Pangan: The heat is on

ON TUESDAY, February 9, the campaign period for national positions will start, as allowed by law through the Comelec.

Ten are vying for the presidency and another ten or so desire to become the next vice president after Manuel "Noli" de Castro who chose not to run for reelection or for any national position. Bets were then high that he would have won a senatorial seat had he decided to enter the derby but no, he probably has had enough of the politicking, hustling and muck raking that he'd rather concentrate on his various investments. Remember, he is the chair of the HUDCC and has various contacts with government financing institutions, contractors and developers!

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As has been seen before, survey front runners do not necessarily end up victors but Aquino and Villar may, in the homestretch put up a good fight: Aquino, because of his pedigree and not necessarily of his own merit or accomplishment, but minus the irritating antics of his showbiz sister who, by the way, is controversy personified and Villar, because of the not-so-good publicity he is being heaped on lately but remember, publicity, good or bad, is still a viable way to gain points, if not popularity.

Name recall is a plus come election time as voters choose whoever comes to mind at that point. Name recall is definitely an advantage for a candidate whose name is tucked in the minds of the electorate on May 10.

I am for Richard Gordon and for vice president, for the visionary Bayani Fernando. Both are articulate and performers and are excellent and proven managers and administrators. But wait, deposed president Erap Estrada may yet spring a surprise what with the masa base he boasts to still have. And he has the resources and network to back up this claim. Jojo Binay is a worthy vice presidential timber because he has done wonders on Makati and its people.

Brother Eddie Villanueva has his flock to rely on but there are other factors which can boost his presidential bid, namely: a well-oiled and adequately-funded political machinery, acceptability and, of course, name recall.

Bar topnotcher Gilbert "Gibo" Cojuangco Teodoro may outlast his adversaries because of the administration's vaunted resources. Remember, huge sums of money and a vast network of manpower complement may be unleashed by the outgoing administration to shore up Gibo's chances. Ibubuhos na lahat ang pera. Remember also that he comes from a vote-rich region and can work up on the other nearby regions to rack up convincing points to nail his victory at the polls. An unsolicited advice: he should work hard to erase the elitista image he is perceived to possess.

Well, whoever will emerge victorious come E-day or Election Day will inherit an administration reportedly plagued by dissent, budget deficit, trouble spots, terrorist threats and the Ampatuans. And what about us? Maski na sino ang manalo, dapat magtrabaho.

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Respondez sil vous plait or RSVP. It is downright disappointing, if not infuriating, when one does not answer or return calls or text messages, especially when important matters that cannot wait are the subject of such frantic calls or series of SMS.

Ooops, I didn't say MMS, I said SMS. What are telephones and cellphones for if they are not used in the protocol of communication?

RSVP. These letters are not intended for prescription tablets but rather stand for the basic gesture of informing beforehand if you can come to the occasion or event so that the person who invites can play safe in his estimate for catered food and refreshment and drinks. It is French for Please do respond or reply. It is not a marker or tombstone; rather, it signifies some finesse in returning calls or notices and letters of invitation.

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Come March 9 or thereabout, the campaign period for local positions will then be allowed. I can see councilorable Rox Peña in the gaining acceptance from the Mabalacat voters. Remember, he landed ninth in the last elections and had he obtained the support of the influential religious sect, he would have landed fifth or even higher. The Sangguniang Bayan and the people of Mabalacat need Rox to represent them in a sensible body. Ditto with Cherry Manalo who is as hardworking and honest as Rox. We need them in the Sangguniang Bayan, di ba pareng Alex Dy Reyes?  What is this I heard that a Board Member wannabe is sowing fear, if not terror, in videoke spots he visits? This fellow, who belongs to a prominent family, reportedly berates anybody who gets his ire and shouts invectives, is uncouth and casually uses foul language at every turn. He should not be voted for a prestigious provincial office as he does not deserve to be called Honorable.