By NITZ ARANCON
and ALWEN SALIRING
Correspondents
THEIR leader may be in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Capitol University Medical City (CUMC) but the Padayon Pilipino is not.
Councilors Leon Gan and Ramon Tabor said the Padayon Pilipino was unfazed, and would remain a force to reckon with in next year’s elections despite serious concerns about their leader’s health.
“It has not affected our group or our support for Mayor (Vicente) Emano. It’s not surprising for any person to get sick from time to time,” said Gan of the ex-mayor’s confinement at the CUMC in Gusa.
Tabor, for his part, said he was confident that Cagayanons would support the Padayon Pilipino and its candidates in their bid to take back the city’s political leadership next year.
“At this stage, wala koy nakita nga problema. Nagpadayon ang suporta sa katawhan sa Padayon Pilipino. We just wish him (Emano) well and pray for his recovery rather than speculate on unsay mahitabo,” Tabor said.
No competent medical practitioner has issued any detailed statement about the true state of Emano’s health since Saturday, the day the former mayor was rushed to CUMC’s emergency room and subsequently moved to the ICU. The hospital’s medical director, Dr. Jesus Jardin, said there was no authority from the Emano family for him or the hospital to issue medical bulletins to the public, and therefore, the ex-mayor’s health would be kept confidential.
But when reports that the 74-year old Emano was rushed to the CUMC last weekend, there were speculations that the former mayor may no longer be able to pursue his mayoral bid due to health reasons.
Dr. Manny Jaudian, a known local political analyst and commentator, said partisans should consider the possibility of Emano not being able to run for public office next year due to health problems.
“It would then be a one-on-one fight between Mayor Oscar Moreno and Congressman Rufus Rodriguez,” said Jaudian who, incidentally, is chairman of the PDP-Laban for Camiguin province.
But Councilor Alexander Dacer, Padayon Pilipino spokesperson, maintained that Emano’s “condition is not bad,” and he was still fit to campaign for the mayoral post.
“He is well. Gisulod siya sa ICU para dili madisturbo sa mga bisita ug aron siya makapahulay,” Dacer said. Dacer lashed out at Emano’s political enemies whom he said were peddling speculations about the former mayor’s health condition. He said, “They should wait until he gets out because he will clarify everything.”
He said Emano’s political opponents wanted Emano out of the mayoral race in 2016 “but he will pursue his bid and will not back out.”
Dacer added: “Nangahadlok lang na sila busa gaampo sila nga dili makadagan si Dongkoy.” He reiterated that Emano was in the hospital as part of his preparation for the election campaign. “The Padayon machinery is still strong, and will support Dongkoy all the way,” he said.
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