By Eduardo Basilonia
After exchanging ideas and brainstorming over a cup of coffee with some of our media friends and other political observers, the much-awaited political clash in Capiz is for a congressman in the 1st District between Paolo Roxas and incumbent Rep. Howard Guintu of Pinuno Party-list.
Almost 37 years ago, since 1988 (Dinggoy Roxas defeated lawyers Edward Azarraga and Assemblyman Ike Belo in the 1988 congressional showdown). The Roxas clan will meet their political rivals again in the May 2025 midterm elections.
Resources, leaders, and propaganda are all even; maybe in the application of the political strategy.
In the municipality, I choose the town of President Roxas, which I consider exciting since the Locsin family, through young and promising Bart Locsin, wants to challenge incumbent mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin, who faces a case for the cancellation of his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The popular mayor has his reasons.
In terms of party or organization name, I pick the municipality of Panay as the most colorful and meaningful, like the “Hidlaw Panay” led by incumbent Mayor Vicente “Toto Vic” Bermejo while erstwhile rival “Hilway Panay” led by last-term Provincial Board Member Jonathan “Sonny” Besa. Can Hidlaw outscore Hilway, or will Hilway surprise Hidlaw?
On the other hand, Mayor Raymond “MonMon” Malapajo enjoys finishing his last term as he is unopposed as town mayor of Maayon.
