2013: Family dynasties vs. family dynasties!

  I just read this post in the Philippine Star a couple of days ago that apparently Cebu will play host to the 13th Confederation of Mondiale Des Activtiés Subaquatique (CMAS) a.k.a. the World Underwater Federation which will hold its Elective General Assembly this coming April 2013. This organization comprises 130 federations from five continents all over the world. CMAS Chief Executive Alessandro Zerbi arrived in Cebu for meetings with the Philippine Association of Underwater Activities (PAUA).

 This is good news for tourism in Cebu so we could look forward to 2013 because the ripple effect of this international hosting would bring more tourists, notably divers literally into Philippine shores. There is no doubt that the Philippines is on the map as one of the best dive sites in the world. This world confab will certainly bring all the top officials of underwater organizations from all over the world and it would give them a chance to see our beauty of the Philippines from under the water. Cheers to the PAUA for winning the bid to host this international underwater event.

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 I could not be at the 888 Forum last Tuesday but I enjoyed watching the replays yesterday morning on MyTV channel 28, which had Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Rep. PJ Garcia as their guests. I salute Rep. PJ Garcia for clearly answering the question of my good friend, Bobby “Rapido” Inoferio who asked, “If the Pork Barrel were removed, would you still run for a public office?” PJ Garcia answered with a categorical “Yes” because he is in public office to serve his constituents. But what about the other candidates? Will they also serve?

 Bobby’s question was quite loaded because it was really about dynasties… something that we just can’t get rid of unless we first get rid of the 1987 Constitution. But since we’re still stuck with this constitution, then we have to live with the prospect of voting for families in the business of politics.

 In fairness to the Garcia family, while you may accuse them of becoming another political family dynasty, however the reality is… the Garcias in Cebu also fought those small time family dynasties. If you recall, Rep. Pabling Garcia first run in the 1987 or was it in 1988 elections where he won as congressman. But he was the only Garcia then. Then another Garcia sought an elective position, Gov. Gwen Garcia, who fought against two reigning political dynasties in the 2004 election. She won against John-John Osmeña and Celestino “Junnie” Martinez for the gubernatorial seat.

 Eventually the Garcias fought against the Yapha dynasty in the 3rd district and the Kintanars of the 2nd district. So the big question is, will the 2013 elections bring back to power those political dynasties that lost in the 2004 and 2007 elections? Of course, the answer to that question depends on the voters in their respective districts.

 The 888 Forum also revealed a survey conducted by the students under 888 Forum host Ricky Poca and it shows Rep. PJ Garcia very much ahead of Liberal Party (LP) Jun Jun Davide with LP candidate Vice-Gov. Agnes Magpale leading over PJ’s vice-gubernatorial candidate Ramon “Boboy” Durano, IV. But this survey was conducted before the deadline for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (CoC). Now that the deadline is over and done with, I’m sure that those figures would change more so that there are many areas where the LP doesn’t even have candidates. That the LP cannot even have candidates in many areas is a huge advantage of the One Cebu Party. But allow me to once more warn those people who are up and against the LP because they have an ace up their sleeves, the Comelec and the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS). As I’ve already written before, I still believe that the PCOS machines are nothing but “Electronic Dagdag Bawas.” So don’t say we didn’t warn you.

 Finally, the issue whether Councilor Augustus “Jun” Pe, Jr. can legally run for Councilor in the South District of Cebu City because he is barred by term limits will finally be resolved in the Regional Trial Courts. Let us hope that the Judiciary would resolve this matter before the elections because it is a crucial issue and I know that many politicos want to know.

 According the Local Government Code and the 1987 Constitution, he cannot seek another term of office because of the constitutional provisions providing term limits for elected officials seeking the same position. Of course, Jun Pe argues that he is not seeking the same position because he used to be Councilor in the North District of Cebu City. In my book, whether he accepts my opinion or not, Jun Pe is seeking the same position because he would still be running as a Councilor. Call it a clever move or a stupid one. But we will finally get to see the legal interpretation of this case very soon.

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