EDITORIAL - An important political battlefield

With the next elections less than a year away, last week's visit by three presidentiables has once again thrust Cebu into the limelight as an important political battleground for candidates vying for national posts.

With a voting population of at least 2.5 million, Cebu will once again play a crucial role in the May 2016 national elections. Therefore, Cebuanos can expect another fierce competition among national candidates here as they crisscross the province.

Ever since he signified his intention to run for president, Vice President Jejomar Binay has been a frequent visitor to Cebu. Going around poor areas and participating in boodle fights have become his trademarks.     

The recent visit to the province of Binay, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, and Senator Grace Poe only showed us that the race is now starting to shift to high gear even before the campaign season has officially started.

Roxas, who was accompanied by President Benigno Aquino III, rallied Liberal Party officials and supporters in Cebu at a huge gathering at the Cebu Coliseum in a bid to tighten their grip on the province.   

Poe's low-key visit on the same day targeted the youth. A consistent leader in recent presidential surveys, the lady senator spoke before thousands of University of San Carlos students in an event that has been controversial because it was closed to the media.

For two days, we have been treated to a sight many considered a scene of early campaigning for next year's elections. So we can only expect more national candidates to hit Cebu to court Cebuanos for their votes.

For the past elections, the vote-rich Cebu has been the favorite battlefield for those seeking for the highest posts in the land. In May, Cebuanos' votes will once again be expected to be crucial in the results of the electoral exercises.