Political magic

THE issue of who is to be the official UNA candidate for the top post of the Province of Negros Occidental had been pestering the headlines of local and regional papers. It seems that many news items were left out because of the political virus that has been set out to destroy the focus of the Negrenses.

These pairs have created a squabble among the politicians in the province. There is the original Marañon-Alvarez tandem, the newly constructed Ferrer (Mayor)–Lacson tandem; the imagined Ferrer (Cong.)–Benitez tandem, and many more fictitious tandems all of which are waiting for the blessing of the “Big Boss.”

What surprises the ordinary person is the hand of the “Big Boss” in this squabble. It seems that he is still in control of the leader of the land. How I wish this would end. When will it be? I thought that the last election was free of padrinos and sponsors? Today, it is back to patronage politics in Negros.

Another good political play is the arena in Bacolod City. The cute groups are: Leonardia–Sayson-Paglomutan; Leonardia-Sayson–Ang; Leonardia–Puentebella–Sayson; Golez–Puentebella–Gonzales; Golez–Novero–Gonzales; Leonardia–Sayson-Novero and ?-?-?. These are some of the imagined groupings in the coming 2013 local elections. Of course, there are still other names that are coming out as the end is nearing.

We will really have the final groupings and names on the first week of October. But as of the moment all we have to do is to contend with the names that surface in the crystal ball of political soothsayers. Let us try to see the issues connected with them. Warning: this is based on my perception and is not conclusive and may be comical and theatrical.

The father of the province is really strong and is really committed to do everything to protect his turf. He is not fearful of any defection or mass suicide in his party. He is not even afraid, according to sources, of the loss of his sponsor. His motto is service to the province and he has a lot of things undone yet for the province.

The “little father” of the province is eyeing the post of the father. He is willed to get the post and is zealous in running the province. His ammunition is ready, for he knows the legislative agenda of the province. He knows the priority programs and projects. He is a good material but could he be better in his present post?

The mayor is doing good in her local government unit but will she be also good in the bigger arena? Her LGU was prepared and flattened by her husband. She has lots of plans for her city and her family but will she have good plans for the province? I wish she will steer the province well, similar to how she runs the city.

The other strong contenders are good and really good as to running the province. Many of them are running the province in their own capacity. They will surely make a good show in the 2013 elections.

In the local scene the conflict between the mayor and the congressman has died down. It seems that the issue was covered by the provincial political squabble. But, I would like to entertain the thought that the two contending parties have silenced themselves for it has done great harm to both of them.

As a reminder, please do your jobs. You have obligations to the people and you have to do your works better. Do not maker our lives miserable as miserable as yours.

St. Ezekiel Moreno, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and Pope John Paul II, Sir Faraon Lopez, pray for us.