Some political figures have women, especially their wives, as their not-so-secret weapons. Reelectionist Sen. Kiko Pangilinan has Sharon Cuneta. Another reelectionist Sen. Ralph Recto has her Vilma Santos. And senatorial candidate Koko Pimentel has Jewel May Lobaton, Bb. Pilipinas Universe of 1998.

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With the start of Women's Month, focus has been set on the role of the women in society.

Women have assumed active role in society. Women leaders have been catapulted to the limelight.

We now have senators, congressmen, mayors and governors who are women. We have also women actively involved in business, culture and sports.

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Two television giants - the ABS CBN and GMA 7 - have tried to outdo each other in the coverage of the family feud of TV and movie star Kris Aquino and her husband, James Yap.

The ABS CBN played the interview with Kris. On the other hand, the GMA 7 retorted by playing the interview of beauty clinic receptionist Hope Centeno who accused James of having a relationship with her.

But James was quick to deny the relationship.

The owner of the beauty clinic sided with Kris. She said that Hope was the victim of the enemy of the former who wanted to destroy her clinic.

Kris' mother, Cory has resorted to prayers to help Kris.

The family feud resulted to the hospitalization of Kris. It has also suspended the airing of the TV program "Deal or No Deal."

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The Liberal Party Franklin Drillon wing has warned the Genuine Opposition (GO) not to get another candidate to replace Sen. Pangilinan on the 12-member GO slate.

Sen. Drillon, president of an LP wing, said the party had an agreement with GO candidates that there will be 11 senatorial candidates that will be carried by the GO campaign machinery.

He said the LP will also campaign for Pangilinan and the 11 GO senatorial candidates.

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The stance of Sen. Pangilinan to be independent is understandable. Some members of the United Opposition are against his inclusion in the GO slate because he was known as the "Mr. Noted" when the lawyers of then presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. protested in the canvassing of votes in the last presidential election. On the other hand, he could not be comfortable with the Administration slate because he joined the LP Drillon wing in asking for the resignation of President Arroyo.

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There are now two challengers of incumbent Gov. Erico Aumentado of Bohol. First to challenge the governor was Junior Magat of Mansasa District, Tagbilaran City. another candidate for governor of Bohol, Renato Dalay of Villa Hermoso, Carmen, Bohol, has filed his certificate of candidacy for governor.

But the governor is unfazed by the challenge. Aumentado's performance speaks for itself.

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Until this date, Rep. Edgardo Chatto of the First District of Bohol and Rep. Roberto Cajes of the Second District of Bohol are unchallenged.

Their sterling performance as representatives of Bohol deserves the trust and confidence of the Boholanos.

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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