Due to gross insubordination!

This was the reason why Clyde Naong, president of the Dipolog City Government Employees Association (DCGEA) and Accountant III of Dipolog City Accounting Office faced a one-year suspension. The suspension order signed by Mayor Roberto Uy took effect last November 16, 2004.

It could be remembered that Mayor Uy ordered Naong to report to Cogon Barangay Hall last August 13, 2004 to assist the barangay treasurer in her records, and proper transactions of her finances. Naong, on the other hand, said that he found “no problem” with the barangay treasurer’s record when he inspected it and believed that it was just “pure harassment” when Mayor Uy gave the order.

“It’s just politics”, Naong reasoned when he received the mayor’s order.

The suspension order came about when the investigation committee headed by Administrative Officer and Acting City Legal Officer Rosemarie P. Miranda submitted a five-page decision of the case and recommended for such suspension. Last November 12, Mayor Uy acted immediately on the report and issued a one-year suspension order to the DCGEA president.

Administrative Officer Miranda pointed to Naong’s violation of Section 18, Rule 11 of Uniform Rules on Administrative cases in the Civil Services. However, Naong’s lawyers denied reports that Naong did not report to Cogon as ordered by Mayor Uy. Moreover, they denounced the one-year suspension as oppressive, and unjustly severe.

On November 18, the suspended accountant still reported to office despite the suspension order.  Atty. Joseph Lester Patay, one of Naong’s lawyers, believed that his client had 15 days still in order to appeal for his suspension order. Atty. Patay added that Naong could still hold office since the mayor’s suspension order is not yet “final and executory.”

Oroquieta City – Grass root chess development got a big boost in the country’s south-Misamis Occidental and in the capital cities of Dipolog and in the capital cities of Dipolog and Oroquieta when Asia’s First Grand Master Eugene Torre himself, together with International Masters Ronald Bancod, Richard Bitton, Barlo Nadela and a host of the country’s leading National Masters conducted a series of simul-exhibition, clinics and tournaments here.

“Wala na mi laing pangitaong pa! (What can we ask for?) thus exclaimed Mr. Bas Jamila, a 75 year old retired employee and an avid chess player, who purposely went to the Capitol Building in Dipolog City last Thursday, simply to catch a glimpse of GM Eugene Torre at the least, and compete with his “idol” at the most, as news of a “Torre versus 12” simultaneous chess-exhibition gathered the rounds in the airlanes in the city.

As luck would have it, Mr. Jamila went on to play GM Torre and surprised everybody when he held the country’s long time top player to a “fighting draw” in a 40 moves of a King’s Indian Defense.

Jamila was the “lone survivor” in a sweep of the other 11 of Dipolog’s top chess players.

The simul-exhibition with GM Torre was arranged by the newly-revitalized Dipolog City Chess Club, led by the club adviser Engineer. Edelburgo “Bebs” Cheng, and a club president Lorenzo Jauculan.

Meanwhile, in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, and in line with the grass root development program initiated by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Go Teng Kok, NCFP point man in the region Mr. Rey Urbiztondo got a “pat at the back” when no less than the NCFP president called him through long distance for his “successful promotion of chess in the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz, Tangub, and nearby municipalities within the and in neighboring city of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte.

“With the full weight of the provincial government of Misamis Occidental, led by governor Loreto “Leo” Ocampos behind Mr. Urbiztondo, we have all the reasons to be confident in our efforts to produce more GMs and IMs in the future…hopefully some of them coming from these two provinces,” said Go.

A 30-board simultaneous exhibition with GM Torre against the province’s executives and the “swearing-in” of the officers from the many chess clubs from the municipalities composing the province, highlighted the first of the three day celebration of the province’s 75^th founding anniversary.

Gov. Rolando E. Yebes and Southern Commander General Braganza have common concern: To green back the mountains of Zamboanga del Norte.

