MikeLigalig.com

Column: Official candidate
By Atty. Aleckoy Lim
Published: November 26, 2006 by The Bohol Standard

One of the indications that the election is drawing near is the jockeying for position for the coveted anointment of the Lakas-NUCD for candidates to the different positions. The jockeying for position is understandable in a province that is known for voters who go for administration candidates. Another reason for this is the possibility that there will again be a unification of the top provincial officials led by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera.

Although the two officials belong to rival political factions in past elections, they ran and won under the Lakas ticket in the last election. Many people believed that it would be the last time that the two would run together because Herrera was expected to run for governor especially since Aumentado himself declared during the campaign sorties that Herrera would be the next governor.

Judging by the way things are shaping up, it seems that Herrera will be hard pressed to challenge Aumentado because of the repeated appeal made by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for them to unite. If the two of them will again join forces under the administration coalition ticket, the administration is again heavily favored to win in Bohol. This adds pressure for candidates vie for the Lakas nomination because they believe this will increase their chances of winning.

The Lakas nomination in the third district is expected to be contested by board member Dionisio Balite, Manila-based businessman Angelo Balili and either Dr. Elpidio Jala or Adam Jala, brother and son respectively of Cong. Eladio Jala. Balite insists he deserves the nomination as the highest-ranking Lakas official in the district but it is doubtful if Jala is going to give it to him on a silver platter.

In fact, this is the reason why the names of the congressman’s brother and son are floating as possible candidates. If Balite does not watch out, he will suffer the same fate that he did in 1998 when he was not chosen official candidate because then Cong. Isidro Zarraga succeeded in having his nephew Dr. Jojo Flordeliz proclaimed as Lakas official candidate. If he does not watch out, Jala will have either his brother or son proclaimed official candidate for the post that he will vacate. Balite might again be forced to run under the Liberal Party.

Balili is part of the equation as the sponsor of the so-called Group of 10 mayors in the third district. Since the mayors are identified with Gov. Aumentado, they will have a say in the choice of the official candidate.

Who will become the administration’s official candidate is anybody’s guess.

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