Ang Pahayagan

A no show Solon

Zambales 1st district Congressman Jefferson Khonghun was a no show invited VIP during the oath taking of Olongapo City officials last Monday at the SM Central Convention Hall.

He was in the printed program, meaning he accepted the invitation made by City Hall. We noticed his absence, I surmised that since most of his close family were also assuming their elected posts, he attended their respective oath taking in Castillejos and Subic.

But none of the above as a posting at Facebook showed, he escorted his lady love, actress Aiko Melendez, who also took her oath as City Councilor of Quezon City.

The re-elected solon, who run unopposed, gave more importance to his roommate than to his constituents that voted in on his second term in office. Why did incident happen was Rep. Jay nursing a bad relationship with the Paulino’s, a crack of the political relationship that may run up to 2028, just asking?

Last May election, Khonghun also supported the mayorship run of Barangay Chairman Ponge, namanka sa dalawang ilog, but unfortunately, majority of the Olongapeños were did-heart pro Paulino, a tricycle driver pointed out.

Speculations started spreading last Monday that Mayor Lenj may eye the congressional district at the end of his term in 2028 and may seek a higher position. Recall that Jay renegade on his promise to work for making Olongapo a lone district, but three years in office, the promise was forgotten.

The Khonghun’s political might is contagious, Jay elder sister is Vice Governor of Zambales, his dad Mayor of RM hometown and younger brother Jon is Mayor of Subic town, their bailiwick. Of course, government (elected) post in Zambales are dominated by families, including the Ebdanes Moreover, Zambales not yet graduated on “dole out” politics.

I asked what will be in store for Olongapo in the next 3 years, I asked BCDA director Rolen Paulino Sr. who I believe is political and infrastructure adviser of Mayor Lenj. He said the construction of a three storey public market at East Bajac-Bajac, will be finally constructed, after a court case delayed its timetable. Likewise, a four storey pay parking building will be constructed on the space between Rizal Triangle and the Police headquarters, more road constructions and job training programs.

Next year Olongapo will observe its 60th anniversary as a City, thanks to the efforts of the late slain Mayor James L. Gordon. Traffic is a now common along the Kalaklan Highway due to the increase volume of vehicles, we hope that Rep. Khonghun, will now complete the by-pass road at Barrio Barretto existing New Cabalan to lessen the number of vehicles every day.