23/05/2025
The Gym, the Grudge, and the Glaring Truth in Surigao
The cold machinery of politics has once again turned its gears - not to build, but to break. The investigation into the use of Barangay Taft Gym for a supposed “voter’s education” event has lit up headlines. But behind the sanitized language of “procedures” and “hearings” is a far uglier truth: this administration is using the instruments of governance as tools of revenge.
Let’s call it what it is: vindictiveness in full display. The accusations are hardly subtle. Only those with certain IDs could enter the gym during the event. That the same gym was once the stage for an “indecent” show organized by figures with political ties. That suddenly - conveniently - the eye of the city government sharpens not on the worst offenses, but on one barangay whose leaders dared not pledge allegiance to those in power.
Barangay Taft, they say, didn't vote "the right way." And now, it's payback season. The pattern is as clear as the Pacific sky over Surigao: investigation follows disloyalty. The public sees it. Feels it. Says it out loud: “You won already - why are you still meddling?” “The election is over. Move on.”
These aren’t baseless rants. They’re the people’s receipts. They remember how City Hall was flooded during pre-election payouts. How gym after gym was used, no questions asked, because those aligned with the administration were exempt from scrutiny. But when the other side dares to gather, suddenly there are hearings. Suddenly, there are violations.
This isn’t governance. This is a grudge match. And Surigaonons are not blind. This administration, instead of healing the wounds left by a divisive election, is poking at them, salting them, weaponizing them. Instead of rising above, it has chosen to dig deep into petty revenge. When every action smells like retaliation, even genuine investigations lose credibility. That is the price of vindictiveness - it poisons even the truth.
Meanwhile, the real issues are left to rot: water shortages. Youth programs stalled. Citywide development put on hold. Because when a government is obsessed with enemies, it forgets its responsibility to everyone else.
Let this serve as a reminder to those in power: You are not kings. You are stewards. Public office is not a weapon. It is a promise - a sacred trust to serve all, not just your voters.
The people of Surigao deserve leaders who can move beyond political vendettas, who can face opposition with integrity, not intimidation. The gym belongs to the people. So does the city. And when the people are punished for how they voted, we are no longer in a democracy.
We are in a vendetta with a budget. But it’s not too late. The same machinery used to divide can be used to build. The same microphones that amplify accusations can echo hope. The people are waiting - not for more hearings, but for healing.
Because this city is tired of watching public service become personal score-settling. And if leaders cannot rise above politics, then they don’t deserve the privilege of leading.
