LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The provincial government appealed to city, municipal, barangay, and school officials and non-government organizations (NGO) to get involved in the ongoing tax campaign to meet the P1.8-billion revenue goal for real property tax (RPT) this year.

Quezon Governor David C. Suarez said there must be a collective effort in order to meet the provincewide target. To encourage the payment of RPT, prizes are at stake in various categories for those helping the financial team, headed by Provincial Administrator Rommel Edaño, in the tax campaign. (Danny Estacio)

Marilag Festival

STA. MARIA, Laguna — The three-day celebration of the “1st Marilag Festival” here began yesterday with the opening of the trade fair and exploration tours to three falls which are perfect picnic and swimming destinations. Hundreds of local and foreign tourists joined the various activities, which started at 7 a.m. with Mayor Anthony Carolino.

Showcasing their best products are 25 villages of the town in specially-designed booths. With the Sta. Maria rice sold at the lowest price during the celebration, there will also be a Queen cooking competition; Kakanin King showdown; a street-dancing competition; and a pageant among others. (Ferdinand F. Castro)

High Court Junks Poll Petition

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the election protest filed by former Pampanga Governor Eddie "Among Ed" Panlilio against incumbent Governor Lilia Pineda for being moot and academic.

The case sought to question the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling declaring Pineda as the duly-elected governor of Pampanga in the May 2007 local elections. Panlilio’s petition was rendered moot and academic following the regular national and local elections in May 2010, and the proclamation of winners.

The High Court said it is left with no alternative except to dismiss the petition in accord with jurisprudence to the effect that the expiration of the contested term of office renders the petition moot and academic. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

ASNA Awardees

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Seven outstanding Pangasinenses will hug the limelight in at the Asna Awards which will be held at the Sison Auditorium in this town today. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. said the awards will serve as an inspiration to others, especially the youth, to excel and be leaders in their respective fields.

This year, the main award called “balitok,” meaning gold or treasure, goes to Hilarion Henares, an educator, economist, businessman and writer of Sta. Barbara town and to Gabriel Singson of Lingayen town, the former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

W.W.II Veterans Lauded In Bataan

MT. SAMAT, Pilar, Bataan — The provincial government leadership lauded the other day World War II veterans on the occasion of the 70th Araw ng Kagitingan. In a speech read for him by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet S. Garcia, Gov. Enrique Garcia said: “We see and look up to the veterans as catalysts of genuine and lasting change.”

He also lauded President Aquino and his campaign against corruption, saying “this is the reason why we have to close ranks and rally behind the President who, from day one, has declared an all-out war against poverty, corruption and lawlessness.” (Mar T. Supnad)