PRIVILEGE SPEECH (May 23, 2017)

Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta delivering her speech during the regular Council session last May 23, 2017 (Photo credit Team Acosta)

PRIVILEGE SPEECH

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta                                                           May 23, 2017

Madame President, Mr. Floor Leader, my colleagues in the Davao City Council, friends in media, fellow Davaoeños, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Maayong buntag sa tanan. 

I stand here before you this morning, on a matter of personal and collective privilege, to update the body on a recent committee hearing conducted by the Committee on Rules, Privileges, Laws and Ordinances last May 17, 2017, wherein this representation sponsored items for consideration. 

As Chairperson on the Committee on Publications, I put my office to the task of going over ordinances that comprise the Code of Ordinances of Davao City, with the intent to update whatever local laws that were already published, and to include the more recent ones that were not yet included.  With the goal that, after our local ordinances have been updated, the Davao City Council may publish a revised Code of Ordinances. This is in keeping with the principle that the laws of the land be relevant to the times, and serve the best interest of the people. 

Recommendations:

1. To be rescinded 

1. Ordinance No. 156, Series of 1960 otherwise known as “An Ordinance to Ban and/or Prohibit the Use, Playing, Operation and Maintenance of Pinball Machines and other Similar Devices”;
2. Ordinance No. 1710-A Series of 1975 otherwise known as “An Ordinance Banning and/or Prohibiting the Operation of Jukeboxes within the City Public Markets and Providing Penalties for Violations thereof”.

REASON: Pinballs and Jukeboxes are not around anymore. They are things of the past. Retro gadgets of an era once renowned for its colorful culture.

          B.   To be updated

1.     Ordinance No. 212, Series of 1991, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Banning the Distribution of Bandera Magazine and other Papers, Magazines and other Printed Materials Displaying Obscene Pictures in the City of Davao”;

2.     Ordinance No. 568, Series of 1992, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Selling of Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions and the Showing of Indecent Shows and Pornographic Films and such other Films Disapproved for Public Exhibitions and Regulating Admission to Movie Houses”.

(NOTE: Both Ordinance 212 and 568 were suggested to be merged in one ordinance. Both ordinance have to be overhauled.)

3.     Ordinance No. 130, Series of 1989, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Pasting of any kind of Propaganda Materials in the City Streets and in any Public Place in the City of Davao”.

4.     Ordinance No. 332, Series of 1968, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Defacing, Scribbling and/or Writing on Walls of Public and Private Buildings and/or Fences Exposed to Public View”.

Provision concerned: penalties to be updated

    C.    Needs another Committee hearing to invite and consult the agencies concerned:

1.     Ordinance No. 095, Series of 2000, otherwise known as “Ordinance Requiring All Food Establishments such as but not limited to Restaurants, Canteens, Food Outlets, Hotels, Caterers, and Hospitals as well as Food Manufacturers or Processors to use only Iodized Salt”.

2.     Ordinance No. 086, Series of 2000, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Enacting the Red Tide Monitoring and Quarantine Ordinance of Davao City”.

3.     Ordinance No. 1329, Series of 1993, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Penalizing Recruiters, Pimps, Funhouses, Operators and Customers who Victimize Women to Commit a Life of Prostitution and other Lewd Activities”.

     D.   Ordinances which may have been repealed by recent ordinances:

1.     Ordinance No. 51, Series of 1989, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Video Game Machines for Commercial Purposes in Davao City”.

(To determine if ordinance 51 is repealed. It will be compared to the present ordinance governing PISONET and INTERNET CAFES)

2.     Ordinance No. 195, Series of 1967, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Requiring all Movie or Cinema Houses and/or Theatres and Coliseums to provide the Public with Safe and Sanitary Drinking Water at all times during screening hours”.

3.     Ordinance 1457, Series of 1974, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Loosening or Letting Astray of Dogs in the City of Davao, Providing for the Catching and Impounding the same, Collection of Fees for Impounding them and Providing Further for their Disposition when not Claimed within a certain period and providing for Penalty in case of Violation Thereof”.

There is this ordinance, however, that deserves a lot of attention and consideration, considering that it is an existing ordinance, yet grossly violated. 

