BBM-Sara feud may impact Antique politics

By Herbert Vego

MY friend Joe Escartin, a political analyst, shared to me his views on why the break-up of the “uniteam” of President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos and Vice-President Sara Duterte would impinge on the politics of Antique.  Let me summarize Joe’s talking points:

It will undermine the tandem of incumbent Governor Rhodora Cadiao, who is running for congresswoman, and former Pandan Mayor Jonathan Tan, who is running for governor. Since Tan is a known Marcos ally while Cadiao is associated with VP Sarah, their respective followers would not be solidly behind the duo.

Her linkage to Sara would limit her access to the financial support of business tycoon Ricky Razon, a Marcos supporter, even if the latter is fund-raiser for the National Unity Party (NUP), to which Cadiao belongs. Tan had served Marcos as administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The campaign operations of Tan (independent) and Cadiao (NUP) would therefore be a contradiction.

The tandem of Paulo Javier (a former congressman) and Edward James Dy Buco for governor and vice governor, respectively, would attract pro-Duterte voters because they are known Duterte loyalists.  Dy Buco was deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs under President Rodrigo Duterte.  However, this fact would make the tandem vulnerable to political interventions by Marcos’ leaders and operatives.

Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda, a political proxy of his sister, Senator Loren, would be less affected by this political rift. Though Loren has strong political links with Duterte, her party, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), would provide political cover to stay neutral behind the BBM-Sara. AA claims the support of 15 to 16 incumbent mayors for her brother.

Sister Loren, it is interesting to note, had prevailed upon his rumored running mate for governor, Ray Roquero, to back out – no doubt to also gain the support of other gubernatorial wannabes for re-electionist Cong AA. Poor Ray…

The BBM-Sara feud could divide voters loyal to the administration, weakening the ability of one dominant bloc to secure electoral win. The fragmentation of political base will augur well for alternative gubernatorial  candidates who have no strong political colors, such as Edgar Denosta and Vicente Fedelicio who may count on grassroots without relying on the traditional campaign machinery of local politicians.

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JARO SUBSTATION UNDER REHAB

TRUE to the promise of MORE Power President Roel Z. Castro, the company is now into the homestretch of its five-year power modernization goal for Iloilo City.

As of now, the Jaro substation is being deloaded as an unavoidable step in its rehabilitation, upgrading and modernization. But it does no harm to consumers connected to its feeders, since they are temporarily diverted to feeders of other substations.

Why the need to keep substations and their feeders in tip-top condition?

A distribution substation needs multiple feeders to supply power to different areas in such a way that a breakdown of one feeder would not destabilize the other feeders.

These feeder lines transmit electricity from the substation to distribution transformers or directly to end-users. They are designed to handle a specific amount of electrical load.

Since feeders are protected by overcurrent devices such as fuses, overcurrent relays, reclosers, and sectionalizers, they need to be constantly maintained for maximum longevity.

Needless to say, the total changes being done to the power lines are geared towards providing safer and more reliable electrification.

MORE Power customers who have any concerns may dial the firm’s 24/7 helpline numbers at 330-6673 (landline), 0919-0720-626, and 0917-6375-214 or through the email address customercare@morepower.ph.

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ART EXHIBITION AT BINIRAYAN

AS part of the forthcoming Binirayan Festival in San Jose, Antique, a celebrated Antiqueño watercolorist, Fernando Garion Catague, will present his 11^th solo exhibition, the “Duna nga Manggad,” at the old provincial capitol from December 6 to 20, 2024.

Art patrons who could not make it on those dates may view the same event at Studio Mano Art Space on December 22.

Artist Nanding Catague will grace the exhibition opening and rub elbows with viewers at 1:30 on December 6 (Friday).

Dali ron. Agto ta to.