“Game of generals” seen in Pangasinan
MANGALDAN–The generals are coming home to Pangasinan, this time to try their try their luck in the game of politics.
Several retired or soon-to-retire top military and police generals are eyeing various elective posts in local governments in the province or in congressional districts in the May 2010 election.
Among those prominently mentioned is retired police director general Arturo Lomibao, now current chief of the Land Transportation Office, who has indicated intent to join the contest for representative in the fourth district.
The other retired general reportedly eyeing a seat in congress is former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. who is eyeing the post to be vacated soon by Sixth District Rep. Conrado Estrella III.
There are also indications that that Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil is keen on running either for mayor in his hometown Lingayen or as congressman in the second district where he is likely to be pitted against Rep. Victor Agbayani.
Retired Army General Alberto Braganza may also run anew for congress in the province’s first district after losing in his first try in 2007.
Two other generals reportedly running for mayor are retired Police General Joel Goltiao in San Nicolas and retired police deputy director general Ismael Rafanan in Villasis.
Retired Army Lt. General Pedro Cabuay Jr., son of a late Pangasinan provincial board member, is also rumored to be entertaining the idea of entering politics in San Carlos City.
Lomibao said the generals, with their education and training to serve, are natural public servants having been trained to be mission and service-oriented.
He pointed out that they have as much right as the others in running for public office and stressed that “there is no militarization since the generals have retired from the service.”
“If we are assigned a task or a mission, we do not deviate, meaning we will accomplish that mission in the best way that we should,” the former chief PNP added.
Lomibao said the voting public can decide on the basis of their past performance as professionals if they are worthy for the positions they aspire for.
The current governor, Amado Espino Jr., and two mayors — Mayor Reynaldo Velasco of Sta. Barbara and Marcelo Navarro Jr., — are retired police officials.—LM
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