Political showdown in Metro Manila: Brace for the campaign storm
This Friday, Metro Manila will enter a tumultuous political season. With a medley of candidates from mayors to congressmen gearing up for battle, citizens will witness an acute elevation in political machinations as campaigns flood the streets amid power dynamics that shift like sands beneath our feet.
In sixteen cities and one municipality, the stakes have never been higher and interesting political battles emerge. There are sure winners, either running unopposed or facing weaker rivals. These are Mayors Joy Belmonte of Quezon city, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Pasay city mayor Emi-Calixto Rubiano, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, come backing Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos and as I have indicated in my previous column, Isko Moreno in the city of Manila.
There are fierce matchups and eye-catching face-offs. In Makati (Senator Nancy Binay vs. brother-in-law Luis Campos- Abby’s husband), and in Las Piñas’ sibling rivalry (first cousins Vice Mayor April Aguilar vs. Carlo Aguilar). Parañaque is also worth monitoring where come backing mayor Edwin Olivarez is challenged by his sister-in-law Aileen Claire Olivarez (wife of incumbent mayor Eric). Will she back out at the last minute or fight till the end? Remember that similar surname in a ballot is very big danger for stray votes.
Look at the cities of Marikina and Malabon.
Marikina’s mayoralty aspirants are congresswoman Maan Teodoro (wife of incumbent mayor Marcy who’s running for congressman in the first district) against economist stalwart Congresswoman Stella Quimbo (husband Romero is running as congressman in the second district). Who leads who is close to call at this point.
Malabon is also a husband-and-wife skirmish. Two wives aspire for the mayor position and their husbands for the lone district representation in Congress. Incumbent mayor Jeannie Sandoval of the famous Malabon Ahon-Card and housing program, faces incumbent Congresswoman Jaye Lacson-Noel whose benevolence is endearing to her constituents. Jeannie’ s husband, former congressman Ricky will closely battle Jaye Lacson’s husband, former An Waray party list member Florencio “Bem” Noel. Who is leading? That again is too close to call.
Overall, the prospect of family ties complicating campaign promises cannot be overstated; voters’ trust relies heavily on transparency amid intertwined loyalties.
We will also watch Caloocan city on how former Senator Antonio Trillanes will fare against reelectionist Mayor Dale Along Malapitan. Is an upset possible and break the Malapitan father and son hold on Caloocan voters? Surveys point to a win by the incumbent, but poll watchers and I agree that it is still too early to tell.
In San Juan (Basketball giants incumbent mayor Francis Zamora vs. former vice mayor Philip Cezar. In these areas, surveys are even. We must also mention that Zamora’s sisters are both running as congresswomen, one in San Juan and another in Taguig. Now who is leading between Mayor Francis and Vice Mayor Cesar? Again, it is too close to call.
Pasig’s reelectionist mayor Vico Sotto while leading in surveys, faces formidable challenge from the moneyed Sara Discaya of the Unyon ng mga Gabay ng bayan, a contractor businesswoman, with her motto “Kaya This”- her surname in reverse.
Taguig’s incumbent mayor Lani Cayetano and her favorite opponent, former congressman Arnel Cerafica is facing a new electoral scenario with the inclusion of ten former barangays of Makati with its more than 200,000 voters. And here the Binays have a very strong influence over their former constituents. Will they support Lani’s opponent this time?
The lone municipality Pateros, with incumbent mayor Ike ponce out of the picture, is an open season with Ponce endorsed Municipal Administrator Gerald German on a one-on-one battle with popular Councilor Ronnie Miranda. Again, this is a close fight, and anything can happen in the next 60 days.
As we navigate this intricate web of local politics, we must encourage a spirit of peace and acceptance, regardless of election outcomes. Political conflicts should never translate into violence or vitriol; instead, they should inspire discourse, reconciliation, and progress. Every candidate, whether victorious or defeated, will have an obligation to uphold ethical standards, answer the tough questions, and act decisively upon their commitments.
With innovative electoral systems like South Korea’s Miru being adopted, accountability becomes imperative. As voters, we must demand clarity and responsiveness from our leaders. As campaigning heats up, let us strive for cooperation and mutual respect—not just in Metro Manila, but throughout the country.
