Contrary to insinuations that Moreno is backing out of the gubernatorial race --knowing that his candidacy is earlier imperiled -- he has instead gone full steam ahead.
On backing out of the race, analysts believed otherwise since this presumption has never been backed by precedents.
"That's the advantage of an incumbent governor who has all of the capitol's resources at his command," said an informer closed to Moreno's camp. At the moment, Moreno's candidacy is getting tight, the informer said.
Whether this claim is valid or not, as incumbent governor, one cannot discount Moreno's influence - political or otherwise.
Be that as it may, gubernatorial candidate Augusto "Jun" Baculio still believed that Moreno's days are numbered.
Baculio's camp claimed that incumbent town mayors who severed their ties with Moreno have not wavered.
"These 17 town mayors who manifested support to Baculio's candidacy remained intact," one of Baculio's political leaders said.
Apart from the town mayors, more than 400 barangay chairmen have also joined the Baculio bandwagon out of Misamis Oriental's 502 barangays.
For instance, in Gingoog City, at least, 64 barangay chairmen of the city's 71 barangays, have committed support to Baculio's candidacy.
Political observers, however, are keenly watching on whether this much ballyhooed support could be translated into votes.
Currently, Baculio is overwhelmed with the running of his son Rex in the province's second district congress.
Rex is one of the four candidates gunning for the hotly contested seat of the second district of Misamis Oriental's congress.
Of course, the elder Baculio cannot just leave his son at the sideline. Half of Baculio's political resources, especially election funds, may be shared with his son Rex, too.
What also makes Baculio uncomfortable is as chair of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) in North Mindanao where he has to oversee candidacies of other Kampi candidates.
The rub is Baculio has to focus his resources in Misamis Oriental in order to keep his boat afloat.
Political observers are certain that should Baculio failed to deliver what he has earlier committed to town mayors in Misamis Oriental, his gubernatorial quest and that of his son Rex's candidacy will likely goes pffffttt..
Aside from his commitment, Baculio has also to put his house in order. My informer confided that Baculio's campaign trail is in disarray. They have to tackle problems on scheduling as issues and concerns of other supporters are mounting each day.
Well, I think there is nothing new with that observation. Baculio is a veteran politician who has his ups and downs but still managed to keep his head above waters.
