THE EXCISE TAX FOR THE FARMERS. Until I passed by Laoac on Wednesday on my way to Dagupan from Binalonan last week, I did not believe the persistent reports that the Laoac Dairy Farm, built from public funds (the Priority Development Assistance Fund of then 5th District Rep. Mark Cojuangco and a share of the district in the tobacco excise tax fund), is already kaput after being bandied as a showcase of economic progress.

On that trip, I saw with my own two eyes the true state of the farm, and I must say the reports are true.  The dairy farm that used to be teeming with cows (from 400 to 600) with farm workers tending to them and milk traders, is virtually deserted with just two or three sick cows around and one or two caretakers in the compound. (Note: There were also reports that some of the workers were not paid of their wages and to be able to collect, he or she must sell milk or cow’s meat).

Now I understand why the Save Pangasinan Movement (SPM) that has some tobacco farmers as members, are demanding to know what happened to the district’s share from the tobacco excise tax, and to explain if, indeed, the funds were used to construct the dairy farm.

I believe they deserve an explanation at the very least, after all the tobacco excise tax was meant to help them. But no, SPM reported it continues to receive a deafening silence on which is why the movement decided to write the Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and the Philippine Dairy Authority to get the answers.

Sayang. We used to make a stop over in the farm to buy a bottle or two of what we thought was fresh cows milk.

Obviously, something was very wrong with its feasibility study which was why it is what is today, a failure. – Leonardo Micua

 

OVERLY GENEROUS POLITIKO.  I visited former Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr.  in his hospital room Friday morning.

As usual, he was very jolly and had lots of stories to tell.  I did not see him grimace from the pain he suffering from gunshot wound on Thursday morning. 

He was surrounded in his bed by his gracious partner Venus and their five young kids. 

While we were conversing, thoughts crossed my mind. What if ex-mayor Leo was gunned down? What would happen to his kids? Is this part of the many sacrifices a politician like him has to make?

Mayor Leo is staging a political comeback in next year’s elections. Mediamen sorely missed this guy who gives until it bleeds, really. His house then was like a carinderia, open daily to all who wanted to eat, for free! Cooking was non-stop. Siya lang ang tanging pulitiko na nakita kong ganun ang style.

He didn’t mind then giving everything in his pocket to all in need. Sobra siyang mapagbigay maski halos wala nang maiwan para sa kanyang pamilya. That’s one mistake he should not repeat.

Now that the filing of candidacy is nearing, politicians should be more vigilant and careful. 

With the series of shooting incidents, do they still feel safe? – Tita Roces

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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