Nalzaro: Osmeña’s ‘generosity’
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
More Sections
MAYOR Tomas Osmeña is running the Cebu City Government as if it is a company he owns. He not only imposes there his whims and dictatorial style of management but also spends the city's funds like it is his own money.
He seems to be doing everything now to advance his political interest knowing that he is running against a formidable opponent in the city's south congressional race. Is Tomas, a veteran politician, threatened by the bid of businessman Jonathan “Atan” Guardo, a newcomer?
Click here for stories and updates on the Sinulog 2010 Festival.
Tomas has become generous to senior citizens. He initially gave them a Christmas gift of P2,000 each plus P2,000 as birthday gift. But on one condition: the beneficiaries should be registered voters in Cebu city and were able to vote in the last election.
Tomas also extended the same financial help to persons with disability, under the same condition. Now he has promised to give all graduating high school students in all public schools in the city P10,000 for their college education. He said he would double the amount for students in the mountain barangays.
This is a one shot deal with the funds given directly to the school where the student wishes to enroll. He said he is willing to face the Commission on Audit if the plan is disapproved.
What is P10,000 nowadays as far as college education is concerned? It is not even enough for the expenses in one semester based on the tuition in some private colleges and universities operating in the city. But it's better than nothing. Thus, it can be considered a good gesture on the part of the mayor.
But let us examine deeply the said move. Why has Tomas become generous? This is the first time he is extending such financial assistance to students in his more than 10 years as the city’s chief executive. Why only now? Morag mahulog man ni sa akong paboritong kanta nga “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang”?
Is it because it is election time and he just wants to impress upon the voters that he is a kind-hearted person? Cebuanos already know Tomas’s real character. He is merely taking advantage of his position.
That is the advantage of being an incumbent. Everything is at his disposal, including disbursing funds as if these were his personal money. Why didn’t he use his own money for the campaign? The money he gave as dole-out could have been used to fund important projects in the city that will benefit a greater number of people.
Mao nay pagwari-wari sa kuwarta sa mga magbubuhis.
