Feuding radioman, Kalinga governor now allies in politics

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines  – Enemies ended up as allies yesterday after a radio broadcaster who was beaten up by a governor filed his certificate of candidacy for a position in the provincial council under the latter’s ticket.

Former Radyo ng Bayan anchorman Jerome Tabanganay is lined up with Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac, who is seeking a third term under the Liberal Party.

In 2012, Tabanganay filed charges of grave abuse of authority against Baac for beating him up in the announcer’s booth. The incident resulted in the governor’s suspension.

The two have settled their differences in a series of dialogues brokered by local leaders for a united Kalinga, according to Pasil Mayor James Edubba, the party’s official vice gubernatorial bet.

Edubba is pitted against board member Gelacio Bongat of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Baac is expected to face Conrado Dieza of the United Nationalist Alliance, whom he defeated in the 2013 elections.