NextGen Day

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Walden Bello, a vice-presidential candidate, is no longer welcome here.

Belo was declared persona non grata by the City Council on Tuesday during its regular session over his baseless allegation of corruption in the city, which he claimed he wanted to “cleanse.”

The City Council stated in a resolution that Bello implied Davao City is the drug capital of the south, controlled by a member of the Duterte family.

“The City Council decries Walden Bello’s unsuitable character, particularly his use of malicious tirades. Davao City’s exemplary reputation is the result of not only the local government’s efforts, but also of the diligence of every honest, disciplined, and responsible Dabawenyo. While we condemn Walden Bello’s actions, we also declare categorically that he is not welcome to enter Davao City’s borders or entire territorial jurisdiction,” the resolution stated.

Contrary to Bello’s assertions, the resolution noted that Davao City received 118 awards and citations from 2016 to 2021 in recognition of the local government’s initiatives in various facets of governance and service.

“Davao City has transformed itself into a safer and more developed community with world-class infrastructure, economic development, and social programs. Walden Bello’s widely publicized malicious statements reflect poorly on the efforts and commitment of hardworking city government employees who are responsible for the city’s successes and recognitions,” the resolution added.

Numerous honors and citations

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also recognized the city with the Seal of Good Local Governance and the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping over the years.

Davao City was ranked fourth most competitive highly urbanized city in the 2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index by the National Competitiveness Council and the Department of Trade and Industry—the highest ranking of any city outside the National Capital Region.

In May 2018, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognized Davao City as one of Southeast Asia’s Most Peaceful and Safest Cities.

The Manila Times also recognized Davao City as a Philippine Top Model City and awarded it the Safe Haven Award for its efforts to maintain peace and order for the benefit of its constituents that year.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was recognized by the Philippine National Police as the Best City Police Office in 2017 and 2020.

DCPO’s peace and order programs contributed to the city’s total index crime rate decreasing from 13 in 2016 to 1.9 in 2021.

DILG also commended the Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) during its 2017 ADAC Performance Audit for its exemplary anti-drug campaign efforts. Additionally, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency recognized the city as an Outstanding Local Government Unit – City Level in 2019 for its unwavering support for Region 11’s anti-drug campaign.

“Bello’s persistent attacks will stymie Davao City’s economic recovery efforts, particularly in promoting the city’s tourism and investment opportunities to the local and international markets, and will ultimately undermine Davao City’s reputation for good governance in general,” the City Council stated.

Recognized critic

Bello has been a vocal critic of fellow vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte since the election campaign began.

Bello chastised Mayor Sara for failing to attend debates, referring to the city as the “drug capital” of the southern part of the country, and most recently cited the city’s coastal road and modernization of public utility vehicles as evidence of corruption.

Bello was described as a “threat” to the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) on Monday.

“As a regional party with incumbent elected officials seeking to strengthen our coordination with law enforcement agencies combating the proliferation of prohibited drugs, the HNP, chaired by Mayor Sara Duterte, takes this information seriously.”

Previously, former city information officer Jefry Tupas filed cyber libel charges against Bello, who accused him of being a drug dealer and claiming that he was caught “snorting PHP1.5 million worth of drugs” during an online press conference.

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