Before continuing this column’s focus on the mayoral races, let me first issue this public apology to the good mayor of Gigmoto, Vicente Tayam Jr., who was mistakenly identified in the previous issue as his brother Edgar. We are sorry for the mix-up, which thankfully was caught in time before the entire issue was uploaded to the Tribune website and its social media account.
To resume our previous discussion, the situation in the small town of Panganiban is trickier. While both are now Lakas members, PBM Robert Fernandez, who previously expressed his intention to file his candidacy for mayor, reportedly wants a solid assurance from current chief executive Cesar Robles that that he would not field a candidate against the PBM in 2028. Otherwise, all bets are off.
In Viga, Vice Mayor Jennifer Tuplano is reportedly the favorite to win the mayoralty to replace the graduating Mayor Bong Tarin. Tuplano, however, is allegedly with the camp of Cong. Eulogio Rodriguez and could face a rival in next year’s election.
In Gigmoto, Mayor Tayam could run unopposed, a scenario more likely since his move to the Cua alliance. Congressman Eulogio Rodriguez reportedly tried to convince a ranking councilor to run for mayor but the latter declined the offer, preferring instead to contest the vice mayorship.
In Baras, Mayor Jose Paolo Teves III has his third and final term in the bag by 2025, unless an opportunity arises somewhere else. But the betting money is on the son of TGP Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. finishing his excellent stint as local chief executive.
Bato’s many-time Mayor Johnny Rodulfo could be in for a rougher ride in next year’s campaign if the plan of the town’s solon to field his daughter pushes through. But Rodulfo has been tested before in similar situations and will certainly pull through.
Outgoing Mayor Jun Camano of San Miguel looks to pass on the reins of power to one of his sons by next year and he could achieve this if the opposition does not unite and field a single bet.
In Virac, only two things are sure: former Mayor Posoy Sarmiento wants another run at the top post while three-termer Vice Mayor Arlynn Arcilla has already expressed her desire to follow in Mayor Samuel Laynes’ footsteps.
Whether the Cua alliance will throw a third candidate into the ring has yet to be answered, as it would depend on its plans for the provincial leadership.
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Last Aug. 11, while playing basketball with members of the Virac Sports Club, I tried stopping a potential fall by leaning on my right leg.
The result was a sports-related injury, Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tear at the right side of the knee, which resulted in some swelling and pain during walking and taking the stairs.
Only rest for two months, pain medicine, a knee brace and avoidance of weight on the affected leg is recommended. But I reinjured the leg last Friday afternoon, canceling outside activities including press coverage.
I would have to stay at home for some time, perhaps until October until the injury heals, hopefully with God’s help.
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THE BET. A professor makes a bet with a student. Every question the professor asks that the student can’t answer the student will owe him $1, every question the student asks that the professor can’t answer he owes the student $100.
Professor: What element has the atomic number 45?
The student having no idea hands the professor $1.
Student: What animal walks on 2 legs, sleeps on 4 legs, and runs on 3 legs?
The professor is stumped, so he gives the student $100.
Professor: OK, you win, but on earth was the answer to your question?
The student gives the professor $1 and goes home.