THINGS are never what they seem when it comes to elections. “No permanent friends, only permanent interest” is a maxim that holds true in the Philippine political setting. Hence, anything we read and hear is fluid, subject to changes until the filing of the certificates of candidacy. Even then, change is still possible at that stage.

The only candidate who announced his intention has been the incumbent seeking re-election. His defeated rival has yet to proclaim though his allies have already passed the word that the “Lord” would attempt a comeback. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, as always, makes himself elusive with his real intentions. Whether or not he will run for mayor depends on the source of the information. As for Klarex Uy seeking a second stab at it, why not if the survey really points to him as the favorite? What are the possibilities?

First, if Rufus decides to run, Dongkoy will not. Dongkoy would likely concentrate on Bambi’s victory or lose their clout in the city as well as in the province. This is what some barangay chairs are saying: if Dongkoy runs against Moreno, “Imo gyud mi, mayor (Dongkoy).” But if Rufus runs against Dongkoy and Moreno, “Rufus gyud mi, mayor (Dongkoy).”
Second, if it’s going to be a three-way (which is unlikely), Rufus, Oca and Klarex, Klarex would likely give way to Rufus, and Rufus will win.

Third, if it’s going to be Moreno against Klarex, I guess is, Oca will win. With Rufus not running, an independent candidate would likely join the fray.

In the province, Dongkoy can help a lot to defeat Julio Uy unless LP will make it happen the way it made it happen in the city. But having experienced it once, the next time can be different.
As we always say, it’s over when it’s over!
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Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez worries more on the number of tourists coming in than the health of the Filipino people. He is in fact saying, “Bahala na kayo sa Mindanao” where Mindanaoans are seeing power plants sprouting like mushrooms and in hundreds of megawatts. Although Palawan is part of Mindanao but Palawan has no monopoly of beautiful places qualified as tourists attractions.

Davao, Surigao, Zamboanga and many more have hidden beauties waiting to be discovered and developed. If you talk of waterfalls, somewhere we have one that is comparable to Niagara in grandiose albeit smaller in size. If Jimenez intends to carry his fight, bring it to other places, too. Otherwise, Jimenez can’t blame people from calling the secretary a hypocrite.
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A group of people with certain physical disabilities sought my assistance on their complaint against an RTA officer holding a position. Eventually, the leader decided to just forget it, and charge it to experience. Although I have the name, but I am bound to respect his desire and decision.

Just a reminder though! Never take advantage of anyone, especially people with physical disabilities. It’s your luck this time.