Hot Races

Two congressional races in the metropolis—Makati and Muntinlupa—are turning out to be heated contests between prominent political families.

The congressional race between Abigail Binay and Erwin Genuino in the second district of Makati is clearly a struggle between the administration and opposition. It also looks like a proxy fight since these young candidates represent their parents who are high-profile figures in opposite camps.

Likewise, Binay and Genuino, both neophytes to the political scene, stand on opposite ends when it comes to issues.

Lawyer Mar-len Abigail ''Abby'' Binay, 31, is a staunch Arroyo critic, as is her father, United Opposition president Jejomar Binay. She once led a group of university students in filing a graft and corruption complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She is also a leader of Youth DARE (Demanding Arroyo's Removal).

Erwin Genuino, 25, a senior law student at the University of the Philippines, is the son of current PAGCOR Chairman Ephraim Genuino, Jr., a close friend of First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo. In a Newsbreak survey, Genuino revealed his pro-Charter Change sentiments, favoring a parliamentary form of government.

The outcome of this race will be significant, a political analyst said. “For one, it may weaken the opposition's capacity to mobilize its forces [if Abby Binay loses],” said Ramon Casiple, chairperson of the Institute of Political and Electoral reforms, a non-government organization monitoring the elections.

The Black and White Movement, a group of former Arroyo Cabinet members who resigned at the height of the ''Hello, Garci'' scandal, put Genuino on its ''black list'' and Binay on its ''white list.''

STRONG DYNASTY

“Already, this race portents what future political races will be like,” Casiple said. Binay, he explained, comes from a political dynasty. “In Manila, political dynasties usually weaken after some time. Should the young Genuino win, this would be a signal that Binay's time [has] come.” Abigail's mother, Elenita Binay, served as Makati city mayor in 1998. Her brother, Jejomar Erwin or Jun-Jun is a re-electionist councilor for Makati's first district.

Genuino said in a statement, ''The people of Makati want to see a new face in government.''

However, surveys show that the Binays still have the edge. According to Pulse Asia surveys released in April, Abigail Binay has a 55% chance of winning over Erwin Genuino, who has a 19% chance. Incumbent mayor Jejomar Binay, meanwhile, has a 94% lead against his opponent, Lito Lapid.

Both campaigns have been riddled with scandal, though.

Abigail plans to present before the COMELEC evidence of alleged vote-buying by her rival, who was reported to be distributing grilled fish, roast pork, and other goodies during his sorties. A month ago, Genuino revealed a letter allegedly signed by Mayor Binay, asking Makati voters not to elect Genuino. Abby's father publicly denied writing this letter but said he agreed with its message.

Animosity between the two camps intensified with the recent suspension order against Mayor Binay, which prompted a flurry of insults from both camps. Binay was quick to accuse PAGCOR Chairman Genuino to be behind the ill-timed suspension orders, which are based on administrative complaints. Genuino denied the claim and shot back with accusations of corruption.

Makati, tagged as ''Binay country'', is one of the richest cities in the country, with annual revenues amounting to billions.

TRADING BARBS

In Muntinlupa’s lone congressional seat, incumbent Congressman Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon, 38, is being challenged by well-known broadcaster Ricardo “Dong” Puno,Jr.

Puno, 61, the younger brother of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and son of former Supereme Court Justice Ricardo Puno, is running under the Kampi banner.

Ruffy Biazon, 38, the son of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, is with the Liberal Party-Drilon wing.

In a press conference last week, Biazon accused Puno of vote-buying and being behind the harrassment of some of his supporters. A source in the Biazon camp who asked not to be named, said that Puno's camp was giving rice, t-shirts, and money.

Several of Biazon's supporters were also attacked last week by two knife-wielding assailants whom police later identified as supporters of a rival camp. ''It's surprising and sad that we are returning to the guns, goons, and gold system of politics, which Muntinlupa [city] hasn't had for a long time,'' the source said.

Puno's camp denied the allegations.

BIAZON'S AHEAD

The issue of Puno's residency in Muntinlupa has become a campaign issue. ''Dong Puno has a house in Ayala Alabang but that's not a guarantee that he really holds residence there. But we're not accusing him of not living here. It's just that Congressman Biazon has not even seen Dong Puno around Ayala Alabang in forums or debates during the many times he's been circulating the area,'' said Charina Sablada, Biazon's information officer.

Biazon’s daily regimen includes door-to-door house calls in Muntinlupa every morning and conducting campaign rallies in the evening. Sablada said this is precisely the Congressman's edge: his visibility and accessibility.

Meanwhile, Dong Puno, a TV journalist and Harvard-schooled lawyer, is touted by supporters as charismatic and just as qualified for the job. His camp emphasized that Puno has been a long-time resident of Muntinlupa since 1989.

Biazon's main thrust is his health program, in line with his ''6-Ks'' policy (which stands for Kalusugan, Karunungan, Kaunlaran, Kabuhayan, Kapayapaan, and Kalikasan).

Puno ran for the Senate in 2004 but lost. His priority once elected, says spokesperson Raul Corro, is to make Muntinlupa into two congressional districts through a pending petition in Congress. This would translate to an expanded pork barrel, thus, more finances for projects in Muntinlupa.

Based on SWS surveys released last April, Biazon has a 50% chance of winning whereas Puno has a 13% chance.

The Institute for Popular Democracy and the Muntinlupa Alliance Against Corruption also declared Biazon a ''sure winner'' last month based on their legislative district mapping, a project that started last November which utilizes insiders' information as well as assessments of the candidates' political track records to determine who will win in hotly contested races.