Lapsus Calami, Brgy. Mali-ao, Pavia (2026)

23/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— TIGHT SCHOOL SECURITY TODAY, COMPLACENCY TOMORROW?

AFTER the horrifying school shooting in Tacloban City, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas immediately ordered tighter security measures in schools. More police visibility. More bag inspections. More coordination with barangay tanods. Inventories of CCTV cameras and metal detectors. Stronger anti-bullying campaign.

But how long will they last?

Will these heightened security measures become a permanent feature of school life, or are they merely a temporary response to a tragedy that currently dominates the headlines?

Experience teaches us to be cautious. There is a tendency for government agencies to spring into action after a crisis. Everyone is on high alert. Then time passes. Public outrage cools down.

Media attention shifts elsewhere. A new controversy captures the headlines. Gradually, the urgency fades.

And before long, many of the measures that were once loudly announced become little more than paperwork. Ningas cogon. Sa una lang gakarakasa. Makalgad pila ka adlaw, wala na. Tarsa!

That is precisely what must not happen here. School security cannot be seasonal or depend whether a recent shooting is still fresh in the public's memory.

The real test of DepEd’s – and the police’s – resolve will not be this week or this month but six months from now. One year from now. Two years from now.

When no major incident occurs, people begin to assume that the threat has disappeared. Priorities change. Vigilance weakens.

Pero tandaan naton – absence of tragedy does not mean the absence of danger. If anything, the Tacloban shooting is as a reminder that school security is a long-term commitment requiring constant attention, funding, training, and enforcement.

Because if these measures lose steam once another headline captures public attention, then the lessons of Tacloban will have been forgotten far too quickly.

And that would be a tragedy in itself. Haslo!

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

22/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— IRRESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP

AMONG all the troubling issues raised by the Tacloban school shooting, perhaps the most disturbing concern is the one staring us directly in the face: guns.
How did two minors get hold of fi****ms?

How is it possible that teenagers armed themselves with a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol and walked into a school ready to kill? Susmaryosep!

Fi****ms are supposed to be under strict control. They are not toys. They are not household items that can be casually left within reach of children.

A gun does not magically find its way into a teenager’s hands. Some adult somewhere failed. Haslo!

Whether through negligence, irresponsibility, complacency, or outright recklessness, an adult failed to secure a deadly weapon. And because of that failure, three young lives were lost and several others were injured.

The mother of one of the victims was correct in demanding accountability from gun owners. If fi****ms had been properly secured, there is a strong possibility that this tragedy would never have happened.

The lesson should be painfully obvious.

The Tacloban tragedy should force police authorities to also reexamine how fi****ms are stored inside homes, especially those with children and teenagers. It should prompt stricter enforcement, regular inspections where appropriate, and stronger penalties for irresponsible gun ownership.

Owning a gun is not merely a right. It is a tremendous responsibility. A firearm owner who fails to secure a weapon is not merely risking the theft of property. They are risking human lives. Haslo!

Say mo, General Ligan?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

21/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— WHERE IS THE 70 PERCENT?

MANY ILONGGOS, particularly the residents of Pavia, probably raised their eyebrows when Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon declared that the southbound lane of the Aganan Flyover is already 70 percent complete. According to him, the project remains on track, with the southbound section targeted for opening before the end of the year.

The problem is that not everyone is convinced.

For many motorists who pass through the area every day, what they see on the ground does not seem to sync with the optimistic assessment. They look at the massive structure, the unfinished sections, the continuing construction activity, and they wonder: “Seventy percent? Diin?”

Of course, no one wants the flyover completed more than the people of Iloilo, and especially the Pavianhons. For years, motorists have endured traffic congestion, detours, dust, delays, and the daily frustration caused by a project that was supposed to ease travel but instead became a symbol of inconvenience.

The Aganan Flyover was started in 2020. Work was halted after structural issues involving the piers were discovered. It has become one of the most delayed and controversial infrastructure projects in the region.

Tapos na ang Ungka Flyover, Buhang Flyover kag Hibao-an Flyover nga kadungan gin umpisan upod sang Aganan Flyover. Pero asta subong, galutaw sa sabaw gihapon ang Aganan Flyover. Haslo!

