By Farah G. Decano

 

THE level of toxicity that any individual can tolerate, whether physical or psychological, is limited.  Beyond a certain threshold, the poison will either cause death or insanity.

The same is probably true for the Dagupan populace which is presently bombarded with, and drowned in, constant bickering among its elected politicians.  The citizenry can only endure so much exchange of accusations, lies and garbage.  Soon, the stench of their endless muck-throwing will be so penetratingly nauseous that their constituencies will have no choice but to retreat to apathy, wait for the next elections, and hope for fresh faces.

But need the Dagupeños wait for two long years for a breath of fresh air? The residents do not deserve this disservice.  We voted for public servants, not public oppressors.  Those who are maka-Belen or maka-Lim should stop.  We want their Dagupeño hearts to prevail over their pride and their 2025 ambitions.

Before Dagupan becomes the Toxic City of the North, please relegate the battle in the courts where you can detonate the smelliest bombs against each other.  File the cases already so we can all move on.

*          *          *          *

Some people are wondering what Congressman Toff de Venecia has been doing about this dingy quagmire that the city is in.  As the scion of two highly respected representatives of the Fourth District, much is expected from him.  His creative skills are now demanded in what matters most in his city right now – not in the promotion of performance or visual arts but in the harmonization of interests between two powerful factions in the city.

This writer hopes that the good Congressman will do something about the urgency of these concerns because many areas in the city remain submerged in flood for over a year now.  Most constituents have no choice but to suffer this fate. The city government should be able to address this sorry condition but could not because of the fierce and unreasonable animosity between two political groups. 

If he feels that his authority is not enough to wield moral ascendancy over the two groups, could he perhaps consider asking for the help of Vice President Sara Duterte?  

During the Talindeg rally for Leni held in Dagupan City in April 2022, Congressman Toff openly indorsed the candidacy of VP Duterte despite the presence of her rival, Senator Kiko Pangilinan.  He got booed by the pro-Kiko among the audience.  The old man sitting in Malacañang then admired the young congressman’s courage to campaign for VP Sara in such event.   As the case may be, he can draw on this precious political investment in order to persuade VP Sarah to unite the two groups. 

Cong Toff, beke nemen pwede?

Representative de Venecia need not worry because this endeavor can be backed up by Senator Imee Marcos who seems to be very close to VP Sarah and Mayor Belen.

While this may come off as an impertinent pakikialam, this writer hopes that Congressman Toff sees this as a cry of desperation for our beloved city.  We cannot wait for another two years before something can be done.  We do not wish the residents’ abodes and means of livelihood to remain partially inundated while the health of the elderly and children are compromised.  We do not wish to walk through stagnant dark waters riddled with larvae, algae, and rats whenever we go about our daily lives.

Cong Toff, please view this as a suggested political maneuver.  You may have better ideas. This writer is certain, and expects that you, a De Venecia, can work miracles like your mom and dad.

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