Baraan says Cojuangco’s gutter language is ‘self-projection’

Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard F. Baraan questioned the true intention of Mark Cojuangco’s stubbornness when the latter defied a provincial board resolution that opposes the tree cutting along the Manila North Road (MNR).

In a press statement, Baraan said that Cojuangco’s bold and insensitive use of gutter language such as “ilo” (Pangasinan and Ilocano word for toilet paper), in dismissing the supplemental agreement of like-minded and well-meaning public servants and environmental advocates “is an eloquent self-projection that is reflective of what’s inside his head.”

The agreement was an offshoot of the provincial board resolution and later on reinforced by similar directives from DENR Sec. Ramon Paje and DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson.

Greenresearch, a group that strongly advocates environment protection, cried foul over Cojuangco’s false accusations against running priest Fr. Robert Reyes and the signatories of the agreement noting that it reflected his ‘lack of knowledge and appreciation’ about the important roles of civil society organizations (CSOs).

“We speak for the trees especially when their survival are threatened by political and corporate greed,” the group said in its press statement distributed during the KBP Forum on September 17.

Before this, the provincial board resolution was further affirmed by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. when he stated in an earlier press conference his opposition to the cutting of trees.

The governor said in his earlier statement that there is no need for the cutting of trees if only to widen the Manila North Road (MNR) since a super highway called TPLEX is being built parallel to the MNR designed to accommodate the growing traffic volume and fast lane travellers.

“If Cojuangco is sincere in saying that he will never disrespect the provincial board or the governor,” Baraan said as he disclosed that the agreement which was signed by him along with representatives from the DPWH, DENR, and the environmental advocacy groups was meant to respect and to affirm the official position of the province.

Dismayed of what is happening, the provincial administrator said, “Mr. Cojuangco should learn and begin to listen to the silent majority including businessmen and ordinary citizens, whose rights have been violated, feelings deeply hurt, properties destroyed, and their future compromised,” as he disclosed that this is the result of the whimsical and patently cruel plan to widen the MNR which has caused irreparable damage to a large portion of the historic and environmental treasure and scenic drive across the province of Pangasinan.

Gov. Espino is firm on his stand that there should be no cutting of trees along the MNR Road while Cojuangco’s stand obviously favors the cutting of the trees. (PIO)