P106-M plunder case filed vs Bautista
A PLUNDER case involving more than P106 million worth of public funds allegedly used on questionable food purchases was filed on Wednesday against Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista before the Ombudsman.
Complainant Nicanor Royo Salameda of Payatas, Quezon City, asked the Ombudsman to prosecute Bautista for the alleged misuse of millions of government funds that should have been allocated for poverty-alleviation programs.
Included in the complaint was Quezon City Administrative Officer Ligaya Montallana who, according to Salameda, conspired with the former comedian in making the questionable transactions.
“So many lives of poor individuals like me could have been saved from poverty and death if the said millions of funds were used to improve our plight. But what did Bautista do with the more than P106-million fund of his office?” Salameda said.
In his complaint, Salameda claimed Bautista used P106,255.017 from the fund of the Office of the Vice Mayor for food purchases in 2009. Salameda said he discovered the purchases from documents obtained from the Records of Deposits, Disbursements and Checks of Quezon City for 2009.
He said it was clear that the food purchases did not undergo the necessary bidding procedures as required by law. The complainant said there were even instances when Bautista circumvented the law to avoid the bidding.
‘Same old stale, dull yarn’
LP Quezon City mayoral candidate Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, however, dismissed the complaint filed against him as nothing more than an act of desperate political gimmickry hatched by the camp of Mike Defensor.
“Mike, whatever desperate act you or your proxies do, you will not change the fact that the Liberal Party will defeat you and other administration candidates by a landslide in Quezon City,” Bautista said following the filing of another 15-page complaint before the Ombudsman by Salameda.
“Perhaps the person behind this, who is known for his mastery of deceit, should abandon the same old stale, dirty tactics,” said Bautista.
“I urge Mr. Defensor to instead come cleanly in the scandals involving billions of state funds during his stint in Malacañang instead of dreaming up ways to catch attention. This is a tired old issue that they are trying to resurrect. Since Day One, this has been the strategy of the Arroyo administration’s dirty-tricks department. We are actually quite pleased that they have finally brought this matter before the proper forum,” Bautista said.
Bautista stressed that the complaint will not derail his focus on the campaign as he shrugged off these ridiculous never-ending accusations against him, saying his lawyers have anticipated the latest move of his political opponents months ago.
“We have nothing to hide, so let the matter take its due course. We will just wait for the resolution. It is rather sad that while our campaign is centered on programs for development, our rivals would rather feed the people of Quezon City trash politics,” he said.
Quezon City Mayoralty bet Mike Defensor is envisioning the construction of a QC Movie Museum in a bid to strengthen not only the Philippine movies but the whole entertainment industry as well. Defensor is mulling the possibility of putting up the movie museum within the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center or the La Mesa Dam Eco-Park as an added attraction to the said places. “I believe that putting up the museum is a concrete project that will strengthen the movie industry but it will also boost local tourism which in turn will generate additional employment opportunities for our QC residents,” Defensor declared. In a dialogue with the movie and entertainment press recently, Defensor cited the case of Fernando Poe, Jr, whom he said should be featured in the museum as one of the most famous and brightest movie star in the country who and one who bridges the ‘past and the present movie industry. Defensor also said that the actor should be honored with a wax statue to be displayed prominently in the said museum. Defensor also said he will consult with German Moreno for the proper implementation of this project and also in recognition of Kuya Germs’ love and concern for the industry. Defensor explained that the museum should not be regarded as a competition against the Walk of Fame in Eastwood and the Garden of Stars found at the Mowelfund but should treated as a complement to give recognition to the Philippine Film Industry and showcase the talents of local artists and performers. The museum is an example of a concrete development in support of the ordinance passed by the QC Council recognizing Quezon City as the ‘City of Stars’. Defensor believes that the said ordinance should not be limited to the mere recognition of QC as the ‘City of Stars’ but should be translated to realistic and concrete programs that will be felt by the industry and the residents of QC. “The recognition given to our city will be made more significant if we were to have a mini-version of Hollywood’s Universal Studios which will surely boost tourism and generate employment,” Defensor added.
