Saturday, May 19, 2007

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente
Lessons Learned In The May 14 Election
The May 14 election clearly showed the candidates for various political positions as well as political leaders and voters have matured. There was no bloody incident. The election was conducted in a manner worthy of professionals and civilized people.
The results of the election indicated the voters did not base their choice according to party lines but upon the issues, qualifications and performance. Generally, all candidates were the best and the Aklanon electorates voted for the candidates who were among the best. Almost all the candidates spent money for the election, some offered food and groceries. However, the voters received those money and other materials unconditionally given. They voted for the candidates of their choice.
The winners
In the provincial level, the Aklanons went for governor Carlito S. Marquez of Tibyog but voted Gabrielle V. Calizo of Kusog/AIM for vice governor. This indicated that "straight voting" is a thing of the past.
An independent candidate Atty. Anthony Y. Acevedo for congressman could have given Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores a good fight if he had made a good and systematic campaign. But Acevedo joined the race quite late. Acevedo has a very impressive record as provincial treasurer of Aklan and city treasurer of Iloilo City and Manila. He is a competent lawyer who has attended several trainings abroad with prestigious universities and institutions.
To some voters, the campaign of Acevedo was done leisurely and haphazard. In the case of the election for the sangguniang panlalawigan members it was 4-1 in the western district. Kusog/AIM cannot win more than two of the 5 positions for it fielded only two candidates. Hon. Ramon Gelito who was No. 5 in the 2004 also placed fifth in this 2007 election. Kusog could have won more seats if it fielded complete ticket.
At the eastern side of Aklan, it is 3-2 for Kusog/AIM.
This confirms the maturity of the Aklanon voters, that voters listened carefully to the issues, analyzed it and decided for the common good regardless of the political machineries and resources of the candidates and their political party.
Issues
There are three principal issues Kusog/AIM brought to the people.
1. Real estate tax – Kusog/AIM brought to their attention the sudden increase of real estate tax which reached 300-700 percent. Tibyog made a good job to explain this issue of taxation both in the campaign tour and in its radio program. Take note that Tibyog has twice as long radio/ TV time than its opponents. But more voters believed the opposition than the Tibyog.
2. Health management is an issue where the opposition heavily dealt with. It has captivated the emotional sense of the electorate. Again, Tibyog fully explained the issue but more voters believed the opposition than the Tibyog.
3. The increased rate of electric power. Hon. Rodson Mayor has inculcated to the voters that he is the protector of "Akeanong mga naga paeamati". He delivered the message that he fought much for the good of the people using his own money, time and effort. He claimed credit in the issuance of the TRO directing Akelco to cease and desist from implementing the increase electric power rate.
Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores came as an intervenor which hastened the issuance of TRO, but it was quite late, hence Mr. Mayor claimed for the credit and more voters believed him.
In the campaign trail, Rodson Mayor promised the people. "I will fight for you", Ret. Col. Nemesio P. Neron – "isumbong mo kay Neron", while Hon. Daisy Sucro Briones’ battle cry was: "Ibalik ninyo ako." These campaign slogans won the votes of more Aklanons.
Municipal
Mayors
Of the 17 towns, Balete, Banga and Malay mayors and vice mayors went to the Kusog/AIM, except Malay vice mayor who was unopposed. While Gov. Marquez lost in Balete and Malay, he won with overwhelming majority votes in Banga, his hometown. However, his vice governor Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino miserably lost not only in these three municipalities but in 13 other towns. He won in Ibajay.
Vice Governor Tolentino is a highly respected and adored official. His performance in the sangguniang panlalawigan is outstanding. What went wrong with him? Did the voters attribute to him the increase of real estate tax as presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan which approved the tax ordinance? Why did vice gov. lost in 16 towns? Only three mayors lost while 14 Tibyog mayors won in the election. Was there machine failure?
BANGA VOTERS
Since 1950 or for the last 57 years, Banga had never been led by anyone except lawyers and physicians. In this year’s election, the four candidates were Dr. Mercedes Imperial and Dr. Stevens N. Fuentes – both Dr. of medicine and Atty. Jeremy N. Fuentes a lawyer.
Mr. Antonio Mameng, an expert of "number games" won the mayoralty race. He even got the majority votes in Poblacion, Banga. Mameng won the election with more or less 3,500 majority votes.
While Mameng and his vice mayor, Mr. Melanio Rentillo triumphed, only one of his candidates for SB members won who placed number 8. The first seven went to the Imperial – Besana tandem and S. Fuentes – Teodosio team.
LESSONS LEARNED
In that May 14 election, Aklanons learned that election is won with the following: 1. Valid and relevant issues fully articulated to and understood by the people; 2. Competence, commitment and conscience of the candidates; and 3. Bribery by way of offering money and other goods will not deliver more votes. /MP

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