Governor-elect Spines in focus

By Gonzalo Duque

I WANT to start this column with a smile.

First, kudos to all the election superstars led, of course, by come backing Speaker Joe de Venecia (sigurado na yan, according to a Kampi insider), governor-elect Amado Espino, vice governor-elect Marilyn Primicias, Congresswoman-elect Rachel Arenas, Mayor-elect Al Fernandez, Mayor-elect Rey Velasco, Vice Mayor-elect Belen Fernandez, the Resuello brothers, mayor and vice mayor-elect Ayoyand Bogs, Councilors-elect Farah Decano and Karlos Reyna, who else?

I intentionally forgot the others (yes, Money Roy, it’s voluntary amnesia) because it is space consuming. Those I mentioned are names that these days made a difference in the public eye. The others are the so-called “other winners.”

But congrats to all of you, without exception. But don’t forget to invite me to your victory parties. I may or may not accept your invitations. Dami ninyo e.

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In focus this issue is Governor-elect Spines.

Some   people tag  this small man “giant killer” because he slew a political legend, one who carries the Agbayani name. Bakit kaya nangyari yun?  Maybe, our people are already tired with this old, overstaying name. And to think that Dr. Jamie Agbayani had the backing of the Iglesia ni Cristo! Spines deserves to win. Very few believed he would win because of the Agbayani legend.

But me?  I am not surprised because under Guv’nor Victor, the province was anemic. He merely implemented national programs and projects. Nothing earth-shaking.

For a big province as Pangasinan, we need a governor with a vision and mission. Well, Victor used that slogan, but he didn’t put life, muscle and sinews to it. In short, he didn’t   implement.

Let’s try Spines who has the guts. A lot of people, including the Estrellas and Mark Cojuangco, almost all the congressmen, and this super-backer Sendong So  supported Spines to the hilt.

I expect Spines to come up with not too ordinary projects. Airport, shipyards, bullet trains, things like that. If I know the Spines imagination, he will bring this province to colossal heights because he is a small man. Small is big, just look at JdV, Napoleon Bonaparte, Rizal who was only 4’ll”, CPR, and others.

I hope Spines will see the point of a regional drug rehab center. I hope, Spines will see the silver lining of the idea.

May I also suggest that Spines take immediate steps to change his image, from that of a cop or police with all the negative things people say generally about the men in uniform, to one who has the zeal, the Tlan vital to turn this sleepy province into a pulsating giant.  He should look and move likes a Pangasinan governor worth the name, respect and admiration by all Pangasinenses. You are already there, amigo, go for it.

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I was touched by outgoing Councilor Alex de Venecia who appreciated an item in this column. I was right. His defeat in the last election made him a humble man. It’s not yet late, Alex, my further advice is, do not copy   your superstar uncle. Be yourself, and everyone will be true to you. The speaker became what he is through a long, arduous process. Some people say you were acting more than a speaker. At first, I did not understand what they meant. Sir Alex, I challenge you to understand it yourself. Good luck!

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I commiserate with the Tulagans. Outgoing Rep. Gener Sr. is a good friend. His junior simply did not have what the dad had. I learned that they are filing a protest case. Also heard that third placer Gallant Soriano is also protesting his defeat to Rachel Arenas. I can’t comment on this because all of you are my friends. Just remember the adage that in elections in this country, there are only winners and the victims of wrong counting. Good luck to you all.

If already freed of the political smoke, I must say with confidence: this congresswoman-elect will make a good deputy speaker. She is Harvard-trained and a gifted communicator. For vanquishing her opponents in a suspenseful way, she deserves a hug. I could see someone winking and sporting a thumb up sign. Know him?

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Guv’nor-elect Spines should get an idea from his supporter, Rep. Mark Cojuangco. He, together with Mayor Amadito Perez, is transforming Urdaneta City into the city of the future. Their streets have been widened and   gave everyone the sense that if one has political will, he can think big and undertake real, meaningful projects.  Karamihan sa naging gubernador natin did not have a vision. So, Spines, do exercise your visual muscles now. Good luck.

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

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