Political wannabees
>> Wednesday, July 28, 2021
BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- It is almost 10 more months to go before the May
9, 2022 elections, and there is already a lot of political posturing going on
in local and national fronts.
If it is any indication, the killing of some barangay officials in northern Luzon as early as this time is a grave omen of more bad things to come.
A few days ago, La Union Second District Rep. Sandra Eriguel called on President Duterte to start an investigation on a “slay plot” against her and two other town officials. The President has ordered the Philippine National Police last week to go after the “gun-for-hire” group which had reportedly been responsible of political killings in the Ilocos Region over the years.
Eriguel said the gun-for-hire squad against her and the two other officials was allegedly led by former police Col. Winston Magpali that according to her, “was reminiscent of the killings in La Union in 2018.”
Among victims then was her husband, former La Union Second District Rep. Eufraio “Franny” Eriguel. She recalled how her late husband was “brutally murdered” in Barangay Capas, Agoo, La union on May 12, 2018, two days before the barangay elections.
She said suspects in the case were members of the Magpali-led gang.
The other victims were then Balaoan vice mayor Alfred Conception and then Sudipen mayor Alexander Buquing whose killings were also said to be politically motivated.
Over the years, the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions had been known as hotbed of political killings. Abra and Kalinga in the Cordillera, had been identified also as hot spots over the years.
***
Like in other parts of the country, political posturing is now a trend in Northern Luzon.
In Benguet, congressional Caretaker Eric Yap of ACT-CIS partylist, who is from Davao, is reportedly running for Benguet congressman in next year’s elections. His supporters have set up placards and tents with his name in bold letters all over the province asking, “Kailangan yo kadi ti tulong (Do you need help)?”
Now the grapevine in Benguet is if former Rep. Ronald Cosalan will not run for Congress, Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan of Itogon town will do so. Like Cosalan, Palangdan is also a lawyer.
According to their supporters, people of Benguet would rather have an “organic” congressman who knows the intricacies of making laws endemic to the province and “bringing home the bacon.”
For governor, former Vice Gov. Nelson Dangwa is reportedly gunning for the post along with provincial Board Member Nestor “Bobot” Fongwan.
Gov. Diclas is reportedly set to file for the same post to maintain his incumbency.
Top elective officials of the capital town of La Trinidad like Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan are still mum on their political plans although some municipal councilors are reportedly eying to move up to a higher post.
In nearby Baguio, city officials are still holding their cards close to their chest, although political pundits say if Mayor Benjamin Magalong will eye a Senate seat, considering he is known nationwide, former mayor Mauricio Domogan will try to reclaim his post for many years.
But considering Magalong is known for his no-nonsense style of governance, some residents are saying he is a very strong contender to retain his present seat.
Magalong recently ordered out around 20 armed guards from Manila who illegally entered the Baguio Dairy farm and set up camp there saying their boss has a title over hectares of government property.
Police disarmed the guards who, the city information office said, were earlier there with a certain Mailed Molina.
***
Over in Mountain Province, talks have it that Bontoc 3-termer Mayor Franklin Odsey would run for governor against incumbent Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan.
Former Sagada Mayor Eduard Latawan is reportedly eying to file his candidacy for Congress or governor. Rep. Maximo Dalog. Jr. will reportedly file for the same seat.
Politics is getting more interesting in Kalinga after the Second Division of the Commission on Elections ordered recently recount of votes after it found the post-election protest ‒ filed by Kalinga gubernatorial candidate and former vice governor James Edubba against proclaimed Gov. Ferdinand Tubban right after the May 13, 2019 midterm elections ‒ has merit and should be considered. (See page 1 for story).
Incumbent Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang is reportedly set to file for his present post while former Gov. Jocel Baac is waiting on the wings for his best options.
It would still be the same top officials in Apayao and Abra, pundits say. But Ifugao is a different case, as the people could abruptly decide to change course as regards their political leaders.
***
In the national level, President Duterte, has been quoted to have said that he is sold on running for vice president. Who will be his running mate? Will it be his daughter, or Bong Go?
His minions say there’s no Constitutional prohibition, basing from Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 charter.
The only prohibition on Section 4, they say, is that “no person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.”
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when she took over the presidency after Erap Estrada was convicted for plunder and ousted, served only for three years and a half.
But will Duterte really run? He said earlier that his candidate for vice president is House Majority Floorleader Martin Romualdez. Political observers say if Romualdez does not run for Vice President, who then will be Sara’s vice presidential candidate? Observers say it is Bongbong Marcos, adding this will be a perfect geographic and demographic combination.
Meanwhile, the opposition needs unity. Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said there should be only one opposition candidate for both president and vice president.
Reports say there might actually be two or even three opposition candidates including Liberal Party’s Robredo, if she does decide to run.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao is a contender. Why else would Pacquiao be talking about corruption in government agencies if he will not be an oppositionist?
Then there are Sen. Ping Lacson and Senate President Tito Sotto, who are now on a national tour. Observers said this is actually premature campaigning, even though they are saying that they want to feel the pulse of the people. Lacson has been acting as an oppositionist and Sotto had been critical of the way Duterte is conducting his “war” on illegal drugs.
There is also Senator Dick Gordon, who said he would run for President. Surely, not under Sara. Anybody running for the top post is considered opposition if he or she is not under Duterte, father or daughter.
Indeed the May 9, 2022 polls are unique in every way. This will be the first time that the daughter of a sitting President will run as president. Only in the Philippines, as they say. Other presidential daughters before Duterte ran, but only after their fathers had retired or died.
