Domogan Wants Marcos Bust Rebuilt
December 13, 2008 by lisa
Filed under government & politics
In the name of tourism, ostensibly, Baguio Congressman Mauricio Domogan wants to spend the people’s money to rebuild the Marcos bust that used to serve as a monument to the Philippine dictator’s ruthless exercise of absolute power under which the country suffered until he fled in 1986.
“Concerned government agencies must work for the immediate rehabilitation of the damaged bust of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos located in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet to serve as another tourist attraction in the Cordillera and to appreciate his good deeds during his administration.
This was the suggestion of Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan (Baguio) who said that Filipinos should accept that Marcos did a lot of good things that must be treasured by the people.”
– Solon urges rehab of Marcos bust, Manila Bulletin
The Marcos bust was blown up in December 2002. The Communist Party of the Philippines claimed credit for the act that drew a lukewarm reaction from the people, because the country was still suffering from the effects of his plunder of our resources 16 years after he was deposed.
Probably thinking that the people of the Philippines, especially Baguio, have short memories and forgiving hearts, our congressman whose most recent monument to uselessness was the railroading of his pet project, the BGH flyover, is now looking for something to do.
Well, he did rename Park Drive to Nanoy Ilusorio, after the majority stockholder of Baguio Country Club, and did sponsor the Cordillera info drive on the controversial Reproductive Health bill …
Well, many folks in Baguio did not really feel fear in the air during Martial Law as other parts of the highly-militarized Philippines did. Marcos loved Baguio and declared a highly urbanized city. Of course, he sponsored a lot of projects in the City of Pines, although stories are rife that it was all about digging for the Yamashita gold more than wanting to prettify the Summer Capital that he hardly ever visited because he was so afraid to leave the safety of Malacanang Palace.
“The City of Baguio, because of its special functions as the summer capital of the Philippines, shall be classified as a highly urbanized city irrespective of its income.”
– Section 3, par. 3, Batas Pambansa Bilang 51, December 22, 1979
Well, Congressman Domogan, though popular among the Baguio masses while he was mayor, has been known in recent years to be a staunch supporter of President Arroyo, having been the first to justify the Php200,000 gift that he received from her for their support in defeating a recent impeachment case against her in Congress.
“Baguio City Representative Mauricio Domogan admitted he received “an allowance” of P200,000 in the evening of Oct. 11 in the House of Representatives through the Office of the Speaker. He said the money did not come from Malacañang and that many other congressmen received allowances in the House that evening.”
– Timeline of alleged bribes to solons, Philippine Daily Inquirer
So much for the independence of a separate and co-equal branch of government if, as Domogan admits pretty shamelessly that he receives an allowance from her majesty.
Regarding the Marcos bust, it used to unnerve me, seeing that beautifully sculpted bust of a man who oppressed the Philippines for so long, who caused the torture, disappearance and deaths of peasants and political enemies, and not so that the country could be a model of democracy in Asia, but merely so he could plunder the nations resources.
That the Presidents who succeeded him, as well as the Filipino everyman, have not been able to get their acts together post-Marcos, is still his doing because his rule raised a whole generation of passive, accepting, “moronized” Filipinos. Marcos wrote the blueprint for plunder, and the folks who followed in his footsteps have mastered it.
While I agree that Marcos and his wife Imelda had many noteworthy projects, but all their good deeds were overshadowed by the depths of despair they plunged the Philippines into. Domogan, in insisting on a shrine to the man, is banking on the fact that the Filipinos have short memories. The message he is sending is actually that of “dictator-worship.” A very Machiavellian “the end justifies the means” He is sending us the message that it is alright to plunder and kill as long as there are good infrastructure projects being undertaken in the meantime. It is this mindset that I find totally deplorable.
Like Marcos before him, Domogan did not care about mortgaging the future of our children with the interest paid on foreign loans, just as long as he got his flyover built.
It is actually evidence of his insensitivity to the feelings of the Filipino everyman, probably because he has been in power too long. Just like when he unceremoniously declared, “The show must go on!” and had all the little school children dance in the pouring rain during the Panagbenga. He probably thought that giving them Php300 each afterward was compensation enough.
