- Advertisement -

Ben Contreras .

THEY say politics makes strange bedfellows. It means that political interests bring people who have less in common together. But it could also be because people have much in common, and so it becomes imperative for them to join forces in the name of politics.

- Advertisement -

So, Alam Lim has joined the group of Oscar S. Moreno. Does Alam Lim’s act put him on the wrong side of history?

The story about Alam leaving the Padayon Pilipino of Dongkoy Emano came about at the advent of the barangay elections.

Rumor has it that Alam was supporting the opponent of Alex Dacer because Dacer was planning to challenge Alam in the presidency of the Liga ng mga Barangay. Nice move really for Alam, taking into account that politics has no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interest. But why move to Moreno’s camp when he could just ask for the blessing of Dongkoy who has the final say? Is Dongkoy losing grip on his followers?

“Wala man tay mahimo kay ang among partido gamay man ug walay sapi.” This was, more or less, the explanation of Dongkoy over the radio. I doubt if it’s about the party having no money. When Alam was recruited to the Padayon Pilipino, it was the party that needed Alam’s money, and not the other way around.

I remember a time when Dongkoy asked me if I knew if Alam was a gambling lord or not. You see, when one is alleged to have links to organized crime such as illegal gambling, it means that the one under suspicion has plenty of money.

Did Dongkoy recruit Alam for his money? Did Alam submit to Dongkoy’s request because at that time, Dongkoy was the stronger political animal in our region and was in the poition to influence authorities?

Alam must have learned the ropes of politics now and can stand independently. Perhaps, Alam may also have seen the benefit of being in power. So, any threat against his position has to be dealt with even if it means leaving the stable of his master.

How Moreno did it is seen as a master stroke. For a while, Moreno had been trying to win the attention of the President but failed. Not even a classmate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was able to help. With the help of the Pimentels, Moreno and Co. were able to join the PDP-Laban in Cagayan de Oro, making the party a prostituted one and more divided.

Moreno is good at courtships. But what has Alam to gain that he didn’t get from Dongkoy? That we do not know yet. But Moreno has everything to gain. Alam’s in-laws are said to be close to the President. Is Moreno going to use this as a vehicle for his long cherished dream?

Then again, would Alam be like some of the city councilors who are perceived to be on the side of the opposition but are silent on the anomalies inside the city government? But Alam is no longer an opposition, right? So he need not pretend. Would he be silent on issues involving Moreno? Ah, that remains to be seen. If he would be, then he is no better than any of those who pretend.

Politics is politics. Dongkoy may be old but never discount his mind. There is one thing that Dongkoy is good at. If that happens, I will be the first to laugh and say, “I told you so.”

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -