His reputation preceded him. I never had an opportunity to meet him personally. But my tax-finance guru, neighbor Ms. Milwida “Nene” Guevara of Both Sides Now is all praises for this George Washington University political science graduate, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian. She rationalized the wisdom to suspend the business permit of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation.
Don’t get me wrong here. I am not siding with any of the two camps. I am looking at the issue based on the message telegraphed because, for me, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
I fully respect the political will of Mr. Rex, anchored on his mission to provide ease and comfort to his constituency. This in spite of the unquantifiable amount of foregone revenues as well as the time and opportunity lost as Valenzuela exit continues to virtually turn into a huge parking because of the gridlock.
It calls to mind the cliche: the end does not justifies the means. There’s no dishonesty on the part of Mr. Rex. As a matter of fact, there was clarity: Fix or suspension of the business permit. The threat, though, leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Can’t this be resolved diplomatically at the negotiating table? Can’t you reach a consensus? These are the first two queries I raised in my e-conversation with the Mayor.
I gathered that the two camps have been discussing the issue/s in the past seven years.
Seven years? For married couples, there’s a thing as “seven-year itch,” where, at times one partner goes haywire. And a provision in the family code states, among others, that couples are considered separated after seven years of no contact.
“I’ve been negotiating with them in the past seven years. I believe, seven years is more than enough time to address the glitches, “ was the mayor’s explanation.
Admittedly, the Valenzuela traffic flow has always been wanting.
Lifting of the suspension is no where in sight as I write this. The suspension stands.
Based on his letter to Mr. Luigi J. Bautista, NLEX president, Mr. Rex is steadfast in his stand that there must be “a clear and concrete resolutions to the problems encountered by the public” on RFID stickers that are easily worn out; delay in RFID sticker reading; missing or delay in load recognition.
Another important conditionality to the lifting is for NLEX management to “establish measurable performance indexes of success,” for which the city must be provided copies.
“The city government reserves the right to suspend your business permit again should you fail to furnish us copies of the subject monthly report or in event of low rate or poor performance.”
The ball is now on NLEX. Mr. Rex ended our e-conversation, saying: “we are not lifting till they work on those conditions”
Talkback to me at sionil731@gmail. com