JOBS in Quezon City should be for the city’s people, according to mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor. Defensor made the statement as he met with community leaders recently to promote his program for employment. He said he is prepared to talk with owners of factories and establishments to make an arrangement where city residents shall be prioritized when they are hiring workers. In exchange for that, Defensor said his administration would be willing to provide incentives such as tax breaks and free occupational permit to employers who are willing to cooperate with the local government. To achieve the program, Defensor said there must proper coordination between with the business sector, the community and the local government “What’s important here is that the local government, businessmen and the community should help each other in achieving the common goal of providing employment to our people,” Defensor said. Defensor said there must also be skills training for call centers, restaurant and internet outlets because these are areas that provide more employment opportunities. He also cited the need for the expansion of market for products that can be derived from livelihood programs such as making candles, soap, and fashion accessories and more. In line with this is his plan to provide skills training on dressmaking, food processing, automotive, electronics and other skills that people can use to earn a living.
Quezon City Mayoral aspirant Mike Defensor said about 48,000 scholars per school year will be benefited with free college education through the educational program he is going to implement to ensure the future of the city’s youth. “Poverty should not be hindrance to our youth who possess the intelligence and skills to finish their formal education. The city government has enough funds and authority to implement projects and programs that will help our youth,” Defensor stated. At present, there are more than 60 universities and colleges in the city. Defensor expressed his willingness to enter into a compromise with the academe to implement his project for the youth sector. Under the program, 48,000 students would be benefited with a college education yearly if the 60 colleges and universities all over the city would grant discounts to 200 students per year level. Defensor said the discounted tuition can be shouldered by the local government. Defensor made sure that these colleges and universities will grant discounts in view of the concrete programs presented by the local administration. He said Quezon City has the largest budget among local government units and if the city government fails to address the problems of the youth, they are likely to cause more problems to the society. Each local government scholar graduate will have the means to bring his or her family out of the poverty that has long crippled the urban poor. “I believe it will not cost more than P1 billion, and this would hardly make a dent on the city’s big budget. I believe now is the time to return the budget to the people of the city to let our citizens, rich and poor alike, to feel and see the true growth and development of the city and its people,” Defensor added. 
POLITICAL strategists of the administration were appalled by statements of Quezon City mayor Herbert 'Bistek' Bautista that he, like other stalwarts of the opposition party, is a victim of a ploy to oust him. The operators who requested anonymity said they don't even consider Bautista a major threat to the administration, adding that the former comedian does not merit their serious attention at this time. "That's ridiculous! We won't even spend a single centavo for that guy. He can do anything he wants like making a fun of himself. We won't touch him," they said. Bautista recently claimed the graft charges and other cases filed against him at the courts and the Office of the Ombundsman are all part of an administration scheme to put him down. The former funny actor said he is being discredited by the administration just like what it is doing to LP stalwarts Grace Padaca, Ed Panlilio and Estelito Mendoza. "Is he trying to say that he's a force to reckon with? Sorry for him. That's too far from reality," they added. On the hand, oldtimers from the Liberal Party (LP) were turned-off by Bautista's desperate attempt to draw sympathy from the public at the expense of the political organization. A congressman from Laguna said Bautista should not use the party for his personal advantage particularly at this stage when the political organization is experiencing major adjustments to keep it afloat. "Instead of using us, Bautista should help the party reorganize first and get back into fighting form. Right now, we believe he's only concerned of himself," the lawmaker said. "If he cannot keep his mouth shut, at least he can give some respect to the party by not making a laughing stock of himself," he added. The dismayed representative said Bautista should instead clear his name on the charges thrown against him. He said the LP is very much interested to hear Bautista's explanation about the accusations of graft, theft and dishonesty against him. Bautista has remained silent on the various charges filed against by his childhood friend, city hall employees, and concerned citizens. Instead of answering the complaints, Bautista cried political harassment by the administration.
