police Station chief Inspector Andie Corpuz said “they were not kidnapped.  They had drinking session with friends that they were not able to inform their families.” However, some people believed it was a “kidnapped me” scenario.

Panglao Mayor Pedro Fuertes vows
 to make Panglao a liveable place,
a better, cleaner and safer destination in the country.
Leo Udtohan

Scene: Panglao Mayor Pedro Fuertes on the news that erstwhile and dismissed Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero will be reinstated as mayor was “fake news.”  However, the camp of Montero told reporters to watch for (big) surprises this week.  Fuertes instead focused on many things for the development of Panglao, the tourism jewel of the province. “Let us work together to make Panglao a liveable place, a better, cleaner and safer destination that we can all be proud of.”

Scene:   Asked what her birthday message was, Dauis Mayor Marietta (“Miriam” to all) Sumaylo said, “Prosperity. Peace! Love! Harmony! Good health to everybody.”  She celebrated her birthday last July 4.  When asked about her plan for the 2019 election, “I will continue to serve the people of Dauis.” She simply flashed a smile so sweet that it seemed to say everything.

* * *

Supporters of Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go gathered at Holy Name University (HNU) on Saturday, July 7, to launch “Bayan for Bong Go” Bohol Movement which aims to encourage the loyal presidential assistant to run for a Senate seat in 2019.

It was attended by mayors, barangay and SK officials and volunteers from the different parts of the province.

The dashing Dauis Mayor Marietta
 Sumaylo is a pleasant surprise. Leo Udtohan

The mayors who attended the movement were Tagbilaran City Mayor Baba Yap, Clarin Mayor Allen Ray Piezas, Cortes Mayor Lynn Iven Lim, Dauis Mayor Marietta Sumaylo, Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes,  Talibon Mayor Restituto B. Auxtero, Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat, Panglao Mayor Pedro Fuertes, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Tita Gallentes,  Calape Mayor Nelson Yu, Lila Mayor Regina Salazar, Sagbayan Mayor Ricardo Suarez, Pilar Mayor Eugenio Buslon Datahan II, Tubigon Mayor William Jao, Candijay Mayor  Christopher Bernados Tutor, Antequera Mayor Jose Mario Pahang and Alicia Mayor Marnilou Ayuban.

Also present were former Loay Mayor Rosemarie Lim-Imboy and former Loboc Leon Calipusan.

Businessman Lucio Lim, Jr., the movement’s chairperson, said they have seen Go’s potential to run in the 2019 mid-term elections.

“We are calling SAP Bong Go to run for senator.  Here in Bohol, the members of business sector want him to run. He comes from a family of businessmen. He is very approachable, (and) humble,” he said.

Lim said that being the President’s direct link to the people, Go vows to continue the President’s campaign against illegal drugs and criminality, corruption and support his anti-poverty efforts.

“Bong Ro represents change. It gave us hope that the legacy of President Duterte may continue through SAP Bong Go in the Senate,” Lim said.

Go was not able to attend the launching as he was with the President. Nevertheless, Assistant Secretary Mon  Cualoping of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and   DILG Assistant Secretary for Legislative and External Affairs Ricojudge "RJ" Echiverri, former two-term president of the National Liga ng mg Barangay, represented him and conveyed his message to his supporters.

Go earlier told reporters that he is still contemplating as to whether or not he would consider the offer to run in the senatorial race.  He said he was committed to serving the President “until kingdom come.”

Supporters of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go have launched the “Bayan for Bong Go” movement in Bohol aimed at convincing him to run for senator in the 2019 elections.   Leo Udtohan

***

A ‘brief’ visit by Villar

Public Works and Highways secretary Mark Villar arrived in Bohol last Thursday, July 5, seven days after President Rodrigo Duterte assured Boholanos that he would instruct Villar to check the on-going projects.

Villar visited Barangay Anislag in Maribojoc town where he was updated on the repair of certain roads and bridges which were damaged by the strong 2013 earthquake.

He stayed briefly at the site for about 30 minutes with provincial and local officials.

Villar was informed by Bohol reporters about the concerns of many residents in several towns in Bohol who clamored for an explanation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)regarding some repair works done in roads that seem to be still in good condition.

