Pampanga Times

On the Maguindanao Massacre

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:35:39 +0800

My sympathies go out to the grieving families of this horrific crime. I know that our President, being a mother and a wife,feels their pain and will utilize the full strength of the AFP, PNP and the Justice Department to go after these murderers, but at the same time following the tenets of due process and equal enforcement of the law.

On The Latest Round of Oil Price Hikes

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:39:09 +0800

I view the latest round of oil price hikes as both insult (As it comes at the heels of the proposed mechanism for oil price management in times of crisis) and direct challenge to the government’s efforts to control the prices of basic commodities and help ease the impact of the recent calamities on our people. I find it downright insensitive, and bordering on the despicable and disgusting, and i condemn it. As chairman of the House energy committee, and after thorough discussion and debate at the committee level, I reiterate my call for the pertinent government agencies, the Department of Energy in particular, to start auditing the books of the oil companies. This has also been ordered by the president. I am also coordinating with Sec. Favila regarding the proposed special mechanism for oil price management which we will present to the oil companies. Our people might get the impression that oil companies can have their way with our people. -Mikey Arroyo

So how will you bring down the price of gasoline?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:10:00 +0800

zach_lucero @mikeyarroyo so how will you bring down the price of gasoline?

That’s a complex issue, because the oil deregulation law is full of technicalities, and my complete answer would be several pages. But in a nutshell, what we are batting for is thorough review of the provisions of the law.

As chairman of the house committee on energy, I have presided over more than ten hearings wherein we have been looking at the allegations of collusion amongst the oil companies to fix prices. If these charges are found to be true, we will not hesitate to exercise our committee’s oversight duties and make sure penalties are exacted on erring oil players.

But I would be more than happy to sit down with you at my office to discuss the issue further with you.

-Mikey

Busy Day At Congress

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:58:51 +0800

Busy day at congress. We’ve been in plenary debates on the national budget. Today the house tackles the budget of the Department of Energy, and I am leading a renewed effort to study ways of bringing down fuel and power rates, especially at this when our countrymen are in dire need.

Mikey Arroyo on the 75 and 50-centavo price reduction for Gasoline and Diesel

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:45:29 +0800

I don’t agree with the 75-centavo and 50-centavo price reduction for gasoline and diesel. I don’t think its enough, especially in the light of the NEDA study showing that pump prices of fuel should go down by 6-8 pesos per liter. As chairman of the house energy committee, I call on the oil companies to implement a full rollback, especially now that we are under a state of calamity and our people are still reeling from the devastation caused by Ondoy and Pepeng. It should reflect the true price, not the pittance that they reduce in pump prices. It’s almost an insult to our intelligence,and unmindful of the suffering of many Filipinos.

Of course the oil companies, particularly the Big Three, continue to refute the NEDA study, but since they also block efforts to have their books audited by the pertinent government agencies, this issue of alleged overpricing cannot be settled with finality. And while we welcome the decision of the oil companies to defer the raising of LPG prices by a month to help the situation of our suffering countrymen, i must reiterate that their prices should reflect the true price of their product.

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Emergency Preparedness Tips

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:28:00 +0800

1) Look for the nearest evacuation center in your area.If your area was flooded previously or is a high-risk area, secure your appliances and other belongings and head to evacuation centers.

2) If you think your area is relatively safe, locate the main switch of your house and be ready to shut off power in case of flood. move appliances to higher ground or elevate them on boxes or crates.

3) Make sure there are no items outside that can be thrown by strong winds and hurt or kill. Board up or cover windows. Secure trees close to your home with ropes so they don’t fall and crush your roof, trim branches that may snap off and injure others.

4) Move vehicles to higher ground. Make sure they have enough fuel and will start quickly in case of emergency evacuation.

5) Have an adequate supply of drinking water and foods that don’t require cooking to last your family for at least a week. Stock up on flashlights and batteries, candles and clothes, including raincoats and rubber boots. Have battery powered radio so you can listen to weather updates even during brownouts. Have a complete first aid kit and stock up on special medicines you may need.

6) Keep cellphones charged and list down emergency hotlines.

