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PDSP leader Norberto Gonzales meets San Pablo fisherfolk group, calls for reform and clean governance

Venus L Peñaflor
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PDSP leader Norberto Gonzales meets San Pablo fisherfolk group, calls for reform and clean governance

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Former Defense Secretary and Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP) chairman Norberto Gonzales visited San Pablo City on April 24, 2026, where he met members of a local fisherfolk organization at Max’s Restaurant along Maharlika Highway.

The meeting was held with representatives of the city’s FARMC, or Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, a community-based body composed of fisherfolk, local government officials, and stakeholders in the fisheries sector. FARMCs are organized to support the management of municipal waters, promote sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the participation of fisherfolk in coastal resource governance.

Officers and members of the PDSP from the CALABARZON region also attended the assembly, joining the discussions and consultations with local stakeholders.

During the dialogue, participants discussed local economic concerns, livelihood challenges in the fishing sector, and early preparations for the upcoming elections. The group is reportedly beginning informal organizing efforts for the electoral period, although no names of candidates or endorsements were mentioned.

Gonzales, who is the founding chair of the PDSP, also spoke about what he described as deep-seated corruption in government. He said these problems continue to undermine public trust and development efforts, but emphasized that he remains hopeful about the possibility of reform and national progress through collective action and political engagement.

The PDSP is a political party that follows social democratic principles and has long advocated for social justice, institutional reform, and inclusive development in the Philippines.

While no political commitments or candidate alignments were announced, the meeting was seen by attendees as part of early consultations and engagement efforts ahead of the 2026 election season.

Editor’s Note: This article was revised to include additional details on regional participation and minor corrections. Updated April 26, 2026, 10:32 PM (Philippine Standard Time). 

The meeting was held with representatives of the city’s FARMC, or Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, a community-based body composed of fisherfolk, local government officials, and stakeholders in the fisheries sector.


Iran foreign minister heads to Islamabad as prospects for US talks re-emerge

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran foreign minister heads to Islamabad as prospects for US talks re-emerge

ISLAMABAD — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday, a development that is raising cautious expectations that stalled negotiations with the United States could resume following their collapse earlier this week.

Iranian state media reported that Araqchi has begun a regional trip that includes stops in Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The report did not reference any planned talks with Washington. However, two Pakistani government sources indicated that the visit may signal a potential reopening of diplomatic engagement, although no confirmation has been issued and a response from the United States is still pending.

A U.S. logistics and security team has already been positioned in Islamabad in preparation for possible negotiations. One Pakistani official said details remain uncertain until Araqchi’s arrival, noting that any expectations of renewed talks remain speculative at this stage.

There has been no immediate response from Washington. Speaking separately, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has an opportunity to reach a “good deal” with the United States.

Neither Iranian reports nor Pakistani sources mentioned Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation during the only round of talks held earlier this month.

The most recent round of negotiations was scheduled for Tuesday but did not proceed. Iran said it was not ready to commit to participation, while the U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance did not depart Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire at the last minute earlier this week to allow time for diplomatic efforts to resume. Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to extend their own ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House brokered by Trump. Iran has maintained that sustaining the Lebanon ceasefire is a precondition for broader negotiations with the United States.

Trump said he is not rushing toward an agreement, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution while asserting that Washington holds a strategic advantage in the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.

The United States has yet to secure passage through the strait, where Iran has blocked most shipping since the conflict began eight weeks ago. Tehran reinforced its position this week by seizing two large cargo vessels. In response, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping and has intercepted several vessels in international waters. Iran has said it will not reopen the strait unless the U.S. lifts its measures.

Shipping activity remains sharply reduced, with only five vessels recorded crossing the strait in the past 24 hours, compared to roughly 130 daily before the conflict. Among them was a single Iranian oil products tanker, while crude-carrying supertankers have largely ceased operations in the route.

German container shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that one of its vessels transited the strait, though it did not provide further details.

