BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
NEGROS’ political climate is currently getting hotter and hotter.
With the coming out of Atty. John Orola in the open and publicly expressing 99.99 percent probability of running for governor in the province, it is as if there’s a “silent whirlwind” happening now in the inner cores of both the United Negros Alliance (UNegA) and Love Negros (LN).
The former congressman and city administrator of Bacolod is said to be running under the ruling and well-oiled Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) – Alfonso Cusi Wing.
Hence, when Atty. John officially declares his bid for governor, surely he has his vice governor and mayoral candidates per town and city. So, balantayan.
Others say, “May laban!”
Some declare, “Wala tyansa! Labugay lang!”
But Atty. John’s candidness can (really) kill an enigma. Sans pretention, he admits being dehado against incumbent Gov. Bong Lacson.
“It’s a tough task and stiffly battle,” he confesses. “But being a practical man of action, a street man and one who doesn’t belong to the higher echelon are quite an advantage.”
Being a “prayer warrior”, too, is a plus factor. “After all, no guts, no glory,” declares Atty. John.
Too, he vows not to hurl attacks against his opponent or opponents. He says he’ll just present his best agenda to the people. Among them:
* create a strong middle class in the province by bringing the rich and poor together
* create sound policy on environment
* build ports of international standards in the south and north of Negros
* bring cheaper energy to the province
* build more hospitals
* more scholarship programs for Negros youths
* more infra projects in every city and municipality
Atty. John underscores that Negros is really beyond sugar. Yes, I agree with him. Lots of potentials in Negros are yet to be discovered and harnessed.
On the other hand, Atty. John is a “vociferous” being who always speaks full of energy. Once he starts talking, you’ll stay beside him. That’s why it’s not remote that he’ll be Bong’s “headache” soonest.
Atty. John’s witty remarks on certain issues are also something to watch out for. He has the charisma and the charm that could equal Bong’s mestizo looks.
Being short (in height), Atty. John says, is another advantage over Bong. It’s relatable to the masa, he quips.
Bong, he says, is a “pedigree” while he’s an indigenous-looking mortal. Being putot, he stresses, “I can look things clearer compared to Bong who can only see things in farther distance(s).”
Above all, Atty. John’s very asset is his being approachable. He can rub elbows with anyone (rich or poor) in every nook and corner. Simple points, but meaningful!
Bong and his political “brains” and operators, therefore, need to decipher Atty. John’s quotable quotes. It between, there are meaningful lines that could wound Bong’s image and credibility. He may sound “funny” or “irrelevant” sometimes, but he’s “patok sa masa”.
Also, Atty. John may not have money or can’t equal Bong’s political logistics yet he’s always invoking God’s love for him in the upcoming polls.
On a serious note, claims Atty. John, “I believe in Divine Providence and the Lord sends me to this scenario with a divine purpose.”
He believes in miracles. “I am just a simple John, but my interest is always about love and justice. I may not be the smart choice of the Negrenses, but watch out for the ‘unknown hands’ that may change people’s preference next year. ”
He says God inspires him and so he needs to inspire people to make them happy every day.
Likewise, he considers his “single-blessedness” as a potent asset in serving Negros. Being single at 71, Atty. John vows to focus on public service and governance undisturbed.
But asked about his “mightiest weapon” to topple Bong, he beams then says: secret!
Will it be the alleged P200-million budget coming from Mrs. Olivia Yanson?
“I hope it is true!” he counters.
NON-NEGOTIABLE
Victorias City’s Vice Mayor Jerry “Didi” Jover, on Sept. 8, officially declared his mayoral bid in their city.
He’ll be challenging actor Javier “Javi” Benitez, son of billionaire Albee Benitez who is running for mayor in Bacolod City.
Amid pandemic restrictions, Didi’s declaration was simple yet so touching. He delivered his speech in Hiligaynon sans political “adjectives” and “adverbs”. He also refrained from uttering normal political promises. No hurling of bad words, too.
He talked more on God and his fever prayers for Victorias. He also kept on mentioning the Blessed Virgin Mary. That’s why with all honesty, I felt awkward joining the declaration and press conference later. As if I am in the middle of a prayer rally or prayer meeting.
But Didi, according to his supporters, is really prayerful being a known devotee of the Virgin Mary.
Didi, per info, is a kidney transplant survivor. Thus, he stresses that he’s thankful to God for giving him a “second life”.
If given the chance, Didi confides, he’ll devote his time and energy steering Victorias to greater heights. His top priorities include the establishment of a 30-chair capacity dialysis center and mini-hospital in their city.
Didi explains there are lots of people in Victorias suffering from kidney ailments. A dialysis session is quite taxing and costly. Having a dialysis center in Victorias will spare Victoriahanons (with kidney trouble) from going to hospitals or dialysis centers in Bacolod. It’ll be a big help for them because it’s for free, he notes.
Didi is talking “sense”. My first impression: he is a rare public servant who refuses to enroll as a traditional politician (trapo). Kabay pa!
Though he admits that he’s fighting a giant, he’ll neither be “dwarfed” nor “intimated”. In fact, he already closed his door(s) for negotiation as what others perceived.
Didi is a known political ally of Albee for quite a long time. Hence, he can’t blame others to cast suspicion that he could be negotiated to withdraw his candidacy in exchange for a “fatty” offer sooner or later.
But he’s firm in saying that his newest crusade (to run for mayor) is non-negotiable. He’s more than 100 percent sure of it.
But he refuses to reveal yet the main causer or factor of his exit from Albee’s political academy in Negros. “In due time!” he bodes.
For now, “Naga-apply ko para mayor sang Victorias. I hope nga mabaton ako sang mga pumuluyo.” Well said enlivened with humility.
In sum, Atty. John and Didi are almost in the same “fund lack” status.
Their hopes lie on the current “twists” in the political climate and landscape due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With COVID-19, people get wiser. They know now the necessities in life and the very “essence” of their votes next year.
Thus, both Atty. John and Didi are banking on their faith in God, and people’s “craziest” thinking come election time. They’re confident that miracle(s) are really bound to happen in the upcoming elections. These, they claim, will surely lead them to the realization of their enormous will – to serve the people.
Kudos to both of them for being brave and firm to stand against the “giants” in Negros politics! People might laugh at them or tag them with “mental health” problems in going against their wealthy opponents.
But the beating of their hearts will surely define both their candid actions and intentions. And what’s remarkable for me is their very promise to give their respective opponent a “close but enjoyable” fight.
So, good luck! May God guide them both!/PN
