Malabor snubs DOJ secretary
Believe it or not, former Mayor Mansueto Malabor snubbed Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. when they met by chance at the De Leonian Coffee Shop in Central Market Saturday morning. They were former friends but parted ways because of their political ambitions.
In a radio interview, Atty. Eldrid Antiquera, close aid of Gonzalez said they were in De Leonian having coffee with former City Councilor Antonio Pesina when they saw Malabor approaching the cashier's area. Upon seeing Malabor, Gonzalez called Malabor as "pre" (short for "pare"). Malabor did not acknowledge Gonzalez's call.
Years ago, Gonzalez left Malabor in the middle of the political race for the congressional position in lieu of his son Raul Jr. Malabor was caught flat-footed when the older Gonzalez gave the signal for his son to run in the congressional position. The former mayor expected much from Gonzalez after the latter promised to support him when Malabor runs for congressman.
It is public knowledge that Malabor is a habitue of De Leonian coffee shop.
Witnesses say Malabor not only ignored Gonzalez's call, he even made a hand gesture as manifestation of his hatred to the secretary. "Ginwahig nia ang wala nga kamot ni Gonzalez," said one customer who was present when the encounter happened. It prompted the Gonzalez's group to laugh on Malabor's act.
Antiquera said they did not expect Malabor to act the way he has shown to the secretary. Malabor should have acted professionally, he said." Malabor immediately left with his two companions and transferred to a nearby hotel.
Malabor, on his part said he has no business talking to Gonzalez. Apparently, the former mayor is still angry with the justice secretary for betraying him in 2001. "Nga-a makumpare pa ko sa iya kay ginpatay kag gintraidorahan niya ako," Malabor said.
However, Malabor stressed that he did not utter any words against Gonzalez but admitted he ignored the latter. "Ano ko ya bastos, basta wala lang ko iya nagsapak kag pareho lang nga wala ako makabati sa iya."
The former mayor also said he had no intention to join the group of Gonzalez at the table. "Ano ko ya patay huya na gid, lain gid ang buot ko sa iya kay gintraidoran niya ako," said Malabor.
The group of Malabor left the coffee shop and crossed across a nearby hotel to meet with senatoriable Nikki Coseteng and other would-be candidates for the May polls.