Rockwell trustees answer residents

As I stated in last Tuesday’s column, I will put out the reply of Rockwell Residential Towers Condominium Corporation management’s reply to residents‚ complaints about skyrocketing association dues. Here is Rockwell board of trustees chair Vicente T. Paterno’s reply:

"Please allow us to state for the record that the condominium dues are an issue for the homeowners’ association, Rockwell Residential Towers Condominium Corporation (RRTCC), and not the developer, Rockwell Land Corporation (RLC).

"RRTCC is a non-stock, non-profit corporation whose membership comprises all registered owners of the condominium units. Every registered unit owner is at the same time co-owner of the common areas and facilities of the condo complex, pro-rata to the area of his residential unit. The RRTCC governing body is a Board of Trustees elected by the members.

"The developer, RLC, turned over to unit owners their property, including the co-owned common areas and facilities, free and clear of debt. Thus, there is no truth to claims or suggestions that unit owners are made to pay financing charges.

"Our association dues cover the operation an maintenance of common areas and facilities within the Rockwell condo complex, which are not only owned by, but also dedicated for exclusive use of, Rockwell residents. Assessment of dues is made in January based on the budget for operation and maintenance costs projected for the coming year.

"The 2003 budget was reviewed by a committee of representatives from each Tower, prior to Board approval, which duly considered the committee’s comments and suggestions. The Board reluctantly recognized the need to raise dues caused by the continuing rise in Meralco rates and higher minimum wages mandated by government, which had not been adequately provided in the previous year.

"Since January, session have been held with concerned unit owners by Property Management, including at one session, members of the Board of Trustees, to explain all the details related to the 2003 budget and resulting monthly dues. The concerned members accepted the explanations, understanding the need for such budget to maintain standards of the condo complex for continued security and convenience of residents, efficiency of operations and proper maintenance of its facilities.

"Thank you for your stated willingness to listen (and hopefully publish?) all sides of this issue."

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Some 200 women gathered at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City to plan their role in the campaign of former Senator and Education Secretary Raul S. Roco for the presidency. Their intention: to map out strategies for the next 14 months before the 2004 presidential elections. We will be told those strategies in the days to come.

Among the highly-placed women attending the meeting were former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, former Justice Ines Leonor Luciano, Nini Quezon-Avanceña, Celeste Legaspi, Jeanne Young, former DOTC Undersecretary Josie Lichauco, Menchu Soriano, Nini Licaros, Ching Montinola, Mercy Tuason and Ayala matriarch Bea Zobel. Also present were Jose Rizal’s three grandchildren – Asuncion Lopez-Bantug, Carmen Lopez-Consunji and Natividad Lopez-Francisco. The three are granddaughters of Narcisa, Rizal’s elder sister. Various women’s organizations in attendance included the Women in Nation-building (WIN), ZONTA, Women’s Business Council, Philippine Association of Women, Couples for Christ, and Stop Trafficking of Pilipinos (STOP).

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Mr.s Shahani said it was very fitting that among the first groups Roco was meeting were women as Mr. Roco is called "Honorary Woman". She said, "Let me tell you that that is no fancy title."

Indeed, Roco has grandly championed women’s rights. He authored the Women in Nation-Building Act, the Nursing Act, the Anti-sexual Harassment Law, the Anti-Rape Law, and the Child and Family Courts Act He also prioritized women in the DECS literacy program.

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For her part, Mrs. Avanceña, daughter of the late President Manual Luis Quezon, said, "(Roco) is what the country needs today. I think he will make a very good president. He’s honest, capable, efficient, and best of all, he believes in the Filipino."

Atty Lorna P. Kapunan and Marily Orosa acted as the afternoon’s moderators. "Every time we do not stand up for what we believe in, we lose our own ability to be fearless," Kapunan said.

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On another front, the Potter and Clay Christian School Inc. (PCCFSI) is fulfilling its mission of giving two lasting things to children: roots, and wings.

PCCFSI is a non-profit organization established to provide high quality education to children at reasonable cost. Located in Niugan, Malabon, Rizal, the school seeks to impart to each student Christian character, communication and language skills, and social awareness to reinforce their love of God, love of country and love of fellowmen.

The school offers pre-elementary and elementary education, post secondary program and computer courses. Founded in 1999, offers affordable tuition (installment plans are available), air-conditioned classrooms, and most important, well-trained Christian teachers. Creative music, tutorial services and individualized instructions are offered as well.

The school was inspired by the exemplary life of Mrs. Magdalena Santos Lapus, who sought to bring Christian faith and practice to everyone she touched with her generosity and love. Her children and grandchildren honor her memory with the creation of the Potter and the Clay Foundation, Inc.

For more information, contact Ismael S. Lapus, school president, through tel. 287-9613.

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My email address: [email protected]