Saving Leonardia

By Modesto P. Sa-onoy

From the initial shock that became apparent to the public, the camp of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia is now engaged in an operation on how to save his political life and ambitions. As I wrote last week, former 3^rd district Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has not officially declared his intention to run for the mayoralty post of Bacolod, but the Leonardia camp had unleashed a barrage of verbal assaults against him, some words below the belt. That reaction to the undeclared candidacy is a sign of panic.

The people known to Benitez are in fact tightening the screws and signaling that indeed their favorite “non-candidate” will run to dislodge Leonardia from his perch. Former Bacolod councilor Homer Bais, known to be in the Benitez camp, increased the pressure when he said that Benitez has been going the rounds of the city.

The Leonardia camp must have posted a tail on Benitez because they belittled Benitez’s move and called him names. That speaks of how the Leonardia camp views Benitez’s actions. Bais considered it a sign of Benitez’s real intent.

Indeed. Why would Benitez transfer his legal residence in Bacolod and run for senator?

Last week there were two fires that broke out in the city. Hours after the fires, radio commentators were talking about the immediate response of Benitez – he distributed P5,000 to each of the afflicted families and promised to provide some appliances to victims so they could continue with their home-based business. Cong. Gasataya also facilitated a fast release of national fund assistance.

People asked, “Where was Leonardia?” I have not heard him going there. One media girl told me that Leonardia, like many government and private employees, “are working at home.” Another said Leonardia will still get the fund from the city. He will not let go of this retirement fund. Later last week he did distribute city funds, not his. Anyway, it was quicker than usual.

His potential opponent digs from his own pocket and not rely on government money. That is understandable because other than income from his salary, Leonardia does not have legally known sources of income.

I am certain this development has challenged the Leonardia camp. His highly possible opponent, unexpected and formidable must be met with all the political talents and force of the Leonardia camp. A slip could mean the early retirement of their mayor and provider.

But with what? Well, for starters, match money for money, but as our media friend opined, Leonardia would not let go of his retirement fund although it is believed considerable and in the millions. However, it is usually estimated that P200 million would be the minimum cost for an election that would be fiercely fought.

The alternative would be to stop the fight – get one out of the race. The idea was floated that Benitez should be enticed to run for the Senate, but who would sponsor him? Remember he was also bruited to run for the Senate the last election but Benitez is smart enough to know his chances.

Homer Bais somehow dumped cold water into the idea – Benitez would not have transferred to Bacolod if he had considered the Senate. Makes a lot of sense.

Then I heard Councilor Al Espino talk about the plan to “resurrect” the idea of dividing Bacolod into two congressional districts. This has been in the works since the beginning of this century. This is Gerrymandering, the manipulation of the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor one party or politician.

This idea was junked by Leonardia before because he was in power and he did not want to let go of any of Bacolod’s territory to people not under his control.

There are several scenarios. Cong. Greg Gasataya has still one term after 2022. He cannot be dislodged to give way to Leonardia in the event Leonardia would opt to run for Congress knowing fully well his poor chances against Benitez.

But if there is another district he could run for, remain in public office and keep his retirement fund because (it is assumed) Benitez need not bother, or may unite with him. More so, Gasataya remains unchallenged.

Gerrymandering is a ploy to save Leonardia, but…