Lomibao: New kid on the (political) block

By Gonzalo Duque

THE Sunday Punch series on the illegal “occupants” of the Dagupan City beach property should be a jewel in local journalism.

On record, it was this column that first made the expose. Former Tondaligan management head Ani Lagao picked up the subject later. But The Punch came up with this shining piece in community journalism – the expose of the illegal occupants. Okay, maybe, they, most of them, have not literally occupied those parcels of government property, but they have tax declarations on those choice lots. So how else would you interpret that?

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Manong Joe de V’s district has become a headline material lately because of the reported entry of former Philippine National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao as a congressional contender.

This is getting to be a head-turner, ha, Manong Joe? Mas matindi ya.

But how’s this, Art and Benjie? If you are divided, atalo kila. Makakaimis lay Manong Joe.

Let’s tackle this deliberately. I advise General Lomibao to be more circumspect, like he used to do as intelligence military officer. Running for public office requires much guts, deliberation, prayers, consultations and mature decision-making.

You can’t beat a veteran and shrewed politician like Joe de V if you decide at the drop of a hat, just because you got hurt as you had told some people, because he sided allegedly with Jamie Agbayani in the choice for the administration’s  candidate for governor.

Ano ba yan? Why get peeved if he chooses another one? Kuya Art, be the man you are supposed to be. Heroic, “pang militar”, soldier,   leader, not emotional, tough, never shows a sign of hurt. 

In my book, the governorship would have been easier. I will keep my reasons to myself. But the fourth district? And against a veteran who knows all the tricks? You should work and  plan harder.

Your first move, if I may suggest, is to convince Benjie to withdraw. This advice is for both of you… Benjie has many followers already in the district. If he supports you, may laban ka. Good luck.

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I read somewhere that Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez was not afraid to run against Benjie Lim in a mayoralty showdown. Palaran amo tan ya reaction a.

Methinks, in spite of the many issues against Mayor Lim, he is still the man to beat in Dagupan. Probably your father, Commissioner Al, may come out with a surprise if he attempts to stage a comeback. But he should not be too sure now. Not anymore. Benjie has learned a lot, has mastered the political terrain.

The Benjie before is a different Benjie now. Besides, Commissioner Al has been absent for a long time in the city, and he is not that strong as before. Medyo patas natan. Before, Al would have been a sure winner. Benjie has the aces up his sleeves now.

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Tondaligan Park, by the way, is beginning to become ugly. Drug pushers, prostitutes, dumping site, illegal occupants, illegal structures, what else?  Any mayor of the city will have so much headache there.

I doubt  if  just in case Alvin makes it to become mayor, he can tackle the tough job  out there.  

The challenge to develop the park is a tough one. It can’t be done by just one or two officials, but by the whole community. Let’s save Tondaligan.

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Reports say that comebacking  Al Fernandez’s prospective vice mayor is Belen Fernandez. Is this true? Where will that put Alvin? Anyway, Fernandez-Fernandez. How about Benjie?  Is his vice Brian Lim? Di  timwa may fearless forecast that we will have a father and son tandem in both camps.

Alig alig kayod San Carlos City a.

Whatever happens, don’t forget the city’s largest interest. Mabuhay tayon amin!

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/)

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