PIA-10 News

Local government officials can be suspended for absenteeism - Bhagwani

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 10 (PIA) – Local government officials could be suspended or removed from office for dishonesty, oppression and misconduct in office.

They could also be suspended for gross negligence or dereliction of duty, if they go on unauthorized absence for 15 consecutive working days, as provided for in Section 60 of the Local Government Code.

This caution came from Regional Director Loreto T. Bhagwani of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, who reiterated the latest pronouncement of DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on absenteeism of the local officials.

In his strongest words to date on erring public officials, the DILG Secretary gave a stern warning in the wake of reports of “chronic absenteeism and negligence of local government officials to the prejudice of public service.”

“Some local government officials are either frequently absent or holding office elsewhere, other than their official places of assignment,” he said.

The warning was directed to all governors, mayors, vice governors, vice mayors, local legislators, and barangay officials nationwide.

“In the case of sanggunian members, disorderly behavior and absences for four (4) consecutive sessions without justifiable cause, subject sanggunian member may be censured, reprimanded, excluded from the session, or suspended for not more than 60 days, or expelled,” explained Robredo.

Pending the investigation of a complaint on absenteeism, negligence or dereliction of duty, preventive suspension may be imposed by the following officials:

The President, if the respondent is an elective official of a province, a highly urbanized or an independent component city.

The Governor, if the respondent is an elective official of a component city or municipality, or the Mayor, if the respondent is an elective official of the barangay.

Meanwhile, Bhagwani said the DILG has enjoined all local government officials to hold office at the established seat of government—the provincial capitol, city hall or municipal hall.

He said local government officials should render full time service and devote time and attention to the performance of their official duties.

They should also refrain from practicing professions or engaging in any occupation other than the exercise of their functions and advance the primacy of public interest, Bhagwani added. (DILG/PIA-10)


PhilHealth to pay reimbursements of members on case-rate basis by Merlyn H. Ybañez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is now in the final stretch of its preparation for an improved reimbursement package.

This, as Philhealth is poised to launch on the first half of the year a standardized set of reimbursement for 22 common medical and surgical cases being availed of by its members in accredited hospitals, throughout the region.

Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr., Regional Vice-President of Philhealth, Northern Mindanao, said they are now tying the loose ends in their preparation before these new package of benefits are formally rolled out and disseminated to the public.

Quoting Dr. Rey B. Aquino during the recent 16th anniversary press briefing in Mandaluyong City, Alonto said “We are just making some fine tuning so that the next big wave of benefit adjustments on the second quarter of this year will be welcomed by our members and health care providers with great anticipation.”

Alonto said among the 11 medical cases that will soon be paid on a case-rate basis are dengue 1 and 2, pneumonia 1 and 2, essential hypertension, cerebral infraction and hemorrhage, acute gastroenteritis, asthma, typhoid fever, and newborn care package.

The surgical cases, on the other hand, include radiotherapy, dialysis, normal deliveries and deliveries by caesarian section, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, dilatation and curettage, thyroidectomy, herniorrhapy and mastectomy.

As soon as these are introduced, these will be reimbursed on a case-rate basis, a payment method that reimburses hospitals a pre-determined fixed rate for each treated case, Alonto said.

The system is a departure from the usual “fee-for-service” method where providers are paid for each unit of service, over which there is a tendency for abuse because expenditures tend to increase, if more services than what is needed, are provided or more expensive services are substituted for less expensive ones.

Alonto said Philhealth is moving towards this kind of system to help ensure better health outcomes, fair health financing, and equitable access to health care, especially, to the disadvantaged sectors.

To do this, we are looking into a possibility of a “no balance billing policy” for our sponsored members, while setting fixed co-payment rates for the rest of its members admitted in hospital bed accommodations purposely identified for the said reimbursement set up, he said.

With the case-rate payment, PhilHealth expressed optimism that it will significantly reduce high out-of-pocket payments by its members and gives the member a clear idea of the benefits that they will be able to avail of.

Likewise, some 1,600 accredited health care providers taking part in this new development are saved from the normally tedious administrative work for their reimbursements.

It can be recalled that PhilHealth already adopted the case-rate system in its maternity care package for normal spontaneous delivery, newborn care benefit package, outpatient HIV/AIDS package, and outpatient malaria package.

Furthermore, the choice of diagnoses listed under the new case rates was based on PhilHealth’s claims payment monitor in 2010 where the 22 cases up for case rate payment this year represent almost half of its total benefit claim payments last year.

