CATBALOGAN, Samar –
At this early, personalities belonging to two influential families of
this capital town has signified their willingness to contest each
other in the province’s two top government positions in May 2007
election.
Of this writing, the
name of one Cherry Ann Tan, the daughter of the incumbent Samar
Governor Milagrosa T. Tan has surfaced to apparently unseat
administration lawmaker Catalino Figueroa from his position as
representative of the second district of Samar in Congress, a position
held by the latter for seven years now.
In the gubernatorial
post, as luck would have it, its Zumarraga town mayor Neliphta, wife
of Congressman Figueroa, have appeared to challenge the incumbent
governor on, it seems, as to who is seemingly the “most endearing
lady” in Samar.
In their public
appearances, it appears that both parties promised their supporters
and constituents to give each opponent a tough fight – either in money
and number of political supporters.
Since mid of 2005,
neophyte Cherry Ann has been reported roaming around the second
district of the province, especially in the remote areas, distributing
relief goods in behalf of her mother-governor.
Taking cue from her
speeches in public appearances, observers said it appears that the
young lady, sources said, graduated as Pharmacist, is now being
groomed as Congresswoman Candidate in the next year synchronized local
and national election.
“Yes, that information
is true. We’ve been planning that since last year. That (plan) was
also pronounced boldly during the recent inauguration of the Balantak
Resort in Basey,” a source close to Tan’s camp told this writer.
The source informed
that although they are a bit angst-ridden for the inexperience of
their candidate “but I think she (Cherry Ann) can do that in Congress…
she is intelligent and multitalented so to speak.”
When asked for more
details, the source, however, refused to comment for more information
such on possible platforms, line ups, etc. “But… she is ready, we are
ready,” he added.
On the other hand, the
68-year old Figueroa (Nacionalista Party) when asked to comment said
he is not bothered as he already knew it all since the start.
“Why I will be
bothered? She is a neophyte, no experience in politics, no experience
even in the smallest government position and definitely young at that,
she can’t handle this province just like her mother,” the solon told
reporters here.
The solon, who
celebrated his 68th birthday last May 15 at the lower House, and is
considered a veteran in political arena, has been a public servant
since 1966.
A certified public
accountant (CPA) by profession, he was appointed supervising examiner
of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from 1966 to 1987 and served
as senior provincial board member from 1988 to 1992. He was the
representative of the 2nd district of Samar from 1992 to 1998 and from
2004 to present.
Meanwhile, the solon’s
wife Neliphta, who is now serving her native town of Zumarraga for
years now, is determined to block the reelection bid of the two-termed
Governor Tan.
The plan was
repeatedly announced by the couple themselves during public gatherings
and media interviews here.
Describing the
administration of Tan as “a real shame,” the Figueroa couple wants to
end the “maladministration” of the governor saying “she has done
nothing” to improve the province.
Mayor Figueroa, who is
currently heading the Samar Mayors League of the Philippines, Regional
and the Visayas League of Municipalities, said she can develop this
province like what she did in Zumarraga town.
Governor Tan, on one
hand, did not show a bit of alarm over the couple’s plan to unseat her
saying he has the support of the masses.
“Basta ako trabaho
lang ang ako, bahala nalang ang tawo magbuot sa sunod eleksyon,” (It's
up to the people to choose when election comes, I’m just working) the
governor said in vernacular.
To date, those
political aspirants who signified their intention to run are now seen
roaming around the province, while candidates seeking the mayoralty
and provincial board seats are still silent.