During his meeting with General Braganza early this week at the 101 Infantry Brigade headquarters at Marcelo H. del Pilar, Piñan, Gov. Yebes proposed a joint tree-planting program with the AFP. Gov. Yebes pointed to what the 1^st Tabak Division of the Philippines Army of Pulakan, Zamboanga del Sur did.  Both the soldiers and CAFGU actively involved themselves in planting trees.

Under this program, Gov. Yebes suggested, the province will supply the planting materials and will look for possible planting sites.  On the other hand, the soldiers will do the planting of the seedlings to the provided by the province.

Gov. Yebes revealed that the planting of these trees shall be done in the balding mountains of Mutia, Siayan and Sergio Osmeña. He added that General Braganza was also interested in the partnership and vowed to help the province not only in the planting but also in the nurturing of the said trees.

 
Mayor Caesar Soriano of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte denied allegations that he has not remitted contributions to GSIS and PHILHEALTH.

Mayor Soriano in an interview admitted that it took time to remit such contributions considering the distance of his municipality to the aforementioned offices which are located here in Dipolog City. “It is just delayed but all contributions are remitted,” Mayor Soriano answered allegations.

“…and consider the work of reconciling our records before the contributions are remitted,” Mayor Soriano reasoned for the delay.

Acting Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita revealed that November 29 instead of November 30 (Bonifacio Day) was declared a holiday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend the vacation of government employees since November 29 is a Monday.

However, Secretary Ermita revealed that the celebration of Bonifacio Day on November 30 will still go on.

If media is responsible to the public for the kind of information it delivers, the public is equally responsible for the kind of media that it allows to thrive in the area. So, if radio listeners and newspaper readers would patronize media organizations and men who are clearly puppets of politicians and unscrupulous businessmen, then they should not anymore hope for a clean and honest government. Media’s duty is not only to give true and correct information but also to analyze events on the basis of facts gathered, so in the end, we will be able to reach our vision of a more progressive community and country through good government.

Some people ask why media men and their outlets are more inclined to be critical nowadays with government officials. Media is society’s watchdog, thus, media could not just close its eye on abuses and questionable acts of supposedly "public servants" who are paid out of people’s money. It is always good to hear or read developmental news, but it is only when media becomes critical that government coffers are protected, nay, safeguarded; government services are assured; and public officials’ abuses are curtailed. The moment media refuses to see blatant abuses and anomalies in government, media loses the reason for its existence.

However, only very few media people have the heart to go ‘against the current’, if it were a stream. Many would only love to tread the ‘well-paved road’. After all, true ‘media works’ are rarely rewarded and appreciated. Admittedly, they only earn the ire of those who are hit. Even if at one time or another, those subjects of critical reviews became beneficiaries of media’s support for job well done.   

It is very frustrating at times that people cry for transparency and honesty in government, yet they change their stories when confronted by politicians. Worse, they make liars of media men who interviewed them, just to save their assess!

It is funny that when oppression or corruption in government gets worse, people turn to media for support. However, ninety percent of those who complain could not and would not stand by their stories for fear of political retaliation. Of course, this is understandable. We love our ‘bread and butter’ more than our ‘word of honor’. But this paper has one thing to say to those who grumble or complain or who have personal knowledge of anomalous transactions or violations: be careful with what you blurt out in your disgust if you think you are not that strong to stand by your story. Generally, when you are disgusted over the way things happen, you blurt out the truth, and when your statements reach media, they would likely be hot item. It is unfair to put blame on the radio or newspaper alone when in the first place you were the ones who gave the reactions. Perhaps, it would be better for you not to issue any statement at all! The problem is, you want to give your side of the story, but you don’t even want the same to be tape recorded for future reference and evidence. This paper hopes that all would be well with you in your office or in your service, for we would surely be hesitant to bring to the public your allegations the next time around.

At the thick of his crusade against the abuses and the oppression at City Hall, Tio Hermie Delicona once said: ‘There are people who always wait for media to take the cudgel for them. They cry for change, yet, they are even afraid to be identified as sources of stories.” Tio Hermie may have his own share of lapses as radio commentator, but the fact remains that for a number of years he had been successful in championing the cause of the ‘downtrodden’ whose last recourse is the media. However, not only once or twice did he come home with a heavy heart for not getting enough support from the public he serves.  

