Rodriguez not keen on House Speaker post
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:18 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Third district Representative-elect Oscar Rodriguez said recently that he is not keen on becoming speaker of the House of Representatives in the 16th Congress.
The speaker of the house is the fourth highest political official in the country who is elected by a majority vote of the estimated 287 members at the commencement of each Congress. He or she presides over sessions and decides on all questions of order (subject to appeal by any member), including signing of all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or upon order of the House, plus appointing, suspending, dismissing or disciplining House personnel and exercising administrative functions.
Elderly man wants answers on complaint vs hospital
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:18 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A 70-year-old senior citizen admitted at a private hospital here sought the help of health officials as to why his complaint has not been acted upon for nearly a year.
Manuel Bautista of Pilar Village in Barangay San Isidro told Sun.Star Pampanga over the weekend that he lodged a complaint against Mother Theresa of Calcutta for alleged overpricing of medicines at its pharmacy on July 13, 2012 before the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Luzon.
Ex-cop killed in ambush
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:17 p.m.MABALACAT CITY -- A retired police officer was killed in a broad daylight ambush along MacArthur Highway in the commercial district of Barangay Dau on Sunday.
Senior Police Officer 2 Rodrigo Rodriguez, a retired cop formerly assigned at the Angeles City police office, died on the scene after sustaining three gunshot wounds on the head.
Delta wants streamlining of provincial ordinances
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:16 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Vice Governor-elect Dennis "Delta" Pineda said he will be working for the streamlining of provincial ordinances to avoid redundancy of laws and policies and ensure effective local governance.
Pineda told Sun.Star Pampanga that the City Council will continue to work for local legislation that is responsive to the development and growth in the province and the region.
Lazatin, Nepomuceno out but old names linger in Angeles council
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:16 p.m.ANGELES CITY -- First district Representative Carmelo Lazatin and former mayor Francis Nepomuceno may be out in the local political scene this term but younger generations of their political families still hound the Angeles City council.
The Nepomuceno name is alive in councilor-elect Bryan Nepomuceno, who ranked second in the number of votes for the City Council with 63,856 or 8.53 percent of the voters who voted in this year's election here, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Arayat mayor-elect to push for ‘peace initiative’
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:16 p.m.ARAYAT, Pampanga -- The former "supremo" of the so-called Hukbong Mapagpalayang Bayan and now mayor-elect of this town is planning to hold a municipal-wide peace initiative to put an end to the series of killings and other criminalities in various localities here.
Mayor Emmanuel Bonifacio Alejandrino, in an interview over the weekend, said he would reach out to various armed groups, including concerned non-government organizations, to come up with a development plan anchored on the common desire to achieve development by transforming the town into a peace-loving community.
9 vehicles impounded, high-powered guns seized
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:15 p.m.CAMP OLIVAS -- At least nine different kinds of vehicles have been impounded and are now the subject of an investigation after they were intercepted in a checkpoint along the provincial road in Barangay Bitungal, Norzagaray, Bulacan recently.
Senior Superintendent Amador Corpus, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 3 regional director, said that during a checkpoint together with the personnel from Bulacan police, Commission of Elections, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, they intercepted a white Mitsubishi Montero, two military trucks, and a military hummer.
Senior citizens ask mayor: Observe law on budget share
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 09:15 p.m.ARAYAT, Pampanga -- Officials of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (Fescap) Arayat chapter expressed hope Sunday that the new administration in the Municipal Government will observe the law involving budgetary requirements to their group.
Hector Gamboa, Fescap president, said that for so long, they had been deprived of their right under law involving their one percent budget share from the internal revenue allotment of the municipality.
Braganza loses to Espino
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - 07:16 p.m.LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- President Benigno Aquino III twice came to the province to endorse or campaign for Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, gubernatorial candidate of the Liberal Party (LP).
But it did not at all help Braganza get the upperhand as re-elected Governor Amado Espino Jr. of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) routed him with an overwhelming lead of 554,351.
Gloria Arroyo thanks kabalens for another term
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 09:11 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Former President and now re-elected Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (second district, Pampanga) expressed gratitude to Kapampangans for another term.
