Chongloy for mayor; LP Benguet holds jovial proclamation rally

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

The Liberal Party proclamation rally at the BSU gym last week was not only warm as it was well attended by all the LP municipal bets and the provincial candidates for congressman, governor, vice governor and board members of both political districts who took the time to mingle and exchange notes; it was cheerful courtesy of Atty. Jerome Wallace Selmo who gave a 30-minute dressing of the gubernatorial race. The proclamation rally was aired via dzWT/WR. In his speech, Selmo described himself as the candidate without the financial resources but was urged to run against incumbent Gov. Nestor Fongwan to provide a “choice” for the voters.

“Masapol met a nga ada pagpilian ti botantes tapnu agpaysu nga ada ti demokrasya nga makunkuna dituy lugar tayo,”Selmo said. In jokingly manner the slightly medium-built Selmo told the audience how it is a wonder that job applicants are more than a dozen but nobody wants to file their application for governor. Selmo served as Fongwan’s legal officer when the latter was mayor of La Trinidad. He later resigned and one day found himself running for mayor against his former boss. Why? There must be a deep reason. I would want to find out from Selmo or Gov. Fongwan someday. Aside from Selmo, those proclaimed in the rally were Nelson Dangwa for vice governor; Amor Moresto, Fernando Aritao and Atty. Jerry Marave for board members of District 1; Jim Botiwey, Fernando “Pandong” Balaodan, Ric Angluben and Fausto Maliones for board members of District 2.  

 the presentation of municipal bets and after all the endorsements and speeches, incumbent Congressman Ronald M. Cosalan took the stage and urged his party mates to campaign for a 12-0 slate in favor of Team PNoy’s senatorial bets in their localities. Those proclaimed in the True, it is smoother for an administration to implement development programs if elected officials are aligned with the President. The same is true in the provinces, Cosalan explained. Indeed, history tells us that provincial leaders who were aligned with the administration always got what they sought for their constituents. In Benguet, transporting products has been a problem, however today; it is of record that major roads linking municipalities are presently being concreted to ease the burden of traders and farmers. In fact many roads were already concreted. This is confirmed by most mayors regardless of their political party affiliation. By the way, many residents of Tuba, Sablan, Trinidad and other towns know of a certain mayor who has intentionally closed his eyes to the development efforts that were brought to the barangays through the efforts of Cosalan. For reasons known only to this mayor, he has resorted to lying to his people that Cosalan never brought development to his town which is unbelievable, according to a participant in the proclamation rally.  

A day after Easter Sunday, squealing pigs sharply pierced the eardrums of Alapang residents, kicking off a series of political rallies by Liberal Party bets of La Trinidad as well as other political parties in provinces, cities and municipalities in the country. Earlier that day, Congressman Cosalan was warmly received as guest speaker by the residents who were celebrating their barangay fiesta. In the emcee’s introduction at the start of the night rally, he said incumbent mayor Greg Tomilas Abalos Jr. and party decided to launch their campaigns in Alapang because the barangay is a “special place” for the team. In fact, Alapang is where the late old man of Mayor Abalos traces his roots. That really makes the barangay special to the LP La Trinidad team. Along with him were his team of councilor bets namely: Balili chairman Paul Alveras, former councilor and provincial board member William Esteban, former Betag chairman Pedro Golocan  Jr., councilor Henry Kipas, Ambiong chairman Teddy Quintos, Dr. Horacio Ramos Jr., councilor Arthur Shontogan and Alno chairman BoyetTereng. They were likewise endorsed by 12 of the 16 barangays of La Trinidad. In their campaign flyer, these simple words are written: “Let’s continue to make a difference!”

Before Greg Abalos Jr. became mayor he already saw the need to “sow goodness” in La Trinidad in order that there is something to “reap.” And so with the help of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, he facilitated the construction of 17 two-classroom school buildings spread out in all the barangays. Now, who can beat that? Even while he was yet to be in public office, he already advanced his contribution to the youth of his town and the educational sector that comprises students, parents and teachers. His move was and is unprecedented, and that could be the reason why future Bokod mayor, none other than lawyer Robert “Osong” Basco who likened Abalos to a fruitful tree said, “bato-batoen da ni Mayor Abalos ta adutibagasna!” Now, isn’t that how mayoralty candidates and other wanabes in any locality introduce themselves? Kaanakan, kabsat, ading ko agmula kayo pay a tapnu ada burasen yu! Voters can not solely depend on the shadow of an elder and name recall. There must be an indisputable reason in running for public office, especially for a mayoralty post.   

Talking of mayoralty wanabes, the candidates for the top seat to Baguio City Hall have outlined their programs in a forum hosted by the DzWT/WR radio station last week. Those in attendance were incumbent mayor Mauricio Domogan, former city councilor Atty. Jose M. Molintas, private citizen newsman Peter Puzon and Engr. Guillermo Hernandez. For obvious reasons, my wanabemayor Roland “Chongloi” Wong of Luisa’s Café was uninvited. Of course, on environment issues, the four bets were one in saying that such a contentious topic should be given attention, however they have respective ways in presenting their views. Puzon hinted that the weather climbed a few degrees hotter in the city because of the instapave asphalt on Session road and other streets, while Hernandez called for planting a tree in every residential house which is indeed a doable and easy solution to supporting the environment. 

For his part, Molintas said it is about time that the city imposes a moratorium on subdivision development as there is too much infrastructure going on at the expense of trees. For Domogan, he said he is for “green governance” whatever that is. I do not know if he was talking about green as the color of money or green as the color of the environment. What is clearer is that when trees inside a controversially owned land are to be sacrificed for the sake of development, and the head of a city says “I cannot do anything,” then there is no green governance to speak of. I am sure Chongloi agrees to all of the above.

On the senatorial campaign, most of them are speaking in general rhetoric. They all talk about “bagongpag-asa, pagbabago, walangkorapsyon, walangkatiwalian.” Whatever, I tried to get a sampling of the youth or the newly registered voters and most of them returned my question: “Uncle sinongaytalagatiibotosparasenador?” I told them if you are not familiar with the names of the senatorial bets, go to the internet and consult. If you want my recommendation, I am endorsing to you the new candidates, especially the independent ones such as Edward Hagedorn, Eddie Villanueva, Teddy Casino, Greco Belgica and RicPenson to name a few. If you are still not so sure, then turn to Team PNoy’s bets. I am sure you will find candidates worth voting for such as Sonny Angara who was endorsed by Courier columnist BabooMondonedo in the LP Benguet proclamation rally, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., RisaHontiveros, Koko Pimentel, Jamby Madrigal and Grace Poe. Except for Magsaysay, Angara, Pimentel and Madrigal who have clean records while in public office, people really wish to see new names in the senate. – marchfianza777@yahoo.com