Capiz province is neglected and underdeveloped, says Villar
SAPIAN, Capiz – Former Senate President Manuel “Manny” Villar, one of the presidential aspirants for 2010, said that Capiz province is neglected and is behind development.
“Oras na po para umunlad naman ang Capiz,” Villar said adding that it’s not enough that the public officials are all together but they have to think of the next generation’s future.
Villar, who was warmly welcomed by supporters and relatives in Capiz, was invited to crown the fiesta queen of Sapian by Mayor Arturo “Turic” Orosco, Sr. last Friday here.
According to him, Capiz province lacks infrastructure projects thus, it is behind when it comes to development as politicians tend to offer promises which they never fulfill.
Villar said that he already developed Las Piñas City and other neighboring cities and provinces during his stint as congressman and his term as senator.
Orosco, whose family runs a school located in Las Piñas, introduced Villar during the coronation of fiesta queen.
In reaction to Villar’s pronouncement, Mr. Zoe Herrera, provincial administrator, said that Villar has no basis to say that Capiz is not developed and lacks infrastructure projects.
“Capiz is not included in the 20 poor provinces nationwide,” Herrera said adding that Villar’s allegation is politically motivated.
Villar’s statement was apparently referred to Sen. Mar Roxas, political leader of Capiz who declared earlier that he will run for president in the 2010 election.
Mayors, who welcomed Villar were: Cuartero Mayor Roger Flores, Dumarao Mayor Leslie Warren Benjamen, Tapaz Mayor Rosemarie Gardose and Mambusao Mayor Jose Alba. Also present were former mayors: Sigbor Sualog, Jojie Avelino of Pontevedra, Incumbent Sangguniang Bayan Member Edmund Avelino, Cuartero Vice Mayor Joemarie Openiano with SBs and several others.
However, Flores and other mayors reasoned out that they were in Sapian because of Orosco’s invitation for lunch not because of Villar.