The BAHA controversy

It is good that the BAHA controversy is getting good publicity. I don't know what is the latest on the issue with the Banago people going to see the city council to air their own concerns.

Those living in posh – meaning stylishly elegant or upper class – villages or subdivisions had their field day airing their concerns before city officials. Many said, they were arrogant and demanding but they said they were not. I believe they were not but when you are taking up an advocacy, you must use strong language.

This is good. I believe the longer this is discussed and the longer it has media attention, city officials will remember them. Otherwise, it will be forgotten like it was before the flood at the end of October that triggered the protest.

I just hope these society greats, will involve the poor squatters who are also affected by the floods. “Class wars” are always counter-productive.

* * *

I like the fighting ladies of the BAHA group. One of them Ms. Ana Balcells, daughter of my late boss at Sugarland Magazine Alberto and granddaughter of Negros Occidental's hero Aniceto Lacson, took up the cudgels for the BAHA convenors. She is one of the convenors, she said.

She texted me her complaints and I texted her I would publish her complaints, even the one against me. Here's Ana:

“I'm sorry Primo but your article today about why God sent heavy rains to the posh villages in northern Bacolod is below the belt and stupid.”

She continued: “You belittle God and you insult all the good work the BAHA Group is doing for Bacolod . I am a convenor of this group because aside from the fact that Bacolod is the capital of the province, I also pay my taxes in this city and do all my shopping, work, entertainment, etc. etc in it. I don't live in it but I and my family suffered badly by its flooding.” The Balcells live in Talisay.

* * *

I texted Ana I like her for being assertive, a fighting lady, who minces no word about what she thinks. This is only a part of her text messages. If I print all, it can occupy the whole of my column.

Afraid to burn in hell, I consulted a priest friend. I showed him the text messages of Ana and asked if I actually belittled God by my writing. He laughed. “If Ms Balcells does not enjoy humor, God enjoys it and I believe He is laughing regarding your piece. Besides, you make it appear He is powerful.”

I thanked my priest friend and told him I would tell Ms. Balcells to stop being feisty and enjoy some humor. My priest friend said he read my earlier pieces on God and especially His order to have Noe build an Ark. “Oh, God must be enjoying it,” he said.

So, it's not stupid? I asked. Of course, it is not, he said. The only problem for you, he said, is they felt insulted. But, I told him. I thought they also enjoyed some humor but they did not.

My priest friend is also naughty. “It seems your friend Noe is very fond of dreaming and communing with God.” He said, he enjoyed the conversation of Noe with God. “Why don't you ask Noe to interview God about the BAHA convenors. Knowing the mischievous, naughty and also witty Noe, it will be fun,” he said.

O.K. I said, but I have to talk to my friend Noe first. He has not yet reported to me about the list he submitted to God on who will join him in the Ark , just in case God will send the flood. And also the reaction of God to the names of those Noe submitted.

I asked this priest friend, “Will I ask Noe to include the names of the lady convenors of BAHA in the list to be submitted to God?”

* * *

He raised his voice and told me, you're naughty Primo, do you want these lady convenors to organize a caravan and denounce you?

No, why will they denounce me when I am their supporter, especially with Ana there with whose family I have been close. And why will they when I am a believer in their cause. Were it not for their voice, City Hall would not have acted decisively?

Yes, in the long text that Ana Balcells sent me, she asked me to help her group and say something good about what they are doing. And I am doing that precisely.

I will even ask my friend Noe to plead to God to include the BAHA convenors in the list to be included in the Ark. And it is not belittling God. It is recognizing His supreme power, to drown and to save people.

Probably, God may not include the city officials in the Ark , especially if they dilly-dally in solving the problem. So, when the floods come, they will drown? I was asked.

Of course, because they do not do their job. But, don't worry, they will do their job. I tell Ana Balcells and her convenor group, the city will act fast and listen to your pleadings. You have been a potent group and, if I may listen to my friends, you loved by God for doing something for the people.

* * *

So much with BAHA. The controversy has drowned out the STL and Ceneco issue. They have been both silent, to quote my lawyer-friend Willie Mirano, defeaningly silent.

So, to another topic. From the e-mail US Navy Man Nathan Antonio said McDonalds should give the Sunshine Boys a discount for popularizing it even abroad. Others will be willing to host you, he said. But we are satisfied with the service of Butch Lopez.

From the U.S. Samuel Ramirez asked if his old professors at La Salle , like Mr. Rafael Acena, Mr. Equixiel Talorete, and Mr. Bienvenido Billanes are still around. They have long gone. I'm grateful I'm still around. Masamang damo matagal mamatay. Bad weeds live longer.*

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