The charismatic Pedong Ouano

I have attended several funeral services of prominent persons but this is the first time that I saw so many wreaths of flowers hanging on both sides of the road leading to their house from people of all walks of life that loved and revered Pedong Ouano.

I first met Pedong in my class in Political Science at USC in 1948 with Rene Espina and Pacquito Borromeo among his classmates.

Pedong invited me to his home and from that time on we became as close as blood brothers. His children, as well as the children of Tatyo and Na Obing's only daughter Cielo call me Tio Mario and my children call Pedong as their Tio.

He was the Best Man at my wedding.

I remember that I introduced Pedong to then mayor Serging Osmeña and that boosted his political career. I also remember that I helped him write his speech at the Leprosarium but he said he cannot deliver that speech where he described the administration in Malacañang as in worse condition than theirs, as the lepers would probably stone him.

When I had a falling out from Serging's group, Serging sent Pedong to mollify me but I had burned my bridges and asked Pedong to inform Serging that I cannot stay in his party. A week after that, Pedong accompanied me to Malacañang upon President Marcos' invitation.

Pedong was a simple man of simple tastes but he had visions of greatness for Mandaue City. His grandest achievement is the Mandaue Reclamation Project which was blocked by detractors such that we had to fight their opposition up to the Supreme Court, which finally ruled that Mandaue City has the exclusive right to reclaim foreshore and submerged lands within its territory.

One wonders at the popularity of Pedong Ouano. He had survived his three terms as city mayor of Mandaue; followed by Teddy for another three terms; and Junkie would have been the next but the people of Mandaue must have felt that Junkie is too young and too husband for the job.

Aside from his charisma,  Pedong had a heart of gold. He was humble and sincere with a keen sense of humor. He is not vindictive. For instance, lawyer Amadeo Seno lambasted him in political rallies, but he only smiled his beatific smile and afterwards Ading Seno became his vice mayor. He was also instrumental in placing Jonas Cortes in Teddy's council slate. And that proved to be Jonas stepping stone to the mayoralty.

During his term as city mayor, he was plagued with many cases but he survived all. The latest case filed against him and some members of the City Council was for alleged overprice in the purchase of Pokang Cabahug's lot at the behest of the Mandaue Superintendent the use of the school. It was at first dismissed by the Ombudsman but Sandiganbayan Justice Gachitorina insisted on trying it. I was so furious when Justice Gachitorina tried to coach the new prosecutor that I told Pedong, I intend to place on record that Justice Gachitorina should personally prosecute the case as he has shown interest in it. Pedong, however,  begged me to desist as that might prejudice his case. I agreed as I would have been held in contempt of court. However, the case was dismissed for lack of merit.

Tonight, we mourn Pedong's untimely death. Though he is 90 years old, we can only pray for God's blessing of his soul and to welcome him in His Kingdom. I'm sure that his name will be remembered together with Mandaue's great men like Manuel Briones, Sotero Cabahug, Alejandro del Rosario, Boy Cortes, Toto Soon, and Matoy Seno.