2004 still far away, yet felt so near

The 2004 elections is still far away, yet, this early, we now see the positioning and posturing of political personalities. A case in point is the resignation of Education Secretary Raul Roco from the Arroyo Cabinet, and no amount of denial and explanation can convince people oriented in Philippine-style politics that Roco has not set his eyes on the presidency.

In Tarlac, for instance, the political rumblings have began to be felt among elected city officials and the issues they have been engaged with in heated debates have their central focus on the 2004 political exercise.

Tarlac, as everyone knows, is the bastion of the estranged Cojuangco cousins — former Rep. Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. and business magnate Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. Their see-saw battle for supremacy in the province has gained notoriety because of the vast wealth at their disposal by engaging themselves in money politics.

It was learned that the politically-estranged cousins have began separate talks with their leaders from the national down to the local levels.

Likewise, there are persistent reports that political handlers of Rep. Noynoy Aquino, only son of former President Corazon Aquino, are preparing plans for Noynoy’s senatorial bid. This scenario has drawn much concern to the electorate in the province’s second district, which the young Aquino represents in Congress, as to who would fill in his shoes in case a vacancy, so to speak, occurs.

Knowledgeably quarters have it that the Congressman has a big chance in the Senate race under a volatile political situation and considering his good public exposure and expert handling of controversial issues, plus his unsullied family background.

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There are several factors to consider for a candidate aspiring for a national office, and one big factor to be given serious thoughts is whether the timing is perfect.

In the case of Rep. Noynoy, it was the belief of some experts that he has the perfect timing to pursue this objective.

Other fresh reports that are subject of speculations is whether Rep. Noynoy’s cousin, first district Rep. Gilbert Teodoro Jr., will also seek a Senate post.

Teodoro, a bar topnotcher, has good credentials to back him up, coupled by his solid accomplishments as a leading member of Congress and the emergent powerful Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) party that was founded by his uncle, Danding.

This handsome lawmaker is more of a silent worker who shuns publicity and keeps a low profile posture. But Teodoro’s political timetable is more geared on the Speakership of the House, and most likely, he will instead run for reelection.

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In the third congressional district, Rep. Jesli Lapus is threatened by the possible entry of his relative, Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta, in the congressional race. Also the subject of speculation is another relative, former Vice Gov. Hermie Aquino, whose congressional bid is also being considered.

Hermie, who lost his gubernatorial bid to Gov. Aping Yap last year, was a three-termer congressman in the third district.

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But what is becoming evident is the comeback bid of former Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio "Ace" Manalang against incumbent Mayor Genaro "Aro" Mendoza, who is notably making early preparations for reelection.

Manalang, who successfully served as mayor for three consecutive terms (nine years, that is) and then ran for governor but lost to Yap, has recently entered into a "tactical alliance" with Vice Mayor Mike Tañedo against the forces of Mendoza. It is being intimated that Manalang is bent on regaining his old post with the way he is treating a big majority of reelected barangay chairmen.

At present, Manalang and Mendoza are locked in a leadership struggle for the post of Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) president in an election that will be held on mid-September between incumbent ABC head Ernie Galang and challenger Mike Quintos.

Both Manalang and Mendoza have expressed optimism that their chosen bets for the coveted ABC post would emerge victorious.

Keen observers have it that money will flow from both camps. But in a contest for logistics, as it was characterized in the last ABC polls, the candidate who has plenty of campaign funds to dispose of does not necessarily win.

Under the circumstances, Mendoza is in a better position to beat Manalang’s forces, with the former now in power. But in the recent barangay polls, candidates identified with the former mayor overwhelmingly trounced those perceived to be backed by Mendoza.

Whatever will be the result of this political skirmish is both crucial to Manalang and Mendoza, because of its psycho-political impact.

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But should our barangay officials be swayed by money politics? Are they not aware that they may be voting for the wrong person.

Since the ABC race is a three-cornered fight, the barangay heads have the options to cast their votes on the "least evil" among them, if one were to presume that they are tainted with guilt.