Binay vs. Duterte proxy war DUTERTE’S CAVITE VISIT STIRS LOCAL POLITICS

By Manny Piñol

Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte’s visit to the heartland of the legendary local Robinhood Nardong Putik stirred Cavite politics as several political leaders appeared to have aligned themselves with the prospective presidential bet from Mindanao.

Suddenly, Cavite Gov. Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla, Jr., former spokesman of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was earlier believed to run unopposed could be facing a tough challenge from former Tagaytay City Mayor and now 7th District Congressman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“Duterte’s visit to Cavite has galvanised the opposition and this could bring together formidable groups capable of toppling Remulla from the Governorship,” said a Cavite political analyst.

“Ibang klase ang Duterte. Napahanga sa kanya ang mga Caviteño. Hindi magaling managalog pero matikas magsalita,” the political analyst said.

Remulla, who is closely identified with Vice Pres. Binay, was earlier believed to be unbeatable as his political patron was considered a cinch for the Presidency.

But as Binay became embroiled in issues of corruption and unexplained wealth, Remulla, who had vociferously defended the Vice President, was obviously scathed and scarred as well.

Now, the groups identified with Sen. Panfilo Lacson, former Gov. Ireneo “Ayong” Maliksi, former Congressman Plaridel Abaya, incumbent Mayor Nonong Ricafrente, the Revilla family whose son, Jolo, is the incumbent vice governor and 4th District Congressman Elpidio Barzaga are expected to rally behind Tolentino.

The expected Remulla-Tolentino match-up is considered a proxy battle between Binay and Duterte in the province with the second highest voting population in the country, after Cebu.

“Hangang-hanga ang mga Caviteño sa matitikas na lider na may paninindigan. Si Duterte matipid magsalita pero may laman,” the political analyst said.

With a powerful bloc backing him up, Duterte could give Binay a strong challenge in vote-rich Cavite while Tolentino is expected to give Remulla a political nightmare.

“Ito ang laban na parang Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao,” he added.