Editorial: Certainty, uncertainty

Friday, February 3, 2012

WHAT'S with the fifth congressional district in Cebu Province?

Even as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo was quoted as saying that the electoral impasse in Compostela is nearing resolution, an official in Danao said the recall election for mayor in his city may be held in March. Compostela and Danao belong to the same district.

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From certainty in Compostela to uncertainty in Danao?

DILG 7 Director Ananias Villacorta and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale announced that the re-canvassing of votes in the contested 2010 elections for Compostela mayor is set to begin soon (the former merely said it will be held this month while the latter said it would be on Feb. 15).

That should gladden the residents of the town, which has been deprived of a chief executive for almost two years now. It means that things are finally moving at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) level. The re-canvassing is an important first step in finally resolving the impasse on who won in the elections.

There’s no assurance, though, that the process will be short. Consider that the tug-of-war has been very intense and both sides can find ways to delay further the proclamation of the winner. It could lead to another Pyrrhic victory for the new mayor, who may assume the post for only a few months before the next elections are held.

Contesting the post are Joel Quiño and the reelectionist Richie Wagas.

But that development is better than what may happen in Danao as the verification of signatures in the petition to recall Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. filed by the camp of his brother, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, is set to start on Feb. 13, according to City Councilor Jorge John Cane. He is optimistic the recall election will be held in March.

Again, there’s no assurance that the process will be swiftly concluded. The elections may be held in March or maybe later. And if the election is held, one can’t also be sure that the canvassing will be fast and the winner declared immediately and without any hitches.

Which means that the city may plunge into a period of uncertainty in governance only a few months before the next elections are held.

Again, what is happening in Compostela and Danao City are sad commentaries on the kind of electoral setup we have.