Politics in the 3rd and 4th congressional districts

The political kettle in Mangaldan, Pangasinan heats up this early. Since incumbent Mayor Herminio Romero is bowing out (he is on his last term) next year, those being rumored to run there are former national police chief and land transportation office’s (LTO) boss Art Lomibao, incumbent Vice Mayor Berex Abalos, and former mayoralty candidate Bona de Vera. My mole told me last week that Lomibao’s supporters have been scouting for his vice mayor. The spy said the logical tandem they found that could jibe with Lomibao is former vice Mayor Pedro Surdilla. They said vice mayor Abalos immediately torpedoed their proposal for him to be Art’s vice mayor. Abalos, who is the protégée of former congressman Mark Cojuangco, has been overheard telling the Lomibao’s boys that they should ask somebody to enlist a scientific survey for them to know that he (Berex) leads the pack. ‘Not just like the surveys cum consensunin the mahjong dens that some gambling aficionados’ supporters of Art have been crowing their figures,” Abalos told Lomibao’s emissary. The other apprehension of the mole is that the retired general should be clear and definite that he runs to the finish. “Hindi abante-atras just like what he did when he declared that he will run for the gubernatorial and congressional seats in 2007 and 2010, respectively.” *** San Carlos mayorJulier “Ayoy” Resuello is seen with Bautista mayor Amado “Pogi” Espino III having good times even at the wee hours. This is a given because they are close friends. Espino, who is the son and namesakeof Governor Amado T. Espino, is rumored to challenge the congressional seat occupied by Rachel Arenas . Incase Ayoy throws his support behind Pogi, Rachel, who used to be a Makati residence, is in danger of losing her third and last try for her post. Everybody knows that Rachel won in her two try because of the support of Resuelo and his humongous vote rich 86 villages’ strong San Carlos City. Without Ayoy and the support of the four grumbling mayors of the Third District, are we seeing Pogi landing neatly in the rumored congressional post? *** Incase this perception happens, it is not far-fetched that Arenas courts the support of perennial congressional rival Gallant Soriano – a prominent resident of San Carlos (his father used to be a congressman and he is the younger brother of former long reigning Mayor Douglas) . As quid pro quo, Rachel can throw her financial and political supports to Gallant to challenge Resuelo’s hold in the mayoralty. Can this conjecture happens? Of course yes as corraborated to me by a veteran political spectator in San Carlos (only he said it would not be Gallant but former mayor Douglas for 2013)! Remember: In politics, there are no permanent enemies and friends but only permanent interest to remain in power. *** Dagupan City Mayor Benjie S. Lim plans to make his city and neighbor town San Fabian a burgeoning metropolis Metro Dagupan. This can happen. Grapevine says the mayor’s wife Celia, a former congressional candidate in 2010, has a moist eye on the mayoralty post of slow growing San Fabian that is held by Mayor Irene F. Libunao. Incase Celia throws her hat, the Libunaos (that includes long entrenched former mayor MojamitoLibunao (Irene’s hubby and a present board member of the province) would have a scare of their lives. If the Lims (owner of the chains of Magic Malls from the four provinces in Central and Northern Luzon) spend hundreds of millions of pesos against former Speaker Joe and Gina de Venecia in the congressional seats in 2007 and 2010, why not with financially midget Libunaos who are not in the league of the de Venecias? But before this can happen, Celia should first register as resident and a voter one year before the poll as required by the Omnibus Election Code and the Local Government Code. *** March 22 was my 18th matrimonial anniversary when I tied the knot in Manaoag with the former Miss Mildred “Miles” Montoya Rosario, a nurse, of the towns of Sta. Barbara and Calasiao, Pangasinan. It was supposed to be a silent celebration with her and my youngest daughter Alex, but some media pals and friends dropped by at the house. Thus I brought them at Mang Pepings and Silverios Restaurants for some sumptuous dinner, booze, and songs spearheaded by former “matinee actor” Atong Remogat who dominantly belted pop songs from videoke to the big band. Renowned “multi-millionaire” philanthropist Ashok Vasandani with his top guns at the Conqueror’s club dropped by there, too. (You can read my selected intriguing but thought-provoking columns at http://mortzortigoza.blogspot.com. You can send comments too at totomortz@yahoo.com).