QUEZON City mayoralty bet Mike Defensor stood by his commitment to return portion of the city’s huge fund to the people by implementing programs that would directly benefit the people especially the poor. In a candidates forum at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) at the University of the Philippines, Defensor told listeners and the other mayoralty bets it is very important that progress be felt by the people of Quezon City, whether they are rich or poor. ‘Ngayon ang tamang panahon upang ibalik natin sa ating mga kababayan ang pondo ng Quezon City, nagawa na natin sa matagal na panahon ang pagtutok sa pagbabagong pisikal ng ating lungsod, dapat ay higit nating pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga serbisyo at programa na tunay na magpapabago sa kanilang pamumuhay,’ Defensor said. Among the programs being pushed by Defensor are the distribution of health cards for affordable and quality medical services, monthly allowances for senior citizens, equal rights and privileges for the physically challenged persons, tuition discounts from the estimated 60 universities and schools to facilitate scholarships and pro-poor housing through the comprehensive mortgage program (CMP). For his thrust in tourism, Defensor vowed to create jobs for city residents by developing the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center as major tourist attraction. He plans to make La Mesa Eco Park as the ‘Tagaytay’ of Metro Manila and successfully turn the Quezon City as the ‘City of Star’ Defensor said residents are also assured there would be no additional taxes under his administration since the city’s huge fund can finance his programs. Defensor said he will develop ways on how to eliminate tax burdens imposed on small businessmen such as sari-sari store owners as well as Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA). ‘Maunlad na ang Quezon City, pero dapat may gawin tayo para sa kanilang lahat upang maramdaman nila ito at sila mismo ay makasama natin sa tunay na pag-asenso,’ he added. 
Quezon City mayoralty aspirant Mike T. Defensor is proposing the construction of a hospital in the city’s Second District to ensure the delivery of quality health care and to address the health needs of the residents of the district.
Defensor said the construction of a hospital in the city’s largest district is feasible considering the local government has the funds for its construction.
“The lack of money for deposits should not be a hindrance for residents of the Second District once this hospital is built. If we have to call on the concerned national government agencies to ensure that this hospital will be properly equipped with state of the art facilities and equipment to address the health concerns of our citizens, then we will do so,” declared Defensor.
Health reform is one of Defensor’s agenda and ranks high in his priority list as underlined by the programs and projects he had laid out for the benefit of QC residents. These priorities include the quick delivery of medical services such as surgeries, sufficient supply of medicines, adequate equipment and the availability of highly qualified health and medical professionals to serve the urban poor.
“It is my desire to strengthen the delivery of health and medical services for our constituents. Take, for instance, the case of our Barangay Security and Development Office (BSDO) personnel. If they are harmed or injured while responding to the call of duty, they need to be taken cared of immediately. They shouldn’t be made to beg for medical attention,” added Defensor.
In a dialogue with residents of the Second District, Defensor promised to push for a ‘universal health care’ for QC residents.
Under this program, all indigent families will have the opportunity to become members of the National Health Insurance Program or Philhealth, while all families with Philhealth coverage will be provided with the QC Health Card.
Defensor also promised to work with the private sector for the procurement of cheap medicines for infections, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer and to provide affordable laboratory and diagnostic services which include blood tests, x-ray and ultra-sound services.
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Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike Defensor promised to bring the fabled Tinseltown “Hollywood” to the city to enhance its image as the ‘City of Stars’.
“We need a concrete project to make the identity of Quezon City as the ‘City of Stars’ more significant. This will not only give honor and recognition to the local movie and entertainment industry but it will also enhance local tourism and generate jobs,” declared Defensor.
Quezon City is the only place in the whole archipelago to play host to the country’s six biggest television networks which include ABS-CBN, GMA 7, ABC 5, RPN 9, NBN 4 and IBC 13.
Defensor assured he will undertake projects to boost the local entertainment industry. For starters, he is pushing for the construction of a museum that will give tribute to the Philippine movie industry and showcase the talents of Filipino artists.
Recognizing the need to provide quantifiable results to ordinances earlier passed by the City Council, Defensor said he believed that the city’s recognition as the ‘City of Stars’ is not enough and that he intended to follow this through with the implementation of viable programs and projects that will provide impact and be felt by those in the industry and the residents of the city as well.
It will be recalled that Quezon City has been reported as the residence of at least 80% of the country’s showbusiness personalities. Some have even crossed over to the political arena and it is undeniable that some of them really delivered a solid performance as public servants. Among them is Mike Defensor’s running mate, 2nd District Councilor Aiko Melendez who is running for vice-mayor.
