By Farah G. Decano ​ THE popularity of shows like Encantadia Chronicles and the classic  Maria Clara at Ibarra on GMA TV is good for our culture. It is not just entertainment but education for younger Filipinos on the rich, traditional form of our language. The old Filipino, with its archaic…

By Farah G. Decano ​ THE man I knew as Tito Ermin was a paradox. Despite the tough, hard-hitting image he projected, he possessed a surprising and rare sensitivity in his interactions with others, myself included. While many mature men, the  “feeling men” and the “pamintas” — found my stubborn…

By Farah G. Decano   IN times of calamities, Dagupan City councilors must shed their comfort zones, truly empathize with their constituents’ struggles, and offer tangible support. “Mikikikasey tan mililitna kami ed sikayo!” — “We empathize and are with you!” Wasn’t this their rallying cry during the campaign period? Yes,…

By Farah G. Decano   DAGUPAN City Councilors receive a basic monthly salary of around P107,000 and a monthly allowance of P14,500 (as of 2023). This is on top of 13th and 14th-month pay bonuses and other emoluments. Given this substantial compensation from public funds, citizens are absolutely right in…

By Farah G. Decano   ATTY. Lorna Kapunan, awardee of Ten Outstanding Women of the Nation, is defending Atong Ang, a suspected mastermind in the disappearance of several sabungeros, allegedly buried at Taal Lake. This raises questions about why an abogada de campanilla would take on a case that could overshadow…

By Farah G. Decano   THE Dagupan City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has begun its term with remarkable promise. New members quickly immersed themselves in committee hearings, an early sign of diligence. Given each councilor’s monthly income of at least P107,208.00 plus allowances, Dagupeños rightfully expect substantial results for every vote…

By Farah G. Decano    THE Philippine judiciary is safeguarded by two dedicated bodies established by the Supreme Court through Administrative Order 185-A-2018: the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) and the Corruption Prevention and Investigation Office (CPIO). The JIB oversees misconduct and integrity issues concerning judges and court personnel, regardless of…

By Farah G. Decano   BEFORE Torrens Title to real properties can be transferred through succession, donation, or sale, the government must first authorize the transfer. This requires the payment of taxes – estate, donor’s, or capital gains – to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).  Documentary stamp taxes are…

By Farah G. Decano   SENATOR Chiz Escudero is widely regarded as a staunch Marcos loyalist. Even during his time at the UP College of Law, he made no secret of his admiration for the deposed dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos. This stance is understandable, considering his father served as the…

By Farah G. Decano   TITO Ermin, please accept my mea culpa. As a former legislator, I regret that I was not able to pass a resolution to honor your father, Ermin Garcia Sr.’s, profound heroism. While you never sought his recognition, I take full responsibility for this oversight –…