Election 2019: Who were the winners and losers?

Ex-youth leader is youngest incoming Bohol board member

It is clear after Monday’s election that the color blue turned out to be the favorite color during the 2019 midterm elections.  

Padayon Bol-anon did gain a clear majority in the towns, added more seats and scored victories in the provincial race. 

Both sides, the Tinuod nga Bol-anon and Padayon Bol-anon,  are claiming the results as a victory. So who really came out on top? 

Add captionvsFormer Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
leader Frans Garcia (second from left) was
proclaimed as one of the three board members
in the second district of Bohol on Tuesday night,
May 14. She is said to be the
youngest provincial lawmaker elected
for the midterm elections. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Here is a look at the winners and losers from Monday: 

There were two winners who were proclaimed on Tuesday, May 14.  They were Bohol Second District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Board Member Alexie Tutor.

Aumentado, who was reelected after winning by a huge margin over his opponent, was accompanied by his wife Vanessa, mother Greenie, and his siblings.

Aumentado thanked his supporters for their unwavering support.

“I promise to continue to help you in whatever way I can,” he told VRS after the proclamation.

Tutor was also proclaimed representative of Bohol’s third district with her husband reelected Candijay Mayor Christopher Tutor and family.

A former youth leader from the Carlos P. Garcia Island, is now an incoming board member of the province. She would occupy one of the three seats in the Provincial Board for the second district of Bohol.

Frans Garcia, a former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leader, also was Barangay Captain in Tugas on Carlos P. Garcia Island before running for the board member.

Images during the canvassing and proclamation
of winners at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, New Capitol. Photos: Leo Udtohan

At 26, Garcia is the youngest elected provincial lawmaker for this midterm election.

Outgoing Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol’s 3rd district is now the new governor of the province after he defeated former Cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. by 2,161 votes. He got 326,895 votes, while Evasco received 324,734 votes.

Yap, who was with wife Carol and some supporters, was proclaimed at 3 a.m. on Thursday, May 16,  after the canvassing of the returns from Panglao town, the last municipality to submit the election returns due to defective SD cards.

“I thank the Boholanos for giving me the opportunity to serve them. It’s a big pride for me and my family,” Yap who said in the vernacular.

The star power of President Duterte and his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio didn't work magic for their close friend Evasco.

Even before Yap was proclaimed, Evasco announced plans to contest the result and ask the Commission on Election (Comelec) to declare a failure of elections in Bohol due to massive vote buying.

 In a statement on Wednesday, Evasco, 74, said he heard reports of vote-buying employed by the camp of Yap in nearly all towns of the province and in Tagbilaran City.

"The possibility of defeat was therefore no longer a remote possibility. And yet, I did not entertain fear because I was well aware of the enormous task and responsibility that an electoral victory would bring," he said.

Images during the May 13, 2019 midterm elections.
 Everyone, both young and old, of different
 backgrounds and social classes, exercise their
right to vote. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Evasco said he instructed the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)-Bohol and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP)-Bohol to prepare the filing of a petition to declare a failure of elections in the province. He said it didn't matter to him if the Comelec would grant or deny his request.

"I wish I can say the people have spoken, but that would be a monumental lie. This is not my fight. It has never been. But I will fight it to my last breath because it is a fight of the Boholano people and because they deserve nothing less,” he said.

But Yap, in a separate statement, maintained that there was no failure of elections in Bohol and that the Boholanos merely decided to choose him.

"The people have spoken. I have won this election," he added.

The battle between Yap and Evasco had been likened as the fight between the Biblical story of David and Goliath.

But it was Yap, the official candidate of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan for governor for Bohol, who was viewed as the Goliath since he had the machinery and the money to fuel his gubernatorial bid.

Evasco opted to run under the NPC since it had been his party ever since. He also ran on the campaign slogan of the “real Boholano” since Yap was not a native of the province but was based here after he married a Boholana.

While he didn't have enough financial resources to run his candidacy, Evasco was banking on the popularity of President Duterte and Mayor Duterte-Carpio who both endorsed the candidacy of Evasco during their rallies here.

During his miting de avance in Hernando-Garcia town, President Duterte took time to fly to Bohol to make a sales pitch for his old friend who had been with him when he was a prosecutor in Davao. Yap, however, chose to have a series of rallies to cap his campaign on May 9. But his attraction in his rallies in the towns of Dauis, Maribojoc and Balilihan and Tagbilaran City was popular actor, Coco Martin.

During the campaign, Evasco refused to do the sing-and-dance route and instead, chose to speak before his audience. But Yap, on the other hand, didn't focus much on speech but sang his way to the hearts of his audience. His favorite repertoire was the Filipino ballad – Remember Me by Renz Verano. During the election day, reports came out that 2 P100 bills were tucked in the sample ballots of Yap who denied these came from his camp.

The canvassing in the province, however, didn't go smoothly. Eight SD cards were found defective and had to be reconfigured at the Comelec office in Cebu City. These SD cards contained the returns from the towns of Sagbayan, Tubigon and Panglao towns.

 While the canvassing resumed on Wednesday night, about 300 supporters of Evasco held a prayer-vigil in front of the Capitol to protect the uncanvassed ballots at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Dr. Sharleen Lim, who lost mayoral bid to her nephew, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, said the prayer-vigil was their way to show support to Evasco whom she said was the rightful governor of Bohol.

“We are here to pray. We wished that the truth would come out, the real sentiment of the people would come out. We know for a fact that Evasco is winning. We know for a fact there was massive vote buying. There was even harassment done to our supporters so we were hoping against hope that this last precinct would show the real score,” said Lim.

But the crowd, however, after Yap was proclaimed past 3 a.m

In Loay town, a local dynasty in Bohol has crumbled after three family members lost in last Monday’s polls.

None of the Imboys, who ran for various elective positions, made it last elections.

The patriarch, incumbent Loay Vice Mayor Brigido Imboy, failed to make it in the magic 8 for the municipal council. The Commission on Elections data showed that he was 11th in the ranking.

His wife, Rosemarie Lim-Imboy, lost to a lawyer in the mayoral race in Loay town.  Three hours after the counting, Rosemarie posted a statement on her Facebook account, congratulating Ayuban for his victory.

Imboy’s daughter, incumbent Mayor Rochelle Brigitte Imboy-Abutazil, lost in her reelection bid against , Rodrigo Cubarol Jr.

In Tagbilaran City, voters gave incumbent Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II a landslide victory.

Yap garnered 43,924 votes against his aunt, Dr. Sharleen Lim who had  5,770 votes.

Lim is married to former Tagbilaran mayor Dan Lim, older brother of Yap’s mother.

“I would like to thank the Tagbilaranons for the opportunity to serve them for 3 more years under the ‘asenso (progress) pa more’ theme,” said Yap. “Rest assured that the consultative and participative style of governance will continue.”

Lim also thanked her supporters. “My slate and I may have lost this battle, but it is with heads up high and big smiles that we can say we fought fair and square because to the end, we did not resort to vote-buying,” she said in a post on Facebook.

Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso got a fresh term after he defeated Barangay Poblacion 1 Captain Arlene Karaan.

Other winners: Also proclaimed as vice governor-elect was outgoing Rep. Rene Relampagos of Bohol’s 1st district; outgoing Gov. Edgar Chatto as first district Representative; Aldner Damalerio, Ricky Masamayor and Lucille Lagunay as first district board members; Dionisio Victor Balite, Jade Bautista, Elpidio Bonita and Elpidio Jala as board members for 3rd district; and Vierna Boniel-Maglasang, Restituto Auxtero were also proclaimed as board members for 2nd district of Bohol. 

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome atleoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Candidates who add colors to COC filing

Wake-upper:

Scene: Congratulations to AJ Wincielou Johanna “Cielo” Araoarao Gabin of Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, Bohol who is 5th placer nationwide in the August 12, 2018 Civil Service Commission Career Service Exam Pencil and Paper Test with a rating of 91.66. It may be recalled that in the March 18, 2018 CSC CSE Sub-Prof Exam, she landed in the Top 6 with a rating of 88.02. She is the daughter of Engr. Jerome John and Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin.

***

Three colorful characters filed their intentions to run for the May 2019 midterm polls.  But I was able to catch only two perennial filers-- Santos Amaga Abella and Amay Bisaya- who filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Tagbilaran.

Roberto “Amay Bisaya” Reyes ( standing, with Atty. Eliseo Labaria,
 provincial election officer IV)  on running for the May 2019
elections: ‘I am more qualified (to be the next governor).
You cannot be an actor if you’re crazy.’ Photo by Leo Udtohan

These two aspirants added color to the festive atmosphere at the provincial Comelec Office. 

