Day of reckoning

Posted on May 7, 2007 - Filed Under , , , |

ONLY Speaker Joe de Venecia and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, at this very moment, know just how strongly –or poorly – they are faring in their respective campaigns.

While supporters and critics alike may base their own biased beliefs on one, the outward public reception of their campaign outings, and two, the seemingly endless resources, goods and cash, flowing from their candidate for distribution to voters (whoever heard of vote-buying?), the fact is both are not sure they really have the upper hand and where the balance will eventually tilt.

Keenly being awaited now (with the decision – i.e. internal sample ballot –supposedly due in two to three days from the church leaders) is the Iglesia Ni Cristo list of anointeds.

The INC has, so far, kept its card close to its chest (doesn’t it always?) and many candidates, national and local, remain on tenterhooks until the first “leak” on the list goes out within the week. This is what JDVand BSL are keeping their ears glued on in the next few days.

JDV, in the past, has always been supported in his fights by the church noted for its superb bloc-voting pull. Lim, for his part, has also been backed in his mayoral bid before. 

Indications are that the current fight between the two for the fourth district congressional seat currently held by de Venecia is now on an even keel and has reached its peak level. Non-INC voters have in the main already decided who to vote for.

What could tip the scale either way is the considerable Iglesia vote in the district. While neither fighter will admit it, each is well aware the fight could be over once, and as soon as, the INC ticket is announced.

For Joe and Benjie, the clock ticks inexorably to that point when the INC ministers, speaking from the tribuna tell their faithfuls … “At ang napagpasiyahan ng Pangangasiwa na pagkaisahan nating iboto, mga kapatid, ay ang mga sumusunod…”  

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