‘In Between Columns’

Former governor Tingting de la Serna, according to the grapevine, was reportedly asked by Sonny O to run for Congress together with the camp of Jonas Cortes.

However, Tingting said if he plans to run for Congess, he will do it if he will get the support of the Ouano camp.

Unfortunately, Tingting figured poorly in Teddy’s survey results. Now, I heard Teddy will be the one running against Nerissa Soon-Ruiz who will soon join the Cortez camp.

Nagkaalegre ang Mandaue

Talks abound re John-john Osmeña’s comeback to local politics. This time however, he reportedly wants Edigul’s seat. Is this true? Does he have the resources?

According to Gullas, he leads in the surveys he had made in the first district.

Do you really believe Cong. Prospero Pichay is telling the truth when he said we will support Cong. Tony Cuenco in Cebu City’s second district and not his pag-umangkon Atan Guardo?

According to Pichay, he is even willing to climb the stage and raise Cuenco’s hand just to prove that he won’t go against any party candidate.

However, Guardo said Cuenco should be careful because … "Ma-shot unya sa taro." The young upstart said he had an agreement with his uncle.

The problem here is that Guardo is practically saying Pichay has the capability of betraying partymate Tony Cuenco.

Former senator John ‘Sonny’ Osmeña held a press conference this morning to send the message that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Team Unity won’t get the same majority she had in 2004.

The reason: UNO will put up a complete local slate.

However, he stopped short of naming candidates. But I am speculating that it could be a Martinez-Yapha tandem considering that both were not around during Team Unity’s proclamation rally in Saturday.

In a phone conversation, JHO’s right hand Brady Lucero asked me what I think of a Sim Kintanar candidacy against Gov. Gwen Garcia.

I don’t know if Sim will change his mind but as of now, he is the Lakas-CMD provincial chairman while Cary Kintanar is the Kampi provincial chairman. They might not have enough money for a province-wide campaign but they can give congressional challengers in the second district a good fight.

UNO cannot adopt the Kintanars if they remain with Lakas and Kampi. Moreover, former senator Herrera’s man Sol Abines wants to regain his congressional seat that was snatched away from him in 1998.

But with the 3rd and 4th district going to the opposition, a huge chunk of the pro-Team unity votes will go to UNO now known as the Grand Coalition.

Alegre ang Sugbo ini.

The race for the 12 Senate seats officially starts today. And it seems Senate President Manuel Vilar believes in being early.

As early as 2 am when I was on my way home, I saw two men putting up Manny Villar posters.

Basta I’m rooting for the Wednesday group especially Sharon’s hubby Kiko. The guy knows when to use his head and when to only say "Noted." hehehe

In fairness to the others however, I still have to ponder more on the present aspirants for a Senate seat and maybe come up with a list when the May election nears.