Despite U.S. claims that Iran’s naval capabilities have been significantly weakened, recent incidents involving swarms of small, fast boats targeting commercial vessels suggest Tehran is adapting its maritime tactics in response to U.S. interdiction efforts.

Meanwhile, domestic political pressure is mounting on Trump as Republicans seek to defend narrow congressional majorities ahead of the November midterm elections. Rising gasoline prices, increasing inflation, and declining approval ratings are adding urgency to efforts to resolve the conflict.

Suportado ng Malacañang ang panukalang three-term school calendar ng DepEd 

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Suportado ng Malacañang ang panukalang three-term school calendar ng DepEd 

MAYNILA — Ipinahayag ng Malacañang ang suporta nito sa panukala ng Department of Education na ipatupad ang three-term school calendar, isang repormang layong paghusayin ang kalidad ng pagkatuto at bawasan ang gastusin sa sistema ng edukasyon.

Ayon kay Claire Castro, tiniyak ni Sonny Angara na handa ang kagawaran para sa implementasyon ng bagong iskema. Aniya, hindi mangangailangan ng karagdagang pondo ang pagbabago at maaari pang magresulta sa pagtitipid.

Ipinaliwanag ni Castro na inaasahang mababawasan ang bilang ng pagsusulit at proyekto sa ilalim ng three-term system, na magpapagaan sa gastusin ng mga mag-aaral at kanilang pamilya. Dagdag pa niya, positibo ang pagtanggap ng mga guro sa panukala dahil sa mas mahabang at mas flexible na oras ng pagtuturo.

“Na-appreciate ito ng mga guro dahil mas malalim at maluwang ang instructional time kaysa sa dati,” ani Castro.

Nauna dito ay inilatag ng DepEd ang planong ipatupad ang three-term school calendar simula sa school year 2026–2027, bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na hakbang upang mapabuti ang learning outcomes at mabawasan ang administrative workload ng mga guro.

Sa mga naunang pahayag ng DepEd, kabilang sa mga tinitingnang benepisyo ng sistema ang mas balanseng distribusyon ng academic workload sa buong taon at ang pagbibigay ng mas sapat na pahinga sa pagitan ng mga termino. Gayunman, inaasahan pa ang karagdagang konsultasyon sa mga stakeholder upang matiyak ang maayos na pagpapatupad nito sa buong bansa.

Pope Leo signals no plan to expand same-sex blessings policy

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Leo signals no plan to expand same-sex blessings policy

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, April 23 — Pope Leo indicated he does not intend to expand existing Church guidance on blessings for same-sex couples, warning that further changes could deepen divisions within global Catholicism.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference on his return flight to Rome following a four-nation African tour, the pontiff expressed support for the approach introduced by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in 2023. However, he emphasized that the Vatican is not considering formalizing such blessings beyond current provisions.

“To go beyond that today, I think that the topic can cause more disunity than unity,” Leo said.

Under Francis’ directive, priests were permitted to offer informal, non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. The policy sparked debate across the Church, with resistance from bishops in several regions, particularly in parts of Africa, where clergy declined to implement the guidance.

Addressing developments in Germany, Leo referenced proposals by Reinhard Marx to formalize blessings within his jurisdiction. While avoiding direct criticism, the pope reiterated the Vatican’s earlier position cautioning against the creation of official rituals for same-sex unions.

“The Holy See has made it clear that we do not agree with the formalized blessing of couples,” he said.

Leo also underscored that moral discourse within the Church should extend beyond questions of sexual ethics, pointing to broader concerns such as justice, equality, and human freedom.

The Catholic Church maintains its teaching that sexual relations are reserved for heterosexual marriage and calls on individuals with same-sex attraction to live chastely.

Duterte to face ICC trial over crimes against humanity charges

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Duterte to face ICC trial over crimes against humanity charges

The Hague, Netherlands — Judges at the International Criminal Court have confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the deadly anti-drug campaign carried out during his time in office.

