My two cents on ‘worried’ Loren Legarda

By Herbert Vego

MY friend Nonoy (true name withheld) called my attention to the column of Alex Vidal criticizing Senator Loren Legarda for feeling “deeply troubled” over the ferocious bombardment of Palestinians’ homes by Israeli forces in Gaza Strip.

No thanks to US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to Israel to seize the Gaza Strip and relocate its Palestinian residents to neighboring countries.

Alex as a syndicated columnist could not be held “accountable” for thinking she’s a “hypocrite.” So, I asked Nonoy why Loren was so mindful of foreign affairs when she could not even take good care of her flock in Antique, where her brother Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda is congressman.

“She dropped Ray Roquero like a hot potato,” I told Nonoy on the phone.  “I can imagine the disappointment of Inday Sally,” referring to former Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar Perez.

The two ladies, Nonoy revealed, had agreed to support Roquero as their common candidate for governor in the forthcoming election 2025 until Loren changed her mind to endorse ex-congressman Paolo Javier instead, forcing Roquero to back out of the gubernatorial race.

Therefore, it’s Javier who would team up with re-electionist Congressman AA Legarda. In Loren’s mind, Javier is the strongest among the four other gubernatorial aspirants, hence could be beneficial to her brother.

Nonoy assured me that Inday Sally had already agreed to support the Legarda-Javier alliance.

The irony of it all is that Paolo’s dad, former congressman Exequiel Javier, used to be a political opponent of Perez.

Say mo, Gob Dodod? Indi lang pagkagta siko mo kon orig pa unto mo.

-o0o-

TREÑAS A SATISFIED POWER USER

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas could not hide his satisfaction over the performance of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power). Here is a portion of his congratulatory message to the company management:

“Congratulations to MORE Power on your 6th anniversary of being granted the franchise and your 5th anniversary in operation!

“MORE Power has gone beyond simply distributing electricity. It has become a true partner in Iloilo City’s development. Your commitment to modernization, sustainability, and community engagement has greatly contributed to our city’s progress. From upgrading our power infrastructure to supporting various initiatives that uplift the lives of Ilonggos, your dedication to public service has been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for our city.”

As to why this month of February is significant to the modernization of power infrastructure in our city, it was on February 14, 2019 (Valentine’s Day) when then President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11212, granting MORE Power its 25-year franchise.

However, due to a legal dispute with the previous franchisee, it was only on February 29, 2020 (a leap year) when MORE Power started energizing the city based on a writ of possession issued by the Regional Trial Court.

From 62,000 initial customers, it has leaped to more than 100,000 in only five years.

This corner greets MORE Power President/CEO Roel Z. Castro “more power” for his innovative leadership that has contributed to the distinction of Iloilo as the most prosperous city in Western Visayas.

-oOo-

ATTENTION, SBK MEMBERS

THE Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan, a non-profit organization in Iloilo, is celebrating its 52^nd anniversary on Saturday (Feb.22) with a dinner at District 21 Hotel, according to our friend Francisco Tapiculin, Jr.

For details on participation and membership, please see the Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan Facebook page.

The SBK has been sponsoring charitable projects. On January 25 this year, for example, the 19^th generation SBK organized the “Super Me,” a project aimed at empowering children and spreading awareness about their rights.