THE GOV'S RESIGNATION LONG CUTS by Atty. Salvador D. Atty., Ph.D
October 2009 issue
There is no more question anymore about the power struggle for the Lakas chairmanship in Bohol. Gov. Erico B. Aumentado said last friday (Oct 2010) for as long as nobody is appointed as chair of Lakas-Bohol , then he continues to wield the Lakas baton for Bohol. He is both the provincial and regional chair of Lakas-CMD- Kampi. His way of saying " don't count me out yet". This is indicates an intention to stay on as provincial chair of Lakas-Bohol. Demalas ang maligsan hehehe. Congressman Edgar Chatto says on the issues of Chairmanship , he abides by the Lakas rules. He agrees that the issue of chairmanship of Lakas is vital because the one appointed as chairman will also be the party bet for governor. Is there such a rule in Lakas? The good congressman is not saying. Former Congressman Boy Jala said it is common knowledge that the chairman of the party is also the candidate for governor. Since the governor is no longer running for governorship, then it is only proper that there should be a revamp of Lakas chairmanship. Ha,ha,ha I don't think the Gov agrees with Boy Jala. Vice Governor Julius Herrera said if there is a revamp of the chairmanship of Lakas, then it is only proper that the vice chair of the party will succeed. Since he is the second highest ranking official of the province, then he deserves the chairmanship.
It is understandable that the chairmanship of the party is a hot issue. Party funds go to the chair, that's one. He gets to divide and distribute the funds in his possession. So much power that way. Second, the party chair gets to endorse the officials bets. Another power factor. And third, the party chair takes charge of party activities. He takes control of the schedule of party campaign. And of course, the chair hosts the top bets of the party. He is seen with the bigwigs. Leaves nice impression to the voters too. And finally, he also sets the tone of the local party. Any interview, any press release, the chair gives his okay. As such, it is not surprising why the issue of chairmanship of Bohol will generate the most heat.
The Gov also confirmed our story that the front runners for the governoratorial position - Cong. Chatto and Vice Gov. Herrera - are steadfast in their political plans. Its like ,it's the governor or nothing for each one. So what happens? Its possible that a toss coin will break the impasse. No word from Chatto if he agrees to a toss coin. Cabinet Secretary Prospero Pichay has another proposal to break the impasse. If Chatto is annointed, Herrera will run as congressman of the district. If herrera is annointed, Chatto's wife Pureza will run for the position. No word from both Herrera and Chatto if they are amenable to the proposal.
Late night, I got a call from Governor Aumentado. He reminded me about the Governors report the following day. He said he would be making an important announcement. The Guv told me it has something to do with his resignation as governor. Goodness, what could have happened during his meeting with the President Arroyo and Cong. Chatto that he was now talking of resignation, this was the question in my mind.
Saturday morning (Oct 2009) came and I was there in the People's Mansion for that "very important announcement" of the Guv. True enough, the Guv spoke about the topic of resignation as governor. He said he would no longer resign, as he promised months back, because the President has committed to help jump start the Panglao International Airport project before his term ends. He did not exactly say when-meaning which month, but he said the project will be bidden soon and after that, construction will finally start.
When asked when the airport project will really start, he answered that it would soon be bidden out and construction works would start after. No date, no month , take note. Unlike before, he said bidding would be done by September , a month after that and the construction works would start. Meaning ,by October this year (2009), works would already commence. As we have already known, works have not been started yet on the airport project. Now, there are only 2 months plus left before the year ends. By February 2010, the campaign period starts and there will be a ban on government projects. If the airport project now has the green light, as reportedly promised by the Guv, then works should start this year or early next year. Otherwise, its bye-bye Panglao airport project.
Is there a need for the Guv to resign? Well, whether he likes it or not, his term ends on June 30, 2010. By November 30 this year(2009), the Guv will have to file his COC for a congressional seat, we shall have known by then if the airport project was a go. Otherwise , there will be a heavy price to pay.
Part 3 next when we return, stay tuned for more.....
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