Sharing secrets

IF Mayor Benjamin Lim truly believes in and is sincere about his declared policy of “shared responsibility” in pursuing Dagupan’s progress, he would be gladly sending his troops to the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enlighten the council members, majority of whom are from the opposing political party, about his administration’s development programs and projects.

The city hall’s career executives and appointed officials, like Lim’s trusted City Administrator Vladimir Mata, could very well serve as the mayor’s lobbyists at the SP – with support from his allies in the minority led by no less than his own son, Councilor Brian Lim – to ensure that his excellent plans for the city are understood, approved, and provided a budget allocation.

But what we are seeing instead, which is a repeat of the struggle late last year and early this year that resulted in the delayed approval of the 2011 budget, is Lim’s adamant refusal to communicate and reach out to the SP. Echoing the sentiment of the council majority as expressed by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, the SP presiding chair, we ask: “What’s with all the secrecy?”

Transparency is at the core of good governance. An administration that refuses to answer questions that involve public funds and issues is suspect for corrupt intentions and shady deals. If the agenda is good, why keep it a secret?

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Case for Charice

CHARICE Pempengco said she was sad that she failed to show her love for her father the last 13 years or so. Charice was three years old when her father left home.  She lived with her mother and a younger brother with modest means.

As fate would have it, Charice rose to international fame as a singing sensation, earning fame and fortune beyond her wildest imaginations. But amid wealth and recognition, she never made amends with her father.  Till his dying day, Charice’s father lived in poverty. Drunk while trying to buy a cigarette, Charice’s father was stabbed dead by a thug. Charice’s paternal grandmother showed disdain over Charice’s inability to come to her Dad’s aid while she could.

Now 19, Charice sits on top of the world. If she’s happy where she is now, only she knows.

Life, indeed, is stranger than fiction.

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