If elections are won via media exposure, the Baba Yap-Kit Oppus duo is the runaway winner. Once again, media was the darling par excellence when it was treated to a grand fashion by the tandem of John Geesnell “ Baba” Yap and Mariquit Oppus who are gunning for the top two elective posts of this city during a press conference Friday. Held at the family owned Bohol Tropics Resort where a high-end coffee shop is in place as one of its function rooms, Bohol media made a beeline to cosy presscon to partake of what was in store in terms of food and drinks and other giveaways. Never mind the discussion during the press gathering because as expected it was more of a showcase of motherhood statements. But there’s more to the showcase than met the eye.

Although, both Yap and his running mate Oppus are virtually new in this city’s political arena, both candidates caught everyone by surprise when they laid the parameters of their program of government of Tagbilaran as something to look forward to given their greenhorn upbringing. Maximizing her knowledge in legislative work owing to his work experience as two termer city councillor, Oppus stole the thunder from press spectators due to his knowledge in law-making and her mantra for accountability and transparency. Yap whose issue of youth hounded him no end, prove to be a “boy wonder”, what with his posturing on issues only veteran politicians are capable of tackling with effortless ease. For Baba, young as he is, turns out to be packing a lot of promise as he ticked off his programs to alleviate the lot of the poor, the youth, the middle aged and the senior citizens.

The entry of Baba Yap in the mayoralty race is made more exciting as he will be facing the prospect of running head-on with the political machinery anchored by his own uncle, incumbent Mayor Dan Neri Lim. The excitement will hit a deepening crescendo when battle lines are drawn against Baba Yap and his uncle’s protégée’, another uncle in Dr. Abe Lim, the incumbent’s bet for mayor. Arrayed against another formidable candidate in addition to his own uncle, it will be a tall order for Baba Yap to overcome if Friday’s press conference is any gauge, but the upstart politician is expected to give his two opponents a run of their money. According to the grapevine, what made Baba Yap’s candidacy some sort of “flavour of the month” is the prospect of running for mayor fully loaded with logistics.

PUNDOK PANAGHIUSA

Dubbed as Pundok Panaghiusa, Yap’s group is a mishmash of candidates for councillors representing the cross section of the Tagbilaran citizentry. More than a show of force, the Friday presscon was also an occasion to know the men behind the group. In one instance, Yap was asked if it matters to him the need of a political party to propel him to victory. Without missing a beat, Yap singlehandedly answered that for him, a party was of no moment because elections are won because of the credentials and popularity of the candidates. The city mayoralty contest between Agustinus Gonzaga and Yap are believed to be decided on the basis of who will be the Liberal party standard bearer. But Yap appeared unfazed by chances of not getting the LP nomination.banner. He said he will run sans any party in tow adding it was his way of ushering a new era for Tagbilaran, an era full of idealism and hope. “Baba” Yap’s line-up includes Ms. Mimi Vitorillo, Dr. Alan Real, former congressman Atty. Adam Jala, radio boradcaster Jerry Pabe, incumbent councilor Bebiano Inting, engr. Charles Cabalit, Timoteo Butalid, Edi Borja’a brother Eliezer “Ondoy” Borja and Joseph Bompat.