The exciting third district political fight

By Eva Visperas

The political pot in Pangasinan is brewing, in third district that is. And from what we hear, next year’s elections could be the most expensive for the candidates. It could be the hottest, too.

Of course, as soon as the 2004 election was over, we heard of Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr. doing the rounds in the towns outside his town like in Mapandan, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, San Carlos City and Malasiqui in preparation for his possible congressional bid.

Then late last year, Pangasinenses welcomed the entry of Makati City girl Rachel Arenas into the third congressional derby. She, too, has been making her rounds in her “future” district (God willing) since late last year. Based on the accounts of my relatives who are from the third district, she has been warmly welcomed in her barangay sorties.

Allow me to report to you my talk with Rachel over the phone recently.

Rachel, daughter of socialite and philanthropist Baby Arenas, has certainly come down from her pedestal.  She said that one time, because of the rains, she decided to walk barefoot on her way to a wedding reception in barangay Nancapian, Malasiqui because the walkway was too muddy.

And, she said she would readily and willingly drink Pop Cola and Cheers – the masa softdrinks in the barangays – whenever offered.

“I’m excited about my projects,” she said.

“But do you still need to enter politics?” I asked. She said she’s confident of her intentions.

The first time I heard about her was around June last year when someone told me Baby Arenas’ daughter had registered in Malasiqui. Then I learned that her mother has bought a sprawling mango farm with about 600 trees planted all over it, years ago.

“By   the way, have you heard that Gallant Soriano of the Bureau of Customs is also planning to run in the third district?” I asked her. Soriano is the brother of former San Carlos City Mayor Douglas Soriano. He is reported to have prepared millions and millions of pesos for his campaign fund.

By my estimate, the Arenases can easily match if not surpass Soriano’s kitty. (My kumpadre Leo de Vera also has his reported “pot of gold”).

“But it’s not only the resources we’re talking about here. There is so much hard work involved,” she commented. “Even if you have lots of resources if the people don’t like you, they won’t vote for you,” the young lady said talking already like a seasoned public servant.

So okay, let’s count the congressional wannabes. Rachel, Leo, Gallant, Board   Member Angel Baniqued, retired police general Reynaldo Velasco and Junjun Tulagan (son of graduating congressman Gener).

“Ang dami nyo na ah,” I said.

“May the best woman win,” was Rachel’s quick reply.

 (You can also read this writer’s other stories at http://businessblog.prepys.com.)

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