Hardly had the barangay elections smoke cleared up than the race to the association of barangay captains (ABC) and federation of Sangguniang Kabataan leadership in the city has begun.

At least, five names  were being mentioned as ABC  leadership hopefuls namely Angel Gumarang of Barangay Bonuan Gueset, the largest barangay in the city; Jake Reyes of Barangay Tapuac, Lino Fernandez of Barangay  Lucao, Guillermo Vallejos of  Barangay Poblacion and Fred Quinto Jr., of Barangay Bonuan Boquig.

Other elected barangay chairmen were Jose Sim, Barangay 4; Hermie Rosal, Poblacion l; Michael Taminaya, Bacayao Sur; Violeta Balolong, Bacayao Norte; Rodolfo Siapno, Lasip Grande;  Marvin Fabia, Bolosan; Manuel Flores, Calmay; Luz Velasquez, Carael; Alex Claveria, Carangalaan; Salve Bravo, Herrero;  Joseph Ramos, Lasip Chico; Ray Tuliao, Lomboy; Sonny Tuates, Mamalingling; Bernard Cabison, Mangin; Samuel Guadiz, Mayombo; Lilia Yazar, Pantal; George Galvan, Pogo Grande;  Ric dela Cruz, Pugaro;  Conrado Muyalde, Salisay; Willie Salayog, Tambac; Noel Melecio, Barangay 2; Saysi Samson, Pogo Chico, and Delfin de Guzman of Salapingao.

Gumarang has received pledges of support from at least seven newly elected barangay chairmen-allies of former Vice Mayor Teddy Manaois who is supporting Gumarang’s ABC presidential bid.

   “Gumarang has an unblemished integrity and a reputation for fiscal management,” Manaois, a consultant to Speaker de Venecia, said.

 Reyes, on the other hand who had faced a grueling fight against Peter Coquia, brother of  Ombudsman official Rod Coquia, has been rumored to be eyeing  the ABC post, while Vallejos, Quinto  and Fernandez had hinted to their colleagues that they were also interested.

It will be recalled that Reyes has sent to jail former ABC president Raul Calulut in the late 80’s.

Gumarang, city sports commission consultant, defeated closest rival Fe Mejia Vidal by more than 260 votes, and two others, Segundino Ayson Jr., and Steve Mejia, son of outgoing Barangay Chairman Rico Mejia who also lost as a kagawad candidate.

On the SK front, the name of Carlos Alipio Fernandez, son of Councilor Alfie Fernandez was being bruited about as a shoo-in for SK federation president.

A number of  barangay captains said they will appeal to Mayor Fernandez and Councilor Alfie Fernandez to give chance  to other leaders because their “pervasive presence in the city officialdom seems to  make Dagupan the Fernandezes’ private property.”

They said “Our mayor is Alipio Fernandez, our vice mayor is Belen Fernandez, two councilors are Michael Fernandez and Alfie Fernandez, and our city administrator is Alvin Fernandez.  Although the Dagupenos are not complaining openly, they might not appreciate it anymore.”

Gumarang said he has discussed his plans with Barangay Captain Marcial Rioflordo of Malued, newly elected Barangay Binloc chairman Dado Torio and reelected Captain Roberto Dion of Barangay Tebeng who were all “receptive.”

“The Fernandez factor might also work against the plan of Lucao chairman Lino Fernandez,” one observer said.

       Civic leader Abeng de Venecia, a nephew of   Speaker Jose de Venecia, said he will ask outgoing ABC president Eric Muñoz, his cousin, to support Gumarang.

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