Monday, June 16, 2008 Nalzaro: ‘Armed’ and ‘drunk’ By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
HOW true is the report that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña was carrying a pistol when he arrested taxi drivers and private vehicle owners who triple-parked at Fuente Osmeña in the wee hours of the morning last week? A very reliable source who was at the scene when the mayor made the arrest told me about it. The source said the mayor was holding a pistol and used it to knock on the door of the vehicles that were parked at the side of the Raja Hotel.
Some drivers who noticed the mayor scampered in separate directions. The mayor spared those who shouted at him, “mayor, supporter mi nimo (Mayor, we are your supporters).” The source said a young man believed to be the mayor’s son Miguelito approached the mayor, took the firearm and brought it to the mayor’s service vehicle. The source, however, could not say whether the mayor was drunk because he was at a distance.
I also happened to pass by the area that night and I observed taxi drivers and private car owners almost occupying half of the street, especially from the corner of Mango Ave. near the pharmacy, all the way to the entrance of old Rosita’s Fuente. Cafe Elegante at the Elegant Circle Inn, which is in Fuente Osmeña Circle, is one of my night hangouts.
Well, the chief executive has the power to implement our traffic laws. He did it several times. Few years ago, a taxi driver complained that he was accosted and arrested by the mayor when he parked his unit along Osmena Blvd., at the entrance of Cebu Doctor’s Hospital. The driver even said the mayor punched him. However, the driver did not puruse his case when his father was offered work at City Hall. Do you also remember the famous barbeque stomping incident at the JY in Lahug several years ago?
But is it necessary for the mayor to personally implement the laws? Why should he not call the traffic division or Citom to do it? These offices, I understand, operate 24 hours. I am just concerned about the safety and security of the hizzoner. What if there is a problematic or a temperamental person who will hit back or harm the mayor? We cannot afford to lose a mayor who is well-loved by the Cebuanos.
On carrying a firearm, well, being the chief executive he is allowed to do that provided he has all the necessary papers. But who will bother to check if he does? For me, there is no need for the mayor to carry a firearm. In fact, SPO2 Adonis Dumpit, a sharpshooter, also served as one of his close-in security guards.
But whatever it is, the mayor should not just display it in public like what he did last week. Accidents involving firearms are bound to happen, especially if the person holding it is under the influence of liquor. I am not saying that Tomas was drunk at that time. But from what I have gathered he is back to his old habit of drinking heavily. And his close allies told me that he drinks almost every night.
Again, we cannot afford for our beloved mayor to be thrown in jail because of recklessness in handling a gun. This is just my unsolicited advice to the mayor so he can avoid controversies like what he did to the taxi driver and barbeque vendors, He should not personally implement the laws, especially if he had just come from a night out. If he observes unusual behavior or a violation of existing laws and ordinances, he should call the proper agency to handle it.
Arresting traffic violators at night is the work of the traffic division and not of the hizzoner. You should take care of yourself Mayor Tom because the Cebuanos still need you.