Arroyo, who will serve the towns of Lubao, Floridablanca, Porac, Sta. Rita, Sasmuan and Guagua, was proclaimed winner by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) on Thursday evening, after she garnered 168,718 votes against former Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu with 18,547.
Re-elected, new BMs eye ‘greater Pampanga’
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 09:11 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Re-elected board members Ric Yabut, Nestor Tolentino, Salvador Dimson Jr., successful comebackers Dinan Labung and Rosve Henson, together with newcomers Cherry Manalo and outgoing Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang recently professed to “move in unison for a greater Pampanga” and pass more beneficial legislative measures which will benefit Kapampangans.
The local legislators, who expressed excitement over their first session together with Vice Governor-elect Dennis Pineda, said they are optimistic that the “new complexion” of the august body will not, in any way, affect their objectives for the bigger development of the province of Pampanga.
Bondoc calls for unity
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 09:10 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Congressman-elect Juan Pablo Bondoc has called for political unity in his district following his win against congressional rivals here, adding there is much to do in terms of infrastructure, tourism and agricultural development of the district.
Bondoc was proclaimed winner of the congressional race for the fourth district of Pampanga after garnering 105,610 votes or 55.58 percent of the 207,749 of voters.
Butil still Central Luzon’s choice
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 09:09 p.m.SANTA RITA — The Butil Farmers Party reigned as the top party-list choice in Central Luzon region after gaining 257,009 votes or 9.03 percent of the total voters who voted in the region, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Butil was followed by Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) with 162,470 or 5.71 percent at 2nd place in the regional ranking. Buhay Hayaang Yumabong (Buhay) followed close at third place and Binhi at 4th place.
Groups urge fast probe on Malampaya fund scam
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 01:11 a.m.MASANTOL -- Members of the Masantol Eastern Coastal Communities (MECC) urged the Commission on Audit (COA) on Friday to speed up the investigation on the Malampaya fund scam involving multi-million pesos worth of "ghost project" intended for farmers here.
Former Vice Mayor Marcelo Lacap, a member of MECC, said their "innocence had been taken advantage by some individuals who successfully enrich themselves" by facilitating the release of some P89.2 million at the expense of the supposed beneficiaries in the localities.
Rimpy to prioritize agri dev't
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 01:10 a.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Congressman-elect Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc said on Thursday he will prioritize agricultural development in the fourth district to give Kapampangan farmers more opportunities for growth.
Bondoc made a successful comeback after he overwhelmingly won over his closest rival, Mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba.
New heritage sites unveiled
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 01:10 a.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Two houses were added to the heritage map of the City of San Fernando on Friday as the City Government led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and the San Fernando Heritage Foundation chaired by businessman Levy P. Laus unveiled the markers and signed the memorandum of agreement for their preservation.
The first site opened for viewing to visitors was the century-old Paras-Hizon house along V. Tiomico Street right along the city's main Heritage District.
Mayor-elect asks fishpond owners to get insurance
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 01:09 a.m.MASANTOL -- The newly elected mayor in this town said he would ask fishpond operators to consider obtaining insurance policies for their businesses.
Dan Guintu of the Liberal Party got an overwhelming support from the electorate after he defeated Paul Flores, brother of incumbent mayor Peter Flores.
Masantol’s most wanted falls
Saturday, May 18, 2013 - 01:08 a.m.MASANTOL – Police arrested the town's number one most wanted person in his residence in Barangay San Isidro here.
Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, Officer-In-Charge of Pampanga police provincial office, said Sonny Yabut, 31, was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Josephine Mercado of the Regional Trial Court Branch 55, Macabebe, Pampanga.
Pineda proclaimed as Pampanga guv
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:51 a.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Re-electionist Lilia "Nanay Baby" Pineda was officially been proclaimed governor of Pampanga on Thursday.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the motion of the Pineda's lawyers to declare her winner in the recent polls on the basis of the number of official votes tallied from 16 municipalities and the City of San Fernando.
Village chief calls for 'politics of unity'
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:50 a.m.ANGELES CITY --- A village chieftain has called for "politics of unity", saying that the recent political exercise has divided the people.
Balibago chairman Rodelio "Tony" Mamac, who lost to incumbent Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, said the city cannot afford a "politics of vengeance."
