Congressman Paras Yabut

GLOBALLY, the name Francis has become viral -- at least to some 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. The newly elected Pope has chosen this identity above every other traditional name. All persons called Francis can now relate with the new Pope, if only by name if not with the virtues and values of the saint.

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Locally, a candidate who comes from a political clan is named after the famous saint. He is Francis Nepomuceno, a former congressman and former city mayor of Angeles.

What does he think of the Pope who took the name of their common patron? "I feel lucky and blessed," he admitted, his face reflecting joy as his media guests assured him of his successful journey on a comeback trip to Congress.

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"If the media will tell you that you are ahead in a race, chances are the predicted outcome will be true," he told me. "A collective forecast by newsmen on the local elections is more accurate and reliable than that of the Pulse Asia-SWS surveys combined."

While his rival Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao has reportedly shifted on third gear to accelerate his courtship of voters from the 1st District, Blueboy is just coasting by in momentum. Starting the rounds first and mobilizing early, the former congressman said he was less pressured by a hectic and frantic scramble at this stage.

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He blushed shyly every time a newsman reported a positive event in his favor.

I have been told by my leaders that our good friend is not called by his real name but is known as "Mr. Paras Yabut" in jest, he said.

Blueboy regaled us with the evolution of a political avatar by that name. It appears that when the candidate is approached -- as aspirants are customarily badgered -- for minor financial help, his stock reply was: "Okay pu, 'Paras' kunya ing request yu kang Nanay."

Take this barrio kagawad who requested the candidate for donation to a barangay event. Taking the letter-request in hand, he assured the aid seeker, "Sige pu, 'Yabut' kunya kang Nanay."

That is the brief story of Rep. Paras Yabut.

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I have been asked my little assessment of the senatorial candidates in Pampanga. Four women aspirants are likely to win in the province, viz., Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, and Risa Hontiveros. Mrs Villar is a good friend of Governor Pineda whose word is a rain check warranty. Nancy is being carried by a network of Vice Pres. Binay's supporters, chiefly Mark Allen Sison in Angeles City and Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo in the 4th District.

Risa was No. 13 -- one number shy of victory in 2010. She has maintained her popularity locally, especially in Angeles City where LP Chapter head Kapitan Tony Mamac is going all-out for the fearless activist and women's welfare advocate. The youth and academic sectors are solid behind her.

Of course, it will be Sen. Loren who will top the other "winnables" here.

Rep. Dong Gonzales is her all-time friend and ally. She had poured millions of pesos worth of pork barrel funds in public projects in the province since six years ago.

My personal favorite for Senator is Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. I would choose him over Sen. Chiz Escudero for vice president in 2016. Risa would make a charming, fighting, and principled member of the next Senate. Please support her.

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I express my regret and apology to pretty PR ladies Ms. Jenny Tan (AirAsia Phil) and Ms. Zaira Marcaida {CLTV 36) for my inability to meet with them. At my advanced age I am refraining from undue stress. The company of young women I find both exciting and titillating, as when for instance my eyes strayed in the direction of TV princess Fatima which caused alarm to ladies' man Perry Pangan who would always ask for an ambulance when this old man glances at the broadcaster with a Bollywood profile.

As if to settle our predicament, Bong Lacson snatched a buss from the lovely girl. Duh!