“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice (she was so much surprised that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass
A FUNNY thing happened at the oath-taking of elected officials of the province of Iloilo, which was interesting to say the least. In fact it got “curiouser and curiouser.”
Friday last week, June 28, was of course the much awaited oath-taking of new Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr., which by itself was already a first and historic for the province as this was the first time a son replaced his father as governor.
Along the way a bit of a sidelight happened, giving some flavour to an otherwise boring affair. Some say it not only added spice to the mix but confirmed what seemed to be on the minds of the natives.
And that light entertainment did not distract the audience from the main event; rather gave it spice, enhancing the flavour to everyone’s delight.
I’m not even talking about the guest singers who provided intermission numbers and I don’t seem to remember any dancers either.
Of course, we should not steal the limelight from Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. It was his day and we should give it to him. We’ll talk about the “oath-taking peep show” much later in the column.
What was significant, and I consider progressive, was his mention of social justice as the essence of his government.
Excerpts from the June 29, 2019 issue of Panay News:
GOAL: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Defensor Jr. says good governance not enough
Good governance won’t be enough. His administration would also focus on social justice, according to Governor-elect Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. who took his oath of office yesterday before Ilonggo Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza at the provincial capitol lobby.
Ensuring the efficient delivery basic social services is a given, he said, but “those who have less in life should have more in law, and more in the administration of the province of Iloilo.”
One way of delivering social justice, he said, is achieving food security in the province and creating an environment conducive to the growth of businesses and other economic activities that create employment for the Ilonggos.
“We want to create opportunities for our people not only to survive but to live good, comfortable lives,” added Defensor Jr., the outgoing congressman of the 3rd District.
The governor-elect also said his administration would ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all, especially the poor.
“My work, our work is not only about good governance. It is the administration of justice, social justice that is,” stressed Defensor Jr., addressing his audience that included mayors from various districts.
Achieving social justice, however, would be difficult without everyone’s support, he said, thus he appealed for everybody’s cooperation.
“I cannot do it alone. The administration of social justice needs more than just me. It needs us all,” he stressed.
Any local government official worth his salt cannot refuse that call for unity and social justice to uplift the lives of the natives of Iloilo province unless, of course, that official is only there for money, power and the ubiquitous bihon.
And finally, to satisfy your curiosity about what that “peep show” was, spotted prominently and in full force were Guimbal mayor Oca Garin and San Joaquin mayor Ninfa Garin with Vice Gov. Christine Garin and party-list representative Sharon Garin, minus former congressman Richard and newly elected congresswoman Janette (why the husband and wife tandem were missing is another story).
Just a couple of months ago the Garin family were staunched supporters of defeated governor wannabe Ferjenel Biron. In fact, re-elected Vice Gov. Christine Garin ran as his vice.
Of course, the Garins – Mayor Oca, Mayor Ninfa and Vice Gov. Christine – were there officially for their oath-taking as newly elected public officials. Nothing wrong with that; in fact, it’s good.
One can’t help but notice, though, that party-list representative Sharon Garin was not just cordial but very chummy with new 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor while they were on stage during the ceremonies. Again nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s good.
Meanwhile, both Mayor Oca and Mayor Ninfa were chatting and laughing with outgoing Gov. Arthur Sr. and wife Cossette like they were barkadas having lattes and espresso shots in Starbucks.
Which led some people to conclude that their suspicions were confirmed, whatever those were.
At the end of the day, Moi can only assume that the Garins have somehow felt the call of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for unity, support and cooperation for social justice for the natives of Iloilo province. (brotherlouie16@gmail.com/PN)
