Polibiz
By Nelson C. Robles

Stop politicking in the name of progress

The recent death of former Congressmen Narciso D. Monfort of the fourth district of Iloilo has left a big void in Iloilo politics. Many political leaders had been orphaned, including the promising Dumangas Mayor Rolando Distura and former Passi City Mayor Jesry Palmares, two of the most dynamic leaders of the fourth district in this new millennium.

Now that the grand old man of politics is gone, both Distura and Palmares were left to carry the big responsibility of preserving the legacy of the legendary Monfort in the field of public service. Monfort, one of the most admired political leaders in this generation, had one big wish before joining his Creator: to make any of his two protégés—Distura and Palmares—heir of his splendid political empire established through sheer dedication and sincerity without purpose of evasion.

And although Monfort didn’t realize his dream of handing the congressional post he vacated in 2004 to his hijado Jesry Palmares (he lost to Ferj Biron in the 2004 polls), he was optimistic Distura would pick up the cudgels and fill the big shoes in the near future.

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This probably explains the reason why neophyte Congressman Ferj Biron is apparently insecure to Distura who has been complaining of shabby treatment from the doctor solon these past weeks. Biron, according to Distura, has been overlapping his function as local chief executive every time Biron implements his projects in the Municipality of Dumangas.

As a protocol, any nationally-funded project must course through the Office of the Mayor in any city and municipality as mandated by the Local Government Code. In the case of Biron, he reportedly implements his projects for Dumangas sans courtesy and coordination with the incumbent municipal mayor mainly because Distura is identified with the camp of Monfort.

Biron probably cannot forgive Distura until today for causing his defeat to Monfort in Dumangas during the 2001 congressional elections where Monfort walloped the young multi-millionaire physician by more or less 9,000 votes.

Also last year, Distura proved to be as impregnable and robust when he outwitted Biron’s bet for mayor in Dumangas en route to secure his third and last term. Although Biron managed to eke out a squeaker over the “poorer” Palmares, the defeat of Biron’s bet for Dumangas mayor was most painful and unforgettable as Biron’s family had vowed to wrest the municipal hall from the grip of Distura.

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My piece of advice for Congressman Biron is this: Stop the divisive and destructive politics and avoid political vindictiveness. Since politics is addition, it would be suicidal to further wage war against a perceived political enemy.

Instead of hating Distura, Biron should endeavor to win Distura in his camp. He will lose nothing but his political stock will have everything to gain. What more can he ask for? Monfort is already gone and Distura, whether Biron likes it or not, has his own die hard followers in the fourth district.  Biron must think that Distura, who is eyeing a seat in the provincial board in 2007, has a promising political career ahead of him. The handsome mayor also tots a charisma to the masa and has no bad record as a public servant. Think it over, Congressman Biron. Temprano pa mag pamolitika subong. Pang amigo ka naman abi.