Calinao: 'Spill the beans in the open... don't juggle the monkey'

"INSTEAD of passing the 'monkey' around, why don't the concerned officials simply spill the beans and lay all cards in the open?"

The issue regarding the rescinded memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the rehabilitation, development, and management of the Baguio Athletic Bowl has proven to still be a "noise maker" until the present.

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One of the latest developments in this "noise making" issue is the outright "dare" from an elected official addressed to concerned quarters to offer a better deal on how to rehabilitate the Athletic Bowl. For the benefit of better understanding and enlightenment, perhaps to quote the words of this honorable may be of help: "To those opposed to the MOA, I challenge you to come up with a deal. One that shall be at no cost to the city...and where the terms of reference must be conformed with."

Although the words of this local honorable may very well be noteworthy with regards to the issue. Perhaps there would be no need for the "inspiring message" if the supposed MOA was presented to the citizenry in the form of public consultations with total transparency before an "initial and conditional approval" of the MOA.

As understood by the electorate: "that the jobs of elected leaders include the endless advancement of public interest; the transparent and timely reportage of developments, projects, and programs; and not the outright 'daring' or 'challenging' of the citizenry when issues seem to 'turn sour' due to lack of early transparency."

Furthermore, it is to the better knowledge of the electorate that common citizens must practice social responsibility by monitoring the performance and acts of those elected into office as to aid in the continuous pursuit of better qualities of life, as well as the tedious task of safeguarding public interest.

Now if the proposed move was "openly, clearly, and transparently presented" to the local populace and also accepted by the citizenry from the very start; then perhaps such words from a local honorable may actually be considered as much more than justified. With the current situation of the issue however, it does seem that a strategy dubbed as "passing the monkey" when "under-pressure" is being put to play here.

Until today, many of us citizens are rather perplexed on the "complete contents" of the proposed MOA, which was supposedly fully deliberated by elected local legislators.

I am one of many who can't help but ask the question: "why don't they just have a complete and transparent copy of the questioned MOA printed in all local papers, as well as broadcast over local radio and TV stations?" Oh, and by the word "complete" may we add that the material must include in "hard copy" all the signatures of those who supported the MOA.

Another "shady" aspect of the issue is the allegation that the rescinded move stated in the development of a hotel, shopping arcade, driving range and improvement of a sports complex. Perhaps a prudent move for the benefit of the public is have complete copies of the MOA, inclusive of all annexes and attachments to be printed in local papers and presented to the public.

Perhaps the locality wouldn't really spend much for publications of all material related to the issue. Oh, and may we add the inclusion of "minutes of deliberations." This way, the public would be better appraised on the matter and analytically digest the issue.

With complete and transparent copies of the MOA, as well as all public documents related to the issue published and presented to the citizenry, locals themselves will be able to evaluate on whether the MOA was really "railroaded" as claimed by some. Perhaps dates of public consultations (if any) regarding the proposed development should also be added to the documents, agenda, minutes of meetings, ...etc. which would be published. This respectful suggestion of a very transparent presentation may actually be expected to provide clarity on the "grey areas" which continue to baffle the residents of Baguio.

Moreover, the people would be better appraised on the performance of our local leaders with respect on who amongst them are truly promoting and prioritizing the interest of the public; and who amongst those elected seem to advance personal interests and gain. On the other hand, I still hope that all officials performed towards the genuine interest of the public in this matter.

So instead of "blabbering" about it, why not "spill all the beans" regarding the matter in the open and stop "juggling the monkey" as to avoid alleged "grandstanding" or "childish word-exchanges" and resolve the issue with finality in order to pave way for enhanced forward movement and for the people to better know "who is who" among our local leaders.

Anonymous queries, comments, opinions, messages this week

Sir Nick, through your column may we (concerned citizens at Slaughterhouse compound) request for authorities to verify and act on certain men in uniform who visit an alleged gambling area in our barangay regularly for "perks" even if our barangay is not under the area of jurisdiction of the precinct.

(Name/Pseudonym withheld)

Why is gambling still tolerated at waiting shed beside the overpass near the old jadewell parking lot during "unholy hours" at night and dawn?

Sent by: a concerned taxi driver's wife

Feel free to send your anonymous queries, comments, messages, and opinions via email to: nickprillc@yahoo.com and nick_99.9news@yahoo.com. Your email addresses and identities with be treated with utmost confidentiality.