By Eva C. Visperas

 

WITH just four days to go before the May 12, 2025 elections as I write this piece, the campaign trail in Pangasinan has been, surprisingly and thankfully, free of bloodshed.

For a province known for intense political rivalries, this is a small victory worth recognizing. My sincerest hope — and prayer — is that this peace, fragile as it may seem amid the shouting and trading of barbs among aspirants, holds firm even after the votes are cast and new leaders take their oaths.

Let’s be honest: It hasn’t been quiet. Far from it.

In the race for the top provincial positions, tempers flared and words flew. In Urdaneta City, one of Pangasinan’s political hotbeds, the mayoralty contest has been a storm of accusations and counter-accusations. Supporters are split, tensions are high, and online platforms are flooded with posts that shock, amuse, and sometimes outright disgust.

It’s politics, yes, but is it still public service when hatred starts to define it? On May 12, Urdanetans will write the next chapter of their city’s history. May it be one we can all look back on with pride, not regret.

Meanwhile, in Dagupan City, the spotlight remains on the ever-controversial city council — particularly the councilors who shout, walk out, and boycott with such regularity that they’ve gained national and even international infamy. Not fame. Not admiration. But notoriety. Will voters give them another mandate? We’ll soon find out how Dagupeños truly feel.

The sixth congressional district is also ablaze with drama. One candidate, dubbed “Our Lady of Tayug”, has been vocal about the alleged unfairness of the campaign against her — one led by a young rival who, ironically, was groomed for politics by the same political figure who once mentored her. It’s a compelling story of mentor vs. mentee, loyalty turned rivalry. Who inherits the crown? We’re all waiting.

But not all is fire and fury.

Credit must be given where it is due: the vice gubernatorial race is a breath of fresh air. Re-electionist Vice Governor Mark Lambino and former Dasol Mayor Noel Nacar are proving that politics can still be civil. Their gentlemanly conduct — no mudslinging, no trash talk — deserves applause. If only more candidates followed their lead, our democracy would be stronger for it.

San Carlos City, too, my home from elementary to high school, is brimming with anticipation. Will the winds of change blow through, or will the familiar faces remain? The answer comes in just a few days.

Then there’s Sual. The mayor, despite facing both a disqualification case and a suspension order from the Ombudsman, is unbending and still in the fight. His resilience — or defiance – depending on whom you ask, is admirable. The voters will decide whether he stands tall for another term. He is being challenged by the son of a political giant.

And in my beloved hometown of Binmaley, the noise hasn’t really stopped since June 30, 2022. The verbal clashes of our leaders have echoed through every street and Facebook feed. Now, as they face off once again, I hope the electorate and candidates alike will embrace a fair, peaceful contest. Let’s choose with conscience and vote with hope, not hatred.

To my fellow media practitioners and local public relations practitioners, let us do our jobs like seasoned lawyers — defend, explain, expose if needed — but never hit below the belt. Let’s debate without degrading, critique without cruelty.

Because once the ballots are counted and the winners declared, we must all go back to living and working in the same province. In the same neighborhoods. Among the same people.

Let the passion cool. Let the dust settle. Let civility reign.

In three years, we can fight again — but may we do it with more professionalism and less poison in our words.

May 12 is almost here. May peace stay even after the voting day ends.

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