Politics
is another subject not very much encouraged in RDL discussions. Actually,
political discussion is not prohibited in the By-laws of RDL-CLEAR.
What is prohibited is to participate in, or intervene in (including
the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign
on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.
In order not to
complicate RDL agenda with political issues Nic Musico formed the
Romblon Political Forum on July 5, 2003. This Dialogue is excerpted
from the Romblon Political Forum Archive:
Nic Musico posted the following message on July 6 on the subject of
Politics - Development:
"Aloha all:
1. As of today
(Hawaii time), my understanding, Ylagan is still running for Congress.
The others who have expressed interest for Congress are Firmalo and
Cabrera.
2. Ylagan and
Madrona are very much together as of today.
3. Madrona is
still running for Governor.
4. The only time
that Ylagan "might possibly" run for Mayor of Odiongan is
when Firmalo decides to run also for Mayor. My understanding is it
is family against family. I didn't know that they have this family
political feud?
"I think,
what faction camps are trying to do is to destabilize each other.
My own opinion on this is that incumbents will try to hold on as much
as they can and oppositions will try their best to capture other's
supporters.
"In my opinion
also, what will decide the election are:
a) good solid
agenda
b) money
c) holding on their machinery, aligned with strong national party
d) able to carry and finance their municipal candidates
"This will
be an interesting & costly election. Specially that overseas absentee
voting will be done for the first time...although local elections
are not affected.
"I'm sure
mails are reaching the vice gov, gov, and congressman. I know about
this because they monitor various groups, not only RDL.
"What will
interest me most personally is when I hear each camp's agenda. I have
not heard any platform from any camp including the incumbent's...although
it is too early in the game."
Darlene Downer
responded:
"I already
packed my laptop and when I got the chance I surf on Da Spice
computer. I was curious to see the political forum so as I was clicking
never did I realized I was already part of the political forum and
I don't know if I have anything significant to contribute. Political
intrigue and gossip doesn't really interest me besides I would feel
personally meddling unnecessarily to comment on the affairs of Romblon
and try to influence the system. Sometimes it is hard not to comment
the least when we hear bad news but we are distant away, I don't know
how we can make an impact. Should I stay and just listen at everybody's
comment
or just to stay out of it for good?"
Moigs Benedicto had the following rejoinder:
"I disagree
somewhat. I think that as far as Romblon is concerned
the good solid agenda comes last. Sad but true unless, by a miracle,
the HOLY GHOST descends on the minds of the majority of the
Romblomanons and enlightens them".
Chu Mangoba agreed
with Moigs:
"I agree
with Moigs that we need the Holy Ghost to enlighten the voters in
Romblon. The Holy Ghost, as we know, does not work miracles himself
but does them through apostles. I want to believe that through this
forum the Holy Ghost is doing the job right now of selecting apostles
who can spread the gospel of clean and honest elections.
"Probably
the Holy Ghost has the following criteria in selecting the apostles:
· He or she must have strong belief that holding clean and
honest elections is the only way to have clean and honest public officials.
· He or
she knows that Romblon voters are educated and wise but they sell
their votes to the highest bidder because they need money to buy rice.
· He or
she must do something to break the vicious cycle of exchanging votes
with rice or money instead of voting the right person who can give
the people a better life.
"I pray that
the Holy Ghost will guide and lead us to be good apostles for clean
and honest elections in Romblon".
The topic of discussion
focused on Dr. Lolong Firmalo's political aspiration. Christopher
Mendez posted this message on July 10:
"Honestly speaking, coming from Romblon Town, I really don't
know Dr. Firmalo.
"I hear (read) very good words about this man in the RDL. He
seems to be popular in Odiongan and other towns in Tablas because
of his humanitarian deeds. Does he have any political background?
He might be at his best doing the doctor's job but I can't remember
any post talking about his political prowess. Can a doctor really
take the helm towards Romblon's social and economic well-being?
"I am sorry if I play the devil's advocate here. There are still
a lot of questions
to be asked (from a non-Tablasnon's(?) point of view) about the sea-worthiness
of Doc Lolong's political battleship.