In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel said there were “substantial grounds” to believe Duterte was responsible for dozens of killings linked to operations conducted first during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president from 2016 to 2022. Duterte, 81, has denied all allegations.

The court’s 50-page ruling stated that Duterte “developed, disseminated and implemented” a policy aimed at neutralizing suspected criminals. Prosecutors allege that police officers and hired gunmen carried out killings beginning in 2011, motivated by financial rewards or coercion.

Deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told pretrial hearings that the killings evolved into what he described as a “perverse form of competition” among perpetrators.

Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidency vary significantly. Official police figures cite more than 6,000 deaths, while human rights groups place the number as high as 30,000. Prosecutors said the confirmation of charges marks a key step toward accountability.

Duterte’s lead defense counsel, Nick Kaufman, criticized the ruling, arguing it relies on unverified testimonies from self-confessed perpetrators acting as witnesses. A date for the trial has not yet been scheduled.

Duterte has waived his right to attend hearings in person. Judges previously ruled he is fit to stand trial following concerns about his health. He was arrested in the Philippines last year and transferred to The Hague, where the ICC is based.

In the Philippines, families of victims welcomed the court’s decision. Randy delos Santos, whose nephew was killed during a police operation in 2017, said the ruling offers a chance for long-overlooked victims to be heard.

Human rights advocates also welcomed the development. Human Rights Watch said the trial could reinforce the principle that accountability applies regardless of position or power.

The ICC first opened a preliminary examination into the killings in 2018. Shortly afterward, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court, a move widely criticized by rights groups. However, ICC judges have ruled that the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

An appeals chamber recently rejected a bid by Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds. Separately, the court disqualified chief prosecutor Karim Khan from involvement in the case due to a perceived conflict of interest linked to his previous work representing victims.

The proceedings mark a significant moment for international justice and could set a precedent for holding national leaders accountable for alleged human rights violations.

With reports from Reuters

Iran asserts control over Hormuz Strait after collapse of peace talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran asserts control over Hormuz Strait after collapse of peace talks

DUBAI/ISLAMABAD — Iran has reinforced its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations with the United States, raising tensions in a vital global energy corridor.

State television broadcast footage showing Iranian commandos boarding a cargo vessel identified as the MSC Francesca. The video depicted masked troops approaching in speedboats, climbing the ship’s hull, and entering while armed. Additional footage showed another vessel, the Epaminondas, which Iranian authorities also claimed to have seized for allegedly attempting to pass through the strait without authorization.

Iranian officials said enforcement measures in the waterway have intensified. Vice Speaker Hamidreza Hajibabaei reported that revenue from newly imposed transit tolls has been transferred to the central bank, though no further details were disclosed. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei stated that vessels intercepted in the strait had “faced the law.”

Tehran has effectively restricted access to the strait to its own shipping since the escalation of hostilities earlier this year, following military actions by the United States and Israel. The situation worsened after last-minute peace talks collapsed ahead of the expiration of a two-week ceasefire. Iran has refused to reopen the route, citing a U.S. blockade on its shipping, which it considers a breach of the truce.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has maintained the blockade and reportedly intercepted multiple Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters. While Washington refrained from resuming military strikes as the ceasefire lapsed, no extension has been announced and diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Residents in Tehran described a climate of uncertainty, with fears of renewed conflict persisting. One government employee said the absence of both peace and active war has made daily life increasingly unpredictable.

Efforts to revive negotiations remain unclear. Pakistan, which hosted earlier talks, continues to engage both sides but has not secured a commitment from Iran to return to negotiations. Iranian officials cite the ongoing blockade and shifting U.S. demands as major obstacles. The U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance has yet to travel for further talks.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said diplomatic progress would require recognition of Iran’s rights, rejecting what he described as coercive pressure.

Regional tensions continue alongside the standoff. The United States is set to host separate talks involving Israel and Lebanon, where recent strikes have strained a fragile ceasefire. Iran has indicated that stability in Lebanon is a precondition for broader negotiations.

