Naval lady mayor dreams of a graft and corrupt-free local government

By RODRIGO S. VICTORIA (PIA Biliran)
July 4, 2007

NAVAL, Biliran  –  The first elected lady mayor in the municipality of Naval, Susan Velasquez Parilla, the widow of the former Governor of Biliran Atty. Danilo M. Parilla who was gunned down last September 7, 2006 as he prepared to disembark at the Cebu port from Naval aboard M/V Cagayan Princess, in her inaugural speech delivered after the oath taking ceremony held at the jampacked NIT Gymnasium on Saturday, June 30, 2007, said that she dreamed of a local government free of graft and corruption.

“Critics believe that it is a quixotic task. They say, quite rightly, that it is a national malady that has been absorbed into our culture.” Mayor Parilla said describing the idealistic yet hard task ahead in fighting graft and corruption which she considered as a disease that is already embedded in the nation’s culture.

Mayor Parilla pointed out that many believed that since everyone is into it, her administration might as well dance with the music. However, the newly sworn lady chief executive of the capital town of Naval in the province of Biliran categorically said “sorry”, her administration will make a difference.

The lady mayor who is known for her deep religiousity vows to refuse graft and corruption in her administration and issued a strong worded statement that she “beg to disagree with those who say that it cannot be eradicated”.

She said there is no problem that has no solution referring that the problem on graft and corruption in society has its own antidote for it to be cured.

“There is hope in this fight as long as the ones in power start the change themselves and have the will to impose it upon others. Without the will, there is no way we can,” Mayor Parilla boldy said.

She likewise issued a stern warning for those working and dealing with her administration to be the agent of change that the people wanted the world to see.