Panguil Bay Journal

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

07/10/2025

OPINYON | Accountability Must Not Be Selective: The Zaldy Co–Sunwest Case Is a Test of the System

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | October 7, 2028

When the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended criminal and administrative charges against former congressman Zaldy Co and officials of Sunwest Construction, it didn’t just name names — it shook the very foundation of public trust in how infrastructure projects are handled in the country.

For years, Sunwest has been a familiar name in government projects — from roads and bridges to flood control systems. But familiarity must never translate to immunity. If the ICI’s findings hold true, this case will serve as a litmus test for how serious we are in cleaning up the rot in public works and procurement systems.

Ang masakit nga realidad — kapag maliit na opisyal o simpleng empleyado ang nasangkot, mabilis ang kaso, mabilis ang parusa. Pero kapag malalaking pangalan na ang nadadawit, biglang tumatagal, biglang nagiging komplikado. This pattern has to stop.

If the allegations involve violations of the Anti-Graft Law, malversation of public funds, and falsification of documents, then these are not mere technical oversights — these are acts that betray public trust and waste taxpayers’ money. The Ombudsman now faces a crucial moment: to prove that justice in this country does not bend to influence or position.

Public infrastructure is not a playground for politicians or businessmen. Every road, bridge, or building represents the hard-earned taxes of Filipinos — teachers, farmers, drivers, ordinary workers. Kung may mga proyekto na ginawang personal negosyo, that’s not just corruption — that’s theft from the nation’s future.

What the ICI has done is brave. To go against established power networks and entrenched interests requires integrity and courage. But their recommendation is only the beginning. The next battle lies in the prosecution — where truth must be proven and accountability must be upheld.

Zaldy Co’s name, being tied both to politics and business, symbolizes the blurred line between public service and private gain — a line that must be redrawn sharply and clearly. If this case ends with silence or compromise, then it tells the Filipino people one thing: the system protects its own, not the people.

The public must stay vigilant. Transparency must be demanded at every stage — from the investigation to the filing of charges, to the actual court proceedings. Justice delayed is not only justice denied — it is justice mocked.

If we want real reform, we must stop treating corruption as an occasional scandal and start treating it as a national emergency. Because every peso stolen is a classroom unbuilt, a hospital unequipped, a bridge unsafe.

This case is more than about Zaldy Co or Sunwest — it’s about whether the Philippines can finally prove that no one is above the law.

07/10/2025

OPINYON | Misamis Occidental Shows How Real Governance Works — United, Accountable, and Aligned for Justice

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | October 7, 2025

Let’s be honest — not all provinces get it right. Daghang lugar sa Pilipinas nga hangtod karon, nagkawatak-watak ang mga lider, nagpasangilay, ug walay klarong direksyon. Pero diri sa Misamis Occidental, something different is happening. For once, local leaders are proving that unity and justice can exist in the same room — and actually work.

The recent “Fostering Justice Unitedly” dialogue last October 7, 2025, sa Aya Hotel, Clarin, was not just a formal event. It was a show of strength and maturity — a clear sign nga under Governor Henry S. Oaminal’s leadership, the province is serious about building institutions that serve the people, not politics.

While many provinces are stuck arguing over power, Misamis Occidental is busy building bridges between the executive and the judiciary. Mao ni ang klase nga governance nga kinahanglan — leaders nga magtinabangay, dili magpinasangilay.

And credit where it’s due — Mayor Sam Norman G. Fuentes of Ozamiz City and all other City and Municipal Mayors understands that. Instead of standing apart, ang ilang administration naka-aligned with the provincial vision. Dili ni lip service. Ang ilang participation shows that Ozamiz City and all other LGUs that works in step with the province, not against it. That’s leadership. That’s maturity.

This kind of partnership means one thing: Misamis Occidental is not playing politics — it’s setting a standard. The coordination between Governor Oaminal, Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, and the mayors of the province proves that progress only happens when leaders move in the same direction.

Supreme Court Court Administrator Hon. Maria Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta herself saw the difference. She commended the province for its unity — a rare thing nowadays when most local officials only show up for photo ops.

Let’s be blunt — the judiciary can’t function alone, and neither can LGUs. Pero kung magtinabangay ang duha, justice becomes more than a courtroom concept — it becomes a daily reality for the people.

Under the Asenso brand of service, both the province and Ozamiz City are proving that governance can be transparent, disciplined, and fair. Ang hustisya dili lang dapat sa papel — dapat ma-feel sa kadalanan, sa barangay, sa katawhan nga ilang gi-alagaran.

Misamis Occidental’s message is loud and clear:

👉 Unity is not weakness. It’s leadership.
👉 Accountability is not optional. It’s duty.
👉 Justice is not just a system. It’s service.

