Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Ledesma: Rage over the saga of a bridge By Jun Ledesma Sunbursts
THIS is no longer funny and neither is it amusing. In fact it is the height of insult that one can heap on the City Government of Davao. The problem here is that it is only City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who has been raising hell. I am inclined to believe that one day soon his fury will end up burning bridges of political alliance.
The members of the City Council, most of whom sought the coattails of the mayor in the last election, seemed not to be bothered by the delay of the construction of the bridge. Save for Danny Dayanghirang who perceived how lowly does Malacañang regard us, the rest are just idly watching Mayor Duterte raging over the unconscionable and unexplainable delay of the construction of the Bankerohan Bridge. This is our city and the City Council felt so helpless all that they do is to lamely reason out: "We cannot do anything. It's a project of the national government."
Haven't they sensed that Malacañang is scorning us? Haven't you guys suspected that after all the announcements made by DPWH that the award has been made to a contractor (Ciriaco Construction) there is a possibility that all those pronouncements were merely to placate beggars like you and me?
The City Council should conduct a probe to see: 1. Whether indeed there is fund available for the project 2. Whether there was pre-qualification of bidders made 3. Was there an Invitation to Bid published in national papers? 4. Verify the veracity of the bid prices of those who participated if any 5. Was an award made to Ciriaco? 6. Is Ciriaco Construction truly qualified to undertake the project? 7. Why is there a change in the bid price from the original announcement of P206-million to now P216-million? 8. Who benefited from the P10-million surreptitious adjustment? And 9. Where is the barge which DPWH regional office claimed had left Manila first week of December but unable to dock in Davao City because the ports are shallow? Has it sailed to Timbukto?
After all the tomfoolery that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director's Office has been subjecting the city officialdom why do we still allow them to insult us further with promises and wisecracks?
While the Bankerohan Bridge has become a symbol of national neglect that bridge can become a symbol of Dabawenyos true spirit of unity and strength. Let us build that bridge! What delays the construction is the rapacity of some interest groups to suck millions of pesos like how they attempt to make billions from NBN and CyberEd broadband network to name a few. We should neglect this national government undertaking and return to them the invisible bridge. They have insulted us enough.
We should not allow this flagellation to continue. We will shout to the world that here is a community of people in Asia's most corrupt country who neglected a graft-ridden project of the national government by undertaking the project themselves!
As I write this, my publisher, Tony Ajero, called up to inform me that Mayor Duterte has irrevocably resigned as chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council. It is a sad day for the region. Whatever is the reason behind this unexpected resignation Malacañang and DPWH ought to read the signal. I think there is more to it than just what meets the eye. Malacañang or someone close to the power that be has the Commission on Audit look into how the P20-million assistance expended by the city for Task Force Davao. Now, not only has the mayor extended his leave to three months to give the government auditors the free hand to foray into how funds are spent, he has even resigned as RPOC because there are also funds that the mayor have a say on. If you have an ally who doubts your integrity, you don't have to look for an adversary. Is Mayor Duterte cutting clean?
Back to the bridge, I have previously proposed the idea that we Dabawenyos undertake the project ourselves. This is our deliverance from shame and debasement. This is one supreme sacrifice that we can do to wash away the grime of corruption that has marred the good image of Filipinos. This is one shining moment. That bridge will not only span the narrow gap in Bankerohan, it will bridge us to other countries worldwide and with God's grace the reward of our sacrifice will come beyond the comprehension of Malacañang and its minions in DPWH.
I have received positive feedback from my readers who commit a fraction of their salary. A group of elementary students wants to donate a portion of their daily allowance. A businessman is prepared to give his share of P500,000. I was told Councilor Danny Dayanghirang is ready to part with his monthly salary. A radio commentator wants in and ready to give P500. A US immigrant from Davao is ready with her contribution. I know there are many more who are willing to contribute. All I get from this column writing is yours Mayor provided we make a go of that bridge.
I am not an expert on to set up a private fund for a particular project like this bridge. I think someone out there knows the mechanics and advise us how. I also want to invite readers to submit names who can administer this bridge fund. Like I said before all that I wish for is to name the bridge Gov. Vicente Duterte Bridge. This has nothing to do with Rodrigo Duterte being the incumbent mayor. None of that. It is to honor the late Governor Duterte who is an epitome of what an honest public servant ought to be. Unblemished by any tint of corruption that is so pervasive in our country today.