In fact, even Dizon himself described the project as a “poster child” of what went wrong in the DPWH in the past.

That is precisely why public skepticism should not surprise anyone.

Trust is not built through percentages.

Trust is built through results.

The reality is that Ilonggos have been given timelines before. They have heard assurances before. They have listened to projections before. Yet the flyover remained unfinished year after year. Every missed deadline chipped away at public confidence.

So when officials announce that a section is already 70 percent complete, many people naturally ask: Does that mean 70 percent according to engineers, or 70 percent according to what ordinary motorists can actually see?

There is a difference.

Say mo, Toto Al?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

19/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— MIRACLE AT BUHANG FLYOVER DUE TO SECRETARY DIZON’S VISIT

SOMETHING extraordinary happened at the Buhang Flyover.

No, we’re not talking about the flyover itself. We’re talking about the battered, neglected, moon-surface-like access road beneath it.

For months, motorists endured the craters, potholes, bumps, ruts, and dust. Every trip through the area felt less like driving on a public road and more like participating in a suspension test for vehicles. Some motorists probably knew every pothole by name.

Yet despite the completion of the Buhang Flyover’s rectification works, that miserable stretch of road remained untouched.

Then came the announcement.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon was scheduled to inspect the Buhang Flyover on June 19.
And lo and behold!

As if by divine intervention, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 workers suddenly appeared at the flyover on the evening of June 18. Nagatirik-tirik ang mga tarso nila!

Heavy equipment rolled in. Earth was moved. The road was widened. The surface was flattened and compacted. The craters that had been tormenting motorists suddenly became a priority. Pwerte, no?

For months, ordinary motorists complained through their steering wheels, shock absorbers, tires, and aching backs. Nothing happened. But the moment Secretary Dizon’s convoy was expected to arrive, the road received the VIP treatment.

Would DPWH-6 have fixed that road if Dizon had not been coming?

Style n’yo bulok!

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

18/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— FLYOVERS ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE ROADS BENEATH THEM

TODAY, Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will once again inspect the Buhang Flyover, a month after it was reopened following three months of rectification works. That is welcome news. Public confidence in the structure remains fragile after the embarrassing discovery of defects barely three years after it opened.

But while Secretary Dizon is there, perhaps he should not only look up at the flyover. He should also look down.

Specifically, he should inspect the roads on both sides beneath the Buhang Flyover. Because while the flyover itself may now be structurally sound, the roads feeding into it remain a daily headache for motorists. Ulogtasan!

On one side, the road is two lanes, but poorly concreted. On the other side, it narrows to a single lane. During rush hours, traffic slows to a crawl as vehicles compete for limited road space.

Drivers who use the area every day know that the bottleneck is not necessarily the flyover itself — it is the inadequate road network surrounding it.

What makes the situation more frustrating is the persistent talk that the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to fully settle right-of-way payments to affected property owners.

Without acquiring the necessary land, road widening cannot proceed. Haslo!

Wala kuno budget?

If this is true, then the problem is not engineering. It is planning. Tonto!

If DPWH wants the Buhang Flyover to become a symbol of restored public trust, it must ensure that the roads beneath it are given the same attention as the structure above it. Otherwise, motorists will continue asking a simple question:

What is the point of a flyover if vehicles still end up stuck in traffic the moment they get off it?

Say mo, Toto Al?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

17/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— LOOSE FI****MS SEEM TO BE READILY AVAILABLE

THREE separate shooting incidents in just a matter of days. Three communities shaken. Three reminders that despite years of campaigns and checkpoints, loose fi****ms continue to find their way into the hands of people willing to use them.

In Miag-ao, Iloilo a man was shot by a fellow cook after a dispute.

In Barangay Balabago, Jaro, Iloilo City a young man was killed and his body dumped into a floodway, with police still hunting one of the suspects.

In Pavia, Iloilo a worker was shot three times in the head by a co-worker, allegedly over a personal grudge.

Different places. Different motives. One common denominator: guns.

Where are these fi****ms coming from?

Every shooting incident raises the same concern. If the suspects were able to secure guns so easily, how many more loose fi****ms remain circulating in communities across Iloilo and Western Visayas?

How many are hidden inside homes, tucked away in motorcycles, or being carried by individuals with no legal authority to possess them?

