By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
TWO THINGS are brewing in Bacolod City constituting the so-called political “slit and split” scenarios.
Many are “amused” but consider such as the start of a new chapter of “political upheaval” in the “City of Smiles”.
Can Mayor Albee Benitez stand the rigor of the present political churva (uncertainty/vagueness)?
But first thing first: the mayor has to do a lot of explaining why President Bongbong Marcos Jr. can’t come to Bacolod today for the ceremonial turnover of 288 condominium units within the very first Asenso Yuhum Village at the Arao relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre.
The President’s coming was highly-publicized weeks ago since this is the very first housing project in line with the latter’s Pabahay Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino (4PH) Program being initiated/led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
But after the announcement, many had doubts. They believe that President Marcos and Mayor Albee have severed their relationship but for still undisclosed reasons. This is the talk, too, within the political and media circles in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.
Political gurus point to the President’s “no-show” in three major events in Bacolod this year despite the mayor’s personal invite.
“There’s already a political slit that the mayor should avoid letting become bigger,” stressed a political analyst in the province.
“He (Mayor Albee) has to be wary now about this slit,” the political analyst added.
Pressed by the media, the mayor said he’s still confident that President Marcos is coming, maybe in the second week of January next year.
So, abangan!
WHERE’S GREG?
Meanwhile, the “Asenso Night” at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City on Saturday, Dec. 16, also stirred another controversy.
The event, per the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), gathered around 40,000 barangay leaders from 61 barangays who supported Mayor Albee’s Team Asenso in last year’s elections.
Highlights of the said gathering were the signing of the Asenso Covenant and Pledge of Support.
Also joining the mayor were officials from Grupo Progreso (GP) of former mayor Bing Leonardia.
GP’s Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and councilors Renecito Novero, Em Ang and Israel Salangga were spotted signing the covenant and, likewise, swore to support Team Asenso, among other Mayor Albee’s initiatives for the good of the city.
Start of reconciliation?
The mayor stressed, “Asenso is not about partisan politics but about transforming Bacolod into an inclusive peaceful, dynamic sustainable resilient super city.”
“At Asenso, our focus is on governance, not politics. Our covenant for change will be our guiding principle,” he added.
Wow! Sounds romantic!
But where’s Greg?
This was the question of so many Bacolodnons after they couldn’t find Bacolod City’s Lone District congressman Greg Gasataya in the signing of the covenant and during the photo opportunity (photo-op) on stage.
Cong. Greg is Mayor Albee’s formidable political partner after the former left GP in the 2022 elections.
But what’s happening now?
Witnesses said Cong. Greg was there during the start of the program but he “mysteriously exited” from Paglaum while the crowd was singing “Happy Birthday” to the mayor (who is celebrating his birthday today, Dec 20).
What was the reason?
Greg was mum. He refused any interview.
TEAM GUGMA
Question: Did they politically split already?
Rumors mushrooming around said Mayor Albee and Cong. Greg have had already a “cold relationship” after the solon wasn’t invited to several MassKara events last October.
Neither the solon’s face was included in the controversial MassKara welcome tarps for President Marcos, Jr. and wife, Liza.
More so when the mayor didn’t endorse Cong. Greg’s stepdaughter, Inday Franz Tiongko (newly-elected Punong Barangay of Mansilingan) to be the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) president.
Now, the congressman has his own local political group, too – Team Gugma.
Will it be Team Asenso versus Team Gugma in 2025?
“Political Maritesses” in Bacolod declared: Yes!
Congressman Greg is already concluding his three terms so he has no choice but to seek other local position; to run for mayor is his best option.
Will he prevail?
Added the political Maritesses: Could be!
The solon has his own ample resources, legions of followers plus that he’s a true-blooded Bacolodnon.
Hence, the “Albee versus Greg” for mayor in Bacolod in 2025 ain’t a remote possibility.
‘KATHNIEL’ OF BACOLOD
For Cong. Greg to turn his back from Albee is not a weird scenario.
Politically-speaking, Bacolod has a lot of stories like this.
They’re the “KathNiel” of Bacolod now.
“KathNiel” refers to the popular love team of actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla who recently broke up.
To break or unbreak among Bacolod politicos is just normal, nothing spectacular.
But the very question is: Who (really) caused the split?
Quite interesting that, per basketball star Ricci Rivero, “time is the only best truth teller.”/PN
