“Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
This quote is often attributed to Mark Twain, who, according to an article, despise politicians. And though he may, or may not have said it, the quote has become popular and so apt in today’s breed of politicians that we have in our country.
Although it’s eight months away till we declare an open season for next year’s election, the rumor mill is already in a frenzy, both at the national and local level.
I got a chance to sit down or get a call from several politicians, wannabees, advisers, king-makers, political pacifiers since late last year and some I’ve taken seriously. Others made me smile but so far, none the serious.
The most incredulous statement from some friends is eyeing Senator Manny Pacquiao as the country’s next savior if the only choice would be him and his presidential daughter, Sara Duterte. The “lesser evil” over-abused quote is always the main reason. Ugh!
With very little to go on at the national level except if one still believes the survey being churned out by wannabees, I’ll gossip a bit about what’s happening closer to home.
The alliance between Gov. Bong Lacson and Vice-Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer is quite acceptable to many members of both political parties – Love Negros and Unega. The pandemic has greatly to do with it as most elected officials would rather not campaign and enjoy a status quo for another term.
Besides, as one sitting official from the north said, Gov. Bong has done a good job in so far as averting the COVID crisis in our province and though his administration has stepped on some toes, it wasn’t his personal doing but that of his lackey.
Suffice it to say, if there is a scorecard for how Gov. Bong has managed the province on his first term, he would certainly get a passing grade. And I agree. At the start of this pandemic, the determinant factor is how a chief executive can manage the worst crisis we’ve seen in our lifetime and the governor has done it well when he became the face of crisis intervention even for Bacolodnons.
But then again, it was perhaps easier for the governor because he had chief executives run their own localities while he gives the general direction on what should be implemented.
Though it’s still premature to talk about politics now, if you put your ears to the ground, there are negotiations and shifting happening around the province, including Bacolod.
The first district is the governor’s turf and apart from a couple of chief executives – Toboso and DSB, who belong to the other party, there may be talks of a status quo as well. Of course, Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco has done well and was very visible in his COVID intervention especially when he initiated putting up a halfway home for watchers of Toboso patients at the regional hospital and for being one of the first as well to give tax relief to businesses in his hometown.
The second district seems to be faring well and though there will be major upheavals, I was told that it had been discussed and if there are no outside interference, it will be breezy campaigning in that area. It is of course identified with Unega and with the late Gov. Freddie Marañon gone, his son, Sagay Mayor Thirdy, has taken the lead in the second district.
The third district is basically Love Negros but the recognized leader there is provincial consultant and former Rep. Albee Benitez. Except for Victorias City which may have to elect a new mayor since Mayor Wantan Palanca is on his last term, the rest of the third district may have a status quo. I heard that the mayor’s son may be a shoo-in for the post.
Interestingly enough, there are also rumors that there may be some changes in EB Magalona. Talks are rife that with Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano on his last term, he may be the choice to head the town. But what to do with Mayor Marvin Malacon who is just on his first term? Hmmm……of course those are just gossips.
The fourth district is the turf of Vice-Gov Jeff except for a couple of mayors who are with Love Negros but are under the thumb of another politician. The fifth and the sixth districts have their own political maneuverings and dynamics but I have a feeling that the fifth district will be more problematic.
At the heart of it all is Bacolod which was quite chaotic at the start of this pandemic. More so when Vice-Mayor El Cid Familiaran who was doing a hell of a job in managing the crisis was perceived to have been sidestepped when he became overtly popular.
What makes it quite ironic is that Bacolod is supposed to be a united front, with only one opposition in Councilor Jun Gamboa.
However, insiders said that the united front is on the verge of collapse especially since there are also outgoing councilors and obvious rifts among party members.
Plus, there is supposedly a new irritant that came in with COVID that has sowed discontent, not just among elected officials but including government employees. Ah…but I will write juicy details about that in my next column. For now, keep guessing!*