THE EXCHANGE of chats over cups of coffee focused on Bacolod City’s political climate. The incumbent administration is faced with a well-oiled rival in the May 2022 elections.
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“Former congressman Albee Benitez shouts for change in the city ruled by incumbent Mayor Bing who is always confident he’ll win all the time,” an engineer started the ball rolling. “The incumbent found his past rivals peanuts; he had the logistics during campaigns.”
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“I agree. The incumbent knows the strategies to keep the masses to his side. Allowing sidewalk vendors to continue their trade anywhere in the city convinced these vendors he is supporting them,” a lawyer said. “The majority of voters are from the masses. No matter what the high-end says, it is the masses that rule the votes and the Mayor knows how to sway them to his side.”
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“Now, Albee is challenging Bing. Does Albee have strategies to court poor vendors, drivers, illegal squatters, and sikad drivers to his side?” asked the planter. “Bing is ready to face Albee. That means Bing has the resources, too, to match the challenger’s,” said a political analyst.
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“Since Bing has welcomed the challenge of Albee, many believe money is not anymore the dividing line between the two. Does Albee have strategists to counteract the hidden secrets of Bing’s political magic?” the lawyer asked.
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“It is the voters who are now too happy. They are used to receiving money from candidates – that is the reality in this country,” said the analyst.
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“For now, it looks like Bing’s team is quieter than Albee’s group; no one knows what’s brewing in the political kitchen of the incumbent. This means there will be a real fight. Bing seems confident he will prevail,” said the analyst.
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“But all in all, the people of Bacolod really want change. Many believe the city has never improved much under the incumbent. Disappointing really,” said the lawyer.
“The joke is that Bacolod City won as Most Business-Friendly City because one can do business anywhere, event along the sidewalks, the plaza, anywhere,” said the engineer./PN