Santos Amaga Abella has set aside his senatorial ambition for a seat in the Provincial Board because he didn’t have the enough money to go to Manila.

But he vowed that he would still be as hardworking if elected into office.

Clad in a Barong Tagalog and black pants, Abella, 56, a farmer from Dagohoy town, filed his certificate of candidacy on Tuesday afternoon  at the provincial Comelec office.

He said he wanted to run for senator but he didn’t have enough financial resources to go to Manila and file his COC.

“I should run for senator but since I don’t have money to fly to Manila I ran for board member instead,” said Abella.

But he said his dream to be a senator could wait.

Abella said he ran for the same position in 2016 polls but received only 10,000 votes.

This time, he added, he planned to change his strategy that involved seeking the help of village chiefs.

If someone would help his candidacy, he loved to include Facebook in his campaign to increase his chance of winning.

 Santos Abella on winning the election: ‘Ang aking kabaitan
at ganda kong lalaki’  Photo by Leo Udtohan

“Sama na yan sinong magbibigay ng tustus na tulong sa akin isama na ang Facebook sa service

para naman makikita ko sila, sayang naman gandang lalaki pa natin,” he said.

But, he admitted, he had no social media account.

Asked what would be his edge over the other candidates, he replied: “Ang aking kabaitan at ganda kong lalaki (My being a good person and a good-looking man).”

He admitted he would not like to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle for rent) to campaign in the remote areas because he didn’t want the voters to look down at him. He also said he would use “kumpit” (a fast sailboat) to campaign in island barangays.

According to Abella is also a singer.

To showcase his singing prowess, he started singing an unpopular Visayan ballad which amused everyone inside the Comelec office.

“ Gisimba, gialagaran sa kanunay ang imong kabuotan niining dughan.... kay ikaw...”

And another song, “Fresh release me let me go....”

***

When comedian Roberto Gloria Reyes, popularly known as “Amay Bisaya,” entered the office to file his candidacy, he tickled our fancies and our funny bones.

He wants to be the third wheel in the battle between two political giants.

Reyes, 60, and a native of Tubigon town, filed his certificate of candidacy for governor at the Commission on Election provincial office on Wednesday.

His two opponents are no-joke: Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol’s 3rd district and resigned Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. who are both allies of President Duterte.

Reyes said he can run the province.

“I am running because it is time that Bohol will have a new governor. I am well-known,” he said.

He admitted that he ran twice for governor, for senator and vice president but had not won at least once.

“I am more qualified (to be the next governor). You cannot be an actor if you’re crazy,” he said.

Reyes was confident that he would be able to beat Evasco and Yap.

“I was not even scared when I ran as vice president of [former first lady) Imelda Marcos against GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo). Long live Bohol. We should continue providing economic development and peace especially to the poor like me,” he said.

To beef up his campaign sorties, Reyes said he would invite some of his showbiz friends and politicians who were his close friends.

In 2013, Reyes ran for Bohol governor in 2013 but lost to incumbent Gov. Edgar Chatto.

Reyes was known for his sidekick roles in movies like “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” “Ang Panday 2” and “Sigaw ng Katarungan.”

While waiting for the acceptance of his documents, Reyes showed his karate techniques.   Front kick. Side kick.

And we were carried away....

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Rep. Yap and Mayor Calipusan: Deal or No Deal?

Buboy and Krista Courtesy: Facebook

Rep. Yap and Mayor Calipusan: Deal or No Deal?
No 'under the table' agreement between Rep. Yap and Mayor Calipusan, reports VRS

Wake-uppers:

FLASH REPORT: Did Sunshine Cruz and Cesar "Buboy" Montano really separate? Rumor has it that the couple ended their relationship because of a third-party, a starlet named Krista Miller. Sunshine announced in her Instagram that the reason for her separation with Buboy is another woman, and the third party is a starlet named Krista Miller (who plays Marita Zaragoza in the upcoming film “The Turning Cradle: The Untold Story of Alfredo Lim,” directed and starred in by Buboy). Sunshine announced this: “I’m so sorry dear friends and family. I have been really quiet but when kids are affected unfair na yun. It is actually them who told me about this. They are hurt! I’m moving on. With my children. God bless you both for doing this to us.” According to reports, Sunshine also revealed that the gifts she and her sister-in-law gave Buboy, were then gifted to the girl. Sunshine said an A&F shirt and an iPhone 5 she gave and her sister-in-law’s gift of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, were given to Krista instead. Sunshine also alleged that Krista has sent provocative and sexy pictures and messages to Buboy.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol the other day was Ms. Joy Suarez, president of Rotary Club of Tagbilaran and over-all manager of Astoria. I did an interview with Ms. Joy at the posh Astoria in Baclayon town. But that’s another interesting story. Watch for it.

