longcuts

They were colleagues in the good ole days of the Kabataang Barangay (KB) headed by its national president Imee Marcos.
Congressman Edgar Chatto headed the provincial group.
Unlike the current group headed by “nation president” Jane Censoria Cajes, the KB under Imee was a real force to reckon with.
For one thing, she was the daughter of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos whose word was the law; no questions asked or you’ll disappear.
In terms of affluence, well, there might be some similarity somewhere.
A texter told me that in the current crop of legislators, Cong. Ondoy Cajes has been listed kuno as one of the richest.
And I happen to believe that it’s possibly true.
* * *
Anyway, when Cong. Edgar Chatto started implementing his dream to replace Gov. Erico Aumentado, he also started contacting his former colleagues in the KB.
Right in their first meeting, the outpouring of complete support from the other KB presidents was spontaneous. The reception was also heart-warming.
It was a reunion of sorts.
There was no doubt in their minds whatsoever that it was one very important occasion.
* * *
Proof of their unity was revealed during a survey.
The mechanics of the survey say that the respondents need only to call and express his preference for governor.
One text message to all KBs all over the province and presto, mission accomplished.
As one, the KBs called up the radio station and right there and then, an outstanding survey rating was generated.
Congressman Chatto leads the pack.
Bravo.
* * *
When the opposition heard of the gimmick, it was easily duplicated.
And the result was reversed. Chatto was trailing.
No way, the pollster said, the result could not be utilized because it was corrupted.
So they did not report the result of the survey, although it was also available online.
Anyway, the survey gimmick was the KBs first victory in the battle of perception.
* * *
But when the CONA issue broke out and Chatto was accused of betrayal after that unity brouhaha in the church, in the Comelec and in Bohol Tropics during dinner, some KBs began to reconsider.
Some started asking if the Edgar Chatto that they knew before is the same Edgar Chatto who is asking for their support come May 2010 elections.
A ranking KB member told me a lot of their colleagues believe that somehow, Cong. Chatto was involved in the shenanigan with Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
Especially that Chatto has allied himself with the most notorious mayor of Bohol as his running-mate.
* * *
According to my KB source, some KB colleagues started thinking that long before the elections, they were not summoned.
Long before the elections, they were not recalled. As if they did not exist at all.
But when his political plans for governor were firmed up, that’s the time he started recalling his long lost KBs.
They realized right there and then that the hand of friendship was a fake. It was coated with something else.
It was nothing but political friendship. They were summoned because of the political ambitions of Edgar Chatto. Otherwise, they did not exist at all in his vocabulary.
Of course, the reaction was also spontaneous. There was no meeting of sorts. Perhaps, there were text messages but the point is, they shared the same apprehension over the persona of Edgar Chatto.
“Karong mga panahona, mi lie-low usa ko sa among KB-KB kay morag wa na ko kasabot ani. Mora man ug gipahimuslan lang mi ani” the KB source told me.
* * *
A lot of them, the source told me, still believe that Edgar Chatto is basically a good man.
But his political ambitions, the source said, stand in the way of his excellent virtues.
* * *
One of the issues raised by Catigbian Mayor and Bohol-LMP president Bert Salinas is they are treated as second-class citizens.
He was booted out from his congressional plans and in his place was installed an outsider in Rene Relampagos, an LDP. It was an LDP victory over Lakas-Kampi in a Lakas-Kampi backyard.
It was a terribly painful defeat for Bertsal.
So how did Edgar Chatto, as Lakas-Kampi provincial party chair, justify Rene Relampagos’ entry?
There was a coalition. And it was the decision of the national hierarchy to coalesce. See, we have nothing to do with that. So don’t blame me.
* * *
Last Friday, Governor Erico Aumentado said this is not true.
There is no such coalition being forged between Lakas-Kampi and LDP.
He got this confirmation from LDP president Edgardo Angara. Even DILG chief Ronaldo Puno made similar confirmation.
The only coalition they can think of is that in 2005.
So what coalition is Cong. Edgar Chatto talking about?
Is he making this up?
* * *
Remember that Cong. Chatto and Rene Relampagos are an old issue.
They did it together when the SALCON issue broke out.
Rene was the gov and Ed Chatto was the vice gov.
Rene merely implemented what Edgar came up in the SP with SALCON.
But in the election that followed, Rene was the casualty and Edgar was victorious. And that was because the blame was focused on Rene.
Credit that to Rene’s cockiness and Edgar’s smart diversionary tactic.
* * *
Anyway, the only way to justify Rene’s entry to Lakas was through a coalition.
Forge a coalition and presto, everything will fall into place. The problem with forging a coalition is they could not make it local otherwise, there will be mass exodus. And they would be charged of being a despot.
So to lend authority and credence, and escape scathing questions from the media, they have to have a coalition forged at the national level.
So that’s what they did.
Timely discovery is remote because who would challenge the word of Cong. Edgar Chatto?
* * *
But the disclosure of Gov. Aumentado last Friday destroyed all that.
There is no such coalition between Lakas-Kampi and LDP in the national level, save that in 2005.
This conflicts with the statement of Cong. Chatto, right?
* * *
Another issue raised by Bertsal is that as provincial party chair, Cong. Chatto did nothing to their request for a meeting to thresh out problems and concerns of the party.
Bertsal said they wrote to Gov. Aumentado but because Cong. Chatto is the provincial party chair, the matter was referred to Chatto.
