Don’t count Candy out

Ben Contreras

CANDY Darimbang may not be a seasoned politician like those ahead of her but she’s been willing to learn what is expected of her at the city council. She may not be articulate or a prolific speaker but as long as there is sincerity in her words, it matters more than empty beautiful words.

Candy had been searching for her political niche. In the past, she’s been branded as pro-Emano, pro-Moreno and pro-Rodriguez. She won a seat with Moreno but often seen with Rodriguez in his projects. What she had in mind, she kept them close to her heart.

Apparently, she had her eyes at being Moreno’s running mate. Her overtures failed. Moreno was said to have had commissioned people to woo Bebot Rodriguez, barangay chairperson of Nazareth, to agree to become Moreno’s running mate, a move seen as wooing the substantial number of supporters of the Rodriguez family.

Did Candy attempt to talk to Rufus? That we do not know. But I learned that there was an attempt at for Klarex Uy to be a mayoral candidate with Candy as bet for congresswoman. That was before Rufus Rodriguez finally announced his candidacy.

Feeling left out, Candy’s search for her political niche became bleak. I asked her once, “Are you running for Congress?” “It depends” was her reply.

Now that she has decided to run for Congress, what are her chances? Was she really accepted by the Padayon Pilipino of Dongkoy Emano as a “guest candidate”? To use “accept” would mean there was an offer or a request. To be adopted is voluntary from the Padayon. Whatever, let’s talk about Candy.

Except that she is the wife of a controversial man, Manny Darimbang, do we really have serious issues against her?

Deemed a neophyte but a fast learner, Candy can be a formidable rival of Klarex. For one, she is not going to be in the “committee on silence,” as the joke implies, if she wins. There has been nothing negative raised against her. In short, she is clean.

Of course, her husband will do what he can to help her win. Manny has been a loving and supportive husband to her. And money, well… your guess is as good as mine.

It’s not for me to predict who is going to win. Knowing Klarex, it should not be very difficult who will get my or our votes. Good luck, Candy!

• •

When Dongkoy first ran here, there were accusations that many Tagoloanons registered in the city to support Dongkoy. Lately, the same is being said of Moreno––that many from Balingasag came to register in support of their kababayang mayor. True or not, I leave that to the Comelec.

Would Rufus do the same in the future if he wins? The answer is definitely “No.” Why? It’s because Rufus is a genuine lumad, a real Kagay-anon.

For decades, we’ve had mayors from places other than Cagayan de Oro. Isn’t it time to have one truly from CDP?