One Cebu’s next move
-A A +AMonday, June 25, 2012
WITH the Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu putting finishing touches to the tandem of Hilario “Jun-jun” Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale in the elections next year, I think it is time for One Cebu to review its electoral plans. On top of the review should be Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s plan to run for senator, a move that has an effect on local politics.
One Cebu obviously believed it could still rely on its alliance with the Duranos’ Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) and realize Magpale’s pairing with its bet for governor, Rep. Pablo John Garcia. Magpale is with Bakud. One Cebu failed to reckon with the strength of the Duranos’ penchant for transferring allegiance and the influence of Magpale’s brother, Rene Almendras, who is in PNoy’s Cabinet.
“As an ally, One Cebu expects that the leaders of Bakud would meet with us to announce any major change in alliances, in accordance with the spirit of openness and courtesy both parties have exercised and have come to expect through the years,” Pablo John said when sought for his reaction to the meeting in Malacañang between LP bigwigs led by President Noynoy Aquino and Bakud’s Magpale, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and his son, Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI.
But the disintegration of the One Cebu-Bakud alliance has come and it is now time for One Cebu to take stock anew of its position in the 2013 polls, including looking for a viable vice gubernatorial candidate and salvaging political support in the fifth district. We all know, for example, that the Duranos are factionalized so One Cebu can still forge an alliance with the Duranos opposing the Nito and Red camp.
Much has been said about the fact that the governor would have lost her reelection bid against Davide had the Duranos and the fifth district not delivered the votes for her.
That is one point that Pablo John and One Cebu need to confront because it is less likely that those who voted for Davide won’t vote for him again in 2013. The fifth district votes could again tilt the balance, this time in favor of Davide, in 2013.
This sobering development should prod the governor to review her options for 2013. As it is now, the governor has started to invest time and resources in a national campaign, and this could increase as the elections near. Its effect on the gubernatorial race cannot be downplayed as this could take away the focus on the local campaign. With the LP challenge, the governor needs to help Pablo John “man the ramparts.”
Meaning that, she can run for any post in the province where she can help ensure a win by One Cebu candidates including her brother and herself and not waste resources in a national campaign that may not be winnable. She can run for Congress in the second or third districts or even run for vice governor against Magpale.
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I used to look forward to “San Juan” or St. John the Baptist’s day every June 24 because it provides us with reason to go to the beach. Work has, however, ensured that “San Juan” won’t be celebrated by us these days like it was before. By the way, people born on this day are baptized “John” or any of its variations. One variation is “Juanito.”
I am writing about “San Juan” to greet “Mr. Jabat” (Juanito V. Jabat) a belated happy birthday. I won’t divulge his age but I hope he will take inspiration from another John who seems to be aging with grace. I am referring to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 26, 2012.
Opinion
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