There’s nothing that can topple the COVID-19 crisis from the headlines except politics. And ever since former Cong. Albee Benitez transferred his voter’s registration to Bacolod, tongues have been wagging non-stop.
The verbal tussle has been waged on social media, oftentimes below-the-belt, by supporters of Albee and those loyal to Mayor Bing Leonardia.
The usually feisty mayor who would not hesitate to retort when baited with political questions has been eerily silent since Albee’s publicity-hyped transfer of residence to the capital city.
But of course, it is a slap on the incumbent mayor’s face that 28 of 31 mayors in Negros Occidental vowed to back up Albee’s bid if it pushes through. The only reason why the three other mayors were not able to sign the manifesto of support for Albee was because they were recovering from COVID-19 infection.
One of them, Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, was not able to join the gathering of mayors and other provincial officials including Gov. Bong Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer who all pledged their support to Albee over the weekend. And I guess it may have been a relief that he had an excuse for not going.
We all know that Mayor Rojas is the brother-in-law of incumbent Bacolod Councilor Cindy Rojas who is perceived as very close to Mayor Bing. This battle may push Mayor Rojas in the corner to choose alliances as he belongs to the third district which is the turf of Albee.
At any rate, a little birdie whispered that things are certainly not going well in the present administration and loyalty checks are ongoing at the barangay level. Thus, it was not surprising to see friends who are pro-Bing and holding local positions, sharing pictures of the previous election where the mayor and his team had an overwhelming victory.
I was listening to Aksyon Radyo anchorman, Art Tayhopon, and he intimated that there may be some “areglo” instead of “enkwentro.” Art said he will further discuss this Wednesday of changes in the political landscape in Bacolod and the possibility of congressional re-districting. Hmmm.
I was excited to hear what Art was about to divulge as talks were circulating lately that there may be some areglo happening. However, it was overtaken by the two shooting incidents Monday, April 26, that hogged headlines.
By the way, the shooting behind West Negros gym was allegedly with operatives. Were these the operatives who were seen in video footages bearing long firearms and wearing sando, shirts and slippers? I initially had the impression that these were responding policemen who were not given enough time to wash their faces and don clean clothing when they were awakened from a deep slumber at past 8 am Monday. Thankfully, men in uniform replaced them about an hour later and it lifted my spirits a bit.
Back to politics, talks of re-districting happened then but died a natural death. Reviving it now just for political accommodation is quite absurd since we have been fine as a lone district.
Without the so-called areglo, it seems that Albee is getting closer to his decision to challenge Mayor Bing and he has been doing the rounds of the markets to feel the pulse of the public.
Social media may be a good gauge to feel the pulse but with the Red loyalists up in arms to protect their mayor, it may not be a good indicator. If you do the rounds of social media, you will see the same people posting the same things.
In fact, it was a bit funny that even Vice-Mayor El Cid Familiaran who is from the mayor’s camp has been a target of these pro-Bing netizens. When an interview of El Cid saying that politics is farthest from his mind at the moment, they pounced on him that he is a “traitor” and may be intimating that he may jump ship.
I know El Cid personally and it is not in his character to be a snake. He is very straightforward and will declare his intentions when he is ready. If he will transfer camps, he will also be upfront about it and will stand by his decision.
Thus, it is a wrong move for pro-Bing handlers and supporters to attack allies of the mayor especially since the ally-list seems to be diminishing. There is no point to alienate people at the moment and handlers must caution these loyalists and the paid trolls as well.
Another so-called areglo scenario is allegedly for the mayor to give up his post and ran for a congressional seat. If the re-districting plan is hanging in mid-air, this will pit Mayor Bing with another ally, Cong. Greg Gasataya, and I think the latter is aware of that possibility.
But Greg is close to Albee as well and I don’t think he will abandon the idea of giving that post to another. Besides, Greg has been doing well in Congress and has ably represented our city.
Mayor Bing has two months to prepare before Albee makes his decision. Anything can happen in that period and I am sure there will be a lot of backdoor negotiations. If indeed there is going to be an enkwentro, will the Leonardias part with their moolah to fight a billionaire? Your guess is as good as mine.*