Viray: A living treasure of Pampanga

DO YOU know that Estelito “Mang Titong” Mendoza enjoyed most serving his position as the governor of our great province, Pampanga?

This is extraordinary considering that he served in various positions in public and private sectors, apart from running a highly successful law office.

In 1980 or thirty eight years ago, Mendoza returned to his province and served the Pampanguenos with sincerity. You can discern his enjoyment in dealing with Pampanguenos, rich and poor alike. He enjoyed the company of his fellow Kapampangan despite the frantic calls in Malacanan for his unparalleled expertise. Apart from being our governor, he was serving as Solicitor General, Minister of Justice and a member of the Batasang Pambansa. He was persuaded upon to assume these three posts only to return to the Province after a short period. His term was shortened and abruptly ended by the Edsa Revolution.

As governor, Mendoza listened and acted swiftly on the problems of his constituents. I know a case where a young person in Bacolor was framed up as a drug addict and wrongly convicted in court. I referred the problem to him and in no time, he attended to the poor lad and he was acquitted on appeal. This was done with costs de officio. I do not forget how he defended Quebiawan (San Fernando) barangay officials with fervor. His concerns were not limited to legal but extend to basic services. It’s a pity that Mendoza is more known as the lawyer of Marcos but he should be more than that to the people of Pampanga.

It is a testament that even when Marcos died, Mendoza’s rise to lawyering is phenomenal.

He is either the lawyer and/or director of the board of leading companies like San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Airlines, East West Bank and a handful of other corporation who sought his services.

It is a rarity that a lawyer becomes a politician with a lucrative private practice, to boot.

This can only be accomplished by brilliance and dedication to the legal profession that this Governor of Pampanga has exhibited.

That he is Cum Laude Graduate of Law from the University of the Philippines and that he is a Master of Law Graduate of Harvard University are a common knowledge but this man should be known a lawyer with a soft heart for the province of Pampanga.

We should honor this lawyer as a treasure while he still can appreciate this gesture.

(This columnist was perceived not as a friend but as a critic of Mang Titong and yet, he says let us give credit where credit is due.)