Vi’s fiercest rival backs out of race

LIPA CITY — The coming May elections will be a walk in the park for actress Vilma Santos.

Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto in real life, the movie star-turned-politician will be running for re-election as mayor of this city without any credible opponent as her fiercest rival, former mayor Ruben Umali, backed out of the race at the last minute.

Umali is known as the longest serving mayor of Lipa. He earlier expressed desire to face Santos anew and reclaim his old post but he changed his mind and decided to run instead for congressman of Batangas’ fourth district.

He will be running against Santos’ brother-in-law, Vice Gov. Ricky Recto, who opted to seek a congressional seat.

"For 12 years, I was able to establish Lipa in its present status as far as development is concerned. I think it’s about time to transcend and share my expertise in governance in a wider scope without leaving Lipa," Umali said.

A virtually unknown candidate — Mario Panganiban — has filed his candidacy for mayor, running under the Reporma party. But many doubt his chances of winning against Santos, considering that he did not even make it to the top 10 slots when he ran for city councilor in 1998.

Local leaders believe that Santos’ popularity will again win her the votes of Lipa residents.

"We have to admit that she is still the strongest contender as of this time," said one leader from the opposition. "No one can run against her today. We just have to be practical and realistic."

A long-time movie star, Santos was not a true-blood Batangueña and was only thrust into the political limelight when she married Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto, grandson of statesman Claro M. Recto.

Santos may now be assured of a second term in office, but her running mate, incumbent Vice Mayor Fernando "Boy" Manguera, may not be as lucky.

Manguera is being challenged by at least five aspirants, led by Ralph Peter Umali, the former mayor’s son.