Cordial Gubernatorial Debate

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

A constructive political debate envisions fair and balanced discussion of candidates’ vision/opinions on various issues of common interest to the people they hope to serve. The weekly Kapehan special edition on Gubernatorial debate was held on April 10 at Aklan State University, Industrial Technology Convention Hall, Kalibo. The lone guest speaker was Atty. Leovigildo "Lovell" T. Mationg (Independent).

Incumbent Gov. Carlito S. Marquez (Kusog–Tibyog) in a letter read by Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, moderator mentioned his request not to participate in the debate since he has tangible record of accomplishments done for the people of Aklan for the last six years. His program for the third term continues a tradition of leadership by example and consensus. Virtually, the Administration gains can speak for itself particularly the passage of Annual Development Investment Plan, Billion pesos Provincial Budget, Environmental Code, Tourism Code and State of Provincial Address says Gov. Marquez.

Atty. Mationg has served the power sector (Akelco) for 12 years until 2001 as member of Board of Directors (BOD) and later its General Manager. He ran for congressman in the lone district of Aklan in 2001 but lost to incumbent Vice Gov. Billie Calizo – Quimpo.

The lone Makaton-on contender maintains that he never suffered from personal credibility and accountability gap in his public life. He is passionate against trumped up charges dismissing them as politically motivated while heading the multi million pesos NEA controlled power project. For the record, he has resisted moves to increase power rates in order to protect poor consumers. "At that time, my monthly pay was P18,000 as manager. Today, a member BOD receives P20,000 aside from stupendous allowances," Mationg pointed out.

He subscribes to the adage that the only thing that is permanent in this world is change. Atty. Mationg is banking on Aklanons to change for the better. "Owa’t ginaga-id sa kapobrehan", a popular slogan of Gov. Marquez has backfired. The bitter truth is that "Mga Akeanon gina eansang sa kapobrehan", probably referring to the present 41 percent poverty incidence from 32 percent six years ago.

"Gov. Marquez virtually failed in his mission to uplift the masses from poverty. To ensure victory, he masterminded the creation of United Leadership Coalition of Kusog & Tibyog parties. In this scenario, voters have no choice hence, democracy is dead in Aklan." (It isn’t dead since he is now a candidate.)

Atty. Mationg unveiled his seven (7) point agenda of provincial governance which are: Health and medical services – priority access to the poor or underprivileged. Universal health care for all families, b) Poverty alleviation – program/projects for economic livelihood, c) education – strengthened provincial and municipal school boards, d) peace and order – full implementation of existing laws and ordinances, c) infrastructure – investment in roads and bridges, irrigation, school buildings and others, f) environment – solid waste management in both urban and rural areas, and g) social services – include women and children’s groups, senior citizen, disabled persons, and others.

Corruption is now a common by-word and expediency in our political forum. The main reason is that our country has become the most corrupt in Asia and 12th in the world according to the Hongkong Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, Ltd. This is our cheap homegrown product of good quality but is not exportable. Aklan is not spared of this deadly scourge threatening foreign investors. Given this grim assessment, let us join hands to reverse the cruel hand of fate.

The list of abominable crimes allegedly committed by the present administration are the following: Medical supplies and equipment at provincial hospital being supplied by a crony of Gov. Marquez, P70 million fund under garnishment from jetty port, Caticlan; thirty percent SOP for public works contract, P500 per square meter real estate sale to Asea One Power Corp. from an original cost of P10.00 per square meter, property owned by Gov. Marquez.

The lone oppositionist decried big government’s intrusion into private education development by directly competing in its Nursing decree program tie-up with ASU Banga. Atty. Mationg charged that the Administration of Gov. Marquez has usurped and stifled private education initiatives rather than discharge its mission of providing assistance, guidance and moral support for their growth and sustainability. Affected schools are St. Gabriel and Aklan Polytechnic Colleges that are struggling with increasing operating cost and modernizing its facilities.

Obviously, what is happening here is that the above issues cannot be clarified simply because Gov. Marquez chose to inhibit himself from the debate. Probable remedy could be to file charges before a proper court such as the Ombudsman. (But this is election campaign season.) Meanwhile, it is up to Aklanon voters to decide and investigate for themselves the truth of these allegations.

Atty. Mationg at the moment may be basking on his opponent’s weakness. But one thing remains of his tarnished image which he admits: being ousted from Akelco by its BOD. It would have been different had he filed his resignation earlier to save face. Nevertheless, he considers all these are trials in life, a blessing to him and his family.
It is lamentable that agriculture, fisheries and tourism were overlooked by the speaker which are considered the main economic engine of growth of Aklan. He should have given serious consideration to the dwindling agricultural productivity and tourism entrepreneurship in Boracay controlled by foreigners and non Aklanons. Consequently only a minuscule percentage of total labor force is left to Aklanons.

Tri media coverage of the special edition were RGMA Superadyo, IBC Radyo Budyong, Kalibo Cable TV and local tabloids. It is significant that several text messages addressed to Atty. Mationg on specific issues were received and duly answered. Due to lack of time, some questions were not answered. Indeed, it was a healthy and welcome event although non-confrontational. Nevertheless we hope to hear from the side of Gov. Marquez a clarification of issues above raised in the future edition of Kapehan Sa Aklan. /MP