December 10 is International Human Rights Day

Respect for Human Rights starts with the recognition of the right to life, liberty and property. The right to life includes the right to a happy and prosperous life. Right to Liberty is not just simple physical freedom but it also encompasses economic freedom. Freedom must be exercised responsibly. Right to property is a basic necessity. Property rights must always be respected. It gives dignity to an individual. It is a tool for development.

REMEMBERING THE FIRST ILOCANO PRESIDENT: ELPIDIO R. QUIRINO

Quirino, Elpidio - WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2011 AMOUNTING TO PHP 86,500,000.00

The Vigan City Council has just recently approved the Annual Development Plan of Vigan for 2011 amounting to Php 86,500,000.00, details of which can be found above.

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN THE FILIPINO WAY

Celebrating the western-type of halloween in the Philipines does not speak well of being a Filipino, we just imitated it from our American idols. Worst, it has become commercialized and UnFilipino. We should come up with our own unique celebration without prejudice to the party mood and merriment. In the Philippine setting, "Trick or Treat" should be replaced with "Pangangaluwa" wherein groups or individuals can visit the different houses in their communities and serenade the owners for a token fee or food treat. Halloween Costumes should be something Filipino. Instead of witches, draculas, and foriegn-inspired characters, we should come up with costumes depicting a "Kapre", "Tikbalang", "Aswang", "Mangkukulam" or anything identifed with the Filipino.

Halloween according to Wikepedia, is a holiday celebrated every October 31 in places like the United States, Canada, Ireland and UK. The Filipino Halloween on the otherhand is the celebration of All Saints' Day every November 1 and All Soul's Day every November 2. These have been associated with the Catholic Church. The Filipino tradition is to visit the tombs of their departed loved ones on these days, bringing flowers and candles including food as offerings. It is also during this time that Filipino families gather together and offer prayers for the dead, after which a family picnic in the cemeteries and memorial parks take place.

A long time ago, the "Pangangaluwa" every October 31 had been a Filipino practice in several provinces in the Philippines. However, this has been forgotten and this Filipino culture and tradition was overetaken by the "Western Halloween". Parties and merriment during the halloween are acceptable, but Filipinos should do it without appearing as cheap copycats and imitators of a culture which do they not own. Identity crisis has always been a problem for the Pinoy.


Let us start reviving and appreciating our own traditions and customs. In this way, we will be contributing to the country's cultural development towards economic prosperity.

BARANGAY AND SK ELECTIONS STILL MARRED WITH VOTE-BUYING AND VIOLENCE

When will we ever learn? Money politics still dominates the Barangay(Village) and Sangguniang Kabataan(Youth Council)) elections. Like in the past, Philippine politics is still very traditional. Characterized by patronage, vote-buying, and in some cases, violence, the just recently concluded Barangay ang SK elections are far from being tools for meaningful change. Instead, it has become training grounds for dirty politics and corruption.

It is sad to note that even the youth(15-17 yrs. old) have become victims of money politics through machinations perpetrated by many parents, guardians, or elders who desperately want their candidates to win. This is a bad precedent considering that instead of training the youth to become leaders and good citizens, they are now directly exposed to the ills of traditional politics(trapo).

In the case of the barangays, nothing much has improved. The same technique of directly or indirectly buying votes in violation of the law remains a practice. We never learn because we don't allow ourselves to effect change. We complain against the ills of society but we hesitate to expose and oppose vote-buying. We are always afraid to come out from our comfort zones and most of the time we choose to remain silent. As the saying goes, "we get the government that we deserve."

LAUNCHING OF THE YOUTH GUIDE TO THE VIGAN CITY COUNCIL

INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT OF VIGAN BARANGAYS FOR 2010

LEGISLATORS WEEK (SEPT. 27-30, 2010)

AS THE PROPONENT OF THE YOUTH GUIDE TO THE VIGAN CITY COUNCIL, I PRESENTED AN OVERVIEW BEFORE A GROUP OF STUDENT LEADERS FROM THE DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF METRO VIGAN.

VIGAN LEGISLATORS (L-R): COUNCILOR HENRY FORMOSO. VICE MAYOR RYAN SINGSON, COUNCILOR FRANZ RANCHES, COUNCILOR BENJO VERZOSA.

