Monday, April 16, 2007 Mongaya: Victory for militants By Anol Mongaya Panahom
THE alleged abduction and torture of organizers of militant party-list groups will ensure them another poll victory come May 14, 2007.
The controversy not only focuses media attention on the militant party-list groups Bayan Muna and Kabataan, it also shows undue administration concern of their legal activities. The Arroyo administration is obviously afraid of a bigger bloc of pro-impeachment party-list congressmen.
While the military raises various alleged crimes of the militants, it is obvious that they are now participating in a legitimate democratic exercise. Using repression to curb their participation in the legitimate exercise will only push them towards illegal means of gaining political power.
Ironically, military repression is handing the militants a bigger victory. Aside from three incumbent Bayan Muna representatives, Gabriela has one and Anak Pawis has two. I won’t be surprised if Gabriela will gain another two and additional one for the labor Anak Pawis. The militant Kabataan will also gain one or two representatives.
In addition to opposition congressmen and other party-list groups like Akbayan, GMA will have a bigger headache if they hit the magic number 79 for an impeachment move to pass the Lower House and passed on for trial at the largely pro-opposition Senate.
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The results of both Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia surveys continue to indicate a strong anti-GMA sentiment nationwide. Thus, the continuing popularity of opposition candidates Loren Legarda, Ping Lacson, Manny Villar, as well as independent Kiko Pangilinan.
Legarda is even pulling away—with trust ratings even higher than Sen. Mar Roxas—making her a strong contender for the Senate presidency and in 2010.
This close in the race, the frontrunners cannot be cheated beyond five notches making them virtual winners in my book.
The trend continues to demonstrate the preference for opposition candidates with only a few weeks to May 14, although we note that administration bets Migs Zubiri, Mike Defensor and Butch Pichay inching closer to the Magic 12.
I would just like to note that the victory of Zubiri and Pichay, along with the opposition’s Koko Pimentel, will strengthen representation from the South.
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A friend noted that BO-PK is campaigning as if it has a strong rival. I think they should. If given enough leeway to campaign, I am sure Mary Ann delos Santos and Raymund Garcia will win considering the sentiments against Mayor Osmeña.
However, Mayor Osmeña is giving her no chances. He is even shying away from a debate on such issues as the SRP to deprive Mary Ann the publicity mileage.
Unfortunately for Tomas, his stance on the debate makes him look weak and afraid to face his lady rival aside from appearing scared to discuss the big issues affecting his administration.
Why can’t he face the lady rival like a gentleman? Maybe Tomas knows he is a bully and it will show for everybody to see. Tomas also has a short fuse. Sensitive questions about the South Reclamation Project will surely raise his blood pressure
Imagine, the SRP placed Cebu City in the hallowed position as the Philippine city with the highest debt? Tungod sa mismanagement ni Tomas, ang Sugbuanon nahimong labing utangan sa nasud.
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