Members of the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran

Seen: Minerva, Swan Hellenic’s solitary cruise ship, had a stopover in Bohol last Friday. Minerva is a small luxury ship, carrying 320 like-minded guests. Most of the passengers were British with a few Americans and Australians joining. Swan Hellenic has been offering cruises to intriguing destinations for more than 50 years.

Scene: The Ubi Festival 2013 is on Jan. 23-25.  The opening of exhibits on ubi, endemic rootcrops and sustainable agriculture products will be held on Jan. 23 at the Plaza Rizal, which will be followed by the search for pinaka (the best quality ubi harvest and endemic rootcrops), most promising ubi product, most promising ubi cuisine and ubi eating contest at the Plaza Rizal. The literary musical contest (balak, kuradang, rap and jingle, ubi poster making contest and Miss 4-H aka Ubi Queen will be held on the same day at the Island City Mall Activity Center.

Scene: I would like to thank Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado of CVCLAW (The Villaraza Cruz Marcelo and Angangco) for the nice planner he sent last Thursday. Atty. Delgado who attended the hearing on the cybercrime law had the time to mail his post- Three King gift with a (touching) note:  Dear Leo, this is late but as the old adage goes, "better late than never." Merry Christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year. I hope you will like this. I am not sure if you are like me who plans my activities to the detail which entails a planner. Otherwise, you can still use this as sort of a diary. Today, marks an important milestone in history as legal eagles battle it out before the Supreme Court to protect the civil liberties and freedom of expression of journalists. Having the Cybercrime Law annulled will be our ultimate gift to journalists. This is an advance gift. Gracias por todo, Atty. Greg! 

***
While waiting for the fastcraft bound for Cebu last Friday night, I chanced upon the unimpeachable Very Reliable Source (VRS) at the waiting area, traveling by his lonesome. This VRS is a known political analyst cum businessman.

I turned around and there he was, the VRS. I waved at him. VRS asked me to join him, asking if he could get something for me. I protested, “Seeing you is enough.”

Yap

You see, Wednesday last week, Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan withdrew his candidacy for congressman. I asked VRS if he knew the reasons but VRS simply smiled. What I knew is that Mayor Calipusan withdrew his candidacy for personal, health and family reasons (I saw his affidavit of withdrawal at the Provincial Comelec Office on Jan. 9).

In any case, many people are still asking if the so-called “under the table” is indeed a done deal.

On the two-hour travel, VRS was sharing everything he knew about politics and sundry.

“For a lazy thinker, the easiest theory when a candidate backs out from a political rivalry is that his opponent paid off to sail smoothly to victory,” started VRS. “But why should a candidate payoff his opponent? That is when his opponent is stronger than him and he is desperate to get to the seat.”

Or so we thought.

“Doy Leo, in the case of Calipusan’s backout, does incumbent Rep. Arthur Yap desperately need to buy the mayor’s candidacy out? Obviously, not!”

VRS shared that the supporters of Calipusan were all up with energy combing the barangays of 3rd district as early as June last year, until that deciding point in the latest round in December.
 
“An insider (codenamed GP) from the Calipusan camp admitted they even met objection when they put up the tarpaulins. That’s why most of them are nailed on trees,” said VRS.

“Doy Leo, after several months of trying to convince the households to support Calipusan’s congressional bid, they failed to get additional supporters. They targeted 10,000 leaders.  But by December, they failed to get even 10 percent,” revealed VRS. He continued, “The hope was dying by then, but there are some close allies of the mayor who tried to sugarcoat the situation in contrast to what Calipusan noticed himself. So, the mayor asked for a survey to also check how effective were his leaders, and at the same time, asked a another close ally to tell him the real score. The survey and the opinion of that second close ally he consulted gave him a sign of losing.”

“When each camp was busy on their own campaign, nobody wants to yield. Nobody wants to meddle as the wound that Calipusan’s radio blocktime created on Yap got more painful yet futile,” added VRS.

