Noel Cabobos
KALIBO, Aklan—Talk about politics Philippine style.
Re-electionist Aklan Cong. Florencio "Joeben" Miraflores finally declared war against the Garcias in Ibajay, an influential relative political clan in the western part of this province which supported and nurtured him since he was still a baby in politics.
This, as Miraflores fielded his wife to run for the mayoralty seat of Ibajay town in a last-ditch effort to appease the already inflamed Tibyog Party and Gov. Carlito Marquez after banker Mabeth Garcia filed her candidacy for governor.Mabeth is the wife of reelectionist Ibajay mayor Jun Garcia who is the nephew of Miraflores.
CONDEMNATION
Miraflores’ move however was met with strong condemnation by the Garcia clan as well as the families of Mobo and Patricios who have been supporting Miraflores since he joined the Aklan political arena in 1992 for mayor of Ibajay.
He was groomed by no less than former governor Roberto Garcia Sr., the father of Roberto "Jun" Garcia Jr.
Originally, Mabeth was gunning for the congressional post against Miraflores but opted to back out from her bid and instead ran for governor after it created a crisis in the family circle.
Mayor Jun Garcia even announced in various interviews that if his wife is going to pursue her congressional bid and fight his uncle, he will campaign hard for a zero vote against Mabeth.In one instance, Mayor Garcia even admitted that their marriage was nearly affected had Mabeth refused to heed his advise not to run against Miraflores.
FRUSTRATED
But after learning of Miraflores’ decision to field his wife Lulu against him, Mayor Garcia on Thursday night was virtually surprised and frustrated as the political development would eventually enrage and divide the powerful political clans.
He was even seen by some mediamen in a tearful mood when the news of Lulu’s filing of candicacy for the mayoralty post was relayed to him. He did not utter a word and preferred to be isolated from the crowd of supporters who were at their residence in Capitol Subdivision Thursday night.
Lulu or Lourdes Martin Miraflores who hails from Roxas City, Capiz filed her COC 30 minutes after Mabeth went out of the Comelec office here.
In a press conference held by Tibyog Party yesterday, Mayor Garcia’s brother, Pete Garcia, who is gunning for re-election for board member did not show up apparently in a display of disgust with the local dominant party.
HAPPY BUT EXTREMELY SAD
With the development, Gov. Marquez said that he was satisfied with the move of Cong. Miraflores as it reaffirms the latter’s support to his candidacy."I am happy but extremely sad for the Garcias are also my friends and they’ve been with us," he said.
SHAKY TIBYOG
Sources said that aside from the conflicts between the political lieutenants of Marquez and Miraflores, it is expected that the fracas inside Tibyog Party will heighten with the possibility of more renegades jumping to the other parties.
As of this date, re-electionist mayor of Banga Jeremy Fuentes has left Tibyog to join the camp of Mabeth Garcia while Tibyog stalwart Ceciron Cawaling of Malay, Numancia Vice Mayor Adolfo Iligan and Councilor Winston "Boy" Carillo, and Lezo mayoral aspirant Alejandro Arcenio joined the United Opposition’s team of Vicky Ramos and former congresswoman Billie Calizo.
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