And now Domogan has nothing better to do than cause the Marcos bust to be repaired. How sad is that?
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ADDED: Dec 13, 8:07p.m.
My very good friend, Nico, remarked this afternoon, “Actually I want the Marcos bust repaired. If just to remind us of the Marcos regime.”
I said, “Well, if that’s the reason, maybe I would agree. But Domogan wants to deify the man, “that Marcos did a lot of good things that must be treasured by the people.” Why doesn’t he just undertake projects similar to those of Marcos’ instead of rebuilding his bust?”
We just...
The word is spin, if one is brilliant, one can almost make anything unacceptable, acceptable.
Actually, Resty, I believe Domogan is pretty much out of touch, thinking his constituents naive. He is such an administration lackey whom I bet will jump GMA’s ship as soon as he perceives it sinking, but right now he’s into deifying strong(wo)man tactics and dictatorship with his Machiavellian attitude.
Next thing you know, he’ll want to build Gloria Arroyo’s bust right beside Marcos’s saying that we should honor her for her good projects, too!
Off topic but I watched Congressman Domogan last night on tv expound on the pros of charter change and I’m sold on it. Specifically, the development in country sides so the people living there don’t have to go to urban centers to look for work. The voting style in the states where results of an election don’t have to go through so many processes before they are considered. Media always harping that the planned charter change is so the present officials can extend their terms. This is not so according to the congressman. Happy holidays, Lisa, everyone!
Hi Resty, we do not need charter change for provincial development. That’s why we have representation in Congress. It is not only media that is harping. All the people who track and analyze these political moves can see it clear as day, no matter how, as you put it, people like Domogan put a spin to it. That a Charter change is the mechanism by which Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her minions can extend their terms.
One of the reasons a bicameral congress won by one vote during the 1987 Constitutional Commission is so that we will have a platform for national leadership, because Marcos destroyed the opportunity for finding his successor when he had the Batasang Pambansa. Otherwise the country will be ruled by a Prime Minister who will only manage to win votes in his Congressional District. No matter how they aver that the Prime Minister can be changed quite easily, we have seen through history that the Old Boys Club we call the Congress, which serves only the personal interests of the politicians and oligarchies and not the nation, judging from Joe de V’s long reign as chief horse trader, that replacing the chief Congressman will not happen.
I wouldn’t believe our Congressman who is one of the chief supporters (I was going to say lackeys) of our President. Heck, she gives him an allowance!!!
Naku, this is a full post. Like Domogan’s purpose for rebuilding the Marcos bust, I do not buy their lame reasons for charter change. That they have succeeded in f_cking up the country (ok, mostly our fault because we allowed them to), does not mean that we need a change of system.
We need a change of leaders, and with that a vigilant citizenry that is so engaged they will be wary to match that change. We have a good system that they have managed to distort for their personal enrichment. We can, using the same system, but by being engaged, make it work.
hi lisa,
If the people in the government are so concerned about the tourism in Baguio and their solution is to rebuild the Marcos bust, then they should spend their PERSONAL money on rebuilding this, for the love of Baguio. Otherwise, i think the people’s money should be appropriated for more urgent and primary needs of Baguio City.
Merry Christmas Baguio Insider!
Hi Grace,
You so have a point there!
And if Domogan wants to fund it, and add Gloria Arroyo’s bust right beside Marcos’s who is to say “No!”? Or maybe his own face na rin, and all in the name of tourism. We can have our very own Mount Rushmore!!! Using his personal money of course.
Seriously, you’re so correct in that Baguio has more urgent needs — tour guides, street lights, more policemen, tree planting, landscaping, burying electricity wires so we avoid accidents and power outages — all for the tourism that Domogan insists that he supports. Not to mention basic needs for the residents — water distribution, waste reduction/disposal, etc. No time for frivolities or worse, subliminal messages of dictator worship…
Merry Christmas, Grace!
