Representing the public good

THEY are called “representatives” because they are supposed to represent in Congress – that is to stand, speak and act for – the interests of the people who voted for them. To do otherwise is a violation of their sworn duty, a betrayal of the public’s confidence.

House Bill 4267, “An Act Reapportioning the Province of Pangasinan into seven Legislative Districts”, authored jointly by Representatives Victor Agbayani of the second district and Rachel Arenas of the third district, does not reflect the voice of the people. It is no different from the brazen act of congressmen who hastily passed House Resolution No. 1109 last week to pursue a Constitutional Assembly despite the undeniable public outcry against Charter change. HB 4267 and HR 1109 are gross demonstrations of arrogance by our supposed representatives and shameless disregard for what the people think.

HB 4267 could not possibly stand for what Pangasinenses want because they were not even asked about the matter. That includes the community folks – our fishermen, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, parents, the academe, and professionals, among others – and our local government officials, both at the provincial and municipal levels.

One living proof of this misrepresentation is Rep. Arturo Celeste of the first district, originally part of the Agbayani-Arenas team that sponsored the bill, who pulled out his support for the proposal after undertaking consultations with his constituents. He said the people in the first district do not agree with the terms of the reapportioning, which, among other things, illogically groups into one district several municipalities that are not geographically contiguous with one another. Celeste deserves a pat on the back for his wise and humble change of heart. But Celeste must take the further responsibility of making sure that HB 4267 does not become an approved law.

Meanwhile, Reps. Jose de Venecia Jr. of the fourth district, Mark Cojuangco of the fifth district, and Conrado Estrella III of the sixth district have simply opted to stay mum on the matter because they have already successfully bargained that their respective areas be spared from any realignment. But that is not enough. Their silence is, in fact, a very disappointing demonstration of selfishness. If they do care about Pangasinan, beyond their own political interests within their districts, they need to speak up. As Pangasinenses in power, more is expected from them; they have an obligation to show concern and loyalty to the province as a whole.

As for the rest of us Pangasinenses, we must not just leave the fight to our leaders. We need to make our demands and make sure that our opinion is counted.

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