“EXERCISE PRUDENCE.” This phrase has become the quote of the week in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, sparking meaty discussions that quickly evolved into legitimate local stories.
The words came from Bacolod Lone District Congressman Albee Benitez. It was delivered amid a wave of public “panic” in Bacolod on Saturday, December 13.
The anxiety followed a retweet by Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) chairperson Sonya Verdeflor of a warning from Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI).
The advisory stated that a water shortage could occur if PrimeWater — the city’s sole water utility — failed to settle its ₱11-million obligation on or before Monday, December 15.
For emphasis, an additional line in Verdeflor’s post read: “So pls [please] store water in all your big containers from now until Monday.”
The post was preceded by the word “ATTENTION” — in all caps.
Media outfits quickly picked up and amplified the Facebook post. Congressman Benitez, in turn, treated the matter as serious and moved swiftly to parry it.
He released an official statement later that same day, December 13, saying he was aware of Verdeflor’s statement regarding the BBWI–PrimeWater dispute.
“Let me be clear and unequivocal: there will be NO WATER DISRUPTION in Bacolod City. The public is urged to remain calm and assured that the delivery of water services will continue uninterrupted,” Benitez said.
He added: “At the same time, I respectfully call on all parties to exercise prudence and responsibility in issuing public statements. While transparency is important, communications that may cause unnecessary panic, confusion, or anxiety among the public should be avoided.”
CAREFUL JUDGMENT
Let us dissect that statement.
Correct me if I am wrong, but my simple analysis is this: Congressman Benitez’s official statement carried weight — heavy weight. Line by line, it read like a form of professional rebuke directed at Verdeflor, whom he himself appointed to the BACIWA Board before stepping down as mayor of Bacolod.
To be clear, “exercise prudence” means using careful judgment, foresight, and caution in decision-making and public action.
Did Benitez’s statement imply that Verdeflor exercised poor judgment in the BBWI–PrimeWater controversy? A lapse that allegedly triggered public panic?
Benitez’s statement was, frankly, lethal to her integrity. Thus not a few wondered if Verdeflor has started considering giving up her post. Her continued stay in the BACIWA Board, they say, could place her deeper into a “world of doubt.”
MUST DECIPHER
There is no question that Verdeflor is a capable lawyer and a seasoned public servant. There is also little doubt that her intention in retweeting BBWI’s warning was well-meaning, undertaken in her capacity as BACIWA Board chairperson. It falls within the orbit of her mandate.
So to publicly rebuke her through an official statement — without naming her, yet clearly referring to her — is quite startling.
Congressman Benitez appointed Verdeflor to BACIWA. But is that a license to make a public admonition?
“Exercise prudence.” The phrase is loaded. It has a lot of implications. Verdeflor must decipher it and reflect on it.
As a lawyer, I believe Verdeflor is financially secure enough not to cling to BACIWA merely to salvage her image or reputation. Is holding on worth it?/PN
