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Saint Augustine Cathedral, Cagayan de Oro at early morning.

“Uncalled for”

Hon. Norris Babiera

Vice Governor, Misamis Oriental

At the outset, here’s my reaction to the comments of Regional Development Council chairman and Camiguin Governor Jurdin Romualdo who accused the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental of doin nothing in regard to the Hanjin Project fallout. My reaction is not intended to befuddle the issues and the problem hounding the project.

It is only intended to defend the dignity of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental. Its members and the people it represents, maligned by this baseless, misplaced accusation leveled on us by the highest official of the neighboring province.

In times of disasters and calamities, it is instinctive for neighbors and relatives to come together and offer assistance and comfort to the distressed and the victims. It is engrained in our culture and Christian values as Filipinos helping our neighbors in times of crisis. If the Hanjin shipyard will not push through, it will be a disaster of forfeited economic opportunities for our people. Unfortunately the act of the governor of Camiguin, whose people and inhabitants are closely related to the people of our province, in accusing the Misamis Oriental SP was un-christian and exactly the opposite of the values I just stated. And it is highly uncalled for in times like this.

As a three term Congressman, Gov. Romualdo is definitely aware that unlike Congress where it has vast powers in the exercise of its oversight functions and investigations in aid of legislations, there are specific limitations in the Local Government Code with regard to the power of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Considering the breadth and magnitude of the Hanjin investment and controversies hounding it vis-à-vis its implication in our economy and our trade and bilateral relationship with other countries is beyond the dominion of a local legislative bodies. (sic)

More importantly, as Chairman of the RDC, he is aware that Governor Oscar Moreno has been designated by Preisdent Arroyo to take charge in coordinating the implementation of the project during the signing of the MOU between Hanjin ad Phividec last January 10 during a presidential visit. We in the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental fully supported and closely coordinated with Gov. Moreno in the Hanjin Project. Therefore, his accusation that we did nothing is totally without basis.

Contrary to the statement made by the governor of Camiguin that if this controversy had happened in his province, the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Camiguin will readily investigate. With due respect, I am very certain that the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Camiguin will never overstep its boundary and meddle in the affairs or areas that are distinctly and specifically not within their powers.

In due consideration of the that there are now investigating bodies higher than the Sanggunuiang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental, investigating the Hanjin controversy and the clear mandate given to Governor Moreno by the President, it is prudent and wise not to conduct our own investigation.

The breadth and magnitude of this problem is enormous. Instead of fingerpointing, let us join hands and collectively overcome it.