I FIND it interesting to observe and analyze the unfolding political currents in Bacolod. It gives me a dosage of excitement and materials to write about amid the slow and boring movement of enterprise projects in this region.
If I may characterize the main political current in Bacolod, it is the build-up of strength among the old elites who want to consolidate and expand their political power and influence as a strategic positioning for and beyond 2013. Some of them see the 2013 elections as a "now or never" opportunity for their political survival; others see 2013 elections as a window for building up their political career and power agenda. Mayor Leonardia is apparently preparing the way for his congressional ambition with his term ending in 2013. At the same time, he is trying to make sure that the next mayor will be his loyalist to ensure the political survival and continuity of the businesses of his family and friends and that no disruptions will be made to his congressional pursuit. To date, Leonardia has no clear opponent yet, although there are loose talks that former congressman Monico Puentevella also plans to stage a congressional come back. Aside from him, there are also talks of former Bacolod councilor Renecito Novero and former Bacolod congressman John Orola to re-try the congressional arena. Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson is reported to be gearing also for mayoralty, whether with Leonardia or somebody else. He believes he is long overdue for it. More important, he sees that the upcoming mayoralty fight is a make or break for him and his clan; he sees no other best time for his mayoralty opportunity but 2013. Monico is still bent on getting the mayoralty crown to ensure his own family's political and economic survival, and to get even with his political nemesis, Leonardia and the so-called Voltes gang. He still has substantial resources and machinery to re-stage a mayoralty fight. Congressman Doc Golez, with his reported growing attraction to power and the perceived vast opportunities it holds for him and his kin, is now sharpening his political perspective. Golez, however, is cognizant of the odds in his current position and the potential obstacles if he faced off with Leonardia in 2013 for the congressional post. Reports have it that Golez seems to consider mayoralty as his best option to avoid a one on one fight with Leonardia, who many believe will be very difficult to beat. First, Leonardia would face Golez fresh from his completion of his third term. Second, most factions that supported Leonardia and also campaigned for Golez in 2009 elections would throw their support to whoever Leonardia supports as his mayoralty mate, who is likely Thaddy Sayson, and therefore shut the door for Golez. Third, it would be easy for Leonardia to unite most political factions in Bacolod against Golez whom they can easily tag as an "outsider" and "hungry political intruder" in the city and "a traitor" to Bacolodnon's interests. What's the balance of strength? Right now, nobody could claim monopoly of political strength and dictate the outcome of the political contest, no matter how each one claims to be leading the fight. As of late, there are reports that Golez is trying to mend ways with Leonardia for the possibility of Leonardia-Golez tandem in 2013. The Golez camp apparently sees the necessity of alliance with Leonardia, given its weaker machinery and make use of the latter's political machinery. But this is not going to be easy for Golez because Leonardia's tandem with Thaddy Sayson as his mayor mate will keep the latter's ground machinery for him and also keep intact the reported broker, negotiator and resource generator Voltes gang behind him. For Thaddy Sayson, he is not an easy opponent, as he may seem to appear. He has his own political bastions of influence and power in the city. His biggest advantage is the full blessing and support of Leonardia clan and the so called Voltes gang. His public image of being a "friend of all", "diplomatic", and less obsessed with power add to his strength. But the guy's link with some politico-economic and moral controversies, however, suppressed or deliberately toned down by his media allies, could serve as his serious drawbacks if not managed well. His trapo politics movement is also predictable. Monico is also not less formidable because he still has substantial influence and resources to re-stage a mayoralty fight. But his political image is quite tarnished, especially among the middle class and business groups in the city. His public figure as a demagogue, scheming, storm trooper and trouble rouser, is shunned by many Bacolodnons; but he uses them well to get his way to the national corridor of power. There are also reports among political analysts and observers that incumbent councilors Achie Baribar and Elcid Familiarian are eyeing mayoralty or vice-mayoralty post. So with the last termer Councilors Dindo Ramos, Homer Bais and Al Victor Espino. Their possible entry into the political fray will surely complicate current political alignments. Vladi Gonzales is reportedly preparing to stage a return to the mayoralty race. The guy being young and entrepreneur in practice may have all the good intentions for Bacolodnons, but he simply does not have the sufficient political experience, stamina and machine to pose a threat to the others. What about media strength of political players? Reports point to parity of strength between Golez, Leonardia, Thaddy and Monico. Each of them can access the media anytime he wants. Whatever each one claims, at the end of the day, radio stations, newspapers and television, except cable TV, will not and cannot just ignore legitimate and news worthy items, even if their managers and editors have personal preferences. The regular anchor-commentators, except the few and irregular block timers, are open to all because they have to maintain balanced position even if they had to spin some issues sometimes to suit their personal biases or favored political patrons. Monico and Leonardia may claim to have upper hand in the media because of their enormous political fund, but no one can claim monopoly of propaganda, especially good propaganda for that matter. Effective propaganda rest not in the number of paid news people or influenced media but in the way one handles the truth and the critical mass he can mobilize to believe and support it. Propaganda is not about a battle of resources even if money talks and talks a lot. It is a war of truth against lies, deception, demagoguery and unjustified violence. Indeed, these are interesting developments. This will even become more interesting when we input the perceptions, ideas and plans of other stakeholders, the party-lists, community-based organizations, non-government service organizations, political mass organizations, and not the least, the armed revolutionary movement in the region. Karl G. Ombion Sun Star Bacolod
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