At the Pentagon, leadership changes reflect internal strains linked to the conflict. Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed from his post amid reported disagreements with senior officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Global markets reacted to the uncertainty, with oil prices rising above $103 per barrel amid concerns over prolonged disruption. Equity markets showed mixed performance across major regions. The Strait of Hormuz typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption highly consequential.

Analysts note that key U.S. objectives remain unmet, with Iran retaining missile and drone capabilities as well as a significant stockpile of enriched uranium monitored by international agencies. Its leadership has also maintained domestic control amid the conflict.

“And they have added new leverage by seizing control of the strait despite threats from Trump, who posted on social media earlier this month: ‘Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!’”

With no clear diplomatic pathway and ongoing economic and military pressures, the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the fragility of the situation and the risk of further escalation.

DOJ chief lilipad sa Prague para sa repatriation ni Zaldy Co

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DOJ chief lilipad sa Prague para sa repatriation ni Zaldy Co

MAYNILA — Nakatakdang bumiyahe patungong Czech Republic ngayong Huwebes, Abril 23, si Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida upang pangunahan ang mga hakbang para sa pagpapabalik sa bansa ni dating kongresista Zaldy Co.

Ayon kay Vida, inaasahan ang kanyang paglipad kahit wala pa ang kumpletong detalye ng biyahe. Sasamahan siya ni DOJ Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan sa pagtungo sa Prague.

Patuloy pa ang koordinasyon ng Department of Justice sa kanilang counterparts sa Czech Republic at iba pang kaugnay na opisyal upang maisaayos ang iskedyul ng mga pagpupulong doon.

Nauna nang ipinaliwanag ni Vida na kapwa signatory ang Pilipinas at Czech Republic sa United Nations Convention Against Corruption, isang kasunduang naglalayong palakasin ang internasyonal na kooperasyon laban sa korapsyon. Bukod dito, sinusuri rin ng DOJ ang iba pang legal na opsyon para matiyak ang maayos na proseso ng repatriation.

Ipinahayag ni Vida ang kumpiyansa na makikipagtulungan ang Czech authorities sa Pilipinas, batay sa kanilang matibay na paninindigan laban sa korapsyon at sa layuning papanagutin ang mga taong inakusahan na umiiwas sa pananagutan sa pamamagitan ng pananatili sa ibang bansa.

Kinilala ng ICC ang jurisdiction sa kaso ni Duterte, tinanggihan ang hiling na makalaya

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kinilala ng ICC ang jurisdiction sa kaso ni Duterte, tinanggihan ang hiling na makalaya

AMSTERDAM — Nagpasya ang Appeals Chamber ng International Criminal Court na may hurisdiksyon pa rin ang hukuman sa kaso laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, at tinanggihan ang mosyon ng depensa na ibasura ang kaso at agad siyang palayain.

Pinagtibay ng desisyon ang naunang ruling na maaaring magpatuloy ang proceedings kaugnay ng alegasyon na may pangunahing papel si Duterte sa libu-libong pagpatay na may kinalaman sa kanyang kampanya kontra droga. Si Duterte, 81, ay nasa kustodiya ng ICC sa The Hague mula nang maaresto noong Marso 2025 at hindi dumalo sa pagdinig.

Iginiit ng depensa na wala nang hurisdiksyon ang ICC matapos umatras ang Pilipinas sa tribunal noong 2018. Gayunman, sinabi ng Appeals Chamber na nananatili ang hurisdiksyon dahil nagsimula na ang preliminary examination bago pa ang pag-alis ng bansa, na sapat upang ipagpatuloy ang kaso.

Ayon sa prosecutors, lumikha, nagpondo, at nag-armas si Duterte ng mga death squad na tumutok sa mga pinaghihinalaang sangkot sa ilegal na droga mula 2016 hanggang 2022. Mariing itinanggi ni Duterte ang mga paratang at iginiit na ang mga pulis ay inatasan lamang na pumatay kung ito ay self-defense, at patuloy niyang ipinagtatanggol ang kampanya laban sa krimen.

