Thursday, January 11, 2007 Espinoza: Politicians starting to act up By Elias l. Espinoza Free Zone
DESPITE the move of administration sycophants to revive the people’s initiative scheme that the Commission on Elections and the Supreme Court junked, politicos in Cebu are already agog over the May 14 midterm elections.
In the province, former governor Pablo Garcia and two others in his family have announced their candidacies. Pabling is planning a comeback in Congress by running in the second district. His daughter, Gov. Gwen Garcia, is seeking reelection. His son Pablo John is targeting the congressional seat in the third district.
It looks like the 3Gs will soon be lording it over Cebu.
Governor Gwen, without any visible opponent yet, appears headed for a second term at the Capitol.
Provincial Board Member Cary Kintanar, however, may challenge Pabling, who has the support of some mayors in second district. Kintanar claims Argaoanons want him to run. But call it a stupid move, he said he will still support Gwen’s candidacy.
Does Cary, in trying to be cordial with his political enemies, want to appear a niño bonito and thus get the votes in his district? Come on Cary don’t be naïve. Our brand of politics is different. So, don’t be funny. Elections are not fun.
Meanwhile, Pablo John, a bar topnotcher, intends to stir the nest of Rep. Antonio Yapha, who has been lording it over the third district. Yapha and Pablo John, though, are still trying to be nice to each other, unlike Cebu City south district Rep. Tony Cuenco and challenger Atan Guardo.
The two are already throwing barbs at each other. Guardo claims, however, that Cuenco’s alleged anomalies that he exposed are still mere “kwitis.” Is Guardo suggesting that he will be exploding a “super lolo” of Cuenco’s alleged anomalies before Election Day?
While Guardo appears aggressive enough in his effort to topple Cuenco’s leadership, many people don’t like the name of the political party he wants to register with the Comelec. To them, Tribu Guardo sounds exclusive and its membership restricted only to his family.
A friend said Guardo should look for a better name for a political party. But no, I am not suggesting that Guardo should use an existing political party whose name sounds like the brand name of a hog feeds trader.
In Mandaue City, only former councilor Magno Dionson is making noise from the opposition. Dionson has announced that he will run for mayor against Jonkie Ouano, Mayor Teddy Ouano’s son.
Dionson, who I suppose is now a septuagenarian, seems politically desperate. But at least the Ouanos have somebody contesting their leadership.
