A fellow columnist, Atty. Salva Diputado reacted sharply on the item published in the Nov. 5 issue of this column.

This writer mentioned that the congressional race in the Third District of Bohol would be decided through a convention.

The reaction of our friend was that of disbelief. Whether the tale of this columnist is believable or not, the reaction of our friend goes to show that our fellow columnists are reading our column. Thank you, Bro.

Whether or not the convention would push through depends on the Lakas CMD party headed locally by the governor.

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Our fellow columnist, Councilor Danilo Bantugan made a bold prediction about the coming electoral battle in the City of Tagbilaran come May 2007.

He predicted that there would be a four-cornered mayoralty fight among incumbent Mayor Dan N. Lim, former Mayor Joe Torralba, retired Gen. Abet Olario and guess, who? Former Vice Mayor Jorge Cabalit. He predicated his prediction on the condition that Cabalit is not yet appointed as judge before the May local elections. If incumbent Vice Mayor Jas Montes joins the fray, it would be a five-cornered fight.

Of course, predictions might be right or wrong.

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A group of concerned residents of Cogon and Booy Districts, Tagbilaran City headed by retired Col. Cesar J. Pamaong, Engr. Roger E. Añasco and Concordio Ingking, petitioned Hanjin Construction to stop the construction of the sewerage system along San Jose Street-Graham Avenue, this city.

The letter of the residents in part runs as follows:

"This is in connection with your on-going construction of a sewerage system along San Jose-Graham Avenue this city.

"We are the concerned affected residents in the area and we cannot allow you to proceed with the said project because the sewage it will carry will be drained out into Balong-balong beach which has always been a haven for us and many others since time immemorial.

"The waste deposited by the system will eventually pollute the waters and put to risk the health and safety of bathers and other users of the place.

"Moreover, it will destroy the marine life which has always been a source of food and livelihood for many of us, particularly Cogon and Booy residents in general and secondly, it is a gross ecological scourge.

"We are informed that this project selected this particular area in order to give benefit towards certain favored parties, like some lot owners who will be paid special compensation rates, by way of expropriation, and also the contractors who are close to the power-holders.

"The welfare of so many of us, and the general public, as well, are being sacrificed to suit the interest of a few, and that cannot be countenanced.

"We are making, therefore, this formal demand for you to immediately desist from continuing further with your operations as the same is immoral, unlawful, and seriously detrimental to the interest of the general public, hence, we lodge this petition to the good management of Hanjin to strongly oppose the on-going project at San Jose Street-Graham Avenue, this City."

A copy of the petition-letter was furnished to Atty. Raul Barbarona of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, and Eduardo Inting, PENRO-Bohol, DENR.

There was no immediate reaction from Hanjin construction as of press time.

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The cashiered colonel and former Sen. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan was finally arrested last Wednesday.

The former senator suffered a deep laceration on his sole and a fracture in his left foot when he attempted to escape from the pursuing government agents at the Enclave townhouse in Green Meadows, Quezon City at 2:30 a.m.

Honasan faces charges of rebellion and probable coup d'etat for his alleged involvement in the failed Oakwood military uprising in July 2003, and alleged failed February coup.

Honasan has been in hiding for at least nine months. Honasan, a former leader of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) led at least two serious attempted coups against the Aquino government from 1986 to 1989.

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Malacañang's reaction to the arrest of Honasan was that of elation.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that with Honasan's capture, the coup threats have come to an end, believing that the former senator was the mastermind of the Oakwood mutiny and the foiled coup last February.

But the opposition assailed the arrest of Honasan as political harassment.

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For comments and reactions, send mail to Atty. Jorge D. Cabalit, Cabalit Law Office, 74 Belderol Street, Tagbilaran City or send e-mail to: viewpoints@boholchronicle.com