Estrada, people power proxy war in Quezon City

The mayoralty race in Quezon City promises to be a proxy war between deposed President Joseph Estrada and the People Power forces that ousted him. Taking the fight for the Edsa Dos group is House Speaker and former prosecution manager in the impeachment trial congressman Feliciano Belmonte Jr., while Erap’s side is represented by Jinggoy pal, actor Rudy Fernandez.

Belmonte says that there is nothing wrong with showbiz personalities seeking elective posts in the coming May 14 national and local elections, but believes that they must have competence for the job more than mere popularity.

" For me, I have no objections to actors or actresses in public service so long as they can offer something more than just popularity. And their track records will show whether they are deserving or not," Belmonte told reporters in an ambush interview in the QC Comelec office where he filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor.

In fact, he noted that his running mate incumbent vice mayor Connie Angeles began as a showbiz personality but proved herself first in civic work, and then as Quezon City vice mayor. He added that his campaign manager, actor Herbert Bautista has a masters degree in public administration and was himself a good vice mayor.

Belmonte also noted that actress Aiko Melendez, who is in his ticket for councilor is very much involved in civic organizations to help the needy. She was accompanied by husband Jomari Yllana in filing her candidacy.

Fernandez, whom Belmonte calls a "good actor" admits he is a greenhorn in politics and public service, but wants to give the people an alternative choice this election. He had backed out of the mayoralty race in 1998 at the behest of then presidential candidate Joseph Estrada.

Belmonte vowed to provide a better quality of life for the city’s residents both rich and poor. He said he would adopt a two-fold framework which includes effective fiscal management and efficient delivery of basic and essential services to the people.

Close to 10,000 supporters, including candidates in Belmontes ticket joined him in filing their certificates of candidacy. They carried placards that read, "Maawa sa QC, vote wisely." Belmonte’s ticket include re-electionists Anthony Castelo and Dingdong Avanzado, both popular singers. Also joining his ticket for councilor is Apet Mathay, a nephew of incumbent Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr., who is on his last term and is now a candidate for Congressman in the district Belmonte is leaving.

"Let this election serve as an opportunity for the people of Quezon City to choose another leader. I am returning to the fourth district because I believe that I can continue serving people through legislation," Mathay said. He will be up against councilor Nanette Daza of Lakas, who has consistently topped the elections for city council in the district for the past nine years.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s son, Ismael III, nicknamed Chuck was earlier thought to be running for mayor but decided to run for congressman instead in the city’s second district. He announced he will seek vindication there adding he now enjoys the support of the people in the district. The young Mathay was referring to his earlier bid for Congress, where he lost to Rep. Dante Liban in the May 1995 elections. Chuck will be up against former mayor Brigido Simon Jr., whom his father defeated for mayor in 1992 and 1995. Also running for congressman in the second district under Belmonte, is councilor Winston Castelo, who was also a No.1 councilor there for the past nine years.

Belmonte was nominated for mayor by both the Lakas-NUCD and the Nationalist People’s Coalition. He was elected House Speaker last month after the Edsa Dos, for successfully managing the prosecution team in the impeachment trial. Others running in his ticket are: Moises Samson, district 1; Maite Defensor, district 3; both for congressman. For councilors are Elizabeth Delarmente, Victor Ferrer Jr., Bernadette Herrera, Wilma Sarino, Josefina Sioson and Emil Tamayo in the first district. In the second district, the candidates for councilor are Alicia Hererra, Godofredo Liban III, Ramon Medalla, Eric Medina, and Manuel Tolentino. For the third district are: Jorge Banal, Cesar Dario Jr., and Dante de Guzman. For the fourth district, running are : Adriano Apostol, Ricky del Rosario, Ariel Inton, Restituto Malangen, Victor Rodriguez and Jesus Suntay.