The Antique Perspective
By Jun Escalona , Antique Bureau Chief

Quarrel over trivial matters

Binirayan 2005 may prove to be a signal success with the   revival of the Binirayan Foundation Inc. (BFI) after some hibernation. It is now being headed by Mr. Alex de los Santos . This early, preparations are now being finalized . The festival will open on April 21 and there will be major events from this day on up to the 29 th .

The Chief Executive gave several reasons why she predicted this year's Binirayan would be more colorful and well attended. She said that no less than LMP President Christopher Piccio of Belison committed to support, together with NGOs and PO 's who also helped last year. According to her, with Vice Governor Cadiao by her side, she sees a remarkable success in this year's Binirayan celebration.

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On the deplorable conditions in the Antique Rehabilitation Center that needs attention, its infrastructure facilities have to be upgraded and improved, Governor Perez admitted. In addition, in-service trainings among the Provincial Guards that has been taken for granted for some time, need to be resumed.

Nevertheless some newspaper critics are more creative than the others in creating different versions of the news, and putting words into the mouth of our officials. Proof of this, Governor Perez told of a report made in a regional daily and the radio that she had the pleasure meeting Congressman Javier in the plane and discussed this matter with him and that the solon said he never criticized the provincial government, particularly on the plight of the nineteen (19) convicts in the Evelio B. Javier murder case who were transferred to the National Penitentiary, as claimed by a newspaper columnist.

On the issue that many of the families of detainees are still staying in the ARC compound and pose some problem to the ARC management, Perez said that she has discussed with Mayor Fernando Corvera the possibility of relocating the families of former detainees in the ARC who may have overstayed in the ARC compound even after their family member has already served their conviction, or is out on parole.

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B.I.R. Antique has exceeded its tax collection last year by P38, 15,154.00, this was learned from reliable sources recently. Last year, it has collected P112 ,936088.61 . This year, it was able to collect P146 ,557000.00 , or an increase of about 33.66%, the highest percentage increase in Region VI. Revenue District 74 is headed by RDO Ursula Villlaruel Esquiña . The tax agency attributes the significant increase to compliance with withholding tax law from LGUs and the   Semirara Coal Corporation. RDO Esquiña also praised the B.I.R. collection agents for their efforts.

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Why do people quarrel over the most trivial matters? If one does nothing that offends, there are people who find fault in their fellowmen so that the mundane things are blown out of proportion. Then you have a controversy where people get entangled. There are several reasons for this, one of these, maybe, just maybe, is to seek a vantage position, the great position, the clever position, the ideal of a person who because of his or her position or achievements hopes to attain a peak in the mountain range of humanity.

For instance, in Antique we have two press clubs who are after each other's neck. Not exactly, the capitol press club is being the target of criticism by the other, for reasons all their own. At its peak, the name-calling and animosity on print and radio has assumed a funny pitch as broadcasters from both camps traded potshots against each other. But cooler heads prevailed, so they're back to their senses. Thanks to both press clubs! They finally decided to stop their childish pranks and get on their mature selves again. We hope there won't be a sequel to the episode.