When asked about this, Chatto spokesman BM Ae Damalerio insisted that Chatto acted on the matter.
Again, Gov. Aumentado said last Friday that Chatto did not do anything.
There was no meeting; no consultation either.
The gov said he even prevailed upon the group of Bertsal to wait for some time until Chatto has addressed the problem.
But nothing was done so Bertsal and company made public their loss of confidence to Cong. Edgar Chatto’s leadership.
The statement of Gov. Aumentado was corroborated by Jagna councilor Senen Lloren, who is running under Chatto as provincial board member in the 3rd district.
When interviewed by Dave Responte of DYTR, Lloren said Cong. Chatto did nothing about the matter.
That’s two in a row, right?
* * *
In the controversial incident in Bohol Plaza last week where Chatto and his running-mate Conching Lim came uninvited during the socials of the Buenavista officials, the popular belief that he is “sleeping with the enemy” was also confirmed.
In his campaign sorties, Chatto is doing the rounds with Trinidad Mayor Bebe Cajes who is not a Lakas-Kampi but an independent congressional candidate in the 2nd district.
Under ordinary circumstances, he should have been doing the rounds with the Gov because they are both Lakas.
And Cajes is not a Lakas.
So how come Cong. Chatto was with Bebe Cajes instead of the gov?
* * *
No need to answer, of course.
Cong. Chatto has decided to ally himself with Bebe Cajes and Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
And contrary to his public declarations, he is formally and informally endorsing her candidacy.
Which prompted the Gov to say that “kon disiplinado pa na siya nga party man, di unta to niya angay buhaton.”
Wa diay disiplina!
As in physics, if there is an action, there is always a reaction.
So if Chatto is for Cajes, should the Gov also work for the candidacy of Edgar Chatto?
* * *
Now, in last week’s PDC meeting, Cong. Chatto, Cong. Cajes and Conching Lim were invited.
But they did not come.
Instead, they sent representatives.
This prompted an observer to say “Wa na sila maanad sa kalihokan na invited ug guests jud sila, mas type nila ang mag-gate crash.”
Pagka-sakita!
And all the while, Conching Lim is boasting that “it’s all over but the counting.”
More when we return, stay tuned for more.

Vice Mayor Toto Veloso and city kagawads Bebin Inting, Djingo Rama, Edgar Kapirig and Kit Oppus have a lot of explaining to do.
The letter dated 15 February 2010 is the case in point.
For one, they used the letterhead of the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod when the signatories do not include all the members or even majority of the members of the sanggunian.
I think it is misleading because the letter does not carry the sentiment of all the members or majority of the members of the sanggunian.
It would have been more prudent if they used the letterhead of the Office of the Vice Mayor.
* * *
Before signing the letter, they should have checked everything, especially the name of the Vice Governor.
It doesn’t feel good if your name is murdered, right?
Well, if Julius Caesar Herrera is a nobody, the misspelling can be excused.
But he’s the second highest official of the province, and more importantly, he’s the former boss of kagawad Kit Oppus.
So murdering his name was inexcusable.
* * *
Apart from the errors in spelling and grammar and use of inappropriate words, I noticed that there is something wrong in the context of the letter.
The letter-writer stated that the 10th sanggunian has not yet adopted the resolution from the city development council covering the rehab project upon which the subject 50 million loan is supposed to be expended or utilized.
This is wrong.
According to my source, the resolution in question has already been adopted in the 2010 annual budget.
* * *
Veloso, Inting, Rama, Kapirig and Oppus wanted a deferment of the review of the questioned resolution.
But Vice Governor Herrera said any inaction of more than 30 days on the part of the provincial SP means the measure is approved.
In their haste, they must have forgotten about this.
* * *
The “involvement” of the SP, Herrera added, is limited to checking on whether the act of the city sanggunian amounted to ultra vires act or acting beyond the scope of their delegated authority. Other than that, nada.
But more importantly, the provincial SP does not tinker on the substance of the resolution or ordinance.
Did Veloso, Inting, Rama and Oppus expect the provincial SP to intervene in the brouhaha in the city sanggunian?
* * *
By the way, Toto Veloso and company should better ask forgiveness from the incumbent Liga ng mga Barangay President.
They copy-furnished their error-filled letter to Dr. Romulo Cepedoza who is no longer the sitting Liga president.
And they should also apologize to the incumbent SK federation president.
They furnished Bobbith Cajes-Auza who is no longer an SK.
* * *
But the controversy over letters does not stop there.
I got myself a copy of the letter sent by a certain “Comm. Jane Censoria D. Cajes, SK provincial and Nation President.”
This letter is addressed to heads of all schools, colleges and universities in the city and province.
This is likewise addressed to all student body presidents of all schools, colleges and universities in the city and province.
So, can you imagine the number of recipients of the letter from “Comm. Jane Censoria D. Cajes, SK provincial and Nation President?”
What exactly does she meant when she called herself as Nation President?
* * *
She started her letter with an earth-shaking “Greeting in the name of Lord of Peace and Unity.”
Singular or plural, she must be thinking singular.
Okay, okay, typo error.
But she made the same greetings in her letter addressed to the SK presidents. This means that in all her letter, she is used to saying “greeting.”
The letter “S” must be lost somewhere.
And she said, ”My presence as the federation president and together with the consensus of the SSG/CSG presidents from the different schools agreed to have a maximum of ten (10) participants will represent each school…”
I have trouble understanding what she meant by that, okay, so pardon my ignorance.
