Cases involved alleged illicit affairs

TACLOBAN CITY – It’s more of a ‘pogi problem.’

Thus said the regional director for Eastern Visayas of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Benjamin Florentino, regarding the nature of cases lodged before their office against members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region.

Florentino, however, was quick to clarify that they are not trivializing the complaints against the involved officers, emphasizing that these are still serious complaints.

“Cases filed against PNP personnel here in Region 8 are minimal and not as serious compared to other regions, mostly involving what we call ‘pogi problems,’” he said on Tuesday, August 6, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ of the Philippine Information Agency.

By ‘pogi’ (handsome) problem, the Napolcom official referred to complaints against PNP members for engaging in illicit affairs, often reported by their legal wives.
“Of course, we are not trivializing it; we consider it a serious complaint and take action on them,” Florentino stressed.

At present, the Napolcom is handling seven ‘pogi problems,’ with two cases dropped, three undergoing hearings, and the remaining two still being evaluated for probable cause.
Those found guilty face either suspension for up to a year or outright dismissal from service. Most of the officers involved hold the rank of corporal.

Florentino also shared his positive impression of the PNP personnel in the region regarding their performance.

“I have a very good impression of our policemen in Region 8 in terms of performance and their support for Napolcom’s programs,” he said.

The PNP in the region is headed by B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, who stated that they aim to ensure that Eastern Visayas remains safe and secure for its residents.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), led by Secretary Ernesto Perez, has awarded the city government of Ormoc the E-BOSS (Electronic Business One Stop Shop) plaque of commendation.

This accolade recognizes Ormoc City for its implementation of Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business Law, through digitalization and online transactions.

“If all LGUs were compliant with the Ease of Doing Business Law, our economy would advance significantly. Ormoc City’s compliance is a major step towards progress and efficient governance,” Sec.Perez stated.

Ormoc is the 47th local government unit in the country to be recognized for its compliance with the Ease of Doing Business Law and the second in the region.

The first LGU in Region 8 to receive this recognition was San Roque in Northern Samar.
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez expressed pride in the city’s achievement, acknowledging both the honor and the responsibility it entails.

“It is a great honor to receive this recognition. However, it also means we must ensure all businesses comply with the Ease of Doing Business Law and embrace digitalization,” she said.

The city mayor highlighted the benefits of technology in streamlining transactions.
“As more people become tech-savvy and use online transactions, we save resources and make it easier for individuals to handle transactions without leaving their homes.”

To ensure the success of digitalization and encourage more online engagement, Mayor Gomez emphasized the need for improved and stable internet connectivity.

Data from the Ormoc City Business Processing and Licensing Office indicates that of more than 10,000 businesses in the city, only 1,873 have adopted online transactions since their implementation last year.

The Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry has committed to helping convince more businesses to transition to online transactions.

“Using E-BOSS reduces the long lines at City Hall during business permit renewals each January by allowing online transactions,” said Stephanie Dianne Chu, Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eastern Visayas.

“While online transactions speed up processes, we must ensure robust infrastructure, such as reliable internet connectivity, to build trust and encourage more businesses to adopt online methods,” Chu added.

A notable feature of Ormoc’s digital business permit and licensing process is the integration of payments for the Bureau of Fire Protection, achieved through a memorandum of agreement signed by former mayor and now congressman Richard Gomez and the BFP Ormoc.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)