I believe in politics of
performance – Libanan
By ALICE NICART (PIA Eastern
Samar)
May 6, 2007
BORONGAN, Eastern Samar – “I
believe in politics of performance,” thus said Mrs. Elda Libanan during the
Candidates Forum held recently. Mrs. Libanan, who is observed to be the most
popular congressional candidate of the three aspirants, looked confident sans
her husband, contrary to some early talks that she will be escorted by husband
Congressman Nonoy Libanan. A Biology graduate and a former high school teacher,
Mrs. Libanan answered squarely the questions thrown to her by Panel of Reactors.
Mrs. Libanan claimed further
that her husband has performed fairly well for the good of the people of Eastern
Samar in his three-terms as Representative of the Lone District and she aspires
to continue this since her husband who will finish his term in June have still
some unfinished business in Congress. Ask if she will be willing to give up
whatever privilege there maybe in projects implementation, the Lady Libanan said
that she is willing to give up and stressed further that she will adopt
transparency in any government transaction.
For this part, Augustine
Docena another Congressional aspirant said he felt most inferior of the three of
them (Teodolo Coquilla being the third candidate). He even used the word
“tungaw” (ticks) as he looked at himself seated in the middle of two
“millionaire-candidates” as he referred to his two political opponents. Even as
he has the least resources, Docena feels he has the grandest aspirations for
Eastern Samar from environmental conservation to poverty alleviation. He
revealed he has tried the polls many times already and if he does not make it
again in May, he will finally give up. But his burning enthusiasm to deliver the
basic services to poor out of the poor Pork Barrel prevails. Having been
included also recently in militants’ death list Docena vowed to curb the extra
judicial killings by supporting Local Witness Protection Programs.
Coquilla, whom Docena referred
to as another millionaire downplayed as well SOP’s in government transactions.
He disclosed that some under the table transaction exist even during contract
signing, and this he said before some priest, media and some selected members of
the audience, he will not tolerate. He also stressed, if possible, he will not
adopt vote-buying because it will entail a lot of expenses. On environmental
issues, Coquilla said he feels sad about the environmental damage in Manicani
Island as a result of mining firm, thus he pledge to put a stop to large-scale
mining.
The Candidates Forum held at
the Bishops Residence and which was sponsored by the Parish Pastoral Council for
Responsible Voting indeed hopes that in May, the country, Eastern Samar province
in particular will have a conduct of an honest, orderly and peaceful election.
The Panel of Reactors was composed of Rev. Fathers Lope Robridillo, Euly Belizar,
Adams Albert and Pio Aclon.
The signing of the Peace
Covenant followed with PNP and COMELEC also as signatories.
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COMELEC conducts media forum
