Toto Alex Dionela naka based sa Libacao

Dateline LIBACAO
BY ALEX E. DIONELA

Political Positioning in 2009

In anticipation for the upcoming presidential elections in 2010, it is expected that political positioning of politicians and political parties from the national down to local levels will soon begin in early this year.

It is because preparations for a presidential campaign would entail a lot of work to do, from organizing the political machinery and the sourcing out or raising of the needed funds to run a national campaign.

And the effects of all these maneuverings in the national level will natural go down to the local level – the grassroots of the campaign.
As we all know there had been several presidential hopefuls who had signified their interest to become the next President after President GMA leaves office in 2010. They are former Senate President Manny Villar, Sen. Mar Roxas, MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay. Other included in poll surveys are Vice President Noli de Castro, Sen. Loren Legarda, and Sen. Ping Lacson and probably former President Erap Estrada who said earlier, “he would run again for President if the opposition is not united.”
The latest in the national scene is the on-going negotiation to tandem Erap and Manny Villar for President and Vice President, respectively with Makati Mayor Jojo Binay relegated only to run for Senator for the sake of party unity but who would thereafter seek the Senate Presidency.

According to some insiders Senator Manny Villar who had presided over the Senate that had tried Erap’s impeachment is said to have already become acceptable to the former President but not to his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada who still holds a grudge against Manny Villar on this. But you know in politics, nothing is impossible like seeing “strange bedfellows” together in pursuit of common interests. Like lately seeing Gov. Chavit Singson in the wake of Erap’s mother – Dona Mary.
Presidential hopefuls identified with the administration like MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando and VP Noli de Castro are somewhat reluctant to lay claim to have the support of Malacanang afraid maybe that this might only cater negative effect on their presidential bid.

The overwhelming popularity of Sen. Mar Roxas when he last ran for senator and the full backing of the Liberal Party had not made him one of the leading presidential contenders. Perhaps he could again seek the help of Miss Korina Sanchez of “Balitang K” which he once did when he ran for senator but to Korina, what for?
In Aklan, it is said that the local opposition will field the following in 2010 elections; Mabeth Mobo-Garcia-Congresswoman, Vice Gov. Billie Calizo-Governor and former Banga Mayor and SP Member Stevens Fuentes-Vice Governor. Both incumbent Congressman Joeben Miraflores and Gov. Carlito Marquez will again run for re-election with Senior SP Member Shelwyn Ibarreta to most likely get the Vice Gubernatorial slot.
And lately it is said that opposition SP Members Nemesio Neron, Daisy Sucro-Briones and Rodson Mayor are inclined to join the Tibyog Akean through Gov. Carlito Marquez.