And then she added “We are looking forward to a positive response to this invitation. I personally believe in your noble contribution to the Boholano youth as a young leader. This is our time to voice out our concerns and issues as we grasp the change we want to be, and we vote the right person to lead.”
So this is my reading.
She wrote a letter to the school presidents and invited them. She didn’t say though what the invitation was.
But she told them that they had already an agreement with the student leaders that each school would be represented by a maximum of 10 students.
So who got the invitation from Comm. Jane Censoria Cajes, the school presidents or the student leaders?
If the school presidents would not allow their students to participate, for one reason or another, and despite the previous agreement with the student leaders, does Comm. Jane Censoria Cajes intend do anything to compel them?
* * *
I wonder if Comm. Jane Censoria Cajes wrote this letter herself or designated someone as her ghost writer.
Whatever it may be, this is very embarrassing if we take into account her official positions.
I’m sure her teachers at the Holy Spirit School won’t be happy if they will get a copy of her letter. More so with the Assumption Sisters.
She should be more careful in writing letters. Better still, she should hire a more competent ghost writer.
If she can afford a Nissan Patrol, there’s no reason why she can’t afford to hire a better ghost writer.
* * *
Corella Mayor Vito Rapal has been quoted as saying he was very disappointed with Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera.
He reportedly blamed Herrera for the loss of the voting sheet that reflects the actual voting of the SB members when the supplemental budget was passed.
Herrera denied receiving such documents. And he retorted that if Mayor Rapal could produce his file copy showing that the Office of the Vice Governor has indeed received the original of the documents, then he would willingly accept responsibility for the loss.
Reasonable enough, right?
So I asked an ally of Mayor Rapal if this is true and his answer shocked me.
“Nasobraan ra man god ug pagarpar. Dili maayo nang magpalabi,” was his reply to my question.
He told me that it would appear that Mayor Rapal did not have a file copy of the documents reportedly received by the Office of the Vice Governor.
“Kon naa pa unta, sayon ra unta kaayo ang pagpakita sa iyang file copy. Ang problema kay walay kopya pod si Pare Vito,” was his explanation.
I also noticed some breach of protocol.
If there was such a loss of the voting sheet, how come Mayor Vito Rapal was quick to complain before his favorite media outfit but failed to communicate with Herrera?
Prudence dictates that he should direct his problem to the official concerned. This way, corrective measures can be undertaken sans unnecessary publicity.
But he channeled his complaint right away to the media without giving Herrera the chance to hear it first. Obviously, he wanted to embarrass Herrera.
I think there are some political undertones here.
Remember, Rapal is pro-Chatto. Anything that he can throw towards Herrera will greatly help the candidacy of Cong. Edgar Chatto.
* * *
The State of the Province Address of the governor last Wednesday was lengthy.
Took him more than an hour to deliver it. I wonder if he saw the bored, sleepy faces of the audience.
Actually, it was 25 pages in all.
Highlighted in the lengthy SOPA were the outstanding accomplishments of the governor during his 9 years of service as governor.
His swan song was replete with great achievements.
What was touching was his closing statement that it was not his achievement alone, but the collective efforts of every member of the capitol family.
More when we return, stay tuned for more!

We were invited to Malacanang last Friday to a Media Briefing on “Central Philippines Super Regions.” There were only 3 of us in Bohol.
A select few from print, TV and broadcast from the other provinces of the country were also there at the Heroes Hall. I guess there were about 40 to 50 of us in that press briefing.
* * *
It was probably the first time for new Press Secretary Cris Icban Jr. to mingle and interact with the country’s mass media.
Apart from Secretary Icban, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, PMS USec Andy Cui and other officials from the departments of Agriculture, DPWH and DOTC were there to welcome us.
The “personalized” letter that Secretary Icban gave us after the event was also touching.
* * *
I shared table with Secretary Icban during the fellowship dinner, together with Bobbit Avila of Philippine Star and other members of the Cebu media.
Apparently, Avila felt he had the floor all to himself. So while we were enjoying the super delicious Chinese dishes, he “entertained” us with his seemingly endless anecdotes. A few were amusing, the rest were not.
Anyway, it gave me the opportunity to closely examine Secretary Icban.
And from my brief scrutiny, I suppose he understands his job. He was just there listening, sometimes nodding his head in agreement, as the table jester changed from topic to topic.
He was willing to share the limelight with Avila who must have felt he got the night’s license to “bore” everybody with his mostly personal story.
* * *
I really appreciate the warm hospitality extended by the Office of the Press Secretary, notably my kababayan and cousin Saul Paa.
The members of his staff were also superb.
They met us and attended to our basic needs at the airport, at the Manila Pavilion where we were billeted and when we departed the following day.
Well, it was a nice little way for the OPS to “touch base” with the country’s mass media.
And I enjoyed it a lot.
* * *
This one is tsismis. So be wary.
It seems that the presidential race is between Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar only.
This was the common observation of those who attended the gathering.
This may be a casual observation but please take note that this comes from the members of the media.
* * *
Another tsismis.
In between the power point presentations, I had intermittent chicka-chicka with Ely Dejaresco of Negros Chronicle in Dumaguete and station manager Shirlyn Infante Abella of DYRM-Dumaguete.
We noticed the podium was marked “Malacanan Palace.”
But in the official communications as well as in the power point presentations, the term used was “Malacanang.”
Which one is correct, Malacanan or Malacanang, we were asking ourselves.
We got the answer when we were toured around the grounds of the Palace.