Lisa, Congressman Domogan made it clear that the charter change need not be before 2010. Pwede kahit after 2010, sabay ang election ng government officials with the constitutional assembly on 2010. I wish that the local tv program that guested Congressman Domogan will have a guest who is anti-charter change too. Then, a third program featuring the congressman and one who is anti-charter to debate on it.
just rebuild it, it just uglifies the view in marcos highway…. i hate to see such an ugly view everytime i go up to baguio
Well, Bok, there are two choices really, we can also the Marcos bust it or remove the image altogether. What I cannot stand, more than the sight of the blown up bust, is the Congressman Domogan’s reason for wanting it rebuilt.
i don’t see anything wrong with rebuilding the bust
mayat met nu maurnos ti rebulto ni marcos.tapno iti kasta ket malagip tayo nu sino isuna.nu malagip tayo isuna nga nasayaat ada kanya tayu,nu malagip tayu isuna nga dakkes ada latta kanya tayu.irespeto tayo latta isuna ta presidente isuna ti Baguiong Lipunan ay Bagong lipunan gayam.
YES, REBUILD IT. Marcos is the greatest Philippine president, martial law is only for troublemakers.
Read History before you condemn him.
Most books and magazines may told us how evil Marcos was but it must be known that Ninoy was a journalist before and very well supported by the Catholic priests and nuns.
As for the written facts MARCOS HAD ACCOMPLISHED MOST PROJECTS THAT PHILIPPINES HAD, THAN TO HIS PREDECESSORS COMBINED.
Hi Jongb, maryam and Antonio,
I need not read history — I lived with Marcos and Martial Law all my growing up years — I witness folks being picked up by the military from jeepney stops, I went through curfew, and lived hand to mouth because he and his cronies took for themselves all the businesses and industries and natural resources of the Philippines.
Marcos wrote the blueprint for plunder, silenced all voices (like you would be even able to comment or have internet if he were alive and in charge) so honestly, just do not read history books, if you read them at all, understand what a dictatorship is all about.
Do you honestly think that we are in this rut because of others? The effects of his destruction of the spirit of the Philippines are still being felt now. How intelligent are Filipinos today because he silenced all voices for decades?
If you want his bust rebuilt so badly, may I suggest started a private fund for this purpose because I certainly do not want my taxes to go to support the worship of a dictator.
Hi lisa,
election 2010 is just around the corner. i’ve heard from reliable sources that atty. domogan would be running for mayor (again?). i am a voter of baguio and would really appreciate if you can enlighten me. i know what atty. domogan did for baguio as far as the media reported it. i also heard several disturbing comments such as jadewell, uniwide, john hay, bcc, bribing the media, pro cha-cha, pro gma, may anak sa labas, etc. etc. etc. but of course these are all hearsay. i am now having second thought of campaigning and voting for him in my own capacity. I would really appreciate if you can give hard facts to support more of what i’ve heard so far. furthermore, in the event that he is no longer appropriate to run for mayor, then whom do you recommend as mayor of baguio who would do more good than harm to us.
thank you and more power to you.
Dear Juan Dela Cruz,
“i also heard several disturbing comments such as jadewell, uniwide, john hay, bcc, bribing the media, pro cha-cha, pro gma, may anak sa labas, etc. etc. etc. but of course these are all hearsay.”
Accounts of the deals you are referring to are all found on the web in reliable news reports while the contracts and memoranda are on file in Baguio City Hall. The pro cha-cha, the accepting of cash gift from GMA these you can google online. The anak sa labas, who cares?
Check timelines like who gave SM City Baguio a 5-year moratorium on their business taxes, uniwide for 12/sqm for 50 years, who gave jadewell its 80% share of the income from parking with an airtight contract where they could not be sued for 5 years — these were all closed during his term.
That, BGH flyover was his doing, too (you can see the hard concrete evidence on the landscape) and check online which funds he realigned to complete that atrocity.
Then of course there is that new Baguio Charter that he has filed in Congress GIVING THE BAGUIO MAYOR THE POWER TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLIC LAND — which was filed in the midnight hour of his last congressional term, just in time for him to have this power, in case he wins next year.