This representation refers to Ordinance 092, Series of 2000, otherwise known as ‘An Ordinance Regulating the Construction, Repair, Renovation, Erection, Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Advertising Materials and for Related Purposes” – “Signage Ordinance”. Both the Chair on the Committee on Rules and yours truly, expressed concern on the very lenient implementation of the said ordinance. Despite express provisions of Ordinance 092 prohibiting the construction or erection of billboards within a 200 meter radius from Generoso Bridge, Bolton Bridge, and Lasang Bridge, billboards were still erected near the said areas. It is evident that there are issues on the implementation of the said ordinance. One of purposes of the prohibition was to prevent the obstruction of view of MT. APO and SAMAL ISLAND.

What is our reality check? As I speak, and as we all witness each time we cross the three bridges, namely Governor Generoso Bridge, Also commonly known as Bankerohan Bridge, Bolton Bridge, and Lasang Bridge, giant billboards exist within the 200 meter radius of the bridges mentioned. Which begs the question, what happened to the implementation of this policy? Which government agency or agencies, allowed these structures to be built by these bridges? More importantly, if the legislative intent is to preserve the line of sight of the glorious cultural and historical natural landmarks such as the majestic Mount Apo and the Green Gem that is the Island Garden City of Samal, does it not follow, that the prohibition be not confined only to the line of sight coming from the bridges? What about the main public roads going towards the direction of Mt. Apo, for instance? Shall the people of Davao City, and all who traverse this direction, endure the sight of giant billboards that advertise commercial products, rather than see the natural wonder and magnificent grandeur of Mt. Apo? 

Madame President, some of our local laws need to be duly updated to be relevant for these times.  But this particular signage ordinance, which was enacted into law in 2000, needs to be revisited for the following reasons. 

First, the ordinance needs proper and strict implementation. 

Second, it's scope needs to be expanded, in keeping with the spirit of the law, which is to preserve the cultural and historical significance and importance of these two (2) natural landmarks, by keeping the line of sight clear and undisturbed.  What if it is not a giant billboard that obstructs the view of Mt. Apo, but a tower, or a building? If we are serious with the intent of the law, this ordinance needs a serious assessment. 

Third, stiffer penalties may be introduced, to give more teeth to the law, such as, but not limited to bigger fines, and or imprisonment, and perhaps an added community service to be rendered, as well. 

May I manifest this request, on record, Madame President, that the concerned government agencies which allowed this billboards to be erected within 200 meter radius of the bridge, be invited to attend the next committee hearing on this particular item, to hear their side regarding violations of the said signage ordinance. 

I am reminded of this beautiful poem by Joyce Kilmer, in reference to giving due importance, appreciation, respect, and recognition of God's magnificence through His creations. 

TREES by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see 

A poem lovely as a tree. 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest 

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; 

A tree that looks at God all day, 

And lifts her leafy arms to pray; 

A tree that may in Summer wear 

A nest of robins in her hair; 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 

Who intimately lives with rain. 

Poems are made by fools like me, 

But only God can make a tree.

On this Instance, May I paraphrase, 'Laws, and monuments, and billboards, are made by fools like us, but only God can make a mountain.' 

Mount Apo rises 9,692 ft above sea level, the highest mountain in the Philippine Archipelago,  and straddles the boundaries of Davao City,  Davao del Surprovince,  and Cotabato province. It acts as a natural barrier and protects us Davaoeños, from the strong winds brought by typhoons. It has given us flora and fauna, food and water, etcera. It has given us many an inspiration, and respite from mundane concerns. It is highly revered by the indigenous tribes as Apo Sandawa. It's scientific, geological, geographic, economic, historical and cultural contribution to our lives remain relevant to this day. 

If we give importance to famous people by creating monuments, or salute the engineering prowess of humanity by creating mega structures, we ought to give more prominence and respect to natural landmarks such as Mount Apo, the impact of which, has been evident in our lives through many generations. Let not man-made structures like billboards and signages that encourage us to be consumers, blind us from the fact that there are things greater than ourselves. And that heritage, though intangible, is the one that lives forever; long after all the advertised products have been sold; long after all of us have passed on. 

Thank you Madame President. Daghang Salamat. 

Privilege Speech Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta (May 24, 2016)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Mr. President, colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen in the gallery, good morning. I rise on personal privilege on the matter of two things: one is regarding my notes on the recent electoral exercise, and the other is on the coming Brigada Eskwela.

