THEY are getting to be the big names in Tarlac politics. They are young and are full of energy and enthusiasm. Boss Eduardo ‘‘Boss Danding’ Cojuangco who since the mid-sixties was ‘godfather’ to local politicians is now in great beyond. During his time, his influence crossed the boundaries of Tarlac. He once run for the presidency but failed. Former Congressman Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco, Tita Cory’s brother is already inactive maybe due to his age or maybe he had enough of politics. ( In the sixties up to the eighties the triumvirate of Benigno Aquino, Peping Cojuangco and Jose ‘Aping’ Yap was the main political force in the province). The Yaps are still very much around. Congressman Victor Yap is the youngest son of the late Congressman Jose Yap, one of the more influential members of congress during his incumbency. He was chairman of the powerful defense committee in the House of Representatives. (Btw Vic Yap aka VY will take a leave from politics and will concentrate on his business concerns). Susan Yap now is the incumbent governor. Her son Christian will relieved his uncle Vic as congressman in the second district. He won convincingly in the recent elections.
As an introduction, Christian is highly educated. He attended Cardiff University and was a Cheaving scholar. He was executive assistant to the office of the governor and was elected mayor of Victoria town in 2019. He will be one of the youngest members of 19th congress. His energy is boosted by his love for kayaking, mountain biking and scuba diving. For sure there’s much future ahead for Congressman Christian and is expected to continue the ‘Serbisyong Gobyernong Mayap’ started by his grandfather Lolo Jose.
There’s a new kid town. A new star is rising. He is Noel Rivera, known by all and sundry simply as Kap Bong. From now on he will be known as Congressman Bong for he recently bested his opponents in the recent congressional race in Tarlac’s third district.He is not the typical local politician whom you have met and known in your town or city. Congressman Bong is Mr. Humble from head to tow. 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.
I remember meeting him on eat Cafe Mesa in Clark and warned him that public service is a very demanding job and thankless at that. He said he is no stranger to demanding works. All his life he met several challenges and with God’s graces he was able 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.
There’s still one Cojuangco in Tarlac politics. He is Jaime Cojuangco, the son of the late Congressman Carlos ‘Charlie’ Cojuangco and Rio Diaz. He successfully hurdled in the recently held elections the congressional seat of the first district once held by his father who died last February this year. In his statement, he said he wanted to pursue the brand of public service by the Cojuangcos.