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Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Ex-mayor okay to unite opposition
By Stephen Capillas
THE groundwork for a united opposition got off to a positive start as top opposition political figures ventilated their sentiments concerning the need for unity, a common lineup and resolution of conflicts among rivals within their ranks.
Among the highlights in Tuesday afternoon's meeting held at a local hotel was former mayor Pablo Magtajas's statement that he would be "willing to serve as an instrument" for the unification of the local opposition.
Though he didn't formally declare his bid for the mayoralty post, Magtajas nevertheless took a swipe at the cutting off of phone lines at City Hall by the Misamis Oriental Telephone Co. (Misortel).
"During my time as mayor we never had that problem even with Emano being governor and head of Misortel," Magtajas said, adding that while there was nothing for him at City Hall to return to, he is never too old or weak to join any political undertaking.
Meanwhile, barangay officials Roger Abaday of Kauswagan and Bong Lao of Lapasan said unity is critical for the local opposition to fully ensure their chances of winning next year's elections.
Abaday said the local opposition must not "dream on its feet" and hope for the administration to be defeated while not doing any effort to work towards that goal.
Lao also said the large number of opposition candidates running last 2004 led to their defeat and that this lesson underlines the urgency for a common field of aspirants.
No Third Force
Former councilor Hilario Roy Raagas echoed this point, saying that the opposition should have at least a "fighting chance in the upcoming political war in 2007" if it ever hopes to defeat Mayor Vicente Emano's Padayon Pilipino party.
Raagas also took the opportunity to suggest that Magtajas be the figure to lead the opposition to unity.
"If I would be made an instrument for uniting the opposition then I am willing and I would ask my wife about this," Magtajas said in reaction to Raagas's suggestion.
Magtajas's statement was greeted with applause and positive assessments from former councilor Celestino "Bob" Ocio.
Ocio said Magtajas might be agreeable to run for mayor of Cagayan de Oro.
"If he (Magtajas) runs there won't be a Third Force of opposition figures and if there is they will be rendered moot. His agreement to run for mayor is the barometer. The groundwork for the united opposition is already here," Ocio said.
Councilor Zaldy Ocon also welcomed the meeting, saying this would lead the opposition to further developments and then eventual victory in 2007.
In emphasizing the need for political unity, Ocon voiced his frustration over his daily tirades on Emano.
"I'll be driven crazy by hammering on this beast," Ocon said.
Not too late
Meanwhile, former vice-mayor Antonio Soriano said he welcomes Magtajas's announcement and said it would give the opposition "a fighting chance in next year's elections."
"The campaign for uniting the opposition may be delayed but it is not too late. There is already an effort to reach out for other opposition figures to join this cause," Soriano said.
For his part lawyer Rogelio Bagabuyo said the meeting of opposition figures is not only about political personalities and who will be next year's candidates, but also towards forging a strong unity among the opposition.
On the other hand top lawyer Frederico Gapuz said a series of meetings within the opposition is essential to establish reconciliation among all the opposition figures, a process he said is "delicate, deliberate and time-consuming."
Other political figures who were not able make it to the meeting for various reasons include former Congressman Erasmo Damasing, former mayor Manolo Tagarda Sr., former councilor Jun Pepito, former vice-mayor John Elizaga and even representatives from former mayor Reuben Canoy and Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III among others.
(May 3, 2006 issue)
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