The recent campaign was an extra challenge for me and my team. There was a concerted attempt to discredit me, with the aim to make me fall out of the race. Malicious lies were scattered. Rumors had it that I got money from another party when I went to Manila. Truth is, I represented the Mayor in a conference on Tax Reform in Makati where I spoke in his behalf. I did not, and will not, receive any money from my candidate’s opponents, and my help in the Duterte for President campaign was free and voluntary as well. Rumors were spawned that I talked to a certain media personality and a certain senator which led to secret accounts and an expose on ghost employees. All ridiculous lies. Tarpaulins with the Hugpong lineup appeared but my name would be conspicuously missing. Our collaterals got systematically destroyed or disappear altogether. Barangay personalities were either confused or pressured in the sequence of events. The truth is I am an original member of Hugpong Sa Tawong Lungsod right from the start when the party head Mayor Rodrigo Duterte established this aggrupation when he made a comeback in the local scene after his stint in Congress, and remains such to this day.

Nevertheless, I am so thankful that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, now the president-elect of the republic, and Mayor-elect Sara Duterte threw their full support behind me. Family and friends, and team Acosta exerted extra effort in the campaign as well. I am also thankful that this experience gave me life lessons and learned so many things in the process. I know now who my true friends are, who would stick by me no matter what. I know now who are just playing along a political game. I have seen who are the true leaders who look after public welfare, and those who put their own interests first.

Indeed the natural laws prevail in any situation. You reap what you sow. If you plant good deeds, you will certainly harvest good karma. For the people of the first district of Davao City have spoken. They have given me their vote of confidence and gave me an overwhelming fresh mandate to continue to serve. Daghan kaayong salamat sa mga taga first district na wala nagpadala sa mga bakak og mga intriga, og nagpadayun sa ilang lig-on nga pagsalig og suporta kanako. In the end, all is well that ends well. The valuable lessons learned in this exercise I will surely keep. The people who shared their grit through tough times, as well as their shining moments with me, I will always treasure.

Meantime, in a few days, it’s back to school once again!

All around the country, students, parents and teachers are gearing up for another year of learning. As part of the preparation for the new school year, the Department of Education – Division of Davao City will be conducting the annual “Brigada Eskwela”, the National Schools Maintenance Week Program. This year’s Brigada Eskwela with the theme "Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa - Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Seinor High School" will run from May 30 – June 4.

The program is intended not only to prepare the schools for the school opening, but to foster a sense of community among education stakeholders. Parents, students, teachers and other members of the community are encouraged to share their time and resources to ensure that our local public schools are ready to receive the eager young minds of our youth. Donations of money, materials or even time and effort are greatly welcome to help augment the cost of repairs and manpower. Construction materials such as plywood, paints and sealants given to the schools of your choice will go a long way for its maintenance.

We encourage everyone to share what they can in this year’s Brigada Eskwela and help create a conducive learning environment for our public school children. A clean and orderly environment allows our students a fresh start to their new school year.

Members of the City Council and all those present here are invited to join this year’s Brigada Eskwela week in any public school. For those interested, you may contact the respective public school principals, or through Ms. Eden S. Colina of the Office of Councilor Acosta at 0942-548-9494.

With the support of the entire community, we can continue to provide the high quality of education that our future leaders deserve.

Thank you, good day and God bless us all.

 

Mabel Sunga Acosta

Councilor, 1^st District

PRIVILEGE SPEECH Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta February 23, 2016

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

 Mr. President, Mr. Floor Leader, my colleagues in the City Council, friends in the media, ladies and gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikom, Maayong buntag, Good morning! I rise on personal privilege today, to broach the possibility of having a GREEN CODE or GREEN ORDINANCE in our City.
         

What would this ordinance hope to contain or achieve? It may:

a.    provide a compilation of existing environmental laws

b.    ensure that such laws and regulations and its applications do not run counter to each other but instead complement each other

c.    encompass measures to make sure that green initiatives and innovations are applied in residential and commercial

d.    encourage business ventures and investments to become 'green compliant' through tax incentives

While I was exploring this idea with environmentalists whom I got to know because of this green space episode, I found out that the late Councilor Leo Avila, who for the longest time chaired the Committee on Environment, also had something similar in mind which went by another name.  Call it coincidence, or Fate, it remains that chance has it that people of same wavelengths would eventually gravitate toward each other.

          Having said that, it may also be a good idea to take up the standing offer of the Ateneo De Davao University, through its University president Fr. Joel Tabora, to partner with the LGU of Davao City regarding sustainable development through modern and world-class urban planning. Hopefully this opportunity paves the way for various stakeholders to come together to come up with proposals that could be supported by legislation.

