We always thought Boholano multi-awarded actor-director Cesar Montano could become a "wild card" in local politics.

Someone from the "outside" suddenly having a fighting chance to make it big in Bohol politics on the first try. Cesar has of course played it coy when cornered for an answer regarding his political ambition: "Bohol is close to my heart," the Baclayon-born native would softly answer.

That, of course, creates more questions, than answers. But that is his point.

The political drawing power of a Cesar Montano was affirmed in the recent past as third-termer Manila city mayor Lito Atienza bids politics goodbye in favor of his son Ali.

When world renowned Filipino boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao took residence in a condominium in Manila recently, the talks became stronger that Ali was going to get Pacman as vice mayor candidate for Manila.

Suddenly the then hot aspirant senator Ping Lacson hinted at a Lacson-Montano tandem, a "tough" combination on and off the screen - making the criminals in Manila scram for safety in their hideouts? Montano was considered to fight Pacman, politically.

Even much earlier, "Boboy" as he is often called, was eyed as town mayor of his hometown Baclayon which seemed too small for his pants to fit, so to speak. But it was an obvious first step into the political arena.

Now, the political screen has widened considerably for an actor who has played national hero Dr. Jose Rizal quite creditably. Even political opposition biggie senator Ernie Maceda wrote in his column last week that Montano was running for either governor or congressman of his native Bohol.

Text brigade agents have been quick to the draw that if California, a rich big state voted as governor an Austrian in Arnold Swarzenneger (an actor like Cesar), Montano has Boholano parentage and has shown more than passing interest in Bohol affairs.

The rumor has turned serious as funding is now allegedly assured by financial brokers to bankroll Montano's bid for governor and will not give back the governorship, if ever, to incumbent Rico Aumentado, on a silver platter.

Is that the reason Governor Rico and the actor were sighted in a close talk in one of the city's premier resorts? Rumors strike twice. The first one was an administration offer for a senatorial slate (versus Goma?) - to deflect his serious bid for Bohol governor. Political pundits are quick to reason that as of today - only First District Congressman Edgar Chatto (with his family name and achievements) and Cesar Montano (on his boy-next-door actor appeal) can theoretically give Rico a run for his money.

The second rumor is a vice-governorship slot with an eye fixed on a 2010 gobernatorial endorsement from Rico. Wait a minute. Where does that lead Chatto - whose term ends by 2010 and is obviously laying the groundwork for a run for governor in 2010?

Where does that leave Julius Herrera who had, time and again, agreed to a "unity" ticket under the governor for a future promise for governor in 2010?

Is it true - that with that vice-governor offer would come the delivery of the funding to finance the "dream film" originally proposed to Cesar by Director de los Reyes on the life and times of Dagohoy, the Boholano epic hero who led 100 years of revolt against the tyranny of Spain?

Of course, in politics, there are no permanent friends - only permanent self-interest, let's be frank, and call an ace an ace.

The talk of a run for governor by Boboy is a floated tandem balloon, pairing him with Inabanga mayor Roygie Jumamoy, who is also the head of the league of municipal mayors. With local opposition kingpin former Governor Relampagos sowing his influence in the third and first districts, Jumamoy could bring with him the second district votes, so they say.

It appears that the senior Herrera (former senator Ernesto) is now a senior united opposition leader in Manila and Rene Relampagos may have to hold the fort in Bohol.

But the fluidity of the political situation is such that even Relampagos' ultimate intent - governor or third district congressman seems "up in the air" or the public is led to believe so. How does the Montano Equation, therefore, figure in a Relampagos' bid for governor?

Political analysts (outside the barber shops) point out that a close, down the wire loss for Cesar to Rico in 2007 could still be his spring board to a 2010 run for governor against Rico's anointed. Others opine, perhaps, Montano can go board member and use the next three years to endear himself to all Boholano electorate till 2010 run-off.

The possibilities are almost endless.

But the reason the Montano Factor will throw the configuration out of kilter is that unlike the others, Cesar Montano is no ordinary actor. After portraying Rizal, he is now busy immersing himself into the character of Filipino contemporary hero Ninoy Aquino, slain husband of former president Cory who deposed Marcos in EDSA 1986.

Montano had been awarded best director and actor in recent MIFF film festivals and his films like "Muro Ami" and "Panaghoy" are internationally acclaimed works of art. Not the matinee idol types like a Rogelio de la Rosa or an Eddie Gutierrez, Montano combines his native good looks with soul eyes and natural acting - that has captured the imagination of fans and jurors alike in the recent years.

Montano is likewise a producer and therefore knows how to run an organization and may have a good campaign pair in his wife singer-dancer-actress Sunshine of the famous Cruz clan of showbiz. Most of all Cesar speaks his mind - courageously in things that drive his passion like the verdicts and criteria of movie contests like the MIFF.

With the filing of candidacies drawing to a close, the Enigma that is Cesar Montano will finally come to the end.

There are only two things certain like death and taxes - Boboy will file or not file his candidacy. By then the Fat Lady will sing.

End of speculation - like this editorial.

But will this great Boholano actor become a good public official as well?