Boracay brouhaha

The controversy over alleged irregularities in the issuance of homestead patents covering several lots in Boracay has resulted in the relief of six DENR personnel detailed in Aklan and Boracay, with possible administrative charges filed against these individuals. A homestead patent is “a mode of acquiring alienable and disposable lands of the public domain for agricultural purposes,” but if the lots are actually commercial and residential but were still issued homestead patents, then that would be irregular, said the DENR. Residential and commercial lots can be titled through the issuance of residential fee patents or a sales patent which would then require the applicant to buy the land from government through direct sale or public bidding.

A certain Antonio Luis who was then OIC of the Aklan provincial office in 2009 issued homestead patents for 31 lots covering a total area of 9.75 hectares on the island resort of Boracay. The titles have been registered with the provincial registry of deeds. According to the DENR, the property owners could also be held criminally liable because they were allegedly issued questionable land titles.  One of the property owners is Ramon “Choy” Cojuangco, owner of the Asya Premier Suites, a relatively new resort located at the farther end of Station 3. The place is being touted as the only true first class resort-hotel in Station 3, and is fast becoming a byword for its relaxing ambience, far away from the noise, chaos and loud partying associated with Stations 1 and 2.

Knowing Choy, I don’t think he was even aware of the situation when he acquired the titles but now because of his name, he is being prominently dragged into the controversy, since he also happens to be a relative of President Noy. When Choy started Asya Premier, he envisioned a resort that would showcase something Filipino that would go beyond the simple bahay kubo, hoping that what he has started will be replicated in other places and bring in more tourism revenue in the country. Choy is currently out of the country but I’m told he has asked his lawyers to be ready to answer any questions surrounding this Boracay brouhaha.

Playboy king dumped

The 85-year-old Playboy king Hugh Hefner was dumped by his 25-year-old fiancée after a heated argument over the phone. The argument was reportedly about a pre-nup agreement. Now how could the Playboy king even think the young bunny was marrying him because of his good looks?

Anyone in his senior years should realize that for most young women, financial security is a key factor in determining the marriage. Look what happened to Hef-ner. But according to marriage experts – “performance level” is a big factor in order for most young women to stay married. Otherwise, expect to get dumped for a younger man who “rises to the occasion.”

Integrated terminals

The planned integrated bus terminals by the Metro Manila Development Authority for Metro Manila and provincial buses is one of the best plans ever that could go a long way in eliminating colorum buses and decongesting the traffic in Metro Manila, not to mention the pollution that goes with it especially along EDSA where many of the provincial bus terminals are located.

 With all the road accidents involving buses, it’s about time government did something really radical and long-term, like designating just one terminal for buses bound for the same direction. The same also goes for undisciplined passengers who just board the bus anywhere or get off where they want even if it’s in a non-designated drop-off area.  While we understand this could pose some difficulty especially for provincial passengers who will have to travel a bit more to the new location, we have no doubt people will be able to adjust eventually. Hopefully, this could help lessen the accidents involving buses.

 We have been batting for the transfer of the bus terminals along EDSA to lessen the congestion and the pollution – something which Congressman Emil Ong had also been pushing in the past. The 11-hectare lot beside the North Luzon Expressway near Balintawak as terminal for the northbound buses seems like a good start, especially with plans to link the terminal to the MRT and LRT stations. If they can really turn the terminals into world class facilities then expect more Filipinos to travel by bus.

Spy tidbits

–– Former PAGCOR vice president for corporate communications Edward “Dodie” King Jr. has decided to take a leave of absence from the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) where he has been a director for the last four years. Dodie asked to go on leave to focus on clearing up his name from the new graft charges that have been filed against him by the current PAGCOR dispensation.

–– It seems the Sicpatrace proposal for a foolproof electronic system to monitor the production and sale of cigarettes is going through a “Mark Twain experience” with exaggerated reports about its supposed early demise. On the contrary, the proposal is very much alive and kicking, said several sources, since the Swiss-based company can still participate in a public bidding for a tracking system trough a regular procurement process, as provided for under the general procurement act. All that needs to be done is for the company to comply with all the requirements just like the other parties eyeing the project. In the first place, talk of an enhanced and foolproof monitoring system – which could stem illegal smuggling and bring in more revenues for government – would not have even surfaced if not for Sicpa’s original proposal, observers wryly commented.

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