Emergency Hotlines:

Philippine National Police – 117
Philippine National Police (SMS) - 2920
Manila Electric Co (Meralco) – 16211
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) – 136
Maynilad – 1626
Manila Water – 1627
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – 931-8101
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – 928-0308
Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) – 527-0000

RT@clariztanganco: Red Cross Advice : 1. Store (ready to eat food) 2. Water 3. Meds (fever, dehydration) 4. Posporo, Candle & Flashlights

Alerts and Information (Updated)

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:27:15 +0800

Alerts and Information (Updated)

Video

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:23:32 +0800

Video

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:22:34 +0800

Video

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:21:26 +0800

salamat pu sa nag post nito sa youtube

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:11:12 +0800

salamat pu sa nag post nito sa youtube

Mikey Arroyo's statement re: the infamous liquor pic

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:41:00 +0800

I’m so saddened about that posting of my photo on facebook with a caption saying I was buying wine at the height of typhoon Ondoy.

I was at Malacanang with my family helping to mobilize rescue and relief operations, for the victims in Metro Manila, and my constituents in Pampanga. Kahit anak ko tumutulong mamigay ng relief goods.

So many of our countrymen are suffering, there are so many lives to save, lives to rebuild, yet some people would rather use their time to spread malicious rumors over the internet. Katipunan was flooded at that time, how would I even get to Rustan’s?

Facebook and Twitter have been so helpful in keeping people in touch, in looking for loved ones and coordinating donations , just use them for doing good first while so many Filipinos are still in need, that’s all I can say. There’s still much to be done, let’s just all work together. :)

Please alert In’tl Aid Groups that President instructed...

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:35:29 +0800

Please alert In’tl Aid Groups that President instructed Customs NOT to seize/tax relief goods

GMA Brings Flood Victims to Malacanang

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:19:00 +0800

GMA Brings Flood Victims to Malacanang

Candaba under 12-foot flood

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:18:56 +0800

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Herbert P. Mapiles

STA. ANA — As of Tuesday, at least 1,000 houses in Candaba have been submerged under twelve feet floodwater as rains and winds bombarded the province and the rest of the country due to Tropical Storm Ondoy.

Classes were suspended and operations of major establishments have been affected. Floodwater is continuously going up as Pampanga River, which is the catch basis of waters from Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, overflows.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

But according to Junior Pangilinan, a resident of San Agustin village in Candaba, Candabenios have become used to flooding.

“Resiliency and responsiveness of the Candabenios in times flooding was remarkably observed,” he said.

As observed, every household has its own banca. Children regardless of age are given informal swimming lesson for their own safety.

A group of concerned citizens headed by Daniel Ombina has organized themselves to monitor dikes which were reportedly on the verge of collapse due to strong current of water along Pampanga River.

“We need to sacrifice a little, especially in times like this to save lives,” he said.

To date, barangays partially flooded are Paralaya, San Agustin, Pasig, Mandasig, Sto. Rosario, Bambang, Gulap, Buas, Lanang, Salapungan, Magumbali, Lourdes, Mandili, Tagulod, Cuayan Bugtong, Mapanique and Barangca.

Donors cited in 'Ondoy' fund drive

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:17:33 +0800

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

From Sun.Star

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Various civic groups and charitable individuals in the province have been lauded for their initiatives and immediate response to the multi-sector effort to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Levy Laus, chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), cited the Quota International of Pampanga, the Jaycees and Rotary Clubs and members of the business community who have been actively involved in and donated to the collective effort of extending help to the victims, particularly in hard-hit towns of the province.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

“We are grateful to the officers and members of these groups for putting their valuable time and resources to enable us to get the fund drive and relief efforts going under the aegis of CLTV 36,” Laus, chairman of the Laus Group of Companies, said.

CLTV 36, a regional television station in this city, is a member of the Laus Group.

On Sunday, following the devastating effects of Typhoon Ondoy on several towns in the province, particularly in Arayat where 12 persons were killed by a mudslide, CLTV 36 launched Operation “Tulong” to provide assistance and relief to the victims.

“While CLTV 36 is spearheading the drive, it’s really these groups and donors who have provided financial, moral and spiritual support for us to be able to convey our compassion and support to the victims in a concrete and meaningful way,” Laus said.

Laus said that, initially, financial assistance and relief goods will be extended to the victims in Arayat, particularly those who lost their loved ones and homes as a result of the killer avalanche of loose soil and boulders that buried them along Mt. Arayat’s slopes.

During a meeting with the various groups last Monday, Laus said assistance could also be extended to other victims outside Pampanga if funds are available.