Tension runs high among Quezon City Hall employees after a high ranking official threatened to fire them from their jobs if they did not support Herbert “Bistek” Bautista in his bid for the mayoralty of the city. This early in the rundown to the May 2010 national elections, City Market Administrator Donato Concepcion is allegedly forcing his subordinates to support Bautista. “You’re fired if you don’t!,” Matias allegedly threatened the employees who wished anonymity for fear of Matias’ reprisal. Matias is a known ally of Bautista and is also the subject of complaints because of suspected ill-gotten wealth. In fact, employees of the City have notified the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the official’s lavish lifestyle is spite of his meager salary as a local government employee . Based on the complaint filed by the Concerned Quezon City Hall Employees, Matias allegedly acquired a house worth P3 million in Baranggay Pinahan as well as a Toyota Fortuner. Despite his salary, Matias was allegedly able to buy a piece of land in Tagaytay City and even gave his girlfriend a Honda Civic as a present. Matias is also said to be a frequent habitué of a high-end nightclub and casinos. Meanwhile, employees said Matias is bent on keeping his position as a city official and many believe that he will retain his post if bautista sits as mayor of the city. Matias has been arrogantly flaunting his relationship with Bautista and has no qualms in threatening employees in his department with dismissal. 
Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike T. Defensor said there is a growing need to improve certain places in the city designated as centers tourism to make them more attractive and beneficial to the local government and to the residents of the city who will be directly benefited with additional livelihood and employment opportunities. In a dialogue with residents of Districts 3 and 4 who flocked to his headquarters, Defensor discussed the possibility of putting up a “Night Zoo’ at the Parks and Wildlife Center along Elliptical Road that will invigorate tourism in the city and generate employment for city residents. “This project will focus not only on tourism but it will also translate into jobs and employment opportunities for our people that will surely benefit the local government, stated Defensor. Defensor expressed his readiness to coordinate and enter into a partnership with the government agency he once headed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to implement this proposed project for the city. He also expressed confidence that local and foreign tourists will flock places in the city like the Parks and Wildlife Center if they will be transformed into first class tourist sites. “The growth of tourism in the city requires the administration’s commitment and the political will to implement changes that will propel growth and development. I firmly believe that with every business venture that will be started in the city, however big or small, will help provide livelihood opportunities for the citizens of Quezon City,” added Defensor. At present, aside from taking care of the welfare of the animals and the facilities of the Parks and Wildlife Center, Defensor is also eyeing the possibility of putting up a night market and other added attractions to transform the place into a major tourist destination while also maintaining environmental concerns and the peace and order situation not only in the said area but in the whole city as well. #
Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor intends to take street children off the busy streets of the city and implement programs that will benefit these children’s families. Defensor stressed that these efforts must focus on how to give street children the opportunity to become productive members of the community. “We need to appropriate funds for the ‘zero street children’ program to improve the lot of street kids and make them stop living off the streets and grow up without any direction in life. It is the city government’s commitment to ensure that these children will not grow up to be liabilities to society,” Defensor stated. Defensor cited the need to address the causes of poverty that drove these children to the streets. These include the lack of decent shelter, lack of education and unemployment. “If we can provide the street children’s parents with decent shelter and a steady source of income, there would be no more need for the children to take to the streets and beg for food and money,” added Defensor. Defensor will also push for the implementation of livelihood programs and parental education to teach parents about their responsibilities and obligations to their children. He expressed his readiness to cooperate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), non-government organizations o NGOs and the private sector to be the city government’s partners in the implementation of programs for street children. “What we need is to work together with the private sector and a city government driven by the political will to eradicate poverty in the city,” said Defensor. Defensor believes that true development is reflected not merely on the physical make-up of the city but should also be felt by each and every member of the community. 
Naniniwala si Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor na malaking bentahe para sa mga estudyante ang kaalaman tungkol sa makabagong teknolohiya ngayon, kung kaya pagtutuunan nito ng pansin ang pagpapalakas sa Information Technology skills ng mga mag-aaral sa lungsod. “Sa panahon ngayon, nakalalamang ang mga mayroong kaalaman sa computer at internet kumpara sa wala. Kaya naman nais kong pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagtutulak sa pag-aangat ng antas ng mga pasilidad at iba pang kagamitang pang - Information Technology sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa ating lungsod,” ani Defensor. Nais ni Defensor na manguna ang Quezon City sa pag-hulma ng mga mag-aaral na bihasa sa IT at iba pang larangan ng makabagong teknolohiya. “Sa kalaunan, lahat ng mag-aaral sa high school sa ating lungsod ay magtatapos bitbit ang kaalaman sa makabagong teknolohiya. Ang Quezon City ay magtutustos ng mga high school graduates na bihasa sa IT para mapaghandaan ng mga batang ito ang kanilang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo o kaya’y ang paghahanap ng trabaho,” dagdag ni Defensor. Kasabay nito, naniniwala rin si Defensor na malaki ang pangangailangan na suportahan ng pamahalaang lokal ang mga pangangailangan ng mga guro upang palakasin ang kanilang kaalaman hinggil sa mga subject na English, Mathematics at Science. “Para maging bihasa ang kabataan sa IT ay kinakailangan nila ng mga guro na may taglay na husay sa mga asignaturang Ingles, Matematika at Agham. Tulungan natin ang ating mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan na palakasin ang kanilang kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng mga pagsasanay at makabagong teknolohiya sa edukasyon,” ani Defensor.
