“Everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after we have to remember we are all on one side” – Barack Obama
The 16-0 slogan of Team Asenso led by Congressman-elect Albee Benitez and Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya almost swept the local positions with only one “casualty” among the councilors. This did not come without bumpy rides and turbulence caused by trolls suspected from political opponents. The heavier beating was courageously absorbed by Gasataya who despite almost unbearable attacks and baseless accusations carried on supported all the way by his leaders to victory. Simply put, the aggressive, relentless dirty attacks boomeranged. It was observed that the two camps’ campaign messaging was completely different from each other – the first heavily characterized by attacks and accusations and the other with pure plans and programs. Others opined that the former’s approach led to their downfall.
Political rallies are avenues provided to present track records and campaign commitments and not to discredit much less personally attack political opponents. The logic that attacking an opponent gives an advantage is a ploy that disrespects the socio-political sensibilities of the electorate. It has no place under the sun, enriched and protected mainly by the new generation and community leaders who have despised old school and outdated forms of campaigning. They are without substance and self-destructive.
HEAL AND UNITE
Now is the time for political healing extremely necessary for a meaningful change. Real change and sustainability will take place without healing and unity. Bacolodnons give it to Vice Mayor Familiaran who conceded defeat presumed as an honest and sincere acceptance in his failure to capture mayorship against Congressman Greg Gasataya. On the other hand, former Mayor Bing Leonardia has already thanked his supporters for being with him all the way. This implies concession of defeat to Mayor Albee Benitez. By social media accounts Councilor Enoy Novero has yet to issue a statement after the proclamation of Councilor Kalaw Puentevella as the next Vice Mayor. We know Councilor Enoy as one of the most professional and steadfast political figure and I must assume he has accepted his fate.
A reconciliation among divided groups to move forward is important in pursuit of the continuity of change in realizing a Bacolod super city vision. Moreover, the synergy and harmony of officials and the support of Bacolodnons are crucial and equally important. Another is inclusivity whereby there is stakeholder-ship from the business and industry sectors and the pursuit of the national government for a “new Philippines” manifested by its agencies and other instrumentalities.
The May 12 exercise is only one day as part of the whole process for good governance. Bacolod leadership cannot self-defeat in its commitment, particularly to the underprivileged Bacolodnons whose socio-economic circumstances highly rely on leaders equipped with vision, commitment and resources.
VISIONARY AND UNDEFEATED
A visionary, Congressman-elect Albee Benitez the man instrumental in unifying different political colors and persuasions in the city took a bold step capable of achieving a vision through a unification process believing that an ambitious plan is not possible without unity notwithstanding the risks he hurdled firmly believing this will be achieved. The next Mayor, Greg Gasataya shall continue this vision fully committed and confident with his track record and the support of Bacolodnons as his ticket in the continuity of change initiated by Benitez and his predecessors.
The deep and bigger impacts of Mayor Gasataya projects and services will be brought closer to the people, prominently health care, education, job creation, and sports development. He will swiftly enhance and develop Bacolod City with full support of the city council with other stakeholders and various sectors. Mayor Gasataya’s undefeated political record speaks of the substance of the programs and services – purely a product of his committed public service.
THREE YEARS AND BEYOND
The months of preparation for a one-day political exercise sends a clear message that May 12 is just a route for an ever changing and developed Bacolod out of visionary and committed service. The next three years is expected to be nothing but unhampered delivery of basic services while pursuing a super city status for Bacolod. And while checks and balances are a constant in a democratic space, it must be constructive and directional based.
The vision has faced criticisms more than enough to take are all absorbed by the leaders of this city. But a gentle reminder, all forms of criticisms must be constructive and put in the proper contexts – not political grandstanding.*
