The 4 Mayoral Candidates

Feb 21, 2022

The 4 Mayoral Candidates

By Marciano A. Paroy Jr.

City mayors have the responsibility to supervise

programs, projects, services, and other activities, among others, in the local government of Tabuk. Vice mayors, meanwhile, preside over the sangguniang panlungsod (city council) and excercise the powers and duties of the city mayor in cases of temporary vacancy, among others. 

Hmmm, looks pretty clear. 

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When City Mayor Darwin C. Estranero was still running for Vice Mayor, his was a track record that is of anyone's envy. Ini-straight na dayta for 3 terms, so that when it was his turn to shoot the mark for the plum position in Tabuk City, he got it. No questions asked.

It is his second term that draws adversaries - three to be exact.  Will his cool, calm and debonair persona be at work again? Let’s see. 

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Now, the three adversaries. 

Vice Mayor Bernard Dao-as came into the world of Tabuk politics as an ally to Mayor DCE. But then, their friendship turned “Friend into Foe.”  However, both of them know that nothing is permanent in this realm of politics. Embrace now, reject the next. Then “welcome” as if nothing happened. As it said, All is well that ends well.

But we’re in the “reject” stage pa lang, wala pa sa “embrace” stage. So… it’s Sir Bernard versus Sir Darwin.

It’s gonna be one helluva fight.

Sir Bernard has his Mt. Province and Benguet contingent (but knowing Tabuk, “huwag siyang magpakasigurado”). And he has Kalinga, Ilocano, etc captive crowd too (and don’t forget, Sir Darwin has this too. “Whatever you have, I have”).

Sir Dao-as, let’s see your followers.

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Which brings us to Josephine Odsey. Among her many qualifications is the time she spent productively at KSU (or KASC pa rin) as a professor before moving on. Odsey… just mention her surname and it commands respect. But mostly in Bontoc and in Sagada. Will it work in Tabuk? Also, don't forget the power of women. Let’s wait and see. 

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Macario Balanggao Jr. Hmm. Dito ako apprehensive. Because he just might spring a surprise. From Upper Tabuk, and making waves. Remember, agipatugaw da iti kayatda nga kalugaranda. But that’s in the councilor level. 

Still, let's be surprised by this mayoral bet.

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Let’s hope for the best.