“Malacanan” is used when referring to the palace or the building itself but when referring to the grounds, the term “Malacanang” is used.
We were told the palace grounds are stretched to some 16 hectares of land.
Even some portion of Pasig River right behind the palace is part of Malacanang.
* * *
Meanwhile, a member of the Bohol delegation told me at the airport on the way home yesterday something about local politics.
“Naglangan-langan lang gyod na si Bebe Cajes, no? Nag-usik-usik ra ug kwarta,” the source told me.
He was referring of course to Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes who is running as an independent for the congressional seat against outgoing governor Erico Aumentado.
* * *
Cong. Ondoy Cajes retaines a topnotch election lawyer in Manila to handle his case before the Comelec.
I am referring to the CONA case between his wife Judith Cajes and Governor Erico Aumentado.
Tsismis has it that the legal retainership alone made Cong. Ondoy Cajes a few millions poorer. Be wary with the figures though, I could not verify if this is correct.
Anyway, I am wondering why he is retaining an expensive Manila-based lawyer when he has his law firm in the city.
Cost wise, there is no argument that using his law firm is better.
Convenient wise, again, there is no dispute that it is very convenient to just “hire” his local partners to handle the case of his wife. After all, the situs of the offense is right here.
So why did he use a Manila-based lawyer?
Pardon my ignorance but I could only think of one reason.
Congressman Ondoy Cajes does not trust in the ability of his law partners to win his case.
Baleng paita, if this is true.
* * *
Okay, okay, we will give some slack.
The decision to engage the legal services of a Manila-based lawyer was a common or shared decision.
Meaning, there was a previous discussion and it was a common consensus with his local partners Atty. Libby Casilan, Atty. Tim Villas and Atty. Ted Lagang to just retain a Manila-based lawyer, especially one who has “access” to the Comelec.
So, the next question is this.
Did Congressman Ondoy Cajes’ partners know of his plans and of his decision to engage the governor in a legal battle in the Comelec?
Again, if the tsismis I heard is true, there was no discussion at all. Accordingly, Cong. Ondoy Cajes did not consult his partners about his plans and about his intention to hire a Manila-based lawyer.
If this is true, then the decision was personal.
Again, pastilang paita kaayo, if this is the case.
* * *
Now, we are on the realm of speculations.
How should his partners react upon learning of the case and especially about the outcome of the case?
Naturally, they would be surprised.
Nganong wa man ta sultii? Nganong wala man lang ta konsultaha?
These could be some of the logical questions that should come to mind.
They could be vocal about it. Or, they could keep it to themselves and contain the slight insult right in their own coconuts.
But the nagging thought immediately follows – Wa diay mosalig si Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
Cajes’ lack of trust could be in terms of his partners’ inability to handle the case.
Lack of trust could also be in terms of their inability to contribute something useful to solve the problem in the discussion phase.
The point is – it doesn’t bode well for the partnership when one of the partners (Cajes) does not trust his other partners (Casilan, Villas and Lagang) anymore.
Of what use is the partnership then when trust among the partners is wanting?
Well, that’s Cong. Ondoy’s burden.
But if I were in the shoes of his partners, I would be very disappointed. And if he could not explain to my satisfaction, I would sever right away the partnership.
And I would exclaim, mirisi!
* * *
The Manila-based lawyer of Cong. Cajes filed a motion for reconsideration late last week.
He wanted the Commission to review and re-evaluate the Minute Resolution of the Commission en banc that declared Aumentado as official candidate of Lakas-Kampi and declared as well Judith Cajes as an independent.
He wanted the Commission to reconsider their decision.
But he is facing one big problem - time.
The Comelec does not have the luxury of time. They can ill-afford to dilly dally because they still have a lot of things to do.
Another big problem is timing.
The Comelec has enacted a resolution directing the Law Department to publish the official list of candidates in the May 2010 elections.
And when I looked at the list, Gov. Erico Aumentado is listed as the official candidate of Lakas-Kampi for 2nd congressional district.
Judith Cajes is listed as an independent.
* * *
Unless this list is changed, this will be the list that will be used in the printing of official ballots for the May 2010 elections.
Now, can the Manila-based lawyer of Cong. Cajes still persuade the Commission en banc to change the official list?
That is the $64 dollar question, right?
* * *
In the latest survey by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), Liberal Party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino regains the lead over NPs Manny Villar at 41% to Villar’s 31.63% while Erap Estrada remains on the 3rd slot.
Also remaining at the bottom is Lakas-Kampi bet Gibo Teodoro with his 5% constant rating.
As expected, Villar and Estrada downplayed the result of the survey.
The drop in Villar’s rating was credited to the C5 controversy.
We shall have more of this in our next episode, stay tuned for more.

It doesn’t pay to sleep while driving. Day or night, it doesn’t matter.
The golden rule is - don’t drive when you sleep. Don’t sleep when you drive.
This was the lesson learned by a Congressman when he figured in a vehicular accident recently.
* * *
Once you survived a car crash, you should be thankful for the new lease in life.
And the best way to do this is to be humble about it; to accept your frailties and shortcomings and to learn the lesson well.
But the Congressman is far from being humble.
He lied about it and he’s in a fighting mood.
* * *
It was a show of force for the governor as he happily announced last Friday the decision of the Commission on Elections on the CONA controversy.
On hand to grace his announcement at the People’s Mansion were his top lieutenants in the 2nd district.
