Chiz no show at blessing of prov’l satellite office
By Bobot E. Laguna IROSIN, Sorsogon --- Mistrust over the governor, Robert Lee Rodrigueza? Or simply the invited distinguished guests were busy with their hectic schedule and prior commitments? Or to put it bluntly, loss of confidence on the governor? These questions cropped up following the conspicuous absence of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Vice Gov. Ester Hamor, 2nd District Rep. Deogracias Ramos and 2nd Dist. Board Member Arze Glipo in the blessing and inauguration of the P4.7M provincial satellite office located inside the Irosin District Hospital compound last Thursday, July 12. This, despite the inclusion of their names in the invitation and or program with each of them set to deliver her/his own message. More surprising, though, was the absence also of this town’s Mayor Alfredo “Pidoy” Cielo whose municipality hosts the satellite office and whose office at the municipal hall is just a ten-minute ride away. Much even worse was that not even one of the 14 mayors, Cielo included, and the governor’s own mother, Sorsogon City Mayor Sally Lee was present. It was a virtual snub of the governor’s invitation, political pundits pointed out. Gov. Rodrigueza led the ribbon cutting, assisted by Prov’l Board Members Ryan Dioneda and Jun Escudero of the 1st District; Tess Fragata and Barok Jao of the 2nd District and ABC Prov’l Federation president Rogel “Botox” Fulleros, who assumed the presidency replacing Neson Marana. Fulleros will serve in such capacity until such time that a new president has been elected and duly qualified. Also present were Irosin Vice Mayor Christian Lim, who represented Mayor Cielo and delivered the welcome remarks; Bulusan Vice Mayor Reuel Fortades, Sta. Magdalena Vice Mayor RR Espela, Juban Vice Mayor Wilmore Haboc, some municipal councilors and punong barangays. A concelebrated mass preceeded the blessing officiated by Rev. Fathers Alberto Futol, Policarpio Lagco and Carlo Gabortero. Governor Rodrigueza, in his message, said the satellite office was a realization of his election promise to bring the provl capitol closer to his constituents in order to facilitate delivery of services. He also asked for understanding and forgiveness for whatever shortcomings his administration has committed . Political observers say the satellite should also be filled up with staff similar to that at the main capitol building in Sorsogon City otherwise it would become a white elephant unable to serve the public, and a waste of money.