Tomas’s puppet

WHILE some quarters don’t want the Garcias to continue their political control in the province by perhaps rejecting Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia’s gubernatorial bid, they are also apprehensive that a victory for lawyer Hilario “Junjun” Davide III will translate to him becoming a puppet of Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

Bobby G. Nalzaro

Saksi

View profile

It cannot be denied that Tomas “masterminded” Junjun’s candidacy against Gov. Gwen Garcia in the 2010 elections.

Junjun, a second termer councilor in Cebu City’s north district, resigned in mid-2009 and transferred his voter’s registration to Argao, his parents’ hometown. That was Tomas’s idea. Junjun never intended to run for governor since he knew of his weakness in the province’s political landscape. He was an unknown who was up against a formidable opponent. But because of Tomas’s prodding, he was forced to run. Tomas and Gwen were already bitter enemies that time. The rest is history.

Junjun will try his luck again next year. But he won’t be up against Gwen, but her brother Pablo John. And although Junjun is being backed by the Liberal Party, Tomas is still behind the scene. If Junjun wins, he will be under the political control of Tomas. And if Tomas emerges victorious against Michael Rama in Cebu City’s mayoralty race, Cebu City and Cebu Province will be under Tomas’s political control. Believe you me. Bisan mapilde na si Tomas pagkamayor, adto na na magyampungad gihapon sa Kapitolyo kung modaog man si Junjun.

Why did Alvin Garcia cut off his ties with Tomas when the former was still Cebu City mayor? Tomas was controlling Alvin by telling the latter what to do. Imagine you’re the chief executive and there’s someone telling you what to do and you are the one accountable to the people. Tomas did not only give Alvin advice, he also gave him orders. That’s how much of a dictator he is. The same thing happened to Mike. Tomas tried to control Mike by telling him to do this and to do that, even on legal matters.

Mike, who is a lawyer, resisted and that was the cause of their political breakup.

Junjun has a unique personality. He is very unassuming. He is a nice and good guy. He is soft-spoken, respectful and approachable. He is not like Gwen who shows her tantrums in public. Pablo John, on the other hand, has a contrasting personality from his elder sister. He is more of a “barkadista” and also very approachable, especially to the poor and people who are nobodies.

So why did I say that Junjun will become Tomas’s puppet? Aside from “directing” Junjun’s political strategy, Tomas is also bankrolling his candidacy.

Tomas will financially support Davide through his connections in the business community. And there are already pledges for support. Davide needs more funds to propel his candidacy against the well-entrenched political machinery of the Garcias. Using public funds, Gwen and Pablo John are on a “massive generosity campaign” by providing various local government units with financial assistance. That is the advantage of incumbents. They can use taxpayers’ money to advance their political interest in the guise of financial assistance and projects.

Did you think Tomas’s offer to First District Rep. Rep. Eduardo Gullas for the latter’s road expansion program from Naga to Sibonga had nothing to do with Junjun’s candidacy? Tomas’s district needs the P400 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Haskang boanga gud ning Tomas nga manghatag anang maong kantidad nga gikinahanglan na sa iyang distrito. Why should he give it to Gullas when the latter can easily secure the amount? Because that offer will help Junjun’s candidacy. Don’t be surprised in a couple of days Gullas will announce that he will support Junjun’s candidacy. Ingna kog bakakon.

(bobby.nalzaro@yahoo.com)