For
some weeks now, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been
accused of obstructing the promulgation of a court decision on
an election-related case. Talks are rife about impeachment moves
and public campaigns against Justice Puno. Thanks to newspaper
headlines and analyses in various columns, the public is familiar
with most of the lead players in this riveting drama: Chief Justice
Renato Puno himself, Justice Ruben Reyes who drafted the decision,
litigant former Congressman Jacinto Paras and his wife Olivia,
and complainant, lawyer Louis Biraogo.
However,
not much is publicly known about Jocelyn Limkaichong except
that attempts were being exerted to remove her from the time
she assumed the seat for the first congressional district of
Negros Oriental.
The spokesman
of the Supreme Court has already explained repeatedly why the
decision has not been promulgated. No less than Justice Puno
himself publicly explained the logic of his actions. Leading
columnists and analysts have also commented on the implications
of the case. Former Cong. Paras and Atty. Biraogo have publicly
expressed their complaints.
But who
is Jocelyn (Josy) Limkaichong? The other protagonists are all
talking except Josy. Without touching on the legal aspects of
the case, I would like to share what I know about Josy the person.
After all, she is from my home province of Negros Oriental.
Actually,
I knew her father, Julio Sy, much earlier than I did Josy. Julio
is a self-made businessman who by dint of hard work became one
of the most prominent persons in the province.
ulio was
enrolled in Silliman University when he had to stop his studies
because his father died and he had to take care of their business
and his siblings. His wife, Anesia never tires of telling stories
of how she and Julio had to spend long hours working literally
to the bone to nurture and expand their business.
Julio is
a valued member of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University
which I chair. He is former head of the Investments Committee.
When Julio speaks, the entire board listens. His constant reminder
was: "Remember, the money of the university is not ours.
The profits will not go to us personally. We can take risks
with our own money but we should not subject the university
to undue risk."
Julio is
a very low profile person. While he generously supports projects
in the community, he shuns public approbation and prefers to
be anonymous.
Josy is
one of Julio's three daughters. She finished high school at
Silliman University and went on to La Salle University. She
is married to Dodong Limkaichong who is the present mayor of
the municipality of La Libertad in Negros Oriental.
Josy's family
is not into politics. She was drawn into it because of her husband.
Before she won as congresswoman, Josy was mayor of La Libertad.
I once brought a graduate class in local fiscal administration
to her town to have a look-see at her projects.
She is an
ardent advocate of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly
those pertaining to education, health, and women. Her projects
on population management, and reduction of infant mortality
and maternal mortality are very impressive. The students visited
farm lands which the municipality developed into demonstration
farms. We also saw for ourselves the production of organic fertilizer
through vermiculture.
Another
interesting project which she initiated was the "Oksyon"
or "auction" yard. This is a market where animals—carabaos,
cows, pigs and goats are auctioned to buyers who come from different
parts of the province. It provides a venue for farmers to sell
their animals. It also provided additional revenue for the municipality.
Still another
impressive project are the women's cooperatives which Josy organized.
Women made beautiful handbags from local material which are
sold in Dumaguete City. They were also taught to produce other
products which augment family incomes.
As congresswoman,
she expanded many of her municipal projects to her district.
Furthermore, she brought medical missions to far flung localities.
She also brought a team from the Department of Foreign Affairs
to assist people with the processing of passports and travel
documents. Thus her constituents were spared from the costs
and stress of physical travel to Manila.
Because
of her educational background, she is prudent in husbanding
the limited financial resources of her district and is always
on the look out for revenue-raising opportunities.
As mayor,
Josy was innovative and hardworking. As incumbent congresswoman,
she has brought the MDGs. livelihood projects and capacity development
to her district.
By the way,
Josy does not know I am writing about her.
Congress
returns
After a
month-long hiatus, Congress returns to work. The most urgent
task is for the Bicam Committee to reconcile the House and Senate
versions of the 2009 budget. Back to work guys and gals!
