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Thursday, February 24, 2005
Espinoza: Split proposal purely domestic issue for Cebu
By Elias L. Espinoza
DETESTABLE. While proposals to break up Cebu into four provinces are abominable, the idea of letting the other 78 governors partake in the discussion on the fate of Cebu is simply detestable.
No other, except the Cebuanos and the residents of the districts whose representatives filed the split-Cebu bills, must take up the issue maturely.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia may be right in her view that the creation of additional provinces will eventually reduce the internal revenue allotment of each province. Its effect, however, is less felt by the constituents. Neither will it diminish the status of the province.
In fact, the Constitution provides that any creation, merger, or division of a province, city, municipality or barangay shall only be done in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code, subject to the approval by majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite.
In short, only residents of the second, third and fourth districts of Cebu, whose representatives filed the separation bills, have the better say whether their districts should become another province or not.
Because of the unwritten rule among congressmen that a House member knows what is best for his or her district, it’s sad to say the bills are already considered approved in the Lower House.
However, the oppositors are hopeful that the bills will not touch first base in the Upper House if Sen. Sergio Osmeña III thumbs them down. There is no indication, however, that the senator is against the bills.
Those who are opposed to the move to break up Cebu are not left without recourse though. The oppositors can still campaign against the proposals during a plebiscite.
In other words, the other 78 governors have no business meddling into a purely domestic issue for Cebu. The fate of the bills that seek to break up Cebu into four provinces should be left to the better judgment of the Cebuanos.
GOOD? The resignation of Cebu City Prosecutor Cezar Tajanlangit or, “TJ” to his friends, was met with mixed feelings. To TJ’s friends and patrons, his departure was a big loss.
To the disgruntled assistants and staff at the City Prosecutor’s Office, however, Tajanlangit’s resignation was a big relief. Of course, Tajanlangit did not leave with a heavy heart. He was happy since he would be working, according to him, with the US Department of Homeland Security.
However, Tajanlangit’s resignation was reportedly due to political pressures. He tendered his resignation just a week after Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez visited him last week.
Friends of Tajanlangit suspected that one of those who had a hand in his “forced” resignation is Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña. The city mayor is one of Tajanlangit’s vocal critics on his alleged corrupt practices.
In one of his public pronouncements, Osmeña promised to cause Tajanlangit’s transfer. In retaliation, Tajanlangit was quoted as saying he would implead Osmeña as an accomplice or accessory to the murder charge over the vigilante killings. Osmeña admitted he inspired the killings.
ELECTION. On Saturday, lawyers from the Cebu provincial and city chapters of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) will vote for their new set of officers for the 2005-2007 term. The voting will start from 8 a.m. until noon.
In the IBP Cebu City chapter, three lawyers are slugging it out for the presidency. Incumbent vice president Agueda Monteclar, director Alex Tolentino, and director Fred Sipalay are vying for the IBP post.
In the IBP Cebu chapter, lawyer Ronnie Gocuan, incumbent treasurer, is running for president. Lawyer Arleigh Famulaga, a retired election officer, is contesting Gocuan’s bid for the presidency.
Also candidate for IBP Cebu chapter vice president is Paterno Acabodillo, retired Mandaue city register of deeds; Mailah Tumulak for secretary, Nilo Balorio for treasurer, Boy Alo for PRO and Lando Lim for auditor.
Vying for the directors are lawyers Reuel Pintor, Galicano Ariesgado Jr., Alice Morada, retired prosecutor Val Suan and yours truly. Alice and I are returnees, so to speak, to the IBP.
(February 24, 2005 issue)
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