‘Kuto’

Ben Contreras

THIS succession thing is quite interesting. We’ve been so used to “whoever has the highest number of votes.” Period. So, in the event Vice Mayor Ian Acenas is installed mayor, who will be the next vice mayor? Is it councilors Candy Darimbang or Ramon Tabor? Candy claims she should be the one. Tabor says, “No, it should be me.”

On April 12, 2014, the then DILG director for Region 10 Rene Burdeos wrote a letter to Darimbang, a part of which reads: “Furthermore, this office takes due notice of the therewith attached copies of Canvass of Votes by the City Comelec which determined you as the highest ranking city councilor of Cagayan de Oro City, the act of recognition/confirmation being within this competence and jurisdiction.”

Yet, in a radio interview with acting DILG regional director Noli Castañeda, he seemed to have a different view and interpretation. “Whoever gets the highest percentage, votes garnered against number of registered voters, wins.”

So, let’s go to the record. In District I, Darimbang garnered 53,357 votes. Taking it against the number of who actually voted, she would get 50.79 percent. If taken against the number of registered voters in her district, she would get 40.59 percent.

In District II, Tabor garnered 53,732 votes. Taking it against the number of who actually voted, he would get 45.15 percent. If taken against the number of registered voters in his district, he would get 36.68 percent.

If that is what Castañeda mean, then Darimbang should succeed as vice mayor. Can it still be any clearer?

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Even if we question the intention and motivation of William Guialani, the fact still remains that he is getting the attention of everyone interested in politics.

Yes, he was just an ordinary barangay chairman. But even the size of a “kuto” can make your scalp uncomfortably itchy. Perhaps, Oca Moreno didn’t think he could cause so much trouble for him.

I hardly know Guialani until he started sending documents to me. At one point, I even doubted the authenticity of his documents. But Guialani dogged me like a persistent lover. He wouldn’t stop until I wrote about what he sent me.

For those who knew him better, Guialani is one that won’t stop until he gets what he wants. Step on his foot, and he will always get even.

He is in the limelight. It’s good publicity at no cost. We will never know if the public would take him seriously or not. But if it is his destiny to win, who are we to question that?

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In reaction to my previous column, I was finally informed about the identity of the victim. God, may his soul burn in hell!

And for those who wish to accompany him in hell, well, it’s a matter of choice, really.

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A simple hut is taking shape in my little farm in Libertad. What I intend to do next would entirely depend on my health, and how much time is left for me in this world. While roaming around, I thought that when we were young, we dreamt of big houses and cars as if these are the measures of success in life.

Now, at my age, I think life can be very simple but happy when you’re nearer to Mother Nature.

Former councilor Bob Ocio has a small land up in Taguanao. He worked on it himself, taking in hands that shares the bounty his land can offer. He plants trees and fruit trees, raises farm animals, and also takes good care of those who help him. Bob has never been selfish.

I wish to turn my little farm like his so my family could enjoy the beauty of being close to nature.