"We've seen Budoy, Ylagan and the rest of the 'tradpols' strut
their stuffs out.
I'm quite interested to read Doc Lolong's background and if possible
his and the other's political agenda".
Rinzi Fadrilan
had the following words on Dr. Lolong Firmalo.
"I have not
read his CV but I know of two posts that he holds in socio-civic
organizations in his hometown Odiongan. He is president of the alumni
association of Romblon State College (RSC) and the Centro de las Islas
Pilipinas civic group. As prez of the alumni group, he holds a seat
in the board of trustees in the state college".
Ernesto Famatigan
responded on the topic of High Priority Issues:
"If I may add, POWER.
"Odiongan
is already experiencing regular brownouts. Most if not all of the
bunker-fuel driven generators have a record of 70,000 service hours.
"Any mechanical
engineer in the list would know what this means.
"Any time,
there will be severe power outages in Tablas. I know this will have
a
catastrophic implications to industries, educational facilities (RSC),
tourism,
etc."
Bob Gabuna commented
on High Priority Issues:
"Thanks much, Nic, for keeping track of the post you originally
initiated.
Since you are going to lump and revise the list, perhaps, out of the
inputs
contributed by the other listers, you could devise a Master Plan for
Romblon
development. This is a brainstorming stage.
"If only
the government officials could encourage the active participation
of expatriates, there is no need for "foreign" consultants
paid with
exorbitant fees to help the country or the province identify the need
and come up with a solution which more oftentimes are alien to the
culture of the people it intended to serve. Within our ranks we have
the "expertise".
Good thinking,
Nic!
To cut the dialogue
short the following updates were posted on recent political developments
in Romblon. Nic Musico posted the following on January 3, 2004:
"Slates are
forming fast and by Monday, Philippine time, we should know who have
filed for candidacy. I heard some heavy grumblings especially from
the incumbent side because they are fighting for slots.
"The race to watch is Odiongan...four-way race. I understand
Odiongan voters do not follow party line, so Bords Reyes might benefit
from this. My understanding there will be many women running for mayor...good
sign.
"If you know who are running from your municipality, please post
so that we can see the bigger picture.
"So far these are what I got:
Congress:
1. Lolong Firmalo
2. Budoy Madrona
Governor:
1. Robiso (Firmalo camp)
2. Ylagan (Madrona camp)
Vice Governor:
1. Mon Gutierrez (Firmalo camp)
2. Sam Romero (Madrona camp)
Mayor
Banton
1. Jory Faderanga
2. Pat Ferrera
Odiongan
1. Jemly Fernandez (Madrona camp)
2. Darryl Galindez (Firmalo camp)
3. Diday Famatiga
4. Bords Reyes (Independent)
Santa Maria
1. Pedrito Mindo, Jr.
2. Dennis Corpin (Madrona camp)
"I understand
Ervin Mateo has also filed to run for Vice Governor. How he is going
to campaign from jail, no one knows".
Doc Simp posted
the following response:
"Thank you
Nic for the info. We hope other listers will update the list. Again,
the Sanrokan Newsmagazine invites the incumbents and the opposition
or their supporters to sponsor an issue (congressman, governor and
vice-governor), Perhaps their paid ads should deal on: why are you
running for congressman, governor or vice governor? Why do you think
you are the best choice? What do you intend to do once elected? (Specific
answers) also a profile of the candidates with their pics is welcome.
"It is also very crucial that we focus on ISSUES in our discussions
and no name calling please. Another reminder: the invitation for the
candidates to present their campaign platform in the Sanrokan Newsmagazine
is a public service to inform and initiate intelligent choices among
the voters of Romblon and the Philippines in general. RDL-CLEAR will
continue to maintain its neutrality."
The political
dialogue of the Romblon Cybergroup is becoming hotter as the May Elections
draw near. We pray for clean and honest elections but our prayers
may not be heard by the candidates whose motive is only to win the
prize of running and by the voters whose immediate concern is to cast
his ballot for a price.
