Not Hers, But His

Are we a majority held in restraint because of political differences among our leaders who, by their rapacity to hold on to their present positions, bypass our intelligence? Is that how lowly they regard their constituents?

Take, for example, this nagging proposition to create another congressional district spliced from an existing one that has triggered a mistrust even among political allies. Yes, we want a third district because it will translate into P70 million annually for infrastructure development, social welfare, health and education benefits for Zamboanga — the largest little city in the world. But how long will the process to have one take? Who should be the players in the quest for a third congressional district?  I say, Congressman Erbie Fabian, and not Congresswoman Beng Climaco-Salazar, should be in the forefront of legislating for a new district. It is his district, after all, that will be subdivided, not Mrs. Salazar’s. If an author for the bill pushing for the creation of a third district is to be had, it should be Cong. Fabian.

I have learned a few things from Mrs. Salazar’s late father as she has learned a few things from me. Make no mistake about it — the Jaldons and the Climacos were political allies in the 50s and 60s. That’s how close our families are. It has come to people’s attention that Cong. Salazar has a draft bill proposing to create a new district. It is said that she has given a period to time upon which Cong. Fabian should concur or reject the proposal. With or without concurrence she will go ahead and file the bill in the House. Wouldn’t it be more prudent for the two national legislators to sit down and talk about it rather than for Mrs. Salazar to file the bill without proper and expanded consultation? Another thing, is the City Council, now cryptic in its judgement as elections draw nearer, the correct public arena to ventillate the issues surrounding this piece of legislation?

We are all crystal gazers. But what our leaders sometimes decide may not be good for us. We can only wish for the best for our fortunes lie with them. I have heard Cong. Fabian pronounce that if ever a bill is filed in the House, he will be the author of that bill, implying that Cong. Salazar should remove her hands from the cookie jar. In which case, Mr. Fabian being the author of that bill won’t come about in the next three months because he is flying to the land of milk and honey to honor a scholarship grant at Harvard University in Boston (where, incidentally, the Celtics aren’t drinking tea but Red Bull, Chicago style). In any case, will Cong. Fabian, granting for the sake of argument that Cong. Salazar files the bill, contradict and denounce the proposed measure, a statute that will divided his stronghold in the east? You answer that.

How about the position of City Hall where hizzoner has prominently enunciated his disapproval to such a measure basing on the people’s temporary negative reaction to it? Considering the circumstances, it’s a stalemate, until our three most prominent and distinguished leaders discuss this issue intelligently for our best interest. There are so many pressing problems besetting our city that need to be urgently and swiftly addressed. Nay, we might even be “oinked” by the Swine Flu (God forbid!). To debate on whether or not we should have a third congressional district should be the least of our morning mental exercises. We just can’t be beaten to the mud with a lash like the slaves of Egypt in Moses’ time simply because we refuse to build a new congressional dimension.

Henry Wadworth Longfellow once wrote: “Don’t cross the bridge till you come to it. It is a proverb old, and of excellent wit.”