By ERWIN ‘AMBO‘ DELILAN
‘TWAS dropped like a bomb via social media. It created a “big bang” on Facebook (FB). Too, it left (almost) everyone hanging. And until now, nothing’s clear.
Everyone is asking: What went wrong?
I’m referring to the Sept. 28, 2022 “Resignation Letter” of Atty. Reynaldo “Lolan” Novero Jr. as city administrator of Kabankalan City’s Mayor Benjie Miranda in Negros Occidental.
Atty. Lolan, one of the former legal trustees of the late congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo Jr. (5th District, Negros Occidental), was the “Little Mayor” of Kabankalan City. When he was appointed by Mayor Benjie, everybody agreed he was a “good catch” that could guide well the neophyte chief executive, a known member of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the hinterland of Kabankalan. Thus, his irrevocable resignation really baffled Kabankalanons.
Political pundits are asking: Is there a hidden animosity among Mayor Benjie’s political lieutenants?
Mayor Benjie said he respects and honors Atty. Lolan’s sudden decision. But such saddened him.
Nonetheless, the mayor expressed his heartfelt thanks to Atty. Lolan’s almost three months of service to the city. And he’s not in a hurry to look for Atty. Lolan’s replacement.
SACRIFICIAL ACT
In his resignation letter, he penned, “I believe this sacrificial act of resigning will operate for the good of the City and for all Kabankalanons which is the only thing foremost in my mind.”
“For this reason,” he added, “I pray that God will give you (Mayor Benjie) the wisdom in our dream to promote and protect the general welfare of our constituents.”
Simple, but meaningful!
Someway, I know Atty. Lolan. So humble, approachable yet witty and respectable. During Cong. Iggy’s time, he was best known as a “silent actor”.
He means what he says. Every word he casts, there’s really meaning in it. But for now, his reasons for resigning remain unfathomable. There’s depth in his laconic phrase “sacrificial act”.
‘FACTS IN ISSUE’
Being “Little Mayor” is no fun. As the alter ego of the chief executive, you, too, must absorb all the negative vibes. Definitely, you’re not exempted from public hate.
So, let’s be guided by “facts in issue”.
Truthfully, Mayor Benjie’s assumption to power in the Zayco-dominated “political kingdom” bears lots of terrible pressures. His every move is being closely watched. Day-to-day comparison follows then.
But the challenge is (supposedly) for the incumbent mayor to really do something better than what the Zaycos achieved for Kabankalanons for 36 years.
Alas, for the past three months since his installation as top honcho of this “Billionaire City” in southern Negros on June 30, Mayor Benjie was pounded left and right by “not so pleasant” exposure both in the legacy and social media. Really, it’s pitiable to see and hear him (always) on the defensive side.
There must be something wrong in the way he’s being packaged. Correct me if I am wrong but this might be one of the reasons why Atty. Lolan made an abrupt exit.
Mayor Benjie, a former military man-turned village chief, is dubbed the “Ronquillo of Negros” or “Hero of the Poor” as popularized by a radio drama in Bacolod some 40 years ago. So, expectations are high that he’ll act accordingly – mainly for the advancement of the welfare of the poor.
However, there was public dismay during the blessing and inauguration of the newly-built St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Kabankalan City on Sept. 8. Most of the invited guests – from the religious to government and private sectors, including the academe – were dressed appropriately (in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana). Mayor Benjie, the “father” of the host city, was in (his signature) blue polo shirt and denim pants. Many were disappointed.
Mayor Benjie’s “honeymoon period” in politics appears complicated. Adjusting might be fiddly for him. His “chosen people” – the people within his loop – should help him.
Atty. Lolan’s resignation is a wakeup call for him to do better in public service./PN
