By Eva C. Visperas

 

I never set out to be a fortune teller — far from it. But in my previous write-ups, I offered bold foresight on the electoral outcomes in several hotly contested areas – places where the battles were expected to go down to the wire.

Those insights weren’t plucked from the air. They were drawn from conversations on the ground, casual surveys, and honest gut feel developed through years of observation and engagement with local communities.

Take Dagupan City, for instance. I had confidently predicted the sweeping victory of the Unliserbisyo Team led by Mayor Belen Fernandez and Vice Mayor BK Kua. That prediction proved accurate, with their team securing 9 out of 10 seats in the city council. The much-anticipated “Golden Age of Dagupan” seems to have begun.

In Sual, I had also expressed confidence that Mayor Dong Calugay would clinch a third term. Despite being perceived as the underdog — a label that often sways favorable public sentiment — he emerged victorious. Voters do have a soft spot for underdogs who fight hard.

Being from the second district myself, I knew Congressman Mark Cojuangco would retain his seat with ease. His “AyudaMan/AyudaMark” branding is not a mere slogan, it embodies his continuous public service, rain or shine, election season or not.

In the third and fourth districts, I anticipated smooth wins for Congresswoman Rachel Arenas and former Congresswoman Manay Gina de Venecia. Both got resounding victories, just as expected.

I also noted the sure wins of Vice Governor Mark Lambino, Mayor Dita Abrenica of Villasis, Mayor Dickerson and Vice Mayor Dick Villar of Sto. Tomas, and Mayor Rammy Parayno of Urdaneta. Each of them earned solid victories, as foreseen.

The gubernatorial race, however, was a different story — a tightly contested rematch between Governor Monmon Guico and former Governor Pogi Espino. With over 2.1 million voters in the province, the adrenaline was high as the numbers trickled in. Ultimately, Guico pulled ahead with 881,307 votes to Espino’s 784,470. The tension was palpable on both sides, a true electoral showdown.

Then came a development that struck close to home. On May 14, just two days after the elections, Binmaley Vice Mayor Sammy Rosario tendered his resignation, which he announced via Facebook. Shortly after, he called to inform me personally. I understood the depth of his pain — something I had sensed since 2022, when a new administration took over in our hometown.

Kuya Sam, as I fondly call him, is someone I’ve stood by through the years, since his earliest political campaigns. But after the last election cycle, I chose to withdraw from the noise of local politics in my town. I needed peace and calm — press conferences, and the usual mudslinging, no longer appealed to me.

In quieter moments, I’d ask Kuya Sam how he was coping. “I’m okay,” he would often say, but his eyes told another story. I always reminded him to take care of his health and well-being.

His resignation was preceded by his son, Kapitan Jonas of Nagpalangan, who stepped down on May 13. The following day, Kuya Sam did the same. It was a heavy moment for Binmaley. But sometimes, peace comes only after we surrender what no longer serves us.

He had been deeply hurt, humiliated even, and finally reached a point where he could no longer bear the weight. He deserves rest. He deserves peace.

In every election, both victory and defeat carry their own burdens. Winning demands humility and a renewed commitment to serve not just supporters, but all constituents. Losing, on the other hand, demands grace, introspection, and resilience.

To all who gave their all in this political season — whether you stood tall in triumph or bowed out in silence — know this: The true measure of leadership is not based solely in victory, but in how one rises after a fall, or how one governs after a win.

The people deserve unity. Now that the dust has settled, may healing begin. Let all who ran, and all who won, find a way forward — for the good of the people, and the future we all share.

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