NOW you see them. Now you don’t. I mean the big names in Tarlac politics. Who could be bigger than the Aquinos? Ninoy, Cory and Noynoy are all gone now. They crossed already the threshold for another life, if you believe there’s life after death. The Cojuangcos too are no longer the power to contend. Boss Eduardo “Boss Danding” Cojuangco, who since the mid-60s was “godfather” to local politicians, is now in great beyond. During his time, his influence crossed the boundaries of Tarlac. Former congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Tita Cory’s brother, is already inactive, maybe due to his age now. Congressman Charlie Cojuangco is reportedly very sick. The new kingpins now are the Yaps. Congressman Victor Yap is the youngest son of the late Congressman Jose Yap, one of the more influential members of Congress during his incumbency. Susan Yap now is the incumbent governor. Her son, Christian, will relieve his uncle Vic as congressman in the second district in this forthcoming elections. Vic was three-term governor and succeeded by sister Susan.
In Concepcion town, a new star is rising. He is Noel Lopez Rivera, known by all and sundry simply as Kap Bong. He is not the typical local politician whom you have met and known in your town or city. Kap Bong’s life story is one for the books. Currently, he is the chairman of the town’s Association of Barangay Captains (ABC). He held this position completing the mandated three terms and returned again and head once more of the ABC after an interregnum. His generosity and desire to help others knows no boundaries. He digs his own pocket to help deserving constituents, particularly during the pandemic. He also helped people coming from other town.
Kap Bong is Mr. Humble from head to toe. He comes from an ordinary family. The father was a farmer and it was farm life for him when he was growing up. He never forgot his studies and hurdled a college course. He has a scholarship program for deserving students. God loves his creatures who are humble so He blessed Kap Bong a good life. Today, he is a successful businessman and he is eyeing the third congressional district. Several surveys conducted indicate he is much ahead if elections now are held. He has the support of three thirds of the three towns, namely, Concepcion, Capas and Bamban. He is the handpicked candidate of the Yaps and several political big guns.
He was warned that public service is a very demanding job and thankless at that. But Kap Bong is no stranger to demanding works. All his life, he met several challenges and with God’s graces, he was able to hurdle even the most difficult ones. At this junction of his being public servant for a good number of years, he is now full of enthusiasm more than ever and is so determined to succeed in behalf of the constituency of Tarlac’s third congressional district.