The proliferation of loose fi****ms, if not curbed, could become a public safety crisis. Or is it already?

When guns are readily available, petty arguments, personal grudges, drunken confrontations, and neighborhood disputes become far deadlier. What could end in bruises or heated words now ends in funerals, operating rooms, and grieving families.

These latest incidents should shake the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) out of its stupor. While it has been aggressive in many areas of law enforcement, the persistence of shooting incidents suggests that the campaign against loose fi****ms needs to be intensified. More intelligence-driven operations, stricter monitoring of gun owners, relentless service of warrants, and sustained crackdowns on the illegal fi****ms trade are certainly needed.

The public also deserves answers. How many loose fi****ms have been seized this year? How many illegal gun syndicates have been dismantled? How many shooting incidents have been linked to unlicensed weapons?

The people of Western Visayas should not have to live with the fear that anyone with a grudge can simply pull out a gun and settle scores with bullets. Naku! Ano kita, wild wild West?

Every loose firearm that remains on the streets is a potential tragedy waiting to happen.

The shootings in Miag-ao, Balabago, and Pavia are not isolated incidents of loose guns. The challenge now falls squarely on PRO-6: find the guns before they are fired again.

Every illegal firearm taken off the streets today could mean one less victim tomorrow.

Say mo, General Tuaño?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

16/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— MAYOR RAISA IMPRESSIVE IN FIRST MAJOR INT’L OUTING

WHILE in Singapore attending the World Cities Summit 2026, Mayor Raisa Treñas of Iloilo City made a very positive impression such that she was interviewed by no less than Channel NewsAsia, Singapore’s leading news network. And our Ilongga mayor did not disappoint.

Public officials are often judged not only by the policies they pursue but also by their ability to explain those policies clearly, calmly, and convincingly. In the interview, Mayor Raisa displayed a level of composure that even many seasoned politicians struggle to maintain. She answered questions without appearing rattled, or overly rehearsed. Instead, she projected confidence anchored on a clear understanding of the matter being discussed such as making Iloilo City a livable urban community while growing exponentially.

Equally noteworthy was Mayor Raisa’s articulate manner of speaking. In an age when public discourse is often dominated by sound bites, slogans, and political noise, her ability to explain coherently is a valuable leadership trait.

Her interview also highlighted an important quality: preparedness. Intelligence in public service is not merely about academic credentials or technical knowledge. It is reflected in a leader’s grasp of facts, awareness of the challenges facing the community, and ability to connect policies with the everyday concerns of constituents. Mayor Raisa demonstrated that she had taken the time to understand the issues, such as housing and climate change for example, and formulate thoughtful responses.

Para sa La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo, good international exposure gid ining interview kay Mayor Raisa. Leadership today requires more than political popularity. It demands competence, clarity of vision, and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Without an iota of doubt, Mayor Raisa Treñas left a positive impression — one that suggests Iloilo City is being led by someone who is not only confident and articulate, but also competent for the responsibilities of the office. Kudos!

Indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Say mo, Tito Jerry?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

15/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— HOCUS-POCUS IN THE SELECTION OF BARANGAY COLLEGE SCHOLARS?

THE BARANGAY Scholars program of the national government aims to help young Filipinos finish college and give poor families a fighting chance to break the cycle of poverty.

But noble intentions alone are not enough. Public trust in the program depends on one thing above all else — a selection process that is transparent and fair.

That is why complaints in certain barangays regarding the selection of beneficiaries by the barangay officials deserve attention. May mga indi qualified kuno pero na-qualify. May palakasan kuno.

Whether the allegations are ultimately proven true or not is beside the point. The mere perception that qualified applicants may have been overlooked while others were favored is enough to raise legitimate questions.

Klarohon ta – scholarships funded by taxpayers’ money are not personal favors from barangay officials. They are government assistance programs intended for the most deserving beneficiaries based on established criteria such as dapat halin sa pigado, kag ang applicant ang una nga mangin college graduate sang pamilya.

Under this barangay scholarship program for college students, each beneficiary reportedly receives P20,000. That amount can mean the difference between a student finishing college or dropping out. It is therefore understandable why parents seek assurance that the process is fair.

By the way, which government agency is overseeing this scholarship program?

