Acoustic War

THE word war between City Mayor Pamintuan and Rep. Lazatin is not as super hot as depicted. Actually it is a battle between skillful propagandists of the rival camps.

Tarzan’s Girl Friday, the master PR tactician Irish “IC” Calaguas is carrying on the fight single-handedly against Edpam’s triumvirate of media operatives identified as Alex Cauguiran, Archie Reyes and Danny Con. The mix is like a 3-in-l coffee.

Former college instructor (and future Angeles LUWA director) Deo Sambilay is doing a swell job as the city mayor’s media coordinator-broadcaster, but it is the trio who produce the stink bombs against Lazatin.

Lady IC manufactures her own deadly arsenal, including Taepodong-type missiles which landed smack into City Hall recently.

Tarzan and Edpam are good friends. They were close allies in the PGMA camp and shared the same causes.

Angeles politics is just heating up. Edpam-Tarzan media skirmishes are mere pyrotechnics in a traditional campaign. Kung may masusugatan man, malayo pa sa bituka.

IC, who deserves a hefty bonus for her work, may outfight the Agyu Tamu trio in press releases, but definitely Alex will outclass the Girl Friday on stage and public demos.

Archie and Danny C have their talents in backroom strategies and are said to be more effective in the “Production Department” of the media war. They are capable of putting out Improvised Explosive Devices, too.

Edpam has the advantage of fiery speakers in former councilor Lito Ganzan and Alex. Tarzan has Max Sangil on his side but the former newsman and bureaucrat has mellowed with age and his economic status. He pledged not to fire salvoes against his former city council colleague.

The Lazatin-Pamintuan contest will not be decided by genuine issues. At best, their quarrel will start and end in mudslinging. Lazatin had been a former mayor and had his share of “sins” as with Edpam’s own.

Tarzan has the advantage in money but is weighed down by his advanced age. In matters of funding, Edpam is “dejado” but is banking on young (l8-35 years) adult voters to rally to his cause.

He beats the rival in that area. He simplifies his campaign as a fight between age and youth.

Politics is like romance and lovers usually look for a younger, fresher, and dynamic partner.

But older, wiser, and richer men are preferred by some pragmatic girls, a reality that the younger Edpam has to contend with. On that score Tarzan has the edge.

--oo0oo--

With Max Sangil unable to land a berth in the 2nd District provincial board slate of “Kambilan,” the popular Porac native is now Tarzan’s gain but Nanay Baby’s loss.

Max had tried to get into the Nanay’s SP line-up to replace BM Fritzie David who opted not to reelect. Observers believed that with the outspoken and combative BM Cris Garbo closing his term, Max would be his ideal replacement and be an effective “voice” of Nanay at the SP. Luck – or the Lord -- was not on his side. The slate was given to Porac councilor Ludi Muli, a virtual unknown but with extensive clout in the LGBT community.

--oo0oo--

The family, friends, and supporters of BM Trina Dizon should dissuade the bachelor girl from Mexico town in pursuing an expensive and arduous campaign for reelection. The powerhouse trio of BM Rolly Macalino, BM Monz Laus, and the Governor’s strategist Rosve Henson is expected to cancel out her second term as board member.

Her town mates hope that Trina will have the wisdom and practical sense to accept her dire situation -- and the inevitable -- which is beyond her control.