Local News: Bacolod Solon Airs Pique at Bacolod City Officialdom
In what could be seen as a growing major split and now political conflict
between erstwhile political allies, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Bacolod’s
lone District Congressman, Dr. Anthony Golez which could have major
repercussions in the coming May, 2013 elections, the latter has now openly
responded 60 policies espoused in pique at what so many people consider the
widening split between both men. This was seen in Tungkaron Ta Ini radio program
over a broadcast station, DYRL, hosted by journalists Edgar Cadagat and Jeffrey
Gelangre in an interview Sunday morning until 1 p.m..
In the 30-minute interview, Congressman Golez talked about his projects during
the program, taking a dig at city government officials including Leonardia and
city councilors belonging to the majority party. He also said in a seeming
challenge to all-comers who wish to run and who covete his position, that he
will face them all. Leonardia is bruited to now be running for congressman in
the city’s lone district. This would mean that he would face Golez in the coming
2013 May polls. There have been talks earlier that Golez might run for mayor in
the city, but this information changes the equation in the city.
On the brewing issue related to the Jamstep issue which Bacolod’s schoolchildren
will attempt to set a record that could be considered in the Guinness Book of
World Records, Bacolod City said it was not on his volition that this was to be
undertaken with his cooperation, but that this was a program of the Department
of Education in that this was a policy enunciated by DepEd Secretary Armin
Luistro as part of a nationwide effort to improve the health of schoolchildren
of all ages. Allies of Mayor Leon-ardia who contend that it must be sanctioned
by the school board was not correct because the entity is not authorized to set
policies of DepEd. It has limited powers of which the Jam Step or such
activities as the Jam Step which promotes a healthy lifestyle for schoolchildren
are not included, said Golez. Golez also discussed various projects under his
office which is coordinated with him by the DPWH such as the rehabilitation and
repair of the Circumferential Road project, the Banago Port improvement and
development, that in the regional hospital which will be transformed into a
600-bed medical facility, and the health program he is carrying out in the
barangay level.
He also reiterated his criticisms on the transfer of the city’s charter
anniversary from October 19 of each year to the month of June.
The Bacolod City solon more than hinted that the Banago port improvement and
development cannot fully take off although some key developments have been
carried out, because the City Council has yet to pass an ordinance which would
indicate key measures which is needed in port developments of this kind.
Although he did not specifically blame anybody for this, the Bacolod legislator,
with hurt in his voice, more than hinted what appears to be a conscious effort
of the majority party which controls the passage of key legislation including
ordinances in the city.
A long stretch of the Circumferential Road rehabilitation and construction has
already been transformed into a four-lane highway up to near Barangay Bata.
Potholes, once pockmarking the highway have been repaired, a group of
journalists has found out. What has not been started yet is the construction and
rehabilitation of the southern portion of the Circumferential highway up to near
Brgy. Alijis up to Brgy. Pahanocoy. There has been delay apparently due to a
complaint filed by several bidders against the winning construction firm, Golez
had earlier indicated. Golez also said Bacoleños without any political
consideration should be made aware that he has established an office in a
portion of the regional hospital, to cater to people mainly patients who need
his office’s assistance. They are welcomed to pay his office a visit whenever
they need assistance, he said.
He also more than indicated he will now be running for congressman and is
willing to face any political interloper if need be.
Sources deemed highly reliable have said he is 70 percent sure of running for
reelection.
Golez said he has always emphasized that among his main concerns would also be
barangay-based projects.*
