This letter-sender is honored to count Atty. Santiago Ortega Jr. as a friend. I know him professionally as one who elevated to an exemplary level the quality of education at one of Iriga City’s leading educational institutions--the University of Saint Anthony. The university and the other businesses of the Ortega family have brought jobs to thousands of people in Iriga and Rinconada, quality education to thousands of students from Rinconada/Bicol and even beyond, not to mention income taxes to the city and national coffers. Iriga City is an educational center in the province and region including not only USANT but the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) & La Consolacion College among others. This letter-sender is a proud alumnus of UNEP High.
Atty. Ortega has chosen to avoid the world of politics -- aware perhaps of the complicated twists and turns associated with it. But he is a friend to many--not only from his elite social level in Iriga and Rinconada but also from the lower rungs of society. Among other activities, he is an active tennis player joining a tennis club in the city the membership of which encompasses different kinds of people in age and social status. Not being a politician, he could always assume an aloof or distant demeanor toward other people. But on the contrary he is outgoing and mild-mannered. He attends Irigueno gatherings abroad, whether in Washington, DC, or San Diego, CA, or Canada just to fraternize, mingle and renew acquaintances with his fellow Iriguenos.
To read therefore that somebody is accusing him of an attempted criminal act, adding a disbarment case, and facing monetary claims by some employees of some of the family’s businesses is quite surprising!!
Two(2)Sides to a Story
Of course, we know that there are always two sides to a story. What appeared in the Bicol Mail we are certain is only one side of the story. I know that Atty. Ortega is very busy as a businessman who feels that he doesn’t need any publicist or PR person to polish his image or air his side on this matter. He is confident that he treats everyone with respect, fairness and justice--that no one will willingly or consciously do him wrong. It is sad that in the Philippines, from personal experience, it is not surprising to find people big and small who hold government positions, acting high and mighty, unreasonable and officious. Simple civility and cordiality fly out of the window. It is also not uncommon to find employees in an organization who, for their own reasons, consciously or unconsciously commit misdeeds. Who knows?
It is in this context that we think perhaps there is another side to the story. Was there an undue provocation, or extremely insensitive act or language that provoked Atty. Ortega into reacting not necessarily in the way portrayed? He is also a lawyer with a deep sense of fairness and proper conduct. He knows that a decision of a labor arbiter could be appealed or reconsidered; or that planning/committing or attempting to commit a crime in broad daylight, in the presence of other people, as reported, is almost absurd; or perhaps there was genuine affront and hurt at an unreasonable gripe by former disgruntled employees who for their own reasons, true or not, have done what they did. Again who knows?
I am not even sure if Atty. Ortega will welcome this letter of support. But nonetheless, on my own, without his prior knowledge, I am sending this letter that I hope will find space in your paper. Count me as one of the character witnesses, who will vouch for his person in any proceedings lodged against him if any at all.
RICARDO B. MARASIGAN, ESQ.
marasiganlaw@starpower.net
BICOL MAIL REPLIES: Of course, as in many events unfolding, there will always be two sides to a story; that’s why we sought Atty. (Santiago) Ortega’s side on the issue but it seemed he has made himself inaccessible. His lawyer said he was in Manila at the time our reporter tried to reach him. Anyway, both sides will inevitably be out once the criminal complaint filed finds its merit for the appropriate court to know the truth. – editor-in-chief
Esquire Marasigan once more sends this eMail: Thanks for the prompt response. Yes the paper did its part trying to reach his side. I salute you and BM, as usual, for that. As a friend, mine was just to put in a positive side about Atty. Ortega for whatever it is worth in case he doesn’t put out his side of the issue before or after court proceedings start. Again thank you for the important role that the BM is playing in our region. Keep up your good work!
We always welcome contributions from our readers, subject to the editorial discretion and standards of the Bicol Mail. -- Editor
