Ultra Media Ph

01/09/2025

Lifestyle Check

In- Depth: Manny Canto

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a lifestyle check on all government officials—starting with those in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—as part of a widening scrutiny of flood-control projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Mr. Vince Dizon as the new DPWH Secretary. The new Secretary has ordered the courtesy resignation of the high-ranking officials of DPWH. This includes the undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, division heads, and district engineers nationwide.
However , Secretary Dizon please refer to R.A. 3019 it provides that public officials cannot resign or retire while under investigation, or prosecution for offenses covered by Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act ( R.A. 3019).

R. A . 3019 refers to the Philippines' Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a law enacted on August 17, 1960, to address and penalize corruption by public officers and private individuals who engage in or abet graft. Its core aim is to uphold the principle of a public office as a public trust , and to instill a higher standard of morality in public service by repressing acts of dishonesty, bribery, extortion, and other forms of corruption

As DPWH chief, Dizon will lead the administration’s campaign against corruption, beginning with “a full organizational sweep of the department,” the PCO said.
On the other hand the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has launched a probe into at least 15 government contractors flagged for donating to candidates in the 2022 national and local elections. Expose them Comelec so that the public may know.

A LABOR organization called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement the ban on political dynasties if he wants to win the war against rampant corruption in the bureaucracy. The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Sunday denounced political dynasties as “one of the main roots of corruption in Philippine society that needs to be eradicated at once.” It urged the President to include the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law in his priority legislative agenda if he is serious about fighting corruption.

Lifestyle checks are helpful but not enough. Political dynasties breed corruption because public office is treated like a family business,” said Matula, reminding the President that “leadership must be rooted in service, not bloodlines.” ( The Manila Times)

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve with responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives (Article XI, Section 1).

27/08/2025

Masskara Festival 2025

In- Depth : Manny Canto

In a press conference of Masskara Gugma Foundation Mr. Christopher Mallo the Food and Kiosk Operations and Management Officer at the Bacolod City Public Plaza and Government Center Grounds, informed the media that there was a pre- selling orientation to abreast and provide an in-depth information to all interested applicants for the operation of food kiosk at Bacolod City Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center grounds. An avenue for potential kiosk operators to clarify guidlines , expectations and procedures while creating an open space for dialogue. Good to note that Gugma Foundation is doing it professionally.

Kudos to Masskara Gugma Foundation for the intitativd of giving new life in Public Plaza by transforming it into a vibrant hub of activities day and night. Soon we can experience a diversified activities , more dynamic environment where food , culture , entertainment , and community interaction coming together as true Bacolodnons.

The over- all program of Gugma Masskara Foundation is to uplift our local entrepreneurs. They recognize that a bunch of small and medium - sized businessmen can showcase their products , reach new customers and expand their markets. A vital opportunity given to them Bacolodnons first.

Giving an extra importance to Bacolod Public Plaza will foster more business opportunities and cultivating a more stronger entrepreneurial and business oriented spirit within our community. The foundation ensures the public the logistical support are in place. They will provide clean and adequate restroom , strict waste management , and over- all cleanliness. Prioritizing an orderly conduct of business , a safe and order environment to all.

They want to ensure everyone that the experience at the plaza and government center grounds will be enjoyable , convenient , and family- friendly. My one cent of opinion is that the city government must provide adequate police visibility to ensure that anyone can be randomly checked if they are carrying a gun of any size of bladed weapon . Random inspection is the key to peace and order during the masskara festivities.

We will expect that in the coming days a complete line- up of programs and activities in Bacolod Public Plaza and New Government Center grounds. The long overdue and highly anticipated culmination of the street dance competition announcements of winners, for both Barangay and School categories will be held at Bacolod Public Plaza.

