UNISAN, Quezon — Quezon Rep. Danilo E. Suarez has criticized the proposal of the Constitutional Commission (Concom) postponing the local elections in 2007 to 2010, saying what is more important, among others, in the planned Charter change (Chacha) is the extension of the fixed term of three years for local elective officials.

Suarez said based on his previous experience as three-term lawmaker of the third district of Quezon, three years is "too short for a good public servant and might be too long for an ineffective elected official."

The Quezon solon lamented the statements of senators that any effort of the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution would be derailed.

"This, in real essence, is not a welcome trend, making Congress a sacrificial object on matters where what is at stake is the welfare of the State and its future," he said.

Suarez said the extension of the term of office of incumbent elected officials up to 2010 through the no election proposal could be divisive, while extending their term to more three years could be more acceptable and favorable to the nation. (Daniel N. Mangaba)

Coco-diesel blend pushed

The Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) sought over the weekend the immediate implementation of the one percent Philippine National Standard (PNA) compliant coco-diesel blend in all diesel fuel sold in the country.

A one percent blend of PNS-compliant coconut methy ester (CME) or coconut diesel, according to the TPBA, in all diesel-fed vehicles results to a 10-30 percent increase in mileage "which means a savings of roughly R16 billion in diesel import cost per year and 30-60 percent less emissions from all diesel engines in use."

In a position paper to Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman, Senate Committee on Energy, the TPBA indicated that the coco-biodiesel blend is the answer to pollution mitigation.

Earlier, Sen. Mar Roxas introduced Senate Bill 2178 which promotes the production, distribution, and use of alternative fuel, including coco-biodiesel, and other fuel sources through fiscal incentives within five years from the bill’s effectivity.

President Arroyo had awarded certificates of recognition as "pioneering partners" to private and public officials and companies for helping her administration in developing alternative fuel sources, including the PNS-compliant coco-biodiesel, and reiterated the government’s support for the promotion and use of coco-biodiesel.

In February 2004, she signed Memorandum Circular 55 which requires all government offices and units, including all government-controlled and owned corporations, to include a one percent PNS-compliant CME component in all their diesel requirements.

Various government agencies have asserted the beneficial properties of PNS-compliant CME. "Such findings should urge us to implement the coco-diesel mandate immediately," the TPBA, an advocacy group, said. (Sel A. Baysa)

Zamboanga cop shot dead

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two motorcycle-riding armed men shot dead a policeman while he was riding in a tricycle bound for work in Barangay TalonTalon here, it was learned yesterday.

A police report received by city chief of police Sr. Supt. Henry Lozanes identified the fatality as PO3 Benmar Paddam, 34.

The tricycle driver, a certain Emeterio Aquino, was hit by stray bullets and is now in serious condition in a hospital.

The report said Paddam, a resident of Barangay Kasangayan, was on his way to work at 12:30 p.m. at the Tetuan Police District Station on-board Aquino’s tricycle when two men, riding tandem on a motorcycle, blocked the tricycle.

One of the assailants pulled a .45 cal. pistol and shot Paddam several times, then grabbed his 9mm service pistol before escaping.

Paddam was hit in the chest and died on the spot, police said, adding that grudge could be the motive behind the killing. (Tony Pe. Rimando)