Aurora 2013 politics heats up; bets mulled

BALER, Aurora – Political leaders in this province are reportedly working out a Noveras-Angara tandem in the 2013 local elections involving the two protagonists in the 2007 vice gubernatorial race.

Political circles are abuzz here with reports that Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras is being eyed to run for governor by the Angaras with businessman Rommel Angara as his running mate even amid reports that Rommel’s uncle, outgoing Baler Mayor Arthur Angara is also eyeing the governorship.

Noveras, son of the Noveras patriarch, former vice governor Isaias Sr. and younger brother of ex-vice governor Isaias Jr., defeated Rommel, nephew of incumbent Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo in the 2007 race by over 1,000 votes, spoiling an Angara-Angara team at the Capitol.

Angara-Castillo is on her third and last term as provincial chief executive and is reportedly eyeing a return to Congress in 2013 with another nephew, outgoing three-term Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara running for the Senate.

The Noverases are on record as the father-and-sons with the distinction of having been voted each as vice governor of the province.

Noveras’ victory triggered the political divorce between the Angaras and their earstwhile allies, the Tangsons of San Luis town, whom the clan suspected of junking Rommel in favor of Noveras, a claim which San Luis Mayor Annabelle Tangson and her younger brother, ex-provincial board member Mariano, denied.

Asked to comment on the Noveras-Angara team-up, Noveras described it as a “good tandem.”

Noveras brushed aside the possibility of joining the Tangsons and run as their standard-bearer.

For his part, Rommel said the possibility of him teaming up with Noveras is not distinct.

“Our rivalry is nothing personal. We are very cordial with each other, something that is not plastic,” he said.

The Angaras have reportedly maintained cordial relations with Noveras because the vice governor kept his vow not to be a stumbling block to the development agenda of Angara-Castillo and the Angaras.