May 18, 2007, The Philippine Star, Bad day for Nur, Dimaporos, priests, by Lino De La Cruz,

May 18, 2007, The Philippine Star, Bad day for Nur, Dimaporos, priests, by Lino De La Cruz,

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TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – One after another, famous political families are losing their grip and influence in this year’s elections, as indicated by the increasing popular support for their adversaries.

This is the case of the Dimaporo clan, which had previously dominated every local election in the province.

In the effort to continue the family’s unbroken rule in the province, the Dimaporos had sought election in every position available but were apparently shut out.

In the gubernatorial race, Khalid Dimaporo is losing in the initial count to Maigo town mayor Rafael Lizarda.

On the other hand, a virtual unknown is leading over Khalid’s mother, outgoing Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Dimaporo in the congressional race in the first district of the province.

Iligan City councilor Vicente Belmonte Jr. is leading the congressional race with 58,916 votes, followed by Angelique Badelles, daughter of incumbent Rep. Alipio Badelles, with 45,080 and Gov. Dimaporo with only 42,957 votes.

On the other hand, Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo, Imelda’s husband, may avert a total political shutout as he seems to be well on his way to his last term as congressman of the province’s second district, increasing his lead over another Dimaporo, his stepbrother Marcos.

Another famous political family is also on the verge of a shutout in Tarlac, replaced by another clan.

In the initial partial count of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the gubernatorial race in the province, former congressman Victor Yap continues to dominate over Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, brother of former President Corazon Aquino. Yap’s father Jose, former governor and now a congressional candidate in the 2nd district, continues to lead former board member Mina Tabamo.

Former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari is also losing out to former governor Sakur Tan in the gubernatorial race in Sulu.

Tan is expected to regain the provincial post as he continued to lead over incumbent Gov. Ben Loong by 30,000 votes, with Misuari in third place.

Tan’s running mate, Nur-Ana Sahidula, is also leading the vice gubernatorial race while MNLF commander Yusop Jikiri and re-electionist Rep. Munir Arbison are also leading by big margins in the first and second congressional districts, respectively.

‘Once a priest, a priest forever’

Two popular men of the cloth who took the initiative to enter politics are also losing out.

In the partial tabulation by COMELEC, Fr. Ed Panlilio is trailing Pampanga board member Lilia Pineda in the gubernatorial race in the province.

Pineda had 99,285 votes against Panlilio’s 78,787, with incumbent Gov. Mark Lapid trailing with 77,227 votes.

Pineda’s running mate, incumbent Vice-Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, is leading with 121,806 votes as against Lapid’s running mate Paul Laus’ 97,808 votes.

In the quick count by the National Movement for Free Elections, Panlilio is leading with 196,947 votes as against Pineda with 189,922. Lapid is trailing with 182,498 votes.

Guiao is leading the vice gubernatorial race in the NAMFREL quick count with 253,353 votes as against Laus with 235,186 votes.

In Zamboanga City, Fr. Crisanto dela Cruz conceded the race to re-electionist Mayor Celso Lobregat.

Dela Cruz, who ran under the pro-administration Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), formally announced his withdrawal by congratulating Lobregat Thursday.

“This will be a celebration of joy. There’s dignity in defeat, there’s dignity of losing,” Dela Cruz told his supporters, adding that he would not abandon his mission to help the poor and the needy after the elections.

Dela Cruz, who resigned his priesthood before joining the mayoralty race, said he did not regret serving the Roman Catholic Church even as he promised to continue helping the Church.

“Once a priest, a priest forever,” Dela Cruz replied when asked if he would go back to the priesthood.

Like a Garci

Former election commissioner Ralph Lantion conceded the congressional race in Nueva Vizcaya to former congressman Carlos Padilla.

Lantion followed what his famous colleague Virgilio “Garci” Garcillano did earlier in conceding defeat to Malou Acosta in the congressional race in Bukidnon.

“The people have spoken, they have made their choice. I have given my best for the province and apparently my best is not good enough. I gave our best shot, we fought a good fight, we finished the race, it’s just that destiny is not ours at this point in time,” Lantion said.

Lantion, younger brother of Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Thompson Lantion and Court of Appeals Justice Jane Lantion, said he will support Padilla.

“I therefore congratulate the winners… and rest assured that the Lantions will continue to help the people of the province in whatever capacity,” he said.

Padilla garnered 57,633 votes with Lantion following at 29,973 in the partial results of the canvassing for the lone congressional district of the province.

Padilla, a veteran lawmaker who represented the province for more than 18 years, praised Lantion for showing an “act of sportsmanship.” With Ding Cervantes, Roel Pareño, Charlie Lagasca, Diogenes Simbol