Nabunturan Mayor Macario Humol et al could not yet do their partying after Wednesday’s confirmation of the provincial board of the resolution approving the controversial P90-million bond flotation that would fund for the construction of a new public market building many believe would only become a White Elephant, a waste of people’s money.
On narrow nominal vote of 6-4 in favor to the bond float, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Boardmember Maricar Zamora-Apsay (as Vice Gov. Ramil Gentugaya is on official business in Manila) and egged out by narrow arguments of proponent Boardmember Ruwel Gonzaga, made only a temporary setback to the cause of the bond flotation oppositors. It’s really far from over yet.
At this writing, the oppositors are reportedly gathering signatures of at least only 100 registered voters needed to comply for the petition through the people’s initiative provision of the Local Government Code, so that if the Comelec rules favorably, the P90-million bond flotation could be decided by the Nabunturan people themselves in a referendum.
After a two-hour raging debate and interpellation during the privilege hour where lawyer Boardmembers Dexter Lopoz (Montevista-District 1) and Gonzaga (Mawab- District 2), locked their horns in a gallery filled by the antis, a surprise came when a member of the original Lakas majority, former Nabunturan mayor and now second-termer Boardmember Dr. Ruben Flores cast a negative vote on the measure joining the Three Mosquiteers- BMs Lopoz, Neri Barte (Compostela-District 1), and Armando Codilla (Monkayo-District 1)- the known LBC hari ng padala of Ramil.
But Flores vote did not make a dent in reversing the “yes” votes of the other District 1 Boardmembers Cesar Richa (Maco), Rogelio Arambala (Laak) and Moran Takasan (Pantukan), whom the oppositors have now marked off- politically, of course.
Forgive BM Paul Galicia (Compostela) as he is a pastor, and forget BM Joselien Romano (Compostela ) as she was not elected at large being only a PCL federation representative.
At the rate the oppositors immediately shake this setback off, it’s really far from over.
Well, the mayor , Vice Mayor Romeo Clarin and their 8 pro-bond float councilors may have the first laugh now. But remember, he who laughs last laughs best. Meantime, we’ll wait what will happen next. (For online edition, visit my blog at: http://cha4t.wordpress.com)
