I DISAGREE with the “former political has-been” who described some members, especially the private sector representatives, of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 as incompetent. They are not incompetent because they are successful in their respective fields of endeavor. RDC 7 co-chairman Kenneth Cobonpue is a world renowned furniture designer whose clients include Hollywood personalities. Glenn Soco, chairman of the infrastructure development committee (IDC), is successful in his coffee business.
RDC 7 is now run by dynamic and young professionals. But they are elitists who can be influenced by their “principal” and business allies. They are in the RDC because they were recommended by someone close to the powers that be. They cannot say no to what their “principal” wants.
They accepted the position despite their busy schedules and the little remuneration because of their vested and personal interests. They don’t mind if majority of the people starve because they have food on their table. They are riding expensive cars.
But why don’t these people go out from their comfort zones and see for themselves what is happening outside, let us say, in the rural areas? They quarrel with politicians who sourced funding for their ambitious projects that are in the metropolitan areas. Are they only serving their own and their allies’ interests?
Okay, they claim to be concerned with the traffic situation, that is why they want infrastructure project proponents to come up with traffic management plans before starting projects. But why are they blocking projects aimed at addressing the traffic problem? When veteran broadcaster Manny delos Santos Rabacal chaired the IDC for 18 years, there was no hassle in the approval of projects. But Soco blocks projects when his allies in the business community are affected.
As an outsider looking in and a stakeholder, I think all projects that address the worsening traffic problem should be priorities.
They blame some politicians for initiating multi-billion-peso non-priority projects without feasibility studies. Okay. But isn’t it political reality that politicians close to the powers that be can easily secure funding? That is one of the reasons why politicians shift party loyalty to the administration so they can secure projects for their constituents.
Politicians, especially congressmen, hold the bag because they approve the annual budget. If RDC officials want to change that procedure, then let them secure their own funding and dictate Congress on budgeting.
Soco is seeking the relief of DPWH 7 regional director Ador Canlas saying he is already overstaying. Who is Soco to dictate DPWH Secretary Mark Villar? Canlas is working under the mercy of Villar. Let Villar relieve him based on his performance and not because somebody is after his neck.
They want to put somebody there that they can easily control. Soco even questioned the position paper of Region 7 congressmen backing Canlas. Do you think Canlas influenced them by soliciting their signatures? I think my friend, Glenn, is already going out of bounds. Hinay-hinay lang, Boss Glenn.