21/08/2025

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS IN BACOLOD CITY

18/08/2025

Exemplary kind of Local Chief Executives

In- Depth: Manny Canto

Take a look of what Mayor Isko Moreno did in Metro Manila. His first few days in office was a stunning evidence of what a true leader can do. His predecessor didn't mind cleaning Metro Manila physically as well as the eradication of illegal market vendors at divosoria occupying the main streets. This is the kind of a leader who do not mind of the next elections , he just perfomed accordingly for the good of his city and for the good of the majority law abiding citizens. Sad to note that those who are not law abiding citizens always has the justification that they are just earning a living , an excuse by reason of poverty which to my mind somebody is earning also a living through them , and thats the very reason they are tolerated with impunity because the one who is supposed to implement the law is allegedly is the culprit.

A good source and avenue for graft and corruption. Imagine occupying the streets just to earn a living , hence so many crimes are committed in the name of poverty. But they are not alone to be blamed , because if they were not tolerated by the public officials then cannot exist in the first place.

Another exemplary kind of a leader is Mayor Vico Sotto. Without an iota of doubt a very honest kind of local chief executive , without an issue of graft and corruption and he did what other local chief executives didn't. Imagine a surplus of funds as a result of zero corruption under his leadership. This is the kind of a leader we truly need not a traditional kind of politician. He was raised by his parents well and inculcated upon him the true essence of christianity , people first before himself. Being an honest kind of a leader is a taboo to some , because their pedigree of honesty is rare nowadays, hoping that this kind of a leader will not go extinct someday.

Former Vice- President Leni Lobredo now Naga City Mayor upon assumption of office her first executive order no. 001, which institutes the Zero Tolerance Policy Against Corruption of 2025 in the City Government of Naga . Can Mayor Greg Gasataya do this also? Her executive order 001 is a reaffirmation of the 1987 Constitution which declares that Public office is a Public trust . Article XI , Section 1 , the E.O. mandates that all public officials must accountable to the people , and serve with integrity , loyalty, efficiency, and responsibility at all times. Kudos to Mayor Leni Lobredo may your tribe increase.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness my teacher said during my primary years in school. Here in the City of Bacolod , I'm hoping together with the hundreds of thousands of Bacolodnons that Mayor Greg Gasataya will continue to do the real change in Bacolod City, which his constituents deserve. But Mayor Greg cannot do this alone eventhough every week he is spearheading the cleaning of our major markets when the vendors themselves will continue to litter , and no concern for waste management , then the vicious cycle continues.

The President of various vendors association in our major markets has the responsibilty , and must take the cudgel to educate his / her members of their responsibility to clean their respective surroundings. Cleanliness in the market must first be the concern and responsibility of all the vendors occupying inside and outside the market. They must cooperate with the city government . Mayor Greg started it all and the vendors cooperation is a must. It's a matter of teamwork. Maximize the Team performance through collaboration.

In any business landscape, government agencies collaboration isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Collaboration is the driving force that elevates an organization from good to great, from a disjointed unit to a well-oiled machine. Leaders and team members alike must understand the dynamics of effective collaboration to harness its potential fully.

I truly extend my commendation to Mayor Greg Gasataya for having a big bang in his first few weeks in office. He started the change we need in Bacolod. The traffic situation will be next Mayor Greg? You must clean our streets from kamote minded motorist who occupy the major streets who has the impunity for a bunch of decades now.
Bacoleños will be happy if you do the unprecedented. We need disciplined Bacoleños and will commence with the local government employees under your watch. Heavy traffic is a universal problem , but if we can minimize it through collaboration with the private sector I think we can make it.

With Atty. Reuben Sabig on board in the Department of Traffic Management of Bacolod City and Councilor Dindo Ramos as SP Committee Chair on traffic , I believe Bacolod is on the right track if both of them will do what is incumbent upon them to do , of course with the unwavering full support of Mayor Greg Gasataya.

Success will not be achieved without the wholehearted support of the sitting Mayor. We need action than lip service and Mayor Greg did it , no fanfare, no announcements but he make things happen in our markets. More to come Mayor Greg.

