2 senatorial bets vow probe into Carbon modernization project

CEBU, Philippines —  Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares and labor leader Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog promised to look into the Carbon Market modernization project if elected into office.

Colmenares and Labog, who are both seeking a Senate seat, made the promise after a dialogue with Carbon vendors yesterday.

Both candidates are opposed to the privatization of utilities and markets in the country.

Colminares said, some months ago, they filed a resolution asking for a Congressional hearing regarding the Carbon Market. He hopes it will be done soon.

“Nandito kami para mag-update na unsa na sila mga vendors sa Carbon. Kami sa Makabayan, nagfile kami many months ago og resolution na ma-investigate sa Congress nganong ma-privatize ang Carbon,” said Colmenares.

In 2021, the Makabayan bloc filed a two-page resolution seeking an investigation into the P5.5-billion Carbon modernization project.

Colmenares said he used to frequent the said public market when he was young and hopes that it will remain affordable to the people and the vendors’ welfare be protected.

“Ang unang ma-dislocate dito ang mga vendors, ang pangalawang ma dislocate dito ang vendors nga wala sa listahan unya kanang mga consumers nga mopalit sa Carbon mahal na kaayo kay naa man sila sa modern nga ano, that’s the reason why we’re here to get the update and of course express our support to the vendors og Carbon and to the Cebuano people who go to Carbon to get the cheapest possible na presyo na bilihin na ituloy sana ang laban at wag na i-privitize ang Carbon," he said.

Colmenares also said that the problem concerning the Carbon Market is a national problem.

“Ang problem sa buong bansa actually–pinaprivatize ang lahat, tubig, kuryente, kumunikasyon, transportasyon pati palengke…Darating ang panahon pati city jail provincial jail, privatize na rin natin,” he said.

Colmenares challenged those in the government to better not run for a government position if they just leave their jobs to private entities.

“Yun ang mensahe ko mula sa Presidente hanggang sa baba na kung ayaw ninyong gawin ang trabaho ng gobyerno sa kumunikasyon, transportation sa palenke, wag na kayong tumakbo kung ang trabaho nyo ay ibibigay nyo pala sa probadong kumpanya ang trabaho ninyo eh,” said Colmenares.

Just like Colmenares, Labog is also opposed to privatization of public markets.

“Serbisyo Wag Gawing Negosyo!Nakakagalit na ang ipapalit sa isang public market na malawak ang nagiging serbisyo hindi lamang sa Visayas region kun di saklaw ang Mindanao ay basta nalang buburahin sa mapa ng ating kasaysayan at mapalitan ng isang tulad niyang nakaloklok sa ating harapan," he said. — Decemay Padilla, KQD (FREEMAN)