Aumentado-Herrera tandem takes shape

For those who are hoping that incumbent Gov. Erico Aumentadois is in for another fight of his political life because a bankable opponent will rise to the occasion are in for a big let down. Yes, what happens is that it's going to be a powerhouse combination but it's nothing but a killjoy tandem if nobody contests their reelection bid. This is the drab scenario that awaits thrill-seeking Boholanos who are expecting a down-the wire showdown of two gubernatorial gladiators in the coming elections as the dominant Lakas party opted to field an Aumentado-Herrera slate. A closed-door meeting of the Lakas-NUCD party called by Bohol 's highest official at the Governor's Mansion yesterday to announce this configuration virtually sealed any opposition shadow that may materialize in the coming polls.

There was a time in the past that V-Gov. Julius Ceasar Herrera was reckoned to contest Aumentado's reelection bid but any higher ambition on his part had since been lost in limbo. But, asked for reactions on the administration's move, an opposition stalwart who asked not to be identified yet told the Post, [they] would be willing to give Lakas a good run for their money, literally. At least, based on the information leaked to the Post by sources privy to the meeting yesterday, Herrera has accordingly nodded in principle to a tandem with Governor Aumentado. Both Aumentado and Herrera would be gunning for their third terms. Political observers see Herrera, who once belonged to a political camp opposite of Aumentado as a potent force that delivered the crucial votes for Aumentado during the unification ticket in the first district then.

The Herrera decision to partner with Aumentado came, but not without conditions. Aside from getting the assurance that the party would not post for any vice-gubernatorial bet, Herrera also allegedly presented a deal that binds the team to support only those whoever is there in their slate. He accordingly warned that he too could be vicious when dealt with inappropriately. The same source said that prior to the meeting attended by mayors, councilors and municipal party chairmen, Gov. Aumentado met Bohol 's three solons hours earlier. The Mansion meeting was in preparation for a ready slate for Lakas and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Kampi before the Commission on Elections November 30 deadline when parties have to submit their complete roster of candidates.

The governor's meeting with Representatives Edgar Chatto (Bohol I), Roberto Cajes (Bohol II) and Eladio Jala (Bohol III) was seen by many as another masterstroke of a genius, characteristic of Aumentado's brilliant political maneuvers that catapulted him to a his last bid for a third term as governor. Only Aumentado and former Governor Rene Relampagos have succeeded in completing two reelection bids, while Aumentado goes for the record in his May 2007 pitch.

Aumentado, who currently sits as the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) chairman also exercises a degree of control over a huge group of leaders in the country. Lakas and Kampi together boast of 43 town mayors rallying for their support while the opposition officially owns only four towns and Tagbilaran City. Towns identified with the opposition and therefore are considered not allied with the governor are Loon with Mayor Cesar Tomas Lopez, Guindulman with Mayor Oriculo Granada, Trinidad with Mayor Osias Flor, Panglao with Mayor Doloriech Dumaluan and Tagbilaran City with Mayor Dan Lim.

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