‘No politics behind
Erap relief operations’
BY CARLA GOMEZ

There is no politics in relief operations done by the group of former President Joseph Estrada, Partido ng Masang Pilipino Negros Occidental chairman and former Valladolid Mayor, Ricardo “Cadoy” Presbitero said yesterday.

Presbitero was reacting to claims that the tour of former president Estrada and Mayor Jejomar Binay around the typhoon ravaged areas in the Visayas has political inclinations, or is preparatory to the 2010 presidential elections.

He added that there is nothing political in expressing personal sentiment and sympathy for the poor, and it is both moral and a Christian duty to love thy neighbor and to serve those who have less in life.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday signed the Memorandum of Agreement allowing the expansion of the Energy Development Corporation inside the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park and reiterating the conditions set by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Zayco also issued an Executive Order creating the Oversight, Monitoring and Compliance Committee and designating its membership.

Under the MOA, the EDC, formerly known as PNOC-EDC, and the provincial government committed to address the power requirement of Negros Occidental but at the same time, preserve and protect the environment and the resources in MKNP.

Fourteen more dead ducks, believed to be attacked by a wild dog, were discovered in Barangay Camalobalo, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental Wednesday morning.

Camalobalo barangay captain Roberto Pacto yesterday said duck owner Joseph Juarez discovered only one duck left of the 15 that he raised in a small paddy beside his rice field, and informed him about it.

Pacto said he went and saw dead ducks with their innards ripped out and scattered on the ground.