LEGISLATIVE BUDDIES FRANZ AND BENJO

PRELIMINARY BUDGET RESPONSE

October 16 is the deadine for the Mayor to submit to the City Council the Proposed Development Plan and Budget for the year 2011. From the receipt of said proposals, the City Council shall begin to review these two most important documents, exercising its oversight function and power over the purse. For several years now, the Legislative Council has been at odds with the Executive Branch when it comes to budget review. While the Council wants to assert its proposals on how budgetary allocations for the operations of the local government be done, the Executive Department remains cold to the Council's counter-proposals.

I have thought of proposing a PRELIMINARY BUDGET REPONSE as a method to address the issue. Patterned after the New York City Council, this aims to ensure that the Budget reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the people. The Council shall conduct an in-depth review of all city departmments, their policies, their programs and their expenses. At the end of the budget hearings, the Council shall submit to the Mayor a Preliminary Budget Response, which defines the legislature's budgetary priorities and the changes it would like to see in the budget. The Mayor then submits a revised Executive Budget for the final review of the City Council.

The Preliminary Budget Response will strengthen the balance of power betwen the Executive and Legislative branches in the City of Vigan. Check and Balance is a necessary ingredient in a truly democratic society. Moreover, a performance-based City Budget shall be enacted. Is this not an innovation in governance?

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO.01 IN THE AMOUNT OF PHP 16,696,904.26

The Vigan City Council just recently approved Supplemental Budget No. 01 in the amount of Php 16,696,904.26. Funding sources came from additional Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in the amount of PhP 16,027,252.oo and the reversion of Personal Services as of May 31, 2010 in the amount of Php 669,652.26.oo.

Details of the supplemental budget are as follows:

LIBERALISM: AN IDEOLOGY

9TH SOLIDARITY DAY CELEBRATION

Every September 8 of the year, all Heritage Cities in the World celebrate Solidarity Day. This celebration is in recognition of one's rich historical and cultural legacy. It may be in the form of parades, cultural shows, arts and crafts exhibits, food fair, contests and the like, the aim of which is to raise the level of heritage awareness of the people especially the stakeholders. This activity also boosts tourism activity in the heritage site. What is notable during said celebration is the recitation of the Pledge of Commitment by the members of the community led by the local officials. It is a commitment to work for the protection of the heritage.

I am hereby publishing the PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT written by Ricardo Favis of Vigan who is presently connected with UNESCO, which is being recited every September 8 on the occasion of the Solidarity Day Celebartion in Vigan:

I AM PROUD TO BE A BIGUENO,

LIVING IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF VIGAN.

I AM PROUD OF MY HOMETOWN VIGAN,

WHICH HAS GIVEN US SUSTENANCE THROUGH THE YEARS.

I AM PROUD OF MY LOCAL HERITAGE,

WHICH PROVIDES OUR SYMBOL AND IDENTITY AND LINK TO OUR PAST.

I AM PROUD OF MY PATRIMONY, FOR IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT AND KEY TO OUR FUTURE.

IN RETURN, I PLEDGE TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST

IN THE PRESERVATION OF OUR ANCESTRAL HOUSES AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS,

IN MEMORY OF OUR ANCESTORS WHO BUILT THEM.

I PLEDGE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PRESERVING THE VALUES

FOR WHICH MY HOMETOWN VIGAN WAS INSCRIBED

IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST.

I PLEDGE THAT MY FAMILY, PARTICULARLY MY CHILDREN,

WILL ENDEAVOR TO PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE TODAY

FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN.

I PLEDGE TO PASS ON TO MY CHILDREN THE VALUES AND TRADITIONS OF OUR ANCESTORS, THAT HAVE MOLDED OUR LIVES AND MADE US SURVIVE.

AND FINALLY, I PLEDGE TO ASSIST OUR LEADERS

IN ENSURING THAT VIGAN IS CLEAN, SAFE AND LIVABLE.

SO HELP ME GOD.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE COMELEC (RE: BARANGAY AND SK ELECTIONS)

THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIBERTY

WHY THE SONA (State of the Nation Address) AFFECTS US

After years of democratic struggle, maybe we can say that the Philippines reached a certain degree of Political Maturity. Last monday's SONA delivered by President Noynoy Aquino captivated the Filipino people from all walks of life. Almost everybody was glued to their televisions, radios, internet connections, and even cellphones, just to watch, listen and monitor what the new President has to say. Unlike in the past SONAs which were not given much attention, the SONA of P-NOY (President Noy), was well attended and given importance. Surveys show that 8 out of 10 Filipinos believe in the President's SONA. With this level of trust rating, confidence in the new adminstration is very high.

