Why is he changing his mind?

As they say, “only fools do not change their minds.” Definitely, the “former political has-been” is not a fool because he changed his mind on two issues.

A few days ago, he announced he will cut off the allowances given by City Hall to barangay workers except for garbage loaders because of their unsatisfactory performance. The following day, after being heavily criticized by the media, he said City Hall will release the allowances except for Barangay Ermita.

I don’t know if somebody advised him not to pursue his plan as it would have a negative impact on the barangays. But I was informed he does not listen to advises.

And why single out Ermita? This is because of the controversy involving the barangay and City Hall due to the collection of “arkabala” (market fees) from ambulant vendors. Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta, a staunch supporter of Barug Team Rama, insists that the barangay has the right to collect market fees from vendors based in their barangay ordinance. But the City Treasurer’s Office claimed it has the sole authority to collect such fees.

But if he has a conflict with Ermita barangay officials, why punish the barangay workers? They are doing their assignments and obligations to the barangay. Why not punish the hard-headed barangay officials instead and spare the workers?

Meanwhile, when the conflict between City Hall and Rico’s Lechon cropped up, the “former political has-been” vowed to run after establishments that also failed to secure business permits. Around 14,000 firms are similarly situated with Rico’s Lechon.

But in his speech last Wednesday during a digital marketing conference, the “former political has-been” said he would “get rid” of the term “business permit” and instead the city government will only issue “taxes paid” certificates to establishments. Meaning, he will do away with the hassle and red tape of applying business permits. Anyway, the city is only after of raising money from taxes.

See? He is not really a fool because he changed his mind after closing Rico’s Lechon branch along Escario St., and its commissary in Talamban for management’s failure to comply with business permit requirements. Rico’s Lechon, though, did not really ignore its tax liabilities to the city but only failed to comply with the business permit applications.

Puwede ba na matago sa Rico’s Lechon ang ilang negosyo nga sikat ug popular gud na. Mibayad na sila og buhis kay mo- issue man na sila og resibo. Pero wala lang maka- comply sa business permit requirements.

So he will now get rid of the business permits as long as the proprietors will pay their taxes? Does this mean Rico’s Lechon can re-open after its establishments pay their tax obligations? I doubt, because the “former political has-been” has vowed to permanently close Rico’s Lechon. That’s what we call “inconsistency” and personal vendetta.

I don’t know if somebody advised him not to pursue his plan as it would have a negative impact on the barangays