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BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
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Wednesday, October 4, 2017
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BEING an Ilonggo and a proud one does not necessarily mean that one is obliged to rally to the defense of corrupt politicians who are illegal drugs protectors just because those politicians happen to be Ilonggos.
When President Rodrigo Duterte announced on public television and on several speeches that “I Am Iloilo City “Mayor Jed Mabilog is an illegal drugs protector, it is an affront on Jed Mabilog and not on “I Am Iloilo City” and its inhabitants. Along that line, the President also labelled “I Am Iloilo City” as the “most shabu-lized city” and lately “bedrock of illegal drugs.”
If Edgardo Lopez Suelo is the mayor of “I Am Iloilo City”, do you think President Rodrigo Duterte will call “I Am Iloilo City” the “most shabu-lized” or bedrock of illegal drugs”?
Perhaps President Duterte will call “I Am Iloilo City” as the “Bulak City” or the “most beautified” as Edgardo Lopez Suelo is the foremost Ilonggo expert on beautification projects with international A-list clients.
It is because of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog that “I Am Iloilo City” became “most shabu-lized” and “bedrock of illegal drugs.”
Moi is proud of Iloilo City for its laidback ambiance, Hispanic culture, cuisine, Dinagyang, and above all, its football tradition.
On the other hand, moi is not proud of Mayor Jed Mabilog, Cong. Jerry Treñas and Sen. Franklin Drilon. Embarrassed would most probably describe what moi feels for all three.
Moi is pretty sure there is no need to elaborate why.
Ponder on this folks: who are the incumbent Ilonggo public officials on the local and national scene when “Odicta” and “Prevendido” became “household words” and illegal drugs became the growth industry of “I Am Iloilo City”?
For sure Jed Mabilog is not a drug lord but the fact that he turned a blind eye to the activities of drug lords makes him a drug protector, whether wittingly or unwittingly.
It is utterly stupid to equate Iloilo City with Jed Mabilog because he is not, he just happens to be the elected mayor.
If you believe that he is, then you fell for his mantra “I Am Iloilo” which is his closing line every time he speaks in public.
With or without Jed Mabilog, Jerry Treñas and Franklin Drilon Iloilo City will live on and continue whatever progress it has achieved.
Just because Jed Mabilog is up to his neck with his problems, did they cancel Dinagyang?
The only people that say and believe Iloilo City rises and falls with Jed Mabilog are fools who are completely out of touch with reality or those that profit with him i.e. his expensive consultants and the “job hirers” that are political accommodations.
Lately, something came out from the private sector which was launched a few days ago. The organizers say this will counter the negative image Iloilo City has.
Here are excerpts from the September issue of Panay News:
The Iloilo Economic and Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED) has launched the “Proud to be Ilonggo” campaign.
“Recent disturbing events have attempted to tarnish the good image of Iloilo when it has been chosen by various groups as one of the most liveable places in the Philippines, one of the best places to invest in, and as a model of good governance,” according to ILED chairman Narzalina Lim.
Lim, a former secretary of the Department of Tourism, said Ilonggos from various sectors – business, professional, civil society, youth, academe, women, religious, and media – should craft their “own destiny and work together as self-reliant private citizens; to continue the upward trajectory that the city and province have been experiencing these past 10 years.”
“Proud to be Ilonggo” will focus on two important pillars: economic development and tourism.
Now this is a good move, in fact it is commendable if politics will not interfere as long as The Iloilo Economic and Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED) stays true to what their chairman says.
If this is another gimmick to make Jed Mabilog et al. look like Mother Theresa and rally the natives of “I Am Iloilo City” to pledge undying love for Jed Mabilog, then it is best just to ignore it.
There are far more serious issues plaguing Iloilo City, foremost of which is the ridiculously high rate of electricity and the still uncertified Iloilo slaughterhouse that up to now slaughters meat that is not certified by the National Meat Inspection Service thereby making it unsafe for human consumption.
And who can ignore the flood every time it rains? The city streets turn into raging rivers.
These issues are far more important than Jed Mabilog. If he does not comeback we can always elect another mayor come the next local elections. He is expendable, he is not “I Am Iloilo City.” (brotherlouie16@gmail.com/PN)
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