We have this feeling that the Garcias’ political dominance in the second district of Davao City will end by the May 12, 2025, midterm elections.
Yes, Councilor Javi Garcia Campos can easily put up a good fight against Buhangin Barangay Captain Omar Duterte. Unfortunately for Javi, the massive show of sympathy to Omar’s grandfather, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, after his arrest and incarceration in the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands, will definitely rub on Omar, thus further boosting his chance of winning in the congressional polls.
Of course, we are aware that Javi, despite his elitist looks and high academic accomplishments, in addition to his performance in the City Council, has lately been showing he can blend into the common man’s demeanor and their mode of living, be it in the urban, suburban, or rural areas.
And even if some would find Javi’s actuations superficial, at least he learns how to be among the common man as he is to his social circle.
His opponent, though, is admittedly a beneficiary of the “pangmasa” character of his grandfather. And it is how he will live up to the Duterte name that will determine his chances of taking over the well-fortified Garcia turf in the second district.
With his being a Duterte, and the present predicament of his “lolo” Omar could be a tough political neophyte of a nut to crack.
There is no doubt, however, that the Garcias will just hand over their long-dominated area without putting up a strong fight. And surely, as part of the new generation, Javi learned lessons from his uncles and cousins on ways of dealing with the people of his district.
Is a Duterte scion’s “invasion” in the second district the beginning of the end of the Garcias’ politically lording over in the Second Congressional arena?
“Let us to see.”
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There is no arguing that the name of Councilor Wilberto “Nonoy” Al-ag rings a big bell not only in his native Toril administrative dominion but also in the entire third congressional district. And time and again, this was proven in the previous many elections when he ran for councilor, except when he tried his luck for Congress where he lost sorely.
In the forthcoming midterm polls, Nonoy is again running for Congressman against well-entrenched incumbent Rep. Isidro “Roy” Ungab.
Again, we see his political fight as another uphill battle, even if he can match the resources that are at the disposal of the incumbent. One factor that could hamper Nonoy’s chances is that he is identified with the national administration that is facing strong opposition from the Davaoeño electorate. His nemesis Ungab is known as a close ally of the ruling political family in the city that is fighting tooth and nail against the Marcos Jr.-led national government. Moreover, Ungab is not a simple member of the House. He can put up a verbal tussle with any member of Congress over issues of national importance.
Ungab is also known as a productive member of Congress and once headed the most powerful House Committee on Finance and Appropriations.
Today, the incumbent third district lawmaker is leading a petition asking the Supreme Court to void the 2025 General Appropriations Act, claiming that it was illegally passed and signed by the President.
So far, Nonoy has yet to present to the third district residents a single, very significant Ordinance he introduced in the City Council. Even the annual one-time cash assistance of P1,500 from the local government that he promised to double more than a year ago still remains P1,500, an amount barely enough for the cost of one half sack of rice.
And to think that Davao City is oozing with money that can be utilized for the purpose!