Among those present were board member Roygie of Inabanga, Dr. Mutya Macuno, Talibon Mayor Juaning Item, a representative of former Getafe Mayor Cary Camacho, Buenavista Mayor Elsa Tirol, Clarin Mayor Hermogenes Diezon, Danao Mayor Tom Gonzaga and CPG Mayor Tessie Boyboy, among others.
I noticed a dig, direct, at Congressman Cajes and his wife (kuno) Judith Cajes and indirect dig, at Congressman Edgar Chatto, when Aumentado said he was not “pugoso” (forceful) because he waited for 19 years to become governor.
Trinidad Mayor Judith Lao still has 2 terms left for mayor but she could not control the itch to run for congress.
Of course, she must have been persuaded to run as “stand-in” for her husband (kuno) so the congressional seat will remain in the “family” and will not be shared with others.
Many people are convinced that this could not be the initiative of the Trinidad Mayor but that of Congressman Ondoy Cajes.
In fact, in many of our conversations, it was clear that Judith Lao was not really decided.
She kept on telling me “wa pay klaro Attorney” when I asked if it were true that she’s running for Congress.
Not once but many times that I sought her view on her political plans.
And in all those times, she kept on saying “wa pay klaro.”
Of course, I learned later that all the while, they were already planning for a congressional run for Judith Lao.
“Dugay na na nga plano, di na mahimo mo-back-out pa si Mam Bebe,” were some of the statements that I got from a very reliable source.
And of course, it was also reported that they could not back out because they had promised their mayoralty bets in the district that she would really run for congress. As in, no retreat, no surrender.
Of course, this validates the story in one of our episodes here last year that Congressman Ondoy Cajes was really making his own independent political plans by creating his “parallel organizations.”
This was one of the heated issues during that fateful September 26 meeting in Manila where there was that, ah, “healthy discussion” of ideas between the governor and Ondoy Cajes.
I termed it here then as “heated discussion” which meant one and the same.
All the while, we were hitting the nail right smack on its head.
* * *
And there was an indirect dig at Congressman Ed Chatto because as I wrote in this column way back in September of last year, the governor was complaining that “wa pa gani mo makalingkod, ilogan na man ko ninyo sa pwesto” or words to that effect.
The issue of contention was the chairmanship of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Bohol.
The “one for all, all for one” group of Chatto, Cajes and Boy Jala were said to be pushing for the transfer of provincial chairmanship from the gov to Chatto.
The gov maintained then that for as long as he was still the regional and provincial chair of Lakas, there was no reason for the transfer of leadership.
Meaning, if the party hierarchy removed him as provincial chair, then he would vacate the chairmanship. Until then, it was premature to even talk of transfer of leadership.
But the more appropriate reason could be that Chatto was not yet a candidate for governor then because the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) was still months ahead.
* * *
There was also another dig at Congressman Ondoy.
This time, the dig, I suppose, centered on his very person as a priest and as a politician.
The governor said that at one political gathering in San Miguel town recently, Congressman Ondoy Cajes told his leaders and supporters to wait for the decision from Comelec Manila.
He sounded very confident when he said they would just abide by the Comelec decision. He must have gotten assurance of a sure win, whatever that means.
Last Friday, the governor reminded Cajes that since the Comelec has already ruled on the merits of the case, Ondoy Cajes should be man enough to respect the decision.
And the governor continued his dig.
The governor cited the previous agreement between Cajes and former governor David Tirol that Cajes would only serve for 1 term and give way to Tirol.
He broke his promise, the governor said, when he refused to yield the seat to Tirol.
Against this pattern of lies and deceit, the governor said he was not hopeful that Ondoy Cajes would also honor his commitment to respect the Comelec decision.
Ouch!
* * *
Actually, the governor was very diplomatic when he limited his narration of the colored history of lies of Ondoy Cajes.
He didn’t mention another breach of promise by Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
And I don’t mean his breach of priestly vow.
We’ll have that in our succeeding episodes.
In the meantime, I’m sure Congressman Ondoy is now eating his lollipop.
* * *
Why lollipop?
Because he said the CONA issued by Lakas-Kampi-CMD reinstating the gov’s and revoking his wife’s CONA was like a lollipop.
He said the CONA doesn’t matter anymore because it was done after the period of filing of the COC. As in the lollipop was given to stop the whining from the gov.
But reading through the Resolution of the Comelec en banc, it is very clear that the reinstated CONA was no mere lollipop.
Very clearly, it was just Ondoy Cajes’ lolly.
Having said that, I repeat, I’m sure Cong. Ondoy is now enjoying his lollies.
* * *
Now that Judith Lao is declared as an independent candidate for the 2nd district, she has several options. Rather, Congressman Ondoy has several options.
He can eat his lollipop, swallow his pride and continue the fight or be humble about it and withdraw.
But I don’t think he will ask his “wife” to withdraw. He has already invested a lot. He has already organized and funded a parallel organization in the district that would support the Team Cajes only.
He has made a commitment (kuno) to the members of the parallel organization that he would carry on the fight. Apparently, the members considered Cajes as an honorable man, that he’s capable of fulfilling his promise or commitment.
Either they’re ignorant or they forgot the fact that Cong. Ondoy Cajes has made commitments and vows before but he turned his back on them.
Anyway, Ondoy Cajes bragged repeatedly over the radio that the group of Cong. Edgar Chatto, Conching Lim and Arthur Yap would support Judith Cajes.
