MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/14 May) – The Bishop of Malaybalay has chided the governor and the vice governor over their bickering as the province faces the problem of rising criminality. He instead urged them to set aside their differences and get to work.
Bishop Jose A. Cabantan said that because of the recent killings in Kalasungay and Aglayan in Malaybalay and in Lantapan, Cabanglasan, Kibawe and other municipalities, the province is now in a “crisis situation” and thus needs the united efforts of its leaders.
“We need leaders to act as one. There are many problems and issues that have to be resolved. This is no time for bickering,” Cabantan told MindaNews Monday, referring to the squabble between Gov. Alex Calingasan and Vice Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr.
He stressed that the killings have to stop, adding that he was worried that “people will take [the killings] as normal and take these for granted.”
At the May 7 convocation program of the provincial government, Zubiri was supposed to give an inspirational talk. But he used his time instead dressing down Calingasan and defend himself from brewing reports he would be suspended after the Commission on Audit investigated a complaint filed by an anonymous group accusing him of various wrongdoings, including releasing public funds not following standard procedures.
He has denied the accusations repeatedly on convocation programs and on air.
Zubiri accused Calingasan to be behind the negative propaganda against him, based on an alleged report of a local politician. Calingasan denied he was out to destroy Zubiri and was quoted in a press release as saying he hoped the unity among provincial officials stays. He said some people are out to pit the province’s top two officials.
Calingasan served as vice governor to Zubiri’s three consecutive terms ending in 2010, when they had to switch posts because of the three-term limit for elective officials.
Cabantan said the two officials must be humble enough to set aside personal squabbles, sit down, and tackle together the issues and problems of the province.
“They should do that, that’s part of their commitment to the people,” he added. The bishop admitted that the people are caught in the crossfire between the two officials’ squabbles, which extend into the airwaves.
He said politics has been said to be dirty. “But the real politics is focused on good governance for the common good,” he added. (Walter I. Balane / MindaNews)