Two of majority seven

By October 21, 2024Andromeda's Vortex

By Farah G. Decano

 

THE result of the 2022 elections in Dagupan City was a surprise.  No one expected that the brilliant and hardworking Councilor Michael Fernandez would slide from his usual position in the top three down to the last spot for councilors.   We cannot say that Councilor Michael was  lacking in popularity at that time. He is famous for the numerous relevant ordinances he authored;  for once being the National President of all Councilors in the Philippines; for being one of the better-looking male elected officials; and as one of the councilors who talks with sense in the  Sanggunian.  It looks like the Dagupan voters evaluated candidates based on other considerations.

I hope this time, Councilor Michael is  packaged in a way that the citizenry will remember to keep him in their list.  I saw some tarpaulins that branded him as “Iron Mike.” While the title is apt because Councilor Mike is as cool and unyielding as iron, the title may be too icy for Dagupeño sensibilities.  Imbes na Iron Mike, maybe they should try “Pareng Mike.”  With his decades of experience in politics, I am almost sure that  Councilor Mike has become the godfather of hundreds of children in Dagupan City.

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 Talking about former colleagues, I had the opportunity to work with two of the Majority Seven (M7) councilors:  Councilors  Alfie Fernandez and Dada Reyna.  For the past two years, we only hear about their nonchalance (yes, that GenZ trendy word) about Dagupan City’s needs. They barely responded positively to the requests for legislation from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez. 

Despite so much in-fighting in the city nowadays, I wish to relay how these two councilors were during those times I was their colleague. 

 I observed Konsehal Alfie Fernandez as his father’s right hand.  He silently executed Mayor Al’s orders and directives without any complaint.  He also acted like the “kuya”  in the council by making sure everybody was taken care of.  I remember how he waited for me and my staff at the daungan for boats going to Salapingao. While the rest of the councilors went ahead, Konsehal Alfie patiently waited for my arrival so he could accompany me and my staff  in our boat ride to the island barangay.  Like a kuya, he didn’t want me and my staff  to travel alone by night time. 

   There was a time that Konsehal Alfie was also then Vice Mayor Belen’s trusted ally.  They used to share secrets and strategies.  How their friendship ended was not a surprise to me.  Their falling out did not come suddenly.  There were a series of hurts and misunderstanding which even Mayor Al could no longer patch up.  I am saddened that two political allies have grown apart. I hope that this damage in their relationship is not as irreparable as it may seem.

   Councilor Dada Reyna was then the only woman besides myself in the council.  Upon her election, we worked together in an atmosphere of respect and unity.  She observed the age-old tradition of deferring to those who were older and ahead of her.  We understood our roles in the council and neither tried to outshine the other.  She also knew her constituency well because she was the granddaughter of two past mayors: Mayor Cipriano Manaois and Mayor Liberato Reyna.  Despite her prestigious pedigree, Councilor Dada remained sweet and diplomatic.  She knows her protocol. No wonder she did not offend anybody during our time. Nunca na nagkaroon kami ng hindi pagkakaintindihan ni Councilor Dada.  

    I do not wish to judge my former colleagues harshly.  Alam ko na may dahilan kung bakit hindi sila katulad ng dati sa ngayon. And I hope that when they secure re-election, they will set aside these personal animosities against other elected officials.

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