Saturday, June 23, 2007 Roperos: Worsening conflict By Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also
THE floated plan to transfer bus terminals in the city to areas outside it is something that invites rebellion from the masses who would be its direct “victims.” The plan smacks of utter disregard for the people’s general interest.
On my part, I would not care what the Garcias and the Osmeñas will do to themselves as long as they do not monkey with the interest of the people.
In the worsening conflict between Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, it is obvious that the verbal exchange has steadily deteriorated from the official level to the personal. It is not clear what particular public interests of the city or the province’s citizenry are at stake in the tussle, except perhaps the squatters.
But the squatters should not have a choice at all since, by living on public land, they submitted to the politics of the city and have thus fallen under the compassion and mercy of whoever exercises management and control of the local governance.
Thus, since public service in a democracy is the expected end-product of government, it is only fitting that the citizenry should look up to the incumbent leadership to look after their welfare, and accept whatever assistance or benefits may be extended to them.
That is why, in the effort of the city and provincial leadership to assert their respective political will over the other, and affirm an ascendant political superiority, the usual victim of the crossfire is the public.
The closure of some city streets by the provincial government greatly inconvenienced not those who sit on swivel chairs at City Hall, who ride in either public or private cars and easily make detours, but the ordinary citizens.
Likewise, the transfer of terminals outside of the city is something unthinkable if one considers the plight of the average commuter who makes his daily living in the city. To make commuters take two or three rides to work is cruelty.
I do not question our city and provincial leaders’ right to stand for the interest of their respective area of responsibility. But at the same time, I hope that they will always keep in mind that they hold their respective positions because of the trust and confidence the people hold for them.
Their remunerations, as well as perks, come from the same source—the taxes of the people. Therefore, there’s a common denominator there that should draw them together, to talk and plan, for the common good.
