Citizens Participation on Constitutional Reform

The Congressional Committees on Peoples Participation and on Constitutional Amendments (in coordination with the COOP-NATCCO Party List), will conduct the Forum "Citizens Participation on Constitutional Reform" 1:00pm on 9 October at Conference Rooms 14 and 15, Ramon Mitra Hall, House of Representatives, Quezon City.

Some Implications of Atty. Leni Robredo's Candidacy

Atty. Leni Robredo has filed her certificate of candidacy for representative of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur yesterday. The decision was made due to the appeal of supporters and the imperatives of keeping the political team of her husband intact.

Some implications of her entry into the electoral contest:
(1)averted a potentially disadvantageous situation wherein two allies will be running against each other;
(2)effected the fielding of a candidate against two Villafuertes on the provincial level;
(3)provided a much needed opportunity for the ruling LP to consolidate its forces on the provincial level.

But to my mind, the greatest promise of Atty. Robredo's candidacy is the potential of limiting, if not totally dismantling, the dynastic rule of the Villafuertes in the locality. It should be noted that this influential family has fielded candidates for governor and congressmen. The emergence of a credible and capable challengers provide the voters with an opportunity for better choices.

Flashpoints revisited

Almost a month ago, I wrote in this blog about two potential flashpoints for the LP team in Naga City. First is the choice of candidates for the city officials, and the second is the selection of candidate for congressman of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur.

The LP line  up of candidates for city officials is almost done. Atty. Miles Raquid-Arroyo, PB Elmer Baldemoro, and .former city councilor Hon. William Del Rosario have completed the roster of candidates. The only remaining issue is the rumored withdrawal from the race of one incumbent councilor.

The more precarious situation is the selection of candidate for Congressman. Atty. Cadiz has filed for candidacy yesterday as independent. VM Bordado is expected to file his candidacy anytime tomorrow. Thus it may be a three-way struggle among these two contenders and Mrs. villafuerte, wife of incumbent Cong. Villafuerte. This  predicament is perceived to be grossly disadvantageous to the LP campaign in the district.

What remains to be seen now is how Atty. Robredo, the LP leader in the province, will intervene in this situation. A primary consideration for her intervention may be the fact that inspite of having candidates in almost all districts of the province, LP wasnt able to set up as of this time a line up of candidates for the provincial level. The top post in the province will be contested by Cong. Villafuerte and his grandson, Migs.

Rumors has it that an influential politician is moving around peddling stories against the Robredos or directly courting disillusioned allies of LP team in Naga City. Interesting. Maybe the right question now will be: "Who is afraid of Leni Robredo?"

Friends, check Philippine Daily Inquirer issue today, Across the Nation, page 17. Join us on October 3, Wednesday at Gateway Suites, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

RSVP to Jake Riel Ogana by calling (63 2) 920-2920 or (63 2) 426-6001 loc 4644 or emailing government_watch@yahoo.com.

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