Ben Contreras “SOUR GRAPES” is conveniently used as an easy way to counter criticisms against their benefactor. We’ve been labeled as “sour grapes” allegedly because we didn’t get what we wanted from the Moreno administration. Lately, Clenro Edwin Dael labeled us, Ralph and me as “sour grapes” because we didn’t get what we allegedly wanted from Moreno. When did all these start? It all started from Save CDO Movement, a supposed advocacy for honest and good governance. Save CDO Movement decided to support Moreno against the Lord of City Hall at a time when the city’s clamor for change was at its peak. In our meetings, Mrs. Moreno would be invited by a few of our members. There, Mrs. Moreno would bend her anger at her husband like, “Ben, banatan mo si Oscar. Tarantado iyan.” I chose not to at that time. When Moreno won, things changed as fast as one could bring one’s pants down for the action. Talking against Moreno became taboo in our group as a few would like it to be. That’s when schism started to rear its ugly face. Those who had their own agenda sided with the “first lady,” hoping to get some business. But they were honest with their intention. It’s their choice, and we respected that. And they got what they wanted until today. Everybody knew about the Duaw Park, the first bite of the Moreno administration of the forbidden fruit as Dongkoy Emano did with the Roa property. Being media savvy, Moreno’s “ATM” attacked us (a few members of Save CDO) as “sour grapes” when this guy is not even a member of Save CDO. Unsa may iyang nahibaloan? Well, there are no “sour grapes” in city hall today. They are all sweet grapes, enjoying the benefits they get for being sycophants. Moreno has somebody good at media affairs to his credit. A city hall run like a family certainly benefits all. Let me ask Edwin: “Unsay akong gipangayo nga wala gihatag ni Moreno?” Ako, naa koy gihatag ni Moreno nga iyang gipangayo when he was still governor of Misamis Oriental. It was not even a “pangayo,” if you know what I mean. Until today, these people still stick to the notion that Ralph was removed from CMRB because of “conflict of interest.” But they were and are still silent on the interests in conflict among operators when everyone is trying to lord it over against others. The Big 3 operators dared invest hundreds of millions for the industry because of the volume of the business that would also run in hundreds of millions. And Clenro still reports a P9-million annual income as if it’s quite staggering? But that’s peanuts. I am not pointing a dirty finger at Edwin. He is as much a victim of dirty politics and maneuvering as everyone else. Let’s just say, he is protecting his own “kaldero.” But I bet, when he finally retires, he would be singing a different tune like those before him. As for Ralph, he once dared anyone to file charges against him, and he will answer it in a proper forum. Nobody took the challenge. Cowards! I won’t dwell more but pose this challenge to city treasurer Glenn Bañez. You asked me at Luxe Hotel coffeeshop to write something nice about what you did. This is your chance for me to do it. Dig deep into the quarrying business and find out why Camiguin and Bukidnon make more income when they have less construction projects than Cagayan de Oro. If you can double the income by several folds, then I will put you on a pedestal in my column. Is that fair enough, Glenn? For the record, it was not CMRB that wanted Ralph out. It was through the pressure of Teddy Sabugaa upon instruction of Klarex Uy. Then everyone conspired willingly. CMRB has a lot to thank for to Ralph.