DPWH regional director Ador Canlas answered that there were 12-on going road construction projects in the province which was affected by the 2013 strong earthquake.  He said the funds were just released this year for  reblocking, restoration and rehabilitation.

Villar said he would personally look into “questionable” projects in the province.

“Lahat po ng pangangailan po ng infrastructure ay mabibigyan ng pansin,”  assured Villar.

During the 25th national convention of the Vice-Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) in Panglao, Duterte was asked  during the presscon about the on-going road re-blocking project of the DPWH in Bohol that generated public outcry.

Duterte, who admitted that he is not a technical person to explain about the road project, said that he would ask Villar to come to Bohol.

“I will ask DPWH Secretary Villar to come over and explain to the people para ma... Anyway, it's the people's money. So they should... They deserve rather an explanation from the government.”

Provincial board member Thomas Abapo earlier said that on-going re-blocking projects on roads in the province that many even considered as not damaged at all, was a waste of funds.

Abapo expressed his disgust over the projects that apparently caused too much delay, inconvenience and accident to the riding public and motorists.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Meet the candidates of Miss Bohol 2018

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Happy June 12 Philippine Independence Day birthday to Engr. Jerome John J. Gabin, Siquijodnon by birth, but now Bol-anon by heart, who is counting his blessings and is thankful to God for his 48th year of existence, including the accolade he received as DTI Region 7’s (Central Visayas) Best SSF Provincial Coordinator from Department of Trade and Industry  Secretary Ramon M. Lopez,  for demonstrating the “Serbisyong Higit pa sa Inaasahan” in sustaining the implementation of the DTI-Regional Operations Group’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project and his daughter Cielo’s placing 6th  in the entire country in the March 18, 2018 Civil Service Exam PPT – sub-professional level, the only top performing examinee from Visayas. He will have a simple “pahinungod” with wife Fiel, children Cielo and Renji, Mommy Lou, and Mama Wincie and other close family members in Siquijor.

Scene:  At least 200 students from  Barangay Booy in  Tagbilaran City   availed the “Libre Tupi”  and school supplies a day before the opening  of classes last Monday, June 4, for them to look “fresh and good.”  It was the 8th year, according to re-elected Barangay Kagawad Clement Paulinel Ingking who organized the event.

***

 The Miss Bohol 2018 candidates with Bohol
 Gov. Edgar Chatto, Vice Governor Dioning Balite,
provincial administrator Ae Damalerio
and provincial information officer Totsie Escobia.
Photo courtesy: Rey Tutas

The 21 candidates who will be vying for the title of Miss Bohol 2018 were introduced last Friday, June 8, during the Kita ug Ang Gobernador with Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto and some members of the media at the Governor’s Mansion.

The contestants will compete for the crown in July during a coronation ceremony to be held at the Bohol Cultural Center, with the winner succeeding Pauline Amelinckx of Tubigon.

The early favorites were Miss Sikatuna Iris May Libres who is becoming a pilot, Miss Bilar Jesseth Nez Pasagad who is a petroleum engineer, Miss Jagna Roselle May Cuarto Acebes who is a magna cum laude graduate and Miss Dimiao Trixie Cahanap, the youngest of the batch.

Beauty pageant enthusiasts said this could have the most number of smart minds.

Other candidates are Hanjhen Julio (Balilihan), Wenna Mae Alo (Baclayon), Liahona Lane  Lorzano (Clarin), Kristine Charrisse Enriquez  ( Corella),  Hannah Mae Cimeni (Dauis) ,  Erika Limbago (Loboc), Charysse Jane Roferos (Loon), Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte  (Maribojoc), Johanne Benedict Labor (Sagbayan),  Hazel Abrau (San Miguel), Faith Lucille Lumosbog (Sevilla),  Raclaire Stephan Trigo (Tagbilaran City),  Mae Paracuelles ( Talibon), Ma. Bethel Rose  Rosco (Tubigon), Anasela Zarisa Gaviola (Ubay),and  Chime Marie Pajo (Valencia).

