Playing with Fire
‘Mute and epidemic’
By Gonzalo Duque
WE chanced upon Col. Isagani Nerez, our provincial director at Pedrito’s last Wednesday.
The first thing we asked him was about our beleaguered Dagupan City police chief, Col. Dionisio Borromeo.
Was he sacked? Nerez said he is just being investigated in connection with the busting of a shabu laboratory in La Union. Col. Borromeo was involved kuno somewhat with the illegal thing. What’s shuddering is that the discovered shabu lab could easily cough out a trillion peso price. Scandalously high, by golly!
If these estimators are not joking, that amount could easily solve the country’s economic woes.
But the ever careful Gani Nerez says nothing is conclusive. Still being investigated. We hope Borro will be able to free himself from the charge. We find him a good man. But he is only good as far as his acts and person tally with the truth. Better act quickly, Colonel Borro.
* * * *
We congratulate our long-time friend (parang tatay ko na) Don Pedro “Bal” Balingit for reaching age of l00 last July l6. Wow!
Our families — Balingit and Duque — are close, as Don Pedro and our papang, the late Dr. Paco, were like brothers. The tradition has been transfered to the children, that’s why we couldn’t quarrel with Albert or Boy or Cecille even if we like, he-he-he.
Many are asking, what’s Uncle Bal’s secret for longevity? When we asked him, he just smiled and said ‘ah, you know the secret, don’t you, Gonzalo?”
When we said “ok, your guess is as good as mine,” he said, “yes,” but the problem is we haven’t had any guess at all.
If you ask us, it is his good and wholesome nature. He is a friend of everyone. He laughs hard. He lives hard. Maybe, he drives hard, too.
Congratulations for being a centenarian, Tata Bal!
* * * *
We received a letter from you know who in Malacañang informing us that our school, Lyceum Northwestern University, will receive an award at the Kalayaan Hall on July 25 for being one of the ten outstanding NAST implementors on environment.
In these hard times, this kind of recognition is an inspiration.
We thank the President and the evaluators, the LNU people who made it possible and the public for enabling us to achieve that feat. We are humbled.
* * * *
You must have noticed that this column has been singling out highly performing LGU executives. It’s our way of giving honor, a grand salute to our hardworking elective officials.
This week we place the spotlight on two lovely ladies who are municipal mayors, Vivien Villar of Sto. Tomas and wife of our friend Usec Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr., and Kimi Cojungco of Sison and wife of Congressman Mark Cojuangco.
Of course, you already know what Mayor Vivien and the good people of Sto. Tomas did last February, they produced the longest corn grill in the world.
That’s not a joke, man, and so by way of recognition, the prestigious Guinness Book of Records voted for its inclusion in the honor roll. It’s Herculean to do just that.
On the other hand, Mark’s beautiful wife, Kimi, is wonderfully running the town of Sison. Earlier, many doubted if she could last the job because she has to deal with sun-tanned and barrio-based hoi poloi, but she has acquitted herself exceptionally well, and now Sison is one of the fast rising municipalities in the whole country.
Small town with a big heart, they say, because the mayor has a great dream for the town.
* * * *
The Supreme Court has dismissed the ZTE-NBN case with a l0-3 vote.
So what does that make of the senate investigation of the case? A friend who looks like former Lingayen Councilor Poly Baltazar said, “the case is already mute and epidemic.”
How about the North Rail project? Well, if you are asking, mukhang nakumpleto ang kontrata nun a. Na-derail!
(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
