The political alliance of the Cua group and that of TGP Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. was further cemented last week when majority of the former’s members took their oaths as Lakas-CMD recruits before House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Aside from Cong. Teves, the other politicians belonging to the majority bloc who were at the Speaker’s office at the Batasang Pambansa last Aug. 13, 2024 were presidential son Rep. Sandro Marcos, House Appropriations chair and Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, House Majority Leader Cong. Manix Dalipe, current AKB Rep. Jil Bongalon, former AKB Reps. Christopher Co and Alfredo Garbin, BHW Partylist Rep. Nica Co, and Agusan del Norte 1st District Cong. Joboy Aquino II, among others.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan members who took their oaths were PBMs Rafael Zuniega, Robert Fernandez, Jose Romeo Francisco, Josevan Balidoy, and Dean Roberto Vergara. PBMs Edwin Tanael and Santos Zafe were already sworn in as Lakas members before while PBM Jan Ferdinand Alberto is with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
Liga ng mga Barangay provincial federation president Tito Villamor was also present as a witness as he and SKPF president Fred Benedict Gianan are supposed to be non-partisan.
All 11 mayors were there: Virac’s Samuel Laynes, Atty. Leo Mendoza of San Andres, Glenda Aguilar of Caramoran, Raul Tabirara of Pandan, Juan Rodulfo of Bato, Francisco Camano Jr. of San Miguel, Odilon Pascua of Bagamanoc, Cesar Robles of Panganiban, Jose Paolo Teves III of Baras, and, in a surprise development, Vicente Tayam Jr. of Gigmoto.
All 10 were sworn in as brand-new Lakas members, except for Laynes who took his oath recently together with Vice Gov. Peter Cua. Mayor Emeterio Tarin of Viga, who is on his third and last term, was busy with fiesta activities.
Only one vice mayor was among the new Catanduanes Lakas members: Bagamanoc’s Juan Velchez Jr.
On paper, the Lakas-TGP-AKB combine in the 2025 local elections in Catanduanes would be a juggernaut, considering that the congressman from Bato has only the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas to back him up.
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Let’s check the potential 2025 matchups in each of the 11 towns.
In San Andres, if Mayor Leo “Nonong” Mendoza indeed decides not to run, a three-cornered fight is possible between former Mayor Aly Romano, Councilor Felix Romero Jr. and a former resident of Canada with businesses in the town.
Caramoran Mayor Glenda Aguilar could have a rematch for her third term with former Mayor Agnes Popa, if rumors are to be believed.
Another rematch is in the offing between two Pandan heavyweights: Mayor Raul “Takoy” Tabirara and former Mayor Honesto “Olog” Tabligan II.
In Bagamanoc, Mayor Odilon Pascua could be unopposed if no one dares to run against him.
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A LETTER TO PARENTS. A college student writes a letter to his parents back home.
Dear Mom and Dad,
$chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. My profe$$or$ are al$o $uper cool! With all my $tuff, I $imply can’t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. Mi$$ you guy$!
<br>Love, Your $on
They reply:
Dear Son,
I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.
Love, Mom and Dad