SOME quarters say that Gov. Hilario Davide III’s sliding down to run for vice governor in next year’s polls is a supreme sacrifice. Davide is unselfish, they say. I beg to disagree. It is not a “supreme sacrifice” but a wise move meant to suit his political agenda of remaining at the Capitol for a longer term.
Consider this. He won’t slug it out one-on-one with third district Rep. Gwen Garcia because he would lose as he has no significant and remarkable achievements during his two terms as governor. He has also lost political influence over his allies in the province as most of them have shifted alliance to Garcia’s camp.
As for funding, Junjun has nothing to match that of Garcia. This is a mid-term election and the Liberal Party no longer has money. Finally, he has a political agenda, which is to be governor again in the future.
With Daphne Salimbangon as his opponent in the vice gubernatorial race, Junjun is a sure winner. And if Magpale wins, I think she would only serve one or two terms. She is now 76 and is on her “twilight zone.” Serving three terms will be difficult for her. And if Gwen wins, Junjun could become governor again. Why? Because Gwen has a pending dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman.
Although the order was not served by the House of Representative, she failed to get a reversal from the Court of Appeals. If she assumes office on June 30 next year as governor, she would no longer be under the House protection. It’s possible the dismissal order would be be implemented unless she can secure a temporary restraining order or injunction from a higher court.
Minarunong ning desisyon ni Junjun. If he battles Gwen and loses, it would be difficult for him to regain control of the Capitol in future elections. Besides, he would spend much money if he runs for governor because his candidates at the local level would be dependent on him for funding. Again, there is not much money in a mid-term election, unlike in a presidential one.
One of his reasons for sliding down is supposedly because his allies were forced to shift allegiance due to threats that cases would be filed against them or they would be included in a “narco-list.” However, he refused to divulge who had threatened his allies and supporters.
What “pressure” is he talking about? Why won’t he just admit that his allies have shifted allegiance to the Garcia camp because they see her as a stronger leader than him and also for funding purposes. Cebu businessmen will go for Gwen because of her satisfactory performance when she was governor. Davide lost to Gwen in their first encounter in the 2010 elections. He won in 2013 and 2016 but against Gwen’s brothers, Pablo John and Winston.
During the campaign period, Davide can no longer hype Gwen’s corruption cases because his administration is also being accused of corruption. His trusted men like his provincial administrator are the ones destroying his image and his administration. And he miserably failed to discipline these people.
If you are a leader and you don’t know what is happening in your sorroundings, you are like a scarecrow. Mao na si Junjun.