Nagbunyi ang ilang pamilya ng mga biktima sa Pilipinas na nanood ng proceedings matapos ilabas ang desisyon. May ilan ding sumigaw ng panawagan para sa pananagutan.

“No one is above the law, even Duterte,” ayon kay Nanette Castillo, na nawalan ng anak sa gitna ng kampanya kontra droga.

Inaasahang magpapatuloy ang kaso sa susunod na yugto ng trial habang sinusuri ng hukuman ang mga ebidensiya at testimonya kaugnay ng mga alegasyon.


Iran seizes ships, fires on third in Hormuz as blockade persists, talks stall

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran seizes ships, fires on third in Hormuz as blockade persists, talks stall

DUBAI, UAE — Iran seized two commercial vessels and opened fire on a third in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, escalating maritime tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian state media said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted and took control of the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, escorting both ships toward Iranian waters. Authorities claimed the vessels posed “maritime security risks,” alleging permit violations and manipulation of navigation systems. No crew injuries were reported.

A third ship, identified as the Euphoria, was also attacked after reportedly becoming stranded near the Iranian coast. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that at least one vessel sustained significant damage after being fired upon by an IRGC gunboat.

The incidents mark the latest flashpoint in the strategic waterway, which handles roughly 20 percent of global oil supply. Shipping traffic through the strait remains severely disrupted, with vessels delayed or rerouted amid heightened security risks.

The escalation comes a day after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports—a dual-track approach that has stalled diplomatic progress. Iranian officials have refused to return to negotiations unless the blockade is lifted, casting further doubt on de-escalation efforts.

Security concerns have intensified with reports that naval mines may have been deployed in parts of the strait, raising the prospect of prolonged disruption. Military officials warn that clearing such hazards could take months.

Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices nearing $100 per barrel, amplifying pressure on fuel and commodity costs worldwide. European officials estimate the crisis is costing the region hundreds of millions of euros daily.

Despite the halt in direct US-Iran strikes, maritime confrontations persist, underscoring Tehran’s ability to disrupt a critical global trade route. Since hostilities began in late February, more than 30 vessels have reportedly been attacked across the region.

Uncertainty remains high across the Middle East. In Iran, residents expressed concern over the fragility of the ceasefire, while clashes involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue in Lebanon despite a separate truce.

Agro-industrial zone project sa San Pablo, dapat sunggaban ngunit inaasahang walang ‘maritatas’

Venus L Peñaflor
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Agro-industrial zone project sa San Pablo, dapat sunggaban ngunit inaasahang walang ‘maritatas’

Binusisi sa idinaos na unang public hearing ang kahilingan ni San Pablo City Mayor Najie Gapangada na magpalabas ng isang resolusyon na magbibigay sa kanya ng awtoridad upang mangutang at bilhin ang mga lupang kailangan para sa itatayong City Agro-Industrial Park, sa tumataginting na halagang ₱1.8 bilyon para sa 117.31 ektaryang lupa.

Hindi lamang isang simpleng proyekto ang planong ₱1.8 bilyong loan para sa pagtatatag ng isang agro-industrial park sa San Pablo City. Ito ay isang kritikal na hakbang upang ihabol ang lungsod sa mga progresibong siyudad sa CALABARZON tulad ng Lipa City, Sto. Tomas, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Tanauan at iba pa na matagal nang nakikinabang sa mabilis na pag-unlad ng industriya, logistics, at pamumuhunan.

Sa kasalukuyan, ramdam ng lahat na matagal nang naiwan sa agos ng modernisasyon ang San Pablo. Habang ang Lipa at Sto. Tomas ay naging industrial hub dahil sa kanilang strategic location na malapit sa SLEX at Batangas Port. Ang Santa Rosa ay nangunguna ngayon bilang tech at manufacturing center, at ang Tanauan ay patuloy na lumalakas sa industrial investments, habang ang San Pablo ay nananatiling nakanganga sa gilid ng malalaking economic corridors na ito.

