Jonvic No. 1

Cavite is now one of the biggest provinces in the country with a population of 3.8 million. Governor Jonvic Remulla has done an excellent job so far with the issuance of an ISO 9001 certificate for its quality management systems to certify to his performance.

Among his accomplishments are:

1. Good Governance and reduction of corruption. He reduced the cost of covered courts from P7.5 million to P3.5 million, classrooms from P750,000 to P190,000, multicabs from P390,000 to P190,000 and computers from P75,000 to P23,500.

2. He has started a mass housing program by giving lots to 1,200 squatters.

3. He is building 500 school rooms at a reduced cost of P190,000 each.

4. He has a provincewide rice distribution program giving as many as 2,000 recipients per barangay. He made a distribution of rice in Dasmariñas yesterday.

5. In just 2 years, he increased the provincial budget from P2.1 billion in 2010 to 2.9 billion in 2012. Projected for 2013 is P3.15 billion.

Governor Jonvic Remulla has been awarded by DILG as no. 1 in Performance Management System for Region IV by DILG. He also received an award as no.1 Good Governance Gawad Pamana ng Lahi from DILG.

He was also awarded a “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award from DILG.

*      *      *

WORLD CLASS . . Vice President Jejomar Binay was the commencement speaker of the 10th commencement exercises of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) with 176 including 7 women graduating with degrees of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

Established 15 years ago by Capt. Gregorio Oca, the MAAP is located at the 160 hectare campus in Mariveles, Bataan. It is now headed by Dr. Conrado F. Oca, chairman of the board and RADM Eduardo Ma. Santos (Ret.), president.

The MAAP boosts of world class facilities with ship simulators. All students are given full scholarships sponsored by shipping companies. Thus really helping the poor families.

In his speech, VP Binay lauded the nobility of the maritime profession. He took note of the contribution of the maritime industry to our international trade, as well as the thousands of seamen being hired by other countries and sending home huge remittances.

After the graduation rites, VP Binay motored to the Mariveles, Municipal hall to meet with local leaders headed by Cong. Abet Garcia and Mayor Jessie Concepcion. He later proceeded to Limay, Orion and Pilar towns where Mayors Ver Roque, Pepe Santos and Charlie Pizarro welcomed him.

*      *      *

MORE SULU KIDNAPPINGS . . Baker Atyani, 43, Dubai based Jordanian broadcast journalist and his Filipino crew, Roland Letuco and Ramelito Vela are missing in Sulu according to Sulu Provincial Police Director, Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra.

Atyani of Al Arabiya TV network had interviewed Osama Bin Laden and was planning to interview Abu Sayyaf leaders for a documentary.

Earlier this month, two Chinese traders were also kidnapped in Sulu.

The US state Department has again renewed a Travel Advisory to US citizens against travel to the Philippines, especially Sulu and Mindanao.

“US Citizens should defer non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago due to the high incidence of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there,” the State Department said.

Meanwhile, a spate of carjackings happened in Tondo, Quezon City and Cavite. A 2012 Red Montero belonging to the Arce family was carjacked by 3 men in Tondo. A Starex van belonging to dancer Luningning Santos was carjacked in Quezon City together with several luggage as she and her boyfriend were about to leave for the airport. An SUV was carjacked in Cavite and found in Bulacan.

PNP reported 327 carjackings so far since January with 37 happening in Manila and Quezon City next.

Carjackers usually sell their carjacked cars to the Visayas or Mindanao or chop them into parts for resale.

The PNP and the LTO must crack down on the resale and registration of carnapped vehicles. It must also check stores selling car parts.

*      *      *

CHIEF JUSTICE SWEEPSTAKES . . 3 more Supreme Court Justices, Maria Lourdes Sereno, Jose P. Perez and Roberto Abad have been nominated for the post of Chief Justice.

Sereno was nominated by Feline Rael Singco, Reagon de Guzman and Fidel Thaddeus Borja. Perez was nominated by lawyer Zulo-Divino while Abad was nominated by the Asia Pacific Bar Association.

Also nominated are former UP Law Dean Marvic Leonen, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and former Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla bringing to 29 the number nominated.

Sereno being a President Aquino appointee, now becomes a leading contender for the CJ post.

Former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban listed the multifarious responsibilities of the Chief Justice. They are:

1. He is primus interpares among the 15 justices, presides over its sessions and controls the Agenda.

2. He is chief executive officer (CEO) of the entire judiciary, including 2,000 lower courts and 26,000 judicial employees.

3. He must be a passionate reformer to assure equal and speedy justice for all.

4. He is the leader of the Bar and all lawyers.

5. He is the chairman of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

6. He chairs the Judicial and Bar Council.

“In sum he is expected to lead the highest court in its critical role as the last bulwark of democracy,” concluded CJ Panganiban.

*      *      *

TIDBITS . . Rep. Homer Mercado has resigned from Partylist 1-Utak and has formed his own partylist, 1-Jam.

Rep. Ayong Maliksi (LP) is expected to challenge Gov. Jonvic Remulla in Cavite. The Abayas are backing Maliksi while the Revillas are supporting Jonvic Remulla.

Senator Koko Pimentel said he is going to consult his leaders especially those in Mindanao.

Belated Happy birthday to Senator Miriam D. Santiago, Mayor Maria Teresa Debuque of Anilao, Iloilo and Manny Santos, close friend of President Erap.