Good Morning Judge: The Political Race is On

WITH the last day of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and Certificates of Nomination (CON) for the Party-List Candidates the actual political season has indeed started. It would seem that the political contests both in the national and local levels have become interesting what with close relatives are seen running against each other in their attempts to vie for seats in different national and local offices. In Camarines Sur, the reconciliation among the Villafuerte clan has brought former Camarines Sur Governor and Congressman Louie R. Villafuerte back in the limelight as he runs for Congressman of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur for a second bout with incumbent Congressman Gabby Bordado. It may be recalled that during the last congressional elections, incumbent Congressman Gabby surprisingly bested the veteran politician of Camarines Sur with a sizable majority. If the electorate of Naga does not give ex-governor Louie with a clear and sizable majority the same thing may happen this time around as it did during their last bout. From our reliable source in Congress, Representative “Gabby” has performed well during the last Congress in terms of bills he sponsored and found approval and in terms of projects he brought in his district. He is also refuted not only as studious but more importantly as an honest public servant in the handling of his congressional perks. In the 4th District of Camarines Sur, another veteran politician in the person of former House Speaker Noli Fuentebella is running for re-election with a neophyte political personality contesting his election. Political pundits in Partido district, however, have ventured the guess that Congressman Noli is still the man to beat. In the race for the governorship of Camarines Sur, some observers have expressed their well-considered opinion that incumbent governor Migs Villafuerte still has the upper hand as against his challenger incumbent congressman and majority floor leader Nonoy Andaya. These observers claim that the younger Villafuerte has the youth voters (those aging from 18 to 40 years) solid behind him. On the other hand, there are those who also claim that with the unabated financial resources of Congressman Nonoy Andaya, the political table may yet turn in his favor. Well, as they say in politics there is nothing permanent except political interest. TRIVIA: Through this column please allow me to extend my most sincere and deepest condolences and that of my spouse Minda to the bereaved family of the late Atty. Fabie Mendez, former Camarines Sur IBP President who recently passed away after a lingering illness. From a text message I received from incumbent IBP President Florante Nacor, the IBP vigil for the former president will be held today (Thursday, October 18) at 8:00 pm at the Mendez Residence in San Nicolas, Iriga City. Congratulations to Rene Villegas who celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday, October 17, with a luncheon-fellowship for his AdeNU high school ‘54 batch mates and their spouses at the Wok Restaurant along Magsaysay Avenue. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THE STRONGEST DEMOCRACIES FLOURISH FROM FREQUENT AND LIVELY DEBATE, BUT THEY ENDURE WHEN PEOPLE OF EVERY BACKGROUND AND BELIEF FIND A WAY TO SET ASIDE SMALLER DIFFERENCES IN SERVICE OF GREATER PURPOSE.” BARACK OBAMA FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “HE WHO MOCKS THE POOR BLASPHEMES HIS MAKER.” PROVERBS 17:8