Argao mayor to “opposition”: Set aside politics, support project

CEBU, Philippines - Hoping to finish the controversial road project in Sitio Binalabag, Barangay Jampang, Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos has called on those who oppose the development that they should work together instead of blocking the town’s progress.

“Gusto ko’g unity sa among lugar. Og naa man gani nagplano (to run for public office), ako lang hangyuon, dili lang sa ta kay layo pa man. Para sa kaayuhan sa atong lungsod. Anugon kaayo ang panahon managlalis ta, mag-away ta. Ang project di biya ni sa akong personal, sa mga Argaonon,” said Galeos in an interview with The FREEMAN.

“Taga Argao mi. Ang project para sa Argao. Puros Argaoanon affairs ba. Dili nindot tan-awon sa ubang lugar ba. This is not for my personal gain,” he added.

Galeos’ statement came after it was reported that Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 director Isabelo Montejo, who is set to retire soon, has allegedly been preparing to run for vice mayor in Argao. Galeos, whose term ends in 2016, is expected to slide down and run for vice mayor.

But Galeos said if it is true that Montejo will run for vice mayor, he may support his candidacy if needed. Galeos said after his term, he may live a private life and focus on his business.

DENR sued the Galeos recently after he allegedly ordered the cutting of more than 300 trees in Jampang for a road project.  The mayor said he tried to sit down with Montejo, being a “friend,” to discuss the issue but the DENR official instead told him to wait for the case.

Last month, the regional trial court in Argao turned down Galeos’ application for a status quo ante order and for a temporary restraining order.

Galeos said they are set to file a motion for reconsideration on their application, insisting that the Local Government Code, and not the Forestry Code, should prevail in this case.

“Ang mga tawo didto maglisud og lakaw, maglisud og sag-ob. Ako na’ng mandato paghatag og maayong access under sa Local Government Code. Naa sila’y katu-ngod sa Forestry Code but naa sad ko as mayor, as mandated by the Local Government Code,” he said.

“Naguol ko sa karsada, wap-a nahuman, ting-uwan na. Wap-ay drainage. Luoy lang ang mga tawo,” he added. —/ATO (FREEMAN)