Ondoy made this pronouncement during those times that the
Comelec has not yet issued its verdict on the CONA case. So we can understand the seeming stupidity of the remarks.
But now that the Comelec has declared Aumentado as the official candidate and Judith Cajes as an independent, I wonder if Cong. Ondoy has learned the art of eating words.
If he does, now is the time to eat his words.
For how can Chatto, Lim and Yap support Judith Cajes when she’s not Lakas-Kampi-CMD party bet?
She is now an independent.
Of course, Chatto and Lim can secretly support Judith Cajes if they want. As in special operations.
But that would be another stab in the back for the governor from Cong. Edgar Chatto.
How many times can the governor endure stabbing incidents from Cong. Ed Chatto?
And if Cong. Chatto does that (never mind Conching Lim, she’s a nobody in the 2nd district), Aumentado can return the favor. He can also junk Chatto and Lim in the 2nd district. I suppose this is something that should jolt Edgar Chatto from being suicidal.
In which case, it would be to his best interest to simply toe the party line and support Aumentado.
We shall have Conching Lim’s betrayal in our next episode. Abangan.
More when we return, stay tuned for more!

Who would have thought that Longcuts would get his one-minute of infamy and humiliation when Cong. Ondoy Cajes brought his war to the Halls of Congress Wednesday last week and delivered a scathing privilege speech?
Up to now, Longcuts is still shopping for viable explanation why he’s been included in Cong. Ondoy’s hate list.
* * *
Friends have volunteered some.
One, he’s disappointed that while he has his top caliber lawyers from Manila to defend his case before the Law Department of Comelec Manila, Governor Erico Aumentado has opted to retain a Bohol-based ukay-ukay lawyer.
Two, he’s pissed with the way Longcuts laughed during the Cuentas Claras radio program.
Three, he’s not happy with the story coming out from this paper about his unfortunate accident in Loboc last December 30.
Four, he’s looking for more enemies.
And many more.
* * *
Why bore his colleagues with his sad personal story in far-away Bohol?
Why waste the precious time of the House with the story of his political battle with Gov. Erico?
What did he hope to accomplish from his very irresponsible privilege speech? If the issues taken at his privilege speech were referred to the appropriate committee, did Cong. Ondoy expect positive solution?
Does he have nothing else to do that he opted to make a fool of himself in the House?
* * *
It was utterly pathetic for Cong. Ondoy to hit his “enemies” below the belt.
He could not utter those words here, over the radio stations because his targets would get even. He could also get sued for Defamation. Though I think this is the least of his concern. He has a battery of lawyers at his beck and call.
* * *
When Ondoy asked Longcuts “unsa man ka sa una?” it was really shocking.
I could not imagine him stooping this low. But he did. And by doing so, he’s digging his own grave.
He has unwittingly exposed his other persona.
By asking that stupid question, he must have forgotten that the same question could also be asked of him.
Unsa man pod diay ka sa una Cong. Ondoy?
* * *
And here’s my recollection of Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
I remember him when he was still the parish priest of K of C Lourdes Church.
I would see him early morning walking along Gallares Street wearing white shorts.
Everybody in the neighborhood knew then that he wad sut perfornace Lao Cajes and her children were staying. The boarding house is just around the corner, very near the church.
Can you imagine a parish priest openly spending the night in the bosom of his girlfriend?
* * *
I also remember him playing basketball. He was fond of wearing a number 7 jersey.
Proof that he loves the living legend, Robert Jaworski.
Also proof that like Jaworski, he likes to play rough.
Ask anybody who played basketball with Fr. Ondoy Cajes then and for sure, the description fits a Jawo-like play.
And while he’s playing basketball, there were kids at the sideline.
And one such kid would cheerfully shout, “Shoot Daddy, shoot Daddy!”
Yes, a priest being called Daddy in public.
And you know who was that kid?
You got it, it’s Bobbit Cajes.
* * *
And where did he get the wherewithal to study Law? He was a priest that time.
Some said he borrowed money from friends. Another priest is reportedly one of them.
Some said it was a grant from the church.
And many other theories.
Me, I don’t want to hazard a guess.
* * *
I also remember talking to a sister of Cong. Ondoy.
She’s got summoned by a banking institution because she missed her monthly obligations.
When I met the sister in court, I asked why she did not get a lawyer?
She was mum even with the knowledge that her brother was practicing law at that time, even while serving the province as a board member.
When I asked her why not ask help from her brother, board member Ondoy Cajes, her reply was simple enough.
“Maayo pa ug adto ko sa lain magpatabang kay sa adto ko niya.”
If his sister shares this “fondness” for Cong. Ondoy, one does not have to think very hard what kind of brother he really is.
These are some of the things that I would remember if asked the question “kinsa man diay si Cong. Ondoy Cajes sa una?”
* * *
Of course, there are other things that I know about Cong. Ondoy personally.
Things like what he did when he was still constructing his house in the city. Things like what he did when he was in need of instant cash.
And of course, I know of some things about his wife Judith Lao Cajes because she used to work at the Telecom office.
And I also know a little about his legal problem with former mayor Landring Tirol.
That case was very tumultuous for Cong. Ondoy and his wife Judith Lao Cajes.
We shall discuss little by little this episode in the life of my good friend and kumpare, Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
* * *
The point is, I have some personal knowledge about Cong. Ondoy Cajes, his wife and his kids that I can share in this corner.
Question – does he have similar personal knowledge about me that he could, with certainty and confidence, share openly in public?
I doubt it.
Though he could try.
