Check the Tree

In the stand-off at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, two of Cebu's most powerful women are pitted in a contest of legitimacy played out in media ever-hungry for news. One day when the dust settles and former enemies become friends (as is usual in politics), a history lesson may be gleaned.

Based on the case of suspended Governor Gwen F. Garcia and Acting Governor Agnes A. Magpale, future and present-day politicians should be fully-aware of their opponent's ancestral lines. Governor Garcia's handlers should never have underestimated the bloodlines that run in Magpale's veins.

Besides the obvious descent from the Almendras clan (traditionally of the Nacionalista party and an Osmeña ally), Magpale is related to the Duranos, kingpins of Danao City since the 1940s. Deeper ancestry connects her to the Mercados of Old Parian, members of which - at one time or the other - ran the only bus company in Bantayan Island and produced a mayor for the town of Carcar.

But the “connect” that busts all connections is Magpale's descent from the Dimataga family of Old Opon (Mactan Island). Legend has it that the Dimatagas descend from the country's first hero, Lapu-Lapu himself.

Dimataga purportedly comes from the Cebuano phrase word “di(li) mataga,” that which cannot be hacked or cut or felled; or in another context, one that bounces-off an axe or cutlass untouched.

Garcia herself comes from some impressive roots (Fortich, Paras…) but sizing -up the competition beyond party lines and war chests into the sleeping dragons up the family tree can help; never too good to leave some things to chance. “Blood will tell,” American author on the Upper Class, Stephen Birmingham, once wrote. Politicians take note.