A matter of slogans

In politics it usually takes just one slogan, one theme to capture the public imagination. And it was that phrase - "Migs ta ini" or aton iya ini" that caught my fancy for Rep. Miguel Zubiri (Bukidnon).

This was what happened during a talk about what sales pitch to use for Zubiri in Negros Occidental and Oriental. Zubiri, incidentally, is almost half-a-Negrense. His father, Bukidnon Governor Jose Zubiri left Negros for Bukidnon in the Seventies. And, the former sugar farmer from Kabankalan proved successful in his new province.

The main point is that the Negrense ended up as congressman and, later, as governor of Bukidnon. A rare feat indeed. And Zubiri remained at heart a Negrense. As a matter of fact, Migs and the other Zubiri children had always prided themselves as their Negrense origin. Thus, they are just as fluent in Ilonggo as they are in Cebuano.

Well, anyway, the leaders of Negros such as Nene Trebol, Rey Bantug, Degkoy La'O, Presidential Assistant Rafael Coscolluela, Bob Cuenca and Luis Tongoy as well as many others such as Raymund Montilla and Buc-an Yulo will have to make their choice known by this week to determine what could be the best slogan Migs could use in Negros.

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Elections are usually unpredictable. But if there is anything that can be said about Negros politics, it is that Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Marañon and his running-mate vice Governor Isidro Zayco will win by a landslide the elections with hardly anyone of importance opposing them.

So with the majority of the United Negros Alliance local bets. The unity of the UNA has remained firm and has been tested. And it has proven its worth.

Now consider that UNA also includes Lakas-CMD, the party of the President. Now, you realize that UNA is not just an empty slogan, it actually is a way of life for the political leadership of the province.

Except for Bacolod where the political contest has become very torrid, there is hardly any major interesting contest in the province.

Of course, the first district joust between reelectionist Rep. Tranquilino Carmona and former Rep. Jules Ledesma is a contest to watch.

So with the Silay City square-off between Mayor Carlo Gamban and challenger Oti Montelibano. I suppose that Oti must have opted not to pursue his suit for victory and to serve the remainder of the term to avoid becoming an early casualty of the three-term rule.

Which is exactly what has happened in the case of E.B. Magalona Mayor Alfonso Gamboa whose reelection bid is now being contested by lawyer Reynaldo Depasucat Sr. for disqualification.

Rey Depasucat's challenge of the reelection bid of Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson may still turn out to be a major struggle for political supremacy.

But it is the Bacolod contest that is drawing the keen interest of Negrenses.

Reelectionist Mayor Bing Leonardia apparently has the upper hand as former Mayor Joy Valdez aspires to win back the mayoralty post she lost in 2004.

But the most interesting facet of the political struggle is that between Vice Mayor Renecito Novero and reelectionist Rep. Monico (Newks) Puentevella.

What seems to have happened is that by taking on Leonardia, Newks has found himself beleaguered by the counter-offensive from the Leonardia think tank.

Court cases have been filed by either one against the other, and many more are forthcoming. In the process, Newks has reacted more emotionally than in the past elections, especially with his sons deprived of their Happy Bingo business venture.

Meanwhile, Novero has been taking things easy. So with Joy Valdez. But suddenly, Bacolodnons found themselves presented with the potential alternatives in the person of former Chief of Police Vicente Ponteras and former Negros Press Club president Joel Dojillo.

In Iloilo, meanwhile, Liberal Party president Franklin Drilon yesterday endorsed former councilor Benjie Gengos and former mayor Mansueto Malabor by throwing his support for the former.

Among the early birds were Iloilo Fourth District Rep. Ferj Biron who is running for his second term and retired Army Colonel Enrique Suplico. The latter aims to replace his brother, Rep. Rex Suplico to represent the fifth district.

There are a lot more to write about. But that should wait for the next column when things crystallize to more comprehensible and intelligible levels.*

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