For the longest time prior to the deadline for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy on the 8th of October, there were only two professed candidates for Governor: incumbent Gov. Roel Degamo and Bayawan Mayor Pryde Henry Teves.
Then, Vice Gov. Edward Mark Macias filed his COC for governor under the banner of the Liberal Party, with Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong of the 1st District, as provincial chair.
Vice Governor Macias’ filing of COC for the governorship may have been an unexpected move, although the public had been expecting him to go make the move since he had served well his third term as vice governor.
It is significant to note that the deadline of the filing of COCs, the 8th of October, happened to be the 88th birthday of his father, the late Gov. Emilio “Dodo” Macias II, the most important influence in Doc Mark’s life, more importantly of his political views.
After the EDSA Revolution, the KBL-Marcos loyalist Dodo Macias ran in the 1988 elections against a Cory loyalist, then Gov. Herminio Teves Sr., perceived as a giant in NegOr politics.
It was by sheer luck, and the efforts of ordinary citizens that Dodo Macias won against Miniong Teves.
For Doc Mark Macias this time, it could be an uphill climb; what will be his base of support?
Aside from 1st District Cong. Josy Limkaichong’s endorsement, there are a hodgepodge of political leaders and SUHS ‘79 civilian batchmate who are in Mark Macias’ corner.
Mark Macias, who gave up a lucrative career as orthopedic surgeon for several years in topnotch hospitals in Manila, had always nurtured a low profile as a medical doctor and even as vice governor of the Province.
But now that he’s running for Governor of Negros Oriental, I believe that Mark Macias has to develop and embrace a high profile in all media platforms, and even in his personal face-to-face appearances in as many public events possible.
Like they would jokingly say, people gunning for elected positions must be visible in “KBL events” (kasal, bunyag, lubong) to get the attention they need.
Unless the voting public grows up and attains political maturity, local politics would remain a game of personalities, and the favors the public can get from the politicians.
The one thing that goes well with Doc Mark Macias is that he has a relatively- clean slate: he has steered clear of controversies, like the calm sea in the midst of turbulent winds, maintaining a level-headed persona, which speaks well of his academic/professional training as an orthopedic surgeon.
As elected official, Doc Mark Macias looks at public service as a means for him to help correct the wrongs that people complain about. He admits he still has to strengthen his political base: planning, organizing, raising money, and forging alliances with independent like-minded groups that are deemed necessary for an electoral victory.
During the campaign period, it is expected that opposing camps will be hurling various kinds of gossip and scandalous rumors against each other. Whether true or not, rational or ridiculous, the point is to destroy the candidate’s good reputation and the public’s positive perception of the candidate in a game of labayanay ug lapok (mudslinging).
Is Doc Mark Macias, or his family, ready for that?
At present, the traditional system of campaigning that has proven most effective, especially with those who are only attracted to money, involves outright cash dole-outs, and personally attending to the constituents’ community or even personal needs.
Sadly, money-based politics and name recall continue to rule.
The idealist in Doc Mark Macias wants to use progressive or new politics, focused on the candidate’s moral principles, and platform of government.
So are you with Doc Mark Macias? Good luck, Doc Mark!
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Author’s email: [email protected]
