Expect The Unexpected
I was texting to call my driver in Alabang Town Center when I heard somebody greet me. I was surprised that it was an old friend, Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla of Bacoor City. I knew her long before she became “Mrs. Revilla”. I invited her to be my guest on my radio show the next day, DZRJ 810khz na “Kasangga Mo Ang Langit”, 10-11am.
Exchanging Pleasantries
Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla states that this is her first time as a mayor after serving 2 terms as the congresswoman of Bacoor, Cavite. Technically it’s her 6th month and she realizes that being a mayor is a 24/7 job. There’s a big difference between being a congresswoman and being a mayor. As a congresswoman, her job was to create laws, attend committee hearings, coordinating with national agencies and other civil society organizations. As a mayor, you do all that , however the problems faced on a day to day basis is different. The responsibilities feel bigger.
Bacoor on EJK
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
EJK or extra judicial killings choose no time or place. One sees them in the news first thing in the morning. These victims that would either be alleged users or pushers of illegal drugs. According to Mayor Lani, it is difficult to pinpoint EJK killings vs those that were killed because they fought back while they were being apprehended by the police. So far, she is pleased by how her chief of police have handled these situations in Bacoor. Although she’s not proud of the number of people who have surrendered, once could feel the difference. At least 60% of the crime rate went down. We admit that most of the crime that happens in the city is related or influenced by illegal drugs.
“Oplan Masa Masid”
Public officials cannot carry the sole burden of taking care of the community. It needs the cooperation of the people to make such endeavors successful. Two days ago DILG Asec RJ Echiverri visited Bacoor and started the Oplan Masa Masid in line with our Barangay Day celebrations. This was to show the importance of each community and the value each barangay does. This was based on the seal of good local governance of DILG and LGUs. We also have a version for local barangays. This coming January, they will launch a community based, anti-illegal drug rehabilitation program.
City Of Transformation
Each community gets a chance to be a city. This depends on the work of each local executives and the help of their constituents to develop and improve the lives of the general public. Bacoor is the gateway to the province of Cavite, a predominantly residential community. Even if it isn’t industrial-zoned, it was given the name of “City of Transformation” despite being a city for just 4 years.
Last July 2016 it won the “Most Competitive Award” from the Department of Trade and Industry, a number 4 in the component city category, nationwide. Mayor Lani is proud of the fact that her city has garnered 9 government awards for the past 6 months. Particularly after winning the second seal of good local governance.
James Taylor and EJK
Earlier this month, American pop music, singer-composer-song writer, James Taylor (JT) cancelled a concert tour in Manila, for February 2017, due to concerns over “summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process.” Although a lot of people have been saying that it was his loss, people fear that this may send the wrong signal to other foreign music artists about visiting and organizing concerts in our country.
Mayor Lani expresses sadness in JT’s decision to cancel his concert and hopes doesn’t affect the overall image of the country. She believes in the President’s program in solving the illegal drugs problem in the country. She cautions people about those who wish to take advantage of the situation to create confusion and havoc, encouraging unrest.
Update On Senator Bong Revilla
This interview wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mayor Lani’s husband, Senator Bong Revilla. Regarding the update on his bail petition, it is still the with the Supreme Court while his case still continues with the Sandigan Bayan. They are still reviewing their options at this point.
Senator Bong Revilla still experiences his intense migraines but it is now more controllable. He has maintained a regimen of exercise and healthy eating despite the circumstances. In Mayor Lani’s opinion, he is still the strong and handsome man he always was.
Mayor Lani visits the senator at least thrice a week. During these visits she seeks his counsel regarding the day to day issues that she faces as mayor of Bacoor. His advise regarding how the city is run is very important.