A bridge in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur
Columnist Bert Gorgonio Sr., of Periodico News made an assessment on the present political reality in Caraga Region after the recent visit of Gloria Arroyo in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte last week. It’s a primer on the political alignment in the region.
“MAKA ADIK ANG GAHOM (POWER IS ADDICTIVE)
Originally written in Cebuano (my translation in English)
In my assessment, it looks like the opposition is non existent in Caraga Region. At present, if there are people or politicians who are opposed to the administration, they are the so called “Way G” and “Way N” which means Way Gahum (No power), and Way Nahot (No Wealth). All the veterans and the strong already kissed the hand of Madam, including the Church!
Let us begin with the political leaders of Surigao del Norte. If in the past there is someone who is against President Gloria Arroyo, now it is ZERO. Despite the numerous issues in the national capital, including the expose of the so called CORRUPTION OF THOSE IN POWER, not one political leader in Surigao del Norte can speak against it.
But former Governor, now Congressman, Francisco “Lalo” Matugas cannot be blamed if he is now under the banner of the President. Cong. Lalo’s candidacy under the KAMPI party is a logical decision so that the people of Siargao Island can readily avail government projects. Its just right for Cong. Matugas to bless the hand of Malacanang to assure that Siargao Island cannot be left behind. Look, projects are promised left and right by Presidet Gloria Arroyo for the upliftment of Siargao Island which is now called the surfing and fish gaming capital of the Philippines.
If Cong. Lalo did not choose to join the umbrella of the President, it’s a cinch that only the Barbers’ (led by Governor Robert Ace Barbers) will be known by Malacanang. Oh well, there is the “graduating” Mayor Pons Cassura (of Surigao City) who is also a favorite of the Palace being an official of the League of Cities.
Well, there was a time when former Congressman and now Governor Robert Ace Barbers attempted to challenge the power of the President when the Hello Garci (issue) was still the craze. But Ace realized that like the undercurrent in Nonoc during northerlies, it is very difficult to counter flow the power of Malacanang. That’s why Gov. Ace consolidated his position in the Lakas party, which enabled the Barbers to retain the reins of power in the Provincial Capitol.
Its also a good thing that Congressman Jun Romarate in District 2 sing allelujah to Malacanang otherwise he would have a difficult time challenging the Barbers camp.
In Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Butuan City, it seems that there is no well known opposition group that exists. What I mean of being well known is that which has a member occupying a present elective position. From the Amantes of Agusan del Norte to Joboy Aquino and Mayor Boy Daku Plaza in Butuan City and to the Plaza’s of Agusan del Sur, it seems no creature is working against the President nowadays. Well, Congressman Ompong Plaza tried to play as an oppositionist, who has no qualms about his pro impeachment stand against Mrs. Arroyo because of the numerous issues. But like Governor Ace Barbers, Cong. Ompong realized its very difficult to meet head on the current.
And so Caraga is now VIRUS FREE este, Opposition free. This could be the reason why Madame Gloria is a frequent visitor in Caraga Region because she knows that even if Caraga is a typhoon area, there are no wayward political disturbances.
However I salute Governor Vicente “Baby” Pimentel Jr. Surigao del Sur. Since he sits as Governor, he promised to do everything he can to at least commence the pavement of the national highway of the whole province. Governor Pimentel’s move to align himself under the power of the President is a good step because his dreams are gradually fulfilled-the roads which are steadily concreted. While Governor Pimentel will “graduate” (9 years!), he has leave a legacy to the people which is the road improvement in the province because of his constant nudging to President Arroyo.
The question is, is there still an opposition in Surigao del Sur? Yes there is. They are composed of losing candidates of President Gloria Arroyo last elections. They are itching to return to their political position in whatever way. Even if it takes for them to oppose the administration, they will do it. Now I know that it is lie when they will say power is intoxicating. Its not intoxicating, its addictive.
Right sir?
Columnist Ben Serrano of Butuan City observed,
“Mayor Pons Casurra seems to have refereed the Matugas-Romarate tandem and Governor Ace Barbers who seated all near President Gloria Arroyo, their political godmother. My mole told me, Pons seated at the middle of the two political protagonists while listening and talking to the Chief Executive. My mole said as if the two political factions seem to see and hear nothing from each other. He he he… The truth is the more intense the political rivalries, the better and colorful Surigao politics is! The more opportunity for others to make a living out of this foolishness in Philippine politics! But who is to blame? Well, as the saying goes, it takes two to tango and therefore voters who are corrupt like their leaders are to blamed too.
Well, I don’t know how the Barbers camp will accept the reality that Mayor Pons is also in good terms with the Matugas-Romarate group? It is as they say, “Bugsay sa duha ka baroto” (treading in two political groups). Right, Tony Cons?And how true is that Manny Kong (pro Matugas commentator) and Tony Consing (pro Barbers commentator), the Tom and Jerry of Surigao media are now close to each other? Well, in troubled Philippine politics, there are no permanent friends but only permanent livelihood. But it is good to see media men interact with each other. But according to my friend BG, they are not media because they are coddled by politicians and therefore described as “One Fourth not media” He he he Maldito kaw gajud Bgs! (You are really naughty, Bgs)
***
Ben Serrano continued, “ Dapa, Surigao del Norte is one of the most promising town in Siargao and in the entire province not only of its good harbor as jumping point to the surfing capital and other beautiful places in the island but is also the commercial hub and trade center of beautiful Siargao. Soon as tourism will grow, Dapa inevitably become a city as hotels, restaurant,s, shopping malls will grow like mushrooms spreading in the dotting island town. Luckily for Dapa, you have Mayor Peter Boy Ruaya in the watch whose business acumen has grown him as the most successful businessman ever. Ruaya who rose from barely nothing to what he is now is an example how patient, perseverance, industry and hardwork as still the barometer of success. If Ruaya succeeds in business, I didn’t see any reasons why he will fail to make Dapa, the most progressive town in Siargao Island and in the entire Surigao del Norte in the future. Dapa City? Maybe, because Dapa is in good hands with Mayor Peter Boy Ruaya!
