Jinggoy links woes to
‘mental instability’
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Philip Loyola photo

PMHA Negros Occidental-Bacolod chapter president Gloria Tajanlangit presents a plaque of appreciation to Senator Jinggoy Estrada*

Senator Jinggoy Estrada last night said the real problem being faced by the country today is “somebody in Malacañang who tends to create her own realities, her own enchanted kingdom” at the expense of the Filipino people and their mental health.

“Poverty, hunger derivation, and lack of opportunities, loss of jobs and injustice are real and compelling reasons for mental instability,” he warned.

Apparently referring to President Gloria Arroyo in his speech before the Philippine Mental Health Association Negros Occidental-Bacolod Chapter at the Planta Hotel in Bacolod City, Estrada said she has selected perceptions of growth, development and modernity which are not shared by the Filipino people.

The approval of the P15.9 billion City Investment Plan by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay, that allocates P14 billion for the construction of Light Rail Transit and P8 million for the feasibility study for a racing village, was described by two city councilors yesterday as “unrealistic and unreasonable”.

The Silay City Council approved on Tuesday the proposed City Investment Plan, which incorporates the annual, medium and long term investment plans of the city, amounting to P15,926,509,501, with Councilors Michael Thomas Velez and Marie June Castro manifesting their opposition.

The proposed CIP had also been approved by the Silay City Development Council during its regular meeting July 31.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes led the groundbreaking rites of a Biofuels Research and Development Center in Bago City yesterday, which he said is the first of its kind in the country.

Reyes, who lauded a private sector initiative in establishing center, said the young bio-fuels industry in the Philippines should be developed, at rites held at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center, and Bago City College compound.

A viable modeling of jatropha and moringa crops is also being eyed for the province, as an alternative for sugar to control supply situation.