It can be recalled that Laus, along with other business and civic leaders and government officials, were at the forefront in a multi-sector effort to save this city and the rest of Pampanga against lahar attack in the 1990s.

Angeles City extends assistance to Arayat folk

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:15:50 +0800

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ARAYAT — The City Government of Angeles led by Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno visited this town Tuesday to provide relief assistance to residents affected by the mudslide that left 12 people dead on Saturday.

Nepomuceno said that since Angeles City was spared from the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy, the City Government found it fitting to extend help to fellow Kapampangans in need.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

“It is the responsibility of those who have the capacity and resources to help people in need. We are here because we are willing to join in the mission of helping fellow Kapampangans and doing good knows no boundaries,” Nepomuceno said.

The Angeles City contingents distributed relief goods mostly composed of food stuffs, to some 1,000 families here.

According to City Administrator Mark Allen Sison, the donation was sourced from contributions, the mayor’s own pocket and the city’s calamity fund.

The City Government donated some P250,000 worth of goods composed of mostly food stuffs and P50,000 burial assistances to the relatives of the 12 people who died in the landslide.

“The province has experienced this great disaster that somehow awakened the civic spirit in us. We hope that these simple assistances would help our Cabalens in their road to recovery,” Sison said.

Nepomuceno also led the group to the City of San Fernando to extend some P250,000 worth of relief assistance to the city.

Environment department: Rain caused mudslide

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:14:11 +0800

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Ian Ocampo Flora

ARAYAT — The landslide that left 12 people dead in Barangay San Juan Baño here was caused by the unusual heavy volume of rain water and not by mining or illegal logging as alleged by local residents.

Citing a report by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive director Ricardo Calderon told Sun.Star that a heavy volume of rain water had caused the mountain soil to soften, eventually leading to the landslide.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

“There are no mining activities in the area. The fact is we have been implementing plans for massive reforestation,” Calderon said, dismissing earlier claims by residents on the existence of illegal logging and reports of mining activities in the area of the Mt. Arayat National Park.

Calderon also clarified the community that was affected by the landslide is not within the jurisdiction of the national park, a statement that is contrary to claims of local authorities here.

Mayor Luis Espino earlier said the houses affected by the landslide were within the area of the national park.

Calderon said the national park is under the supervision of both the DENR and the local government unit (LGU) here.

Some residents here said there have been treasure hunting activities in the area.

“They have been holding diggings in the area, some people here say they even heard blasts,” one resident who refused to be named said.

According to residents, the treasure hunting activities have been perpetrated by people from outside of the community.

Asked if this was true, Calderon said they were able to apprehend treasure hunters last February.

“There was a record of a treasure hunt but that was before and any such activities are no longer in existence,” Calderon said, adding that the national park is a protected area and such activities are not allowed.

The MGB and the DENR, Calderon said, are still coordinating efforts to study the potential danger posed by the collapsed area to other communities here.

PRESIDENT CONDOLES WITH MUDSLIDE VICTIMS PAMPANGA. President...

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:10:00 +0800

PRESIDENT CONDOLES WITH MUDSLIDE VICTIMS

PAMPANGA. President Gloria Arroyo condoles with families of mudslide victims in Barangay San Juan Bano, Arayat, Sunday. (Chris Navarro)

Congressman Mikey Arroyo's Official Statement Regarding Typhoon Ondoy

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:17:00 +0800

I extend my deepest sympathies to all our kababayans who were affected by the worst natural calamity that has struck us in decades, especially to those who lost their loved ones and those whose properties were either swept or damaged by typhoon Ondoy. My sympathies go to you all. As a citizen of this country, I am involving myself in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. As chairman of the house energy committee, I am also exercising my committee’s oversight functions to ensure that power is restored immediately to all affected areas as long as any threat of danger no longer exists. If there are people still submerged in water, while we badly need power to make our daily lives more convenient and to keep the economy running, we do not want to risk anymore lives brought about by accidental electrocution. At the same time, I applaud the valiant efforts of media practitioners, who despite being victims of the calamity themselves, risk their lives just to bring us on-the spot situations which greatly helped our different agencies in mounting rescue operations at the height of the wrath of typhoon Ondoy. I also heard that some of them were even personally involved in rescue operations. They were our eyes and ears and their efforts have helped save thousands of lives. I salute you all.