Credits: Tingog PENINSULA is published by the Horn Blower Publications with editorial office at MINAOG HIGHWAY (100 meters after GSIS going to Dapitan City) Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-4703; Cell No. +63918346-8133

I was a bit surprised when Dad’s favorite expression was aired over the commentary of MA Elmer Elmidulan one noon this week, Jose. MA, meaning Mora'g Abugado! Admittedly, I never thought that one day soon, someone would remind me of those words of the cynic Dad that I loved. Precisely why he was able to bring up to this world, men (read: with balls) even in my sisters! Bwahahahaha... As I once recalled my big sis say: If you ain't got balls strong as steel, you ain't got no place in our home! Attagirl, my sis.

o0o

I've always been forewarned by my brothers and sisters about how to handle my job, Jose, and one of it lately, was a text from my "Kuya" saying "much as you may have all the GOOD reasons to fight for what's right, but there's no logic WANTING people to change and do the right thing!" Ten years into this paper, I found the text a bit disturbing. Has my brother softened after his brush with death? Has he lost hope in the system that breeds corruption as a rule and honesty the exception? But confused as I am, I'm gonna fight for what I feel I deserved from this government and hell may break loose, with all due courtesy and respect to the advice I just got.

o0o

ANDRES BONIFACIO COLLEGE, 64 years, what now? “It’s the pioneer builder of leaders” in Zamboanga del Norte! It was founded in the year 1940, starting as an institute, with the strong will and determination of its founder, AMANDO BORJA AMATONG. Comparable to a government employee it is most to reach the mandatory retirement age.

No one wonders, it has blossomed to its growth and glory. Observers cannot aptly describe what an ABC is today. How it catapulted to prominence in its primordial objective of providing, inculcating into, and rearing the students the kind of idealism, industry and integrity in the learning process benefiting them and the entire community.

As the law says: “Res Ipsa Luitor”, the thing speaks for itself. One week from now, in commemoration with the birth of the Andres Bonifacio on November 30, incidentally what was proclaimed as a non-working holiday on November 29 [Monday], Andres Bonifacio College will hold its yearly festivities highlighted with the annual alumni homecoming and election of officers. Before anything else, this column would like to specially congratulate RTC JUDGE SILVINO PAMPILO for having been recently appointed as Regional Trial Court Judge of Branch 28, Manila. He was among the latest few appointees to the judiciary.

The act of Berto Uy to suspend Clyde Naong for one year as his brand of punishment for "gross insubordination" sent shivers down the spine of this community and this paper. Curiously, this kind of punishment is the first of its kind in this city. No thanks to Berto Uy and to all the people he used to justify it...

Berto should now know that Clyde may be an imp and a thorn in his hide for standing up to his tyrannical interpretation of his powers, but Clyde earned the respect of the people now. It is altogether scandalous that Berto should USE the barrio captain of Cogon to justify the issuance of an order to transfer Clyde to that God-forsaken place...

It is scandalous enough that Berto was able to get away from the Civil Service Commission which turned a deaf ear to Clyde's plea for justice and equity in the clearly oppressive transfer order...

It is scandalous enough that Berto should also get the "cooperation of the Investigation Committee" whom he populated with all those whose livelihoods are at the tip of his ballpen!

It is scandalous enough that Berto should get away by just letting his tigpamaghot do the explaining to the public why he is a tyrant...

A lot more other scandalous things that the whole populace of this community should by now squirm in the seat of their pants, but remain insensitive just the same for their own reasons of comfort and survival.

Berto should better re-evaluate what oppression means; especially that he is now on the last term of his office...

The good news is that our local media is very much active in its guard against government excesses. It is ready to condemn the short doings of government officials who are supposed to do their work effectively and efficiently, coupled with honesty and commitments of doing the same. Many of our local mediamen have been doing their jobs more professionally.

