Tuesday, October 10, 2007 Nalzaro: Radaza’s actuation By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
I DON'T know businessman Efrain Pelaez from Adam.
I just came to know him in television footages and through his photos in newspapers.
But I can sympathize with his plight as subject of harassment by the administration of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza. This, following his expose and the filing of charges against the mayor and other officials in connection with the alleged overpricing in the purchase of computer units distributed to the city's public schools.
Pelaez, president of Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has also taken the cudgels for the city’s businessmen who claimed they were victims of Radaza’s alleged money-making ventures. The mayor reportedly demands huge amounts of money from businessmen investing in his city in exchange for the approval of their permits applications.
Pelaez's businesses are now the targets of Radaza's ire. The mayor, through City Attorney Vincent Joseph Lim, has sent closure and demolition notices to the firms for Pelaez’s failure to comply with the needed requirements. He also tagged Pelaez as a tax evader.
If these allegations are true, why are city officials raising these only now? Radaza’s move against Pelaez is pure and simple harassment.
The mayor apparently thinks that he can stop Pelaez from pursuing his causes by harassing him. But Pelaez, backed by the business community and Dilaab Foundation, is determined to fight back.
I don't know if Radaza sees the implication of his action. It is detrimental to the business climate in his city. It also sends the wrong signal to investors that he has a personal agenda. They would think that what happened to Pelaez will also happen to them if they talk against the mayor.
But I doubt if the mayor thinks about the future of his city, known for its tourism activities and export industries. I think what he only has in mind is his personal interests.
Anyway, politicians merely come and go. That is why I am reminding the honorable mayor that he will not be holding his post forever. What he is presently doing will give him, his family and his descendants a bad name.
So please stop it mayor if you don't want to be remembered in a negative light.
