The value of the opposition
The public statement issued by Second District Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel Maglasang condemning the fake news, malicious stories, and twisting of facts about her and her family as an affront to her independence as a member of the opposition bloc is not something that should be lightly brushed aside.
The lady solon points to her stand on the budget of the Office of Governance, Accountability, and Review (OGAR) during the deliberation of the provincial budget at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as the reason behind the malicious posts. It is intended to pressure her into acquiescing to the leadership’s desire of passing the same without a thorough deliberation.
The honorable board member is not cowed. She refused to be a “rubber stamp”, according to her public statement.
The opposition is not supposed to be silenced. On the contrary, it must always be welcomed and given careful consideration.
True, the current administration must be given a free hand to deliver its promises to the Boholanos unhampered by an opposition that paralyzes good governance. We do not want this kind of mess.
However, proposed bills must undergo the rigors of the legislative mill to ensure that the policies churned out from a well-represented legislative body will redound to the people’s benefits.
A certain amount of delay, public scrutiny, and frustration can be beneficial in helping to improve policy outcomes.
Instead of being mocked, the opposition should be commended for airing out contrary opinion on critical issues. For purposes of lawmaking, the majority must always prevail. Let us be cautioned though that what is right is not always popular, and what is appealing is not always right.