BULL's HIT

Bingo protection money/
Edgardo Bilog’s legacy
by Rudy Garcia

This writer received on May 12 a letter by Ms Agudo Lang, operator of a bingo amusement center at Hilltop, Baguio city. She was the bingo operator my detractors accused me of approaching and demanding protection money.

I was a little bit relieved upon reading the context of the letter as Agudo wanted to clear my name and show proof that those text messages sent by the unidentified and unreliable sources were but foolish hoaxes done by desperate and cowardly enemies of mine.

This is quite embarrassing for some colleagues in media who were deceived by this dirty tactic since they didn’t check the facts and source of the issue. Some even took this opportunity to pin me down, and now, look whose talking, none other than the bingo operator is saying these accusations were false and “puro kasinunglingan.” Sino ngayon ang nakakahiya?

I just hope these unscrupulous people will not intimidate or harass Agudo to make her shut her mouth. Nonetheless, I am grateful and appreciate this courageous action of . Agudo.

She may hove done this a little late (since the damage has been done) but it is better late than never. If I happened to be candidate last May 14, surely I would have yelled in protest, for how could you imaging a candidate being accused, tried and judged by public opinion through out the campaign period all because of false text messages? Nonetheless the truth has et me free.
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Now that the election is over, I expect that normal activities for each and everyone will be back to normal. Government services should now satisfactory be delivered to the people since the election season has made most government offices lazy or personnel were doing something else like campaigning. These public servants should satisfactorily do their work now as they are getting their salaries from hard-earned people’s money.

Enough of these political differences, bickerings, sour grapings, and useless accusations affecting our economic growth. Enough is enough! Let’s unite and move forward for a better future not only for us but for the next generations. Let’s keep going!

For those candidates, pray hard that you will make it to the finish line, and once you are there, don’t forget to look back and fulfill your visions, goals and promises. Don’t forget sportsmanship. For those who are far behind and can’t make it, accept defeat and you can have your fair share someday. To the would be winners election, my warm congratulations and may God bless and guide you always.
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If he wins, will the Commission on Elections proclaim him or not? Who will take his seat afterwards? These are the questions the Comelec will have to answer in relation to the death of manong Edgardo Bilog, a candidate for councilor of Baguio .

His unexpected death early morning of May 15, just when the canvassing of votes at the Baguio convention center started several hours earlier is now causing confusion and alarm to some quarters. His party mates at KAMPI are now in close coordination with his immediate family to come up with appropriate plans, if ever he wins this election.

It is sad to hear of some reports that that some candidates especially those who are cliff hanging to the 12th, 13th and lower slots are taking this as opportunity for them to be counted and make it to the magic 12.

Who was this candidate who immediately filed a petition before the Comelec disregarding the traditional respect for the dead? Surely, the Comelec will be doing research before they can resolve this.

They have to be careful, prudent and reasonable, otherwise, if their resolutions will not be convincing, expect protests and petitions. Maybe the legal department of the Comelec can conduct research on past Supreme Court rulings if there are any that can help them resolve this matter easier with less time and effort. How about going to judge Tabora and research there, ladies and gentlemen? When this would be resolved, this would be manong Ed’s legacy to jurisprudence.

In the meantime, let’s just wait for the Comelec to act on the issue. Let’s pray for the soul of manong Ed Bilog who is the “real” winner now that he is in the eternal gardens of the Almighty.
Who knows he might be celebrating his victory with our departed loved ones. To manong Ed, goodbye my dear friend, may you find peace in your new found home of eternity. And to his family, my condolence.