December 17, 2009

Patronage politics is something a lot of people dislike. It results to inefficiency, bad public service, dependency, warlord type scenarios, misplaced gratitude and awkward scenarios.

The thing with wanting to serve people in an official elected capacity in government is that you need the support of groups, sectors, politicians, political parties, individuals and organizations. This might lead to some deals, compromises or exchanges of favors. As such, this might affect the quality and level of governance and public service.

I am blessed to have run as the only UGYON candidate in the last 2007 elections who was eventually adopted as guest candidate by the Genuine Opposition. I must admit I have a political debt of gratitude but it is not to politicians or political parties but to the people of Iloilo City. My master is not a particular political personality or a political party but my bosses are the residents of the City. With this, I am given more leeway to move around and to have a much better perspective to decide well and independently on what is best for the City of Iloilo in terms of my legislative motions, my special programs and projects and on my stands regarding particular issues.

I would like to end with my usual spiel or battle cry, “Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo”. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

December 10, 2009

Not all are given continuous warm support and welcome by the people. Not all are recognized well and appreciated. Not all are supported by various groups, individuals and sectors regardless of their political affiliations. Thus, it is a great honor, privilege and a big blessing to be given and afforded such by the various political personalities, groups, sectors, communities, individuals and the residents of the City of Iloilo in general.

Just like when I filed my COC in the year 2007, I officially brought the banner of partido UGYON and I was also a Liberal Party member, the second time around I filed my Certificate of Candidacy (COC) using both nominations of the LP and the UGYON party. Moreover, I am guest candidate of the Trenas Group that heads the NP Iloilo City Chapter while being supported by the LP group headed by Vice Mayor Mabilog while still having my UGYON party group intact and it even grew. I also thank Councilor Perla Zulueta for being a great mentor and guide and more than that for being one of the few real friends in politics. I am thankful of the warm support of the women sector, elderly sector and most especially the youth sector. Furthermore, I am very much grateful of the partnership I have with the labor sector, civil society, academe, business sector, ethnic and religious communities, entrepreneurs, small and medium vendors, barangay officials, community and socio civic leaders and groups and to all the others who have been open to working for the best interest of the City of Iloilo.

Let us continue to work well and harmoniously. Let us move mountains. Let us make things possible. Let us do well for our beloved Iloilo City.

I would like to end with my usual spiel or battle cry, “Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo”. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.