Umalma sina Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor at runningmate nito na si Aiko Melendez kasama ang daan-daang market vendors sa lungsod kaugnay sa pagsasapribado ng mga palengke na siya namang isinusulong ng liderato ni Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista. Sa harap ng mga market vendors na nagtungo sa kanyang tanggapan, sinabi ni Defensor na kahit harangin pa siya ng sibat, pangungunahan niya ang pagbasura sa naturang plano ng kampo ni Bautista. Ayon kay Defensor, magdudulot lamang ng dagdag pahirap at gastusin sa mga nagsusumikap ng mga vendor ang ninanais ni Bautista na pagsasapribado ng lugar kung saan naghahanapbuhay ang mga maliliit na manininda. Base na rin sa karanasan, sinabi ni Defensor na tumataas ang upa ng mga vendors at humihina ang kanilang benta kapag nasasapribado ang pamilihan na kinatatayuan ng kanilang mga negosyo. “Siyempre kung isasapribado ang isang pamilihan, magiging negosyo ito ng sinumang bibili sa pamamagitan ng pagtataas ng renta. At kung mataas ang upa, dagdag gastos ito sa kanila,” paliwanag ni Defensor. “Kadalasan, tuluyan na ring namamatay ang mga negosyo sa loob ng palengke kasi pagkatapos nilang magtaas ng presyo para habulin ang upa, sa labas na lang ng pamilihan sila bumibili kung saan mas mura ang mga produkto,” dagdag pa ni Defensor. Samantala, umani ng pagbatikos mula kay Melendez si Bautista dahil sa pagsuporta nito sa pagsasapribado ng mga palengke. Partikular na tinutulan nito ang posisyon ni Bautista na kailangan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng dagdag kita bilang pagtatanggol sa privatization. “Wala atang pakialam si Bistek sa kapakanan ng mga maliliit na negosyante tulad ng mga market vendors kaya sinusuportahan nito ang privatization ng public market,” ayon pa kay Melendez.
(Salamat, by The Dawn)
Mike has always been dear to us since we were kids. He’s a good friend who came running when we needed him. Mike was the go-to guy even before he became Cong. Mike, and then Sec. Defensor. Many of us knew he was destined for public service. Mike was the consummate politician, a trait he developed since grade school. We thought he would go on to become president, if he didn’t disappoint the fickle Filipino public.But it seems he has. So much so that he is vilified by the media at every opportunity. His actions are always placed within the perspective of his relationship with an unpopular president. Justifiable, though harsh.
So we set up this blog. Some of us have worked with him and have seen him make what we thought were good decisions. But some of us were also there when we thought he made wrong ones. But that is how a man is made -- by the choices he makes.As his friends, the best we can do is stand by him and try to help everyone else see things from a different light.
On the campaign trail, the mayor running for re-election walks up to a house of his campaign adviser and rings the doorbell. When a small boy opens the door, the mayor introduces himself, “Hello there, little boy! What’s your name?”
“Little Johnny,” replies the small boy.
“Well, Little Johnny, I’m Mayor Hoffman. I’m running for re-election. Can I speak to your father?”
“He’s in the shower right now,” answers Little Johnny with a giggle.
“Oh! Well, is your mother in the house too?” asks Mayor Hoffman.
“Yes, she is. But she’s in the shower with my daddy,” replies Little Johnny with a snicker.
“Oh I see,” says Mayor Hoffman who pauses a moment thinking of what to say next. Then he smiles and says, “Little Johnny, can you go see if they are through now? I would like to speak to either one of them. It’s important.”
“I don’t think so,” replies Little Johnny with a big laugh.
Surprised to see the boy laughing heartily, the perplexed mayor demands, “What’s so funny, son? Is there something wrong with your parents?”
“Well, when my daddy asked for the Vaseline while they’re in the shower, I handed him the Super Glue.”
