By Gonzalo Duque 

 

MERRY Christmas to all our readers.

We have been writing for The Sunday Punch for quite a long time. Each Christmas party of The Punch, our Publisher Ermin Garcia Jr. would invite us to attend.

I have never hesitated to grace the occasion, especially when asked to act as Santa Claus during such gatherings.

Perhaps, part of my sadness during this Christmas season is the fact that for the first time in the history of The Punch, my friend Ermin Garcia Jr. is no longer with us.

I truly became emotional because Ermin and I have communicated through The Sunday Punch throughout the years.

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I can understand the enthusiasm and eagerness of Rep. Mark Cojuangco to install a nuclear power plant in Labrador.

But wait, Archbishop Soc Villegas and 61 other archbishops and bishops across the country are opposed to the establishment of any nuclear power plant in the Philippines.

Many more cause-oriented groups are joining the growing opposition to this project.

According to those opposing the project, there are other ways to generate power and energy through renewable sources—solar, hydro, and other means—that remain untapped by our people.

We need to study this matter further and very carefully because this project involves the lives and futures of our people.

May I ask Congressman Cojuangco to first stop the proliferation of U.S. military bases in our country, as these bases can pose a danger to his dream of establishing a nuclear plant in Labrador?

You see, if China decides to use its nuclear arms against us, it might first target those nuclear plants first

I repeat, we need to involve all parties in objectively assessing the value of having a nuclear plant in Labrador, Pangasinan.

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Another disturbing issue that should receive priority legislation, according to PBBM, is the review of the party-list system.

It is very apparent that the party-list system has been exploited by any Tom, Dick, and Harry, especially our politicians, who could create their own party-list at any time of the day as long as they get COMELEC accreditation under less stringent requirements. Will there be any so-called priority bills passed under the very noses of our legislators?

Itaga mo sa bato!

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It seems that Mayor Belen, together with her supermajority councilors, is enjoying their Christmas holiday. 

Our councilors and their staff were at a resort in Alaminos City last week doing their team building. Well and good! You all deserve it. Is Dada included in that?

As for Mayor Belen, I’ve noticed she has been busy going around the city inaugurating newly-built school buildings and constructing road pavements.

This much I can say: Those planning to dethrone her in the 2028 election must think twice before opposing her.

I believe she wants all her projects completed before the election so she can still address any issues, if any, with those projects.

By 2026, the new city hall will be finished. But will it be completed?