It is with great sadness and disgust that I received Mayor Jesse Robredo’s COMELEC disqualification on the grounds that he is not a Filipino citizen. Commissioners Romeo Brawner’s and Nicodemo Ferrer’s decision to disqualify him smacks of opportunism and abuse of power. The latter being an impeachable offense.

        The duo dishonored themselves by their questionable decision given the timing and justification (or lack of) given for the disqualification. Dishonored because for one, Roberedo’s citizenship case was already decided long time ago not only by the COMELEC but even the Supreme Court; and two, without new set of facts, rather than outright dismissing the disqualification case, the commissioners saw it fit to revisit a rehashed issue.

        The fact that both commissioners have close connections with Luis Villafuerte - Robredo’s long time nemesis and also the president of Kampi, the president’s political party - further strengthen people’s belief that the decision was tainted with politics. What the Villafuertes’ could not accomplish during elections they will do with other means - by hook or by crook - as the old saying goes! Regardless, the commissioners’ decision to disqualify Robredo this time around will forever be etched in Bicolanos’ minds because of the brazenness and underhandedness of their actions - garapal talaga! It will not be surprising if the Supreme Court will again rebuke the COMELEC for this asinine decision.

        But hey, rather than sulk or piss in the wind, this is the time that Nagueños should rally behind their favorite mayor to show the whole world the grave injustice that these two commissioners has inflicted upon the “Maogmang Lugar.” Nagueños should take offense with this decision because this action is daytime robbery not to mention insulting to the people of Naga who voted Robredo to office for four terms. Should Nagueños just bend over backwards to the capriciousness and insane acts of the gurang Villafuerte who many believe is behind all these? I say no.

        Robredo is a class by himself - visionary and endangered specie whose proven leadership and management acumen got the people of Naga involved in the day to day operations of City Hall. For crying out loud, his and the city’s awards over the last decade are dizzying enough, they will make your head spin!

        But, setting these awards aside, Mr. Robredo’s biggest accomplishment is believing and truly respecting the people of Naga and showing them how he valued their ideas by getting them involved. Buzzwords like transparency, participative governance, and empowerment are words only found in power points of traditional politicians. Jesse Robredo understood the words, empowered himself and made believers even among his critics.

        Masupog naman kamo! Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not be in power forever. Repent!

Al Villamora
San Diego, California