Editorial: Does he even deserve it?

CAGAYAN de Oro’s political scene has lately been tainted with a solid speck of “drama.”

Last week, village chiefs numbering to over 100 brought along their respective constituents in camping out in front of the City Hall as a show of support to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano, who is allegedly facing a suspension order from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

However, after almost three days of what seemed to be a “political tension,” DILG Secretary Mar Roxas regarded Emano’s episode with his supporters as purely “drama.” Too bad for Emano, Roxas even coined him as an expert in “scenario building” and that the self-confessed suspension order was all part of his “political gimmickry.” Moreover for the DILG chief, the charges filed against Emano are still in the Legal Department and that those are not yet among his priorities.

Needless to say, the suspension noise, which appeared to be painstakingly crafted by the Emano assemblage, did not have a solid foundation to begin with. No concrete charges have been associated with the ghost suspension order, following Roxas’ denunciation of the existence of such. However, it has been cited that the said order would reportedly stem from the administrative case of gross negligence and dereliction of duty filed against Emano in connection with the December 17, 2011 flashfloods that hit Cagayan de Oro, claiming thousands of lives and causing billions worth damage to property.

Looking back at how “Sendong” changed the lives of thousands of Kagay-anons especially those who lost their loved ones to the flood, it is very frustrating to note that the leadership of Emano was not as prepared as it is now in the face of his possible looming suspension. Even without the certitude of an issued suspension order, Emano and his allies were able to exhibit their thespian talents for a drama with superb arrangement and planning, nothing like what happened before “Sendong.”

But in the end, the question is not on whether there is a suspension order or not. If there ever is, should the people stand against the rule of law for the love of their “revered” mayor? And the more important question is- has Emano really done enough to deserve such devotion and loyalty?