Another question voters should ask — why did he stay for 9 years in Congress when all he had to do was skip one 3-year term as mayor?
I am waiting with bated breath to see who is filing their COCs within the next 2 weeks and will try to give the Baguio voters their options.
What I do know is that Mr. Domogan has a track record that I do not like, sir.
hi lisa,
wow…that was a quick! i really appreciate your honest response. i can sense that it came from the heart and without bias. i am very much worried since i’ve heard from reliable sources that there were several survey/polls conducted (i don’t know how reliable they are) and domogan’s name topped the surveys. whew! if this were the case, then we are faced with a very serious dilemma. if there is any consolation, as i said, i don’t know how reliable the surveys are. but what if domogan wins and become the mayor (again? may the gods forbid)….what then? are we doomed?
so, what can we do as early as now to save us? =(
hi lisa,
hope you’re well. I am still eagerly anticipating your reply to my last post. I would really love to hear your thoughts.
thanks and best regards
Hi Juan,
I responded to your first comment fast because I happened to be online. I was still there when you posted the second but I felt it would require a little more thought.
“so, what can we do as early as now to save us?”
I was planning to write an article in response actually, and then decided to see who was running (Certificates of Candidacy started being filed today). So I started making calls to find out who was in the running and was asked to keep mum until they file on or before the deadline, which is Dec 1.
So far there were four, including Peter Rey Bautista, whom I think is running for Congress and Abet Quilala who has the same plans. The names of the other two who filed I do not know or recognize (running for councilor maybe).
For mayor, the talk here is that it will probably be Jose Molintas (who had Domogan running scared three years ago when he went up against him for congressman), Elaine Sembrano (who was such a surprise winner, making it to the Magic 12 and displacing an incumbent) and some others who ran for mayor in the past, including Domogan. But these are just names and personalities, not platforms or programs of action.
Give me a little more time. Your simple question is not that easy to answer. I am hoping to help raise the level of the campaigns to one of issues and programs and track records. Bear with me a little longer.
Hi Lisa,
I must hand it to you…your prediction of Jose Molintas running against Domogan was right all along. The big question now is would history repeat itself? Will Domogan beat Molintas again for the second time around? This is turning to be like a boxing match where there is what they call a rematch.
I know, I should not make fun out of this. Our lives, well-being, and Baguio City as a whole is at stake here. It seems that this thread is just between both of us. I guess I have to rephrase my simple question this time and be more specific.
Whom do you think would make a better Mayor of Baguio from your short list so far. I would really appreciate your wisdom of choice since I would be using it also as bases for voting come 2010.
thank you very much…live long and prosper!
Dear Juan,
Will Domogan beat Molintas again for the second time around? If Baguio voters are as intelligent as they claim to be, then they will be able to trace a lot of the destruction of the city, physically and spiritually, to Domogan and his cohort, Vergara, who’s running again for Congress.
Because I am eternally hopeful, I am hoping fresh leadership will dismantle all the cabals going on in city hall. I want a dynamic team of tree lovers not cement lovers. WE have until May 2010 to decide, so let’s grill all the candidates on their plans and let’s use this process to educate everyone.
This post is old, but since the issues of Baguio are hardly every resolved, I find most posts to still be relevant. My stats tell me how many visit and what they read but many are hesitant to make their voices heard but that’s ok, we just have to keep the discussion going for the love of Baguio and everyone’s benefit.
Domogan really has a son with another woman. He lives in the US with his mom and American stepfather. Unknown to many, his son even came home to campaign for his biological father when he first ran for mayor.
Miss Baguio, I am floored by this information! It’s one of the few times I have nothing to say…
Ms Baguio is almost spot on, the stepfather died several years so he’s under the
watchful eye of his mother, who happens to be my close relative. We never talk about the congressman and whatever mystique she saw in him at that time, beats me! My cousin was very pretty and maybe MD was dazzling then, but I’m not sold (wink! wink!).
