Elections in Davao Region never cease to entertain although in some provinces, cities and towns it can be quite boring.
Despite the early blitz of the Nograles siblings in the election hustings offering what they claim to be an alternative option to the Duterte brand of leadership, hardly are they making a dint in Davao City.
For Past Mayor and President Rodrigo Duterte, his sons Baste running this time as Vice Mayor and Paolo, a re-electionist Representative in the 1st District and his budding grandson, Omar Duterte, an extremely popular Barangay Captain of Buhangin, getting elected is a walk in the park.
Karlo’s sister Migs a Partylist representative is putting a challenge against Paolo while Jabie Garcia Campus, a virtually unknown newbie is facing an uphill battle against Omar.
Karlo’s running mate is incumbent councilor Bernie Al-ag whose brother is running for congressman in the 3rd District versus incumbent Sid Ungab. The Al-ags and Campus were previous members of Hugpong ng Tawong Lungsod, a local party of PRRD. The three were consequently expelled from HTL.
In Davao del Norte a diluvial and unexpected political developments happened way beyond anyone’s imagination. The ruling Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reporma or Partido Reporma Chaired by Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez and his confrere’ Gov. Edwin Jubahib split right in the middle and are irreconcilable.
Jubahib had been suspended twice by the Office of the President for grave abuse of authority and oppression and his direct involvement and use of government facilities in a rally against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). Shortly before the filing of Certificates of Candidacy, governor Jubahib surreptitiously scooted to Manila and joined President Marcos Partido Federal.
Eventually he filed his COC under Partido Federal. But in what could be the height of ingratitude Jubahib fielded his daughter Clarice against Bebot Alvarez, who he knew is running for Vice Governor.
Alvarez anger and sentiments are not without bases. It is widely known in the Davao del Norte that the former Speaker recruited Jubahib, a bus driver, to be his Chief of Staff. Jubahib was a loyal messenger of the Speaker who then wields enormous power he directly confronted the political and economic leadership in the province among them the Del Rosario’s and the Floirendos.
But Alvarez himself had his own breach of loyalty and friendship when he filed cases against his bosom friend, then Congressman Tonyboy Floirendo before the Office of the Ombudsman . Tonyboy, then the Chairman of ANFLOCOR forgot to divest just a single share with the flagship of the Floirendo conglomerates. He was convicted by the Sandiganbayan but was acquitted by the Supreme Court.
These days karma is playing on Alvarez and Jubahib as this early they are washing their dirty linens in public. The direct beneficiary of their quarrel is no other than Congressman Alan Dujali who is running for governor under Lakas – CMD. Congressman Dujali was a reluctant candidate but he was an early choice of the leaders in Davao del Norte and admirers because of his unprecedented performance as congressman in terms of the number of projects he sponsored through legislation that benefited not only District 2 which he represents but District 1 as well.
We have met a few political figures in Davao del Norte which courted our attention simply because they are related to prominent political figures in the past who served in various elective positions even before the province was divided.
We never can forget the Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario who skippered the provincial government which led to unprecedented growth of Davao del Norte in terms of infrastructures and economy. He has retired from politics and so with his sons. His grandson Tino del Rosario is running for Mayor in the Island Garden City of Samal against three others.
Prior to RDR, is a simple man Gregorio Dujali who is known for his unimpeachable honesty and unrelenting dedication to serve as governor. Congressman Alan Dujali and Panabo Vice Mayor Gregorio “Banjong” Dujali III have inherited his genes in public service guided by a dictum: “Just do it!”. Alan brings back the dedication of a public servant that the late governor Gregorio Dujali is known for. Banjong is running this time as Mayor of Panabo City.
Then there is a progeny or descendant of popular names in the political history of Davao del Norte. When we accidentally met Lovely Omega a mayoral candidate in New Corella, Davao del Norte memories of the past ushered in names of political leaders in the province . Lovely Obenza looks exactly like her name but beware, this courageously intelligent lady is known to be a sharp shooter and a master of martial arts. For New Corella which had become notorious for a number of unsolved killings and growing crime index, this lovely Omega could be what the New Corella needs.