* * *
One good thing about that speech is, according to a good friend in the media, I made one giant step while Cajes made 3 steps backward.
* * *
Some friends who heard our lively exchange last Tuesday over Cuentas Claras congratulated me for keeping my cool.
“Believe mi nimo bay, kalma ra man ka kaayo, smile smile man lang. Pero si Congressman Cajes, pwerte inita na man kaayo,” this came from some friends.
Another one said, “bastos pod na si Congressman Cajes, no? Siya hinuon ang namaot adto.”
And another one said “kon nanghantok ka, at least dalaga man unya asawa pod nimo. Kanang uban diha nga nangilog ug asawa unya ipa-deklarar pa gyod ang buhi nga bana nga patay, mao nay grabe.”
The point is, with the despicable act of Cong. Ondoy in his privilege speech, let me make it clear that I am not mad.
But I get even.
* * *
Conching Lim is having a hard time selling herself to the barangay officials.
She is not friendly. She is not approachable.
And even those who ventured to try their luck by approaching her directly have experienced a
shock of the lifetime.
“Kusog mangasaba na siya. Mora mi’g pirmi lang sayop ug siya pirming husto. Ang nakapait kay mao na’s ginhawa namong pangita’g ika-plete para kaadto mi Tagbilaran, pag-abot namo sa iyang opisina, kasab-an man lang mi,” a barangay captain from Jagna exclaimed.
“Unya karon, sayon sayonon lang mi ug ngisi-ngisi. Dad-on kunohay mi sa Manila ug sa Subic aron kunohay mi mo-believe niya. Unsa man mi, uto-uto?” continued the irate female barangay captain.
* * *
It’s not an easy game for Conching Lim.
She may be representing the barangay captains but she is terribly unpopular with them.
She is in the 3rd district of Bohol, the biggest in terms of area and voting population, but she could not really claim that the district is sure to support her. After all, records of past elections would show that despite her tremendous resources, she was not the top vote-getter in the district.
She could not beat Dioning Balite for several elections now to the number 1 slot in the district board seat. She could not even beat Freda Tirol because Freda remained at the 2nd slot.
The best that Conching Lim could do was get the 3rd slot.
Now, if that is the best that Conching Lim could muster in her own district, then it follows that she can also expect extreme difficulty in the other districts?
For instance, in the 1st district, she has to rely completely on the machinery of Cong. Edgar Chatto.
If Chatto were facing an easy battle, then Conching Lim could easily piggyback on Edgar Chatto. But the coming election is definitely no walk in the park for Cong. Chatto. The betrayal issue is haunting the good congressman. And with the entry of Rene Relampagos, the issue about SALCON is also revived.
Remember, Rene Relampagos met his downfall with the SALCON issue. That time, Rene was the governor, Edgar was the vice governor.
This early, former OIC governor Victor dela Serna is marshalling his resources and fortifying his fort for a revival of the SALCON issue.
To my recollection, there is no other mouthpiece who is more persuasive than Victor dela Serna.
If Victor dela Serna starts spewing acid with the SALCON issue, there will be hell to pay. Many voters would remember and Edgar and Rene would be in a lot of trouble.
In the 2nd district, Conching Lim has to rely on the machinery of Cong. Ondoy Cajes.
Again, if congressional bet Judith Cajes, the married wife of Cong. Cajes, is facing an easy battle, babysitting Conching Lim will not be a problem.
But she is facing a political giant in Gov. Erico Aumentado. From my reckoning, she could only consider Trinidad and Buenavista as her stronger turf. In other towns like Ubay and Inabanga, Cajes would trail by a wide margin.
Which means Conching Lim will be left to fend for herself.
She could not also count on her kumpare Erico because she opted to ally herself with Edgar and Ondoy who are considered up to now as the main actors in the movie, The Betrayal.
Dark days ahead indeed for Conching Lim.
We shall have more of this when we return, stay tuned for more!

If elections were held today, vice governatorial contender Conching Lim would easily lose to Tommy Abapo.
The on-line survey conducted by DYRD shows the big lead enjoyed by Abapo over Conching.
Abapo got 62% while Conching only got 21%. Elpedio Jala got 17%.
This is definitely bad news for Conching.
She could even be overtaken by Jala in the 2nd spot. Her lead over Jala is a measly 4%.
* * *
Naturally, Conching should not expect to get a good showing in the survey.
The survey is based on popularity. Abapo is popular, Conching is not.
* * *
Not only that, since the time he started in government service, Abapo’s name has not been linked to graft and corruption.
Yes, he is clean.
But Conching is different.
Ever since, Conching’s name has always been linked to the controversial Medicare scandal.
For how could she explain the more than 1 million pesos in monthly Medicare claims for her LOL Memorial Hospital in Valencia?
Remember that there are 2 hospitals in Valencia. And there is no epidemic ever recorded in Valencia. And yet, Conching’s LOL Hospital submitted voluminous monthly Medicare claims amounting to more than a million pesos.
Where did she get that much number of patients to justify the million pesos in Medicare claims?
* * *
Of course, we should remember that many times, the Medicare inspectors caught some “hakot” patients with very questionable dextrose “connections.”
Many times too, the “hakot” patiens were caught lying because the “briefing” wasn’t extensive enough.
But just the same, no prosecution and no suspension either.
Why?
Well, lawyer Tim Cabatos knows the answer.
He lawyered for Conching in many of her Medicare cases.
* * *
Me, well, I talked to a top official of the Social Security System (SSS) in Manila.
