The courtesy call of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to Mayor Maria Isabel “Beng” Climaco on February 12 was originally set in her office in the Zamboanga City Hall, but she changed the venue to the City Council Hall, and later to the Astorias Hotel.
The visit was a pure courtesy call to Mayor Climaco and members of the City Council. Strictly speaking, it was not even in the nature of a consultation, because Zamboanga City is not contiguous to the core land area of the future Bangsamoro entity where a plebiscite is to be held to determine which geographical areas are going to join it.
In return, what did the BTC Commissioners get? In the program, there was not even a welcome address to signal that the visitors were indeed welcomed or any gesture of hospitality. Not even a welcome drink to quench the thirsts nor biscuits for their empty stomachs of the commissioners, who came all the way from Davao for another peace forum. Moreover, in Climaco’s message it was nothing but a litany of complaints, emotional outburst, and sentiments. However, Chairman Iqbal and the other commissioners calmly listened amidst the tongue-lashing. They came to pay courtesy and on a mission of peace and reconciliation -- and they stuck to it.
Most if not all of those who participated were preselected, briefed, and coached with the sole reason of insulting the visitors. Others were “paid” to ask insulting or hostile questions. Mayor Climaco even hugged one of those so-called Muslims who asked a piqued question to the BTC whose membership are mostly Muslims. To have an immediate special effects, Climaco instantly acted as a cheerleader and led the hostile crowd in yelling and shouting against Zamboanga City joining the Bangsamoro entity.
Most of the questions centered on whether or not Zamboanga City or any portion of it will be involved in the plebiscite to determine the territory of the Bangsamoro. The answer of the BTC especially those who are also members of the MILF peace panel were very forthright and clear-cut: The city or any part of it is not contiguous by land to any part of the core area of the Bangsamoro, and, therefore, they will not be involved in the exercise. The crowd pressed on and on the same question but the commissioners consistently stuck to their answer and asked the audience to look at the Framework Agreement including the four Annexes and the Addendum of Bangsamoro Waters whether there is such explicit reference to the inclusion of the city or any of its villages.
“All the documents are silent on the issue,” the commissioners repeatedly said. But the audience repeatedly wanted a categorical answer whether the city or any portion thereof is involved or not involved, but the commissioners repeatedly stuck to their answer.
Clearly, there is suppression of ideas in Zamboanga City. Individual or even collective right to freedom of speech and political opinions are curtailed. What happened during the BTC’s courtesy call was not only a classic display of discourtesy and arrogance, but also gutter politics at its height. It was meant to play on the emotions of people and divide them.
We don’t believe the divisive politics of Climaco and her power cliques is the right way to run Zamboanga City. We are sure there are a sizeable number of people in the city who are guided by conscience and fair play. We are sure there will come a time the people of this city will speak for themselves and not through leaders like Climaco who is still living under the shadow of the Moro-Spanish War that lasted for more than 300 years.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/819-classic-display-of-discourtesy
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.