By: Joe Sprite

Someone asked us who would run for local positions in this election. We could not answer since nobody has yet filed his candidacy. We would be giving out rumors if we did. He asked us about our opinion, so we ventured one though this information may change from time to time until the last day of filing. When told that Eksam Lloren would probably have no problems since there is still no one interested in opposing him, the chap was disgusted. He expected that money will flow during elections but since there would be none; he said that he will not vote. He is not an oppositionist, he is an opportunist.

Politicians had created a Frankenstein monster out of the voting public. Out of the roughly 31,000 Jagna inhabitants only 18,000 are registered voters and not all of them will exercise their right of suffrage. The turn out this election may be small because nothing would interest them. Never did our civic spirit run so low. Yet they are the people who expect good basic services from the authorities concerned and they are the ones who beg for handouts in times of need.

Of course, there may not be a strong opposition candidate this time. When we say strong, that would mean that this candidate has money to burn. If he has none, he is nothing no matter how qualified he is. That is why, perhaps for an exceptional few, elective positions are filled up with acrobatic candidates, posturing idiots and recycled politicians. Jagna will still progress despite them not because of them. Since voters can see only politicians during the election campaign, they might just as well squeeze every cent they can get from them. Even from perennial losers.

There are few, who may be quixotic enough to run for an elective position hoping that their qualifications and track record may carry them through. Chances are they are only wasting their time. But anyway, it is worth a try. The atmosphere may change one of these days and they will be the first to make good. Local voters need not despair. There will be opposition no matter what. The so-called United Opposition will field local candidates so they would not be zeroed in this area. This is some sort of damage control. If not, their gains in other places would be diminished by the advantage their opponents have in this area.

Analysts say that if there is no opposition party in Jagna the administration party may not rest easy. First of all the national ruling party is PGMA's Kampi not Lakas although the Lakas may furnish the bulk of the ruling party membership. The Lakas provincial head is Gov Erico Aumentado and the Third District Lakas head is Cong Eladio Jala. Jagna is expected to carry Aumentado in his bid for reelection. However, Boy Jala is in his last term and if he fields someone of his choice for congressman, he has Atty. Fortunato “Bicbic” Abrenilla to contend with.

Bicbic is said to be a Malacañan man therefore he is expected to be Kampi. If Eksam follows the party line and support whoever is the choice of Boy Jala, then Jagna administration party may be split. Bicbic might field even just a token mayoralty candidate but he may gather a formidable SB candidate slate or scrape the bottom of the barrel and come up with a team of perennial losers. With either plus his own personal following, the Jagna turf will be a meager one for his opponents.

Although not one of the local candidates had not filed their certificates of candidacy with the local office of the Commission on Elections. They might have filed their COC with the local radio station. Sources say names like Rainerio “Budoy” Tadem, Willy Aranas. Gerry Estonina, Josefino “Pinos” Cagas among others was heard over the radio running for municipal kagawads. They did not specify if they are with the opposition, whoever the opposition might be or independents.