THE junking of the people’s initiative by the Supreme Court has sent a strong signal to incumbent and aspiring elective officials. to intensify their visibility campaigns in preparation for next year’s elections. Before the High Tribunal’s decision, wannabes were observed to be holding their punches as they were not sure if elections would push thru next year because of the move to change the Constitution. Now that the Supreme Court—by a close 8-7 decision – has denied the petition for a people’s initiative, aspirants for various political positions are starting to campaign subtly but aggressively.
A hotly-contested post now in view of the number of aspirants is the third congressional seat to be vacated by three-termer Rep. Generoso Tulagan. At least five names are mentioned – Rachel Arenas, daughter of socialite Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas; Bayambang Mayor Leocadio de Vera; Customs Deputy Commissioner Gallant Soriano; Generoso Tualgan, Jr. and retired police general Reynaldo Velasco.
Gov. Victor E. Agbayani may opt to run for congressman in the second district if incumbent Rep. Amado Espino trains his sight on the gubernatorial post, reports said. Agbayani’s wife, Jamie, who was groomed to succeed her husband may just settle for the vice-gobernatorial post.
Vice-Gov. Oscar B. Lambino may now finally run for governor as he had patiently waited for his turn until Agbayani gets his three terms. Lambino’s other choice is the third congressional seat but he has, thus far, openly shown his support to Arenas’ bid.
Lambino may choose Jamie as his running-mate if the latter abandons her original plan of running for governor, a combination that may click with the electorate, according to some political observers.
Aside from Lambino and Espino, sixth district Congressman Conrad Estrella is also interested in getting back the position held by his grandfather, the late Assemblyman and Agrarian Reform Minister Conrado Estrella. Latest radio reports however said he has slowed down in his campaign apparently due to results of informal surveys and consultations.
Retired Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao was said to be having a moist eye on the post but many observers today give him a slim chance of making it, being new in political wars and despite supposed connections to powers-that-be.
Fifth district Congressman Mark Cojuangco is also mentioned among the contenders but only a few indications show he is interested.
Other possible candidates for vice-governor meanwhile are Sto. Tomas Mayor Vivien Villar and at least three-termer board members - Angel Baniqued of the third district, John Agerico Rosario of the fourth district, and Emmanuel Carancho of the fifth district. The three sanggunian members may choose to run for congressman in their respective district if they think they would have a chance.
Incumbent first district Rep. Arthur Celeste may have his hands full now with retired army General Alberto Braganza reportedly joining the political fray.
Espino may run unopposed for his third term in the second district. But if he chooses to run for governor, Agbayani would have the advantage over other aspirants.
The fourth district is practically in the bag for House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. — except if Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim finally decides to run against the former. A blockbuster fight is expected if the two collide, observers said
Board Member Danilo Uy was reported as having received the blessing of Cojuangco leaving Carancho in the lurch.
The sixth district is securely held by the Estrellas. But if Conrad decides to run for governor, many aspirants could spring up like former Board Member Alfonso Bince.
With some board members already on their last term, many aspirants are expected to run in the various districts. (DOS)