Binay behaved in Davao City

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/07 July) – After being spotted by a TV news crew beating the red light in Manila, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s convoy this time obeyed traffic rules here.

Although escorted by two motor-riding cops and several other policemen, the party negotiated the major streets of this city without “wang-wang” or sirens as well as blinkers.

But the motor-riding cops waved their hands and swerved to give way to the convoy as they approached the congested portion of Diversion Road in Buhangin District before making a left turn at the Quiñones Road leading to JP Laurel Ave. [read on]

Tough Tandem

What should we expect from father and daughter tandem in Davao City? Even the new Mayor Inday Sara Duterte also vowed that the city will remain a dangerous place for criminals. It’s seems she’s just reiterating her father’s warning to the criminals in the city. Many say that this younger Duterte is much tougher than her father, many also expect  that she would strictly implement the house rules even within the premises of the city hall.

Following her inauguration on June 28, Inday Sara immediately called fro a press conference. One pretty striking statement was her stand on curbing criminality in the city. She was also asked on the possible working reconciliation with their political foe — the Nograles. She refused to answer the question. Instead, she just smiled. But in the past, she said that she is not a ‘plastic’ person and if she’s mad, she really means it.  She pointed out that the city can stand on its own feet even without the congressional funds — only referring to First District Rep. Karlo Nograles, son of her mayoralty race rival former Speaker Boy Nograles.

She has also said that even a public apology cannot mend the damages that has been done.

For his part, now Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also vowed that he will not allow the peace and order in the city to deteriorate. When asked how he can contribute since he has no longer in control of the law enforcement agencies, Duterte pointed out that the legislative body may control the release of budget. “Through the aid of legislation, we will call their (police) attention if they will not perform their duties well.”

Another Aquino

And finally, we already have a new President. By noon of June 30, President-elect Noynoy Aquino will assume office in the Palace along with his new (while some are recycled) set of Cabinet members. So what should we expect from him?

After his proclamation yesterday, he immediately called a press conference. Many asked him if what would be his priorities; many also asked what he would do on AFP Chief of Staff Gen Bangit who was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments?

He did not give specific answer to some of the questions, he just said that he will have to review all the issues or problems that the country is facing.  It is really understood that he really has to pick which should come first in the list. While on Bangit’s issue, he said that all the AFP officers who were bypassed by the CA will be reviewed except for Bangit. He did not elaborate.  However Aquino said that he will extend PNP Chief Jesus Versoza. Why? ANC’s Glenda Gloria has some thoughts to ponder here.

Let’s wait and see what Aquino can do.  Let’s give him a chance.

The real legacy

Just last Tuesday, House Speaker Prosper Nograles assured that Freedom of Information Bill will be ratified on Friday. But what happened yesterday could be unexpected for those who don’t know Boy Nograles. Months before he formallyannounced that he is running for mayor in Davao City, in his media interviews here in Davao, he kept on saying that he will not run for any lower position. Meaning, he wont run for mayor in Davao City; instead, he may run for Senate. Right?

But then election season came and he ran for mayor against Davao City Vice Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. Eventually and as expected, he lost.

FOI bill could have been  landmark piece of legislation that could have lifted the shroud of secrecy over government transactions and data.

I think and I believe that Nograles would just want to live with what he has been labeled as: The Worst Speaker of the House. He’s a loser in the local arena, his political career is already doomed. His Big Boss will be out of the Palace by June 30.  So what’s the point of having a legacy? He doesn’t care anymore, he only cares for his son, who will replace him as representative of Davao City’s First District. He cares because the FOI Bill would surely affect the “initiatives” of his beloved son.

Kiss-Goodbye

As expected by most of Davaoeños, the younger current vice mayor Inday Sara Duterte defeated the country’s fourth powerful person — House Speaker  Boy Nograles — in the mayoralty race of Davao City.  Nograles campaigned hard to live with his dream of becoming a mayor of Davao City. But on May 10, more than 380,000 people of Davao City frustrated the House Speaker, who only earned about 160,000 votes  from all three districts here. Continue reading here.