THE PEN SPEAKS
Danny O. Sagun

THERE seems to be no turning back anymore for Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim as regards his congressional comeback bid. Just look at his posters hanging in every conspicuous corner of the city and maybe in the other towns of the fourth district already although we have yet to see one in our humble town of San Jacinto.

Innocent as the billboards and posters may appear to be, basically just congratulating the new graduates this school year, a closer look other wise. BSL introduces himself, not as mayor of the city but as “former congressman.” The word former was written quite small you’ve got to go near it to read it. The word congressman was written in big letters and easily read from afar.

The purpose was obvious. He wants to present himself again to his former constituents in the district as an alternative to House Speaker Joe de Venecia.

Speaking of posters, tarpaulin-made at that, there are many such posters hanging everywhere. These are not promoting goods or products but — politicians. Faces of city officials –the mayor, the vice-mayor, and the councilors – are prominently displayed.

Purportedly, they are there congratulating the new graduates, inviting the public to join the celebration of the coming Bangus festiva or promoting a government program/project. Our politicians are not only circumventing the law as regards such wanton display of campaign paraphernalia. They are mocking it too in promoting themselves thru the radio.

Radio plugs are now a common fare featuring politicians conveying messages or themes of almost any sort they can think of. A recorded voice of one Rachelle Arenas is heard daily over radio pitching for environmental care and protection. Well, the lady has to use every means to sell herself fast to the third district voters being a neophyte politician as her supposed rivals have already long been in the political arena one of whom is Bayambang Mayor Leo de Vera.

Such acts are plain political campaigning. Of course they can always claim they are not actually campaigning for political office since there is no scheduled election yet at this time. Expect more similar gimmicks by other hopefuls.

Before the actual 45- or 60-day political campaign even starts, posters will have dotted almost every corner, and radio plugs of all sorts, mostly inane, will have been played in all radio stations. Is there any violation? There is but who cares? Unless somebody brings a case to the courts or to the poll body, the politicians will have their way. Have we heard of somebody jailed for breaking the election law?

For any reaction, you may reach me at danielsagun@yahoo.com

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MISIDENTIFYING a person is a big no-no. That’s why we have to check and re-check our articles particularly on the spelling of names and their positions or designations.

In a souvenir program for the graduating students of the national high school in that small fourth district town, written under the name of San Jacinto Mayor Rudy Columbres was “Principal II.” The position belongs to principal Calugay.

Could that have been one of the reasons the mayor opted to skip the graduation ceremony? In a way, he must have felt insulted. But it appears there are deeper reasons for his no-show.

Trouble is brewing in that school. If not immediately checked, the result could be disastrous.

Calugay has been petitioned by some teachers t leave the school for alleged irregularities nd as a result the teaching staff is now deeply divided. One group is composed of teacher’s backing the retention of the beleaguered principal, while on the other side is a group of teachers and some department heads asking for his head.

Among the complaints raised against Calugay was that he allegedly demanded money from new teachers and substitute teachers. A substitute teacher in an affidavit claimed he was sacked for failing to give his “donation.”

The teacher however received word from the municipality government that he could continue teaching as his pay will come from the municipality. On learning of this, the principal reportedly snubbed the offer, perhaps taking offense at the local government’s ‘intrusion.’

Late reports say Calugay was told to pack his things. An OIC from the Pangasinan II division is soon to be assigned there.

Concerned parents there want a dedicated trustworthy principal who looks after the welfare of the school, the teachers and most of all the students, and not his/her pocket.