The twists and
turns of politics

Too often we tend to imagine that hitherto unassailable friendships in politics remain doable. But we often forget that members of one group have their own ideas and assessment of prospects with ambitions.

These just surface when the inevitable comes to the fore. And ambitions and dreams reveal their ugly faces and friendship suddenly uncovers forgotten hurts and differences, but usually these are just hidden ambitions and dreams that now surface to bedevil friendship and alliance.

Of course, there are always intrusions of higher powers who have their own aims and which are hidden from the rank and file members.

While the provincial voters have been stirred by the developing showdown between Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and his erstwhile bosom friend Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez – now they find that the powerful ties between them is on the breaking point. Simply because Lim-ao Alvarez had been titillated with the idea to cross swords with Marañon.

But the entire rivalry has been fought in the shadows. There is still enough opening for a reunion of forces should any third force threaten the group. Otherwise, I have been with the number of mayors pledging their support for one or the other that have been meticulously counted and recounted.

All the time, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia appears to have been supported whole-heartedly by the forces who have propped up his administration.

But there have lately been stirring, especially the open refusal by his erstwhile companions to attend his birthday bash.

It seems that of his hitherto loyal supporters reportedly refused to attend that affair because they could not stand the sight or presence of and hitherto rival candidate for vice mayor – Renecito Novero.

And Leonardia is not running anymore for mayor. He is tossing his hat into the ring as candidate for Congress.

But Leonardia must readily have felt the need to join forces with one who could deliver the votes and the logistics for the congressional contest. After all, Dr. Anthony Golez is not whom one can mistake for a bet who will just be steamrolled into oblivion.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, too, has not been too coy about his moves. First is the fact that Sayson seems to be gravitating into an alliance with some of Golez’s supporters. Although admittedly he can count on his extended clan in Bacolod, that still cannot assure winning the mayorship especially in the face of Rep. Monico Puentevella as his possible rival.

Councilor al Victor Espino is reportedly eyeing the vice mayorship and may run, as he is an independent candidate for the post. He counts on the solid votes of Villamonte, most populous barangay of Bacolod.

With father, Alex acting as his general manager, Al Victor is certainly worth his weight in gold. And he could pull a surprise yet in a three-cornered fight.

While Romy Niere has been whaling at Leonardia recently, he has not said anything against Sayson. Strange?

There is also the strange spectacle of former handlers of Newks keeping their punches against Bing. The possibility that there must be attempts to bridge the gap between the two hitherto irreconcilable opponents looms.

Newks is running for mayor. And the Leonardia support for him may spell the difference between victory or defeat. But what about Sayson?

The guy, however, is also hardboiled realist and is not expected to take things lying down. He is not one who can afford to let the Sayson formidable clan down the hole.

So, I am just pointing out one thing – that politics can spring a lot of surprises. Until the filing of the certificates of candidacy, a lot of things can still change the picture in Bacolod as well as in the province.*

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