By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
BACOLODNONS are currently being entertained by an unexpected drama at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
The drama, which some quarters view as “political in nature”, started at the controversial Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTA), a section under the City Mayor’s Office (CMO), and then metastasized so fast up to the City Administrator’s Office (CAO).
Some say this is part of the “cleansing process” gradually being initiated by Mayor Albee Benitez.
Kinda weird that this drama unfolded on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day.
LIBA OUT, PATRICK IN
Let’s start with BTAO.
Mayor Albee publicly announced on Oct. 31 his decision on the recent spat between Councilor Al Victor Espino and BTAO chief, Police Major Junji Liba re: corruption issue.
The mayor cited two major reasons culled from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) investigation report in axing Liba – unwarranted BTAO tickets cancellation and breach on the city’s truck ban.
A little rewind: Espino alleged there’s corruption at BTAO, but Liba denied such.
Espino filed a resolution at the city council, calling for an immediate probe on BTAO.
Though it has no power to probe, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) okayed Espino’s resolution.
The mayor ordered Liba to vacate his post the following day, before the probe could start.
Patrick Lacson, consultant to the mayor on traffic, replaced Liba via Executive Order No. 0168 issued by the mayor on Nov. 1.
Espino, chairman of the committee on transportation and traffic, hailed Lacson’s appointment as new BTAO chief.
Lacson, former provincial board member in Negros Occidental, promised to get rid of corruption among other distasteful issues hounding BTAO.
‘UNBELIEVABLE’
Liba described Mayor Albee’s decision to ax him as “unbelievable”.
“He (Mayor Albee) judged me without calling my attention, without getting my side,” he lamented.
Liba knew that he was already axed only from the media that sought his reaction on the night of Oct. 31.
He said he was willing to step down anytime and go back to the police, but he should have been given time to explain his side.
Liba said he was a victim of “injustice” and “unfair treatment”.
‘JUSTICE FOR LIBA’
On Nov. 2, a Facebook post from a certain Iron Nasm titled “We Demand Justice for Maj. Liba” made the rounds on social media. Such was liked, hearted and shared by thousands of netizens.
Iron Nasm stressed, “The judgment and decision to remove Maj. Liba from BTAO should have been based on evidences and facts presented during the investigation. It should not be influenced by powerful political allies.”
Iron Nasm, demanded justice for the ill-fated police major: “Justice for Liba is justice for Bacolod!”
‘NGA-A WALA GINPAMATI-AN SI PAPA?”
Following Iron Nasm’s FB post was that of MJ Third Liba, the 22-year-old son of Maj. Liba.
In a lengthy post FB post, he lambasted what he branded as a one-sided decision against his father.
“Nga-a wala mo ginpamati-an si Papa? Di ba, ikaw nag-appoint sa iya?” asked MJ.
His question was directed at Mayor Albee.
MJ said he knew his Papa (Maj. Liba) was not corrupt, and he’s proud to shout it out to the whole world. “In my 22 years of existence, never in my life that my father got involved in corrupt activities.”
“I can’t stand watching my father suffering the inequality and unfair judgment,” he added.
MJ further stated: “Calling the attention of the mayor. Bilang mayor, tani before ka mag-judge sang tawo nga ikaw man mismo nag-appoint, tani may concrete evidence kag indi one-sided.”
‘SHOCKING’ RESIGNATION
Coming on the heels of the BTAO brouhaha was the “shocking resignation” of City Administrator Pacifico “Boyet” Maghari III also on Nov. 1.
Maghari cannot be reached for comment as of this writing, but Mayor Albee said he respects the former’s decision, supposedly to focus on family-related concerns.
However, several Bacolod lawyers and political pundits are skeptical.
The city administrator is an alter ego of the mayor, so why did Atty. Boyet resign? The lawyers are asking. Invoking family-related matters is a “motherhood statement”, they added.
In sum, the “axing and exiting” moments at BCGC are unexpected and put the spot light on Mayor Albee. How he navigates this is being watched with great interest by all Bacolodnons./PN
