Questionable episodes in Pangasinan history?

By Jun Velasco

TWO controversial episodes in our history books that require immediate and permanent clarification from responsible historians are those of Princess Urduja and Juan dela Cruz Palaris.

Our governor’s official residence is named “Princess Urduja” and yet  most historians have junked  the name as belonging  to a historical figure, who is not Filipino, muchless a Pangasinense.

Palaris, on the other hand, has been dismissed as a Pangasinan hero because from the accounts of many historians, including former Gov. Tito Primicias, he was more a bandit or tulisan rather than an authentic fighter for the oppressed.

In those ancient days, there was hardly any idea of the Philippine islands, much less of a Filipino. It was only during Rizal’s time when nationalism slowly took form because of him and the Filipino propagandists and revolucionarios.

Palaris and even Andres Malong never had any idea that they were Filipinos.

*        *         *

It is good to know that we have many compatriots itching to be public servants, as they become a dime-a-dozen during elections.

To our good fortune, most of our candidates for public office are not after pecuniary gain, but to feed the ego’s hunger for political glory.

The road to political victory, however, is so littered with millions in expenses so that the aspiring public servant loses his idealism and is forced in fact to play the game in all its ugly material trappings.

What happens next is the aspiring public servant gets mired in the politics of compromise and becomes a part of the grand edifice of corruption that bedevils Philippines society.

All  the noble intentions, the idealism and moral principles bred in  the university  and beautiful plans for country and people are sacrificed in the altar of  “victory at all costs.”

*        *         *

National Irrigation Administrator Art Lomibao has become a political knight in shining armor overnight, thanks to his successful stewardship of the Philippine National Police.

Reports reaching us say that most popularity surveys including one from the Social Weather Stations show him ahead in the gubernatorial list, and an impressive notch in the senatorial derby.  A technical consultant at the SWS told us that Art did very well in the fourth district, his homebase, being a native of Mangaldan town, feeding speculations he might be coaxed into running for congressman.

But knowing Art, we find the idea outlandish considering that Speaker Joe de Venecia is known to be his consistent backer in the PNP and the NIA. And the DPWH?

As of press time, it’s only Mayor Benjie Lim who is positioning as a potential opponent of the speaker in congress.  The surveys showing Art a runaway leader in the gubernatorial derby also show Joe de V way ahead in his turf.

Of course, Benjie will show another survey showing him ahead.

*         *          *

POLICE NOTES: We congratulate fellow Rotarian General Pol Bataoil for being the most outstanding regional director nationwide.

Fact is,  from Day One of his assignment in the region, where he demonstrated excellent leadership,  non stop apprehension of shabu pushers, uprooting marijuana plantations left and right, bonding activities with the public and the media,  we knew that Pol was destined for  the stars.

Out there in San Carlos City, Chief of Police Johnny Bacbac, formerly chief of Sto. Tomas and Urdaneta City reported that his men have recently checked cases of unlicensed firearms or holders guns with fake licenses.

A no-nonsense police officer, Bacbac has warned law violators that under his leadership, no hanky panky can succeed in his jurisdiction.      

*        *          *

It’s a seesaw at this time in the first district race between re-electionist Arthur Celeste and General Boysie Braganza. Boysie, a native of Mabini, is a close kin of Mayor Nani Braganza. You can deduce from there how the fight will unfold in the near future.

*         *         *

From Eastern Pangasinan, we see the emergence of a business tycoon into a political giant, Eastern Pangasinan Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rosendo So.

A close pal of Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Sendong, as he is addressed by friends and admirers, has become a power center of sorts, in the same manner that Undersecretary Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr. is a well-known kingmaker in Pangasinan.

You will notice that the two giants in the province’s power equation come from the east. Is this because the sun rises in the east?

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments