Exciting development

Ben Contreras

ONE wife was so elated over the announcement of Rep. Rufus Rodriguez that she hugged her husband tightly. Well, if it wasn’t meant to be, it will never be.

Surely, there are those who are happy and those who aren’t. The saying that “in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests” still holds true.

Initial reactions ranged from “bibo kayo ang sunod elections” to criticisms against the congressman. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez can expect more vicious attacks, particularly on the PDAF and BBL issues. But politicians are not new to these. No one goes to the dining table if the food aren’t prepared.

Rodriguez was eyeing a senatorial seat. In fact, there was suspicion that his perceived change of heart on the BBL was part of a supposed deal with Malacañang. So many were taken aback, including Mayor Oscar Moreno.

A day after his announcement, a businessman I talked to told me a story about the visit of the LP bigwigs. Accordingly, the group first saw Rep. Klarex Uy, and offered the mayoral slot to him. Uy’s wife reportedly declined the offer. They then went to see Rodriguez.

It is not clear if Rodriguez’s declaration had something to do with this meeting. But the better question is, is Mayor Moreno being abandoned by the LP?

Moreno is also known to be close to presidential candidate Mar Roxas. Has Roxas decided to let go of Moreno? Was it about the perceived support of Moreno to Grace Poe? Or is it about Moreno, all the issues against him combined?

Dongkoy Emano is trying to do a Rodrigo Duterte. I have not heard it from the horse’s mouth. But his supporters are almost certain that he is going to retake city hall amid growing dismay over the current administration. Dongkoy believes he still has mass support. With a growing displeasure of the A and B classes with some saying “maayo pa sa panahon ni Dongkoy kay sayon ra estoryahon,” the ex-mayor certainly is encouraged by this sentiment.

While Dongkoy may be encouraged to run again in the city, there is also a possibility of changing horses midstream. The grip of the Emanos in Tagoloan is said to be threatened by a Sabio, said to be also moneyed and popular. Dongkoy may opt to run there to protect their hold, and let his daughter Nadya run in the city for mayor. If so, would the Tagoloanons still go for an old man or a young one? Who is really out to get the Emanos? We can go back to Sendong when the Emano attack dogs allegedly took a swipe not only at Kris Aquino but also her son, a special child whom the President loves very much. And there was this alleged machination to rid Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental of Emanos being orchestrated by an old but seasoned political figure in the city.

Such conspiracy theory is fascinating. What was being talked about a few years ago seems to be taking shape today. Politics should not be taken as it is or at face value. I can never forget what my ninong Juan Sia told me one time. He said do not believe that these politicians are quarrelling because at night, they would be calling each over the phone and talk, and laugh!
Let’s all sit and relax and watch the developments in the days to come. Election is about who can package and deliver themselves to the electorate best. Media will have many things to write and say. Money will also flow. In the end, it is the performance of the winning candidate that will decide how history would judge him.

How did the sitting mayor take the announcement? Roy Raagas was axed after a period of hibernation inside city hall. More to follow.