Political ironies

It is disappointing that Vladimir Gonzales and Atty. Bong Dilag have endorsed the candidacy of former Congressman Monico Puentevella. It is one of the ironies of political realities that people we would otherwise compliment for their stand against corruption and advocacy for good government should take shelter under the political grouping whose head is facing cases involving corruption.

A case for plunder against Puentevella still hangs in the Sandiganbayan- the Ombudsman filed the case. It is no longer under investigation as it would be if the case is still with the Ombudsman, but already in the court. Dilag knows that at any moment the Sandigan can issue a warrant of arrest against Puentevella and hold him in detention since the case of plunder is not bailable.

That the Ombudsman had filed the case indicates that the charge for plunder filed by the Philippine Sports Commission, a government agency, has prima facie evidence of guilt. This makes the case more serious because it cannot be said to be under the mantra of being “politically motivated.”  

Lest we forget, this election will be another opportunity for us to remind our people in Bácolod about this case since Puentevella is seeking the mayoralty post in the city.

Of course he has not been found guilty as yet, but the case and several others that I will later on write about, is an indication of his fitness to be mayor of Bácolod at a time when the new administration hinges its mandate on the issue of clean government.

Ray Carmona who is now airing his election jingle as an advocate against corruption, is also seeking shelter under Puentevella. This is an irony. How can he justify his advocacy against corruption because his leader in the party is facing, not just plunder filed by the PSC, but also other cases in the Ombudsman? The case involving fertilizers is also being resurrected. Puentevella faces charges on the computer scam. I am not yet certain about the case involving the alleged highly overpriced asphalt overlay.

Ray is a passionate advocate, and I believe he is sincere, but also needs a party to help him win an election. I was glad when he said that the Yellow Army is backing him up so how can he reconcile the “tuwid na daan” of PNoy with the plunder and other cases of graft and corruption of Puentevella?

Had Ray joined the Liberal Party his advocacy would be meaningful but this advantage will be lost under the umbrella of a political leader facing plunder and other cases involving public funds.

The same situation faces Vladimir Gonzales and Bong Dilag, two men who,  I believe have the competence for the office they seek. They belong to the PDP-Laban and if we read closely the principles of this party as enunciated by Sen. Koko Pimentel, the likes of Puentevella would have no place in that party.

Are they sacrificing the principles on which PDP-Laban stands for in the altar of political convenience? The political party of Puentevella, the Lakas party of Gloria Arroyo, has become a symbol of massive corruption, its leader is in detention and many of its leading personalities like Puentevella are facing corruption charges.

It is a great irony that Vladimir and Bong whose records are spotless should be tainted by their association with Puentevella.

I do not subscribe to the idea of guilt by association but the wisdom of old has something to say – those who play with mud get dirtied.

On the other hand, Councilors Archie Baribar, El Cid Familiaran, Sonia Verdeflor and Atty. Jocelle Batapa are in the right party, the Liberal Party whose leader has sworn to take the straight path in governance. I just hope that they would not be tempted to get back to the party headed by Puentevella because even on their own, with Frank Carbon, they can stand a big chance of winning next year.

They need no candidate for mayor or vice mayor, unless Archie runs for vice mayoralty position. He has experience and had won many of his fights for councilor.

They have their table of steady supporters to bring them victory. They should not be enticed by offers of funds because on their own merit they need no huge funding.

If Archive opts to run for vice mayor he will face Vladimir and, if he persists, Renecito Novero and whoever Grupo Progreso will field. Novero is still hoping to get adopted by Grupo Progreso but the negative reaction from within the party makes his entry difficult.

Grupo Progreso is definite about Mayor Bing Leonardia as its congressional bet and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson for mayor. It is holding secret its choice for vice mayor, a good strategy of keeping the enemy guessing and make panic decisions.*

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