Playing with Fire
Incredible performance
By Gonzalo Duque
WE thank Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Vice Gov. Ferdie Calimlim, Ched Regional Director Ms. Teopie Taguibao, and Mayor Belen T. Fernandez for leading the entourage in the blessing of Le Duc Hotel last Tuesday.
Guv’nor Spines, PIO Butch Velasco told us, was on his way to the hotel when a “bumpy” stomach stopped him on his tracks, it must’ve been due to his meeting with former Rep. Mark Cojuangco at the Capitol earlier, according to Jun Velasco, president of Pangasinan Assn’ of Columnists and Editors (PACE), who was with his group at the Capitol then.
We hate to blow our horn, but take it from those who’ve seen the facility. It’s first-class. Walk-in clients couldn’t conceal their feelings.
Regarding the interior design which many thought cost millions was reasonably priced at P2.6 million, done by Ms. Hana Tan.
Regulars UL President Macky Samson, former Councilor Chito Samson, Bok Crisologo, Sual Mayor Bing Arcinue and wife Arabel, president of Pangasinan Heritage Society, Rotarians, Lion, Jaycees came in force.
Marlene Gutierrez, manager of Café Du Marc, is joining Le Duc. Great! Du Marc and Le Duc are French words, symbol of high culture. Marlene, you know, is now an institution in food, restaurateur, and culinary art.
Salamat ed sicayon amin.
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We have nothing but praise for embattled TRC Director Dennis Cunanan who has given meaning and substance to Jayceeism’s molave-like fight for what is true and morally right…yes, unlike certain Jaycees (in name only) who falsify documents to serve their selfish ends.
Dennis acquitted himself creditably well in the cross-examination. Although subjected to certain slights—which is expected—Dennis, we believe, is above board. We could see here that being in the government is really a thankless job. Kaya saludo tayo sa grit, determination ni Dennis to ferret out the truth.
Well done, Dennis!
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Mayor Belen’s forthcoming State of the City Address, should allow space for department heads to open up and talk on their respective turfs.
Apropos to this, specific and appropriate action should now be meted out on Auditor Virgilio Quinto’s findings on the illegal acts, fraud and other shenanigans committed by the past administration.
It’s long overdue.
Dumadami na ang cynical. Certain people should account for their anomalies.
Heads will roll? Dapat lang awa. That’s the essence of check and balance in a democracy!
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Auditor Quinto, we heard, is impressed with Mayor Belen’s “incredible performance” amid the seemingly insoluble odds. But Belen did it. She is really a terrific crisis manager and transformation leader.
Quinto observes that although Dagupan had no funds or was left bankrupt by the past administration, yet BTF was able to re-align funds, gave bonuses e.g., about P80,000, gave 14th month pay, and even succeeded in funding the city’s feeding program, re-painting of the Day Care Centers, and many more. Papaano, tutok sa tamang gawa.
Aha? Dian naman sa health office, which is becoming “unhealthy” due to internal bickerings, we suggest a sincere, head-to-head show-down. It’s not good to whine, grumble, and engage in shadow boxing. Mas mabuti bonoin ang problema in a sincere and honest way.
Mapalad pa rin ang ciudad kasi nagawan ni mayora ang mga prevalent na expired drugs—congrats, Shirley Quinones. Pilferage is now a thing of the past.
On the motorists’ traffic scheme naman, impressive din ang report. No more colorums! Hmm…pero up to now, a few paid hacks continue to attack Belen kesyo walang direksyon daw, etc…, blah blah blahs….but ang mga tao, the hoi poloi, the Dagupenos and visitors ay panay saludo naman!
Bahala na nga kayo, as we’ve always said, “ang pikon talo.”
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