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In today’s issue of The Philippine Inquirer, we read this bit of news:

While seeking a second term as representative of his (President Aquino) district in Tarlac, political leaders asked him for a list of his accomplishments during his first term as his name was nowhere to be found in the province’s waiting sheds and bridges and basketball courts.

“What I did was [present] a report on the projects… that I managed to secure from the national government,” Mr. Aquino said.

“It no longer needs to be highlighted,” he added, referring to the practice of politicians plastering their names on basketball courts, community halls and classrooms funded by taxpayers’ money.

Funded by taxpayer’s money! That’s the catch phrase. In the north district where I live, Raul del Mar likes to plaster his last name on public works FUNDED BY TAXPAYER’S MONEY, specifically on 3 flyovers.

I’ve always maintained that, if del Mar wants his name on those constructions, then he should also add the name of each taxpayer living in the north district. Otherwise he’s vandalizing public property (read Congressman Del Mar a Vandal?) and should have his name removed.

Take a lesson from the President, Raul. Or perhaps you can have yourself treated by Dr. Vicki Bello to thin out your face, if you get my drift.

When we watch the public quarrels of the governor and vice-governor, we either can be entertained or disgusted. Or we can experience other emotions. One thing, though, we will not feel is inspired.

Our government leaders must inspire. It is inspiration that motivates us to follow. Then it is good governance that keeps us following.

Thus, when we watch Gov. Gwen Garcia and Vice-Gov. Greg Sanchez trade barbs and even try to sound more witty than the other, we are reminded of two children arguing about who is better. The only difference is we can’t tell Garcia and Sanchez to shut up. And they dare call themselves leaders.

Leaders should lead by example. What Garcia and Sanchez are showing us, however, is that pride should take precedence over forgiveness; disunity over unity; and pettiness over matters of the state.

Wouldn’t it be inspiring to see Gov. Garcia reach out to her vice-governor and find common ground to work together? She is the foremost leader of the province and therefore must be the first to extend the hand of unity. If perchance Sanchez doesn’t reciprocate, then she should be magnanimous enough to keep silent and move on to lead. This way Sanchez will look like the antagonist and the villain.

Instead we’re watching two, supposedly wise, leaders being immature and trying their best to outwit each other instead of doing their best to lead this province.

They were riding with around 20 other students in a bus owned by JD Tours when the bus lost its brakes and plunged down a steep ravine from a mountainous curve in the Transcentral highway off Balamban. The driver and owner of the bus also perished.

Most of these students were medical students at Cebu Doctors’ University, so it was not without tears that we heard of the strategy as my wife is a dean there.

I met a few Iranian students who graduated from CDU and they impressed me with their courteousness and respect. So to hear about these kids just going out for an R&R and then dying so needlessly in an accident, it’s hard to swallow.

So the authorities need to investigate this accident thoroughly. If the bus lost its brakes, how was the maintenance program of JD Tours, if any. Is the road where the accident happened travel-worthy, especially for buses? Did the driver know how to navigate the road?

Whatever the cause, responsibility has to be placed somewhere. Young people, no matter what country they come from, should not die in vain.

I live in the north of Cebu city. This means I have two choices for congressman, or should I say congresswoman.

One is Cutie del Mar, daughter of incumbent Rep. Raul del Mar. I know nothing of Cutie del Mar. Her name suddenly popped up as a candidate to represent my district in Congress.

The other is Mary Ann de los Santos. She’s the Barangay Captain of Lahug and a nemesis of Mayor Tommy Osmeña. But she’s a competent leader. Proof of this is her numerous awards as a public servant.

She’s also feisty. I’m an avid supporter of Tommy Osmeña, who is perceived as arrogant, but only because he’s a strong leader. So it is with admiration I saw de los Santos stand up to him in defense of her leadership and barangay. If she can do this for her barangay, she can do this for her district if elected to Congress.

My only problem with de los Santos is her choice of party. She belongs to the group identified with former mayor Alvin Garcia, who had done nothing for Cebu city. I once casually met Garcia in a public function and he was reeking of alcohol and his speech was already slurred. And this was around noontime! I was glad I didn’t vote for him and vowed never to do so.

De los Santos is also currently identified with Manny Villar and the Nacionalista Party. Villar is a perceived liar and is desperate to become President of the Philippines. It makes you wonder why and it’s not difficult to conclude it’s not to serve his fellowmen.

Nevertheless, it is hoped that de los Santos is ready to sacrifice party affiliations for the good of her district. Her awards and a look at the progressive Barangay Lahug tell me so.

On the other hand we have Cutie del Mar. She may be qualified to run for Congress, but her family name rings loud "dynasty" bells. Current Congressman Raul "Mayabang" del Mar says he is not establishing a political dynasty and that voters are free to elect whoever they wish.

Yeah, right! But when you have power and resources that lesser mortals don’t have, family members have more than a yeoman’s chance of being elected. Raul del Mar was elected congressman right after People Power. When his term expired, money and clout helped his son become congressman. After one term, Raul was eligible again to run and won. Now his second term is coming to an end, so he’s letting his daughter run. Not a dynasty? My foot!

But what really is despicable about Raul del Mar is he’s a staunch supporter of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Will Cutie del Mar be any different? Also, the del Mars are vandals (read this post).

So, come election time, who am I voting for? Let’s just say this: I’m not voting for dynasty!

I’m writing this in a place called, "Apple Tree Suites." My wife and I are staying here as a gift from our son, who’s also staying here with his wife and cousin for a few days break.

This isn’t resort, but part of the gift is our son paying for everything, including the food. But Apple Tree Suites isn’t bad at all.

Apart from the standard air-conditioned rooms, they have room service, good food and a courteous, friendly staff that goes out of its way to please its guests. The only other amenity is a breezy rooftop where guests can have meals, drinks or a nightcap. Oh, I almost forgot, the entire place is wi-fi connected.

The rooms are not huge, but they’re clean and well-maintained. The entire place is generally safe and secure. All these for only about Php1,000.00 per night (roughly $22.00).

Apple Tree Suites is also walking distance from Fuente Osmeña circle, the center of Cebu city, a plus whether you’re a businessman or a tourist. This means you’re only a few meters from 2 malls, a couple of drug stores, a number of banks and an endless array of fast food chains and restaurants.

Personally, the best asset is the service, something you’ll finding wanting even in the 5-star hotels that dot Cebu city.

No wonder Apple Tree Suites is always almost full. Looking around I saw both local and foreign tourists. The word must have already spread like wildfire!

So, if you’re looking for a traveller’s stop in Cebu city, I highly recommend Apple Tree Suites. It’s nothing short of excellent.