|
All
right, Gov. Erico B. Aumentado finally heaved a sigh of relief
after Boholano actor Cesar Montano went on national television
last Wednesday evening to pursue his senatorial bid instead
of dropping into the gubernatorial race.
The
re-electionist governor could not hide being in high spirits
during his weekly radio program "The Governor Reports"
last Friday morning over Montano's decision. Perhaps, what
was due to Cesar was indeed given to Cesar.
But
the governor should not let his guards down. While it's barely
11 days before D-day, everything is still possible under the
heat of the sun.
*
* * * * * *
The
prospects of Montano running for Bohol governor could have
benefited Aumentado in some ways.
For
one, the problem areas of the ruling Lakas-CMD could be immediately
resolved as the warring political groups would have been provided
with alternatives instead of scrambling for the coveted Lakas
official nomination.
The
political skirmish in the third district congressional race
may be excluded as among the problem areas as of now with
the anointment of Senior Board Member Dionisio Balite by Kampi,
the President's own political party.
*
* * * * * *
But
with Montano dropping his gubernatorial bid, Aumentado will
have to resolve the political configurations in Cortes, Ubay,
Tubigon and several other towns where the same Lakas elements
are locked in a power struggle.
But
the most problematic area is right here in the capital city
of the province. Former Mayor Jose V. Torrralba, city Lakas
chairman handpicked City Councilor Jose Antonio S. Veloso,
brother in law of Congressman Edgar Chatto, to be his running
mate in his political comeback to the city hall.
In
effect, incumbent Vice-Mayor Nuevas "Jas" Montes
was eased out.
*
* * * * * *
The
city councilors belonging to the ruling Lakas were like children
being made to choose between their warring parents as to whom
to go with, the father or the mother.
A
paid ad came out in this paper last Sunday seeking justice
for Jas who had been invoking the equity of the incumbent
rule.
The
following day, Jas sent a letter to Aumentado appealing and
protesting over the nomination of Veloso as the Lakas vice-mayoralty
candidate in the city. Torralba moved for the kill and called
for a meeting yesterday afternoon to finalize the city's slate.
*
* * * * * *
Being
caught in the quagmire, City Councilor George "Macky"
Olario and this writer sent Torralba a letter last Friday
evening expressing our support and sympathy to the predicament
of the lady vice-mayor.
For
his party, City Councilor Oscar B. Glovasa also sent a letter
to the former city mayor expressing that he is no longer interested
to be included in the city's Lakas slate.
City
Councilor Edi Borja, as usual, tried his best to stay neutral
while expressing support to the cause of Jas. In fact, Borja
is reportedly contemplating to run as an independent candidate
as his younger sister is getting married with Atoy, Torralba's
only son.
During
the radio program "Mayor's Report" yesterday morning,
Jas spoke and made clear that she is ready to join forces
with City Mayor Dan Lim and the majority of the members of
the city sanggunian if Aumentado could not settle the squabble
with the city Lakas group.
*
* * * * * * *
With
these developments, a lot of tongues are already wagging and
self-proclaimed political analysts were speculating wildly
as to where Jas is really going together with her city councilors.
This
is one situation where the governor has to step in and he
has to step in quickly after several days of doing a balancing
act. Otherwise, Lakas will be torn apart in Tagbilaran.
In
the meantime, that is Jas for now.
*
* * * *
For comments
and suggestions, just e-mail to the following e-mail addresses: obiter@boholchronicle.com | 
