Here and There
Rising dynasties and falling stars
By Gerry Garcia
TODAY, 20th of May, annex has been long enough since election day for us to safely say the JAB has been dealt effectively by Joe, Al and Belen to grab the congressional, mayoral and vice mayoral seats, respectively, from the bottoms of Benjie, Brian and Vlad. And Benjie, after a recent presscon at the City Museum, explained his side and conceded his defeat to Joe.
Far from being bitter, the former Dagupan mayor expressed a desire to return to his former love — business.
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In San Carlos City, Julier “Ayoy” Resuello, about to reap the benefits of his father’s assassination, has reportedly been leading former Mayor Douglas Soriano by some 20,000 votes, together with his brother Joseres who had replaced late dad Jolly as bet for vice mayor.
The Resuellos’ triumph is our local version of families winning big in present-day elections. There are others in the capital region led by President Arroyo whose two sons and a brother-in-law are sure of winning congressional seats in three provinces.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who has won re-election as mayor, has daughter lawyer Marlen Abegail Binay bagging a congressional seat in the city’s 2nd district and son “Jun” Binay topping the election for councilor in the 1st district.
There are more in Olongapo City, Ilocos Sur, Pampanga, Zambales, Ornoc City, Puerto Princesa City, etc. We’re positively sure Pinoyland is steadily falling into the clutches of family dynasty and . . . unconstitutionality.
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The scenario on the other side is lighter and more enlightening. The Pinoys’ popularity and celebrity syndrome gripping most of the electorate during election time seems to be fading.
In Gensan, prized fighter Manny Pacquiao is due for a humiliating knockout from his little girl opponent incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio who seems headed towards a big victory while he prepares to deliver a counter upper-cut: a rap in the COMELEC against Darlene for cheating in the elections.
Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid is trailing a poor third in the gubernatorial race behind Lilia Pineda and Fr. Ed Panlilio.
Others headed for the losing end: Cesar Montano, Anjo Yllana and Richard Gomez for senator, vice mayor and senator, respectively.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/here-and-there/)
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