Two wrongs don't make a right

I like that anecdote of a Chinese couple whose husband always went on business travels. When the wife gave birth to a Caucasian the husband complained, "Dear, two Wongs do not make a White."

Anyway, I don't agree to the immediate quitting of both Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Two wrongs do not make a right.

There should be a full-blown investigation, a due process. You don't condemn Gonzalez and Puno right away. I commend Drilon for leading the fight too.

You may not agree with Gonzalez but the fellow has political will. I like what he told television, "The problem in Iloilo is when the mosquitoes bite them, they blame me."

And Puno is good. He also has political will. I want to cheer him up in his fight against grafters. But, please, for two of them, no shortcut, please. No strong arm tactics.

***

We look at the positive side. It has some beneficial effects. I am talking of the Iloilo Capitol siege. It shows the role of media is very important. Without those video footages, that would have been nothing. Its repetitious showing sinks deep in our consciousness that strong arm tactics don't work. With this, it will be shown the administration has the political will. The opposition, too, is capable of standing up to the administration. If he chooses to run for the Senate, Gov. Niel Tupas Sr., can easily win with all the publicity he got.

If he chooses to run too for the Governorship, his son Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. can also win in Iloilo. Senator Drilon can also win as Congressman of Iloilo.

Raul Gonzalez can get a very important job if he loses to Drilon in Iloilo. But, don't discount Raul Gonzalez. His hold is still intact.

***

I thought Iloilo politics will be stale with the passing away of the well-known Stormy Petrel of the South, Rodolfo Ganzon.

But now Roding can lie still in his grave as the younger ones are holding high the banner he once hoisted.

Roding was not the original stormy petrel, though. He inherited it from Gov. Tomas Confesor who was once a Congressman.

And before Confesor there was Jose Ma. Arroyo, the grandfather of the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. They made Iloilo politics colorful, and there was Jose C. Zulueta and many more.

In comparison, Negrense politicians are tame. Well, let us be good spectators and enjoy the fight.

***

We all, not just businessmen, must stand up and support Labor Secretary Arturo Brion for his stand recommending to the President the veto of the legislated wage increase.

It is expected and many labor groups are already after his neck.

If the legislated wage increase goes into effect, it will be the laborers who will suffer as retrenchment will follow with many losing their jobs and the economy suffers.

This is just simple. Our government wanted our maids abroad to get a four hundred dollars a month pay. The maids themselves complained, asking government to withdraw it.

They said maids from other countries are willing to receive lower wages. If pushed through, the Filipino maids will lose their jobs.

I am repetitive. Wages, prices, and even rent must not be legislated. They work through the market forces. Not by legislation.

Want to destroy the economy? Legislate wages above what the economy can carry. Businesses will not only cheat. They will fold up.

***

Mayor Bing Leonardia must not complain about the civil case filed against the city officials. This is good for them. The publicity will bring out the people's consciousness that there is a government center being put up.

He was reported to have welcomed it. And yesterday he said, it is a propaganda. Yes, it is. For him. If the case prospers, I don't think it will benefit the complainant.

I also would like to congratulate my friend, former Councilor Rolando Villamor, counsel of the complainants for filing the case.

Lando Villamor is one fellow whose mouth you cannot shut. He will stand up and talk.

***

Former Bacolod police chief and now politician Vic Ponteras involved in the Salabas kidnap and murder?

Well, this is political season and everybody is fair game.

If I were Vic I will ask for a full blown investigation to be covered by media. Will this not be a big media event to promote his candidacy for whatever position he opts to run? It will.

Vic can ask newly-installed NBI supervising agent Mamerto Cortez to do the probe. And, like Philip Pecache, Cortez asks media to help him.*

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