Bisan barangay council pa ang gin-assign mag-identify or recommend scholars, dapat may national government agency responsible for setting standards, monitoring compliance, resolving disputes, and ensuring that politics does not creep into the process.

Is it the Department of the Interior and Local Government? The Department of Social Welfare and Development? The Commission on Higher Education? Or another agency entirely?

Barangay officials should welcome scrutiny. A transparent process protects not only applicants but also the barangay officials themselves from accusations of favoritism or bias.

Kun wala sila hocus-pocus, indi sila dapat mahadlok. Tarso!

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

14/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— ILLEGAL DUMPING OF GARBAGE

THE CLEARING operation along Jaro River’s portion in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, Iloilo City on Saturday, June 13, was both encouraging and alarming.

Encouraging because the combined efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Iloilo City Government removed tons of garbage, water hyacinths, and other debris that clog one of the city’s major waterways.

Alarming because what they found confirmed that despite years of campaigns, ordinances, warnings, and environmental programs, many Ilonggos still have not learned the proper way to dispose of their garbage. Mga batinggilan!

A day earlier, June 12, sacks of mixed waste, floating trash, and even expired goods in the river were recovered. Susmaryosep!

Clearly, problema gid ang indiscriminate waste disposal.

Kag ang pinaka-frustrating sini is that Iloilo City is hardly lacking in environmental regulations. The city has long positioned itself as a leader in solid waste management and environmental protection. Yet its waterways continue to be illegal dumping grounds for some irresponsible residents and businesses.

The recovery of dumped expired goods Friday last week is particularly disturbing. Nobody accidentally drops sacks expired products into a river. Somebody deliberately disposed of them there to avoid the proper and often more costly method of disposal. That is a conscious decision. Tonto!

People who knowingly dump garbage into waterways should face tougher consequences. Larger fines, community service penalties, and even criminal charges for repeat offenders may be necessary.

Many Ilonggos would likely support even more aggressive enforcement. Environmental laws only command respect when violators know there is a real price to pay.

But if all these fail, we suggested that violators be publicly castrated without the benefit of anesthesia. Basi pa lang makamarasmas mga haslo!

Say mo, Engineer Neil?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

12/06/2026

In today's Lapsus Calami— MAKE DRUG TESTING ROUTINE

THE RANDOM drug testing of more than 2,000 Iloilo City Government employees is a smart move. At a time when public trust in institutions is constantly being tested, the city government deserves credit for taking concrete steps to ensure that those entrusted with serving the public remain worthy of that trust. The surprise screening sends a strong message that drug use has no place in public service.

But while the effort deserves praise, can it be sustained? Basi ningas cogon lang ini?

Random drug testing creates a sense of uncertainty among employees, which is precisely why it can be effective. Nobody knows when the next test will come.

Yet random testing, by its very nature, only reaches a portion of the workforce at any given time. It is a useful deterrent, but is it enough?

Why not institutionalize regular and periodic testing as well? Why not make drug testing a routine component of public service, just like attendance monitoring and performance evaluations.

If the goal is truly to maintain a drug-free City Hall, consistency may be more effective than occasional surprise drug testing.

And if the city government wants to set the highest standard, the policy should not stop with rank-and-file employees. Dapat tanan man nga city officials — from department heads to elected officials — should voluntarily subject themselves to the same testing.

Leadership by example carries tremendous moral weight. It is easier to require transparency and accountability from subordinates if those at the top also submit themselves to the same scrutiny, ‘di bala?

Such a move would strengthen public confidence, and demonstrate that the campaign is not merely for show, that no one is exempt, and that everyone, regardless of position, shares the responsibility of keeping City Hall drug-free.

Say mo, Inday Joy?

~

Lapsus (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯) - lapse, slip or error
Calami (𝘓𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 “𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘴”) - pen

“Lapsus Calami” (Slip of the pen) is the most audacious — at times irreverent — column in Panay News. Written with a dash of dry-wit humor in the Hiligaynon language, this daily smorgasbord of what’s hot and what’s not is known for its unflinching take on local and national issues.

Read more items from Lapsus Calami! Grab a copy of Panay News from your favorite newsstands.

Lapsus Calami

23/06/2026

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

19/06/2026

18/06/2026

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

14/06/2026

12/06/2026

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