Waste of money

Ben Contreras

WASTING public funds may not be a crime but the dishonesty that goes with it is.

Toward the end of his term, Misamis Oriental Gov. Antonio “Bobong” Calingin painted the capitol building green. Unfortunately, he lost to Oscar Moreno. Soon after taking over, Moreno repainted the capitol building white. I reacted over a radio program about it, questioning the propriety of spending millions on something that has no need for repainting.

Moreno replied that he wanted it white to signify purity in governance. I leave that to the people of Misamis Oriental to judge.

Moreno has a knack for repeating history. Soon after taking over the reign at city hall, he had it renovated, repainted and refurbished. I wonder if these were among the priorities in his “Primehat” platform of government. But he did spend a fortune on these. What for? Why?

The answers probably lie in what suppliers were saying in whispers that this and that were overpriced. A consultant of his, not to be outdone, allegedly earned his share of overpriced transaction by buying from one store at a very cheap price and issued receipt from another establishment at a much higher price. Who else are into this? We’ll never know until the businessmen speaks out.

The renovations of Duaw and Gaston Parks, were they also parts of the “Primehats” platform of government? Until today, it’s not clear who spent P5 million for the Duaw Park renovation, only to be destroyed when the Jica mega-dike project started.

The Gaston Park also underwent renovation. How much did the city government spend for it? Where are the fountain heads now? Gitaya na gyud or somewhere else kept as historical relics of the past? Now, they’re at it again, dancing fountain costing P15 million, according to the foreman who claimed that the budget was approved by the city council? Really?

Councilor Elipe denied any approval of such budget by the city council. He remembered the original proposal was P10 million. Now, it’s P15 million. So, which is which? Is the additional P5 million for campaign funds? Just asking.

The supposed dancing fountain project is covered with plastic but we were not denied entry when we went there while waiting for the “Champ” mass to start.

It’s too early to judge. We saw diggings that reveal the piping facility of the old fountain, and nothing more that are newly bought and installed. At the center, we saw hollow blocks piled into something round in shape being applied with finishing cement coating. I hope these are not all that’s there is to it.

And, hey, I noticed the ground cracking. So soon! I even forgot about the pictures I took. It’s about those protruding metals on what looks like base for lamp post. Oh, that dangerous for people who may accidentally fall on them. Tusok gyud.

Oh, the rush to perdition.

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Another month and it would be Christmas. What I saw on Facebook was a good reminder that we should not waste good food. Instead, save it and give it to those who have not taken any for days.

Every Chirstmas, I am reminded of a person who gives and shares his blessings not only because it’s also his birthday (Dec. 25) but whenever the need arises. He’s been a model for his children who follow his way. Bless you, Jessie Co.