“We expect that the move will indeed be more meaningful as it will address the topmost benefit availments for the coming years” Alonto added. (PIA-10)


Another drug pusher in Cagayan de Oro falls
By Juliet Cagaanan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 10 (PIA) -- Another alleged pusher plunged into the hands of the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Regional Office 10, during a buy-bust operation around 3:00 p.m., yesterday, March 9, 2011 at Zone 10, Bulua, this city.

The arrested suspect was Rolly Manangka y Raison, 29 years old, male, married and carpenter/laborer and presently residing at Blk. 9 Lot 6, Vamenta Subd., Barra, Opol Misamis Oriental.

He was arrested after selling one (1) piece of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to a PDEA undercover agent, Lt. Edwin F. Layese (Ret), Regional Director of PDEA-10, said

Recovered from Manangka’s possession and control was another one (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu and the buy-bust money consisting of one (1) pc. Php500 bill and two (2) pcs. of Php1,000 boodle money.

The said suspect is now temporarily detained at PDEA Regional Office 10 for booking and documentation while confiscated drug evidences weighing more or less one (1) gram with a street value of Php7,000.

He will then be brought to the Crime Laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for thorough examination.

Case for violation of RA 9165 is being prepared for filing appropriate charges in court, against the suspect, Layese added. (PDEA/PIA 10)


BJMP-10 implements Responsible Parenthood Program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Orietnal, Mar. 10 (PIA) – A Responsible Parenthood Program have been implemented for the inmates and their respective spouses of the Cagayan de Oro City Jail in Lumbia, this city.

The program aims to provide couples with information regarding the natural family planning method and inculcate in them values in the proper upbringing of their children.

This, despite their unique situation they have as couples as the husbands were held behind bars.

The program was implemented starting February 24, about 10 days after Valentines Day by members of the Volunteers-in-Prison Service (VIPS) through the initiative and linkages established by Jail Supt. Clint Russel Tangeres.

“Both the husband and wife were required to attend the said program for them to have a mutual understanding of the rationale behind the program” said Rev. Fr. Angelo Benjamin Durana, Chaplain.

Durana is also the Community Relations Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-10).

Meanwhile, Jail Sr. Supt. Abraham Pil Lintao, Regional Director of BJMP-10, is optimistic that this program will be simulated by all other BJMP-manned jails throughout Region 10. (PIA-10)


Valencia City inaugurates new city jail

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon, Mar. 10 (PIA) – Mayor Leandro Jose Catarata of Valencia City has thanked the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for providing him a new facility for the inmates of his city.

This, as the Mayor also expressed his gratitude for the BJMP, region 10, for assigning in his city men and women to look after the welfare of the inmates in his jurisdiction, during the inauguration of the new city jail.

The officers and men of BJMP-10, employees of the different government agencies in Bukidnon and other invited dignitaries witnessed the Ribbon Cutting and Blessing Ceremony of the New Valencia City Jail.

The activity was spearheaded by Jail Sr. Supt. Abraham, Regional Director of BJMP-10, and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representative, David Quesne.

Putting up of the said jail facility was made possible through the close collaboration of the BJMP, Valencia City-government and the ICRC.

Meanwhile, Lintao gave the assurance that as the representative of the BJMP Chief in the region, he will do whatever he can to establish stronger ties with other local government units and other government and non-government organizations (GO/NGO), (PIA-10)


BJMP Chief Directorial Staff visit city jails across the region

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 10 (PIA) -- Jail Chief Supt. Romeo S Elisan, Jr., Chief Directorial Staff of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) visited the different jails of the region, recently.

The purpose of such visits was to assess the present situation prevailing in the jails and come up with recommendations to further improve the management of jails throughout Region 10.

Elisan was accompanied by Jail Sr. Supt. Abraham Pil Lintao, Regional Director of BJMP-10 when they visited the city jails of Iligan, Ozamis and Cagayan de Oro.

Aside from conducting information drive of the Bureau’s recent policies, Elisan also inspected the respective security survey and operation plans (Oplan) of the said jail facilities.

During the occasion, Elisan also encouraged the members of BJMP-10 Regional Staff to participate in the BJMP’s recent policy of doing the “BJMP’s Best.”

The BJMP’s Best is sa policy wherein the commendable works and endeavors of praiseworthy officers and men of the BJMP will be recognized and rewarded. (PIA-10)


Camiguin officials undergo DRRM Act IRR briefing
by Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Mar. 10 (PIA) – The Camiguin Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRMC), recently, conducted a briefing on the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10121, among its members.

Otherwise known as the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010, RA 10121 seeks to strengthen the Philippine DRRM system by providing a framework and institutionalizing the National DRRM Plan.

All provincial and municipal counterparts were oriented on the salient provisions of the DRRMC system, thrusts, framework, milestones and trends.

