Why the Birds Left Candaba Swamp

ONCE upon a political season in the 4th Congressional District of Pampanga, the protagonists were Mars Pineda vs. Emigdio Bondoc. After the dust of the heated election campaign settled, and the last ballot was called, the poll body proclaimed Pineda as the duly elected congressman of the district.

It didn't stop there. Bondoc didn't raise his arms in surrender and didn't congratulate the proclaimed winner. Instead he filed a protest.

It was protracted. There was that tedious recounting of the votes. And in the end, Bondoc was declared winner. Thanks to the late Elpidio 'Pidyong' Mendoza who diligently worked in behalf of Bondoc.

Emigdio Bondoc was called by friends and relatives as Tang Midying, a term of endearment. He was a Nacionalista man like his friend, the late Governor and later Angeles City Mayor Rafael Lazatin, the illustrious father of Congressman Tarzan.

It could have been the last political outing of Bondoc if he lost that election, for political fatigue caught up with him. Death overtook him by a road accident, but he left a legacy which benefited his children, Rimpy and Anna York. Both became members of the House of Representatives.

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Rimpy Bondoc was congressman for three terms and was one of the bright boys of Congress. He was Pampanga's pride, and his voice resonated in the four walls of the august chamber in behalf of his constituents. He was not just one of the congressmen, but was an outstanding member.
His sister, Anna York served the next three terms after him. In June this year, Anna York, now Mrs. Sagum, may rest for a while, may continue her medical practice, and maybe give twins to hubby, the former mayor of San Luis town, Dr. Jay Sagum. That dream is shared by their most trusted man, the very amiable Board Member Nestor 'Bay' Tolentino.

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Now Rimpy wants to succeed his sister and reclaim his seat in Congress. It may not look easy this time. Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo aka 'John Lloyd' of the 4th District may spoil the comeback bid of Rimpy.

Pelayo, who is the favorite mayor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and also of Pampanga Governor Lilia 'Nanay' Pineda, has been making the rounds as early as the last quarter of last year. He sponsored bingo games with fabulous prizes in many barangays in each town of the congressional district.

With the two well-loved ladies of the province supporting Pelayo, he may give Rimpy Bondoc a run for his money, so to speak. And besides, there are no other political personalities who will split the votes in Candaba.

It might be recalled that in many instances there were more than one political figure coming out of the vote-rich town of Candaba trying to wrestle the seat in Congress from the Bondocs, but unsuccessful.

This time around, Pelayo is the lone candidate from the watermelon town. Rimpy Bondoc should start crunching his numbers, and devise a plan to thwart the ambition of 'John Lloyd'.

Though it is more than three months before the electorates will troop to the voting precincts, the husting in the 4th District is already getting heated, that even the migratory birds are feeling the heat that they left already the Candaba swamp and flew back to their home countries.