No 2004 plans yet for Abra pols

BANGUED, Abra — Like in the national scene, nothing’s for certain yet in Abra’s political landscape in 2004.

"Elections are still a year from now," said Gov. Vicente Valera. "That is still far from our minds."

Valera, his wife, former governor and now Bangued Mayor Cita Claustro Valera, and Rep. Luis Bersamin are considered the "towers" of Abra politics.

Two of those being touted to be their potential challengers are former provincial prosecutor Rodor Gayao, who survived an ambush a year ago, and Mayor Mailed Molina of Bucloc town.

Gov. Valera, who is on his first term after serving as congressman until 2001, said they still have to wait for national political alignments to shape up.

"We will wait for what will happen in the national level," Valera said. "Besides, we have the Charter change movement. We do not know what will happen."

Valera ran and won under the PDSP-Lakas PPC coalition. His wife and Bersamin similarly ran under the same ticket.

Mayor Valera, who was governor from 1998 to 2001, also shrugged off any final plans for 2004.

"It’s still too early to be talking about these things," she said, advising political hopefuls to "concentrate on what they have to do for the good of the Abreños."

"We have to unite first at magtrabaho muna (let’s work for the meantime)," she added.

She admitted though that her rumored running against Bersamin in the lone congressional district seems like a "juicy" offer, something that she considers an advancement in her political career.

There has been much talk here about a falling out between the Valeras and Bersamin.

Gov. Valera, however, belied this, blaming it on "wannabes who have no chance in Abra politics," apparently referring to the local opposition.

Bersamin also shrugged off his reported differences with the Valeras. But he revealed that 10 mayors have banded together to go against the Valeras in 2004. Abra has 27 towns, including the capital town of Bangued.

Gov. Valera, however, is unfazed with the potential challenge from either Gayao or Molina.

"Everybody is free to dream," he said. "That’s the beauty of a democratic society; people are not prevented from even dreaming."