“My comeback was not about winning or losing; it was about the feeling of being able to compete at top level again.” –Thomas Muster
Ilonggos know Guimbal Mayor Oscar ‘Oca’ Garin, Sr. to be a master of political surprise; it’s his style, what residents of Iloilo’s first congressional district refer to as, “Oca’s strategy” – if he says Pinocchio is his tandem today, he will partner up with Bugs Bunny tomorrow (or vice versa).
It’s why his claims of not knowing if his daughter-in-law, former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin, had filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for congress drew laughter. The mayor said he was “surprised” to see the former cabinet official outside their local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office after he had filed his COC, entering the race for first district representative.
“Ma file ka man (You will file also)?” he reportedly asked her. “Nag-file man ako (I already filed mine).”
Tell it to the marines, Tatay Oca! If Loreto-Garin declares, “I didn’t know Tatay Oca would file his COC for congressman,” it should be replied with, “Indeed, it takes two to tango.”
Iloilo first district representative
By October 17, Garin, Loreto-Garin, and incumbent Iloilo first district Rep. Oscar ‘Richard’ Garin, Jr. all filed their COCs for the same position. The congressman had earlier filed his documentation alongside gubernatorial candidate, incumbent Iloilo fourth district Rep. Ferjenel Biron, on October 11.
Garin, Jr. later revealed his father and sister may withdraw from the race in order for him to run for reelection against former Miag-ao Mayor Gerardo ‘Gerry’ Flores, their clan’s perennial whipping boy. He said a final decision would come “on or before November 29,” the Comelec’s deadline on candidacy adjustments.
Meanwhile, the congressman’s sister, incumbent Iloilo Vice Governor Christine ‘Ting-Ting’ Garin, filed her COC to run in tandem with Biron.
Most likely, the Garin clan will pave the way for the incumbent to defend his seat – it was crystal clear based on the congressman’s body language, pronouncements, and activities over the past few weeks. Amid the reshuffle, however, Garin, Sr. may replace the vice governor, who would then seek a party-list seat in congress.
In terms of the former DOH secretary, it is unclear regarding her political plans, especially with the Dengvaxia imbroglio serving as a distraction. Will she end up running for Guimbal mayor?
Eyes and ears on Oca
All eyes and ears will be on Tatay Oca this political season. Over 30 years, he has served congressman; mayor; and an appointed cabinet official, hired by five presidents, Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Rodrigo Duterte – but he has yet to serve as governor or vice governor.
After previously announcing his retirement from politics, saying he wanted to be known as “Oca Manguguma,” or Oscar the Farmer, he was elected Guimbal mayor following a hiatus. He also served as an advisor to all Garins in public service.
Keep an eye on him, like Lazarus, he might knock the spots off and worm his way to the Capitol, first as vice governor, then governor – after many were under the impression he had fallen back to retirement./WDJ