Playing with Fire
Scandalous violation of a city ordinance
By Gonzalo Duque
THE MANAGER, or whoever made the decision most foul, of the December 29, 2007 Dalton Night in the city of Dagupan is out of his mind. He violated a city ordinance mandating that night for the Rotarians at the city plaza during the Yule season.
Yearly, Rotarians would rule the city in a baile – or ball – usually fixed on Dec. 29.
That, to stress, was mandated by a city ordinance.
On that night, Dagupan Rotarians were transported, not of their own desire, to the People’s Astrodome simply because the plaza, made resplendent by the Mayor Benjie Lim, was earmarked for the Dalton Clan.
So – on that fateful night – the Daltons danced the night away at the city auditorium, while the Rotarians were crammed at the Astrodome! Que barbaridad!
Wait, it’s not the fault of the Daltons who might also not have appreciated what happened, knowing them (most of them anyway) to be fair and knowledgeable – that, that day was indeed, by force of an ordinance, was intended for the Rotary night.
Not a few souls were scandalized by the incident.
Our friend, Boy Rayos, himself a Dalton original and incoming president of the Rotary Club of Dagupan East, was screaming to the top of his lung power why the unthinkable happened!
Who was the mastermind of this grand slip of etiquette? We dare say, it couldn’t be Mayor Al because he is the most sedate, very proper fellow in the city, a Rotarian himself, whose electoral victory he owed partly to the Rotarians – although, he, too, was – or still is – a Dalton member.
Could it be Councilor Joey Tamayo, the city’s hermano mayor, who was authorized to decide what should be scheduled to happen on the series of nights at the plaza?
We hate to mention names. Suffice it to say however that the blatant violation of a city ordinance – to fix a Rotary Night in the Festival’s series of nights at the plaza – is a pathetic mis-advertisement of the city. When informed of this ethical infraction, many leaders of Rotary International are shaking their heads, inquiring “bakit naman ganon?” They asked “what has the Rotary done to Dagupan to deserve this stinging slap on the face?”
Sober members, however, say “the city missed its chance to thank the Rotarians who have consistently played their vital role in the socio-economic growth and development of the city.”
They add, “Anyway, it’s not our fault, since we always have stood for what is true, fair, beneficial, and promoting goodwill.
Mayor Al, paki-isplika nga ito?
* * *
This column has received many reactions. Mostly favorable, regarding our item on MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando as our bet for president in 2010.
Majority said, “it’s about time.”
Another one said, “kulang ng karisma.”
A third said, “gusto ko, but can he beat Noli or Jinggoy?”
Still another one said, “win or lose, I’ll vote for Bayani because he is the best choice.
What do you say, dear readers?
* * *
Happy Three Kings to everyone!
Mayor Spines, what’s the score on our proposal to legislate the founding date of our beloved province? Many are waiting for your answer.
(Readers may reach columnist at punch.sunday@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
