"We'll prove them wrong!"

Santiago defends choice of Sanchez as governor

Former National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) chief Joseph A. Santiago last week brushed aside criticisms of his decision to take in Gov. Hector S. Sanchez in his run for Congress, saying that they will prove that it was the best decision he made in his political life.

In his message during the Feb. 14 birthday party for Sanchez at the Capitol Dome, Santiago described Sanchez as the "most misunderstood, most maligned" governor Catanduanes has ever had but one who has his heart in the right place.

"I still strongly believe that Sanchez has the interests of Catandunganons deep in his heart," he stressed. "Sarong taga-Caramoran, sarong purong Catandunganon, iyo ngonian an iguang pagmaculog sato dindi sa Catanduanes."

The congressman-to-be also profusely thanked former Gov. Severo C. Alcantara for voluntarily supporting the decision to choose Sanchez over Alcantara as his "running mate." Santiago repeated his message the following day during a Valentine's party of the youth movement supporting his candidacy and that of Virac Mayor Jose U. Alberto II.

In the same occasion, former Gov. Alcantara also remarked that the well-attended gathering has but a single objective: to work together for the election of a united governor and congressman.

For his part, former Gov. Vicente M. Alberto asked the people "to share in the vision to restore to Catanduanes and Catandunganons the dignity and pride that Catanduanes is not subject to commerce, that we are not for sale, that we are incorruptible as far as our dedication to public service is concerned."

The following day, Santiago formally announced to a crowd of more than 2,000 youth leaders and barangay officials his bets for provincial posts as well as for the capital town.

Among the names he cited were Customs official and Alcantara in-law Cesar V. Sarmiento for vice governor, and, PBM Rafael Zuniega, PBM Fred Gianan, Jr., former Virac councilor Eulogio Talaran, Jr., and architect Pedro "Idoy" Tablizo for provincial board member in the West district. The Santiago team has yet to announce the bets for the East district although the names of PBM Edgar Tapel, PBM Edwin Tanael, Atty. Miguel Concepcion and former DECS supervisor Julieto Barceta have been floated.

In Virac, incumbent Mayor Cito Alberto heads a slate composed of former Vice Mayor Raul R. Panti gunning for his old post, and former Vice Mayor Delia Bagadiong,  Kag. Luis Avila, Kag. Marcelino Sorra, Kag. Virgilio Candelaria, Kag. Samuel Besa, sportsman Roberto Rodulfo, insurance man Delfin Urbano, and Sta. Cruz SK chairman Glenn Borja. Former Kag. Joseph Mendoza, who was earlier reported to be running for councilor, will reportedly handle the campaign instead.

BEST POLICE CHIEF. Virac's Supt. Rande V. Rosero grins after receiving his award as police chief for the year 2000 from PNP provincial director Supt. Freddie O. Panen, Gov. Hector S. Sanchez and CSC Pres. Adolfo S. Bagadiong during the 10th PNP Day last week.

DOING THE MARKET. Congressional aspirant Joseph A. Santiago is not laughing at the high price of malasugui at P150 per kilo; he's just enjoying his walk aroung the Virac public market on a busy day. 

LITTERBUG. That's the kindest one can say of former Speaker Manny Villar, whose visage is now seen on every conceivable vacant spot in town as he violates the Fair Election Act he helped pass in Congress.