|
Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Editorial: Mayor’s revenge
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña was caught sending bags of cement to some barangays whose voters he was trying to woo in the 2001 elections. In one incident, the City Hall vehicle ferrying the materials figured in a road accident, thus publicly exposing the cargo and the intent. In another, ward leaders of his rival blocked the street to stop the midnight campaigning.
The experience must have traumatized the mayor and taught him to be prepared long before the next election.
He has been preparing since he first set foot in office by slicing off fat chunks of “pork” for his allies and would-be allies, and going after his political enemies.
The other day he admitted in a dyLA interview that he is deliberately doing all this for the 2004 election. After almost losing to his rival in the 2001 square-off and being scared to death by the threat of recall afterwards, he wants to crush his political enemies next year, no punches pulled and no prisoners taken.
“Revenge” is the word he uses now, virtually shedding off niceties in explaining his behavior from day one in City Hall. He will use city resources and power not only to crush his political opponents but make them suffer as well, by taunting, “starving” and humiliating them.
With that agenda, the mayor’s mind and heart consumed by passion to take revenge, concerned residents of Cebu City have a lot to worry about the chances of public good being served at all.
Apparently, all that matters to the chief executive is how to pour his hate out and cut down those who oppose him.
New use for pork
“Pork” is a bad word, not only to those suffering from hypertension and high cholesterol, but to most people who see in pork barrel a waste of taxpayer’s money.
“Pork” is not a bad word per se (unlike, say, “bagman” that refers to a go-between in offering or taking bribes or otherwise collecting dirty money). “Pork” can be used to benefit taxpayers.
Yet, usage has made “pork” so filthy that legislators keep the money but shun the name, using instead such euphemisms as community development fund, social fund, and the like.
The reason for the bad reputation is primarily in the nature of the fund. It’s an appropriation for political patronage, meaning to earn or keep votes. Criteria for prudent and wise spending are junked in favor of only one guideline: How will it help the public official get reelected?
In Mayor Osmeña’s hands, which are restlessly itching to choke his opponents, “pork” has become an instrument of revenge, a weapon of destruction.
That’s the use for “pork” that the mayor is bringing to unprecedented low with unabashed candor.
boo. . .
... to the way the debate on the proposed Cebu Capitol megadome has gone, from ad hominem arguments to mudslinging and, some allege, even blackmail. Proponents and opposers are not sticking to main issues, which are:
l one, assessing cost and benefit, is it the project to pursue at this time, and what is its future—a place in the junkyard of failed LGU ambitions or another star in the sky for Cebu as premier province?
l two, won’t the facility be a huge white elephant that burdens future administrators, or will the facility, if not financially profitable, at least pay its keep?
(March 5, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
