EVERY election season, this question is raised by many. What’s in politics that a candidate spend tens of millions when aspiring for a local post? Me and you know the answer. It is still a very valid query though. Example, in a mayoral race in a city or in big municipalities, P50 million may not even be enough just to be in contention. In a heated congressional race, the amount may double or triple. Okay let’s answer it for clarity. As a matter of fact it’s no brainer. Once the candidate emerged victorious, it’s a sure thing he or she can easily recoup what was spent and money will be pouring in like those biblical mannas from Heaven.
The rules on the forthcoming elections maybe different in 2022. It will surely be something which our country never experienced before. If the pandemic will persist come October this year, the Commission on Elections may allow an on-line filing of certificates of candidacy (COC). So there will be no more the hoopla of candidates marching to the Comelec offices with supporters with raised placards and brass bands in tow. That’s one. Second, voting days maybe two or three days to avoid crowding, but no on-line voting please. That’s dangerous. Technology can overpower democratic choices. Third, no more house to house campaigning, handshakes and kissing of babies. Fourth, political rallies maybe prohibited too.
It is indeed wise for the poll body to study if there will be a multiple days of voting instead of the prescribed one day eight hours of voting. That’s understandable because the IATF people whom Duterte placed in charge failed miserably in containing the veerus compared to the way some neighboring countries handled their own. Of course we still have the highest hopes that situation will improve and that no other variant will be discovered till election day.
Now who is in and who is out in coming October? Let me start in Angeles City. Early on in our previous columns, I wrote that in all likelihood the Lazatin brothers, Mayor Pogi and Congressman Jonjon may be running unopposed. I was proven wrong by recent events. Angeles City Councilor Amos Rivera announced already that he will be in the mayoral race. (At this writing former Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan like in a Shakespeare play is asking himself: ‘to be or not to be’). The political observers are emphatic that former Mayor Ed Pamintuan may stage a comeback. Another scenario: Rivera will slide down one notch lower and Pamintuan will substitute, so it will be a battle royale, Pogi Lazatin-Vicky Cabigting tandem? That’s pure speculation though. Some of my friends who comes from different background are advancing their own political theories but are unanimously saying that only Pamintuan can do a decent face off with Mayor Pogi.
In the meanwhile, talks are ripe that former Philippine National Police General Oscar “Oca” Albayalde will enter the political arena and will oppose incumbent Congressman Jonjon in the first congressional district. I interviewed him last week in my PEP TV show TRENDING MAX and he confirmed to me he will be in the forthcoming congressional race. I learned from my grapevine sources he is very decided and already in consultations with barangay leaders. For those uninformed, Albayalde is a resident of Barangay Malabanas, one of the biggest villages where the barangay captain, Jumong Gueco is the village chief.
Meanwhile, it is so silent in the Nepomuceno camp. Where’s former Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno? Are the Nepomucenos done with politics? Brothers Robin and Francis Blueboy, who both served with distinctions and filled the shoes of their late parents Governor Francisco and Congresswoman Juanita, seemingly are already retired from politics.