In the history of Benguet, never have we seen any road cut that has stirred so much controversy than that of the recent Pilando washout. The social media went abuzz about who’s who and what’s what, sparking heated exchanges among supporters of local political leaders. Pilando has become a melting pot of opportunists, overnight experts, and hatemongers. Indeed, the battle lines have been drawn and the drums of war came beating earlier than expected. The 2025 elections have dawned.
While the office of Congressman Yap worked in the background negotiating, planning, and readying execution for both immediate and long-term solutions, his would-be political rival came barging in with his tarpaulin-laden excavators and other equipment complete with media coverage and a bunch of vociferous supporters. What a spectacle indeed and, for all it’s worth, it seemed to have succeeded in amassing maximum attention. One has to applaud such a cunning display of political showmanship, but one cannot help but shed a tear for what has become of Benguet’s political landscape.
Such a move, even if well-meant, has not only subverted governmental function prematurely but has also given rise to the erroneous idea that nothing is being done to solve the crisis. Hence, the point of conflict and the beginning of a ridiculous narrative. The distorted notion of “quick” action has dangerously eroded the necessity for prudence. The DPWH, which is the government arm tasked to maintain, build, and restore our highway system, has been cast aside in favor of misplaced emotions, false assumptions, and political grandstanding. Every inquiry, suggestion, and safety precaution they made was treated with deplorable hostility.
Though cooler heads have prevailed and the temporary alternate road is now open while the DPWH pursues the restoration of the washed out area, a permanent dent has been etched in Bengue’s already decaying socio-political character. The situation sends a wrong signal to future generations; that there is nothing wrong in using a community dilemma as a staging ground for a political campaign. That it is perfectly acceptable for a leader to promote himself by undermining government authority instead of initiating concerted efforts and coordinated action for a common goal. That it is alright to sow division and create confusion instead of fostering patience, cooperation, and respect, just to gain the upper hand.
Many of the social media posts about the issue are legitimate and noteworthy because of their clear take on what was happening on the ground and their focus on the “Binnadang” Cordilleran spirit. But sadly, attack dogs and trolls couldn’t help but cause confusion by spreading fake news and libellous commentaries. In this scenario, a leader who truly cares would have pacified his hounds or at least come forward to debunk misinformation and diffuse tension.
A leader who truly cares would not risk public safety for personal ambition. A leader who truly cares does not work in stealth mode to preempt an already existing plan just so he will emerge the hero.
