Pagdanganan win a game changer in Bulacan politics

Obet Pagdanganan in the middle

The decision of the Comelec granting the electoral protest of former Bulacan governor Obet Pagdanganan is a game changer in that province political landscape. Nicodemus Ferrer, chair of the second division, declared Pagdanganan winner by a mere 3,000 plus votes over incumbent Bulacan governor Mendoza.

Everyone knows that the decision is still not final and executory since the losing camp enjoys the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration. The Commission has granted Mendoza’s camp, five days to file an MR.

Should Mendoza lose again, they may have to appeal to the Supreme Court. What the Mendoza camp does not know is, Pagdanganan can very well to go the DILG and ask that the agency enforce the decision. He may have to go and secure a writ of execution from the Comelec and request the DILG to execute the decision pending resolution in the Supreme Court.

If this happens, that would be a game changer in Bulacan politics. This will surely change the political landscape since Obet will have the power to exercise authority over provincial fund disbursements, a power exercised by the incumbent especially during elections.

A financially strong Pagdanganan will surely defeat Josie Mendoza-dela Cruz, sister of Bulacan governor Jonjon and who once occupied the governorship. It remains still whether Josie can replicate what she did before when he defeated Pagdanganan.