What justice?

Ben Contreras

CRUSADERS for good and honest governance in the city aren’t few. But their voices are often drowned by the silence of the many especially of the politicians in our midst. Is it about honor among thieves or simply a case of “I don’t care”?

It’s the first time I took notice of that sign at the Kiosk (“Justice for Moreno”). The word “justice” is white to signify whatever. The surname Moreno is yellow apparently signifying his party affiliation (LP). The words are written against a black backdrop, probably signifying mourning.

It begs the question: What injustice has been done to him? I leave the answer to his supporters because I couldn’t think of any. But I can cite a litany of injustices committed by Moreno to our people in general and a few individuals who suffered in his hands.

Here’s one councilor trying to sell his person by engaging the service of a troll who talks of what the councilor has done and authored.  “Did you know?” he asked.

No, I didn’t. But I know this councilor pretends not to know what his mayor is doing and has been doing, probably because he is a beneficiary. And who else?

Come on, guys! No amount of deodorant can extinguish your stench. Like the old saying, we were not born yesterday.

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Former Iligan mayor Franklin Quijano recently took assumed as Phividec Industrial Authority CEO and administrator amid uncertainties borne of perceived differences between the former administrator and the board.

Knowing his working ethics and management savvy, there is no doubt that Quijano would overcome the hurdles he discovered during the initial meeting with all department heads in the organization.

This early, before he could even set his hands in motion, Phividec started celebrating its 43rd anniversary with three days of festivities (Aug. 9-11). After that, expect work, work and work.

Established on Aug. 13, 1974 under PD 538, PIA is also referred to as a subsidiary of the Philippine Veterans Development Corp. that was created under PD 243. It was established for the benefit of the veterans — they who served and gave their lives for our country.

PIA is an industrial estate covering 3,000 hectares stretching from the municipalities of Tagoloan to Villanueva. It was partially declared as a Special Economic Zone on April 11, 2008, and then a full one on June 29, 2010 by the then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Today, PIA’s landmarks are the Philippine Sinter Corp., the Mindanao Container Terminal, Steag State Power Inc., and FDC Utilities Inc., among others. These created a combined employment of 2,000 permanent job workers and another 2,000 “casuals,” more or less.

A visionary, Quijano looks forward to a more proactive approach to any endeavor, a more cooperative and interactive work force, a friendly environment for investors, responsive to concerns of locators and stakeholders, a cohesive relationship with local governments, and a deeper understanding of corporate social responsibilities.

Congratulations, Phividec and the people behind it. Mabuhay!