BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s son and namesake is reclaiming his old House seat representing Cagayan’s first congressional district.
Former congressman Juan “Jack” Ponce Enrile Jr. is seeking to replace his wife, Rep. Salvacion Enrile, who succeeded him in 2007 after he completed three successive terms as representative of the district.
“We wish to continue our development programs, especially in the arena of agriculture and environmental conservations,” said the young Enrile, who had to withdraw from the gubernatorial race for the second time to “directly serve and concentrate more on the development of my district.”
Enrile’s father, one of Cagayan Valley’s few remaining political patriarchs and considered to be one, if not the most influential political figure in the region, authored the creation of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in 1995 through Republic Act 7922.
Based in the northern town of Santa Ana, CEZA is envisioned to be the engine for further economic development, especially in northern Luzon.
CEZA, which also covers islands in Aparri town, has an international port. At present, it has at least 70 local and foreign investors with initial investments of more than P8 billion, all for the zone’s development as a first-class tourism destination and a major transshipment point, especially in the Asia-Pacific Rim.
“We wish to enhance CEZA as one of Asia’s economic hubs so it will not only be my constituents who will reap its benefits but the entire country as well,” the young Enrile said.
Facing Enrile in the district’s congressional race is first-term Buguey town Mayor Ignacio Taruc, a perceived critic of the Enriles.
This early, observers said it would be a hands-down win for the young Enrile, whose family has yet to be defeated in an election.
Taruc, however, reportedly has the backing of some cause-oriented groups, including some local Church personalities who have been opposing quarrying and mining activities in the first district.
But the young Enrile said he would prioritize more the interest of the environment and the people above all other concerns if he is going to be elected again as first district representative.
In Cagayan’s gubernatorial race, the Enriles are backing the re-election bid of Gov. Alvaro Antonio, official bet of the administration’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, against a former Enrile ally, outgoing third district Rep. Manuel Mamba of the Liberal Party. – Charlie Lagasca