 Why should Yap rid of a foe who was self-destroying? According to a VRS from the Calipusan camp, Yap never tried to reach out and even became more aggressive in expanding his HEART program. “In equity of the incumbent, Yap need not pay Calipusan off, because with or without Calipusan on the road, the incumbent congressman has the heart of his constituents,” clarified VRS.

VRS also revealed that it was also geographically impossible for the payoff negotiation to take place.

“Yap was in Taiwan during the Christmas break, while Calipusan was contemplating back home,” announced VRS. “Before the Christmas break, Calipusan’s supporters never showed a sign of melting down. The next scene was Yap coming home after Christmas to give a eulogy for the late Rep. Erico Aumentado and prior to his return, Calipusan already made up his mind. The time and geographical factors showed a negotiation was impossible to take place, aside from the fact that Yap doesn’t need it.”

“Besides, Yap was never known of going the easy way in dealing with things. In fact, he had often been misunderstood for being idealistic,” said VRS.

“If Calipusan was a victim, maybe he was but not of his partymates. He was a victim of some political scalawags who seemed to have assured him that his withdrawal could be invalidated once they would create a scenario. This scalawag in Bohol politics thought Yap would let go of his supporters once the opponent backs out and that could be a good timing to work for the invalidation of Calipusan’s withdrawal. Uh-oh! This is the biggest bluff in Bohol politics,” VRS concluded.

Now you know. Thankfully, VRS said adieu and promised to share more juicy items. Next time.

***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Who will run in 2013 elections in Bohol & other tidbits

• Who will run, who will not, who may, who might

• Family and friends mourn the death of Uly Dolojol

 

Wake-uppers:

Seen:  VanVan aka Guadalajara Mimosa de Salamanca is representing Miss Paraguay in the Queen of Cebu 2012, a pageant for alternatives, on Nov. 9.  “She is another pride of Bohol beaming towards bagging the most prestigious Search for Queen of Cebu 2012,” says fashion icon EJ Relampagos. To support Miss Paraguay, visit Queen of Cebu on Facebook.

 

Scene: Some 6,000 barangay officials from the 1,109 barangays all over Bohol and other invited guests welcomed Pres. Noynoy Aquino on Sept. 26, at the Bohol Wisdom School gym for the 1st Bohol Barangay Day celebration. Pres. Aquino also stood as witness to the oathtaking of hundreds of converts of the Liberal Party. Spotted were Senator TJ Guingona,  Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, Secretary Edwin Lacierda, Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros , Gov. Edgar Chatto, Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st district, Bohol), Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes, ABC President Crispina Vergara, Ae Damalerio and provincial board members .

 

Scene: Alay Lakad 2012 is on October 7 instead of Sept. 30, which is Milo Marathon day.

 

***

The sudden death of eventologist and Alona's darling, Uly Dolojol, last Sunday, Sept. 23, shocked friends all over Bohol. The outpouring of grief was immediate, with one common refrain: Alona Beach had lost one of its greatest persons.

 

Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal, one of Uly’s closest friends, says it all:

 

I have been in a state of catatonia since I received the devastating news yesterday morning that a good friend of mine has just passed away.

 

Raul and Uly (right) in 2009

I am grieving and I am so saddened by his untimely demise. Mind you, it's not pro forma grief but real pain and anguish

 

Early last year, just before the 10th year bash of his swinging Oops! Bar which is ideally located right smack in the middle of the entire Alona Beach stretch, we had a falling out. It was a simple, petty misunderstanding that soon blew out of proportion. Add some intrigues here and bloated egos there and it was a point of no return. Some well- meaning friends tried to step in and intervene but these were simply exercises in futility

 

Crossing paths in a very small community where everybody knows everybody became an acid test for civility. Exchanging dagger looks and giving each other the cold shoulder treatment became a common occurrence that it soon bordered on the comical. But what's funny about losing a friend? The wedges between us became so deep that it became clear to those in the know that it was impossible for us to become friends again. 

 

I thought I had moved on. I thought I had everything covered. I was coasting along with my second lease on life when the call came yesterday morning

 

Right now, I am so distraught and my heart bleeds for dear Uly with whom I shared a lot of personal and private triumphs, the small intoxicating doses of hedonism and his constant advice on how to live a worry- free life. He is gone now and I really regret that I wasn't able to say sorry and for not telling him how wonderful he was as a friend

 

Alona Beach would never be the same again. Uly was the master planner and a wiz when it comes to events and especially when it has something to do with creating noise and making waves.  The signature pose, his boisterous laughter and his witty punchlines ...all these would be memories from now on. 

