MARCH VS FILM

These Muslim women join close to 500 people in a peaceful march rally along major streets in Dagupan City last September 24 to protest the controversial movie “Innocence of Muslims.” Some foreign Muslim students also joined the rally.CESAR RAMIREZ

Abono supports Shahani, de Vera for BM seats

By Mortz C. Ortigoza
ROSALES – The perceived political kingmaker of Pangasinan declared his support for the electoral bid of Board Member Ranjit Shahani and former Bayambang Mayor Leo “Boy” de Vera for a seat in the provincial board in next year’s poll.
Rosendo So, the chair of the popular Abono Party-list, said in case Shahani decides to seek re-election as member of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (provincial board), he will support him (Shahani).
He said he will also support former Mayor de Vera who told him about his intention to take a shot at a seat in the provincial legislature.
As of press time, So said only the duo has courted his support a few days before the filing of candidacy that will be held on October 1 to 5 this year.

JDV, Gina still deciding who will run

By Mortz C. Ortigoza
DAGUPAN CITY – Five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia said either he or his wife Gina, the congresswoman of the 4th District of Pangasinan, will run for the top district’s post.
He said the family is still consulting with each other because of demands from various quarters that want to see any of them head the district that is composed of one city and four towns.
“The family consults each other for the best interest of Dagupan City and the towns in the 4th District of Pangasinan,” he stressed.
The former Speaker said he and Gina are still deciding whether they will stay with Nationalist People’s Coalition (NP) or shift to the Liberal Party (LP).

Binmaley VM faces SP probe for grave misconduct

by Virgilio Sar. Maganes

LINGAYEN- Vice Mayor Pedro A. Merrera III of Binmaley is set to be investigated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for “grave misconduct in office” filed by the members of Sangguniang Bayan of the town.

During the SP’ regular session last September 17, a complaint against Merrera dated September 13, 2012 for “grave misconduct in office” was referred to the SP Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability for investigation.

The complaint was signed by Binmaley Sangguniang Bayan Members Jose Z. Carrera Jr., Ellen F. Alipio, Urbano C. Delos Angeles III, Jocelyn V. Bautista, Franco C. Francisco, Vismark V. Valerio and Jesus A. Aquino.

Abrenica welcomes opponents in 2013 elections

by Virgilio Sar. Maganes

VILLASIS- Amid rumors that she will be challenged in May 2013, Mayor Libradita Go- Abrenica said she welcomed political opponents for the said position.

“We are in a democracy, thus we have to preserve the democratic processes in this country. Anyone has the right to run for any political position, including the mayoralty,” Mayor Abrenica said.

She said the projects installed and constructed under her watch including that of her husband former Mayor Nonato S. Abrenica, speak for themselves. “The people of our town know the efforts we have done to transform our town into what it is today.”

EDITORIAL: No need to panic

There are incumbent political quarters that are in panic mode as the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 1 to 5, 2012 for the 2013 elections is almost here.

Why should some incumbent politicians panic about receiving news that this guy or that woman will be running against them if their latest mandate in 2010 was genuine?

A genuine mandate in 2010 meant…winning without guns.

CORTEZ: BM Arboleda, ang BM Niño sa 5th district

COMMITTEE ON SILENCE DAW. BOK NANI BRAGANZA, sigurado ako na hindi ka member ng committee na ito. Hehehe. napadalaw ka pala sa 6th district noong isang gabi. Ano ba ang ginawa mo doon. Marami daw sasakyan na nakapila doon. Sino-sino ba ang mga kinausap mo sa district 6? Governor Nani Braganza na ba talaga for 2013?

Pinasinungalingan ni BM Clemente Arboleda Jr, mas kilala bilang BM Niño ang paratang na diumano siya ay member ng committee on silence ng Sangguniang Panglalawigan.

Ang isip, puso at damdamin ni BM Niño ay para sa mga mamamayan ng 5th district ng Pangasinan.

In terms of attendance, perfect siya…walang absent. Sabi nga niya, Sa trabaho itself, I am proud to say na may ginagawa ako.

Sison Vice Mayor Ben Mariñas, kumusta na po kayo? Maayos ang relasyon at coordination ni BM Niño Arboleda sa mga local government officials dahil three years siyang naging councilor ng Alcala bago naging vice mayor for six years.

No ‘Arboleda’ will run vs Bobom in 2013 elections-Nino

by Virgilio Sar. Maganes

LINGAYEN- Fifth District Board Member Clemente B. “Nino” Arboleda Jr. belied reports that an “Arboleda” in Urdaneta City will run against incumbent Mayor Amdeo Gregorio E. “Bobom” Perez IV in May 2013 elections.

” There’s no truth to that. Walang Arboleda na lalaban kay Mayor Bobom. Not even I or my brother Sonny have plans to throw our hats in the mayoralty race in Urdaneta City. We have high regard and respect to the Perezes especially Mayor Bobom who has proven his leadership. We are happy of what he has done and is doing for the developmental transitions in the city,” Arboleda said.

MAGANES: Nani is “it” for governor

Political speculations on who will run against Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. has finally subsided.

Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, according to my reliable source, has accepted the challenge to throw his hat in the gubernatorial race in May 13, 2012 elections. His acceptance was triggered by the endorsements of political stalwarts in the province notably popular political personalities in every municipalities in the province.

Prior to his final nod to challenge Espino, it was learned that Braganza had been conducting consultations among political leaders of Pangasinan in Manila. These leaders have promised to give Braganza their total support during the campaign period up to election time.

To the dismay of many political kibitzers, many of those leaders are incumbent mayors, vice mayors, municipal councilors and even barangay officials. My mole who have witnessed how the political leaders pledged their support said he was surprised at how Nani won their hearts and took them on his side. He even said many of the leaders are former allies of Espino and belong to the ruling political party in the province.