Survival Issue is a Political Reality, says Cong. Sarmiento

By GINA DEAN-RAGUDO, Samar News.com
July 12, 2010

CALBAYOG CITY  –  Nakabuhi na ak yakan kan SB (Cong. Sonny Belmonte), si GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) damo an naihatag nga proyekto sa Calbayog. Pag-anunsyo niya nga diri na siya madalagan ka speaker, nakuhaan ak sakit sa ulo. (I have given my word to SB, GMA has provided more projects in Calbayog. But when she declared she’s no longer running for speakership, I lost my headache.), says Samar First District Representative Mel S. Sarmiento in a press conference at Calbayog Sports Complex after Calbayog City officials and LP’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan members made their oaths of office on July 1, 2010.

Under the present administration, Cong. Sarmiento admitted that he eventually joined the Liberal Party.  From LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD under GMA, he said that the group (Samar/Calbayog local candidates) finally decided to go back to the mother party (LP) despite creating collateral damage to the former.  In Calbayog City or Samar, only two parties are being recognized by the people – the Liberal Party and Nacionalista Party. Though he further disclosed that the LP has encountered problems leading to political divisions such as the 1940’s Quirino-Avelino wings, 1980’s Kalaw-Salonga wings and Atienza-Drilon wings which was resolved recently. Under Atienza who opted to support former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, they were endorsed to the latter who was then under the LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD. To be assured of support from the national government, they were able to obtain certificates of nominations from LAKAS.

Survival issue is a political reality. Masakit nga an administrasyon an ginhaharass kontra san oposisyon. (It is painful that the administration is being harassed than the opposition). Many incidents took place prior to the elections ending up diffusion and have weakened the administration. There were people assigned in GMA’s office who were not loyal to her, Sarmiento revealed.

Knowing to be an ally of former PGMA, he appreciates the creation of the Truth Commission provided that due process shall be applied.

“Maupay iton nga pagcreate Truth Commission basta may due process. Kay kon sa katapustapusan hearsay la adto ug waray basehan nga mga alegasyon, it would be an advantage on her part. Kay kon mayda man gud basehan adton mga asunto, she has to answer all the charges filed in court. But look at the Marcoses! In the long run, the court had been sympathetic and in favor of them. If there is nothing to prove, justice will preferably be applied. However, if the court finds out that there are basis, then she has to face the reality”, Sarmiento said.

As a first termer in the House, he is appealing to the people that he be given enough time to focus. He expressed his interest on health, education, environment, agriculture and budget/appropriation committees in order to sustain the programs and projects of former Cong. Reynaldo S. Uy.  He would initiate in refiling the bill creating Calbayog District Hospital as an annex to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) under LGU-Calbayog. He would check on the good programs suitable for the city and the first district of Samar devoid of emotions.

Amidst the stiff political rivalry and enmity taking place between the governor and the first district representative as well as Calbayog City officials, Sarmiento is also preparing for the passage of the bill creating Northwest Samar Province. The alleged corruptible performance of the provincial government has affected the delivery of basic social services as a consequence of its shaky or non-implementation.

“Diri kunta ihulog an harampang sa politika. The area of the first district is not easy – kakuri imanage. Samar is the third largest island in the country. Kunta magin objective in the aspect of management and finances”, Sarmiento clarified.

On the other hand, the solon intends to consult the local officials particularly the chief executives of nine municipalities for the purpose of imparting his knowledge and expertise in governance. His nine-year experience in the executive department could be a tool for development – the local implementation of the programs which is consistent with the national level.

As a former RDC Chair, best valued for his accomplishments in the region raising considerable funds and implemented projects during his term, clarifies that he did not endorse anybody for the chairmanship but is hopeful that the next leader should be closed to the president.

Other bills pending in Congress that he expressed support are the Freedom of Information Bill, Reproductive Health Bill particularly on responsible parenthood, Implementation of Sex Education in the Elementary Level but he has to examine first its provisions, his support for a gunless society intensifying the Law on Gun Ban and his preference for the implementation of constitutional convention with time frame.