 

I'm sure right now as I am blogging this very minute that Uly is up there and peering down from where he is ensconced, he is asking "My oh my, what's the big fuss dahleeng?"

 

Uly, sleep tight now.  Goodbye, my friend...

 

***

“Yes, wala nay atrasay, go, go, go na si Congressman Arthur Yap,” a political consultant and businesswoman aka the Genius Lady (GL) told Bared in a chance interview the other day at The Buzzz Cafe.

 

The widely-smiling GL was shopping alone, sans the usual alalay (factotum) rich people can’t do without.

 

“I love reading your column but you no longer include tsismis and blind items!” said GL. “Those are colorful elements of entertainment column.”

 

With a glass of corn coffee and carrot muffins, the conversation proceeded without any further hitch.

 

“Dong Leo, Yap is not afraid of Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, businessman Angelo Balili and Dr. Elpidio Jala this coming election. Yap is really prepared,” warned GL, making the sign of “okay”.

 

3^rd district Rep. Arthur Yap (center) who is seeking reelection might face businessman Angelo Balili (left) and educator Elpidio Jala in 2013 elections.

Added GL: “Congressman Yap is running to further serve the people of third district because three years is  too short a period for a long list of projects and full program to make up for the many years prior his stint that 3^rd district  had been lagging behind the two other districts in the province.”

 

How about the critics who are (again) saying Rep.Yap is not a pure Boholano?

 

“Who is lumad nga Bol-anon among us? It’s the Eskaya tribe. Not the critics. Moreover, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already resolved the issue on his residency wherein Comelec ruled that Yap has complied the minimum length of time required for him to qualify to run as congressman of 3^rd district. That cropped up in 2010 elections. And after having served for over two years and a half, obviously the issue is moot and academic. The people will vote you not because you are Boholano or not, but because you showed sincerity and your intentions are genuine. Depriving one to serve because he is not lumad Bol-anon is racial discrimination.”

 

Flashing a big mysterious smile, GL whispered, “There will be a lot of surprises next week! You wait and see!”

 

And while we are at it, here’s a rundown of those who will run, who will not run, who may run and who might not run in 2013 elections (that is, if, a big if, there would be elections next year). We will know who are officially running after the filing of certificate of candidacy (CoC) on Oct. 1-5. The list will grow longer and longer. You bet?

WHO WILL RUN

• Incumbent Gov. Edgar Chatto (For same position)

• Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes (For Governor)

 

• Rep. Rene Relampagos (For reelection)

 

• Rep. Arthur Yap (For same position)

• Vice Governor Conching Lim (For reelection?)

 

• Rep. Erico Aumentado (For same position)                        

 

• Dr. Abe Lim (For Mayor of Tagbilaran City)                        

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Councilor Dodong Gonzaga (For Mayor of Tagbilaran City)

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Toto Veloso (For Vice Mayor of Tagbilaran City)

 

• Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes (For Congressman of 2^nd District of Bohol)

 

• Tagbilaran City Councilor Baba Yap (For Mayor of Tagbilaran)

 

• Tagbilaran City Councilor Kit Oppus (For Vice Mayor of Tagbilaran)

 

• Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga (For reelection)

 

• Panglao Vice-Mayor Evangeline Lazaro (For Mayor of Panglao?)

 

• Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes (For reelection)

 

• Ubay Mayor Eutiquio Bernales (For reelection)

 

• Dauis Mayor Jimmy Jimenez (For reelection)

 

• Sevilla Mayor Ernesita Digal (For reelection)

 

• Former Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat (For Mayor)

 

• Loay Mayor Rosemarie Imboy (For reelection)

 

• Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol (For reelection)

 

• Mark Leo Monton (For Mayor of Balilihan)

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Councilor Dandan Bantugan (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

 

• Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy (For reelection)

 

• Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel (For reelection)

 

• Gerry Pabe (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City)

WHO WILL NOT
• Ex-barangay captain Glorivic Yap ("Running for Tagbilaran City Councilor? She is campaigning for Gonzaga-Veloso!")

• Tessie Labunog-Sumampong ("For Councilor of Loboc? My husband Libby will run!")

 

• Aris Aumentado (“For board member? He will file his CoC in 2016!”)

 

• Ex-Mayor Jose Torralba (“For Mayor of Tagbilaran City? He will be campaigning for his wife Councilor Betty Torralba!”)

