By Herbert Vego
IF former Valderrama, Antique Mayor Ray Roquero had visualized himself occupying the office of provincial governor of Antique after election 2025, it was because he was counting on the endorsement of Senator Loren Legarda and her re-electionist brother, Congressman Antonio “AA” Legarda.
In fact, Ray had been going the rounds of radio and TV stations to talk about his ambition – until the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy last October 8, when he decided to run instead as second nominee of the party-list AnaKalusugan.
Since Roquero was reportedly “winning” in the surveys, it baffles his own followers why he had to be dropped like a hot potato.
Not having heard it from the horse’s mouth, I can only echo what some of Ray’s supporters think. Was Sen. Loren afraid that Cong. AA’s alliance with Ray Roquero would do more harm than good?
So why not also count on other gubernatorial candidates to help him defeat his rival for the lone House seat, outgoing Governor Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao?
Alas, this lopsided arrangement seems to suggest the verb “manigurado” on the part of the Legardas who appear “siguristas”.
However, to say that Loren and AA would support three candidates for governor in exchange for their “unity” behind AA would be surreal.
Minus Roquero, there are four remaining gubernatorial candidates in Antique, namely incumbent Vice-Governor Ed Denosta, former Congressman Paolo Javier, Vic Fedelicio and former Pandan Mayor Jonathan Tan. Each has his own running mate for vice-governor.
Jonathan Tan is Cadiao’s only candidate for governor. Therefore, Tan would align with Cadiao for congresswoman.
Waggy, are we seeing disgruntled “Roquerans” shifting support for Cadiao?
Meanwhile, let’s talk about the only non-trapo gubernatorial candidate in the batch, Capt. Vic Fedelicio.
A seafarer by profession, Fedelicio had already run for governor in the 2022 election but lost to re-electionist Cadiao. But since I don’t know Fedelicio from Adam, I asked one of his friends (name withheld) why he would support him. Here goes:
“This coming election could be a game-changer and an opportunity to usher a new era of progress for the province and for the benefit of all Antiqueños.
“Many Antiqueños are looking forward to a fresh chapter for Antique — a break from traditional politics towards a more progressively inclusive and forward-thinking administration. They will likely seek a leader with transformative vision for the province and innovative solutions to ensure poverty alleviation.
“This will be the political leadership paradigm that would influence these voters in making their choices. Assessing the demonstrated leadership qualities and performances of the aspiring governors would be critically important in deciding who fits this political leadership paradigm.
“A political newbie, Capt. Vic Fedelicio fits this leadership paradigm.
“Are Antiqueños ready for this kind of leadership?”
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