Think about it
Grace Poe, Mar Roxas invade Pangasinan anew
By Jun Velasco
“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything about the best,
you very often get it.” W. Somerset Maugham
IT was Grace Poe’s 2nd Pangasinan visit last Thursday under the auspices of the Metro Urdaneta Business Club and the Metro Dagupan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
(Flash! While we were writing this, Sec. Mar Roxas was in Dagupan, presumably to distribute goodies for DILG’s local projects. Hmm… read on about our forecast).
Grace sizzled again as usual as most everyone expected. Those who couldn’t dissociate the legend FPJ from her were sober about her Poe-pularity.
But there are many who were impressed with her brilliant persona as a natural considering her biological background of which many know about.
In our book, Senator Grace’s easy and fast ascent to political stardom should be viewed with candor.
We find the vice presidency a perfect cut, a view strongly held by President P-noy and his anointed successor Mar Roxas.
Our crystal ball sees Grace finally acceding to it, whether Chiz Escudero likes it or not.
Of course, there are other possibilities in the political prism, including surprises and come-from-behind developments that are fast emerging. Such developments may change the scenario.
Suffice it to say though that if Grace plays her cards well, the vice presidency should be her brightest option for now. After all, her Poe-pularity is due more to her legendary father, than her own personal gifts.
* * * *
As we wrote this, a pall of gloom has descended on the family of a dear friend, Architect Gil D. Estrada, who died in his sleep last Sunday.
Members of his family led by widow, Necita, told us at his wake at Carmona Funeraria Tuesday evening that Gil had not complained of any ailment when the Lord took him.
Gil was the designer of several handsome buildings in the province.
A product of the UST College of Architecture, Gil has many interesting hobbies among them was collecting great films in CD and DVD. It was not unusual for his friends including former Vice Gov. Jojo Estrella, Pete de Vera, Macky Samson, Albert Balingit and Spassky Munoz to be sharing them.
What they will never forget was his expertise like he was a walking encyclopedia on the facts about old movies and their casts. He was sheer delight to listen on these subjects.
He will be missed by friends especially his bereaved family – wife Neci, children – all boys – Nick, Elvin, Edilbert, Erwin, and daughters-in-law Elaine and Mary Anne, grandchildren Kristine, Kalwayne, Kenobi and Kate. His remains were entered on Aug. 29 at the Sts Peter and Paul Church.
So long, dearest amigo Gil.
* * * *
Congrats, former Councilor Andre Abalos and “kingmaker” Sendong So on their induction by Senator Poe as president of the Metro Dagupan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Metro Urdaneta Business Club respectively.
With AA and SS at the helm of those two prestigious groups, Pangasinan business will break new grounds.
* * * *
Local politics at its unsettling situation. This is the view of observers in the town of Lingayen with three serious mayoral aspirants – re-electionist Iday Castaneda, candidate of Mark Cojuangco; Nathaniel Pasiliao, candidate of Governor Espino, and Sonny Versoza, junior-son of former Mayor Marianing Verzosa, who is on his own.
What’s wagging tongues is the candidacy of Councilor Ramon Bataoil for vice mayor, undoubtedly a strong bet, being the brother of Congressman Pol Bataoil, who is identified with Gov. Amado Espino Jr. The set-up is affecting old alliances and personal friendships involving two outstanding former police officers – Pol and Sonny. We expect political maturity to reign in though to preserve Lingayen’s gains as a peaceful and progressive community.
* * * *
In another vein, congrats, Congressman Pol and Gina de Venecia for their selection among the Top 10 solons by the Publishers Association of the Philippines. This is Gina’s second selection; it’s Pol’s first.
In Calasiao, three also vying for mayor – Roy Macanlalay, Joseph Bauzon and former Judge Flor Gabat. It’s an exciting merry-go-round, with Gabat’s unique name of a political party “Agla Piga Party.”
* * * *
Pol Bataoil and Colonel Rollie Saltat’s representatives Colonels Bingo de Asia, Benjie Ariola and Sir Casaclang were the guests of the President Hotel Breakfast Club forum last Thursday. Their views on peace and order are expected to cripple the crime machine in the province.
Let’s thank Mita Duque for her leadership in helping enlighten the public on public issues. She has elevated political discourse to a higher plane, in her unassuming and scintillating way.
(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)
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