Political twists

By Eva C. Visperas

One week more to go and Pangasinenses will finally know who will be the candidates in several elective positions in every town, city, as well as the provincial level of Pangasinan.

Last Monday, Undersecretary for Local Governance Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr. said that he will not run anymore, despite the strong backing from his allies, financiers included, to support his candidacy. He said it’s a big sacrifice on his part and he knows pretty well it’s something that he can readily do just to preserve unity in Pangasinan.

No wonder he got praises from no less than President Gloria Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia for his supreme sacrifice.

Then, last Wednesday, retired Philippine National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao of Mangaldan town announced in a small gathering of his supporters that he is backing out from the fourth district congressional race.

He said it was not only hard, but a painful decision he made.

Lomibao is a believer that “People are unhappy because they build walls instead of bridges”. In his consultations, Lomibao said, “I have observed that instead of building bridges and relationships, common friends, relatives, and community leaders are being torn between me and other political camps.”

Then, on the same day, former Governor Rafael Colet said through some reporters, Talibans included (read: the vinegar reporters, sometimes called medyas, who are increasing by leaps and bounds in Pangasinan), that former Governor Oscar Orbos is joining the  gubernatorial derby.

Then, there is also the announcement of Kimi Cojuangco, wife of fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, to run as mayor of Sison town.

Yes, Mayor Dionisio Lagmay, who remains undefeated as mayor in his turf, including his wife who also served as mayor, are giving way to Ms. Cojuangco. But, don’t ask me why the Lagmays will give in a silver platter the position of mayor to Madam Kimi. I am not privy to whatever talks between them.

Oh yes, in another development, graduating Governor Victor Agbayani is also running for congressman in the second district. Remember that the governor is fielding his wife, Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani as governor, with or without Lakas endorsement.

This leaves Peps Bengzon and Arthel Caronongan in big  trouble as they have prepared themselves to run for the said position hoping that the governor would not aspire for the said post and merely   concentrate on  his wife’s  gubernatorial bid.

In Dagupan City, yes, Mayor Benjamin Lim confirmed he is running for congress against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.  But what makes me wonder is the yo-yo statements from the Lim camp.

Brian, the son, for mayor or vice mayor? Benjie, the father, really for congressman or re-election then Brian his vice mayor? The father and son love to play the guessing game.

“Let him (Benjie) run. This is democracy,” said de Venecia, who is seeking his third straight term as congressman of fourth district.

Bravo! Bravo! That’s what the people want. Let Benjie run. It’s hard to be talking too much, Mr. Lim, and keep quiet in the end. People will suspect you.

But please remember, Mayor that you have to be careful with your words, especially when talking to the media. In our homes, we are taught to respect others, especially the elder people. “Wag kang bastos”; our parents often remind us, right? Some media practitioners love to provoke you. Stay cool, play fairly, campaign on platforms and let the people judge who is the better candidate.

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/business-log/)

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