The SONA is an opportunity for the President to outline his vision and program of government. It is a statement or description of the real situation of our nation and where it is headed to. President Aquino's SONA can be observed as realistic, straightforward and doable. This is how it affects us:

a)If the President is against red tape and wants transparacency in government transactions, those in government are expected to behave and help eliminate corruption.

b)If the President wants to put to a stop unnecessary expenses, then we have to expect a frugal government.

c)If the President wants a Public-Private partnership in pursuance of infrastructure and other development projects, we have to expect competition among the private contractors and developers, which is healthy in the bureaucracy.

d) If the President wants to give importance to job-generation, we have to attract more investors.

Whether we like it or not, every Filipno is affected by the SONA because through it, we can chart the destiny of our country.

ARE WE READY FOR A VECTOR CONTROL ORDINANCE?

Many are wondering what the vector control ordinance is all about. As the principal proponent, I felt a sense of duty on my part to explain what is this all about.

Vector is defined as an organism which, either directly or indirectly, via micro organisms which it carries, can transmit disease to man. The term "vector" shall ordinarily but not exclusively refer to rodent, insect or vermin species such as rats, mice, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and the like. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect public health, safety and the general welfare by:

A. Preventing or controlling the spread of vector borne disease.

B. Averting the blighting effects which the presence of vector infestation places on an affected neighborhood, including undermining the desirabilty of housing, causing the decline in property value and contributing to the image of an environmentally unfit area.

C. Expanding the services of the City Health Office by making more regulations concerning vector control.

The proposed vector control ordinance seeks to control and eliminate vectors by removing harborage areas through spraying, poisoning, fumigating, trapping, or any legal vector elimination method which is not injurious to human health or the safety of domestic animals. It will be the responsibility of the City Health office to conduct inspection of residential as well as commercial establishments. The bottom line is for everybody to exert efforts in mantaining cleanliness in one's premises or sorroundings in order to achieve a vector-proof establishment.

A fine of Two Thousand Pesos or imprisonment of not more than thirty days or both at the discretion of the court is the penalty for persons who violate or permit the violation of this ordinance. This has been presented on first reading and awaits the action of the Committee on Health in which the measure was referred to.

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM TACKLES PROPOSED TOURISM CODE

Councilor Franz Ranches explains the salient features of the Proposed Vigan Tourism Code.

As the principal author of the Proposed Vigan Tourism Code, Councilor Ranches stresses the need to maintain a tourism service standard.

PAUL, THE "PSYCHIC" OCTOPUS FEVER(Adopted from Yahoo Sports)

An octopus named Paul opens a box decorated with a Spanish flag and a shell inside on July 9, 2010 at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, western Germany. Paul's task is to decide in favour of one of the shells hidden in boxes with the flags of the Netherlands and Spain to act thus as oracle for the upcoming final match of the FIFA Football World Cup between the two countries on July 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Paul, the "psychic" octopus, who had predicted well the result of six German matches earlier in the tournament, predicted Spain will win the football World Cup for the first time in their history. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)

INVITATION TO ATTEND THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO III

LIBERAL VIEW'S NEW LOOK

After almost four years of blogging, I have decided to change the design of my blog. Since my term as Vice Mayor has expired and as I prepare for the next chapter of my political career, a fresh start is in order. The new look of LIBERAL VIEW'S represents the new perspective that I have to trek. We have a new Liberal President who is a source of hope and inspiration for the Filipinos. As such, I want to give my contribution in making the Philippines a better place to live in. LIBERAL VIEW'S NEW LOOK is a response to the new challenges of liberalism.

OUTGOING VICE MAYOR FRANZ RANCHES TURNS-OVER THE VIGAN CITY COUNCIL TO INCOMING VICE MAYOR RYAN SINGSON

THE VIGAN CITY COUNCIL REPORT

By: Vice Mayor Francisco P. Ranches, Jr.

(Delivered during the the City Council Turn-Over Ceremonies held on June 28, 2010 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall)

For the Year 2007, the legislative body of the City Government of Vigan, the 2^nd and 3^rd City Councils approved a total of 72 legislations, 54 Resolutions, 11 ordinances and 7 appropriation ordinances. It was this year when the city council approved the relocation of the Vigan City Jail in its new site at Ayusan Norte by virtue of Resolutions No. 30 and 36 series of 2007. The rehabilitation of the Mindoro sea wall has seen light through Resolution No. 32 series of 2007. The Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) was established in cooperation with the Danish Polio Society as per Resolution No 34-2007.