This is what happens when leaders stop protecting their own egos and start protecting the people.

Misamis Occidental just raised the bar — and it’s about time other provinces catch up.

07/10/2025

Misamis Occidental Unites for Justice: Governor Oaminal and Local Chiefs Strengthen Executive–Judiciary Alliance

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | October 7, 2025

CLARIN, Misamis Occidental — A new chapter in local governance unfolded in Misamis Occidental as the Provincial Government took a decisive step toward a unified and people-centered justice system, bringing together the province’s top officials, city mayors, and judiciary representatives under one roof.

In a rare and historic gathering dubbed “Fostering Justice Unitedly: A Dialogue with the Province of Misamis Occidental, Office of the Court Administrator, and Misamis Occidental Judges,” held on October 7, 2025, at Aya Hotel in Clarin, the province showcased what true intergovernmental collaboration looks like.

Leading the charge was Governor Henry S. Oaminal, whose governance blueprint—anchored on unity, progress, and integrity—has become the backbone of Misamis Occidental’s strong institutional partnerships. Alongside him were Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, mayors from different municipalities, and Ozamiz City Mayor Sam Norman G. Fuentes, who collectively demonstrated how justice and governance can move hand in hand.

Supreme Court Court Administrator Hon. Maria Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta graced the event as keynote speaker, lauding the province’s leadership for creating a culture of cooperation between the executive and judicial branches—an approach she described as “transformative and exemplary.”

Representing Ozamiz City, Mayor Fuentes extended the city’s full alignment with the Asenso Misamis Occidental vision, underscoring Ozamiz’s role as an active partner in sustaining the province’s justice-centered development. His administration’s focus on fairness, transparency, and good governance mirrors the provincial government’s thrust toward strengthening public institutions and ensuring equal access to justice.

The participation of Ozamiz City further solidified its place as a driving force for provincial unity—demonstrating how local leaders can synchronize their efforts with the province’s strategic direction. Through this alignment, the Asenso brand of service continues to empower institutions and inspire collective action across all levels of government.

The dialogue stands as a milestone in Misamis Occidental’s governance landscape—proof that when local chief executives, led by leaders like Oaminal and Fuentes, work together with the judiciary, justice doesn’t remain confined to the courts—it reaches every barangay, every family, and every Misamisnon.

06/10/2025

Three nabbed in Bonifacio buy-bust; ₱81,600 worth of shabu confiscated

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | October 6, 2025

BONIFACIO, Misamis Occidental — Three suspected drug personalities were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Misamis Occidental Provincial Office/Interdiction Unit, in coordination with the Bonifacio Municipal Police Station, on Sunday evening, October 5, 2025, at Purok 1, Barangay Digson, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental.

Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases — alias “Majade,” alias “Billy,” and alias “Jessiel.” According to the initial report, two of the suspects were alleged drug maintainers while one was reportedly a visitor during the operation.

Confiscated from the suspects were an estimated 12 grams of suspected shabu with a total standard value of ₱81,600 and a street price of ₱30,000.

Drug evidence included one small sachet containing suspected shabu worth ₱500 as the buy-bust item, twenty-six sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 11 grams, and one small round plastic container containing suspected shabu weighing around 1 gram.

Non-drug evidence recovered from the operation included several coin purses used to store illegal drugs, aluminum foil strips, an improvised needle, surgical scissors, disposable lighters, and three Infinix smartphones. Authorities also seized one genuine ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money, one 9mm pistol with a magazine and eight live ammunition, and three motorcycles — two Yamaha Mio i125 units and one black Kawasaki KMX.

The suspects are now facing charges for violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

All personnel involved in the operation were reported safe and accounted for.

In a statement, PDEA Misamis Occidental said the operation demonstrates their continuing effort to suppress illegal drug activities in the province.

“This successful operation is a result of strong coordination and community vigilance. We continue to urge the public to work hand in hand with us by reporting any information related to illegal drug activities. Together, we can keep our communities safe and drug-free,” the agency said.

05/10/2025

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October 6, 2025

05/10/2025

A blessed day to all our teachers! 🫡😊

05/10/2025

Salamat sa inyong papel sa paglambo sa kabatan-onan ug sa komunidad. Happy Teachers’ Day! 🧡🙂

03/10/2025

SMNI misread the 2021 COA Audit Report, which recorded only 40% accomplishment—not completion.

The project is real, not a ghost. Local officials condemn SMNI’s report as misleading and politically motivated disinformation tied to opposition interest.

03/10/2025

03/10/2025

BANTAY PANAHON: The TriMedia Broadcasting Special Update for typhoon Paolo | October 3, 2025,