And that official told me a lot. Yes, a lot.
He told me about his frustrations and disappointments in the prosecution of the Medicare cases.
He told me about deals, special arrangements and some shenanigans involving some officials in government. And these are all documented. In fact, some of these documents are in my possession.
Anyway, we shall slowly unravel some of these stories in our succeeding episodes.
* * *
Still remember that fateful interview of Cong. Ondoy Cajes over Cuentas Claras radio program several weeks ago?
Recall that there was an immediate blast from Cong. Ondoy that I was biased when I asked him about his statement that “ang partido maoy nagtuboy sa akong asawa, si Judith Cajes.”
He blurted a lot of emotional outburst about my being the lawyer of Governor Erico Aumentado on the CONA case before Comelec Manila.
Before he went berserk on the airlanes, I reminded him that my question had nothing to do with the CONA case, I was only interested to ask him about his previous pronouncement that it was the admin party that urged his wife Judith to run for congress in the 2nd district.
He immediately rectified his statement that “ang partido maoy nag-issue sa CONA.”
Naturally, he forgot to answer my question on whether or not it was the party, not he or his wife, who actively sought the position for his wife.
If he answered that it was really the party which initiated everything, then I would have confronted him with what I knew which was contrary to his assertion.
I happen to know that all the while, they had been planning for the candidacy of Judith Cajes, not as re-electionist mayor, but as congressman in the 2nd district.
This was long before the filing of COCs. And long before that very controversial unity mass, unity picture, unity raising of the hands and unity dinner which were nothing but a sham.
* * *
Sensing the hostility, Longcuts retreated because it would not be nice listening the heated exchange on air.
On the next interview with Cong. Ondoy Cajes, he was not as pikon as the first interview. He seemed friendly and there was no more heated exchange.
Nonetheless, I was cautious because things could get worse any minute.
* * *
Last Wednesday evening, somebody told me by text that Ondoy Cajes had just delivered a smoldering privilege speech in the House of Representatives.
In his speech, he reportedly attacked the governor, the provincial PNP chief and yours truly.
I contacted a friend in Congress who promised to provide me with a copy of the speech.
* * *
True enough, the speech is volcanic.
The protégé of the governor is now a man full of hatred and contempt against the governor.
But I leave the governor to answer the charges against him.
I will focus on the charges against yours truly.
* * *
It was totally unfair.
He destroyed and maligned me without giving me a chance to defend myself.
He accused me of lack of credibility in my home province.
I wonder where he got this stupid idea.
Right after taking the Bar Exam, I transferred residence sometime in 1989. I am now domiciled in Bohol and only visits my home province during special occasions.
I started my legal profession since then and joined the local media in the mid-90’s up to the present.
Where did Cong. Ondoy Cajes get that stupid idea about lack of credibility in my home province?
Another batch of lies, bay?
* * *
My engagement as legal counsel of Governor Aumentado in the CONA case before Comelec Manila is purely professional.
As a practicing lawyer before he became an honorable member of Congress, Ondoy Cajes knows that any case that comes our way is fair game to us lowlife.
A legal engagement means income. And in the case of the governor, it is not only income but a chance to expand the legal horizon.
So why the attack below the belt, bay Congressman?
More than that, why include me in your war against the governor?
* * *
When he attacked me in the House of Representatives, he knows that I could not defend myself.
He also knows that I could not run after him for his libelous utterances because he is clothed with parliamentary immunity.
But more than that, I have nothing to do with his present woes.
I called him up, talked to him and his wife, before writing my news item.
The only problem in this respect is that, he prefers to give his answers in other local newspapers. As his wife Judith Cajes told me once, they have arrangements with the Bohol Chronicle regarding news articles.
More so that this arrangement includes placing of advertisements also in the Bohol Chronicle.
I understand democracy and I have no intention to begrudge myself if that is their choice.
Nonetheless, I persevered in getting their side of the story. So when I wrote that “BETRAYAL” story involving Cong. Ondoy Cajes and Cong. Edgar Chatto, I took special efforts to solicit their sides.
There were ample background materials and interviews.
* * *
It goes without saying that I was only reporting an important event. I was just the messenger of the “bad” publicity.
I did not create it. They created the monsters themselves.
If Cong. Ondoy did not like my story, no problem because I didn’t expect him to read it anyway. He’s got his other newspapers to boot.
And more to the point, he has legal remedies if I wrote something false and malicious.
He said he has recordings. Good. Why not use these recordings here where it happens?
* * *
You see, the unity mass actually happened.
The unity picture also happened.
The unity dinner also happened.
The unity march to the Comelec provincial office also happened.
And the filing of a COC for Mayor of Trinidad, instead of filing a COC for vice governor also happened.
The filing of COC for congressman in the 2nd district, instead of filing a COC for mayoral reelection also happened.
All these were reported in this paper.
The smash up in Loboc of the Nissan Patrol registered in the name of Ondoy Cajes’ daughter Jane Censoria Cajes also happened.
The reported presence of Cong. Ondoy during the smash up was also reported.
Other papers also reported.
So why is Cong. Ondoy Cajes angry with yours truly?
* * *
Well, the succeeding episodes will be very interesting.
I have accumulated some exotic stories about Cong. Ondoy and Judith Lao Cajes.
Since this lowlife does not have the Halls of Congress at his disposal, we shall devote a lot of these interesting stories in this corner.
Abangan.
More when we return, stay tuned for more!