MD is a changed species. That’s how money alters the behavior of even someone who claimed to be a human rights lawyer at one time.
We need a face in Baguio politics. De Leon could be a good one but a Mayor’s pay is meager compared to what he maybe makes now. Joe Molintas could make a difference or Yangot might as well make a run of it again. It’s just a pipe dream and not to be taken seriously, wink!
TruBlue,
There are simply no secrets in the Philippines, are there?
And all 90 million of us are related somehow.
“MD is a changed species. That’s how money alters the behavior of even someone who claimed to be a human rights lawyer at one time.” — Man was born good, then given free will, and we are thus free to decide how we will use the blessings given us.
Was MD good to begin with and then corrupted? Or was he corrupt but discreet and in getting away with so much, has deluded himself into thinking that we do not notice that all he has done for the city is make deals that will benefit him at the expense of the home that we love?
Molintas will run for mayor and I wish him luck in going up against Domogan who still has a strong following among the residents; Yangot will run for Congress; De Leon, although tickled pink at the idea that a lot of people consider him a viable candidate for mayor, declines to serve in that capacity.
Let’s take this chance at redemption seriously. Let’s raise the level of the local elections to issues, not personalities. Let us demand platforms and programs of action. Let us hold them to those plans and not allow any public official to spring upon us surprises like flyovers, tunnels, secret deals giving SM the Convention Center, or plunging Baguio into a 400M to build satellite markets.
Pipe dreams we turn into reality and bring back beauty and order to Baguio once again!
Choose candidates by their platforms if they are true to their words. Philippine politics have tons of platforms but these programs of actions are buried after wards upon assumption of office.
Why not choose candidates who has tracts of records. Try to balance things, the good and the evil. As they say “Nobody can please everybody.”
To my best of knowledge why not elect a set of officials whom we know that can sit together and solve problems for the common good. If every week during the past years we were able to watch and monitor the legislative,executive and legislative functions,sessions,activities etc., come election time no need to read for their platforms. In short, actions speaks louder that words. Pwede natin sabihin sa kanila sa kasagsagan nng kampanya “AGA-AMO TAYON APO”.
Construction is part of industrialization and we have to accept that. We should interview residents,commuters,every sectors of the community the effect of paving roads,streets,overpasses,pathways,school buildings,creeks,halls,courts,hospitals,clinics,etc. Is the distribution of budget unfavorable?
It is enough!!!! Our big problem now in Baguio is GARBAGE. What will be the future of my small kids if it will not be solved? Money is being wasted in Capas. What will happen to the health of Baguio residents when this will not be solved? “AANHIN BA ANG BAGUIO KUNG PATAY NA ANG KABAYO”.
We had been in the Hall of Fame in clean and green during the term of then mayor Domogan. We had a change in local leadership for 9 years. What happened? I salute those choosing a change in leadership and look for a better one. But in the end they were the losers. The same banana, kapag may balimbing na kandidato may balimbing din na supporter,”Color of money”.
So be vigilant and wise in choosing candidates. Politics are the same where ever you go. Just pick the lesser evil. If your candidates did not win, support the programs of the winners. Sportsmanship is the name of the game so that everybody can move on and for the sake of Baguio our beloved city. Di ba di ba di ba…….
Bhanjoe,
If we were to hold Domogan to his track record:
1. BGH Flyover
2. Jadewell
3. 5-year moratorium for Sm City Baguio — no taxes paid to Baguio
4. Vehicle-friendly Baguio, pedestrian unfriendly Baguio
5. Proposed change in Baguio charter giving Baguio mayor power to dispose of public lands
6. Illegal vendors
7. “Ukay-ukay capital of the Philippines”
8. Camp John Hay turnover, non-collection of rent, destruction of landmarks. How many golf shares did he get
9. Renaming of Park Drive to Nanoy Ilusorio drive, in exchange for …
10. Dubious titling of certain lands to private individuals, including Forest reserves, properties in the Central Business District.