Our survival as human beings, depends on how much we respect the forces of nature. Our humanity will always be challenged, either by our deep understanding, or lack thereof, of natural laws that have long existed before us. Climate change is upon us and has long been a reality check. We need urgent implementation of pro-active and forward-looking measures now, before it is too late.

Green spaces are not beautification projects. They are more than that. They actually serve a very practical purpose to mitigate the extreme conditions we are experiencing now. If trees are given permanent spaces where they are safe, secure, and will not be under any threat for its survival, we will have better chances of coping with unpredictable weather patterns and its consequences. If the green spaces are near where we live and work, so much the better.  Let us altogether work for harmony and balance where development and environmental protection go together.

In the proper time your honor, I will move that this privilege speech be considered as read on first reading so that a committee hearing may be conducted and so that a proper resolution and ordinance will be established in the near future.

Thank you.

Privilege Speech of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta re Green Spaces

(Photo credit: Google)

Below is the copy of the Privilege Speech delivered by 1st District Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta during the Regular Session of the Davao City Council dated February 2, 2016.

Thank you Mr. Floor Leader. Thank you Mr. President. To my colleagues in the 17^th Davao City Council, friends in media, Davaoenyos, Maayong Buntag, Assalamu Alaikum, Good Morning.

I stand before this august hall, on personal privilege, in the presence of my colleagues in public service, and the public whom we swore to serve and represent. I have with me a letter from Eco-teneo, Ateneo de Davao University's advocacy group for environmental protection and conservation, which was received by my office yesterday. The letter is very significant, as it is coming from the academic sector, composed of professors, teachers, students, who put a high value on sustainable development and good governance, and put a premium on the quality of life, especially for the residents of this beloved City.

With your indulgence, please allow me to read en toto, the letter from the academic community, who are also residents, constituents, and stakeholders of Davao City:

Letter of Ms. myLai Santos, Executive Director of Ecoteneo (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

True enough, just as what the letter has stated, figuratively, the stone has been cast, and in actuality, the votes were already cast in last session’s third and final reading. It is also true that their voice was not heard in the committee hearing conducted when the subdivision developers gave their side. Just the same, in the spirit of true democracy, to listen to various stakeholders in the light of a very important concern that will have a long term impact for generations to come, is an honorable thing to do. We are after all, the voice of the people, the representatives of the public that we serve.

I agree, for one, that we should keep the conversation going, within or outside of the legislative framework, if only to widen our perspectives and explore the possibilities of a win-win solution.

I believe, and I believe many others believe so as well, that development and progress, and environmental protection could go together. It is possible that we need not choose one over the other. These two concepts could be harmonized.

To quote a recent news report filed by Karina V. Canedo in an interview with Philippine Statistic Authority Senior Statistical Specialist Maria Leah Magracia, -- “Davao City’s population of 1.6 million recorded in 2010 may have shot up to 1.9 million by this time, given the 2.36% annual average growth rate of the city in years 2000 to 2010. “ According to the same source, the city’s growth rate of 2.36% is even higher than that of the region’s growth rate of 1.97%. It is good to note also that in the same media forum, Magracia said that the increased number of population in the city comes from the increased number of migrants from other places coming to Davao City.

The fast rising population, the increasing annual development growth, the fast growing number of residents and migrants are all signs of fast urbanization. And we must all be aware that rapid urbanization, if unchecked and unbridled, will eventually rear its ugly head, bringing urban problems of pollution, over population, traffic, floods, environmental degradation, low quality of life, and the list goes on.

Let me go back again to the proposition that development and environmental protection could go hand in hand, and should be the norm, for that matter, if we want a progressive and at the same time “green” Davao City. Yes, the scenario of subdivision developers and environmentalists, sitting down and talking and sharing their concerns , and coming up solutions for a common goal of keeping the fine quality of life Davao City, is workable, and possible.

If there are instances that some of the open spaces in existing subdivisions were undeveloped, or appear blighted, then let us all together make sure that the existing housing and subdivision laws are properly implemented. Let us make sure that these spaces are properly utilized so that they are not occupied by informal settlers, or used for personal purposes by unscrupulous individuals. But let us uphold and continue the good and sound policies that equate to sustainable development. “Green” policies are good and sound policies. We ought to have more of them. Let us not step backward and eradicate them. We need to manage our infrastructure programs so that land use and planning could be optimized, not only for this generation, but for the generations to come.

