Typhoon Exposed the Strengths—and the Weak Spots—of Local Governance
The recent devastation brought by Super Typhoon Uwan has again reminded Catanduanes of a painful but necessary truth: no matter how “typhoon-hardened” we believe we are; our systems will always reveal their cracks when communication fails and leadership falters. The province has long prided...
A Firm Stance: Ending “Palakasan” and “Lagayan” in DepEd Catanduanes
A bold and welcome announcement has been made by the new leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Catanduanes: they will not tolerate the "palakasan" (patronage) and "lagayan" (bribery) systems within the agency. In the midst of the challenges facing the education sector,...
A Critical Examination of Change at EBMC: Challenges and Potential Under New Leadership
The convening of the Provincial Development Council under the new administration is a positive sign, signaling a commitment to a comprehensive approach to governance. It is particularly commendable that the council is prioritizing the major renovation of the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC). This...
A Court on Trial: The Unprecedented Backlash Against the Supreme Court’s Impeachment Ruling
In the hallowed halls of Philippine law, the Supreme Court's word is meant to be the final and unassailable truth. Yet, its recent decision to invalidate the House of Representatives' impeachment action, citing the one-year bar rule, has not been met with quiet deference....
The Dawn of a Collaborative Era: A Call for Principled Governance in Catanduanes
The recent electoral outcomes in Catanduanes herald a pivotal moment for the province, marked by a convergence of seasoned political experience and fresh perspectives. The composition of the incoming leadership—four returning former mayors, five incumbent mayors, and two newly-elected chief executives at the municipal...
Battle for citizenship in Catanduanes
By: Ferdz M. Brizo | FB EYE | Bicol Peryodiko Weekly
The battle for citizenship in Catanduanes has taken center stage, with Dr. Patrick Azanza officially filing a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to challenge the eligibility of Vice Governor Peter C. Cua.
This...
A Warning Against Gender Insensitivity and Online Defamation
FB Eye | By: Ferdinand M. Brizo || Sa panahon ngayon, malaya tayong magpahayag sa social media, pero hindi ito lisensya para bastusin ang iba. Recently, a Viganon content creator has been repeatedly using a derogatory term linking Catanduanes to a female genitalia—an act...
Capitol Releases Transparency Dashboard on ₱107M Disaster Fund Amid Calls for Accountability
The capitol is finally listening this time. After months of calling for a dashboard or distribution mapping, on February 6, the capitol provided an infographic showing the percentage distribution of the 107 million pesos donated by the national government and generous local government units...
A Trial of Power: The Impeachment of VP Sara Duterte and the Fate of Philippine Democracy
By: Ferdie Brizo | FB EYE || Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism designed to hold high-ranking officials accountable through legal means. Those subject to impeachment includes the President, Vice President, members of constitutional commissions, Supreme Court justices, and the Ombudsman.
Recently, the House of Representatives...
“Remembering Architect Henry Olonan: A Legacy of Service Beyond Politics”
FB EYE/BY FERDIE BRIZO |
The departure of Architect Enrique "Henry" Olonan is a sad moment that calls for reflection. Once, he had a vision for the future of Catanduanes, planning to contribute to the development of the province. However, he opted not to...