BY BEN CONTRERAS This guy was there with us, Managsilingan, concerned citizens, a few media people, classmates, etc. Cong. Rufus B. Rodriguez (RBR) didn’t see it coming. RBR probably thought that it was a press conference and so did I. But no, it was a trap, whoever set it up. It was a trap to convince RBR to support then mayoral aspirant Oscar S. Moreno (OSM). OSM was the only potential candidate to challenge Dongkoy at a time when clamor for change was at its peak. Thus, all the anti-Dongkoy poured their mall-out support to Moreno. But that would not be enough. The consensus was that Moreno needs Rodriguez’s support to clinch the seat. Rufus was put on the spot. The audience couldn’t accept his “neutral” line. “Congressman, this is not about Moreno. This is about CDO, our city”, one said. “If you cannot think of our city, then you are selfish”, added another which may have made the family uncomfortable in their respective chairs.  . I said my piece, too. “I will have to discuss this with my family. Give me 2 days to think it over”, the Congressman answered. Two days later, history was made. While having our lunch, this guy was seen talking seriously with the Congressman. Whatever they talked about, it’s purely between them. I supposed he belong to a group that seeks change to end corruption at the City Hall. But where is he now? He is now running under Moreno. Good choice, but not for one who seeks an end to corruption. Today, he is now a buddy to a woman who holds the purse, conducting sessions in the barangays allegedly with ready 500 bills for distribution. Who are his potential victims? The unlearned and the youth are. Change, the real Change has yet to come! Betrayal is when you failed the one who helps you. Betrayal is when you failed the people who elected you to your position. Betrayal is when you work against your principles. But the greatest betrayal is when you betrayed yourself. -0- The new Duaw Park is a product of concerned citizens’ contribution. This time, I believe it and it is laudable. Salamat sa mga kagayanon nga anaa sa America ug sa diri usab. But if the purchase of the Roa’s land was Dongkoy’s first bite of the forbidden apple, the Duaw Park’s first renovation allegedly at 5M was Moreno’s. The alleged 5M renovation of the Duaw Park was the reason why many of Moreno’s supporters left. The absence of transparency raised serious doubt on the legality of the project and left people speculating about its circumstances. Spending 5M of government money only to be destroyed in a few months to pave the way for another project is serious crime. It’s a wonder COA has been silent about it if not sitting on it.  A man was meted a life term for a 10K offense. Think again! If that religious icon was meant to warn the occupants of City Hall, that big “Warning” along the river bank didn’t work.