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Saturday, January 29, 2005
Nalzaro: Mayor and the Gullases
By Bobby Nalzaro
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s conflict with First District Rep. Eduardo Gullas on the issue of vigilantism has become too personal even the latter's family is being dragged into it. This does not speak well of the two respected political giants who have become like school kids trying to outsmart each other.
The conflict stemmed from Gullas’ condemnation of the series of killings of suspected criminal elements that reportedly had the blessing of the mayor. Osmeña, though, denied he was behind the activities of vigilantes but admitted he might have inspired them.
The mayor later accused the Gullases of showing more concern for the criminals than for their victims following a robbery and hostage-taking incident wherein the suspect was a former student of the University of the Visayas (UV). A Freeman story on the incident allegedly gave more emphasis on the suspect. The Gullases own The Freeman and UV.
Former congressman Jose “Dodong” Gullas, who is the vice president of UV, reacted by calling Tomas’ statement as uncalled for, noting that their family has never protected or coddled criminals. He added that the Gullas family is teaching good moral values to its students.
Well, we cannot blame the Gullases for the reaction because what is at stake here is their reputation. The issue is no longer vigilantism but their good family standing.
The mayor’s arrogance has always been his problem. He thinks he is king. He drags innocent people into every controversy he is in. In this instance, only Rep. Gullas criticized him on the vigilante killings but he reacted by dragging the other members of the family, especially its business interest, into the fray.
Osmeña also did that to me. He wanted to hit me, thus he pressured the GMA management by threatening not to renew our radio station’s business permit. He also banned GMA’s TV crew from the Cebu City Sports Center during the Sinulog Grand Parade. And even if I am just holding an ordinary position, he made me look more important by insisting I am the radio station’s spokesman and is the one calling the shots here.
He also acted like this with regards to the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). He accused me of orchestrating and influencing the organization, which decided not to allow City Hall to buy radio airtime from any KBP member stations until it pays its debts.
This is not the way to react, Mayor. Face the issues fair and square. How would you feel if people will also accuse the Osmenas of being rapists or murderers or homosexual just because naa moy mga kaliwat nga ingon niana? Malipay kaha ka?
(bobby@sunstar.com.ph/0919-3181404)
(January 29, 2005 issue)
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