LOOKS like a formidable political tandem is fast shaping and some observers say it could be one that will put an end to the reign of Leonardia and Sayson.
The reported simmering of hot heads, the leveling of rationality and the return of openness and trust among the key players in the circle of former Representative Monico Puentevella seem to be spelling already new ideas and new strengths. The most interesting and surprising development to date is the reported process of consolidation of Monico and the powerful first five led by councilor Elmer Sy. Both seem to have been convinced that they needed each other more than anybody else; that they have to reciprocate each other to form a powerful political bloc and for the greater interest of their group. But I foresee some bargaining to be made by Elmer Sy and his first five. Standing tall from being a solid councilor’s bloc and projecting themselves as a force to be reckoned with in 2013 elections, the first five might negotiate for the fielding of Elmer for mayor, Monico for Congressman, and either businessman Vladimir Gonzales or councilor Archie Baribar for Vice Mayor. I was informed that Baribar is open to forego vice-mayorship, if only to ensure the best position and greater chances of victory of his group. Will Monico go for this positioning? If he thinks deeply and wholly, and forget about biases and in-box thinking, I don’t see any reason why he cannot. He will only emerge invincible. The way things are unfolding, Elmer Sy seems to have all the good things behind him - credibility, achievements, logistics and, most important, family support and the respect and support of practically all the major Chinese and Filipino business groups, independent entrepreneurs, civic organizations and churches of all denominations. Elmer Sy’s group of five has also the most solid and vast army of followers in the villages. With his group’s close ties with the Liberal Party, Monico’s groups can benefit from the party’s blessings. With this stature of Elmer Sy and his first five, Monico will certainly have a formidable, powerful team he could ever assemble. And if the first five also agree to give way to Vladimir as Elmer Sy’s partner, that will complete the creation of the kingdom, and the Jericho march to freedom. In a battle for congressional seat, either one on one with Mayor Evelio Leonardia or three-cornered with incumbent Representative Anthony ‘Doc’ Golez, Monico will have a cutting edge. With the growing isolation of Mayor Leonardia especially from the major Chinese and Filipino business groups who trounced his new Revenue Code as oppressive, and the latter drifting to Elmer Sy, Monico will simply have an easy round per round fight in the congressional arena. Besides, he had a shining record as a legislator, which Leonardia has yet to prove himself if ever he gets elected. Even against a good person but weakling Vice Mayor Thaddy Sasyon in a mayoralty race, Monico will still have a hard time winning because of his public perception as a trouble-rouser. Without Elmer Sy and his first five, Monico could easily suffer miserable defeat in the hands of Thaddy. By all calculations, it looks like Elmer Sy and his first five is a blessing to Monico, and Monico serves as their firewall. If Monico doesn’t grab it, then he is sorry. He will be gone forever. But together they can have what it takes to muster the best minds and hearts there are in Bacolod to their team. Together they can have what it takes to reconcile and reunite the best and tested political commanders and organizers on the ground. Most important they can turn the powers and resources of the city to deliver the much needed reforms and improvements that will raise the quality of life of the Bacolodnons. Monico-Elmer Sy in 2013? It looks like a calling and destiny for both. If it is so, who else can set them apart and defeat them? Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod
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