Monday, September 22, 2008 Mercado: A vision of 2010 By Ram Mercado First Person
WHILE the Senate is engrossed in a heated dispute on budgetary double entries for a single project, the House of Representatives is agog with a quietly shaping miracle -- that of resurrecting the aborted move for Charter change.
The now spirited action of the House Leadership under Speaker Prospero Nograles followed the unpublished news that our very own congressman Representative Mikey Arroyo allegedly berated Nograles for the latter's initial lukewarm efforts and contrary views on the Cha-cha.
It is widely held that the young "Godfather," a strait-shooting and outspoken individual was the architect of former Speaker Jose de Venecia's fall, and who subsequently spearheaded the election of Nograles to the post.
Thus when Nograles declared that he was supporting the Cha-Cha "but only after 2010" the Godfather naturally whipped him to line, simply by a sharp reminder to the speaker that it was the Lubao lawmaker who put him in that exalted position.
Reports from various regions have it that regional consultations on the Charter Change had been quietly conducted under the President's Kampi party. In Angeles City one such people's meeting to discuss the Cha-Cha was initiated by the President's Super Boy -- Secretary Ed Pamintuan.
Around the nation, lawmakers belonging to the Kampi were mobilized in frenzied consultation meetings to soften people's attitude to pave their acceptance of Cha-Cha via the constituent assembly.
A perception of broad support by Filipinos would hasten legislative action in the House. From there it will go to the Supreme Court to get its imprimatur for the proposed constituent assembly.
Now comes the report that the Arroyo administration has for its purpose the sum of over P100 billion, including P6B worth of unreleased priority development assistance funds from its first trillion-peso budget.
Malacañang has legal authority to spend those savings in two years. The Palace denied it was going to use the savings for election purposes.
From here it would be pure speculation as to what such enormous money can do for development projects including political reform and constitutional amendment/revision. It is not impossible that the Comelec may persuade the Budget office to be provided some P50-million for recall election purposes.
Assuming the ambitious proposal to change the Charter would succeed within the year 2010, what would it mean to us in Pampanga?
The cabalen will expect outgoing President Arroyo to run for Parliament. She would be unopposed, thus clearing the road smooth and easy on the way to be the Prime Minister.
There being no elections for senator, Congressman Mikey may be fielded for Pampanga governor after a wide and persistent "public clamor."
If the recall elections will push through and Mayor Dennis Pineda, the most likely candidate against Among Ed, would win, his family may be persuaded to give way to Mikey for the 2010 run. If Mayor Dennis loses to Panlilio, Mikey shall pick up the fight.
If you have a loving mother as Prime Minister, there is no way you would lose a gubernatorial election. The Marcoses had proven it. The Pinedas would then have to choose between politics or staying in business.
Should there be a way to put Mikey Arroyo as Member of Parliament in another district, the seeded bet for Pampanga governor will be Congressman Dong Gonzales. Provided, however, he has substantially caused visible rehabilitation and development work in the P1 billion-peso Bacolor Project.
Because City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez has proven his loyalty to Mrs. Arroyo, and for the outstanding job he has been doing in San Fernando, instead of aiming for the mayoralty, the Kampi would field Dr. Rey Aquino for Parliament in the Third District. Mrs. Arroyo would not give Mayor Oca an opponent from her party. Should Dr. Rey insist on a second chance to get back at his foe, well, it is a free country.
Former representative Didi Domingo might contest the Third District seat to avoid the overcrowding in the usually triangular fight in San Fernando.
Unless a new congressional district is created for Representative Tarzan Lazatin, and in a choice between him and Secretary Ed Pamintuan, Mrs. Arroyo is inclined to favor the Super Boy for the Parliament. His being a lawyer and great talker would be put to good use in advocating the Prime Minister's agenda. Dr. Tarzan may then run for city mayor against Mayor Francis Nepomuceno. He can realize then his final wish and obsession to conquer the yet unconquered of the Nepo siblings. Mayor Blueboy is waiting for that ultimate battle.
Last but not least is Vice Governor Yeng Guiao. The champion coach has the "bad" luck of not reaping the honor and reward for the political crusades he had initiated. He was the first and original whistle blower in the quarry scandal, but he never got to be governor. Now, as the chief adversary and rival of Among Ed, he is being marginalized as the chosen bet to oppose the Governor Panlilio in the event of a recall poll.
His supporters and fans are now expecting the members of the Provincial Board, which he ably led against Panlilio, as well as the members of the Pampanga Mayors League whom he wants to benefit from the quarry funds, to endorse him as their recall bet vs Panlilio. The mayors are maintaining "radio silence." The Board members are not giving expressed support to their bold leader either.
Wonder why the two vital sectors keep quiet when they should rise as one and rally behind Guiao for governor-to-be? Your guess, sir, is as good as your friendly STL collectors.
I cannot answer queries regarding Cambilan Rosve Henson's intent for 2010. His friends expect the Pinedas, as logical reward, to support him for the mayorship of San Fernando.
Local businessmen mostly PamCham members are endorsing energetic ADCL chief Rene Romero for the same post. Romero is reported to be a handpicked and favorite candidate under the LP wing of Presidential hopeful Senator Mar Roxas. Mar is said to be a frequent visitor to the famous Residencia Romero.
