Bishop seeks better lead amid Happy Island unrest

By Jason B. Neola

BISHOP Louie Occiano of the Diocese of Virac has called for unity, calm leadership, and a return to the true spirit of public service amid the intensifying conflicts and disputes among some local leaders in the province.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the bishop expressed concern over the impact of political infighting on public peace and the people’s trust.

“When a happy island is no longer happy because of politics, something precious has been wounded — not the land, but the trust of the people,” Occiano said.

He noted that politics, which should serve the people, has instead become a source of division, while leadership that is meant to unite has turned into a cause of conflict.

“Politics meant to serve has turned into quarrel; leadership meant to unite has become a source of division,” he added.

The statement was released at a time when public exchanges of accusations and misunderstandings among some elected officials in the province have become visible, raising concerns among various sectors about their impact on governance and community order.

Occiano stressed that every Catandunganon deserves leadership that prioritizes public welfare over personal interests.

“They deserve leaders who truly serve, not quarrel; who calm the waters instead of stirring them,” the bishop emphasized.

He also highlighted the collective strength of the Catandunganons, which he said has been proven time and again as the province faces challenges, especially during disasters.

“Catandunganons have survived storms because they stand together,” he said, calling on leaders to show the same “resilience, humility, and love for the island.”

In closing, the bishop urged leaders to realign the direction of politics in the province by anchoring it on conscience, service, and hope.

“Let leadership restore trust, protect joy, and work for unity,” Occiano said.

He ended his message with a prayer for peace and renewed unity in the province: “Lord, save us and make us happy again.”

As of this writing, the local officials involved in the dispute have yet to issue an official response to the bishop’s appeal.

Persona non grata

Adding to the province’s political tensions, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring Gov. Patrick Alain Azanza persona non grata. The move stemmed from the governor’s alleged deliberate refusal to implement an ordinance that had earlier been vetoed but was later overridden by the legislature.

The resolution was authored by Board Member Edwin Tanael, with Board Member Sonny Francisco and Board Member Santos Zafe as co-authors.

During last Monday’s session, the measure garnered eight affirmative votes from the members present, with Board Member Fred Gianan voting against it. PBMs Xyrell Albaniel, Lorenzo Templonuevo, and Dean Vergara were absent. Board Member Rafael Zuniega served as presiding officer, as Vice Governor Robert Fernandez is currently the Acting Governor.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan clarified that the declaration of persona non grata is an expression of institutional censure and does not amount to removal from office, which remains within the jurisdiction of the proper authorities and the courts.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the Office of the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of the Ombudsman, and other concerned agencies for their information and possible administrative or legal action.

According to the resolution, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan stated that the ordinance had already become final and executory after being overridden by a two-thirds vote of all members, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code. Despite this, the legislature asserted that the governor refused to implement the ordinance, which pertains to Quick Response Fund (QRF) cash assistance for residents affected by disasters.

The SP said the refusal allegedly resulted in delays in the release of immediate financial assistance to residents in need and was considered a violation of the principle of checks and balances in local government.

The resolution also cited the governor’s statements against the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and its members, whom he allegedly labeled as “illegal,” “traditional politicians (trapo),” and “corrupt.” According to the SP, these statements lacked sufficient legal or administrative basis and undermined the dignity and credibility of the institution.

The document said that: “These statements amount to a direct assault on the integrity, independence, and institutional dignity of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and constitute gross discourtesy, misconduct, and abuse of the Governor’s influence and public platform.”

“The Governor’s acts, taken together, demonstrate a pattern of authoritarian disregard for the law, intolerance of dissent, and hostility toward a co-equal branch of local government, all of which are repugnant to democratic principles and ethical standards of public office,” it further said.