Let us work for a win-win solution. One that is acceptable to property developers and other investors, and with environmental groups, and the local government as well. It is possible. Could tax credits, or tax incentives, for instance, be possible options if business enterprises are “sustainable development-compliant” or “Green Business-compliant ”? Could investors and green advocates work together on Green Programs and initiatives? It is possible. There are many options. Many possibilities. And it can happen when we open our hearts and minds, and listen to each other with mutual respect.

Do we want a city that is mostly grey concrete due to massive infrastructure, which is already happening to most metropolitan cities in the country and in the world? Or do we want a city that is progressive at the same time environment-friendly? We are all stakeholders here. And we all love Davao City. And we are proud of the challenges that we have overcome as a people. We also take pride in the fact that our local leaders headed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Mayor Duterte, have established and implemented trail blazing legislations and policies that has made our beloved City, a cut above the rest, a model city in matters of public policy, public welfare, and good governance.

In that light, with the kind indulgence of our colleagues in the council, may I humbly request for a few minutes recess to allow the representative of ECO-teneo, the Ateneo de Davao University's advocacy group for environmental protection and conservation, and University President, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, to be heard, Mr. President.

I so move, Mr. President. (30)

Privilege Speech of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta - On Dismissal of the Case

Privilege Speech of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta
Regular Session of the 15th Council, Series of 2010
April 20, 2010 (as transcribed from City Council proceedings)

Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I rise on personal and collective privilege, Your Honor, to express my indignation, regarding the recent dropping of murder charges against two prominent members of the Ampatuan clan, in connection with the November 2009 massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao.

In an interview, Justice Secretary Alberto Agra declared that he granted the petition for review of suspended ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan and Mamasapano Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, and ordered the dropping of the multiple murder case against them for lack of evidence, saying that there was no proof that the two have conspired with the others accused of the said crime. He further stated that mere relationship and having the same name does not establish conspiracy. Also, in another news item, Agra expressed that, “While we condemn the killing of the 57 victims of the massacre, nevertheless, media, if not public, outrage cannot be a reason for a sweeping and senseless indictment."

The controversial decision, however, only elicited harsh remarks and criticisms from concerned associations such as the National Prosecution Service, the NUJP and most importantly the families of the victims of the gruesome massacre. Chief State Prosecutor Claro Arellano in protest of Justice Secretary Agra’s resolution, in a statement said, “The Department of Justice is supposed to be the sword and shield of law and order. We are deeply concerned that the resolution will all the more convince a long skeptical public that our criminal justice system is impotent when the accused are politically influential”. Further, he added, “We pray and hope that despite difficulties and setbacks, justice will ultimately be served to the victims of this tragedy. It is along this line that we earnestly and respectfully request Acting Secretary Agra to revisit this resolution". Finally he stressed that, "This is not the role of the DOJ in a preliminary investigation or in a petition for review. This is the sole function of the courts. Our task is merely to determine probable cause”.

Assenting to the statement of Chief State Prosecutor Arellano, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) states that it is not Agra who must declare the innocence or guilt of the Ampatuans but the court. In a news item, they elaborated that the decision to drop the charges should have been left to the court considering that it has been filed and the commitment order against the suspects has been issued. Moreover, NUJP Secretary General Rowena Paraan said Agra should not only inhibit from the case but should also resign from the DOJ for "hijacking the judicial process and subverting the very justice he should be upholding."

Madam President, I am saddened and discomforted by this incident, Your Honor, of the outright manifestation of the distorted sense of justice that is governing the country at present. I am one with the NUJP in saying that the order of Justice Secretary Agra is clear proof that justice, law, and democracy is elusive in our present government. Seemingly, there is a blatant display of a government which does not operate through the rule of law but through political expediency; that there is a disconcerting perception where the justice system can be easily manipulated and maneuvered by the politically influential; and that the real victims are not given the justice that they deserve.

Your Honor, it may be true that we lack neither the authority nor the power to decide on the innocence or guilt of the Ampatuans. Conversely, neither does Justice Secretary Agra. As NUJP stated in their statement, “By issuing the order, the man supposedly sworn to uphold justice in this country has preempted that prerogative of the court”. I will reiterate, Your Honor, NUJP’s statement saying that, “Agra has hijacked the judicial process and subverted the very justice he should be upholding”.

