Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Balingit: Repeat it Boking! By Allan Balingit On a High Note
"THE only way to resolve the issue is to wait for him to finish his term of office if he wins this coming local election."
This was the suggestion made by former Pampanga Press Club president and political analyst Diosdado "Deng" Pangilinan to opponents of Mabalacat Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales, following the mayor's decision to seek reelection.
A case is pending against the mayor before the Supreme Court for allegedly exceeding the maximum allowable terms of three succeeding periods of tenure for holding the same arbitrary post.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), prior to that upheld Mayor Morales's arguments, decided that the mayor is qualified to run again as his incumbency was interrupted, and therefore he is legally allowed to seek reelection. While at the same time the case was later on relegated to the High Court by his political opponents.
In the meantime, with the current workings of the legal system here, tangled webs of charges and counter-charges could further complicate matters that could perhaps hinder both camps from finally coming up with a resolution in the case.
For that matter, Deng rightfully believes that the case would be overtaken by events, as the legal system is too complicated and time consuming in this country.
Natapos na ang term nang nanunungkulan, di pa rin tapos ang kaso. That is the bitter truth here, so a sense of frustration often pervades politicians with pending electoral cases.
Asar talo ka dito. If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen or the sauna bath, as the case maybe, is what I suggest.
Meantime, Mayor Morales's political opponents probably are pretty much upset. Imagine yourself getting whipped not just once, twice, thrice, four times, and...coming soon?
"No doubt Boking and Pros Lagman will win again in Mabalacat," was Mr. Deng Pangilinan's fearless forecast, adding that if Mayor Boking and Mayor Carmelo Lazatin of Angeles win in their respective coveted positions (Tarzan as first district representative) the dream of the people of Mabalacat to turn their progressive town into a city will become a reality.
"If Mayor Lazatin wins as congressman of the first district he will push for the cityhood of Mabalacat as his promise to his good buddy and long time ally Mayor Morales."
Deng believes that Mayor Lazatin would make it to the House of Representatives, citing his unbeatable track record as a mayor.
"His influence and connection in Congress would be an advantage in pushing for the town's cityhood," he added.
At any rate, both politicians have had a very successful political career thus far, and as the coming elections draw nearer, would that success hold true?
