HAPPY WEEKEND

Special elections for Mt Province (Part 11)
GINA DIZON

Who does not want special elections for Mountain Province? Those who are interested in perpetuating the caretaker-leadership of Kalinga Rep. Manuel Agyao would not favor special elections for a congressman in place of the congressman Victor Dominguez who died Feb. 8. And why would they want Agyao to represent them? A friend said, because money talks and the P780 million is ready for implementation for Baguio-Bontoc, Bontoc - Ifugao and Bontoc- Kalinga road construction.

Just how valid is my friend’s answer? The congressman as we know plays a major role in facilitating infrastructure funds as had been implied in the controversial implementation of Halsema Highway SONA projects . We talk here about SOPs and commissions from contractors who get the juicy contracts.

Second, only those who are anxious and worried where to get the money to hold special elections would not want special elections. Now, this is the job of government to provide the needed funds for an elective post to be filled up. It is not you or me to be worrying about funds to use for special elections. Unless you are a congressional aspirant, of course you get worried where to get the resources to finance an electoral campaign. Nevertheless, it is the job of concerned officials to let authorities allot funds and release the money for special elections.

Third, only those who are not conscious of their political rights will be the ones who would not want special elections. A political right is a vital right for any responsive citizen of this country to elect his representative in government. The Constitution specially provides the law for a special election in case of vacancy of an elected post.

Fourth, only those aspirants who are not ready to run at this early time because they don’t have the funds and they don’t have the guts.

Only those who don’t really care whether Mountain Province is run by a white elephant or a cow would not gun for special elections. For special elections to be held for the Representative position for Mountain Province, the sooner the better.