Political realignment in the province had just begun.
Shortly after the merger of Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) which dominates elective posts here in Bohol, presidential timber Senator Manuel Villar stormed its ranks.
As a result, 25 municipal mayors officially took their oaths under the re-organized Nacionalista Party of Villar during a grand political gathering at the Bohol Tropics Resort last May 31. Several vice mayors and municipal councilors also joined the party.
However, downplaying speculations that the dominant political coalition in the province is disintegrating, Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera expressed confidence that a majority of the mayors would still "tow the line" once Gov. Erico Aumentado issues his "marching orders".
The governor is currently out of the country for an official trip with President Arroyo and some members of her Cabinet.
While he did not disregard the possibility that the governor may also join Villar's Nacionalista Party, Herrera said he will stand by Aumentado's decision.
"We respect the decision of the mayors who have decided to join Villar's party but I don't really think our political alliance is splitting up," Herrera stressed.
The vice governor disclosed that he conferred with some of the mayors who joined Nacionalista and most, if not all, of them still believed in a united leadership for the province.
However, he said, each one has to consider what political party could carry them to victory in next year's polls.
According to Herrera, the mayors said that the formula of unity among Bohol's top officials led by Aumentado brought more gains in the province in terms of programs and projects.
Reports reaching the Chronicle revealed that aside from the 25 mayors who coalesced with the Nacionalista Party, there are eight other town executives who have signified their intention of joining Villar's group.
As the Nacionalista Party has admitted that it is on a massive recruitment of incumbent politicians to realize its dream of forming the biggest political party in the country, there is possibility that three other Lakas-Kampi stalwarts would jump ship - First District Rep. Edgar Chatto, Second District Rep. Roberto Cajes and former congressman Eladio Jala who has announced his bid to reclaim the Third District Congressional seat vice his son Rep. Adam Relson Jala.
Political observers see that the exodus of mayors, vice mayors and councilors to Nacionalista also pose a problem over choosing an official candidate for governor if Bohol's Big Five (Aumentado, Herrera, Chatto, Cajes and Jala) will opt to stick together and choose a common candidate for governor be it under the banner of Lakas-Kampi or Nacionalista.
Both Herrera and Chatto are eyeing the position. Herrera earlier declared he is open to talks with Chatto's camp just to keep the unified leadership in the province.
In an interview with the Chronicle, Carmen Mayor Manuel Molina bared that of those who took their oaths under the Nacionalista Party, six town mayors from the First Congressional District, seven from the Second Congressional District, and 12 from the Third Congressional District.
They were: Albur Mayor Cirilo Jalad, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy, Calape Mayor Simplicio Yu Jr., Corella Mayor Vito Rapal, Cortes Mayor Apolinaria Balistoy, Sikatuna Mayor Ireneo Calimpusan, Buenavista Mayor Elsa Tirol, Clarin Mayor Hermogenes Diezon, Dagohoy Mayor Herminio Relampagos, Getafe Mayor Theresa Camacho, San Isidro Mayor Apolinar Gumanid, San Miguel Mayor Claudio Bonior, Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, Sierra Bullones Mayor Simplicio Maestrado, Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, Candijay Mayor Sergio Amora Jr., Mabini Mayor Stephen Rances, Alicia Mayor Pedro Miasco, Anda Mayor Paulino Amper, Batuan Mayor Gregoria Pepito, Bilar Mayor Fanuel Cadelina, Duero Mayor Manuel Tan, Guindulman Mayor Ma. Fe Piezas and Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren.
Mayors Jose Jono Jumamoy (Inabanga), Juanario Item (Talibon) and Ceferino Digal (Sevilla) also expressed intent to join the group but failed to attend the meeting while Sagbayan Mayor Jimmy Torrefranca, a last termer, chose to stay with Lakas while allowing his daughter and Vice Mayor Valerie Ann Narona to join the Nacionalista group.
Molina, who is an original member of Nacionalista, added that he is confident other town mayors, vice mayors and councilors will join them in the next few months.
Although he cannot say that Gov. Aumentado will also support Villar, Molina said "it is likely [the governor] will support him".
Molina recalled that Aumentado has close ties with Villar, as the former served as Deputy Speaker for the Visayas at the House of Representatives when Villar was House Speaker. The governor was also chairman of the powerful House committee on appropriations under Villar's Speakership.
"Governor Aumentado is also originally a member of the Nacionalista Party," he said.
Speaking before his new party mates, Villar recalled "that Bohol has produced a president who was also a Nacionalista" referring to former President Carlos P. Garcia.
Five other Philippine presidents came from the Nacionalista Party, Villar said.
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