Gov. Baricuatro decides where tax money go

Next week, the reelected officials will assume a fresh mandate. On the other hand, the new ones shall find themselves in uncharted territories. Yes, to the real novice, as some newbies are crowned heirs to the throne of political kingpins (a.k.a. traditional politicians). Men and women whose callousness is immeasurable. The same politicians who have been milking their turfs for decades.

- Fidel O. Abalos [e-mail]

This is a sad sight to see when we try to ponder that suffrage is an inherent right of every citizen in a democracy. Yes, since supposedly, such exercise gives us, voters, the opportunity to create positive changes in our country, community and our lives. Apart from leadership changes, the same exercise means that through our chosen leader, we are able to play a significant role in directing where tax money and government resources go.

Generally, however, it doesn’t happen that way. Let’s take for instance the Province of Cebu. The Cebuanos have spoken and chose then candidate Pam Baricuatro to lead them and do positive changes in the province. Two of those changes were discontinuing Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy Suroy Sugbo. In its stead, she will deploy mobile clinics and mobile kitchens to the province’s remote areas. Undeniably, these are positive changes.

However, not only that she is unwilling to step down, defeated Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia directed the Provincial Treasurer through Memorandum No. 36-2025, “to establish dedicated trust funds for at least 15 Capitol programs.” This memo includes, among others, the Suroy Suroy Sugbo. The same Suroy Suroy Sugbo the incoming governor wishes to scrap.