More significantly, amidst all these controversies and scandals, we must not forget the real victims of the November 23 massacre of 57 persons—the unwilling and innocent families who now appear to be caught in the dirty works of politics. What crime has the family members of the aggrieved politician done to deserve their fate? What crime has the slain journalists, who were only there to cover the filing of candidacy, done to deserve this senseless and gruesome death? Or the persons who happened to pass by at the unfortunate day and time and place?

The relatives of the massacre victims now worry not only for the injustice but also for their safety. Their families are certainly dismayed upon learning of Agra’s decision and expressed their plan to appeal the ruling. It is but unfortunate for them to realize, Your Honor, that two of the very suspects of the crime done to them and their loved ones are being cleared.

I speak, Your Honor, as a leader of this city, as a journalist, as a wife, as a mother, as a citizen of this nation, and empathize with those who still believe that there is still hope for justice in our country. I call on the Filipino people to condemn this latest atrocity. Let us remain vigilant and express our deepest and strongest sentiments, unceasingly and relentlessly as history unfolds. For if not, Your Honor, I fear the next generation of Filipinos would have neither respect nor love for our country and the people and institutions that govern it.

Thank you very much Your Honor, and maayong buntag kanatong tanan.

Black Propaganda

PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF COUNCILOR MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA

Regular Session of the 15^th Council, Series of 2010

March 30, 2010 (as transcribed from City Council proceedings)

Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, maayong buntag.

I rise on a personal and collective privilege Madam President to decry the electoral gimmicks designed at smearing my person and my candidacy.

Just this morning, I woke up to news that I am a subject of a column, and its title reads, “The Millionaire Councilor.” It was written by a columnist. . .It says here and if I may quote, “Of course, if true as published in the local media, that there’s no problem about Acosta being a multi-millionaire. By her own sworn declaration in her SAL that her net worth is P16 million she can always defend her statement. And it also says, “. . .The only trouble is when the people begin asking where she got the money because it would certainly irritate her. But she should not be offended. She is a public servant. A government official like her is subject to people’s scrutiny.” It says here that, “. . .the lady councilor receives P60,000 monthly salary, allowances and other fringe benefits in her position as lawmaker.” And it has in fact made snide remarks even against a preacher, and says that while my husband may be well paid by a billionaire preacher, “. . .we are talking of Acosta’ s net worth and not that of her husband.”

I would just like to state categorically, your Honor, that when we state assets and liabilities, it is conjugal. Therefore, whatever my husband owns, I own, and whatever I own, he also owns because it is joint. I would like to state for the record, your Honor, although I intend to prepare a detailed press statement regarding this malicious attempt to, shall we say, undermine my candidacy and perhaps, more than that, maliciously smear my reputation as a legislator and as a public servant. Madam President, for the record, my husband is a former air force pilot. When he got out of the active armed service, he had the rank of Major and worked as a corporate pilot for different companies.

I would like to state for the record, your Honor, that when my husband was a young lieutenant in the armed forces, they were offered under the Insular Government Properties a lot which is about 500 square meters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, Metro Manila. This is a small lot, your Honor, intended for residence of those who are in active service. He was a young lieutenant. He did not have money. So he took a loan and paid that property little by little every month, under salary deduction. It so happened that when that property became the subject of the Bases Conversion Act, when it was sold and it became private property now, the price of that property, every year increases because Fort Bonifacio as we all know is very, very near Makati City, which is the central in the business district of Metro Manila. And we all know that Fort Bonifacio now is no longer a military base but a bustling business center. And every year, and perhaps every few months, the properties --- the assets or the real estate value of that --- goes up.

Why should anybody try to impute upon me or my husband anything other than that? If it was by good turn, or by way of good fortune that my husband was able to acquire that property when he was still single and while he was still a young lieutenant, which he paid every month through salary deduction, why should it be begrudged upon him that he has now a property in Fort Bonifacio? He has served his country well and he has honestly paid for these loans that he had when he was single; and when he was a young lieutenant without the person of Mabel Acosta by his side; when he was struggling to serve his country well; when he was a gunship pilot defending his country going to Mindanao, going to places where he would put his life and limb at risk. And now, that he has the good fortune along with one thousand plus others who have served the military with all their heart, with all their mind, and with all their dedication to the country; now that the base was converted and is now prime property, why should it be begrudged upon him?

