MYOPIC impression, bad mindset is how I describe the feedback from one of Gov. Bong Lacson's senior men on my constructive criticisms concerning the governor’s seven-point agenda.
The guy whom I had good acquaintances and I even considered a friend for common social advocacy during my teaching and research stint in La Salle Bacolod said to somebody close to me alleging that I must be a supporter of former Gov. Freddy Maranon for giving few criticisms on Gov. Lacson.
Ohh wahh, I reacted with a big laugh. I didn't expect such impression from the guy, if at all true, and if true indeed, then he doesn't really know me beyond those school acquaintances.
I wanted to ignore the impression as wrong and senseless but thought I had to clarify it or teach something because it won’t bring any good to the guy and the governor’s management team whom he is a part of to carry that bad mindset for the next three years. And I won’t be at ease either with an impression coming from someone I consider a school colleague and a friend, and where his late brother lawyer was also a close friend of mine.
First, I have never been a pro-Maranon in whatever way. I was a fierce critic of the Maranon's major policies and programs, although I must admit that some of his programs like organic advocacy and advocacy for renewable energies are basically good. That's being fair and objective to the Maranon.
I have never been a pro-Lacson either, even when he was still a mayor and vice governor although I also appreciate his advocacy for renewable energy, scholarship for the poor, and support for the strengthening of the cooperative movement.
I also admired his cool personality both in hostile and non-hostile situation. That's rare among politicians whose position of power often give them so much hot air in the way they think, do and relate.
Then I criticized his seven point agenda for lack of a bigger framework, disconnected and no clear change results to be achieved in Negros economic and political fundamentals.
That's also being fair, objective and constructive to Lacson.
To charge people of being against Lacson and pro-Maranaon, even if the latter is no longer there nor any of the vestiges of his shadow, does not help this guy nor Gov. Lacson in finding a good bearing in leadership and management.
In fact, if we are just going to discuss for the sake of political discussion, the political equation among the ruling elites in the province has changed from between former congressman Albee Benitez-Lacson and Maranon-Ferrer. Both Benitez and Maranon are political enigma of President Duterte since 2016 presidential campaign to the present. Or so the Duterte forces in the region claims. For himself Lacson has been vocal with his association with Benitez though some said he also campaigned secretly for Duterte due to ties with the Yanson family whose mother OVY has been close to Duterte via the terminated boss of GSIS, Clint Aranas.
Now it is basically between Benitez, the consultant and political boss of Gov Lacson, and the political enigma of Duterte, and the broad Duterte bloc in Negros who are essentially against Benitez.
So what logic is there to charge anyone who critic Gov. Lacson as pro-Marañon, when the political equation is now between Benitez and the Duterte bloc? Maranon is gone. Ferrer is now the vice-governor, but has not made vividly clear yet his political alignment and intention.
As unsolicited advice to Gov. Lacson and his management team, including this guy who has given me a feedback, please take all the critique, comments even suggestions on Gov. Lacson and his administration as positive inputs to your great task of coming up with a right and good development road map, or comprehensive development agenda.
To Gov. Lacson, keep your feet on the ground, and your ears always wide open by engaging in dialogues and consultations with all stakeholders. Don’t be contented in the convenience of your secluded consultants, advisers, technical people, and cordon sanitaire. As often said cordon sanitaire will always try to protect you and at times use their power to strut.
Be like an Isko and Vico in modeling good governance. DILG has been exhorting local chief executives of LGUs to strengthen good local governance; you can do that by being the best example of what a good governance is.
Yes, make a difference but be different from your predecessors. If you do that you endear yourself from the Negrosanon, not your political patrons and buddies even if you would be gone.