Inside Page

By Fernan A. Gianan

The art of the possible

When he formally announced his bid for Congress months before, then NTC Commissioner Joseph A. Santiago indicated the improbability of his having Gov. Hector S. Sanchez in his ticket as gubernatorial bet. Santiago’s denial of that possibility was firm, implying some lesson learned in the course of their political relationship.

What made Santiago change his mind we have yet to know. The decision to accept the controversial governor as an ally might been forced on him by the present circumstances. The surprise alliance, although not discounted by their opponents, demonstrates that politics is the art of the possible. But let us not speculate on what occurred in the course of about a month since Sanchez started formally courting the Santiago camp on a possible alliance against the Verceleses. We hope Santiago can issue a formal statement on this issue so the people, particularly those who wish for his victory at the polls, would be better guided on May 14.

By this week, we could have known who are running for what posts had not COMELEC extended the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy of local officials to Feb. 28. But we can take a peek at the constantly rearranging battlefield and render an assessment of their chances.

For the top provincial posts, it will be Santiago and Sanchez versus Natsy Africa-Verceles and outgoing solon Jun Verceles. Santiago’s popularity is sky-high even in northern towns but it remains to be seen whether it would be affected by his alliance with the governor. On the other hand, as we have said before, Jun Verceles remains the prohibitive favorite to be the next governor unless either Sanchez’s millions make a difference or a miracle occurs. The voters’ coming to their senses and not selling their votes would not make a difference, as it is a choice between lesser evils. As for Natsy, there is a widespread perception that a husband-and-wife is not a good idea, some even thinking of the partnership as repulsive to their democratic principles.

For vice governor, it’s either Cesar Sarmiento or Edwin Tanael versus incumbent Alfred Aquino or former San Andres mayor Antonio Romano. We say “either or” because there is still uncertainty plaguing both sides of the political fence. Some of Santiago’s handlers do not wish to campaign for Cesar while another half thinks Tanael would be easy pickings for the opposition. On the other hand, the sitting SP presiding officer’s reputation has been damaged by the ongoing proxy war between the Verceles and Sanchez blocs that an outright victory is not possible.

For the provincial board, the slates of both camps are still undergoing careful evaluation. In the West district, the Santiago camp has former Kag. Eulogio Talaran, Jr., Pedro “Idoy” Tablizo, PBM Raffy Zuniega and Fred Gianan, Jr., although insiders say Zuniega and Gianan have been confirmed. They will face ex-officio PBM Rosie Olarte, PBM Evelyn Gutierrez, PBM Catalino Gabao,Jr. and retired Judge Honesto V. Morales, Sr.

In the East, Santiago has lawyer Mike Concepcion, PBM Edwin Tanael and PBM Edgar Tapel  with the last slot being disputed by Chronicle publisher Nap de Luna and former DECS supervisor Julieto Barceta. The Verceles camp has anointed only contractor Romy Tuplano and former Viga vice mayor Roger Pereyra, with two slots being contested by a slew of aspirants. The Verceleses have reportedly promised no less than P500,000 in campaign funds for each of its SP bets.

The two sides’ slates in the municipalities have yet to be firmed up, but the Verceles camp has six incumbent local execs in its grasp (San Andres, Pandan, Caramoran, San Miguel, Baras and Gigmoto) while the Santiago side has five (Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Bato and Virac).

In the capital town, it will be the third meeting between Mayor Cito Alberto and former Mayor Ribong Sarmiento, who is allegedly recuperating from a minor stomach operation. The latter and his group filed early last Feb. 8 as some say they thought the deadline was still Feb. 12.

For the incumbent, his slate has heavyweight Raul Panti bidding to return to his former post, with candidates for councilor including former Vice Mayor Delia Bagadiong, incumbents Marcelino “Nonong” Sorra, Virgilio Candelaria, Sammy Besa, and Luis Avila, sportsman Roberto “Abing” Rodulfo, former Kag. Joseph “Toto” Mendoza and insurance man Delfin Urbano.

How true is it that a sitting PBM had asked for and got about P200,000 in favors from one of the politicians making up the Santiago-Sanchez-Alcantara triumvirate? A source said the PBM earned his dirty money by hinting at abandoning his current patron and, at the height of his scam, asked for a condo unit in Metro Manila which the politico promptly rejected. It is said that the pol had to retrieve an expensive laptop computer from the wily PBM after the talks fell through. Indeed, politics is the art of the possible. It could make one rich if he knew the possibilities. Clue: the PBM was the one who said what he has now he did not ask for; it was given to him.

Today is the day of the hearts, broken or otherwise. For sweethearts, it is a good time to wallow in unguarded bliss. But it is also a time to think things over. Will it last or will it go as easy as one discards sanitary napkins? For those entangled in `other’ relationships, a stolen moment remains stolen. One cannot have what is not rightfully his or hers. For husbands, it is time to ponder this statement: loving your wife is the best gift you can give your children. On the other hand, there is virtue in having patience with men whose time is divided between work, friendship, wife and family. Certainly, it is difficult to serve different masters all demanding satisfaction at the same time. Happy Valentine’s Day!