| Cagas, Latasa seals act of reconciliation |
| Written by Eldie S. Aguirre | |
| Friday, 10 October 2008 | |
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Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas (left) and Digos City Mayor Arsenio Latasa took turns answering queries from the media as they sealed off their year-long “cold war” on September 24. Cagas and Latasa are long time political allies but their relationship turns sour during the 2007 elections. They vowed to ‘bury their hatchets’ to push development agenda for their constituents. Governor Douglas Cagas and Digos City Mayor Arsenio Latasa will finally bury their “hatchets” after a meeting this afternoon at the provincial capitol.
Earlier, Cagas has announced his willingness to reconcile with all his political nemesis during the previous elections that includes his shattered relationship with Latasa who has been his ally since he started politics.
Latasa, on the other hand, positively reacted over the proposal saying he has nothing personal against the governor who is a close family friend and partner in politics.
The harmonious camaraderie between Cagas and Latasa turned sour during the 2007 elections when Cagas ran under Lakas-CMD in his bid for the gubernatorial slot, while Latasa – a known NPC stalwart supported second district House Representative Claude Bautista for governor under the clout of the NPC.
Cagas won overwhelmingly in the elections but loses grip to the majority of barangay officials in Digos City giving political control to Latasa in the most thickly populated government unit in the province.
The cold war between the two former political allies was gradually felt by the Digoseños when the duo are apparently establishing their own political machinery within the 26 barangays.
Barangay tanods (CVO), Barangay Health Workers (BHW), the police, barangay officials and other local government institutions are feeling the brunt of their political bickering.
The latest display of disunity was during the celebration of the 8th founding anniversary of Digos City on September 8 where Cagas refused to attend the occasion despite the formal invitation sent to his office.
Cagas and Latasa were also noted to be in different areas when the September 21 Metro Shuttle Bus 209 bombing ensued in Digos City .
Cagas just stationed himself at the provincial hospital while Latasa stay foot at the crime scene – obviously avoiding each other.
“Our roads have not crossed since the 2007 elections,” Latasa said as his reaction to the governor’s statement. “But his humility to offer reconciliation to me and all the barangay officials is an act that I could not refuse.”
Latasa said he would like to mend differences with Cagas so that their respective families would regain their lost camaraderie.
Radio survey over DXDS Radyo Ukay (AM), and Charm Radio (FM); all based in the city came out that the majority of the people in Digos City wanted Cagas and Latasa to “blow peace pipes” so that further development would be pushed through.
“There would be no peace and development in a particular place if our public officials will not unite for a common goal of delivering basic services and development initiatives for their constituents,” a caller over the radio said.
Everybody wears a smile as feuding local chief executives Governor Douglas Cagas (center) and Digos City Mayor Arsenio Latasa seals their reconciliation on September 24. Cagas meets Latasa who goes to the provincial capitol to end their political disputes and focus on development agenda for their constituents.
Digos City Mayor Arsenio Latasa (3rd from left) and Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas (4th from left) pose with barangay officials in Digos City as they end up their year-long ‘cold war’ on September 24. Latasa and Cagas vow to focus their attention towards peace and development for their respective constituents.
Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas (left) and Digos City Mayor Arsenio Latasa took turns answering queries from the media as they sealed off their year-long “cold war” on September 24. Cagas and Latasa are long time political allies but their relationship turns sour during the 2007 elections. They vowed to ‘bury their hatchets’ to push development agenda for their constituents. |
