What’s this we’ve heard that a progressive city in the province of Laguna missed out on one of the biggest national government awards last year?
What was more surprising is that this city was one of the so-called “industrial powerhouses” of Laguna province, as well as a fast-rising residential and commercial hub.
Our staff learned about this city’s predicament during an interview with another local official about this national award given by a national government agency, the highest a local government unit can receive.
During the interview, our reporter made some remarks about how the official’s LGU was just among the four LGUs in the province in the component city category to receive the award.
“Hindi, tatlo lang ang nakatanggap ng award na ito for 2023,” the official corrected her and proceeded to name that one city that was dropped from the list.
Needless to say, our reporter was astounded when she learned that this city had failed to receive the much-coveted award.
Why, she remarked, with the sudden boom in business in this city post-COVID-19 – in fact, a supermarket chain opened in this locality a few months ago – shouldn’t that be a benchmark for the city receiving that award?
“Pati nga kaming ibang LGU, nagulat na hindi napasama ang lungsod na ito ngayong taon,” the local official remarked. “Pero ang dinig namin ay may isyu raw sila sa finances nila kaya sila nalaglag sa validation.”
Hmmm… Is this related to the fact that this particular city has been ruled by a “political dynasty” for more than two decades?
And from what we’ve been hearing, this political dynasty is looking into extending its rule in this city in the coming 2025 elections, as its representative is reportedly seeking a higher local position.
-o0o-
Speaking of the 2025 elections, this will be the year when political alliances and rivalries will be solidified as the date for the filing of certificates of candidacies draws near.
I can’t give you many details right now but expect former rivals to become close allies in a certain city here in Laguna province.
The rumor is that these former rivals who fought bitterly against each other in the 2022 elections will team up to fight an up-and-coming political boss who, after years of operating in the background, is now ready once again to be the frontrunner in this city’s local political scene.
Meanwhile, another local politician who was once closely allied with the current ruling executive is reportedly planning to “take a break” after being entangled in some personal affairs that led to being sidelined last year.
It’s still more than seven months before the filing of COCs, so anything can happen in our province’s local political scene. Just keep your eyes open, guys!
#UnCommonSense #JamesVeloso #EconomicsAndPoliticsDoMixUp #OpinYonLaguna #OpinYonColumn #OpinYon #WeTakeAStand