Written by Ven Arigo
Former Rep. Eladio Jala has offered to back up ally-turned-enemy ex-Gov. Rene Relampagos should the latter run for First District congressman in 2010 instead of seeking revenge against him or his son, incumbent Third District Rep. Adam Relson Jala.
Jala did not bat an eyelash in telling the Chronicle his willingness to fund Relampagos’ campaign as the former congressman divulged his likely comeback replacing his son.
If possible, Jala would not want another Jala-Relampagos encounter for congressman in the Third District.
The former capitol chief executive bowed to Jala’s son in the 2007 Third District congressional clash, although Relampagos claimed he was cheated.
In a talk with the Chronicle, the elder Jala acknowledged the strength of his former political patron to wage a second do-or-die in the Third District.
Jala considered Relampagos his strongest opponent should the latter try again to wrest the congressional hold of the Jalas.
The incumbent congressman was declared winner over Relampagos by a slim margin of just few thousand votes in the last election.
According to yet unverified reports, there are now attempts thru informal channels to convince Relampagos not to fight either of the two Jalas in 2010.
Relampagos has been observed making “intriguing†rounds in yet selected First District areas.
He has reportedly been advised to run for congressman here and not again in Jala’s “because there is no other easy, winnable option in 2010.â€
The incumbent First District congressman, Rep. Edgar Chatto, is serving his last term and touted to be the strongest contender for governor.
Gov. Erico Aumentado’s last term will expire in 2010. He is rumored to stage a congressional comeback in the Second District.
While baring his interest in returning to Congress, Jala did not hint his plan for his first-termer son.
The father Jala expressed confidence to win as his son did in the 2007 election, but he foresaw a restless costly fight if his foe is Relampagos.
On the other hand, the First District congressional seat is open to newcomers on account of Chatto’s last term.
The other probable bet in Chatto’s district is last-term Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera while some quarters are watching the moves of Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim.
Herrera, also a gubernatorial hopeful, and Lim have “discreet terms†in preparation for 2010, indicated some reports which added that the vice governor may not be comfortable facing Relampagos for congressman.
Analaysts say Relampagos can dictate vote-rich Loon while Herrera may fail to muster a convincing majority count in hometown Calape, which first-term mayor defeated Herrera’s nephew, former Mayor Ernest Herrera II, in 2007.
Jala said Relampagos could rightly choose to run for congressman in the First District should he wish to be back in power.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=14857.0
