Sta. Barbara politics
Posted on May 31, 2007 - Filed Under Punch Forum |
Eduardo Pontaoe
30 May 2007
Greetings, ladies and gents!
Just back from the rough and tumble world of Santa Barbara politics and the political quicksand of Pangasinan. It was quite an experience watching how ex-mayor Zaplan and Rey Velasco went “mano-a-mano” to make their points to convince the wily voters of Santa Barbara who’s the better of the two.
The last two weeks of the campaign made Zaplan poured all he got . . . according to some rats in his camp . . . a whopping amount of moolah to the tune of P30M. He thrown all but the kitchen sink and still got zapped big time - the result of a disgruntled populace who demanded change. He (Zaplan) went berserk campaigning and it was incredible seeing him with a cement mixer and truckloads of gravel asking anybody who wanted their pathways fixed or anything for a miserable vote. Zaplan’s bid for a scoundrelly pathetic vote was P500 which was cheap compared in the past.
As of this writing since I departed Santa Barbara, Zaplan is crying his heart out asking the gods why he lost. Looking at his drop-dead gorgeous wife, he pulled his hair off why such beauty became inimical to his campaign. He did not realize Jinky was a JINX since he dumped his first wife and PLAYED WITH FIRE.
Morality was in the political mix. The smoke of politics dissipates and comes the business of governance. Velasco’s 10 points declaration of intent is a monstrous hurdle to overcome. The people believed him he can deliver and the longing of relief can be felt how the people give him a mandate.
First, his order of business should be a full accounting of how much money from Santa Barbara was stolen. If Velasco would let the rats go and turn a blind eye then this election will be his first and the last. He should also rein-in his close associates who I was informed and heard they are promoting the idea of . . . to the victors belong the spoils. It is pretty scary to start because “jueteng” is still alive in this town, and drawings are being held three times a day from Zaplan’s cockpit. At P3000 a drawing, it’s an amount to be reckoned with.
But, given Velasco’s straight shooter for law and order, I’ll give “jueteng” and “shabo” until June 30th their last breath under the unscrupulously corrupt Zaplan.
And to The Benjie. . .good riddance.
For Oscar Lambino, I was right all along that his 11 years as a mayor of Malasiqui and as vice governor are just plain nonsense.
I say with objectivity, May 14, 2007, was the day Pangasinan politics brought forth a new meaning. From the barracks of PMA to the hallowed halls of Harvard. There’s a nice ring to it.
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