The Council likewise enacted Appropriation Ordinance No. 7, Series 2008, appropriating P198,446,225.00 as the Annual Budget of Vigan City for Fiscal Year 2008. Out of the said amount P54, 189,716.84 was allotted for various projects for the economic, environmental and social sectors development.

It was on this year when the city council appropriated funds for the salary increase of city government employees. It was also in this year that the Vigan City Council was declared as Outstanding in Ilocos Sur and 1^st runner-up in Region 1.

For the year 2008, the Vigan City Council approved a total of 85 legislations in 48 Regular and Special Sessions. 58 Resolutions, 20 Ordinances and 7 Appropriation Ordinances.

The Gender and Development Code was enacted, the Katulagan or Vigan Service Guide Book was adopted, the formulation of the Comprehensive Land Use Paln was endorsed, a reolution was approved authorizing Mayor Eva Medina to enter into a Deed of Usufruct with TESDA for purposes of contructing the TESDA Provincial office in Vigan, other significant resolutions among others were the creation of the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council , the establishment of Buridek Children’s Museum at the Filipino-Spanish friendship Park, and the adoption of the Vigan Environmental Plan. Also the council approved the Annual Budget for 2009 amounting to Php 200,159,341.29 pesos.

From January to December of the year 2009, the Third Council approved a total of 38 resolutions, 6 ordinances and 6 appropriation ordinances or 50 legislative measures in 48 regular and special sessions.

Most notable of which are the enactment of the Vigan Environment Code, the establishment of the Vigan Skills Training Institute, the approval of the Annual Development Plan amounting to Php 62,500,000.00 pesos, approval of the Annual Budget for 2010 amounting to Php 232,402,269 pesos. Said appropriations have been allocated for the establishment of the Vigan Skills Training Institute, Implementation of the Vigan River Cruise, construction and improvement of farm to market roads and government facilities, cooperative development and for livelihood programs and projects, performance bonuses of employees, additional fund for capital outlay of various offices and the establishment of streetlights and modernization of the Vigan Gymnasium.

And for the second time, it was in 2009 that Vigan made it again as the Most

Outstanding Sanggaunian in Ilocos Sur and 1^st runner-up in the region.

January to June 30, 2010 is the last leg of the term of the 3^rd Vigan City Council. The august body has approved a total of 23 legislations. 21 Resolutions and two (2) ordinances have been enacted in 25 regular and special sessions.

Although 2010 is an election year, we were not remiss of our duties as legislators. The City Council continued to function as a legislative body by continuously holding regular sessions until the last minute of the 3^rd City Council’s term. As your humble Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer for the last 9 years, and in line with the codification project, we were able to accomplished the following:

1. Conservaton Code

2. Revenue Code

3. Transportation Code

4. Investment Incentives Code

5. Youth Code

6. Gender and Development Code

7. Environment Code

8. Market Code

In trying our best to introduce innovations in local legislation, the City Council came up with a system of electronic session, it maintained a website where ordinances and resolutions are downloadable wherever you are in the world. As a commitment to inform the people on what’s happening in the legislative branch, we initiated a Public Information Program such as Konseho ti Vigan Radio program, Legislative digest, Price Watch and the Vice Mayor’s Blogsite.

Ladies and Gentlemen, staying too long in one position makes you run out of ideas, I have to let go and turn-over the leadership of this council so that a fresh mandate can continue making the legislative body of Vigan face the new challenges of governance. The love for Vigan inspired me to run for public office and get elected as a legislator. Now I can say that it is also for the love for Vigan and Country that I’m stepping down as your Vice Mayor as I embark on a new chapter of my political career. Vigan will always be unique to me, it is not only a place where there is so much to see and so much to eat, but it is a community where there is so much to do for the betterment of the Biguenos.

I’d like to thank all of you, Mayor Eva Medina, my colleagues in the city council, the department heads, the members of the media who helped us maintain the flames of democracy alive, the legislative staff, some of you are unsung heroes and heroines in making the legislative body work, without your assistance, life would be more difficult for me. As I welcome Vice Mayor Ryan Luis Singson, join me in making a commitment to uphold a Strong, Dynamic, Independent, and Responsible Vigan City Council. Thank you and good day!