Gimmicks mark campaigns in regions
Credit to Author: RHAYDZ B. BARCIA, TMT| Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2019 16:50:15 +0000
COLORFUL motorcades, dancing on the streets, blaring sound systems and throngs of supporters distributing the candidates’ leaflets and calendars marked the start of the campaign period for local bets in various provinces on Friday.
As the campaign for local politicians officially started on Friday, all eyes were glued to Daraga town in Albay, now under the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) control after the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe on Dec. 22, 2018.
Mayoral candidates are incumbent Mayor Carlwyn Go Baldo; Vice Mayor Victor Perete and Gertie Duran-Batocabe.
Baldo and Perete attended the 6 a.m. Mass in Daraga Church before proceeding to the Daraga public market.
Baldo had no police escort and is considered the underdog in the mayoral race, but is gaining public support as Darageños believe he was not responsible for Batocabe’s killing.
Gertie Batocabe went to the tomb of her slain husband in Daraga public cemetery at 5:30 a.m. before attending Mass in Barangay Alobo in Daraga.
Her team conducted a grand motorcade before the Mass from the junction of Bicol International Airport in Barangay Alobo followed by volunteers riding in motorcycles .
The town of Daraga in Albay is the most controversial and is considered the most hotly contested town in the history of local elections in this province, with Baldo being accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Batocabe which he denied.
On Wednesday, the three camps joined a solidarity walk and peace covenant at Daraga Church that the Philippine National Police in Daraga town initiated with the Philippine Army and the COMELEC.
Street dancing in Bataan
In Samal, Bataan two contending groups for the municipal posts showed force early in the morning, going around the town of 26,423 registered voters.
Samal Vice Mayor Aida Macalinao, running for mayor, and her group had a motorcade from Barangay Lalawigan to the rest of the 14 barangay (villages). Candidate with their families on board separate vehicles tirelessly waved at people they passed by.
First District Rep. Geraldine Roman, seeking reelection, joined Macalinao. She is challenged by Emily Lubag, former Dinalupihan municipal councilor.
Macalinao’s contender, Provincial Board member Rolando Tigas, and his eight candidates for Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) started their campaign rally at the Samal public market.
Traffic stalled at the MacArthur Highway as the motorcades made the rounds of the area.
Campaign streamers of local candidates and the Senate slate they support sprouted the town plaza.
Some 545,507 registered voters in 237 villages in 11 towns and one city in Bataan are expected to vote on May 13.
Running unopposed are Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia, his brother 2nd District Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd, and cousin Vice Gov. Cris Garcia.
Another brother, Gov. Albert Garcia is opposed by Limay Mayor Ver Roque while his sister Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia is running unopposed.
Also without opponents are Mayors Liberato Santiago of Abucay, Efren Pascual Jr. of Orani and Cynthia Estanislao of Bagac.
Warning
The local COMELEC in Zamboanga City sternly admonished all officials seeking for reelection not to utilize government resources and personnel in their campaigns.
City COMELEC officer Jan Christian Babiera said among these public resources were employees, vehicles and equipment. He added that candidates or their supporters who disobey the agency’s warning would face sanctions.
He also warned “that candidates who would campaign on Maundy Thursday (April 18) and Good Friday (April 19) might face disqualification,” noting that not campaigning during these days is an apparent indication of the Catholics’ respect and atonement for the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, the voters will witness for the first time in local history an intense political rivalry for the City Hall top seat between incumbent two-termer Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco Zalasar of the Liberal Party and Rep. Celso Lobregat of Partidong Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan .
Climaco and Lobregat were former close allies as Climaco was the vice mayor of Lobregat until they parted ways two local elections ago.
WITH A REPORT FROM ANTONIO P. RIMANDO
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