But the bad news is that our local media is now slowly flooded with handful suringiws and boringogs who, in their efforts to post their names on top of those who are truly better, say words reproached by our own society which is not ready to hear them yet. Suringiw Clyde Cantoneros, a media infant of DXAA always shout his suringiw piece in the air unmindful of the pain he gives out of the fabrications he made to his victims and the nauseating vile he gives to our decent society. Boringog Elmer Elmidolan, another media TH (trying hard), also does his part of saying imaginary things repeatedly, like a sirang plaka, that only tend to build up more earwax, rather than clear the earway, to the unwilling listeners of double Ah-Ah!

Perhaps it’s just sheer stupidity... or pure greed among us that lead the budol-budol to thrive in the city still. The modus operandi is very simple, not even convincing. A man (or woman, or both) will approach a prospect that they thinks has money. The victim is easy to spot because she acts awkwardly after she comes out from the bank, nervous-looking and so “flashy” with her jewelry.

The budol-budol man or woman starts the game. He will leave a “bag of money” to the victim, tell her that he has a problem. To be sure that the victim will not run off with the money, the budol-budol man has to get the victim’s money, jewelry or any valuable so that the victim who has now the bag of money will really come to the appointed place after the so-called problem is solved.

With the “bag of money”, the victim waits at a restaurant or any designated place. But the owner of the bag of money never comes. When the victim opens the bag, she will find nothing except wads of paper.

It’s just that. But many are still victims of such kind of crime, in broad daylight; a few paces from a police officer, in this highly intelligent world.

We have a few tips:

Stop acting like stupid. If you can’t help it, be mentally alert not to believe such big talks of strangers. Don’t believe someone will be leaving a big amount of money in your possession in exchange of what you have. If you do, it’s financial suicide. Never transact business with the bank alone. Go ahead, tug along any burly-looking men in your neighborhood. Well, if this doesn’t work, one can always believe that budol-budol have “tatam-tatam” or charm, which many people say can place the victim in hypnotic condition and leads her to give up her valuables. Or, have they? Believe us; they will never succeed, with or without “tatam-tatam”, if we are just vigilant. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 20)

    Now & Then
By: Czarito “BoyZam” Zamora

We’ve observed it years ago that wherever the ZN Press Club conducts its Campus Journalism Seminar, particularly, in the rural areas, some student-participants would always come out a winner in the annual DepEd press conference that follows in the division level, regional up to the national level. The Press Club certainly takes pride in the expression of gratitude of some school paper teacher-advisers that the seminar, indeed, helped their campus writers prepare for the competitions ahead.

— ooo0ooo —

The Campus Journalism Seminar was born a year after the Press Club was organized in May 1965, according to press club history. It was one of the first community projects hatched for youth development. It was simply a one or two-day activity, depending upon availability of resources, highlighted by an essay-writing contest for all elementary and high school participants in Dipolog. Years later, the club went out of its way to spread the basic tenets of journalism to the pupils and students in the rural areas.

— ooo0ooo —

Before that time, the DECS’ journalism writing contests and school paper competitions were always monopolized by Dipolog schools and students. Maybe, it was because they were more exposed to newspapers and local journalism activities than their rural counterparts. And rightly so, talented campus writers from the rural areas began to emerge. After learning basic journalism techniques in the Press Club’s Campus Journalism Seminar, they were now sufficiently prepared to give their urban rivals a run for the awards.

— ooo0ooo —

That’s why today, it’s no longer surprising for some campus writers and school papers from far-flung and even remote rural schools to be winning awards and recognition for their journalistic skills in the annual DepEd press confab. In fact, the competitions have become so stiff that judges would already have a hard time picking out the best from among the best entries. This week alone, we spent four sleepless nights trying to figure out the best school papers and to rank the top 10 in news writing in the ZN Schools Division presscon. Ha . . . ha!