I do not have P16 million in cash, your Honor. I do have P1 million because when I was awarded Ten Most Outstanding Councilors in the Philippines, it was not only a trophy and a plaque that was awarded to me. To our surprise when we got to Cebu, I was also awarded P1 million by Senator Edgardo Angara. I could honestly say I am a millionaire, but it is only a ONE-millionaire, because we did not receive it in cash. We received P1 million, each of us ten awardees of The Most Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines, in project, not in cash, which I must utilize before the end of my term in June 30. But that, I could honestly say, the P1 million that I have is unfortunately not in cash but it is in kind.

That property, your Honor, was purchased by a very very minimum amount because it was suppose to subsidize the residence of those in the active service. And now, while it is worth millions, is not yet in our possession. It has no title yet. Why? It is because that 500 sq. meter lot in Fort Bonifacio is occupied by the Philippine Navy – it is now the Philippine Navy Golf Club. And what is supposed to be a row of houses is all green because it is presently occupied by the Philippine Navy Golf Club. Hence, we could not have it titled. And when there were new guidelines that were submitted and we were instructed in the City Council that we follow the new guidelines on the SAL, it was specifically cited, properties without titles should not be included. Henceforth, from a big SAL, our net worth went down. Note Madam President that our net worth as husband and wife started with a big amount because there were no guidelines yet saying that properties without titles should not be included. From a big SAL it went down every year because we have so many loans. We have housing loans, salary loans just like any government employee. We also have private loans, so instead of going up, our net worth was going down because we have a growing family. We have four children, that is why we have to contend with the economic crisis that is beset upon us.

I am stating this, your Honor because if my net worth kept on escalating, that would have been alarming. But note that our net worth as husband and wife has been going down. And what is the alarm there? How about congressmen, especially in the first district, whose net worth keeps on sky rocketing? In fact, there was a headline in a local newspaper that one congressman here in Davao City, his assets and liabilities actually rose by 70%. And that could not be said, your Honor, about my SAL. I am saying this, your Honor, because all these are cropping out because it is the heat of the political season. But I will not take this sitting down because it attempts to smear my credibility as a legislator or my integrity as a public servant.

Your honor, in the proper time I will give a detailed statement regarding this and I challenge this opinion writer. . .Note that there is a world of difference between an opinion column and investigative report. An opinion column only focuses on the opinion of a certain writer. An investigative report your honor is done impartially and has documents to show for it. It has a very very wide perspective and does not center on what the writer personally thinks and believes.

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On another matter Madam President, a concerned citizen sent me an SMS message with the information that several of my campaign paraphernalia in Barangay Baliok, Talomo District were taken down and burned in public by the barangay captain and one of his kagawads on Saturday evening.

Needless to say Madam President, the blazing episode is yet another politically motivated scheme aimed against me and my campaign. It seems that my enemies are no longer satisfied with simply creating and spreading black propaganda; they have upped their ante and started to physically destroy my campaign posters, without any thought to the money and sweat poured into their production, or to the fact that they are committing an election offense by doing so.

Destruction of the campaign materials aside, what is more grim and repugnant about the whole incident, Madam President, is that it was committed by public officials. The malefactors, according to the accounts and text messages, are the barangay captain and a barangay kagawad of Baliok, individuals who have the privilege and fortune of being elected to public office. That they have been elected into office does not exempt them from observing the law, nor are they immune from criminal prosecution. Their position does not make them privileged citizens of this city. The mandate to serve the public by virtue of their election does not make them any more different from the rest of us.

Public office is a public trust, so provides the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Hence, public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. Accordingly, the barangay captain and the barangay kagawad concerned, as persons in authority, should be the epitome of respectability, trustworthiness, and proper decorum, and their conduct should always be above reproach. In the same breath, if and when they see or get reports, they should be the ones to reprimand citizens who commit these acts and bring them to face the full force of the law.

I understand that political partisanship cannot be avoided, and barangay officials cannot always observe political neutrality. But let it be said Madam President, that elective officials are first and foremost public servants and they have an accountability to the public, and their commitment to their constituents who elected them to such position supersedes any political allegiance they may have.

Let this incident serve as a warning that malicious and premeditated acts intended to destroy or tarnish a candidate’s person or campaign will not be tolerated. Let us all be reminded that respect for each other and one another’s property is paramount for the conduct of a free, orderly, and honest election in Davao City.

Daghang salamat Madam President og maayong buntag kanatong tanan.

MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA

City Councilor, 1^st District