Thu - 16 May
Written by ■ The News Today
After a lonely fight, vows to return with a vengeance
Rommel S. Ynion, after losing the elections to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog last May 13, has left for Las Vegas with his wife Kathleen for a post-election breather but promised that when he gets back, he will continue his programs for the poor.
This was revealed by his campaign manager, Manuel Mejorada through his Facebook post yesterday.
“Shortly before leaving for Manila this afternoon with his wife Kathleen Espina-Ynion and his two kids, Rommel Ynion said he will pursue his programs to help the poor through his foundation, Ang Ynion Abyan,” Mejorada said.
"I will just spend a couple of weeks with Kathleen in Las Vegas. Then I'll be back and fulfill my pledge to help the poor even though I lost the elections,” Ynion said, according to Mejorada.
“Rommel said he will embark on livelihood training and micro-finance access for the poor. He will also establish a medical referral system with WVSU Medical Center (Don Benito Lopez) and build barangay libraries in depressed areas.”
“A lover of books, Rommel plans to look for cheap, second-hand books in the U.S. and ship them over for such barangay libraries. Rommel believes that books will open new horizons for the poor, especially children.”
“He also talked about expanding the boxing program started by Mark F. Villanueva to attract more young boys and girls to take up boxing as a sport. Rommel is the principal backer of the Villanueva Boxing Academy on Rizal St. which now trains more than 30 boys and girls from poor families.”
“He also intends to supervise the construction of the Iloilo National High School alumni center building which was commenced two weeks before the elections,” Mejorada said.
DID OUR JOB
Meanwhile, amid pro-Mabilog supporters’ accusations that the Ynion camp was engaged in politicking, Mejorada was quick to point out that, “No one can accuse us of sleeping on our job to guard against corruption. We fought hard to unearth the irregularities committed in City Hall and expose these to the public. We disregarded the threats to our safety because we felt the people needed to know what is happening. In the end, the people, or majority of them, simply didn't care.”
He added, “We fought a gallant and brave fight. We lost. We accept our fate.”
STEP ASIDE
With such rejection from the public, Mejorada said the team has decided to be not as aggressive in their fight against corruption.
“It's not fair to put our lives at risk for something that doesn't even mean anything to the people. It's not that we have suddenly lost courage. The threats persist. It's just that we don't want to push ourselves over the brink in the face of deadly intentions. Besides, we don't want to appear like obstructionists to the city government of Iloilo City. If we are perceived to be road blocks to "development", then we will step aside and clear the road for it to happen.”
SIMPLE MESSAGE
But, he added that the team’s effort wanted to send a simple message and that is “rampant corruption is the culprit for the worsening poverty in Iloilo City.”
“Change was needed to break that cycle. In the end, the people [decided] not to break that cycle with change. They voted to stay poor and miserable,” he added.
CULTURE
Ynion, who is at peace with the results of the election, said in his FB post that “culture is nothing but our way of thinking.”
“People really need to change their collective attitude towards competition. In any contest, there is a winner and a loser. If you are the winner, be happy. If you are the loser, then congratulate the winner. It's as simple as that. In fact, I am so gloriously proud of my performance in this elections. For, in the entire history of Iloilo politics, there has been no neophyte who fought the mighty forces of City Hall like I did. Everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink, was thrown at me. It was a lonely fight because nobody had the courage to support a man who seemed to belong to the age of chivalry, fighting for ideals long swallowed by the "system". But, inspite of it all, I shook up the world and people noticed the courage with which I fought all of them.”
“David versus Goliath as they say. But in this case, David lost. On hindsight, it was impossible to win because I was all alone, in the face of the omnipotence of City Hall and Malacanang in this day and age. But, I will have my day in the sun. Soon. Like all earthquakes, the aftershocks are often more dangerous. I will be back next time. With a vengeance,” Ynion vowed.
SUPPORT
Those who have known Ynion better expressed their support to their dejected hero.
Villanueva, in his FB post said, “If it's any consolation, sir, behind all the grandeur u have earned a deep yet salient spot that cannot be bought for any amount of money. It is a seat that has no terms, nor expiry, where there is no need for documentation nor proclamation to its rights for it is heartily given and not enforced. You have the love and respect of so many.”
"The admirable thing about Rommel Ynion is that he didn't dwell on his defeat too long. After his thanksgiving party last night (in which more than 2,000 people showed up, much to his own surprise), Rommel was already busy mapping his plans to keep the programs for the poor going. His ideas flowed like a gushing spring this morning when I met him over breakfast. Serving the poor is his number one priority," Mejorada said.
"People may destroy your image and stain your personality, but they can't take away the true you, no matter what, you will always be admired by those people who really know you better," said Michelle Davis.
THANKS
Meanwhile, Mabilog, according to a press release from the Iloilo City Public Information Office, said, “We can now continue what we have started. We have to ensure continuity towards completion of development projects. We are very determined to bring together Iloilo City to greater heights,” Mabilog stressed.
“We have already seen positive changes since 2010 but we still want more changes and developments to happen. We have to represent the voice of the people. We have to show them a genuine and sincere public service and good programs,” he added.
Mabilog encouraged Ilonggos to “dream, plan and work together” towards sustainable progress and development.*
