AS THE political fever rises due to the 2016 polls, people are having difficulty in determining fact over fiction. This has been caused by the worsening propaganda war being waged by different political groups that are trying to outdo each other in the forthcoming elections. Only those who are politically knowledgeable and active can immediately point out the truth behind the controversies. It's a pity that some candidates, who are overwhelmed by greed, would readily resort to smear campaign just to advance their selfish cause. Motivated by their insatiable desire and obsession for power, they would do everything possible to achieve victory. Observers call it as a "win at all cost" principle.
One of the early victims of black propaganda is former Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who is running for congressman. His political enemies circulate rumors against him, alleging that he got P2 million for joining the MKK camp of Mayor Monico Puentevella. Though the story is far from reality, Sayson was alarmed by the reaction and feedback that he received from his supporters in the barangays. While the campaign is still more than four months away, he will now be forced to roam around and talk to the people just to dispel the rumors.
Another example of a “political spin” was the report claiming that the United Negros Alliance (Unega) will replace their congressional candidates in the First and Third Districts of the province. Reports said that Escalante City Vice Mayor Santiago Maravillas (First District) and Gerardo "Gerry" Puey (Third District) will withdraw their congressional bids and will be replaced by stronger candidates by virtue of the substitution rule. However, Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. and his runningmate, Fourth District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer have strongly denied the story, dismissing it as a baseless intrigue.
These are only two of the many propaganda stories propagated by spin doctors for hire. The people must be cautioned against them because spins are the opposite of truth and it deceive rather than enlighten public opinion.
Close fights
The vice gubernatorial battle between Ferrer and incumbent Vice Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson will be very close. And while many people are of the belief that Ferrer is slightly ahead when it comes to the number mayors supporting his candidacy, no one can discount the fact that the situation could still change considering the more than six months from today up to the Election Day on May 9, 2016, rival parties are still expected to woo the Negrense voters. But just like the Puentevella-Representative Evelio Leonardia mayoral face off, the race for vice governor will be decided by resources and machinery. Whoever has the superior machinery and the capability to launch a well-oiled campaign is the candidate that will likely win the contest. In the case of Bacolod, political nemesis Puentevella and Leonardia are both popular but they employ contrasting political styles. The 2016 elections may still be issue-oriented, however, as the Election Day draws near, ready resources will come into play. It is in this aspect that Puentevella, being the incumbent mayor, has the edge.
Lando's wrath
As Typhoon Lando wreaked havoc in Luzon, another Lando created a stir in Bacolod politics after he filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman. Tension within the MKK group mounted as Atty. Rolando "Lando" Villamor, an ally of Puentevella, made a surprise move by leaving his job as city administrator and made the congressional race a five-cornered fight.
Villamor's decision shocked both his political rivals and allies. There was no prior announcement about his intent to join the 2016 elections. He never hinted, in any of his previous media interviews, that he's eyeing an elective post. His decision put Puentevella on the spot, who had to explain why his city administrator left him and how it would affect his ticket. But the mayor was quick to caution the impact of Lando's candidacy by issuing a statement that while he respects the decision of the latter, his group is committed to work for the election of Sayson as congressman.