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I think some of the good friends of Manny Pacquiao are correct in advising him to run under the party-list system so that it will give Filipinos all over the country a chance to vote for him. I also think that the people will accept Manny?s candidacy this way rather than have him meet the Chiongbians head on for a congressional seat in Sarangani province.
Manny?s representing the sports sector would be more palatable because he?d be representing the sector where he belongs and he surely knows what he?d be talking about. The other plus factor is that it would allow him to be neutral when it comes to the presidential derby. So, for his own good, Manny should seriously consider the suggestion. His friends truly mean him well.
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The latest controversy involving Manny Pacquiao, this time with Krista Ranillo, is the hottest talk of the town, with some people engaging in Krista bashing. I think Manny should speak out and tell the truth about their relationship.
Our macho culture has again reared its ugly head when people start to blame Krista for intruding into the life of a married man. But again, why should we put the blame on Krista when there?s more reason to blame Manny Pacquiao who is older and knows his duties as a married man?
I think the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulder of Manny and the relationship, if it exists indeed, should have been nipped in the bud ? that is, if Manny did not encourage it in the first place. We should protect our women from humiliation, from the taunts and jeers coming from our macho men and women.
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Politics in Mandaue City has become unpredictable as to who?s in and who?s out under the administration or the opposition.
Former mayor Teddy Ouano, who is an ally of Rep. Nerry Soon-Ruiz, has bolted the alliance and is now the district chair of the Nacionalista Party. He brought with him some opposition councilors who used to be Nerry?s allies. But Teddy hasn?t decided yet which position to run for, whether as mayor or congressman.
What is sure is that it is going to be Jonas Cortes versus Nerry for mayor, both under the Lakas-Kampi coalition, but with a caveat: whoever won?t get the administration party?s support will be a gain for the Liberal Party, which is still seeking a candidate in the 6th district and Mandaue City.
Is Luigi Quisumbing running for Congress and under what party? Luigi said he is still with Lakas, although he and his family were seen lately with Noynoy Aquino.
And what happens to Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna, who was endorsed by Nerry to run for Congress in the 6th district? Reports say Carlo is willing to set aside his congressional aspiration to give way to either Luigi or Teddy.
Teddy?s departure from Nerry?s camp has complicated the political situation in Mandaue, making it difficult to predict the 2010 outcome. Now, Jonas? reelection bid is becoming clearer with the Nerry-Teddy split. Perhaps Nerry welcomes Ouano?s departure, believing that Teddy?s presence in her camp may be a liability, considering the many scandals that besieged the former mayor?s stint, including the infamous ASEAN streetlamps.
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In Talisay City, there seems to be some complication in the administration ticket, which initially includes Acting Vice Mayor Allan Bucao as the candidate for vice mayor of Mayor Soc Fernandez. But former vice mayor Aberdovey Belleza is also vying for the support of the administration party to claim his old post.
Reports say Belleza first declined the offer to run for vice mayor or board member but eventually changed his mind. Belleza intimated that he is being supported by the city council in his bid to run for vice mayor, while Bucao is anchoring his bid on Congressman Eduardo Gullas? blessing.
I think the council?s support for Belleza is expected. The council considers Bucao an oppositionist, thus an outsider. But I also believe in the importance of an opposition in the deliberative body, which makes for carefully-considered and well-balanced legislation, especially with the caliber of Bucao. But in the final analysis, it is Congressman Gullas who will decide whom to anoint.
