What about a new face?

I was reading, with abundant interest, an article carried by the other Cebu paper about former Congressman Antonio V. Cuenco, of the Cebu City South District. Somewhere in the write up, the former lawmaker was informed, rather confronted with a kind of revelation, that he might be late in reaching out to his voters compared to his possible rivals. In the story, it looked like his looming political contenders might have covered more mileage than him, campaign wise.

Sounding confident, the ex-legislator, seemed to counter the perceived campaign slack on two things, one, his past record and two, his future plans.

While reading, I was seated beside an old timer. I mean, someone older than me because I am a senior citizen myself. We remembered that this former representative has been around indeed. He was elected to Congress in 1965 when I was barely in my high school years. The Philippines Free Press, then to me the veritable socio-political magazine written in impeccable English, featured him as one of the notable leaders of the lower house although, the paper must not have dramatic impact on the voters because the lawmaker lost to Congressman Eduardo R. Gullas, in 1969.

I second guessed for a while when by buddy recalled that this lawmaker joined the forces handpicked by the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to run for the 1978 Interim Batasang Pambansa, that surrogate legislature when Martial Law reigned supreme. It was probably an act that the majority of Region 7 electors did not favor because the team of the military ruler suffered a humiliating political defeat. 13-0 was the emphatic score and in that loss, the former representative I am talking about was shellacked by some perceived non-entity as the late Assemblyman Pernes.

Even with that kind of a checkered past record, the gentleman is a good copy. He is worth the spread, although it is not entirely impossible that he might have been featured in a politically paid advertisement. Paid or not, the story was legit.

When he mentioned that he has a bagful of plans, (my coinage), he kind of emphasized that there are still a lot of things he can do and intends to do for the South district. Among his top agenda is to make the growth of the district at par with the North. Maybe because he cowers in the face of the incumbent congressman, he simply hinted that the latter is a failure in that he has not done anything tangible for the district constituency.

This stance brings me to my concern. He (to include his wife’s substitution) held the position for two decades. Is there really something else that he has not done? Oh my goodness, this is snail-paced thought process he has shown. Is he still experimenting such that despite the passage of years, he has not completed what is there supposed to be done?

I could be a dimwit, for all I care, but certainly I could not agree that he has the monopoly of ideas with which to serve his people. The voters of the south district must explore the horizon for more dynamic personalities. There are reports that there are other interested leaders willing, if not just trying, to offer their hearts and minds.

Let me try getting their names. I am told that Atty. Aristotle Batuhan is making the rounds. He has apparently marshaled his former political force for another attempt at Congress. A young man with oozing leadership talent propped and noteworthy academic credentials, he, if given the chance, must have more progressive ideas.

Then, there are two members of the present city council in Hon. Rodrigo Abellanosa and Hon. Margarita Osmena, who also reported to be eyeing the congressional post. Both should have plans different from that of the former Conrgessman and if only on that score, either deserve more than passing consideration. Then, there is also Atty. Gerry Carrillo, who served the city council apparently well.

But, let me go back to my point. With the exception of Atty. Batuhan, the three other probables have had their turn at public service. Let us give a new start for Cebu City South district hoping that, a new leader can give a great push.