Political Season Arrives Early

The Issue: Declaration of intentions for the most coveted seat in public office here has begun to light up the skies of paradise.

Our View: An appropriate time to critically scrutinize the skills and maturity of each team in dealing with substantive issues.

The Republicans (GOP) are headed into turbulent waters what with more prospects eyeing a run to represent the party as its official standard bearer heading into the Gubernatorial Race 2001.

Already, we saw the official announcement of the Juan N. Babauta and Diego Benavente tandem crossing their fingers that they could secure the lead versus heir-apparent Lt. Governor Jesus R. Sablan who announced his candidacy last night.

This tango is an invitation for a battle out in the turbulent seas of politics at least for the GOP. There’s the divisive primary to endure and serious injuries among different camps to attend to after the first hurdle. Reconciliation after the battle is yet another matter and a difficult feat to tame.

Yet there’s the possibility that other more formidable prospects may toss their hats into the ring. One or two more tandems ought to make the GOP primary as colorful as a Fourth of July fireworks, lighting up the skies in the Philippine Seas as the competition heightens.

The Babauta tandem claims leadership as a forte and wish to see them instituted up ahead. But with knee-jerk positions on the proposed federal takeover, coupled with umpteen number of anti-business measures under Benavente’s House stewardship, it’ll be very difficult making palatable such sales pitch under such well earned reputation. And not when his partner went on head on collision with the business sector.
Pepero, the heir-apparent must stay focus and decisive in his positions on substantive issues. He seems to have better disposition on issues than his nemesis Babauta. Both, however, need a lot of polishing up on most major concerns here. Otherwise, they’d be groping for words when put on the firing line to defend the freedom that we have worked for since 23 years ago.

Gubernatorial prospects need to understand the essence of wealth and jobs creation and the role that the business community plays in building a stronger and healthier local coffers upon which we defray the cost of essential services. On this issue, Pepero has the edge while the BB tandem has a lot of learning and catching up to do, including scrapping of reactionary views that have done nothing but fuel hopelessness and joblessness in these isles. Well, it should be an interesting tango where we find the political season descending upon GOP land a little early. Si Yuus Maase`!