ON P-NOY’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT

LINGAYEN–The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed a resolution expressing its “deep sense of frustration and sadness” over its failure, together with other top local government officials, to witness the first official visit of President Benigno Aquino III to the province of Pangasinan on December 7.

The resolution, sponsored by Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., was passed by a vote of seven and three abstentions by board members who are affiliated with the Liberal Party (LP) of the President.

In a privilege speech, Bince also conveyed what he called the “collective and united displeasure of the SP” over Bani Mayor Marcelo Navarro Jr. for not giving the other officials of Pangasinan, including the governor, the chance to welcome the President in his first sojourn in Pangasinan after the May elections.

Bince said he will convene the Committee on Public Accountability and Ethics of the SP, which he heads, to determine whether Navarro can possibly be cited for an administrative offense under the Local Government Code.

During the inauguration of a housing project in Bani, which was the main reason for the President’s visit to Pangasinan, Navarro categorically admitted in an interview that the governor was not invited in that gathering.

“The conspicuous absence of Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr., chief executive of the Province, and Congressman Jesus “Boyeng” Celeste of 1st District where Bani town is geographically located, has elicited multiple and unfavorable reactions among our province mates,” Bince said.

He said it is clear that it was Navarro who caused the exclusion of Espino, Celeste and other mayors from those who should welcome the president as Navarro himself, in a radio interview, admitted he did not invite the governor because “it is difficult to be someone who thinks he is God” (referring to Espino).

ARROGANT

“To my mind, such language is highly libelous, unbecoming of a public official and a gross disrespect to a duly elected governor,” said Bince, adding that in his almost 20 years as board member, “This is the first time that I heard a very arrogant and imperious Municipal Mayor uttering derogatory remarks against a superior and a Governor.”

Bince further said he finds “seditious” Navarro’s declaration when the latter acknowledged the defeated gubernatorial candidate as “my governor”.

With Navarro in that gathering were Mayor Hernani Braganza of adjacent Alaminos City, former Governor Victor Agbayani who lost to Espino in the last election, former Vice Governor Oscar Lambino, and Board Member Ranjit Sahani, all members of the LP.

By doing so, Bince pointed out, Navarro did not only insult the incumbent governor who won overwhelmingly in the last elections, including in Navarro’s home town Bani, and also demeaned the province and above all, himself.

Espino and Navarro, both “mistahs” of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1972, were roommates and company mates during their cadet days.

While Navarro supported Aquino in the last election, Espino stood with the candidate of his party, Lakas-Kampi.

Bince also highlighted the deepening animosity between Espino and some political leaders in Western Pangasinan which is detrimental to the province.–LM

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