Friday, November 24, 2006 Tulabut: Of blessing for Concon, mayors drawing the line By Noel G. Tulabut My Palm Notes
"HE HAS his Dad's blessings, definitely." So said one mayor about Paul "Concon" Laus's intention to run for vice governor in Pampanga in the May 2007 elections.
The mayor, wanting to remain anonymous, quickly added that his father in Mr. Levy P. Laus -- probably one of the most successful business entrepreneurs in Central Luzon today -- has already thumbed up the aspiration of his eldest son.
Like other respectable families -- especially those with political background and leanings -- I believe that Concon would not be allowed to go public with his ambition to serve if such a move was not discussed, much more, approved by the Laus clan.
It will be so futile, if not disgraceful, if Concon has chosen to seek any public office without his own family's consent and blessing. I believe that would be uncharacteristic too of him, knowing too well how he has grown in an enviable estate where I think love, respect, obedience, humility, among other virtues were highly regarded, taught and observed.
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It is but interesting to note how Governor Mark Lapid is handling the issue of the breakaway of some Pampanga mayors from the Lakas camp (read: Lapid wings). The governor, young as he may be, showed maturity at how he responded to the move.
Having only respect for the move to bolt out of his wing, Governor Lapid did manage to show that he has come of age. He knows how the cookie crumbles.
As the adage goes, in politics there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent ambitions. Very applicable to the move of the maverick mayors. They WERE Governor (and Senator) Lapid's friends yesterday. NOW, they have poised themselves to be his enemies (as they have unofficially coalesced with political rival Vice Governor Yeng Guiao).
All because of what? Ambition -- whether personal or collective, pare-pareho lang yun.
What I could not fathom is the averment that these mayors are still supporting Gov. Lapid, yet their official statement says "there is a need for strong leadership and a sense of direction at the provincial level..." How could support come when there are undertones, if not undermining efforts? That, I still find incomprehensible. I think that the averment can also be seen as aberration.
If the mayors are trying to up the ante, I think they have gone too far. The presence of Vice Governor Yeng Guiao in their press conference is an obvious infraction.
They have drawn the line.
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Going back to Concon. The man was schooled with sound managerial and business acumen and enterprising spirit imparted by his father, and with political inclinations that were cut-out from the integrity and selfless service of his grandfather, Board Member Ceferino Laus, Concon may just be the right kind of political leader that our province needs.
Just like the same firebrand that Gov. Lapid has been known for -- youthful exuberance that transcends to service -- Concon promises nothing but a brand new kind of politics.
He intends to inject some sound and applicable corporate policies into the unhealthy veins of local governance. One example of which is to make himself available at the Capitol offices five times a week, a derivation from a tested corporate practice that has always yielded positive results. After all, it is inside business offices where multimillion-peso deals are sealed.
He intends to say no promises as tradpols (traditional politicians) have been disgustingly known for. He will be a working partner to the Governor in order to spell progress, but not in blind subservience as he would still play the role of a fiscalizer, if and when he gets to preside over the Provincial Board.
He has -- at this early -- in mind the future of the youth, the elderly and the marginalized sector like the disabled and the peasants. He has been more than thinking but belting out plans such as campaign for drug-free communities, investor-friendly business environment, and empowered citizenry. The ideas ooze to no end.
