They who dared

By Ermin Garcia Jr.

PANGASINAN will perhaps hold the distinction of having the most number of its illustrious sons who found themselves at the receiving end of a presidential scorn and diatribe by one and the same President, but for two separate worthy causes.

The first casualty was then Speaker Joe de V.  Not only was his car pass to Malacanang cancelled but he was publicly humiliated by getting him unseated in full public view.  His unforgivable sin? He chose to side with his son Joey when push came to shove in the high stakes game of the multi-billion NBN deal involving the President’s husband. For the first time in his political career, JdV stood up to a President over a clearly corruption issue.  How dare he!

The second was PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.  A presidential appointee, he was initially publicly humiliated by the President by boycotting the anniversary of his organization which traditionally always had the President as guest of honor.  If that was not enough, his presence, representing the national police, during the Philippine Army’s celebration, was deliberately ignored publicly. He was non-existent in the President’s eyes.  His unforgivable sin? He went on record to assure the Filipino nation that the police under his watch will never support an illegal order that would lend to the extension of President Arroyo’s term.  How dare he!

Yes, how dare they try to make a difference.

For sure, bearing the brunt of the presidential scorn for the reasons described, will never be written in history as one of sheer dishonor caused by personal disloyalty. Instead, history will long remember how two Pangasinenses earned not only their badges of courage uncannily under the most unexpected situation, but the respect of Pangasinenses and by those who advocate for true blue good governance.

They may have been accused of many things at the height of their careers but the public humiliation they and their families suffered on account of their decision to embrace what was right, will serve as an inspiration to millions whose same aspiration is to serve the nation well.

I know Pangasinenses won’t mind seeing more kabaleyans suffer public humiliation on the dictates of the rich and powerful for daring to be faithful in their service to our people.

* * * * *

CHEERS. Communities in Dagupan City are cheering provincial Comelec head Reddy Balarbar and city election officer Remarque Ravanzo for promptly acting on the frenzy free-for-all postering in the city by local candidates.

But the loudest applause goes to the GAB (Gina-Al-Belen) team for being the first to promptly respond, directing their followers to start removing and tearing down their posters that were illegally pasted and installed outside of common areas and private properties.

With that laudable action, GAB now has the moral ascendancy to raise illegal and indiscriminate postering as a campaign issue against candidates who promise good governance but conveniently flout the law on election and campaign rules.

I hope GAB will sustain it.

* * * * *

DISSAPOINTING. I note, however, with a deep sense of disappointment that the business, civic and professional groups in the city remain passive and indifferent on the issue. It appears they would rather sit idly and watch opportunities where they can truly make a difference pass them by.

If they hate seeing our politicians continue making a mockery of our laws, then they will only have themselves to blame for they refused to act when the politicians spat at their faces by flouting the laws without fear of being made accountable for their contemptible acts.

If only they would act together to stop the irresponsible postering in the communities that hurt our environment, deface and dirty our communities, to stand up to our politicos and tell them “enough is enough”, they would learn that our politicos would cease and desist. What worse embarrassment can one feel than to see one’s photo-shopped pictures being torn and removed by their own friends. If the groups’ singular action would not prompt our politicos to direct their postering teams to keep out of prohibited places, I don’t know what will.

A simple common course of action can do so much for the community and for the country and to teach our people to learn to respect our laws.  They can achieve what Comelec has failed to do with all its powers.

But where are they?

* * * * *

TALK ABOUT LEGACY. Congratulations to our columnist who loves to play with fire. Gonz Duque is now certain of a legacy that will long be remembered by Pangasinenses, he who labored to approximate and identify the founding day of the province.  I doubt if he will be remembered as a former vice governor, or as the president of the Pangasinan Press Club who never was, or even as an irreverent political pundit, or a maverick in the educational sector, but he will surely be remembered as the guy who said Pangasinan was likely born in 1580 and was not sued! So take a bow, Gonz!

Guv Spines can only share in that legacy as the one who gave Gonz the opportunity to do it. What are we in power for, indeed! But seriously, it was his vision that brought a true Agew na Pangasinan, so take a bow, Guv!

Hey, I also share in that legacy  –  I don’t mind being known as Gonz’s friend when he did it!

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