14/08/2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder

In- Depth : Manny Canto

Two decades ago when my friend, batchmate in high school who at that time based in Thailand has two wonderful kids , however the sad thing of the story is that they were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder . Now they are already grown- up , in their late 20's , but still under their mother's care and guidance considering that they cannot function well without the hands - on care of their mother. Moving forward someday when their mother gets old and cannot already take care of them who will take good care of these individuals? This is the delimna of every parent , this is reality , no - nonsense real talk.

In my end, I did not expect to have two grandchildren diagnosed with autism. However thank God that the other one is already in a regular school , because he was able to recover fast through constant therapy sessions compared to his twin brother who until now is undergoing his therapy sessions. Every autistic child has its own way of coping up and the level of ASD varies , hence a different kind of level of understanding is needed.

In fact , aside from his sister's he voluntarily the one taking care of his twin brother , the bond between them is so heartwarming. At his young age he already took the responsibility and accepted it because he loved his twin dearly. A good gesture and value of a child because we raised him very well.

I know here in Bacolod City , so many kids , and teens having an autism issues , and I commend the parents who are not tired of taking care of these wonderful persons. However , worth criticizing are parents who are not in any way understands the plight of these children with autism syndrome disorder. One classic example is when a parent
refused to recognize the need of the child to undergo therapy sessions. Whaever the reason behind I can only presume maybe because it is time demanding, expensive and for them waste of money. This kind of parent or parents in general only prioritizing its own comfort and caprises which is detrimental to the well- being of the child. It is the responsibility of the parents or parent to ensure the welfare of every child is protected. Isn't it DSWD that the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration?

Again I reiterate what if the parent is not recognizing the need of the child for therapy sessions and left unattended ? Because for them it is time demanding , expensive , or waste of money ? I hope a corresponding penalty relative to this kind of parents is needed. They are one in a million but they exist Congressman Albee. A family with an autistic child can understand and relate with me.

Again , good to note that Bacolod City lone district Representative Abelardo " Albee" Bantug Benitez filed house bill no. 3379 or the National Autism Program Bill for the benefit of hundreds of thousands children having autism issues. The good Congressman is pushing this bill to to support ordinary Filipino families who can hardly afford the cost of therapy and treatment in general of children with autism. If this bill becomes a law the Department of Social Welfare and Development is the lead agency to implement the regular stipend of four thousand pesos ( 4,000.00) to every family. The good Congressman also acknowledges the fact that even middle class families can't afford regularly these life- changing therapies for their children. Under this bill other services are included such as free developmental assessment for all Filipino children until the age of five ; free occupational therapy, speech and behavioral therapy in DOH hospitals. Free medicines is crucial hence it is also included for POS diagnosed with level 3 autism.

Again , Congratulations Congressman Abelardo " Albee" Bantug Benitez.

10/08/2025

End bullying in schools

In - Depth : Manny Canto

Bullying is not new to all of us. Since I was in grade school it is happening. But bullying is not confined solely in schools , but it is happening also in different organizations, even in government and private offices. Bullying is happening even to the highest echelon of our society. However , the law is specifically interested to eradicate and totally curb the bullying in our school campuses.

The Anti- Bullying Law is a good law , but the fact still remains that in the implementation the government must by all means support the complainants , assist the aggrieved party even at the police level. The government must ensure that the hands of the government can be seen supporting the aggrieved party whoever the culprit. But what if the bullying is within the confines of our home? What if the bully is a member of the family , the so- called family but in reality is one of the evils of our society . Instead of protecting its siblings they turn a blind eye on the reality at hand. Hence , we can say that these persons has psychological and mental issues .

Good to note that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Anti-Bullying Act, was signed , a big and very important matter for a safe and humane environment for every Filipino children. This is upon the directive of President Ferdinand “B**gbong” Marcos Jr. , for his Bagong Pilipinas branding. If we can remember history would tell us that when PBBM was still a Senator he is the principal sponsor of this law , by heart the President is seriously against bullying in any form and sizes.

