Cracking the whip
THE issue that earned a lot of sound bytes last week was not the nocturnal whip-lashing sallies of the so-called ‘latigo squad” against juvenile vagrants who defy the curfew ordinance of Barangay 76-D under village chief Robert Olan-olan.
What reverberated in the four corners of the city was the tongue-lashing reportedly dealt by Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on some young members of the City Council, one of whom he asked to resign as chairman or member of all committees. The rumor that came out of that closed-door executive session was that a thirtyish lawmaker allegedly tried to mulct P40 million from a big-time developer in exchange for favorable action on a major development project in the city.
The rumor, which was met with disbelief by many of those who are familiar with the workings of the city legislature, including some who claim to be in the know about certain shenanigans in the past, remained to be a rumor as we went to press.
However, the statements of Vice Mayor Duterte on the issue say it all. He said he had not accused anybody of corruption, but he warned the councilors that he will not tolerate corruption. He also warned members of the business community transacting with the city council against bribing their way to approval of their applications. He encouraged investors to report to him instances of bribery and mulcting attempts, vowing he would act on reports posthaste.
Credit it to the reputation that Rody Duterte had built through the years. His pronouncements have assuaged the feelings of the business community, especially members who have been victimized by corrupt factotums in the past.
By uttering those words of warning, Mr. Duerte was only like cracking the proverbial whip. It has a chilling effect on certain corrupt elements in the city government, including those who are thinking of breaking the rules for personal gain.
Of houses and homes
Edge Davao congratulates Santos Land Development Corp., one of Davao’s most enduring companies providing countless couples with their dream houses for decades now with their more than a dozen subdivisions spread all over the city. On their 40th anniversary, here’s wishing the men and women of SLDC excellent health and creative minds for the growth of the company and the expansion of its services as a leading homes provider.
