BANNING PERIOD oN SPENDING oF FUNDS, STRICTLY IMPLEMENTED

In accordance to Comelec’s Resolution No. 9385 or banning period on spending funds of the Local Government Unit (LGU), the releasing of funds for the projects of the municipality of Malay has been strictly implemented.

The Malay Treasurer’s Office implemented the banning period on March 29, 2013 for projects which have not undergone bidding, and projects which have not been awarded to the winning bidder.

In an interview with Malay Municipal Treasurer, Didiosa Dioso, he said funds for financial assistance are also not being released unless it is for those who need financial assistance for the passing away of a person.

Comelec aims to avoid the funds of the municipality being embezzled, and to make sure the fund of the LGU will not be spent on election campaign of the incumbent candidate.

The banning period is implemented by the Commission when election is near, and for the current year the ban will end on the 13^th of May.

DOLE Aklan, “Hands Off,” on employer to employee influence on voting

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Aklan is “hands off” on the subject of the employers to employees influence on voting.

This is because to intervene on the issue of employers compelling their workers to vote for the candidates they are endorsing is no longer within the scope of their task.

According to DOLE Aklan Provincial Director, Bediolo Salvacion, the labor code does not cover the intervention regarding this matter.

Instead it is the COMELEC’s responsibility to hold a certain employer accountable for the clear violation of an individual’s right as a voter.

Salvacion however said that if an employer dismisses an employee for the reason that the latter did not vote for the former’s supported candidate, then it is the time that DOLE will take action.

The Labor Code, he said, strictly prohibits the removal of workers without a valid reason.

Vote Buying, not a trend in Boracay

Boracay PNP Chief PS/Insp. Joeffer Cabural believes that vote buying will not work in Boracay anymore.

This is because, most people on the island have jobs, and that the competition of politics here are not that intense.

The Mayoral and Vice Mayor positions, for instance has no rivals.

This is what the chief said during an interview regarding the security that the Police Force will implement on the coming May 13 elections.

Meanwhile, considering that the island only has 3 polling precincts, Cabural do not see any problem regarding the distribution of the authorities, thus there is no need to add more police.

7th NABBA ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR BODY BUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP, HELD iN BORACAY

The 7^th NABBA Asia Pacific International Amateur Body Building Championship was held in Boracay on Friday, May 3.

National Body Builders Association (NABBA) Philippines President, Engr. Juanito Tanyag opened the event at the Front Beach, La Carmela Station 2 on Friday afternoon.

With the famous powdery sand and clear blue waters of Boracay serving as background, the competition started with competitors of the Novice Class showing their well sculptured bodies through different poses.

Loud cheers could be heard from the impressed crowd while the contestants went thru their routines.

The contestants vied in different classes: the Masters Class, Ms. Fitness Class, Mr. Athletics Class, Ms. Shape Class, Mr. Physique Short, Mr Physique Medium, Mr Physique Medium Tall, Mixed Pair, and Women’s Open class.

Written and Contributed by: Rodel J. Abalus

First Grand Flores de Mayo, successfully celebrated

“Flores de Mayo” also known as “Flores de Maria” is a popular celebration to give tribute to the Virgin Mary every May.

This year’s celebration which is the First Grand Flores de Mayo was successfully organized by the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) led by their President, Jony Salme.

During yesterday’s Santacruzan, young beautiful ladies represented different sectors.

The Ati Community also has a special number prepared for them.

According to the BFI the First Grand Flores de Mayo has been launched as an additional tourist’s attraction.

Meanwhile, the group has the Parish Church’s approval for the celebration and also was graced with their participation.

In fact, last Saturday, those who joined were gathered by members of the church for an orientation about “Flores de Mayo.”

The procession started at Boracay Regency Resort in Station 2 and ended at the Balabag Plaza, where the “Reyna Elena” was presented.

The First Grand Flores de Mayo is a part of the activities for the coming Boracay Day by the LGU Malay.