That attempt, for example, to block the implementation of the suspension order against him in connection with the decorative lampposts case is bad PR.
Radaza’s maneuver
This point became even more glaring with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza’s own successful PR maneuver relative to a similar suspension order against him.
While barricades were set up at the Mandaue City Hall, disrupting work there and proving Ouano’s intransigence, Radaza calmly reacted to the report.
He even kissed his would-be replacement and political rival, Vice Mayor Norma Patalinjug.
Difficult spin
Ouano may claim that he didn’t have anything to do with the barricade and that his supporters flocked to the Mandaue City Hall on their own volition.
But his statements, his failure to report to his office and the manner the barricades popped proved that the defiant moves were organized rather than spontaneous.
Ouano’s PR people can also work on the spin that his and his supporters’ actions were prompted by the unfairness with which the ombudsman issued the suspension order.
But that spin will have to deal with the negative views brought about by the disruptive nature of the barricade and the mayor’s refusal to follow a legal order.
This is the reason why Ouano is finding it hard to find sympathy for his defiance.
Turnaround
As for public sympathy, the mayor could have even gotten oodles of it had he followed Radaza’s lead by merely seeking a court injunction without barricading City Hall.
But he seemed to have seen the light when he told his “supporters” yesterday not to barricade City Hall although he still has to open his office.
He can gain more sympathizers, though, if he completes his turnaround by ending the maneuvering so the suspension order won’t be served on him.
He should stop holding hostage the full functioning of the Mandaue City Hall, report to his office and wait for the order to be served on him while pursuing his legal countermoves.
That way, he will finally be seen in a better light.
