It is with mixed feelings that I followed the exchange of ideas between Bicol Mail columnists and editorial writer on one hand and of city hall on the other regarding the proposed financing of the Naga City coliseum.

        I am happy with the way Nagauenos, thru their local media and including their representatives at city hall, avail of the democratic space to present their respective sides and as a consequence, enable the public to form their own informed opinions. Opinion makers have their arguments; city hall has its answers and numbers.

        But I am also saddened with the way some opinion makers wear blinders refusing to acknowledge that the question of the coliseum had earlier been disposed of thru forums and deliberative assemblies. For instance, this matter was already discussed in detail and decided upon by the city development council with members coming from a cross section of the Naga community. The mayor did not dictate the outcome of the council deliberation. He repeatedly told the gathering that if the body is against it, then the city would not proceed with the loan. Councilor Sergio even commented against the project. But when the time came to vote, majority were for it. And not only was the Council consulted, also the business sector thru the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry which also supported the project. A city government cannot go back and forth on an issue, it has to decide following mandated procedures and execute once a decision is made.

        On the other hand, I am also not happy with the way city hall limited its options to the full completion of the coliseum when the structure could be left unroofed so as to reduce the amount of the loan. There are more sunny days than rainy days in Bicol. Many events could therefore be held at the coliseum even without a roof. An open coliseum could halve the amount of the loan and save Nagueños a lot of their taxes. Besides, the most famous coliseum did not have a roof.



Marlon Bathan
bathanmarlon@yahoo.com