Friday, January 05, 2007 Members of old clans eye DavSur congress seat By Ben O. Tesiorna
POLITICAL families going back to when Davao Region was only one province are reported to be interested in running for a congressional seat in Davao del Sur's first congressional district.
The first congressional district is composed of the City of Digos and the towns of Bansalan, Hagonoy, Magsaysay, Matanao, Padada and Santa Cruz.
Representative Douglas Ra. Cagas, the incumbent, is no longer qualified to run for reelection in May as he has been elected as congressman for three consecutive terms.
On the other hand, the 2nd district, under Representative Claude Bautista, is composed of Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Kiblawan, Malalag, Malita, Santa Maria, Sarangani and Sulop.
Marc C. Cagas, only child of the incumbent, is reported to be interested to succeed his father who has once served as governor and member of the defunct Batasang Pambansa.
Perceived to be a strong contender is Vice Governor Romulo Garcia, a lawyer, who has served as member of the Provincial Board under several past governors.
Most prominent named interested to comeback is Alejandro "Al" C. Almendras Jr., who once served as congressman. Al is the son and namesake of Landring who ruled Davao politics for four decades as governor of the undivided Davao province, secretary of the defunct Department of General Services, senator, and Davao del Sur congressman.
However, Mina King Almendras, estranged wife of Al, is also reportedly preparing to run for congress after an unsuccessful attempt against Cagas in 2004.
Another politician is Nonito "Dondon" Llanos III, a grandson of the late Nonito Llanos Sr., several times mayor of Digos and governor of the province.
The sixth possible aspirant in the district is Lorna Bautista Bandigan, sister and brain trust of incumbent Davao del Sur Governor Benjamin Bautista Jr. Her two other brothers are also incumbents -- Claude is the 2nd district congressman and Franklin, who was once congressman, is mayor of Malita.
Last but not the least aspirant is businessman Pablo Villaber who also ran and lost many times before. (With a report from Manuel "Nolet" Causing.)
