THE ELECTIONS, along with all the politicking and fanfare, are finally over. For many, it’s a time of disappointment; for a few, a time of triumph.
I told myself I’d return to writing once the elections concluded — so here I am, back with “Coffee Talk” in your favorite paper in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.
Just a quick anecdote: I still remember how I first introduced myself to Panay News founder Danny “DF” Fajardo. I expressed my desire to write for his paper on one condition — that I would not be paid. That was way back in 2001.
We became good friends since then, and that friendship is one of the reasons I’ve stayed with PN all these years.
***
Two days after the elections, I found myself once again chatting with coffee-loving friends. Naturally, the flavor of the day was post-election talk.
“The teachers did an exceptional job ensuring an orderly election process,” said a retired teacher. “Their role is crucial, and they delivered.”
“Iloilo City stood out this time,” added a businessman. “There wasn’t much of a race for mayor — more of a peaceful transition than a contest.”
***
“In Negros Occidental, however, the campaign fever was intense,” shared a realtor. “In cities like Kabankalan and Silay, voters re-elected their incumbent mayors — both of whom hail from the grassroots and managed to unseat elite rivals who thought they still held sway like in the old days. But no, things have changed.”
“Bacolod City was another battleground altogether,” he continued.
***
“Bacolod voters had two choices for mayor — an incumbent vice mayor and a sitting congressman. Both were completing their current terms by June,” noted the teacher.
“Yes,” the realtor chimed in, “and I recall the outgoing mayor, who just got elected to Congress, is the son of a trusted ally of Imelda Marcos during the old regime.”
***
“But perhaps the most intriguing mayoral race happened in Bago City, in southern Negros Occidental,” the businessman remarked. “I’ve driven through that city many times. Locals told me that one family had held the reins of power for over fifty years — five decades! Practically unbeatable.”
***
“Oh yes, I heard that too,” the teacher responded. “That political dynasty has finally been unseated by a quiet, humble clan — the Javellanas. Interestingly, I remember four philanthropic women from that family who funded scholarships for hundreds of Bago residents.”
“The Javellana bloodline has always been generous, never self-serving,” the realtor added with a nod.
***
“And what about the senatorial race?” asked the golfer, sipping his black coffee. “It seems the administration wasn’t too thrilled with the results. The message was clear: money doesn’t always win. Voters wanted leaders who won’t just be puppets of the powers-that-be.”
***
So here’s to the winners — cheers and good luck! And to the losers — there’s always another chance. The people have spoken. Let it be. After all, many are still hoping for change, and maybe this time, change finally has a chance.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!/PN
