URDANETA--Over a thousand youths from various towns in the fifth and sixth districts of the province have been converging here since last week to intensify their campaign against Chinese nationals who are anticipated to run in the polls on May this year.

Niño Peralta, former president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Pozorrubio, has been leading the move which has gained momentum in this city.

In an effort to strengthen the drive, Peralta has initiated the formation of a group which he named as Movement Against Chinese Domination (Macdo).

Peralta said the group has been able to raise P30 million funds to support the thrusts of the Macdo.

The fund came from advocates who are supporting the newly-formed organization's campaign.

The group is now focusing its drive against Chinese nationals who have been identified to be running for various elective positions in the fifth and sixth districts.

Peralta said the ultimate objective of the campaign is to make the various elective positions available only to bonafide Pangasinenses.

Officials of the Macdo identified the prominent Chinese candidates, among who are Mayor Julieta Yu of Rosales, Mayor Artemio Chan of Pozorrubio and Vice Mayor Myrna Bell Uy of Binalonan.

Likewise, the members of the group have cited other candidates who are joining the bandwagon as Sammy Yap and Ernesto Go, both aspirants to the councilors' race in Pozorrubio.

The group will be embarking on a vigorous information dissemination campaign to urge the electorate to support true-blooded Pangasinenses in their bid for elective positions rather than their Chinese counterparts.

BINALONAN -- There are no hindrances that could prevent the municipal government here from constructing a P29-million commercial complex in this town that is intended to provide convenience the residents, said Mayor Isaah Asuncion Saturday.
At lunchtime Saturday, Asuncion did the honors of leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed mall at its vast and strategic site along the national highway which is adjacent to the heart of this town.

The affair signified the start of building the multi-million peso two-storey edifice which the municipal government is bent on completing amidst reports claiming that the construction of the project is surrounded by questionable facts.

From what Sun.Star gathered, some political leaders here opposed the building of the commercial complex on the grounds: (1) that the lot at which the proposed project will be built is not a property of the municipal government but of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports here, and, (2) that the sangguniang bayan has not approved the acquisition of a bank loan to finance the project.

Black Propaganda

"I should say that the oppositors to the project do not have sound bases in saying that the proposed mall is being pushed under questionable premises," Asuncion told the people who gathered at the proposed project site to witness its groundbreaking ceremony.

Seeking his second as mayor, Asuncion described the comments of the oppositors as "a black proganda which is probably being intended to destroy my governance of the affairs of this town."

SB nod

He said the decision to pursue the project did not come from him alone.

"Actually, all members of the SB here have approved unanimously a resolution which allows virtually the implementation of the project," Asuncion said.

Asuncion handed over to this reporter, a copy of the SB Resolution No. 2000-44 which stated among others:

"xxx RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, to amend Resolution No. 99-191 authorizing the municipal mayor, Atty. Isaiah C. Asuncion Jr., to represent the municipal government of Binalonan to negotiate and enter into a contract to obtain a loan from the Philippine National (PNB) in the amount of not exceeding Thirty-Five Million Pesos (P35,000,000) for the construction of the new Binalonan Commercial Complex and to sign the loan agreement, the promissory notes and other documents, contemplated thereby;

"RESOLVED FINALLY, that a copy of this resolution be furnished to the Philippine National Bank, through its manager and municipal mayor, Atty. Isaiah C. Asuncion, Jr., for their appropriate action, it was; "ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY."

Those who signed the resolution were Billy B. Decano, SB secretary; Myrna Bell C. Uy, municipal vice mayor and SB presiding officer and Asuncion.

After having made a thorough evaluation on the feasibility study on the proposed mall, the PNB has signified its willingness to provide assistance by way of granting the loan to the municipal government, Asuncion pointed out.

RIGHTFUL OWNER

As to the proposed site for the project, Asuncion explained that the municipal government owns the lot after the documents it earlier issued to vouch its donation to the DECS here did not prove binding due to non-compliance with certain requirements.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Asuncion said at least two giant investors have already signified their intent to occupy space for their respective outlets in the proposed mall.

Asuncion cited the CSI group of companies, owned by Belen Fernandez, has made a reservation to establish its Goldilocks branch at the proposed commercial complex as well as that of the Jollibee Food Corporation.

"The completion of the proposed commercial complex would mean convenience for our constituents who need not shop anymore in the cities of Urdaneta and Dagupan by the time the mall gets completed," Asuncion said.