Kuliat Foundation to host Sabat Santacruzan
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:50 a.m.ANGELES CITY - The Kuliat Foundation Inc., together with the Center for Kapampangan Studies, is organizing the Sabat Santacruzan on May 22, to create awareness among Filipinos of its inherent religious significance and its cultural value in our nation's history.
The foundation, in a statement, said the month of May is traditionally set for the Santacruzan which was originally intended as a method of evangelization but has become a Filipino heritage worth keeping.
Newbie councilors eye projects
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:49 a.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Newly elected city councilors Angie Hizon and BJ Lagman said recently that they are looking at legislating and implementing new programs and projects for Fernandinos.
After their official proclamation at City Hall on Tuesday, the two members of Team Fernandino -- with Hizon emerging as number one councilor -- will immediately submit their respective proposals to the City Council during the first session in July.
San Luis mayor retains post
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:49 a.m.SAN LUIS, Pampanga – Re-elected Mayor Venancio "Asyong" S. Macapagal, his running-mate Vice Mayor Leonardo Salas and seven of his councilors,
Despite reports of alleged vote buying by rival candidates, it was an overwhelming victory for re-elected Mayor Venancio "Asyong" S. Macapagal, his runningmate Vice Mayor Leonardo Salas and seven of his councilors, Macapagal of the Kambilan party got 13,770 votes against his rival Rey Santos (LP) who got 11,040 votes. Salas (Kambilan), meanwhile, got 13,333 against Erwin Clarin (LP), with 10,432 votes.
Flores stages successful political comeback
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:48 a.m.MINALIN, Pampanga -- Former mayor Edgar Flores has made a successful political comeback after defeating incumbent Mayor Arturo Naguit in the May 13 midterm elections.
As this developed, Flores bared that first in his list of priorities after being sworn into office next month is to come up with a comprehensive initiative to address the flooding problem in the locality.
Wong warns politicians involved in harassment
Friday, May 17, 2013 - 01:48 a.m.SAN SIMON -- Re-elected Mayor Leonora Capule-Wong recently warned losing candidates allegedly responsible for massive harassment during the campaign period of appropriate action to hold them accountable for their illegal activities.
"Yung mga taong may kinalaman sa nangyaring massive harassment sa ating mga botante ay kailangan silang managot. Paaalisin natin dito ang mga bad elements para umunlad ang ating bayan," Wong said.
Pineda leads unofficial count
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 11:00 p.m.CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Reelectionist Governor Lilia Pineda was leading Tuesday morning against former governor Ed Panlilio in the partial unofficial canvass of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Pineda was leading in the count, as of 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, with 444,989 votes, over Panlilio who had 111,794 votes.
Pamintuan, Guiao win over veteran bets
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 10:59 p.m.ANGELES CITY -- Reelectionist Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and congressional candidate Joseller Guiao won over veteran politicians from known political families in the city.
Pamintuan, who ran under the Partido Abe Kapampangan, received 51,368 votes or 56.51 percent of the total 93,970 votes in the mayoral post, according to data gathered from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Lawmaker to retire from politics
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 10:58 p.m.ANGELES CITY -- A lawmaker said on Tuesday he is planning to retire from politics following his defeat in the mayoral race here.
"Magre-retire na tayo sa pulitika, matanda na rin tayo. Ipapaubaya na natin sa mga susunod (na nanunungkulan) ang pagseserbisyo sa bayan (I am retiring from politics, I've aged anyway. We'll leave public service to the next leaders)," the 78-year-old Representative Carmelo Lazatin said.
Butil, Pampanga’s top party-list choice
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 10:58 p.m.PORAC -- The Butil Farmers Party remains to be the top choice for party-list group in Pampanga, according to the canvass of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday.
The Butil Farmers Party received 71, 533 votes or 13.94 percent of the total 696,672 votes cast.
Gordon, Legarda lead in Pampanga
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - 10:57 p.m.STA. RITA -- Former senator Dick Gordon and reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda were Pampanga's top picks in the senatorial race on Monday.
Data obtained from the Commission of Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday showed Gordon of the United Nationalist Alliance at the number one spot with 345,321 or 6.53 percent of the total votes cast.
