BY GONZALO T. DUQUE
Like sitting atop a volcano
The Philippine Senate, under Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, currently holds a precarious 13 to 11 majority, or minus “Bato” de la Rosa. This situation feels like sitting atop a volcano, as the balance of power can tilt at any moment.I can empathize with Senate President Cayetano as he assumes leadership in the Senate.In the recent reorganization of the Blue Ribbon Committee, his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, a lawyer like Alan, took the lead, while Senator Panfilo Lacson was appointed as the vice chairman.So, what about my favorite Senator Rodante Marcoleta? I understand he has been elected as the chairman of the Justice Committee and will be actively involved in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. However, he remains a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee, where his legal expertise will be invaluable during these proceedings.This arrangement revitalizes the Blue Ribbon Committee after Senator Lacson effectively suspended its activities to prevent the testimony of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, his grandnephew Adrian Bersamin, former Budget Secretary Aminah Pangandaman, former DepEd Secretary Trygve Olaybar, and the 18 ex-Marines who alleged that they delivered suitcases full of cash to various congressmen and senators.I can only imagine the daily pressures that weigh on the new Senate President and his majority bloc.I am confident that the Vice President will have her day in court. As I have mentioned before, the controversy surrounding her will likely increase her popularity and test her endurance and willpower, especially with all the noise created by her adversaries—the “yellowtards,” the “pinklawman’s,” Marcos loyalists, administration supporters, left-leaning groups affiliated with Makabayan, and self-proclaimed Christian leaders.What’s advantageous for Sara is that she does not seem concerned about the possibility of impeachment. Instead, she is gaining political traction amid the turmoil. The administration under President Marcos continues to be wary of the possibility of Vice President Duterte ascending to the presidency if the position were to become vacant, due to either expected or unexpected circumstances.This is going to be a prolonged struggle. For me, it feels like a long dogfight!==========The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) male and female dormitories in Bonuan Gueset are causing significant inconveniences for local residents and tourists frequenting Tondaligan Park.With the environmental problems posed by this facility—merely a few meters from Lingayen Gulf—it’s time to consider relocating it to another area within the Fourth District of Pangasinan.I propose that the dormitories be situated on the Awau property in San Jacinto. Dagupan acquired this property in 2002 during the administration of then-Mayor Benjamin Lim, who initially planned to develop an engineered sanitary landfill for the city. However, the project did not materialize due to tenancy issues, as the roughly 30-hectare land fell under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).I understand that after litigation, the heirs of the original tenants have received their respective shares of the property, with Dagupan retaining seven hectares, as mandated by CARP laws.This would be an excellent site for the BJMP male and female dormitories, as it is landlocked and hilly.What do you think, Manay Gina and Mayor Belen? Let’s make it happen!= = = = ==We learned from Ms. Finnela Sim during a chance meeting at Bread House on Tapuac Road in Dagupan City that the Philippine Sports Commission chairman and commissioners visited Dagupan on May 15 and signed a memorandum of agreement with Mayor Belen, officially designating Dagupan as the Regional Training Center for swimming and gymnastics.We have the capability to host this Regional Training Center, as we possess an Olympic-sized swimming pool (50 meters long) and a 25-meter warm-up pool—among the best in Region 1—where swimmers can be rigorously trained for national and international competitions.Additionally, the Dagupan People’s Astrodome serves as a venue for training future gymnasts. Finnela mentioned that we have complete equipment available for gymnasts to use.Students from various regions in Region 1 will be accommodated by the Dagupan City government, and Ms. Finnela Sim, the City Sports Commissioner and a former athlete herself, will lead the training of athletes.I am pleased that Finnela has developed a good working relationship with my son, Nestor “Nanoy” Duque, who assists her and serves as a sports consultant for the city of Dagupan.It’s safe to say that Nanoy and Finnela are working well together to advance sports in Dagupan City.