EDITORIAL - Who will win?

As expected, the race for the top post of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City will be decided next week between Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklyn Ong and Mabolo Barangay Captain Prisca Niña Mabatid.

On Thursday, it was Mabatid and her lineup who filed their candidacies for the ABC election on Monday. Aside from Barug Team Rama-PDP Laban, her candidacy is said to be supported by the Office of the President.

Ong filed his candidacy last Wednesday under the banner of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan of Mayor Tomas Osmeña. Ong and his slate claimed to have the support of at least 51 barangay captains, a number more than enough for them to clinch victory.

The result of the ABC election will be crucial for both the BOPK and the opposition. If Ong wins, the administration will gain the upper hand in the City Council on account of his being an ex-officio member.

Given his ties to the administration, the wind seems to be blowing in Ong’s direction. He has bragged about having the majority of the city’s barangay captains in his side. For Mabatid, she needs at least 12 more village chiefs to secure the ABC presidency.

Well, the one who has more machinery will win. Both Ong and Mabatid have businesses and have the financial resources to count on. But Ong’s patron, Mayor Osmeña, who had vowed to take the council majority, will be expected to use whatever means for Ong to win.

Does Mabatid have a chance? Of course, she does. However, she needs to convince more BOPK barangay captains to side with her, a tough mission to accomplish. But being backed up by the Office of the President is vital to her candidacy.