Preparedness for effective response was also introduced, such as handling of incident command system, contingency plan formulation, cluster approach in response preparedness planning and rapid damage assessment, as well as, needs analysis.

Giving the present hazard and vulnerability assessment of the province, the local DRRMC also presented to the Regional RDRRMC, its DRRM status and capability.

The briefing was meant to facilitate good understanding of the IRR and improve cooperation and strategies among the stakeholders, Felicisimo Gomez, Provincial Planning Officer and DRRM Action Officer, said. (PIA 10)


Tagalog News: Multi-sectoral groups nagpahayag ng suporta kay Libyan President Gaddafi
By Bobby Ilupa

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Mar. 10 --- Isang “Prayer and Peace Rally for Libyan Crisis” ang naganap dito sa Plaza Cabili ng Marawi noong Martes ng umaga, March 8.

Hindi inalintana ng mahigit 200 professionals, Libyan missionaries, estudyante ng Madaris, kabataan, kababaihan at iba pang sektor ng lipunan ang tindi ng sikat ng araw habang pinakikinggan ang iba’t ibang personalidad na nagsalita.

Habang hawak-hawak nila ang mga placards na may nakasulat na “No To International Conspiracy against Libya”, “Respect Libyan Sovereign,” Gaddafy Champion of Human Rights.”

Ang nasabing rally ay pinangunahan ng Saksi Islamic Radio Forum and Foundation at ng mga Libyan missionaries na mga Meranaw.

Sa pakikipanayam ng Radyo ng Bayan, ipinaliwanag ni Sultan Musa Macabangkit, Presidente ng nasabing radio forum, na bilang Bangsamoro Muslims, nararamdaman din nila ang mga suliranin o krisis na pinagdaraanan ngayon ni Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi.

Sa manifesto ng nasabing grupo na nag-rally, hinihikayat nila ang lahat ng Muslim sa buong mundo na ipakita ang kanilang suporta at malasakit kay Gaddafi.

Ayon sa kanila, si Gaddafi ay isang respetadong champion ng human rights at isang international peace advocate.

Nakasaad din sa nasabing manifesto ang kanilang apela sa International Criminal Court ng United Nations na magsagawa ng patas at makatarungang pagsisiyasat sa napaulat na pagpatay ng mga sibilyan sa Libya.

Samantala, sa kanyang maikling pagsasalita sa rally, binigyang diin ni provincial board member Ansary Maongco na ang Estados Unidos ay hindi dapat nakikialam sa kaguluhang nangyayari sa Libya.

Sinabi ni Maongco na dapat hayaan nalang ang mga Libyans na lutasin nila ang kanilang sariling mga problema. (DXSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi/PIA-10)


Cebuano News: Kahugpungan sa mga kababaihan nagkahiusa
by Rudy D. Mendoza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Mar. 10 (PIA) -- Ang Barangay Women Development Council (BWDC) sa siyudad sa Cagyan de Oro nagkatigum aron pagsaulog sa Women’s Month ingon man sa International Women’s Day kaniadtong March 8.

Kini nga pagsaulog sa International Women’s Day gilangkuban sa mga kababayen-an gikan sa naglkalain lain nga barangay o distrito sa siyudad aron ipakita ang kusog ug panaghi-usa sa pagpalambo sa atong katilingbanong panginabuhi.

“Ania kita karon nagkahiusa aron pagsaulog sa International Women’s Day, ang adlaw nga gihatag kanato aron ipakita sa mga kababayen-an nga aduna kitay katungod sa komunidad,” Matod pa ni Cynthia B. Rosales ang Chairperson sa BWDC.

Si Kagawad Annie Y. Daba City, ang Chairperson sa Komitiba sa Women and Family Relations sa konseho sa siyudad, usab miingon nga siya gitahasan ni Mayor Vicente Y. Emano aron sa pagtabang sa mga kababayen-an pinaagi sa mga livelihood projects.

Lakip niini nga mga livelihood projects ang mga training sa panahi, beauty care, massage therapy, commercial cooking and baking ug food processing aron mapalambo ang inyong kahimtang sa pangnginabuhian ilabina sa inyong mga anak, matud pa ni Daba.

Miingon usab si Konsehal Nadya Emano Elipe sa Komitiba sa Social Services nga dili pariha sa unang panahon nga ang babaye diha lamang sa balay.

Sa pagka karon gihatagan na gayod kita ug importansiya. Gihimu-an kita ug balaod aron kita dili na maabusuhan.

Dili na kita musugot nga daug-daugon lamang. Ato gayod protektahan ang atong katungod dinhi sa atong nasod. (PIA-10)