Saturday, April 21, 2007 Roperos: Interesting moves By Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also
PERPETUATION of political power and influence over a town, district or province has always been the goal of many a family that has “tasted” political control over an area. And like habit-forming drugs, once political power has been set, the controller does not want to let go.
But as we have pointed out in our piece yesterday, we seem to be on a threshold of new politics, with the youthful group of political newcomers in forefront.
The feeling among the young seems to be that there’s need for something new and different from what their elders did to answer the needs and problems of their times. New problems need new and novel solutions.
Surprisingly, the ongoing midterm campaign has produced very interesting developments in our political landscape. For one, candidates are no longer formally aligned with particular nationwide political organizations. Sure, there are parties at the national level but these are not backed by formal chapters down the line.
Consequently, most if not all of candidates today are fending for themselves for “political survival,” spending and searching for their own resources.
In my hometown, Balamban, incumbent Mayor Alex Binghay is running unopposed. He has his son, Ace, as his vice mayoral candidate. Except for one or two councilors, there’s no change in the line-up.
In our 3rd district, incumbent lawmaker Tony Yapha is running for governor, and wife Estrella, an incumbent Board member, is taking her husband’s place. A daughter is running for mayor.
In Bogo town, former solon Junnie Martinez is running for mayor. His son filed his candidacy for congressman. Mother Clavel is running for vice governor.
In the 6th district, Luigi Quisumbing faces seasoned politician Rep. Nerissa Soon Ruiz, for the congressional seat. Being an incumbent Provincial Board member with a commendable track record, Luigi can be a worthy replacement of the incumbent who can be considered as belonging to the ranks of “tradpols.” In Mandaue City, young politicians are seemingly making a considerable headway.
Jonkie Ouano, 32, said in a political forum recently that while he loves his father, suspended mayor Thadeo, they are “two very different and distinct individuals.” And so he has designed his own developmental course of action if he wins. He said he feels he is better prepared than opponent Jonas Cortes, incumbent councilor, because he has managerial experience which is what Mandaue needs.