11. Accepting monies from GMA, being a rabid GMA-supporter and propagandist
12. Charter Change proponent to perpetuate GMA in power
More issues will come out during this campaign…
We were only clean and green when he was mayor because that was right after the earthquake. That the Baguio mayors after him were worse is not reason to vote for a man whom we KNOW does not have the best intentions for Baguio.
I refuse to choose the lesser evil. Baguio residents and the city itself deserve someone who is GOOD.
“Domogan advised residents to carefully examine each candidate. “Dapat i-evaluate hindi lang yung public performance (ng kandidato) kung hindi private (yung) life din,” Domogan said.
He added the voters’ are partly to be blamed for putting in post officials who never do their responsibility.
Domogan said there are many things to be done in the city especially in terms of addressing the garbage problem, tourism and education crises.” – Domogan at SunStar November 30, 2009.
To those who are fans of Sarah Palin and reads every newspapers available in sight, you would never miss this excerpts from SunStar Baguio. If you are a LIAR like Palin, you missed it, just want to get that off my chest (wink).
Well Baguio Voters: let’s evaluate MD with all his acquired assets, daming nakatago dyan na ari-arian. Ask him about his personal belongings, where are they named to just like the rest of his counterparts in Tongress.
MD is blaming you actually for putting him in Tongress and for being irresponsible and a lost Baguio warrior subservient to Gluerilla Arroyo’s every wishes.
Baguio garbage problems was also his shared responsibility as Baguio solon not just the mayor – it’s rather hypocritical to raise the issues now yet never gave any iota of solution to the ongoing problem.
I’ve always said Baguio voters are smart and would be more smarter to dump those they perceive as traditional politicians and start with a new face who will think progress forward for our beloved city.
Can’t seem to find Rocky Balisong’s statement I’ve read somewhere, but it sounded like this: “I am going to win because NP or NPC is a very strong party”! Think he is gunning for a congress.
How about that for a platform? Come on Baguio voters, you can’t vote for a guy who simply says he can win for just being in a strong party!
TruBlue, eh what about Domogan claiming there’s a clamor for him, or Peter Ray saying he will not run for re-election because he “does not want to cling to power” but was one of the first to file his COC and he’s running for Congress?
Some people do a terrible job as mayor and think they can do a better job in Congress? Por Dios naman!
Hi ate lisa,
So nice to hear others opinion on this matter. If only politicians would sign a manifesto wherein all of their platforms (promises) are written and a clause be included emphasizing in the event that they cannot perform as they’ve promised, then they should voluntarily resign their post immediately. This manifesto should be notarized and published in the local papers. This would keep the politicians on their toes and be reminded of what they’ve committed to do as an elected public official.
A friend ask me a very simple question the other day: “Why do politicians say they are public servants but turns out to be the other way around?” – the public becomes the servants…
“…and why do they cling to power at all costs?” – because they want more power!…power that is very intoxicating and addictive. If not harnessed and used appropriately would definitely corrupt and transform anyone to the dark and evil side. – their selfish and hidden motives.
This is what I see in the likes of our mayor and congressman. Both started as promising politicians, full of idealism, hope, vision, and good deeds for their constituents. But where are they right now? They are being transformed and sucked in the dark and evil side by prolonging and clinging to power. If only they’ll listen first to their hearts and conscience, and less on the people that whispers power with their own selfish and full of not so good hidden agendas, then I guess they’ll come to realize how badly they’ve transformed. Only then can they achieve self-realization and actualization – which is a better alternative than clinging to power!
If they insist in clinging to power, then we would be in a state of stagnation. Evolution would stop, monopoly of power would reign, and worst our children would suffer the consequences of our action by voting indifferently.
Voting wisely seems to be a double-edged sword. I’d rather vote with a clear conscience rejecting the monopoly of power and keeping in mind a better Baguio City for our children to live in.
are you with me?
Dear Juan,
I think I will go on a personal campaign to teach the Baguio residents how to recall their elective officials…
Am also working on a visioning exercise workshop for some candidates. That’s why I haven’t been blogging much, because there’s much to do offline…