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Sunday, March 07, 2004
Martinez: General Soriano effectively pruning Rep. Tulagan’s edge
By Ernie Martinez
The entry of former Philippine Army Commander, Gen. Orlando de Vera-Soriano in the Third District congressional race has dramatically shattered the old political unity that once supported the election of Congressman Generoso Tulagan.
Main reason for the break-up, according to my grapevine, is Tulagan’s alleged insincerity in his dealings with supposed friends and allies topped by his once powerful supporter, his fellow San Carlenian Mayor Julian “Jolly” Resuello, who is now openly backing Soriano.
The rumor mill says it was Resuello who persuaded the dashing general from vote-rich Malasiqui to run against Tulagan, although a cursory glimpse at the general’s high credentials shows a man of strong conviction high scholastic background and a colorful military career. In short, he is his own man.
Suffice it to say that Resuello’s obsession to scout for a good foe of Tulagan and the general’s political plans have jibed perfectly. The general’s younger brother. Mayor Alfonso Soriano, is, anyway you look at it, a sure winner and will give beloved brother some 85 percent winning margin over Tulagan. When asked how big Soriano’s margin would be in San Carlos City, Mayor Resuello elicited a Mona Lisa smile, and said, “We are working hard.” Former Mayor Douglas Soriano was with Resuello when I interviewed him. Both Soriano and Resuello are San Carlos’ undisputed kingpins, and Tulagan would have been the third kingpin, a poor third at that, speaking of San Carlos City’s expected present voting behavior.
Malasiqui will go all out for General Soriano what with the additional support of Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino and Board Member Ernie Bravo, both natives of Maslasiqui, who never conceal their preference for the amiable general.
It’s bruited about that Congressman Tulagan has the support of the mayors of the four towns – Bayambang, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao and Mapandan. Whether that Tulagan claim is politically encouraging or not would be counterbalanced by the fact that except for Bayambang and Mapandan in which Mayors Leo de Vera and Ferdie Calimlim are running unopposed and are therefore presumed to be working hard for Tulagan, the fact remains that General Soriano is a gifted and skillful negotiator who is capable of breaking up entrenched alliances.
Don’t forget that as the national government’s negotiator in the GRP-SPAG secessionist groups in Mindanao, the brilliant leader from Malasiqui is unbeatable. That negotiating skill will be used in his forays in known Tulagan bailiwicks, and you have an idea of the turning of the tide in the 3rd District in due time.
The Philippine Government has had so much trust in the general that it has appointed him administrator of the National Irrigation Administration, director of the Philippine National Oil Company, Undersecretary for civil relations of the Department of National Defense, and Commanding General of the Philippine Army. His star-studded military career includes sensitive assignments in both Luzon and Mindanao as Task Force Commander which earned several medals and high honors for him.
As of press time, I haven’t monitored the latest 3rd District political currents, although I have on good authority that each day the general undertakes his caucuses, new alliances and defections, if you could pardon the word, are won. By the time the official campaigning begins, the general must have nipped all odds and sores in the bud. Congressman Soriano? The people in the district are familiar with that name.
So, who is naïve and new in the congressional game? Tell me.
(March 7, 2004 issue)
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