***
The Comelec has banned hand-shaking, kissing, and other public displays of affection during the campaign period of the 2022 elections. This could affect the outcome of both the national and local elections.
If it is any indication, the killing of some barangay officials in northern Luzon as early as this time is a grave omen of more bad things to come.
A few days ago, La Union Second District Rep. Sandra Eriguel called on President Duterte to start an investigation on a “slay plot” against her and two other town officials. The President has ordered the Philippine National Police last week to go after the “gun-for-hire” group which had reportedly been responsible of political killings in the Ilocos Region over the years.
Eriguel said the gun-for-hire squad against her and the two other officials was allegedly led by former police Col. Winston Magpali that according to her, “was reminiscent of the killings in La Union in 2018.”
Among victims then was her husband, former La Union Second District Rep. Eufraio “Franny” Eriguel. She recalled how her late husband was “brutally murdered” in Barangay Capas, Agoo, La union on May 12, 2018, two days before the barangay elections.
She said suspects in the case were members of the Magpali-led gang.
The other victims were then Balaoan vice mayor Alfred Conception and then Sudipen mayor Alexander Buquing whose killings were also said to be politically motivated.
Over the years, the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions had been known as hotbed of political killings. Abra and Kalinga in the Cordillera, had been identified also as hot spots over the years.
***
Like in other parts of the country, political posturing is now a trend in Northern Luzon.
In Benguet, congressional Caretaker Eric Yap of ACT-CIS partylist, who is from Davao, is reportedly running for Benguet congressman in next year’s elections. His supporters have set up placards and tents with his name in bold letters all over the province asking, “Kailangan yo kadi ti tulong (Do you need help)?”
Now the grapevine in Benguet is if former Rep. Ronald Cosalan will not run for Congress, Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan of Itogon town will do so. Like Cosalan, Palangdan is also a lawyer.
According to their supporters, people of Benguet would rather have an “organic” congressman who knows the intricacies of making laws endemic to the province and “bringing home the bacon.”
For governor, former Vice Gov. Nelson Dangwa is reportedly gunning for the post along with provincial Board Member Nestor “Bobot” Fongwan.
Gov. Diclas is reportedly set to file for the same post to maintain his incumbency.
Top elective officials of the capital town of La Trinidad like Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan are still mum on their political plans although some municipal councilors are reportedly eying to move up to a higher post.
In nearby Baguio, city officials are still holding their cards close to their chest, although political pundits say if Mayor Benjamin Magalong will eye a Senate seat, considering he is known nationwide, former mayor Mauricio Domogan will try to reclaim his post for many years.
But considering Magalong is known for his no-nonsense style of governance, some residents are saying he is a very strong contender to retain his present seat.
Magalong recently ordered out around 20 armed guards from Manila who illegally entered the Baguio Dairy farm and set up camp there saying their boss has a title over hectares of government property.
Police disarmed the guards who, the city information office said, were earlier there with a certain Mailed Molina.
***
Over in Mountain Province, talks have it that Bontoc 3-termer Mayor Franklin Odsey would run for governor against incumbent Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan.
Former Sagada Mayor Eduard Latawan is reportedly eying to file his candidacy for Congress or governor. Rep. Maximo Dalog. Jr. will reportedly file for the same seat.
Politics is getting more interesting in Kalinga after the Second Division of the Commission on Elections ordered recently recount of votes after it found the post-election protest ‒ filed by Kalinga gubernatorial candidate and former vice governor James Edubba against proclaimed Gov. Ferdinand Tubban right after the May 13, 2019 midterm elections ‒ has merit and should be considered. (See page 1 for story).
Incumbent Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang is reportedly set to file for his present post while former Gov. Jocel Baac is waiting on the wings for his best options.
It would still be the same top officials in Apayao and Abra, pundits say. But Ifugao is a different case, as the people could abruptly decide to change course as regards their political leaders.
***
In the national level, President Duterte, has been quoted to have said that he is sold on running for vice president. Who will be his running mate? Will it be his daughter, or Bong Go?
His minions say there’s no Constitutional prohibition, basing from Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 charter.
The only prohibition on Section 4, they say, is that “no person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.”
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when she took over the presidency after Erap Estrada was convicted for plunder and ousted, served only for three years and a half.
But will Duterte really run? He said earlier that his candidate for vice president is House Majority Floorleader Martin Romualdez. Political observers say if Romualdez does not run for Vice President, who then will be Sara’s vice presidential candidate? Observers say it is Bongbong Marcos, adding this will be a perfect geographic and demographic combination.
Meanwhile, the opposition needs unity. Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said there should be only one opposition candidate for both president and vice president.
Reports say there might actually be two or even three opposition candidates including Liberal Party’s Robredo, if she does decide to run.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao is a contender. Why else would Pacquiao be talking about corruption in government agencies if he will not be an oppositionist?
Then there are Sen. Ping Lacson and Senate President Tito Sotto, who are now on a national tour. Observers said this is actually premature campaigning, even though they are saying that they want to feel the pulse of the people. Lacson has been acting as an oppositionist and Sotto had been critical of the way Duterte is conducting his “war” on illegal drugs.
There is also Senator Dick Gordon, who said he would run for President. Surely, not under Sara. Anybody running for the top post is considered opposition if he or she is not under Duterte, father or daughter.
Indeed the May 9, 2022 polls are unique in every way. This will be the first time that the daughter of a sitting President will run as president. Only in the Philippines, as they say. Other presidential daughters before Duterte ran, but only after their fathers had retired or died.
***
The Comelec has banned hand-shaking, kissing, and other public displays of affection during the campaign period of the 2022 elections. This could affect the outcome of both the national and local elections.
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