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…