Masaklap na katotohanan na maraming San Pableño ang araw-araw na nagko-commute patungong Lipa, Sto. Tomas, Santa Rosa, Tanauan at kung saan-saan pa para lamang magtrabaho. Ilang oras ang sinasayang nila sa biyahe, dagdag gastos sa pamasahe at pagod, dahil kulang ang lokal na trabahong may sapat na kita sa sariling lungsod. Napapagkaitan sila ng oras para sa pamilya. Sa madaling salita, ang yaman ng labor force ng San Pablo ay na-e-export sa ibang lungsod, habang ang sariling ekonomiya ay hindi masyadong nakikinabang. Binigyang-diin ito ni Ka Pening Agoncillo, isang beteranong negosyante, sa ginanap na hearing.

Inaasahang magbibigay ng libo-libong trabaho sa San Pableños ang agro-industrial park na ito, mula sa farm production, food processing, cold storage, hanggang sa logistics at export support services. Sa halip na araw-araw na bumiyahe sa ibang lungsod, maaaring dito na mismo sa San Pablo makahanap ng disenteng trabaho ang marami.

Hindi maitatanggi na may “awkward distance” ang San Pablo mula sa Metro Manila at Port of Manila, na humigit-kumulang 85 hanggang 95 kilometro ang layo depende sa ruta. Sa loob ng maraming taon, ito ang naging hamon sa logistics at sa pagpasok ng malalaking negosyo. Ngunit nagbago na ang laro sa unti-unting pagbubukas at pagpapalawak ng South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (SLEX TR4), na mag-dudugtong mula Sto. Tomas, Batangas hanggang Lucena, Quezon.

Kapag natapos ito, mas magiging mas mabilis ang access ng San Pablo patungo sa Metro Manila at Batangas. Ibig sabihin, bababa ang transport cost, bibilis ang galaw ng produkto, at mas magiging attractive ang lungsod sa mga investors sa agribusiness at manufacturing sectors. Sa totoo lang, ang agro-industrial zone ay hindi lamang posible kundi isang strategic necessity na matagal nang dapat naitatag.

Sa isinagawang public hearing, lumutang ang mga isyu tungkol sa fiscal risk at transparency ng ₱1.8 bilyong loan. Ganoon pa man, ang ilan sa mga dumalong city councilors ay nagpakita ng suporta sa proyekto. Dagdag pa rito, ang Veterans Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, at Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) ay nagsabi na ang proyekto ay “creditworthy” at handa silang pondohan ang buong halaga ng loan, isang malinaw na indikasyon ito ng kumpiyansa sa kakayahan ng lungsod na buksan at pamahalaan ito.

Sa kabilang banda, malinaw din sa sentimyento ng publiko na bagaman maganda at napapanahon ang konsepto ng agro-industrial park, sa tingin nila ay mahalaga ang transparency sa buong proseso. Nais tiyakin ng mamamayan na ang proyekto ay wagas para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan at hindi daan lamang para makinabang ang iilan sa komisyon o kickbacks. Nakasalalay ang tiwala nila sa malinaw, bukas, at accountable na pamamahala. Inaasahan din ng publiko na ang executive at legislative ay lalabas na malinis sa proyektong ito at walang sinuman ang dapat makinabang sa “maritatas.”

Sakaling makabili ng lupa, ano ang magiging proseso ng zoning change n’yan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod?

May mga ahente bang papaldo sa bilihan ng lupa? Normal ang komisyon ng mga ahente na 3%–5% sa pagbili ng lupa. Pero sa mga proyektong pinopondohan ng LGU, kailangang ito ay fully transparent, lisensyado, dokumentado, at sumusunod sa mga patakaran ng audit.