 

• Ex-Provincial Board Member Amalia Reyes-Tirol (“For Mayor of Ubay? She is busy as a wife and grandma!”)

 

• UB Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno (“For Councilor of Tagbilaran City? She is busy as an ICT Princess!”)

 

• Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol- Macuno (“For Mayor of Ubay? She runs too, and plays tennis also!”)

WHO MAY RUN
• Businessman Angelo Balili (For Congressman of the 3^rd district of Bohol?)

 

• Ex-Dauis Mayor Lulu Bongalos (For Mayor?                                                           )

 

• Andy Manatad (For Congressman of the 2nd district of Bohol?)

• Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim (For Congressman of 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Ex-Catigbian Councilor Doris Dinorog-Obena (For Mayor of Catigbian?)

• Ex-Panglao Councilor Nila Montero (For Mayor of Panglao?)

• Dr. Elpidio Jala (For Congressman of the 3^rd district of Bohol?)

• Ex Vice-Governor Julius Cesar Herrera (For Vice Governor? Or, for Congressman of the 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Former SK Bohol President Bobbith Cajes-Auza (For Mayor of Talibon?)

 

• Ex-provincial board member Corazon Galbreath (For Mayor of Bilar?)   

 

• Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio (For Vice Governor?)

 

• Catigbian Mayor Bert Salinas (For Board Member? Or, for Congressman of the 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Former Panglao Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes (For Vice Mayor of Panglao?)

 

WHO MIGHT RUN

• Dr. Sharleen Lim (For Vice Governor?)

• Ed Macalandag (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

• Barangay Captain Arlene Karaan (For board member?)

 

• Booy Barangay Captain Jun Telmo (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

 

• Actor Cesar Montano (For Bohol Governor? "He is running in Manila.")

 

• Former Governor David Tirol (For Board Member? (“I didn’t hear it too. But he is running everyday, about more than 1 km. a day!”)

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Primitiva Ontong: Prayer is powerful

Good News!  3^rd district Rep. Arthur Yap was spotted at Ilijah Retreat House of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City. It was learned that Rep. Yap turned-over the check worth 500,000 pesos to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of the roof on Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Loboc.  Also spotted were Fr. Andy Ayco and Fr. Felix Silagan.

Rep. Arthur Yap turns-over the check to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of Loboc Church. Also in photo are Fr. Felix Silagan and Fr. Andy Ayco.

The seed money is from Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s personal fund to be used solely for the repair of the roofing of the Loboc Church.

Sen. Enrile asked Rep. Yap of any worthy projects he could finance for the 3rd district. Rep Yap thought of beautifying the Loboc Church which is a national historical monument and a tourist attraction. Senator Enrile's son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, who is eyeing a Senate seat in 2013, also helped follow up the release of the check.

Aside from the P500-thousand for the repair of the Loboc Church roof, Rep. Yap and Senator Enrile are now working on the inclusion of about P200-P250 million in the national budget for the rehabilitation of the whole Loboc church. At 374 years old, the Loboc Church has showing its age.

Bishop Medroso was touched by the generosity of the donation facilitated by Rep. Yap.

On the other hand, the town of Loboc might get bigger firetrucks from Japanese donors tapped by Rep. Yap in an effort to ensure all towns in the 3^rd district are well-equipped in times of emergencies.

Rep. Yap explained that he would facilitate requests for assistance from any mayor for that matter, not only Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc. Rep. Yap said he is very willing to be of help to any mayor who needs assistance, whose town has not received any assistance from DILG and PCSO yet, and Rep. Yap is now facilitating acquisition of firetrucks and ambulances from Japanese donors.

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The Coolest Capitol Figure. For many years, as a cashier, financial adviser on financial matters during the time of then governor now second district Rep. Erico Aumentado and now assistant provincial treasurer of the provincial government of Bohol, Primitiva Jamodiong-Ontong, still perfectly fits that enduring title (if you haven’t noticed, she has amazing hairstyles most of the time).

Primitiva "Priming"Ontong

Unlike most of her colleagues and contemporaries, Priming, the endearing monicker of Primitiva (“it means ‘native’ but I still love my name”), is retaining that sweet and wholesome aura about her, perhaps because she harbors no frustration nor bitterness in heart. 

Yes, Priming’s being cool is natural and, no, her “sweetness” is not a put-on. Everybody, close friends and complete strangers alike, call her Maam Priming with affection. 

