BONTOC, Mountain Province – “The moment I will win this election, I will re-file Regional Autonomy Law in congress with some amendments that favor the constituents of the region,” Wooden says during his series of campaign around the province.
Atty. Anthony D. Wooden is the incumbent and three terms mayor of Tadian, former Board Member and Vice Governor is running for congressman for the Lone District of Mountain Province along with most neophyte politicians such as Atty. Maximo Y. Dalog, Col. Allen S. Ocden, Robert Paday-os, Jonathan B. Harder and Avelino C. Amangyen including perennial candidate, Jupitor C. Dominguez, who are running for the same position.
According to Wooden, there is a need to amend what have been already filed in the House of Representatives most especially to the sharing scheme of host communities from the national wealth.
It is to be noted that the share of host LGUs from the national wealth under its jurisdiction as provided under the provision of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as “Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001,” wherein 50% of one centavo per kWh (P0.005/kWh) for Electrification Fund, 25% of one centavo per kWh (P0.0025/kWh) for Development and Livelihood Fund, and 25% of one centavo per kWh (P0.0025/kWh) for Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and/or Environment Enhancement Fund.
According to his top aide, the congressional aspirant intend for adjustment of the existing sharing scheme in favor of the host communities.
Among his notable proposed legislative agenda includes settlement of boundary disputes with the assurance/provision that there shall be no diminution of Internal Revenue Allotment due to increase in areas or population resulting from the said settlement; Insurance and other benefits of barangay officials and employees such as mandatory GSIS or GSIS or SSS coverage, Philhealth and other benefits; Magna Carta for Day Care Workers and Barangay Health Workers, Grant of sick and vacation leaves of teachers on top of their service credits, intensify support to the MPSPC towards becoming a university, upgrading/nationalization of the Bontoc General Hospital, secure sufficient funds for infrastructure projects, establishment of engineered sanitary landfill in the province and preparation for the creation of new municipality in Paracelis and Bauko municipalities.
According to him, creation of new LGUs simply means bringing services closer to the people.
Anthony D. Wooden is a lawyer by profession, a singing mayor, educational mentor, man of action, visionary, and dedicated and tested public servant.
“Save Mountain Province from money politics, Go for POOR MAN with a BIG HEART,” states his campaign materials.
By Albert Manochon
Banner Illustration by Don Ray Ramos