The new IRR ensures a clear mandate, has a standard policy that needs to be implemented by all public and private schools , including community learning centers operated by DepEd in the entire country even abroad. How about learning institutions operating on - line? Is this allowed and accredited by the Department of Education under the leadership of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara? Just asking Mr. Secretary. We are not in a pandemic and why is it there are a lot of on- line schools operating in this country?

Isn't it DSWD the welfare of the children is the paramount consideration. If the kids even we are not in a pandemic their social life is under threat , this is mental issues someday DSWD. Under the on- line learning isn't it that the social and mental aspect of these children are in danger. They are confined in the four corners of their abode without interacting with their peers if they are in a regular school. Since time immemorial children are used in a regular school , and not to be confined in on- line kind of teaching. The Department of Education must take a second look in this kind of learning method , the best interest of the child must be taken into consideration by the Department of Education in granting accreditation to this on - line schools. And why DePEd allows this kind of teaching.

This is a single voice in the wilderness but this is happening . Children are suffering and they can do nothing because their parents allowed this kind of set- up for their own comfort and benefit probably but to the detriment of their children. A selfish act worth criticizing. Back to anti- bullying law , all schools are mandated to implement the Standard Anti-Bullying Policy.

The schools must be safe and free from harm and bullying . The new IRR to be published in the official gazette in the next few days and copy of which to be given to all schools division in the entire country.

Secretary Angara ang AlagangAngara at BagongPilipinas please revisit the on- line kind of teaching. We are not in a pandemic mode.

09/08/2025

09/08/2025

Cong. Albee's Autism Program Bill

In- Depth : Manny Canto

First and foremost I would like to congratulate Congressman Albee Bantug Benitez for taking into consideration the plight of thousands of children with autism spectrum issues. This is long overdue Congressman Albee , but Kudos to you for initiating the first step, the phrase " the longest journey begins with a single step " a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb.

Praying that your efforts Congressman Albee soon be a reality considering that thousands of families here in Negros Island Region are waiting for this. This is a wake up call to the national government particularly to President B**g B**g Marcos to take this matter seriously. For the families who has a family member with Autism issues here it is let us support the good Congressman that his bill becomes a law so that the government can provide autism care support nationwide.

In a page of Congressman Albee Benetiz and taken up also by Negros Daily Bulletin here is the full text of Congressman Albee.

With the costs of autism treatment beyond the reach of ordinary Filipino families, Bacolod lone district Rep. Albee Benitez has filed House Bill No. 3379, or the National Autism Program bill, intended to provide support to around 1.2 million Filipinos, including almost 350,000 children, living with autism.

In his explanatory note, Benitez lamented that “given the cost of the assessment and therapies, it is unlikely for low and even medium-income families to regularly afford these life-changing therapies for their children. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) revealed that poverty rates are 50% higher in households with children with disabilities.”

“It is more than crucial that the government make available free or affordable services for the diagnosis and therapies of children on the spectrum.”

To address the inaccessibility of autism treatment, HB 3379 establishes an Autism Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that will provide regular stipend amounting to Php4,000.00 to families with POS.

The measure would also provide other services such as free developmental assessment for all Filipino children until the age of five; free occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy in DOH hospitals; and free medicines for POS diagnosed with Level 3 Autism.

Benitez said the hurdles to the provision of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include the low number of developmental pediatricians in the country that results in a long wait for a proper assessment, as well as the high cost not only for consultation but also for prescribed therapy.

The lawmaker pointed out that initial consultations cost around Php4,000.00 to Php5,000.00 a session, and “when diagnosis is confirmed, recommendations for appropriate therapies of four to five times per week are made, which would cost around Php1,000 per session.”

According to Benitez, “every child, regardless of their abilities or differences, should be treated with dignity, respect and equal opportunities.”

“It is incumbent upon the government to provide necessary support for persons on the spectrum to afford them better prospects of a future where they reach their full potential, and become self-reliant and functional members of society.”● (ABB SMP)