Bik-Lish

One of the most revered Chinese general is Sun Tzu whose “Art of War” has found its way in political and even in business management textbooks. But Sun Tzu’s classics will definitely become out of touch when one talks of electoral warfare in the Province of Camarines Sur – the province where politics divide not only political boundaries but also families.

Earlier, House Bill (HB) No. 4820 that sought to divide Camarines Sur into two was passed and almost became a law had it not for the objection and vigilance of 5^th District Congressman Sal Fortuno, Governor  L-Ray Villafuerte and members of civil society. Because the proponents led by 4^th District Congressman Noli Fuentebella and 3^rd District Congressman Luis Villafuerte made some miscalculations in the timing and acceptability of the measure, the bill was overtaken by time and was shelved in Congress.

Ngonian, buhay na naman ang barangaan asin nabukag talaga an Camarines Sur sa pagralaban kan mga magkakapamilya.  L-Ray “Migs” Villafuerte Jr., (Nacionalista Party, NP) competed against his grandfather, Luis Villafuerte (Nationalist People’s Coalition, NPC)  , for the gubernatorial seat while Ganggang Alfelor (Liberal Party, LP) run against Emmanuel “Nonokoy” Alfelor Jr.,(NPC)  in the mayoralty seat of Iriga City. Contrary to expectations, however, third party candidates did not benefit from the intra-family or intra-clan feud. Jose Villanueva Jr., only got 17.91% of the mayoralty vote while Ganggang and Nonokoy got 50.32% and 31.12%, respectively. Likewise, Joel Cadiz (LP) who was expected to become the dark horse of the gubernatorial race remained an underdog after generating only 23.30% of the total votes cast as against Migz who gained 42.54%, and Luis, who came out with only 33.06%.

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One interesting philo-political piece was presented by Prof. Adrian Remodo last 2009 in the Bicol Studies Conference at Naga City. Titled “Sadiring Tawo: From Familial To The Oligarchic Politics”, the piece explores the role of kinship (or even just associational ties to a politician) in shaping or reinforcing monopolistic political behavior. But has the “sadiring tawo” mentality faded away with the entry of non-Bicolanos in the local political arena and the dismantling of “father-son” and “grandpa-grandson” political ties?

After the rumpus of Luis Villafuerte versus his son, L-Ray, in the past elections and in the shelved division of Camarines Sur, a new episode is unfolding in the province: the Luis–Migs electoral fight. Some says it’s for real as the Villafuerte patriarch will indeed compete with the grandson in the gubernatorial race. So will blood lose its thickness over water this time and the “sadiring tawo” becomes the “kalaban na tawo”? Only the Villafuertes know.

If the Villafuerte grandfather and grandson continue to bite each other, it is possible that the beneficiary will be former Solicitor General Joel Cadiz of Liberal Party (LP). Cadiz scored low on surveys but reports have it that he is starting to ascend in the poll ladder with the fight between Luis who is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and Migz who is under the Nacionalista Party (NP) banner. The problem: Cadiz cannot vote for himself as he is registered in Naga City (where voters do not vote for governor based on the city’s charter) and not from his native town of Baao.

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photo credit: http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru5/

Incumbents usually have the advantage. But will the sitting elected officials in Catanduanes make it in 2013? Here are some interesting facts:

First, Since 1992, there was no governor who was able to complete three terms. The most
that a governor could get is two terms and these are Verceles and, at present, Cua. Should Cua finish a three term, that would be the first in the history of post-Marcos elections.

Second, since 1992, there are two Congerssmen who were able to complete three terms: Leandro Verceles Jr., and Joseph Santiago. Initially, it can be said that voters tend to re-elect
Congressmen. When compared, however, to other positions such as Gubernatorial position, the case is otherwise. Since 1992, Catanduanes governor changed hands for four times.  Verceles, who run for governor after having been elected Congressman only served for two terms as governor.

The complete list of candidates for the 2013 Congressional and Provincial elections are as follows:

Lone Congressional District

• DE QUIROS, Restituto Jr. N. (UNA)
• SARMIENTO, Cesar V. (LP)
• VERCELES, Leandro Jr. (LDP) Continue Reading »

source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru5/

A done deal. This phrase could best describe the gubernatorial and congressional elections in Albay particularly for the Second and Third Districts. Gov. Joey Salceda (LP) has no contender while 2nd Dist. Cong. Al Francis Bichara (NP) and 3rd Dist. Cong. Fernando V. Gonzales (LP) have none but token challengers.

In the First Congressional District, the post vacated by Cong. Edcel Lagman (KAMPI) is being sought by hi son, Edcel Jr. (LP) ,  Richard V. Ziga (UNA) and by Gregorio Contacto (PDP-Laban). There are expectations, however, that the fight will only be between Lagman and Ziga.

Another interesting, albeit not new, observation in the list of candidates is the presence of media practitioners. These include:  Walter Magdato (Independent) who is challenging Bichara; James Calisin who is challenging incumbent Vice Governor Harold Imperial (LP);and,  Job Belen (LP), Baby Glenda Bongao (LP), and Josue Martinez (Ako Bicol) who are all running for Provincial Board.

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