Monday, March 19, 2007 Nalzaro: Why their lips are sealed? By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
I AGREE with former governor Vicente “Tingting” de la Serna. He said that almost all elected officials in Cebu, including those in the House of Representatives, stay quiet whenever there are negative criticisms against the Arroyo administration, especially when these discuss graft and corruption, human rights violations or the alleged cheating during the 2004 presidential elections.
But the answer is simple; most of them are allied with the administration. Do you expect a political ally to carp on the powers that be? Elected officials, especially chief executives, have to consider two things: projects for his/her constituents and his/her reelection bid. Do you think the National Government will give priority to Cebu if our local officials are not “friendly” to the occupant of Malacañang?
De la Serna was not born yesterday. He is very much aware of the political realities in our country. He was once an OIC mayor of Mandaue, a congressman representing the province’s sixth district and a governor for one term.
A politician can only freely criticize the powers that be if he is with the opposition. That or he is an independent; free from the bondage of political patronage. But if he is an ally of the administration, expect him to praise the administration. That is Philippine politics.
During his incumbency as congressman and governor, Tingting championed the causes of the masses. His heart was for the poor. He protected the oppressed and victims of human rights violations. In fact, he was into various causes.
But where was he during the Aquino administration where massive graft and corruption and human rights violations also took place? Cory may not have been directly involved, but members of her “Kamaganak Foundation” were the ones who took control of the multi-billion assets of Marcos and his cronies. The Escalante massacre happened during Cory’s time. Did Tingting make any noise about it? No. He was with the dominant Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, which also happened to be the administration party at the time.
So with Gov. Gwen Garcia, Rep. Nerrisa Soon-Ruiz, Mayor Teddy Ouano joining Arroyo’s own party Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), don’t expect them to make any noise when negative issues crop up against the administration. Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his own Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan, Reps. Raul del Mar and Tony Cuenco and the other congressmen in the province are likewise supporters of the Arroyo administration.
Like us in the media, Tingting is free to give his negative views and criticize the administration policies because he is not into politics. But once he is elected, I doubt he will remain independent. I am sure he will affiliate himself with a party for political survival. By then, like any other traditional politician, his lips will be sealed.
