Pols' sons fight over BF Homes

MANILA, Philippines - The sons of former mayor Joey Marquez and incumbent Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. went head to head yesterday for the chairmanship of BF Homes, the country’s largest barangay.

Incumbent barangay chairman Jeremy Marquez ran for re-election, while Juan Carlos “Carlo” Bernabe, a councilman, tried his luck at a higher post.

Both the 30-ish politicians told The STAR in separate interviews that they have been struggling to show their independence, but conceded that their fathers’ support have been very influential in their campaigns.

For one, Carlo said he started “campaigning as early as June,” four months before the official campaign period, and that as the mayor’s son he has “more resources in terms of network and machinery.”

He said his father “has been talking to people who are close to him including his supporters. He has been campaigning to this people silently. He has extended assistance.”

Jeremy said his father “makes sure that everything is okay. He gives me advice based from his experience” and accompanied him during the campaign.

Marquez was a professional basketball player before becoming a successful comedian and three-term mayor. He ran against Bernabe last May but lost to the incumbent, who is on his last term. 

Marquez was charged with graft over the alleged overpriced purchase of P2.9 million worth of broomsticks in 1996 but was cleared by the Supreme Court earlier this year.

Election officer Jonalyn Sabellano told The STAR that in the past, polls in BF Homes did not create so much stir. “Now, it’s getting attention because of the personalities involved,” she said, adding this was the first time that sons of mayors are pitted against each other.

Sabellano clarified that Barangay BF Homes is not the most populous barangay in the city. “But because it is the largest, that means more funds,” she said.

BF Homes is composed of 70 private homeowners’ associations and has 40,000 registered voters.