Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Nalzaro: Trojan horse? By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
LIKE Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann de los Santos, I was also surprised by Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama’s endorsement of Mary Ann as the next president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in the city.
Rama is a staunch supporter of Mayor Tomas Osmeña. So why is he not endorsing Osmena's choice for ABC president? Tomas is backing Talamban Barangay Captain Alvin Arcilla and even asked other wannabes like Yody Sanchez of Busay and Sisinio “Bebie” Andales of Pahina Central to back off.
I don't personally know Arcilla so I can't say that he is qualified for the position. But the election of ABC president only needs one vote: that of the mayor. What I mean is that the mayor can influence majority of the barangay captains, especially his political allies, on whom to support. Of the city’s 80 barangays, only 15 barangay captains are with the opposition.
But in a media forum, my friend George said Mary Ann is highly qualified and he believes in her managerial skills. Is he sincere? Was he joking? Will he support or campaign for the lady barangay captain if she decides to run?
Endorsing and supporting are two different words. George may endorse Mary Ann but won’t support her in the election. Or is this a Trojan horse-tactic adopted by Tomas’ allies to prod Mary Ann to run so she will be ridiculed if she loses? I don't want to cast aspersions on George's move but I suspect he got instructions from somebody.
In case some our readers don't know the meaning of Trojan horse, here's a brief explanation. It is a phrase describing an apparent advantage that is actually a trick. Trojan horse tactics are considered sneaky, underhand and deceitful.
In the Greek siege of Troy, the Greeks built a huge wooden horse and told the Trojans that they will give the wooden horse to them as a gift and a sign of peace and respect. Inside the wooden horse, however, were Greek warriors. They were in the wooden horse when Trojan warriors got drunk while celebrating their victory.
The Greeks inside the wooden horse then opened the city’s gate to allow the rest of the army to enter. They killed the Trojan warriors and enslaved the women and children. Sa laktod nga pagkasulti, pasakyon ka sa sakayang buslot.
