Dateline LIBACAO
By: Alex E. Dionela

The merging of two contending local political parties – administration Tibyog Akean and opposition Kusog it Akean had obviously dismayed many people for it suddenly cut short the thrill and excitement of the forthcoming 2010 local elections in Aklan. It is so because this turn of events had put incumbent key provincial officials seeking re-election with no apparent worthy political opponents that could possibly give them a “good fight”. But it’s not really so when we try to take a look at some other things that too are equally interesting like husbands and wives figuring-in in present day Aklan politics.

To many people the tactical move of opposition Vice Gov. Bellie Calizo-Quimpo coalescing with the administration Tibyon Akean had clearly given her political advantage but same had virtually marginalized and weakened further the already splintered and dwindling opposition groups in Aklan. They too are of the opinion that her marriage few months ago with Atty. Reynaldo “Boy” Quimpo, Tibyog Akean legal counsel and first cousin of former Congressman Allen Salas Quimpo, founder and titular head of Tibyog Akean had contributed much to the successful forging of this new political coalition now called, the “United Leadership Coalition”.

In Altavas town, former Mayor Denny “Bulldog” Refol after taking a one-term break would run again to retake the mayoral post now held by his wife, incumbent Mayor Dr. Kathryn Refol, a position he was compelled to relinquished in 2007 after completing the three-term limit. All is well until the said lady mayor decided to run for re-election as Tibyog Akean official candidate. It could be that the lady mayor still wants to be in public office or just wants to oppose her estranged husband. If so, then this is a case of marital misunderstanding that had gone out of the bedroom to become a controversial political conflict whereby husband and wife will end-up running against each other for mayor in that town.

In Ibajay town, they say former Mayor Roberto “Jun” Garcia, Jr. will also make a political come back after he was defeated in 2007 local elections by incumbent and re-electionist Mayor Lulu Miraflores, the wife of incumbent and re-electionist Congressman Joeben Miraflores. Jun Garcia’s wife banker Mabeth Mobo-Garcia also lost as Governor in 2007 local elections. She has now become the only remaining visible opposition leader in Aklan after the emerging of the so-called United Leadership Coalition. By the way Jun Garcia is a nephew of Cong. Joeben as his late mother Charito Miraflores Monfort-Garcia was the first cousin of the amiable congressman.

In Numancia town, former Mayor Ernesto “EI” Templonuevo also after taking a one-term break would run again to retake the mayoral post now held by his wife, incumbent Mayor Elverita Templonuevo, likewise a position he was compelled to relinquished in 2007 after completing the three-term limit. All is well because his wife is very much willing to give way in his favor.

In Buruanga town, after completing her three-term limit in 2007 then Mayor Inday Labindao also relinquished that position to her husband, now incumbent Mayor Quezon Labindao who is running for re-election. Also in Batan town, former Mayor, the late Herodutos Ramos after completing his three-term limit in 2007 likewise relinquished that position to his wife, now incumbent Mayor Delfina Ramos who is also running for re-election

Indeed, marital relationship of spouses has got to do on decisions taken by lady politicians.