Political faces for 2010

By Al S. Mendoza

THIS early, reports are rife that Joe de Venecia will run for governor of Pangasinan in 2010.

I am not surprised.

Joe DV has been a politician all his life that I can’t imagine him being a simple private citizen after he graduates as a congressman barely two years from now.

Just about the most colorful political figure hereabouts, Joe DV, a record five-time House Speaker, can always say he is also a resident of San Fabian (he has a house there, right?) to qualify him to run for governor.

He is now officially listed as a resident of Dagupan, effectively disallowing him to run for governor as the chartered city is independent of Pangasinan.

But Philippine politics is such that rules can always be bended, if not skirted around, for one to qualify as a candidate.

The question when Joe DV finally throws his hat into the provincial political arena is, who will be his opponent – or opponents?

Of course, foremost among them would be Spines, the incumbent.

Seemingly, Guv Spines has been so enamored with his new- found power that he has started consolidating his mass-base, starting with his high-profile, though not much popular, shotgun binge for the province’s kapitanes.

He has obviously weathered the storm of protests spearheaded by Nani Braganza, the maverick mayor of Alaminos who labeled the arming of kapitanes as “a breakdown of peace and order in the province.”

All news is good for anybody, including the adverse and negative stories.

Guv Spines is apparently even basking in the glory now of a new turf that he has refurbished to the tune of millions of pesos, making the kapitolyo now at par with the nation’s best.

He has the inside track, the machinery, and so-called equity of the incumbent in beating anyone, including Joe DV.

But how about Victor Agbayani, the present congressman of the second district?

His reported comeback may yet pose a big threat to Guv Spines’ administration?

I have it on record that Agbayani is spending much of his CDF to finance infrastructure and other highly visible projects designed to highlight his nameagain as a possible alternative to the Spines brand of leadership.

And there’s Oscar Orbos, the moneyless stalwart but who’s always oozing with leadership qualities unmatched by anyone in his time. Give OO the reins and he can build a mountain from nothing.

Joe DV, Spines, Agbayani and Orbos. Who will it be in 2010?

As to the post in Congress to be vacated by Joe DV, who will be the so-called pretenders to his throne?

There are three names being loudly whispered at the moment: Art Lomibao, Benjie Lim and, yes, Gina de Venecia.

It’s still early in the day as the elections are still almost a good two years away. But in politics, nothing is early.

As the saying goes, “The early bird gets the first worm.”

How about Mayor Al Fernandez of Dagupan, a known ally of Joe DV, as a congressional candidate in 2010?

“Count me out this early,” said Mayor Al. “I’m not interested in it from the beginning of my political career.”

(Readers may reach columnist at alsol47@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/general-admission/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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