LETTER TO THE EDITOR
THE POLITICAL rhetoric in Ilocos Norte is perking up and people are undecided yet as to who their choices will be comes judgment day. For one thing, the voters are befuddled by the unending juxtaposing of the candidates on party affiliations, which is but rubbing out the real and pertinent issue in the campaign: the absence of political platforms of the candidates. The gubernatorial race is shaping up as a classic between two contenders with diametrically contrasting personalities and qualifications, which has left the public to wonder whether the entry of other candidates into the fray would have given them an easier time to make their choice. Rudy Fariñas, against Michael Keon, at first glance is the hands-down winner in the race were the voters to choose political perspicacity and experience as barometers in the election. Mr. Fariñas’ gubernatorial tenure, if the character aspect were set aside, was remarkable, bordering on exceptional, given his no-non-sense and unswerving steerage of the governorship. Because Michael has but an ample experience to offer in political governance, despite his impeccable record in the field of sports and character management, his campaign managers are banking on his being a Marcos to catapult him to the premier post in the province. Therefore, this gubernatorial election in Ilocos Norte is actually a fight between Bongbong and Fariñas. Rudy’s style of governance is diametrically in contrast with that of Governor Marcos’. Bongbong’s administration is laden with bureaucrats who are intertwined in competence and cockiness, as people have claimed—as opposed to Fariñas’ direct and practical stewardship of the provincial government. Mike Keon is aware of the gridlock caused by the overzealousness or impracticality of his cousin’s administrative men that he is reported to have vowed to address this issue straightforwardly if he gets elected governor. To the ordinary citizen, Rudy was easier to deal with, in terms of getting quick and decisive results, but Bongbong, despite the over-bureaucracy in his administration, is more certain to deal with, in terms of candor. Fariñas’ past indiscretion, as much as he would want them to be considered as non-issues in the campaign, are but pertinent matters that he just face—with all sincerity and openness. His imperious reign on his governorship has turned off almost every government official that had served under him. His penchant to carry a gun in public has not only scared his audience, but has created as well a general aura of fear in him among his constituents. The gun-poking incident he had had reportedly against a congressional employee during his tenure as congressman is still fresh in the public mind that even though he is now rumored as a changed man, people are still intimidated by his mere presence. Because there would be an inescapable comparison between him and Keon on the issue of character, being that Michael has been considered as a builder of character on the youth given his overwhelming success in sports management, Rudy has to address this subject with vigor and forthrightness in this campaign. A viable and meaningful drug program aimed at stemming the ever-increasing drug problem on the youth, as part of Fariñas’ political platform, may reverse this enduring issue of his character. The two gubernatorial rivals in Ilocos Norte are laden with competence, if competence were the factor that seals the victory for a candidate. But competence takes the back seat in clannish places such as Ilocos Norte when other factors, such as regionalism and money come into the picture. On paper, Rudy Fariñas has the upper hand in the campaign if the money factor is the consideration. But Rudy, like Keon, has been known to shun the politics of vote buying, therefore, on the money angle, the race has to be on a dead heat. The second district of Ilocos Norte, which comprises 48.5% of the province’s voting populace is unquestionable in the tight grip of the Marcos family. The truth of the matter however is that only in Badoc, Banna, Batac, Currimao, Marcos and Nueva Era can Michael run away from Fariñas. These towns comprise 24.36% of the provincial votes. Michael could win in the other second district towns but Rudy is expected to give him a good fight in these areas. While Rudy has Laoag and Pasuquin, which represent 23.30% of the provincial votes, to claim as his bailiwicks, he expects to win or to be highly competitive in other towns in the first district. Sarrat, a first district town which comprises 4.53% of the provincial votes, could go overwhelmingly for Keon given that the late Doña Josefa, the late President Marcos’ mother, and therefore Keon’s grandmother, comes form this town and Mayor Abad and her brother, Atty. Chito Ruiz, a former mayor of this town and immigration commissioner under the Marcos presidency, who commands still unflinching reverence in this municipality, are solidly behind Michael. Pagudpud and Bangui, which represents 6.7% of the provincial votes, could go for Rudy if the Keon camp does not watch its steps in these volatile towns. One advantage that Michael has, on paper, is the fact that he is in alliance with Congressman Ablan of the first district. If this alliance holds true until election time, the Ablan-minion-dominated towns will give Michael a fighting chance in the first district. Ablan is in deep trouble, however, as far as his re-election bid is concerned, given the growing strength of Teteng Sales—his lone rival—in the rural areas. Noted for his political shrewdness however, Manong Roque may strike a deal with the Fariñases to get a solid mandate in Laoag and wipe out whatever additional in-roads Teteng might have gained in the rural areas since their first political encounter in 2004. If a secret deal therefore transpires between Rudy and Manong Roque the gubernatorial race in Ilocos Norte becomes a virtual dead heat. |