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Title: Investing in reliability: the case for the LRT-1 fare increase
The recent fare hike of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has ignited a firestorm of criticism from various sectors, labeling it as anti-poor and anti-commuter. However, this reductive viewpoint fails to grasp the nuanced realities of public transportation funding and maintenance in Metro Manila. While no one welcomes an increase in fares, to frame this necessary adjustment as a betrayal of the commuting public is not only misguided but deeply detrimental to the future of our transit systems.
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room: maintaining and upgrading a transit system of LRT-1’s scale requires significant financial backing. The improvements implemented by the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) since its management takeover in 2015 exemplify the positive impact that increased funding of P36.3B can have on service quality. An 87% increase in the number of functional light rail vehicles (from 77 to 144 trains), a massive and serious upgrading of the 40-year old systems in operating LRT-1 and The completion of Phase 1 of the Cavite Extension Project, which expands LRT-1’s reach and relieves congestion. With operational reliability near 100% and a substantial fleet increase, commuters now experience smoother, safer rides. Critically, these positive changes would be difficult to achieve in the hands of a government-run operation typically beset with inefficiencies and monetary constraints.
Those who argue that a fare increase burdens the poor seem to overlook a crucial aspect of economic logic: long-term sustainability. Keeping fares artificially low might deliver short-lived ease to the wallet, but what about the impending service deterioration from a lack of funding? Is it not more burdensome for commuters to endure delays, overcrowding, and unreliable service just to save a few pesos today? The reality is that poorly maintained transport networks lead to frustration, wasted time, and potentially higher spending on alternative transport methods due to the collapse of the very system meant to serve them.
Rather than rallying against fare hikes, labor groups should direct their energies toward wage increases or social protection programs that enhance purchasing power and not jeopardizing public transport’s functionality. Critics fail to grasp that the essence of this fare hike is not merely about a couple of extra pesos but about the vitality of our transit infrastructure and the long-term viability of the services we rely on daily. This fare increase is a proactive measure, ensuring the continuous improvement of LRT-1, preventing its descent into becoming another victim of neglect.
Instead of resisting change, it’s imperative for us as a community to advocate for the kind of forward-thinking policies that will ultimately lead to a reliable, efficient, and affordable transport system—benefiting all commuters for years to come. The real discussion should rather safeguard the functionality of our vital transit systems.
The LRT-1 fare hike encapsulates a critical crossroads for our public transport system: do we choose the immediate comfort of low fares at the cost of long-term viability and quality service? Or do we acknowledge that investing in our transit infrastructure is an investment in the very fabric of our community’s mobility and accessibility?
A well-functioning LRT-1 enhances the daily lives of countless commuters, from Roosevelt Quezon city, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque and very soon into Cavite, enabling them to reach their workplaces, schools, and opportunities without being swamped by gridlock or unreliable alternatives. The fare increase, while challenging now, paves the way for consistent enhancements in service. This means commuters can expect shorter wait times, expanded capacities, and improved safety features that directly contribute to a better commuting experience.
Moreover, let’s understand the broader economic context. The rapid inflation and rising costs mean that LRT-1’s operating expenses have ballooned significantly since the last fare increase nearly a decade ago. Ignoring these economic realities only serves to put more strain on the system, compromising service quality that millions depend on. Keeping fares too low ignores the veritable impact of economic conditions on operation and management, leading to a vicious cycle of underfunding and deteriorating service.
We must foster a culture that sees fare hikes not as punitive measures but as essential utilities for a thriving city. Infrastructure needs funding; it’s a simple yet profound truth. By supporting the fare hike, we are advocating for our collective future—one where we can board a train knowing it’s well-maintained, efficient, and truly serves our community’s needs. Rail systems across the globe demonstrate that investing in effective public transport results in broader economic gains, reduced congestion, and enhanced quality of life.
Finally, let us all advocate for responsible fare structures that balance the need for affordable transport with the necessity of sustainable systems.. We owe it to every commuter who relies on the LRT-1 to stand firm in our support of improvements that will continue to elevate our public transport system and, ultimately, our society.
Together, let’s build the transportation system we deserve responsive, reliable, and robust enough to meet our city’s needs today and in the future.
