Integrity and Excellence Mark Kalibo Governance

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Picture shows former Kalibo Vice Mayor William Lachica explaining his program of government in case he wins in the May 10, 2010 local election as Mayor of Kalibo. Others in the picture are (l to r) Robert Mejes for Vice Mayor, Jun Beltran for Mayor, Lachica, and Hon. Madeline Regalado for Vice Mayor.

"Kalibo Governance" is the topic of the weekly Kapehan on February 13, 2010 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. The guests included candidates Pablo C. Beltran, Jr. and Roberto A. Mejes (Independent) running for Mayor and Vice Mayor respectively. From the Bigkis Pinoy are former Vice Mayor William Lachica and SB member Madeline A. Regalado seeking the posts of Mayor and Vice Mayor respectively. Also present are Andrewlini D. Sualog, an independent SB candidate.

Quest to the top of the leadership pyramid begins before the local campaign period and members of the tri-media grill candidates of their platform of government. The final decision rests upon the 43,020 registered voters of Kalibo.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente said that politics is the art and science of governance. Managing people can be challenging since they have different needs and interest. However, the principle involved is to seek the common ground that benefits the big majority.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino quoted the Supreme Court decision on the case Perez vs Sullon, 40 Official Gazette, third suppl. 256 as follows: "As long as government is an end to be achieved and safeguarded, suffrage, whatever may be the modality and form devised, must continue to be the means by which the great reservoir of power must be emptied into the receptacular agencies wrought by the people through their Constitution in the interest of good government and the commonweal."

"Republicanism in so far as it implies the adoption of a representative type of government necessarily points to the enfranchised citizens as a particle of popular sovereignty and as the ultimate source of the established authority."

Mr. William Lachica has a long experience in public office. He started as Brgy. Captain of Andagao, elected SB member and later Vice Mayor of Kalibo. His latest position is with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

He said that his basic mission is to create a progressive and peaceful environment necessary for the growth of business and industry. For a growing metropolis, he plans to undertake urgent projects namely: a) Dumping site at Bakhao Sur long an environmental health hazard to be relocated to a six hectares area in Balete; b) Health services – provide primary health care in all barangay health centers. Indigent families shall be given access to free consultation and medical drugs; c) Tricycle franchise issuance – authority to regulate and issue TC franchise must be taken over by the SB; d) Drainage system – proper funding of the master plan to improve sewerage and sanitation; and d) Street lighting installation/improvement of street lights to minimize traffic accidents and crimes. It can also promote healthy night life such as a stroll in the park.

Engr. Jun Beltran is one time seaman now successful businessman. He said that his foray into politics is borne out of his sincere desire to serve public interest. He outlined his program of government as follows: a) Health – primary health care, b) Education – full support of education program from pre-school to post graduate, c) Employment – oppor-tunities for being employed in business and industry must be offered in Kalibo rather than abroad, d) Infra development – street lighting, sewerage system, and river flood control, e) Tourism – scenic tourism spots and Ati-Atihan, f.) Peace and Order – Police visibility and strengthening of Brgy. Lupong Tagapamayapa, and g) sports development – Brgy. sportsfest.

Hon. Regalado is a teacher by profession, married to a businessman, and SB member from 2004 up to present. Her legislative agenda is closely tied up with that of Mr. Lachica. Confident and assertive, she makes no idle talk about corruption in public office saying that it’s not her cup of tea. Ask whether to cooperate with an executive coming from another party as a result of the election, she immediately responded yes.

Mr. Mejes has a BSC title and Master in Public Administration. He had a stint with the Department of Agriculture, Committee Chairman of Lupong Tagapamayapa and Coordinator, Urban Poor in Oyo Torong. He bared that his interest in public service is towards uplifting the poor to become economically stable, educated, and productive.
RA 9003 or Ecological Waste Management Act has been a nagging issue with the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo since the passage of the law in 2000.

The 2.7 hectares dumping site at Bakhao Sur is declared environmentally hazardous by DENR five years ago. Typhoon Frank simply expedited the process in 2008. It is noteworthy that a possible relocation site in Balete could be negotiated and a sanitary landfill could be constructed. Acquisition cost will be P3 million while developmen is P20 million.

Observance of common poster area incorporated in the Omnibus Election Code must be respected and obeyed by everyone concerned. With February 9 as the start of election campaign for national elective positions, LGU Kalibo and Comelec do not yet have common poster areas for all campaign ads. It is gratifying to note that all political parties will cooperate in this regard.

Minors in conflict with the law (less than 1 year old) have frequent brashes with the laws that need to be corrected. RA 9343 prohibits incarceration, but in some cases authorities recommend rehabilitation. According to SP Secretary Odon S. Bandiola, there is pending resolution for the establishment of Provincial Center for Youth Offenders. Objective shall be focused on learning livelihood skills, values formation, and citizenship training.

On the issue of corruption, it is noteworthy that all candidates disdain the mere shadow of the word. "Public office is a public trust. We are for accountability and transparency. For me, there is no such thing as payback since what I do is based on goodwill." Above are too good to be true unless proven otherwise. We sincerely wish all elective officials to be clothed with integrity and excellence in our path toward nation building. At least we could make a difference not only for now but in the succeeding generations.

Integrity and excellence are the hallmarks in good governance. /MP