When a public official endorses another, people would always suspect that there must be something “fishy” behind the move, especially when the endorser and the endorsee belong to different political groups. But we need to take a serious look at it before we make conclusions.
I don’t think that every endorsement is motivated by selfish ends because there were cases of past local endorsements from which we also found merit. One of these notable local endorsements was Bitay Lacson’s support for the gubernatorial bid of Lito Coscolluela decades ago. At that time, we found merit in Lacson’s endorsement and the majority of Negrosanons backed Coscolluela who was able to serve the province for three consecutive terms. Why am I discussing about endorsement in my column? What makes it an issue? Well, the recent public admission of Bacolod Councilor Homer Bais that he is backing the vice mayoral bid of former Vice Mayor Renecito Novero has been taken out of context by several of my media friends, who have maliciously interpreted the act as money-making scheme. But it is not only Bais who has thrown his support for Novero, eight other incumbent councilors have done the same, although several of them are yet to publicly announce their preference for a Novero-led city council. Why are some people questioning the decision of Bais, et. al. to support Novero? Is Novero not worth backing up? To put it straight, Novero is most qualified among the three vice mayorables. He is the most experienced. He is a lawyer. And more so he has been there. I could not find any reason why Bais and other supporters should be assailed, if not condemned, for backing the comeback bid of Novero. Who can question the wisdom of another topnotch lawyer Archie Baribar for abandoning the Monico-led MKK group in favor of Novero? The same could be said of El Cid Familiaran, lawyer Sonya Verdeflor, Elmer Sy and Taling Alisbo. It would have been more comfortable for them, campaign-wise, if they decided to stick with Monico. But they opted for what they think and believe is better for Bacolod. Coming up are more endorsements of Novero for vice mayor. Graduating councilors Dindo Ramos and Al Victor Espino had hinted that they will officially announce their stand on the vice mayoral race. As to when they’re going to do it is only a question of time. But one thing is certain, though, they have chosen Novero over Greg Gasataya and Vladimir Gonzales. Even former DOTC undersectary Ricardo “Cano” Tan has been reported as a Novero backer. So, who says that Bais did the wrong thing when he decided to join the Novero bandwagon? It’s wrong for anybody to claim that the endorsement that Novero earned from his former colleagues in the city council has been financially motivated. In the first place, Novero was a no non-sense vice mayor during his term. Everyone who has had the chance to work with him can vouch on his performance and the quality of work he delivered as presiding officer. Can the same thing be said of Gasataya or Gonzales? His supporters claimed that Gasataya was twice elected as number one councilor, but Novero was also elected number one councilor before he ran and won as vice mayor. From all angles, Novero has the winning edge. Those people who have been deriding Bais, Ramos and Espino for supporting Novero should also criticize Baribar, Familiaran, Verdeflor, Sy, Alisbo, Cano Tan and the majority of barangay captains who have already endorsed the former vice mayor. While, admittedly, the barangay leaders are divided in the mayoral clash between Thaddy Sayson and Monico Puentevella, their common choice for vice mayor is Novero. Can we or should we blame them for their “rational, reasonable and judicious” choice? In the US, you will hear people saying, “It’s the qualification, stupid! BY ROMY NIERE WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL
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