Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Nalzaro: Dynasty or destiny?
By Bobby Nalzaro
Saksi
TO some political clans, elective posts are patented and exclusive.
Yet, when members of these clans snag elective posts, they are quick to argue that they are not building a political dynasty because they submitted themselves to the electoral process. Instead, they call it political destiny.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
That could be partly true. But if these political clans have delicadeza, they should not allow clan members to get all the available elective posts. One member gunning for a particular position is enough. So are they doing it for public service or because of greed for power?
An example is what is happening at the national level. Koko Pimentel, if he wins a Senate seat, will join his father, Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel. Allan Peter Cayetano, if he wins, will join his sister, Pia Cayetano, in the Senate.
Meanwhile, presidential son Mickey Arroyo is seeking reelection as congressman in Pampanga. His younger brother, Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, is eyeing the congressional seat in Camarines province.
In Cebu, Gov. Gwen Garcia is seeking reelection while her father, former governor Pablo, and her brother, Pablo John, are running for Congress in the second and third districts, respectively.
Third district Rep. Antonio Yapha is challenging Gwen. His wife, Estrella is running against Pablo John in the third congressional district. His daughter, Geraldine, is running for mayor in Pinamungajan, with her brother, Jeffrey Yapha, as her running mate.
Fourth district Rep. Clavel Asas Martinez is running for vice governor. Her son, Bogo Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, is running for Congress. Her husband, former congressman Celestino “Junie” Martinez, is running for mayor of Bogo.
Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa Loot is fielding her son, Sun Shimura, for mayor. She, in turn, is running for vice mayor. Tuburan Mayor Rosemarie Suezo is fielding her husband, Constantino for the post she is vacating.
Malabuyoc Mayor Daisy Creus is seeking reelection with her husband, former mayor Lito Narciso Creus, as her running mate. Aloguinsan Mayor Cynthia Moreno’s running mate is her husband, former mayor Cesar Augustus Moreno.
Being in a democratic country and in the absence of an anti-dynasty law, we cannot stop members of political clans from seeking public office. We will leave it to the voters in these places to reject or vote for these people.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/ 0918-2198333)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. ( April 4, 2007 issue)
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