CABANATUAN
CITY – A close ally of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and Vice Gov. Jose Gay
Padiernos has become a scene-stealer, stealing the thunder from the two top
officials of the province by saying a mouthful ala Davao City Mayor Rodrigo
Duterte, declaring she is ready to die and to order a killing because these are
necessary evils in politics.
Speaking during the inauguration of
the new municipal hall of San Antonio town Thursday, an outspoken Board Member
Tess Patiag minced no words, creating a stir when she said she is willing to
sacrifice her life and take life in return as a politician.
“Handa akong mamatay at magpapatay
(I’m willing to die and to order killing myself), Patiag said without batting
an eyelash before a flustered audience that includes Umali and Padiernos.
She said anyone should be prepared for
anything that comes once he or she entered politics. “Kung gusto mong maglingkod,
harangan ka man ng sibat (If you want to serve, even if your path is blocked
with a spear, you can’t be deterred),” she added.
Patiag then told the people not to
fear and that they should be fearless.
However, Patiag, who is supporting the
gubernatorial bid of Umali’s wife, third district Rep. Czarina, later
contradicted herself, saying public
servants should be pro-people and should not resort to violence to achieve
political ends.
“Politicians
should order nobody killed,” she said.
Reacting to Patiag’s pronouncements,
Umali who is chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) said he
himself was surprised.
