Showdown among Mar’s allies excite Capiceños
ROXAS CITY – The showdown among the political allies of Sen. Mar Roxas, Liberal Party (LP) bet for vice president, whose forces had been proven for several decades as no one could beat them during election, excite Capiceños this early.
Allies who will lead the fight are last termer 2nd District Congressman Fredenil Castro of Lakas Kampi-CMD, 2nd termer 1st District Cong. Antonio del Rosario, 2nd Termer Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr, all of LP, and 2nd termer city Mayor Vicente Bermejo of Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC).
Castro and Bermejo joined forces against the chosen bets of Roxas, they are Tanco and Del Rosario. These four political stalwarts were loyal and allies of Roxas during several past elections.
However, political analysts said that it’s normal for the group, whose force is unbeatable, to fight against each other since they no longer have foes outside of the party to beat.
Roxas camp said that Bermejo and Castro were kicked out from the LP as party discipline after they violated the party rules.
The senator even said in one meeting that he will borrow money from his sister Rhea in order to defeat opponents in May 10 election.
But there are speculations that Roxas kicked them out from the party since they are no longer controllable as Castro already established political kingdom and became a political kingpin in 2nd district while Bermejo is doing the same in Roxas City.
Bermejo said earlier that he was unfazed of being expelled from the LP saying he is rather worried should his constituents unseat him as city mayor.
On the other hand, Castro blamed Roxas for not solving political differences between him and Tanco, Sr. in the 2nd district thus, he defected from Roxas’ party.
As a result, Roxas fielded former PNP Chief and retired Gen. Roberto “Bobby” Lastimoso to oppose Rep. Castro’s wife Mrs. Jane Castro in the congressional race.
He also pushed former Vice Mayor Alan Celino to run against Bermejo in city mayorship.
On the other hand, Castro likewise fielded former Agriculture Usec Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante of Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC) against Tanco, Sr of LP in the gubernatorial race and anointed Vice Gov. Felipe Barredo (UKC) against Del Rosario (LP) in 1st district congressional race.
Castro, an international lawyer, won as congressman in 2001. He brought many projects where all barangays in 2nd district has cover gym, infrastructures, concreting of roads as 2nd district to become progressive.
Del Rosario, rose from barangay captain of Brgy. Dayao, Roxas City, vice mayor for several terms and city mayors for three terms as he also brought more projects in the city. It was during his term that Roxas City became a hall of famer as the cleanest and greenest city not only in Western Visayas but also in the entire country.
Tanco, who had been more than 35 years in public office, had been a councilor in Dumarao before martial law. He became mayor after Edsa Revolution where he finished his three terms. In 1998, Tanco elected as vice governor where was unopposed for his 2nd and 3rd term. The governor, who is seeking reelection for 2nd term, had never been defeated in election.
Meanwhile, Bermejo, who brought many projects in the city, started his political career after Edsa revolution. He was appointed as OIC mayor in Panay and elected three consecutive mayor. In 1998, Bermejo elected as governor where he finished his three term and in 2007, he elected as mayor.
Capiz and the people of this city are watching who will win and loss among the unbeatable allies of Roxas in May 10 polls.
