POLITICAL REALITIES IN CARAGA REGION

A bridge in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur

Columnist Bert Gorgonio Sr., of Periodico News made an assessment on the present political reality in Caraga Region after the recent visit of Gloria Arroyo in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte last week. It’s a primer on the political alignment in the region.

“MAKA ADIK ANG GAHOM (POWER IS ADDICTIVE)

Originally written in Cebuano (my translation in English)

In my assessment, it looks like the opposition is non existent in Caraga Region. At present, if there are people or politicians who are opposed to the administration, they are the so called “Way G” and “Way N” which means Way Gahum (No power), and Way Nahot (No Wealth). All the veterans and the strong already kissed the hand of Madam, including the Church!

Let us begin with the political leaders of Surigao del Norte. If in the past there is someone who is against President Gloria Arroyo, now it is ZERO. Despite the numerous issues in the national capital, including the expose of the so called CORRUPTION OF THOSE IN POWER, not one political leader in Surigao del Norte can speak against it.

But former Governor, now Congressman, Francisco “Lalo” Matugas cannot be blamed if he is now under the banner of the President. Cong. Lalo’s candidacy under the KAMPI party is a logical decision so that the people of Siargao Island can readily avail government projects. Its just right for Cong. Matugas to bless the hand of Malacanang to assure that Siargao Island cannot be left behind. Look, projects are promised left and right by Presidet Gloria Arroyo for the upliftment of Siargao Island which is now called the surfing and fish gaming capital of the Philippines.

If Cong. Lalo did not choose to join the umbrella of the President, it’s a cinch that only the Barbers’ (led by Governor Robert Ace Barbers) will be known by Malacanang. Oh well, there is the “graduating” Mayor Pons Cassura (of Surigao City) who is also a favorite of the Palace being an official of the League of Cities.

Well, there was a time when former Congressman and now Governor Robert Ace Barbers attempted to challenge the power of the President when the Hello Garci (issue) was still the craze. But Ace realized that like the undercurrent in Nonoc during northerlies, it is very difficult to counter flow the power of Malacanang. That’s why Gov. Ace consolidated his position in the Lakas party, which enabled the Barbers to retain the reins of power in the Provincial Capitol.

Its also a good thing that Congressman Jun Romarate in District 2 sing allelujah to Malacanang otherwise he would have a difficult time challenging the Barbers camp.

In Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Butuan City, it seems that there is no well known opposition group that exists. What I mean of being well known is that which has a member occupying a present elective position. From the Amantes of Agusan del Norte to Joboy Aquino and Mayor Boy Daku Plaza in Butuan City and to the Plaza’s of Agusan del Sur, it seems no creature is working against the President nowadays. Well, Congressman Ompong Plaza tried to play as an oppositionist, who has no qualms about his pro impeachment stand against Mrs. Arroyo because of the numerous issues. But like Governor Ace Barbers, Cong. Ompong realized its very difficult to meet head on the current.

 

“BABUYAN NA NAMAN”

Oliver Lozano filed another impeachment complaint against GMA. The complaint contained mostly quotes from opposition congressmen and senators. “Isa na naman itong pag baboy sa ating demokratikong proceso. Lahat ng katarantaduhan ginawa na nila.”

 

SAN LUIS SHOULD COME BACK TO HIS SENSES

Edgar San Luis, the man who endorsed the weak Pulido complaint blamed the opposition for the failure of the GMA impeachment to get pass at the House Justice Committee. According to him, had the opposition did not walk out, the complaint could have been strengthened.

Thats hogwash!

San Luis is only adding insult to the injury. If the said complaint is weak on its face, San Luis should not have endorsed it in the first place. If he is really sincere in holding GMA accountable to the people he should have been cautious of the consequences of endorsing a half baked impeachment complaint, given the propensity of the administration dominated house to dismiss any well meaning impeachment complaint at the slightest legal loopholes it could find. The inadequacy of the complaint is glaring on its face. Its inconceivable San Luis could have missed it. Only San Luis can explain why he endorsed and supported an ampao impeachment case.

In the meantime now that the issue is over, the least that San Luis could do is to be man enough to take responsibility for the failure of the entire initiative instead of blaming other people. There are other like Atty. Adel Tamano and Atty. Harry Roque who tried their best to come up with a genuine, respectable impeachment case against GMA.

The impeachment case is dead the day San Luis endorsed it.

 

NA NAMAN!!!

from Daily Tribune

Arroyo invites solons to attend Palace mass, prayer

Rep. Arthur Defensor had a ready defense.

 ”May I relay to the distinguished members of the House of Representatives this message from the President of the Philippines — All members are invited to join her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in offering a mass and ecumenical prayer for the victims of the bombing in Batasan. I was — for just information of everybody — I was in Malacañang late last night [Tuesday night] and the President was deeply saddened by the incident and she expressed sorrow, genuine grief for the passing away of a member of the House and for the others, who also passed away and suffered serious injuries.

 I wish that the genuine concern of the President will not be subjected to unfounded suspicions.”

The impeach me has just been junked. If GMA wants to avoid suspicion why they have to hold the prayer in Malacanang (again!) when there are other alternative venues for the gathering. O Baka may gift giving na naman dyan.

 

“AS SURE AS THE SUN WILL RISE IN THE EAST.”

The Moro moro is over. The House Justice Committee voted 47-1 in favor of junking the impeach me complaint of Gloria Arroyo. The lone vote against the junking was that of Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis. (may pakunwari pang bumoto against the decision). In a national television, San Luis was seen smiling as he raises his hand even urging some of his colleagues to vote with him. The quick vote was due to the walk out of the opposition contingent in the Justice Committee. “Para sa ano pa?” According to Paranaque Rep Roilo Golez, they cannot allow themselves to be a part of the sham that is going on.

“Its like debating whether the sun will rise in the East tomorrow.”

***

I dont believe that Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar is the target. I have observed that everytime a high profile controversy would erupt, tragedies like the Batasan bombings explodes. During the height of the NBN/ZTE deal controversy, the Glorietta bombing occured. Maybe the perpetrators of that bombing find their methods effective in taking away more pressing issues of the day. On the night of the bombing, he justice committee was deliberating on the Pulido complaint. The next day, the Senate was set to investigate the cash gifts giving in Malacanang. The timing is too much of a coincidence.

I congratulate the perpetrators for they again succeed in diverting the attention of the people to the corruption issues of the administration.

***

Two Northern Mindanao solons escaped death as they leave Batasan Complex that fateful night. CDO Rep. Rolando Uy and Misamis Oriental Rep. Bambi Emano were just seconds ahead when the blast occurred in Batasan. Uy said,

I was really afraid. It was the first time I witnessed a bomb explosion.

Emano said,

Hinay man gud sila naglakaw unya gusto na ko mouli. Kusog pod ko molakaw mao nga nananghid ko nga mo una paglakaw ngadto sa south wing. (They are walking slow and I want to go home. I also walked fast that is why I asked them I go ahead to the South Wing).”

Emano was with Akbar at that time. On the other hand, CDO Rep. Rufus Rodriguez condemned the attack as a “despicable” act and expressed his sadness over the incident. For his part, Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte said Cong. Akbar confided to him that he was receiving death threats in a television interview last night.

***

Iligan Councilor Moises Dalisay clarified that the City Council resolution authored by Voltaire Rovira lauding the appointment of Judge Moslemen Macarambon to the COMELEC was not “block” but was only “deferred” considering the controversy that such appointment created. Dalisay was apparently dismayed by what is going out in the news that the City Councilors blocked the passage of the said resolution.