I HAVE the strongest hopes that in the 2022 presidential elections, it will be a one-on-one fight between two women. A mestisang Davaoena and a biyudang Bicolana. Mayor Sara Duterte vs Vice President Leni Robredo.
In the meanwhile, may I humbly request that Senator Manny Pacquiao remain in the Senate together with Grace Poe. Manila Mayor Isko Domagoso Moreno, busy yourself in cleaning and beautifying Manila. You are still young and your time will come. As for Bongbong Marcos, team up with Sara. Senator Nancy Binay doesn’t even think about it. I tell you the slates will be known this coming July.
In the meanwhile, I read somewhere an advice by a letter writer to those nursing, planning and dreaming to become members of the Philippine Senate: “Attention to those who have senatorial ambitions. Just because you think you can win, it doesn’t mean you can run. Just because you can be a senator, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can be a senator. We have serious problems and we have no time for your job training.” PDI Op-ed.
No more Revilla, Go and Lapid please. Let’s bring the caliber of Arturo Tolentino, Lorenzo Tanada, Alejandro Almendras, Soc Rodrigo, Ninoy Aquino, Ambrocio Padilla and the many topnotch solons of yesteryears. Let Dick Gordon, Migz Zubiri remain in the senate. Let’s include Deputy Speaker Michael Romero, Gibo Teodoro, Rodante Marcoleta and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo among your choices.
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Sometime ago, I visited the former president in her residence in Lubao and had few hours having discussions with several issues. (I hope she can still remember it). I asked her point blank. “What's next after Congress? Is the governorship an option?” She tersely replied: “No way. Never crossed my mind.” And it was proven later that she didn’t run to any political office but spent her time pushing for her advocacies, further development of the province of Pampanga. She supported her son Mikey in his congressional quest. Took a garden leave and spent more time with her “apostolic” duties. Maybe, just maybe, some people are whispering in her ears to run again in the second congressional district and become speaker of the House of Representatives once more. I don’t think as a mother, she will deprive her son Mikey. The Senate is an option to GMA.
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In Angeles politics, political observers are confused. Many are predicting that the two juniors of the late Congressman and Mayor Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, Congressman Jonjon and Mayor Pogi will be running for reelection by their lonesome. (Former Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde made a splash some months ago and reportedly was eyeing Jonjon’s seat. But it seems he abandoned the idea. The retired cop is from Barangay Malabanias). If that happens, it will be recorded in the annals of the political history of both the first congressional district and the city of Angeles of a no contest elections. The question commonly ask now by my friends from the Monday Club, Tuesday Club at Apo Road, Wednesday Club, Rotarians, coffee habitues at MCdonalds and tongits players at Villa Angela if indeed former Mayor Edgardo D. Pamintuan and former Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno finally will hand their political gloves. Will they be completely out of the radar in October this year. Your guess is as good as mine. Abangan.