By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
BACOLOD CITY’s ongoing MassKara Festival, in an unexpected twist, is being overshadowed by “spaghetti”, figuratively speaking. It refers to the tangled “spaghetti wires” all over Bacolod.
Getting rid of “spaghetti wires” was among the 8-point agenda of Mayor Albee Benitez when he assumed office in July 2022. His very purpose: eliminate these eyesores (tangling power and telecommunication cables). Such a promise sounded “romantic” that everyone in Bacolod got excited.
For his first two months in office as a tyro mayor of the “City of Smiles”, Mayor Albee was praised by Bacolodnons. “Task Force Spaghetti” was active.
Alas, after two months, the cleansing of the city from “spaghetti wires” ceased, and this became an issue – a “failed promise”.
BING’S FB REEL
On October 15, former Bacolod mayor Bing Leonardia released a Facebook reel eating spaghetti in a fast food chain. Bing’s brief tagline: “Gagumon? Kaon ‘ta!”
The reel became a hit on FB, prompting the city government’s public information to issue a press release re: resumption of anti-“spaghetti wires” operations.
Atty. Caesar Distrito, Singcang-Airport village chief and acting personal spokesman of Mayor Albee, also issued a separate press release regarding “Task Force Spaghetti” and the resumption of their tasks right after MassKara Festival on October 27.
Bing’s FB reel hit a raw nerve.
‘HAUNTING GAME’
Mayor Albee is not seeking reelection, a crucial decision that dismayed multitude followers, supporters and allies.
Many speculated that his decision to run for congressman was due to a gigantic fear of a head-on collision with his “political scholar”, Lone District congressman Greg Gasataya.
Greg has a h well-entrenched political machinery, loved by many, and has a well-established political PR (public relations).
If Albee collides with Greg, political analysts say, even his billions cannot save him from losing to the former anchorman of Bombo Radyo Bacolod.
Worse, he will be haunted by so many issues, including the “spaghetti wires”.
RELATABLE
Why is the “spaghetti” issue suddenly becoming a hyper-local news story in Bacolod and Negros Occidental?
Spaghetti has long been a beloved dish for Filipinos, especially among the masses. Despite being a pasta dish, it has become a staple in Filipino households during special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and New Year.
People of all ages can’t resist spaghetti, making it a highly relatable topic.
The challenge for Albee now is how he will navigate his campaign amidst the growing dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises, symbolized by the “spaghetti wires” issue.
While the “spaghetti wires” problem might seem trivial, it has caused significant misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
What started as a minor issue has turned into a political hot topic, continuing to stir up Bacolod’s political landscape.
What’s next? Abangan!/PN