***

Tagbilaran Port features modern seaport facilities

Last Friday, Allen Doydora (of dyRD) and Dave Responte (of dyTR) tagged me along to visit the office of Port Manager James Galantao.

 Tagbilaran Port Manager  James Galantao
 says the Tagbilaran Port, which is one of
 the busiest ports in the country, features modern
 facilities. Leo Udtohan

We’re there to inquire about MV Lite Ferry 12 which slipped from its dock and slammed into a concrete diviver at the Tagbilaran port last Thursday.

Tagbilaran Port, one of the busiest ports in the country, features modern facilities. The predeparture area is fully air-conditioned and fully covered, unlike before. It has met the world-class standards.

Crimes and accidents at Tagbilaran port can now be monitored and documented with the installation of 32 high definition closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras placed in strategic areas.

These cameras have a zooming capability of approximately 350 degree.

Galantao said that with the installation of the CCTV cameras, entry and exit of criminals can be monitored.

If a wanted person is spotted on the CCTV camera entering the port gate to take a vessel, he can be arrested at the passenger terminal.

Vehicular accidents, especially hit-and-run cases, can also be traced using the CCTV cameras.

The construction of the covered walk is almost done which will connect from the entrance to the new building terminal.

Initially, there will be a space, a “Behold Bohol” stop over where tourists can have a glimpse of Bohol.

“The port is just the beginning for more Bohol adventures,” said Galantao.  

The renovation and rehabilitation works is Tagbilaran Port’s answer to the public's clamor for better port facilities and public service, and in recognition of the importance of the tourism industry.

***

‘Sufficient teachers, but no enough classrooms’ in Bohol school

Students at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) were greeted with noise from an on-going construction of adjacent two classroom buildings during the first day of classes last Monday, June 4.

The backhoe drilling could be heard from the school’s gymnasium while some 1,200 Grade 7 students were waiting for their classroom assignments.

At least 1, 200 incoming Grade 7 students at Dr. Cecilio Putong
 National High School in Tagbilaran City, which has the biggest
population in Bohol province, were waiting for their room
assignments last Monday, June 4.  Assistant school principal
Melchor Daniel, Jr. said they have sufficient teachers
 but no enough classrooms . Some  teachers  were using
lapel mic while teaching to preserve their voice.  Leo Udtohan

Overcrowded classrooms and a lack of school desks were the common problems reported on the first day of classes, according to assistant school principal Melchor Daniel, Jr.

“We have sufficient teachers, but no enough classrooms,” said Daniel.

He said the 4-story two classroom buildings will soon have 40 classrooms to answer their needs.

“The new buildings are still being constructed and I don’t think they can be completed anytime soon. Hopefully, this can answer our classroom needs,” Daniel said.

DCPNHS has the biggest student population in Bohol province. As of Monday, they have 6,000 students – and counting.

Daniel said they had to adopt the double shifting scheme to accommodate all enrollees. The first shift is from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, and the second shift is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Engr. Jerome John Gabin receives the
DTI Region 7’s (Central Visayas) Best SSF Provincial
Coordinator from Department of Trade and Industry
Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. Contributed Photo

Daniel said some classes have to be relocated to their makeshift classrooms or temporary shelters “because we simply can’t accommodate all our students.”

The school was likewise forced to refuse transferees, Daniel noted, and only accommodate old students who still have to enroll.

“Unfortunately, we are now refusing enrolment because of the classroom problem and we simply cannot accommodate everybody. Everybody wants to come to our school but we can (only) take in so much,” he said.

Meantime, teachers have to deal with 50-60 students per class, and even take on several classes.

There were at least 220 teachers at DCPNHS. Some teachers opted to use lapel mic during classes to preserve their voice and prevent fatigue.

At the faculty room, Grade 7 teacher Brigida Badlon was checking her lapel mic before proceeding to class.

Badlon, 39, has been using lapel mic in her classes for the past six years.

According to her, using lapel mic has prove practical and effective since it enabled her to overcome usual classroom noises and distractions like the clatter of students hustling through the hallway and sound from an on-going construction of classroom buildings.

“It helps me not to raise my voice and it relaxes me,” said Badlon, who bought her own lapel mic.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.