Unbelievably FIRM
By ANTONIO M. REYES

A year ago we headlined the massive tree planting project of the Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM) which has attracted thousands of members in the province. The promise was that each member would get a share of the gold bullions of the former First Lady which is alleged stashed away in 177 foreign banks and we had asked then; if it was a scam or not. Under the scheme all that was needed to join FIRM was to buy a mahogany tree for P800, build a red fence around it, and pay a P300 registration fee (which entitled the member to a red T-shirt) and the applicant would automatically qualify for a share of Imelda’s wealth at P700,000 to P1,000,000 per member. We learned about the project from Bontoc Vice Mayor Pedro “Pete” Fustanes who told us some of his supporters had asked him if they could join FIRM since it was easy money. Fustanes said he advised them not to since it had all the makings of a scam but that some had already planted the trees and had paid the membership fee

According to SLSU president Gloria Markines Reyes one member (who asked not to be quoted) told her many of his friends had even borrowed money to join FIRM because they believed the organization was legitimate and qualified them for riches beyond their imagination. He said they were also promised free education, employment and housing.

We also discussed the matter with Congressman Roger Mercado and he too doubted that any organization would give away so much money to its members. He added, however, that the tree planting scheme was effective because it was the people themselves who were buying and planting the trees and were watching over them without prodding from the government.

After seeing the hundreds of thousands of (FIRM) planted trees lining the roads in Southern Leyte and Leyte provinces, we now believe, that even if it were a scam – it was benefitting the province and should be encouraged. Especially so in light of the deadly flash floods which hit Cagayan de Oro City last week.

Other editorials

Chainsaws should be confiscated

No Place Like Home

Macho

Is Mindanao Typhoon free?

Louis XIV Syndrome

Partial Redemption

Sprinters in a marathon

Is Noynoy supporting mining?

Older editorials . . .

Other News

7th MOST LANDSLIDE PRONE

Illegal fireworks rampant

Hospital & Red Cross on high alert for the new year

New Year Wishes 2012

Legal community blasts Corona Impeachment

City can't afford dumpsite

Cyber crimes rising

Gaisano employee dies in crash