The Team San Fernando is expected to clash against the Magsilbi Team of Mayor Oca Rodriguez. The battle cry of Team San Fernando is Luguran Taya Pa Rin Ing San Fernando.
Team San Fernando is formidable. It is composed of familiar names and faces headed by Dr. Rey B. Aquino and Engr. Noel Tulabut. Its councilors include Atty. Rolly Macalino, Jay Cuyugan, former councilor Paul Quiwa, Boy Lati Quiambao and Dennis Dizon.
New faces coming from prominent families are Engr. Raymond Guevarra, son of former mayor Pat Guevarra, Engr. Raf Maglalang, son of former councilor Costing Maglalang, Dr. Benjie Angeles and Puring Bamba.
I believe that Team San Fernando can give Magsilbi Team a run for its money. Team San Fernando is well organized. It reflects the personality of Congressman Rey B. Aquino, an undefeated political strategist and down to earth politician.
I have interviewed Congressman Aquino and he told me that Team San Fernando had already visited all the barangays of the city and conducted sorties in the pre-campaign period.
As a team, they are focused on the strengthening of the group more than the individual traits of the members. There is no superstar in the team but only Teamwork.
The principal issue raised by Team San Fernando is the priority of the P361-million loan of the City Government to Landbank. Never before in the history of San Fernando has it incurred such a gargantuan loan. They are not against the construction of new buildings, but they simply oppose the P 361-million loan.
The incumbent had only three years in office. Yet they have the audacity to borrow such big amount of money, which the city taxpayers will shoulder in the future.
Team San Fernando had just conducted a one-day session on the issues presided by San Fernando mayoralty candidate Dr. Rey B. Aquino, they also had their retreat and reflection on how to win the political battle against the incumbent. During their moments of reflection the positive thing going for Team San Fernando is name recall.
Looking at the lineup, I can discern the easy name recall of candidates. Who does not know former mayor Pat Guevarra, former vice mayor Nestor Dizon and former councilor Costing Maglalang? Former board member Robert has agreed to descend to the level of proud city councilor
The corollary issue raised by Team San Fernando is the taking out of the P361-million loan where the city has an annual income of P600 million.
All that is needed is fiscal planning and efficient budgeting. There are items in the annual budget where funds for schools can be sourced. There is no need to borrow just to give education a transient glory. An Executive need not borrow, but can implement an effective school program. One cannot champion the cause of education through over-borrowing. Fernandinos are allergic to big debts.
When the campaign period starts on March 30, I expect to see fireworks explode in the city. There will be a lot of attacks and counter attacks. Knowing how incumbent Mayor Oca Rodriguez is, he will not allow the issue of the P 361-million loan to lessen his chances of winning.
In the final analysis, it is the people who will decide, the Fernandinos are mature and they can understand the issues to be raised. If the issues are well explained to them, they can come out with an intelligent decision on the day of the elections.
If I were to take a side on the controversy, I would favor non-borrowing. Instead, I prefer fiscal prudence, effective budgeting and husbanding of resources.
