By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
TALKS are ripe: One of the Arroyos will be running for governor in Negros Occidental in 2025.
Exciting, isn’t it?
But who among them will challenge incumbent Gov. Bong Lacson?
Will it be former president and now Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo or one of her two sons (Mikey or Dato)?
My impeachable source said: “Just wait for the announcement.” The plan has the “blessing” of Malacañang kuno. And the marching order: Win at all cost!
‘Choreographed Vengeance’
This is quite a serious topic. Yes, the 2025 election is far yet. So this might only be classified as “political gossip”. But dissecting and deciphering the matter, it ain’t a remote possibility. Thus, it’s silently stirring the province right now.
Negros’ mayors are currently being wooed. Time frame to conclude the wooing mission: Last week of December 2022.
And since the Arroyos are from Isabela town located in the southern and central parts of the province, their political operators are now scouting for someone in the north to be the potential running mate (for vice governor).
Could this be “choreographed vengeance”?
Just a little rewind: Gov. Bong was identified as a staunch supporter of former vice president Leni Robredo in the previous presidential derby. Of course, Malacañang with BBM now at the helm won’t take this matter lightly.
Thus, the landing of the Arroyos led by former president Gloria and her husband, Mike, in Isabela and Himamaylan City on Oct. 24 was perceived as a clear manifestation of an enormous political plan in Negros.
Politically speaking, none from NegOcc yet can “afford” to bulldoze the incumbent governor. Thus, fielding one of the Arroyos against Gov. Bong is billed the “wisest move”.
Any of the Arroyos is no ordinary political foe. Logistics-wise, they’re known to have plenty and formidable.
Besides, they’re tumandoks of Negros from Hacienda Bacan in Isabela.
Gov. Bong, for sure, will have a “hard time” facing anyone of them.
‘Thrilling Happening’
For a known local political pundit, the Lacson-Arroyo tiff in 2025 will be “most thrilling”. It’ll surely test Negrenses’ potency in choosing the best bet. And their basis will narrow down to two: Kwarta o gugma.
Yes, Gov. Bong is “moneyless” yet a “performer”.
Dubbed as the “Pandemic Governor”, he’s also regarded as a “champion” of genuine public service. Negrosanons hail his “peerless” anti-COVID-19 initiatives. Too, his educational scholarship programs are superb.
Above all, his humility plus “magnetic aura” are his “priceless” political assets.
The victories of Mayor Joedith Gallego of Silay City or Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City in the May 9 elections could also inspire the incumbent governor in facing any of the Arroyos.
Both Gallego and Miranda are poor but were catapulted to power via indisputable people’s love and support. Negrenses aren’t just wise, but smart right now.
Still, however, the 64-dollar question: Can “UneLove” save Gov. Bong?
UneLove is the union of two political parties in NegOcc – United Negros Alliance (Unega) and Love Negros. The 32 mayors in NegOcc, including Bacolod City’s Mayor Albee Benitez, are always in unison in everything they do.
But will they stick with the governor when he battles against one of the Arroyos?
More so if Malacañang will dip its fingers later?
Abangan!
Dino vs Dina?
Another interesting political fight in the province could be in the 5th Congressional District.
Cong. Dino Yulo is said to be facing one of the Arroyos, too. And the loudest name being twitted/floated right now is Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, daughter of the late congressman Iggy Arroyo Jr.
Dina, my source said, is the right choice to be pitted against Dino who surprisingly and convincingly toppled her beloved aunt, former congressman Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca, in the previous election.
Dina is a millennial – young and beautiful. Dino, on the other hand, is a brainy lawyer-turned-lawmaker, thus, swak in the House of Representatives.
Asked for comment, Dino simply retorted: “It’s a bit too early to talk about the 2025 election.”
Dino’s right, but he needs to prepare. It’s a given fact that “money in politics” can really “swallow” anyone. A handful wealthy donors, of course, can dominate electoral giving and spending./PN
