Sangil: The Bondocs of the 4th district

WHAT is happening in the House of Representatives? Ang daming drama. Sobra! I nearly fell on my chair when I saw a picture of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano kneeling and being prayed over by some colleagues. That's photo op? What is the message? Please stop it. Prayers are not for show. Go to church fellows.

In the many past congresses there were verbal skirmishes on the floor, heated debates and very partisan activities. It is a collegial body and partisan lines were drawn. The speakership was never arranged for term sharing. Malacanang never interfered openly. If ever it was brokered within closed doors. Not anymore.

While the subject of this item is about congress, I suddenly remember the move in the past for the creation of two more congressional districts in the province of Pampanga. Then Congressman Yeng Guiao filed a bill to create the lone district of Angeles City and the then 3rd District Congressman Oscar Rodriguez also filed a bill creating the lone congressional district the City of San Fernando. The two are now out of congress and the present congressmen Jonjon Lazatin of the first district that covers Angeles City and Dong Gonzales of the third district that covers San Fernando didn't pursue the twin moves.

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The political prominence and dominance of the Bondocs in the fourth congressional district never dimmed. When the late Igmidio "Midying" Bondoc trounced in a down the wire in a congressional race the late Congressman Marciano "Mars" Pineda in the eightees, the influence flourished and the former son Rimpy and daughter Anna York alternately represented the district. Many tried their luck in snatching the representation but all failed. Rimpy is now on his third term and is expected that his sister Anna York will be the congressional bet in the coming elections in 2022. Maybe, just maybe, former Candaba mayor Jerry Pelayo will come out from retirement and try his luck the second time. Try and try until you succeed, as my late father used to advice me. And what about Rimpy? He may be taking a garden leave in the meantime.

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Angeles City Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. and Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo are the two most visible local executives from the very start of the pandemic. Both can be commended for their efforts. Lazatin started giving away computers to public schools in the city. And like Lazatin, Mayor Garbo initiated rapid testing to thousands and installed isolation wards. The two have similar work habits. Both reports for work early, and stay late in their offices to receive visitors and make daily assessments. It is as they say give credit where credit is due. Vice Governor Lilia "Nanay" Baby Pineda must be mighty proud her son Governor Dennis and deserves a firm handshake and congratulations. Super sipag si Gov. Delta.

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In the meanwhile, Arayat Mayor Emmanuel "Bon" Alejandrino and Vice Mayor Sixto "Pogi" Mallari Jr. are locked in horns over a piece of real estate in that town. It seems Mallari just wanted to buy the contested property and donate a part of it for the town's use. Alejandrino flatly said no. So the drama will not end in a sooner time yet.

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