Ribbing for 2013

THE deadline for the filing of candidacy is just around the bend. The grapevine is now abuzz with speculations.

The hype is on for a Cosalan–Pacalso fight. This will be a blockbuster tussle. The former speaks of experience. The latter comes in as a new blood. The bout will really be interesting. But the pundits backing the two are restless over the usual analysis – a kankana-ey wannabe might sneak in and frustrate Cosalan’s bid for reelection or Pacalso’s dream of going big time.

I have covered Benguet and the Provincial Board for the Philippine Daily Inquirer for many years. One thing stood out. Sir Crescencio is clean. His smiles are as sincere as the sunrise. Of course, I am not taking anything away from Sir Ronald. His legislative work is beyond doubt. With a beautiful wife in tow, Sir Ronald remains potent. He belongs to the Liberal Party in the first place.

I have yet to meet lawyer Liso Agpas to ask him what his plans are. But they say he is going back to the Provincial Board, just like Fernando Aritao. Jack Dulnuan, in the meantime, says he is on a wait and see attitude. He still has a wealth of ideas though on how to run Benguet’s affairs from a practical business point of view.

The grand but past his prime Samuel Dangwa has now finally retired, I guess. That’s why all eyes are on the son, Nelson, whose being groomed for vice governor. The whisper brigade though wants him to run for Congress instead. But this move will all depend on Lakay. His blessing for either of the positions would be crucial for Nelson’s decision.

This leaves Juan Nazarro Jr. the big task of hurdling the Dangwa mystique. But he says no matter what, he is bent to run for vice governor. Graduating board member Apolinario Camsol is resigned to the fact that if Nelson guns for the number two seat of the province, he would not stand a chance. I heard though that he will be named as provincial administrator when his term ends.

But don’t discount board member Rogelio Leon and Itogon Mayor Oscar Camantiles. The last time I heard, Leon is willing to give Nelson a run for his money for vice governor. Nelson and Rogelio come from Kapangan like me, but I noticed they don’t share jokes and secrets but only shake hands for professional work. Oscar, an observer confided to me, has cast a moist eye for the august halls of Quezon City. His track record as a local official and now as chief executive of Itogon might indeed make him ripe for Congress.

But it’s Gov. Nestor Fongwan, I believe, who is grinning with confidence. He is still kingpin. He is wise and wily. And unless someone can come up with the same charisma and savvy that he has, he is bound to be lord of the Provincial Capitol for one more term. For now, he is still on a streak. Fongwan is Fongwan. Compleat. Call me bias but I salute him for taking time to pay attention to the province’s increasing incidents of rape. Thanks to a receding hairline, Fongwan has become more mature and responsible.

But Rocky M may not buy this. He has his own track record to speak of. I heard he is mapping a strategy for a comeback. And he is eyeing Nelson D for a possible tandem.

In La Trinidad, it’s Bobot, Nestor’s eldest, who is getting much attention for his dream to become mayor. Some are excited. Some are surprised. Mayor Abalos is of course undaunted. He knows he will be ranged beyond Bobot himself. There is the governor he has to contend with. But Abalos can parade his own achievements. The people will decide. But wait, let’s not forget ma’am Edna Tabanda. In 2010, she showed she still has the mettle. Now that she has ammunition in the “black hole,” she might as well go for it anew.