Sa pulso ngayon ng masa, matingkad ang indikasyon na duda sila. Kayo na rin ang nagsabi na ibinibintang sa inyo ang ‘dating kalakaran.’ Kaya naman hinahanap nila ang lapat ng ‘maiba naman.” Dahil sa pakiramdam nila, may mga alagang card. Kaya nga ang tanong nila ay “Uy, parang may tinatago ka ah… Tongits na ba ‘yan?” Dapat itong sagutin nang malinaw.

Kung hindi ito maaprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod, baka ang San Pablo ay tuluyan nang lumubog sa kumunoy ng mabagal na pag-unlad, habang ang mga karatig-lungsod ay namamayagpag sa progreso, trabaho, at pamumuhunan.

Sa panig ng konseho, ang desisyon ay hindi lamang technical o political, kundi isang direktang pananagutan sa hinaharap ng lungsod. Sa panahong ito na ang CALABARZON ay patuloy na nagiging industrial powerhouse ng bansa, ang pag-aalangan ay maaaring magdulot ng permanenteng pagkakulelat ng San Pablo sa mga oportunidad na matagal nang hinihintay ng mamamayan.

Puwede namang mag-de-risk ang LGU sa pagsisimula ng agro-industrial park para patunayan ang potensyal ng lugar para sa pag-unlad at ipakita na may demand o locators at may matibay na LGU policies. Ito ang susungkit sa kumpiyansa ng mga private investors para mangapital sa mas malalaking proyekto.

Baka nga kaya naiwanan na ang San Pablo sa kangkungan ay dahil sa kahihintay sa private developers na hindi na talaga nagpaparamdam.

Ang tanong ay hindi lamang kung may risk ang ₱1.8 bilyong proyekto, kundi kung hanggang kailan dapat maghintay ang San Pableños habang patuloy silang bumibiyahe araw-araw papunta sa kung saan-saang lugar para maghanapbuhay at bumuhay ng pamilya.

Ang desisyon sa proyektong ito ay maaaring magbukas ng bagong yugto ng pag-unlad, o tuluyang magsara sa pinto at mga bintana ng kinabukasan ng San Pablo.

Pagod na ang San Pableño ngunit nananatiling nakabantay. Pinakikiramdaman nila kung ito ba ay atakeng ‘maiiba naman’ o ‘lumang sistema’ pa rin ang mga banat.

Ang pagdududa sa integridad ng proyekto ay maaaring magpahina sa suportang kailangan nito para magtagumpay. Kaya mahalaga ang ganap na transparency at malinaw na accountability sa bawat phase, mula sa land acquisition hanggang sa operasyon. Hinihiling ng taumbayan ang paglalatag ng kapani-paniwala at independent na investment feasibility study at market study. Dapat ding kasama rito ang malinaw na risk assessment at anticipated benefits para matiyak na hindi lamang ito ambisyosong plano kundi isang proyektong may matibay na batayan at totoong may pakinabang sa publiko.

Hindi kailangang magalit, mapikon, makipagdebate, manlait, magpayabangan, magpatalinuhan o mang-asar. Ang matuwid na liderato, bukod sa may pasensya, ay mahinahon at may kababaang-loob. I-neutralize na lang ang impluwensya sa pagiging credible. Huwag laging reactive. Magpokus sa malawak na audience kaysa magpaapekto sa ingay. Ilatag ang lahat ng baraha.

Kung hindi matuloy ang agro-industrial park o kung matuloy man at pumalpak, ang unang huhusga sa mga opisyal ay ang mismong taumbayan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang boto sa susunod na eleksyon. Dadaan ito sa political accountability, kaya walang dapat ipangamba ang mga nakaupo kung talagang sinsero sila sa kanilang mga ipinaglalaban at sinasabi.

Good intentions mean little when poorly explained or misunderstood.

*“Maritatas” – a colloquial term in San Pablo referring to kickbacks, commissions, or other illicit gains from projects or transactions.

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