Cris Diaz of Sunstar Cagayan de Oro writes an incisive opinion on the failure of Mindanao politicians to fare well in national elections.
It is a tragedy that these Mindanao politicians, then and now, have not made a dent to carry Mindanao issues in their platforms. If they do, it is all talk, no action.
And if these present crop of five Mindanao candidates vying for the Senate are counting on the Mindanao vote, they have to wake up from this myth.
Recent surveys show that not one of them are closing in on the winning circle of 12. Proof that the voting public is now keen on choosing candidates based on issues and principles, and not on geography. Also, the present elections is shaping up to be a protest vote against the Arroyo administration.
This spells trouble for the administration Team Unity, whose three Mindanao bets — Surigao’s Prospero Pichay, Bukidnon’s Miguel Zubiri and Sulu Sultan Jumalul Kiram — are all lagging behind.
The opposition’s lone Mindanaoan, Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel has a crack at the magic 12, being in the number 14 spot. He has been consistent in his sorties to spell out his Mindanao agenda of pursuing peace talks and economic growth in Mindanao.
There is not much to say about the now infamous Davaoeño, Joselito Pepito ‘Peter’ Cayetano, who is facing disqualification pending the petition filed by opposition bet Allan Peter Cayetano, who wants to declare his namesake a nuisance candidate.
Does that mean that this early, these candidates are really losing? The answer lies on us.
1 Comment(s)
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
I agree with Cris Diaz observation and its good that you made mentioned of him. Yes, Mr.Diaz is today’s one of the most credible opinion writers in Mindanao. We hope to see more of his columns. Please make more review of his political opinions especiially at this time where the presidenital election in 2010 is getting near. His opinions gave us an insight of Mindanao’s current political pulse. Thank you and more power!