Camarines Norte pols snub Rizal’s ‘caballeros’

The 15^th Congress temporarily adjourned, giving senators and congressmen/women time to honor the invitations of their constituents as guest speakers in the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day last Aug. 29, as Malacañang urged all Filipinos to celebrate this important event.

However, in the provincial assembly of the Caballeros de Rizal (Knights of Rizal) sponsored by the Daet, Mabini Colleges and Jomapa chapters, Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo “Egay” Tallado, and Rep. Renato J. Unico Jr. and Elmer E. Panotes of the first and second districts, respectively, and Daet Mayor Vito Sarte Sarion were supposed to be guest speakers, but not one of them attended.  Only a representative of the governor came to tell us that Governor Tallado was out of town. Mayor Sarion arrived at 4 p.m., when the program had already ended and some of the organizers were already leaving for Naga City.

“‘Ahora mismo’ call in public service” (Inquirer, 6/16/11), a letter of mine stressed.  “But how would they (congressmen/women) know when they don’t go around their districts, except during election time?”

I do not know what they had in mind. Congress was not in session during those days, to resume on Sept. 5, 2011. It would have been an honor for the members of the caballeros in the province if our two beloved congressmen had graced our gathering, which was held to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes. Not only that, they would have been able to discuss matters of vital importance with constituents.

We were eager to hear from them what they have been doing in the House of Representatives; we were very disappointed that they didn’t give any importance to our invitation to an occasion honoring Jose Rizal and other national heroes.

—GODOFREDO O. PETEZA SR.,

trustee, Order of the Knights of Rizal,

Daet Chapter, Camarines Norte 4600