Defeatism

Ben Contreras

 FAVORITISM in the City Mining and Regulatory Board (CMRB) is not something new. While the previous administration had the mining, the present has its quarrying, both benefiting from permit holders and non-permit holders (illegal).

Businessman Reynaldo Zarate talked to me once in Divisoria. It was not an arranged meeting but accidental. He complained of Ralph Abragan for allegedly giving him a hard time in getting his permit. It was difficult to explain to him that Abragan was actually trying to help him. He wouldn’t believe me just the same, thinking that I am already deeply biased for Abragan.

Well, Abragan was removed from CMRB because he stepped on some toes, powerful people capable of compelling others to conspire against him.

From what I heard from permit holders, it is now better to be into illegal quarrying because it is cheaper than being a legal permit holder. How is that possible? If they are not afraid of repercussions, perhaps they would tell their stories themselves.

Frankly, I am surprised that Zarate still has that problem. Maybe, Zarate is not extravagant in giving. But I can say with certainty that certain people make money more from illegal quarrying. Even legal operators have to dole out a few silvers.

I welcome the intention of Zarate to file charges. If politicians compete with legitimate businessmen, you know who will prevail. As for who are on the take, I still need more proof although information are really coming from reliable sources.

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Who are behind the attempts to clear the Marcoses? More importantly, why these attempts?

I can think of no other reason than this: the leaders after Marcos were no better. Corruption prevailed and continues until today. It is for this very reason that these propaganda are coming out on social media. A litany of Marcos achievements will leave anyone in awe if one keeps a blind eye to the dictator’s malfeasance.

Applying the same in our local scene, Dongkoy Emano is said to be running again, encouraged by the fact that his successor has not been anything but the same or worse.

The only difference is that while Moreno has a lot of projects to boast about, Dongkoy had less. Dongkoy’s projects were marred by controversies while Moreno’s projects are full of mysteries.

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It is unfortunate that Hapsay chairman Egay Uy issued this statement: “Wala na man tay bakanteng dalan. Asa man nato i-reroute?” It was defeatist. It would have been more tactful to say: “We will try to find ways.”

At any given time, how many enforcers are in Divisoria? Uy continues to claim that Divisoria as a pilot project has been very successful. My question: if it is successful, why is there a need for so many enforcers when other areas are so in need?

I saw on Facebook how Egay engaged critics in a heated exchange. Like Edwin Dael, they both stoop down to the trolls’ level, making both of them look like they’re not government officials. Dael even made one comment that unwittingly put his boss in a bad light. If they are not going to stop, they will self-destruct.

As for Egay, he should see his critics as allies instead of enemies.