The
Administration coalition composed of the Lakas CMD, Kampi, Nationalist People's
Coalition, and Liberal Party Lito Atienza wing is readying its senatorial candidates.
Latest
to declare his senatorial bid is Gov. Chavit Singson, President Joseph Estrada's
ally turned enemy.
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On
the other hand, the United Opposition (UNO) composed of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino,
PDP Laban, and several personalities have firmed up its senatorial slate. Efforts
are made to lure the Nacionalista Party of Senate President Manny Villar and the
Liberal Party Drilon wing to join the UNO.
The
UNO has one senatorial candidate withdrawing from the senatorial race. Rep. Alan
Peter Cayetano was reported to be withdrawing from the senatorial race. He said
that the administration forces are out to cheat him from winning the senatorial
race.
But
with one out, another has been added in the person of a Boholana.
Sonia
Malasarte Roco, the widow of Sen. Raul Roco has joined the senatorial race.
Reports
from Manila disclosed that she is supported by the Bohol Association in Metro
Manila (BAMMI).
Reports
further disclosed that she has been rafted as one of the candidates of the United
Opposition (UNO).
With
the several endorsements of Roco, her senatorial bid seems to be smooth sailing.
She
can count on the support of the thousands of Boholanos now residing in Metro Manila,
Cebu and Mindanao. This is the time when being a Boholano is an advantage, politically.
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A
Third Force, composed of incumbent senators, Senators Manuel Villar, Francis Pangilinan,
Ralph Recto, Joker Arroyo and Edgardo Angara is shaping up. The Third Force which
they want to be called The Force will likely disrupt the unity of the Opposition.
But
in our country which has adopted a multi-party system, the emergence of The Force
is a welcome development.
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In
Bohol, the political pot is boiling with the entry of Mario Magat Jr. of Mansasa
District, Tagbilaran City into the gubernatorial race. Earlier, Agustin Cloribel
of Panglao, Bohol intimated that he would be running for governor if nobody runs
against incumbent Gov. Erico Aumentado.
In
the race for Board Member, Mario Balbin has signified his intention to run for
board member of the Third District of Bohol. Nemi Monton has likewise signified
his intention to run for board member of the First District of Bohol.
In
the third district congressional race, a certain Victoriano Inte of Camayaan,
Loboc, Bohol has filed his certificate of candidacy.
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In
the City of Tagbilaran, the race for mayor has intensified. Former Mayor Joe Torralba
of the Lakas CMD has sent feelers to the PDP Laban headed by City Councilor Edgar
Bompat for them to enter into an alliance. But councilor Bompat was non-committal
as his sister is married to a relative by affinity of incumbent Mayor Dan Lim.
On
the other hand, retired Gen. Alberto Olario has been silent these days with the
pronouncement
of his brother, Councilor George Olario that the retired general may or may not
run for mayor.
The
race for vice mayor has likewise intensified with the Manifesto signed by eight
incumbent city councilors supporting incumbent Vice Mayor Nuevas T. Montes to
the same position by virtue of the rule on the equity of the incumbent.
A
news report was published to the effect that some city councilors are out to replace
Torralba as Lakas CMD chairman with Vice Mayor Montes, being the highest elected
official in the city. But the city councilors denied any move to oust former Mayor
Torralba from his post as Lakas CMD chairman of the city.
City
councilor Jose Antonio Veloso has refused to deny publicly his interest to run
for vice mayor versus Montes. Some political analysts say that Veloso might throw
his hat in the vice mayoralty race. *
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For
comments and reactions, send mail to Atty. Jorge D. Cabalit, Cabalit Law Office,
74 Belderol Street, Tagbilaran City or send e-mail to: viewpoints@boholchronicle.com | 
