ALEX Cauguiran, the best vice mayor Angeles City never had has struck sense to the head of DOTC Sec. Abaya when the city hall firebrand challenged the latter to debate the broiling issue of Clark airport development.
Alex virtually berated an apologetic Abaya during a forum at Clark even as he lashed at the administration’s refusal to declare a policy statement for CRK as the second gateway after the NAIA. Following the President’s stand, Abaya was evasive, non-committal and tentative. Sensing his circumlocution, Alex wanted a debate.
The former councilor scored the DOTC for wide scale deception by pie-in-the-sky promises and deceptive pronouncements. “What little and minor steps are being taken for the airport development are but hot air balloons periodically flown by government,” Cauguiran said. He saw through and reacted indignantly on Abaya’s gobbledygook that an airport at Sangley, in his home province Cavite, is the preferred site of a second gateway. OK ba yan Pres. Tanjuatco?
***
Why should Pres. Noy say “sorry” for the SAF 44 fiasco? He learns from history, that’s why. Did not PGMA, acting under duress during the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal, say “I’m sorry” to placate the nation? Look at where it took her -- arrest and hospital detention.
P-Noy demonstrated common sense by refusing to apologize and admit full guilt in the SAF tragedy. It was consistent to his previous stance in refusing to express apology to the Hongkog government for the death of a number of tourists during a firefight at the Luneta.
***
The nation is watching how DILG Sec. Mar Roxas handle the eviction of Mayor Junjun Binay from his holdout at the Makati City Hall. If Roxas hesitates, is undecisive, and dilly-dallies in enforcing the Ombudsman’s suspension order on the young Binay, it will expose him as unfit for the presidency. He will appear to be without “cojones” in a land where leadership is equated with being macho. The Vice President threatens and warns with a violent misencounter should Roxas persist in carrying the suspension order. That’s machismo.
***
Angeles City has been adjudged as No. 14 most competitive city among 104 cities nationwide. Mayor EdPam was cited for his leadership in economic dynamism, public infrastructure, and government efficiency. With this high rating in city governance, we expect an equally talented and highly qualified body of aspirants in the next elections. Incompetent and corrupt wannabes are a threat to public health, especially those afflicted with FMD (foot in the mouth disease). Candidates should show a summary of their accomplishments or details of what they have achieved as citizens.
***
I have several favourite public servants whom I wish to advance in elective office. Engr. Fer Caylao and Engr. Marnie Castro, long time civic leaders in San Fernando- for city councilor. Deng Pangilinan, the media guy credited in promoting the conversion of Mabalacat City for city councilor. City Councilor Rox Pena for board member; he will be an asset to the Pineda administration. And City Hall press officer Jay Pelayo , a loyalist and dependable “sugo” of Edpam for city councilor. He is the son of former SWA chief Dr. Jose O. Pelayo.