EDITORIAL

No Change In The Capitol

The May 10, 2010 brought no change in the Aklan Provincial Capitol. There are changes however, in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.

Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores is reelected Congressman, Carlito S. Marquez is reelected Governor, and Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo is reelected Vice Governor.

The members of the SP Eastern side will miss the absence of Atty. Plaridel M. Morania otherwise there could be no change. Atty. Morania was disqualified for reelection after serving three consecutive terms as SP member. However, the lively weekly session in the SP will be maintained with the reelection of Hon. Nemesio P. Neron, Hon. Daisy Sucro Briones, Hon. Jean O. Rodriguez, and Hon. Rodson Mayor. Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo won the slot vacated by Atty. Morania.

The set of SP members from Western Aklan consist of young generation, but highly seasoned politician as the three among the five SP members are scions of former governors of Aklan. Moreover, the other two are comparatively young but equally learned and articulate.

It is projected their presence will bring sobriety and dignity during sessions and committee deliberations.

Hon. Selwyn Ibarreta will remain the lone lawyer in the SP who is expected to discuss any legal question which maybe asked during sessions and committee hearings.

Hon. Gerick Templonuevo used to represent the youth in the SP. His actions in and outside the session hall deserve public attention as gauge in the 2013 election when he should have fully served a three continuous three year terms as SP member.

The three young SP members, Jose Enrique Miraflores, Victor M. Garcia, and Phoebe Clarisse L. Cabagnot are heirs apparent of their respective parent’s office.

As Congressman of the Lone District of Aklan, will Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores anoint his son Jo-en to be the Tibyog Party candidate for the lone congressional district of Aklan in 2013?

Perhaps in the last election, Jo-en could be the highest spender in political advertisement. He may also be the lowest, because three of them in the family were candidates. The father for Congressman, the mother for Ibajay Mayor, and the son for SP member. They all won the election without so much difficulty. Moreover, a close relative is the number one nominee of a party list "Kasangga".

Hon. Victor Garcia is currently a member of the SB Ibajay. By July 1, 2010, he will transfer to the Aklan SP as member. His father, Governor Roberto "Nono" Garcia served Aklan as governor for quite long. Will Victor Garcia, the son aims at the capitol as provincial governor in 2013?

Ning L. Cabagnot appears young than her 31 years age as observed by some people. She or Jo-en will probably be the youngest member of the SP beginning July 1, 2010. Ning is a promising young woman, highly intelligent, industrious and a graduate of prestigious colleges of degrees highly relevant for the development of a province like Aklan.

Being the daughter of a provincial governor for seven years, Atty. Corazon L. Cabagnot, will Ning Cabagnot focus her target at the provincial capitol or congress? Her actions inside and outside the session hall merits watching.

Office Switch

Will Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores and Gov. Carlito S. Marquez switch position in the 2013 election? Cong. Miraflores and Gov. Marquez are not allowed for reelection as they should have completed three successive terms. If the two switched position, there is no chance for the young politicians to go up unless they stay with the opposition. Gov. Marquez has not developed any understudy from his relatives to succeed him.

Vice Gov. Billie Calizo-Quimpo may stay as is for she has another term as Vice Governor after 2013.

Indeed, Aklanons can expect major changes in leadership among the political leaders in the year 2013. The three neophyte members of the SP who are the children of former provincial governors of Aklan must show results. Aklanons should find out if they deserve the respective chairs of their parents. /MP