Ben Contreras PSEUDO-ENVIRONMENTALISM or pseudo-environmentalists. Those referred to never claimed expertise. They were merely volunteers who spent their own money, time without any return from anyone or the city government. And when they stepped on some powerful toes, dogs of war are released to answer. When one starts to bark, not necessarily the leader of the pack, the rest just follow in chorus. Real environmentalists, you say? Well, even real environmentalists have skeletons to hide in their closets. Why don’t you ask the Archbishop? Who’s got a case with the Ombudsman? Maybe you want to shed light on it. Where were these self-professed environmentalists when the actions were taking place and now they claim to know everything. He was never there but he was merely spoon-fed. I have a hunch where and why. But that is his business. He was a real environmentalist all right. His name always rang a bell whenever it was time to call and rally people for a protest action. That was their forte and that was then. But what is a real environmentalist? One who risks his life, one who marches in the heat of the sun, one who dares face guns and possible suits? Yes, they are the real environmentalists. But that is not enough. A real environmentalist is one that continues with their advocacy to protect our environment without favor and consideration of friendship. And without vested interests. I can’t blame him. They have the camaraderie. But wait, they eat and sing together to prove one thing. After that, “magnilibakay ra man diay gihapon.” That’s no camaraderie. That’s hypocrisy. How easy it was for him to accuse an old man of being a “tigbas” or receiving payola. How easy was for some to make false accusations without feeling any remorse. But it’s their grey matter which I have no control over. I dared him to ask his classmate which handles the media affairs of Moreno. Well, one cannot expect a dog to bite the hands that feed it. Now, he wants us to be thankful that the income as reported rose from P2.4 million to P9 million. Wow, a staggering 300-percent increase in income, right? But wait! That income was supposed to reach hundreds of million (Camiguin P50 million; Bukidnon, P300 million). Should we be proud of such an accomplishment? Is my arithmetic failing me? If Glenn Bañez thinks the income should be P50 million, he should investigate where the rest of the income went. But even P50 million is peanuts! Going back to Ralph Abragan, was he unceremoniously booted out from CMRB? To use “unceremoniously” is unkind, perpetuated by a cabal whose interest Ralph threatened, and whose toes Ralph has stepped on. What was Ralph’s alleged mistake? Conflict of interests because he was representing environmentalists while engaging in quarrying at the same time kuno? A barangay kagawad and at the same time chairman of the committee on environment was then engaged in illegal activities. A congressman who operated in his quarry illegally, the access to quarry DR without existing permit, if these don’t belong to what they called conflict of interest, pray tell me what is. This barangay official was found guilty by the barangay council, by Clenro and by MGB. And what was his reward? He was given a permit. Former DENR regional director Raoul Geollegue has this to say: “That’s Ombudsman-able!” Ralph was a victim of conspiracy by the group he represented, a congressman, the mayor, Clenro, MGB, media paid hacks, a city councilor and perhaps, more? The dogs of war will continue to discredit the old man and Ralph but the old man make this challenge for an open inquiry. Glenn, call for one, please! He also dares the city council to call for an investigation.