The endangered
human species

There are two kinds of endangered human species: judges and journalists. And many want to use them for target practice.

But both judges and journalists are not fazed by it. They have taken it as the hazard of their trade. It does not bother them much except the rivers of tears of their family.

And it only means they are performing their job. They know the long arm of the law will get these murderers anyway. Sooner or later.

The law has arrested nine and are closing in on the mastermind of the killing of Pasay RTC Judge Henrick Gingoyon. They'll get him soon.

The Regional Prosecutors Office in Iloilo City has also filed a murder charge against the suspected killer of Bombo Radyo Manager Herson Hinolan.

The suspect is no less than Lezo (Aklan) Mayor Alfredo Arcenio and the charge was filed in Kalibo Regional Trial Court.

The heavens cry for justice on the murder of both Judge Gingoyon and broadcaster Hinolan.

* * *

When I wrote about SRA James Ledesma and the sugar prices yesterday I knew I would be swamped with reactions. This is a good sign and I always said, give me your reactions.

My friend Franklin Fuentebella called up and told me prices of sugar in the world market is around P1,030 per lkg and if imported here plus the tariff it can go beyond P1,500.

Yesterday, too, Franklin was quoted to have said sugarmen are seen to lose some P50 million.

Another planter who identified himself as Chip Ballesteros said, and I quote, "I was disappointed by the action of James Ledesma of removing the "C" allocation. I am not saying he should resign but as a good leader he should have first consulted the people he is working with. We should get back what we lost before."

James Ledesma must welcome these reactions. It is a healthy sign for the industry.

* * *

I'd like to congratulate Dr. Eva Belicena as the new superintendent of schools for Negros Occidental.

We know the shoes of Dr. Emolyn Corteza are hard to fill. But such is the flow of life, the new blood takes over.

Dr. Belicena must be very well honed to the idea that education is a very important thing in a country. Our problems emanated from a poor educational quality the past many years because it was neglected by the national government.

Maybe, not neglected. But the national government has not given it the importance it deserves.

You only have to look at the budget of education of our country compared to the budget for education of other countries.

A big chunk of our budget which should have gone to education went to our budget for national defense.

Just this simple thing. Look at the budget for the Army tasked to fight the insurgents. Divide the amount by the number of real insurgents, not counting the budgetary insurgents, and you will find out an insurgent has a budget of millions.

* * *

My sympathy goes to BASOC Secretary General Eric Loretizo. Night and day, morning and afternoon, he is being chewed by media. Eric is, of course, also a media man but it does not make him free from criticism.

Eric should have known earlier everyone would ask for an accounting of the funds. And he should have prepared all the papers, all the supporting documents for all expenses.

Without the supporting documents, the impression is that somebody got the money. And because it was in his custody, then he is the prime suspect. This is sad. But Eric must face it.

I have always trusted Eric. I am confident he can come out with the correct accounting of the funds.

* * *

I'd like to congratulate Police Chief Pete Merced who has been promoted from superintendent or Lt. Col. To full-fledged Superintendent or Colonel.

Last New Year's Eve, retired Police Chief Vic Ponteras called up to greet us. I congratulated him on the performance of Merced who was recommended by him.

That's what I told Pete Merced when he became police chief. Just follow the footsteps of Vic Ponteras. And he is doing it.

* * *

I also want to congratulate Provincial Board Members Rey Depasucat, Fernando Leonor, and Adolfo Mangao for topping the attendance for 2005.

Of course, attendance is not the final gauge of how a provincial board member performs.

I hope the number of resolutions and bills filed be also published. And who filed landmark resolutions?

* * *

I was in La Granja the other day to pick up my day-old chicks dispersed by Gov. Joseph Marañon and Dr. Renante Decena.

If only our people only read and take advantage of government's programs, their life would have been very much better.

Gov. Marañon disperses pigs, cows, and even chickens. But, he gives them only to those who are serious and those living outside of Bacolod. Not that Marañon does not love Bacoleños. He will be questioned by the Commission on Audit if he does.

* * *

The government, according to the news, is selling two government-owned television stations, RPN and IBC.

This has long been due. Government cannot operate a media outlet efficiently. Only BBC of United Kingdom is being operated well because its independence is highly respected.

We're not interested in television stations. We're just interested on cable TV. And this afternoon at 4 we will have a meeting with our block timers at the studio at MBL building in Mandalagan.

We plan to open the Sunshine Channel January 14.*

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