The showdown for Bohol governor is billed as a fight-to-the-finish even if it was still in the “womb of time” but the spotlight in terms of heart-rending spectacle goes to the vice gubernatorial contest where an uncle and his nephew are slugging it out. Although nobody is giving it a Chinaman's chance that it will push through, the thought of retired division superintendent Elpedio Jala fighting his own nephew Cong. Adam Relson Jala for the province's second top elective post is enough reason for pundits to rush to their crystal balls consulting-- “ if this is not too bad to be true”. It was being bruited around that Jala is only a “filling material” to whoever is the true choice of Cong. Edgar Chatto's ambition for governor. He is said to be eyeing Board Member Concepcion Lim to take Jala's place after the congressman's earlier choice Congress colleague, Cong. Roberto Cajes, backed out, to give way to his wife who is running for his vacated congressional post in the second district.

The two Cajeses exchange places with the husband running for Trinidad mayor. Herrera's running mate is Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr. Asked of the prospect of facing his own nephew, the elder Jala said there was nothing personal in their showdown save that it was all for the love of public service. He said no way that he will back off to give way to his nephew saying that he was the first one to signify the intention to run. The retired school official is running under the party of Cesar Montano who was eyeing the governorship under the Liberal Party. The choice of the young Jala as vice gubernatorial bet came at the last minute after Cajes made the sudden “turnaround”.

HERRERA VS CHATTO

The Herrera-Chatto confrontation is the most awaited slambang event in Bohol political history that can go either way. Both loaded to the max financially or otherwise, Chatto is gunning the top elective plum of Bohol under the Lakas-Kampi CMD while Herrera is sheltered under the warm embrace of Sen. Manuel Villar's Nacionalista Party. Not to be counted out in the gubernatorial fight is actor-director Cesar Montano of Baclayon who is the official candidate of the Liberal Party. Two other names—Jetur Torres Ramada and Eunice Campo are also running for governor but it was doubtful if they can mount a serious political campaign. Another personality is running for vice governor aside from the two blood relatives and Abapo but his name does not ring a bell. He is Cresencio Alturas of Mansasa district, this city.

Staking their prominent names for board members in the three Bohol districts are: Panglao Councilor Venzencio Arcamo, City Councilor Danilo Bantugan, lawyer Raul Barbarona, Rodolf Canizares, Abeleon Damalerio, Zeus Manuel Descallar, Cirilo Esperanza, Jr., Cesar Tomas Lopez, Nemesio Monton, Doris Obena, Luciano Bentulan, Jr., Eliseo Boyles, Felixberto Camacho, Romulo Cepedoza, Gerardo Garcia, Wenceslao Garcia, Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, Mutya Tirol Macuno, Dionisio Balite, Felix Casingcasing, Sr., Eduardo Enerio, Florencia Garcia, Brigido Imboy, Senen Lloren, Bienvenido Molina, Jr., Aster Apalisok Piollo, Godofreda Tirol, and Josil Trabajo. From among these candidates for board member, only ten will be considered winners. For congressman (first district): Oscar Glovasa, Rene Relampagos, Edgar Kapirig, and Mario Magat, Jr.(second district) Erico Aumentado, Judith Cajes, Rolando Manatad and Danilo Mendez; (third district) Arthur Yap.