— ooo0ooo —

For the Press Club members who have been sacrificing their time, effort and little resources in trying to spread the gospel of journalism to all, without any pay at all, their only consolation is to see the rural campus writers improve on their talents and skills which they can put to good use in their quest for their life in the future. Some may become professional journalists, like a few who have already joined us. But writing is always useful to anybody in any profession in this modern civilization.

— ooo0ooo —

Well, reading all the school papers from Rizal down to Sibuco this week gave us some insight into some activities of the schools and communities throughout the province. Gov. Rolando Yebes, for one, was reported holding dialogues with local officials and community leaders, crowning beauty queens, pledging support to repair and construction of school buildings and other public improvement projects, as well as conferring with school heads on lack of teachers. The guy isn’t sleeping in his job. He’s working! And hard!

— ooo0ooo —

One item that caught our attention was a small report in the Katipunan NHS school paper that said, Gov. Yebes dropped by for some 25 minutes just to verify if it was true that some 12 teachers were pulled out of the school. As we know, DepEd Director Albar ordered all “borrowed” teachers to return to their mother schools to find out whether they’re “ghost teachers” or not. Heh  . . . heh! Naturally this crippled the Katipunan NHS whose 12 teachers were merely borrowed for lack of items. But Gov. Yebes must’ve taken this up with Director Albar. The 12 teachers were reportedly promptly returned. (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 27) 

We, the officers and members of the Dipolog City Government Employees Association strongly condemns the recent move of the Uy administration against our President – Mr. Clyde Naong of his suspension for one long year without pay for an alleged charged of gross insubordination.

The Uy administration has gone far beyond their limits to the extent of threatening every DCGEA member in each of their employment status. And as they alleged that Clyde’s plight is to set an example among the rest of us and to declare among others how powerful this administration could be.  Yes, power in the midst of a cowardly act against helpless individuals who clamors for nothing but justice for City Hall employees.

Mr. Clyde Naong has been tremendously harassed all the while and for no apparent reason be detailed at the Barangay Hall of Cogon, this City. Mr. Naong holds the position as Accountant III and a Division chief at that, in the City Accountant’s Office. What is there in Cogon that needs a Certified Public Accountant to sacrifice his duties and responsibilities in this City to go tracking down barangay transactions which can be handled by even just an undergrad?

Mr. Naong’s Memorandum Order to report to Cogon was to take effect immediately however, it should have been considered by this Mayor and whoever among others behind him that the bulk of work in the City Accountant’s Office needs to be properly turned over to whoever fits to alternate Clyde while he will be at the barangay. Clyde reported to Cogon anyway and found out that everything there was just in order and does not need his presence as the barangay treasurer have taken cared of it all. He had all these well documented and submitted his report attached to his request for recall of assignment to the Mayor. But none of this documents presented by Mr Naong were ever considered by the Grievance Committee the administration have purposely created under a certain Ms. Rosemarie P. Miranda – the “hearing officer” so they call. The four-page recommendation and suspension order against Mr. Naong  by the hearing officer was totally silent of the files of documents and reports and requests for reconsideration submitted to the Mayor supposedly justifying Mr. Naong’s late attendance at Barangay Cogon. Instead, twist after twist and more twisted stories were presented just so to put down, real down the President of DCGEA. According to the hearing officer – Ms. Miranda, “it is but fair and just for Mr. Naong”. Why? Because the truth is that the administration is threatened deeply by the fact that it was Mr. Naong who has discovered a huge actual deficit of about P5M in expenditures against income of this City for just the month of June this year, 2004.

DIPOLOG ---- The Zamboanga del Norte United Correspondents (ZNUC), a group of local based media practioners here, launched a Fund Drive for a ZNUC member whose wife is now confined at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

DPDS 1^st Alumni Homecoming 2004

What is the best reason to come together for a celebration? On Thursday, December 30, 2004, the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School (DPDS) will hold it’s first ever Alumni Homecoming. Moreover, alumni’s from batch 1954 to 1993 are invited to participate to