As an assistant provincial treasurer, Priming said that her position is a very challenging job. “I take good care of our money. It’s supervisory but our office has the final say to control the cash.”

Asked how she copes with stress, “I just relax and sleep.”

Living a healthy lifestyle, her diet includes fish, vegetables and fruits. “I have carrot, cucumber and radish juice I drink 30 minutes before breakfast. It’s good for the health! I also drink more than 8 glasses of water every day.”

This much is known to many, Priming is a Marian devotee. She has at least 8 favorite saints and angels. “They are St. Anthony de Padua, St. Jude Thaddeus, St. Benedict, St. Augustine, Sta. Monica, St. Gabriel, St. Michael and St. Rafael.”

Prayer is powerful. Ask Priming. 

“I always pray with joy.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to 'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' I recite 7 Glory Be in honor of the Holy Spirit, 15 Our Father prayer given to St. Bridget of Sweden.  I assist the mass daily as my devotion,” shared Priming. “Before I go to sleep, I pray to thank the Lord. I pray for my family and friends. Before, I go to work, I have to pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and I give five minutes to read Our Daily Bread.”

with members of the God the Father of All Mankind...

There have been many clichés about like-minded people banding together. With the same interests, they reach similar goals faster and enjoy the process, too, because they have each other to share the journey with. So, Priming is joining the God the Father of All Mankind group, started by the Italian nun, mystic, and visionary, Mother Eugenia Elisabetta Ravasio (1907–1990).

“Doy Leo, God the Father told Mother Eugenia that ‘All those who call Me by the name of the Father, even if only once, will not perish, but will be sure of their eternal life among the chosen ones.’”

Incidentally, Catholics mark the first Sunday of August every year as the feast and day of consecration to God, the Father of All Mankind. Sunday is the last day of the traditional octave or eight days of prayer and daily consecration to the Father of All Mankind, that began last July 31.

A concelebrated Mass will be held at the Cogon Shrine during the consecration and feast of God the Father of All Mankind on Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Activities leading to the feast will include octave prayer at 7 a.m., followed by a Holy Mass. All devotees are invited to attend. 

To know more about Priming, Bared asked her to complete some questions: 

I hate people…who are matapobre, one who looks down on poor people.

I avoid people….  who are gossip mongers. Kana jud Doy Leo mga tsimosa, intrigera, they spread fire!

My greatest pleasure is…entertaining clients with a genuine smile. I am happy to help other people especially the poor.

My worst moment is…when I was rushed to the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.

My biggest fear is…I commit mistakes and I am not able to ask Jesus to forgive me for all my sins and I will go to hell! Knock on the wood, palayo lang jud! 

I pray for…good health and happiness for myself and for the people that I love. I also pray for the salvation of all souls in purgatory so that they can go to Heaven. 

The most important person in my life is....my husband! I love him. 

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be… a sheep. It symbolizes innocence and loyalty. It is also a symbol of  simple goodness we bring to life when we have the desire and affection to do good for others and to be good ourselves.

My most traumatic experience was... I had a car accident. The car just skid off the side of a cliff. That time, I had my five year-old daughter with me. I thanked the Lord because we were safe!

I deal with gossip by…first, I avoid gossip, then by praying to God for strength. Doy Leo, gossip can create an unpleasant atmosphere at work. So, I don’t like tsismis while working. 

Am I afraid of growing old?...I don’t afraid to grow old. I thank the Lord for the gift of life. Pero naa gud beauty secrets pud.(Laughs) 

My favorite memory verse is....John 15:7. It says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for.”

My most memorable miracle was…about my daughter who is a CPA. She was hired to work in Singapore but was denied entry at the Singapore Immigration. My daughter texted me to pray for her while she was also asking the Lord to change the mind of the immigration officer. At that very moment, after praying, the Immigration officer granted her entry. My daughter is still working at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore. 

I lose my temper when...Doy Leo, masuko ko pag-ayo pero mawala ra dayon kung makapray ko. 

I am happiest when...I can help other people. 

I am saddest when....I see trouble in the office. 

My ultimate goal is...to be with God in heaven. 

What I like about myself… My heart beats for the poor people.

What I don’t like about myself….I am a worrier. Dali ra ko maguol, usahay emotional. When I started to worry, I pray to the Lord. It creates internal balance and stability. 

Face-to-face with God, I’d tell Him…Thank You, God and I love You.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.