The future of Cebu politics: Duke, Samsam, Gungun

The next few years in Cebu will be dominated by only three big names; Duke, Samsam, and Gungun. Duke Frasco, the “duke of change and progress” in the northern Cebu; Samsam Gullas, the darling of the masses in Talisay and central Cebu; and Gungun Gica, the emerging dynamic titan from Dumanjug who shall dominate the south.

My political crystal ball tells me that the future of Cebu politics no longer lies in the hands of the trapos like the Osmeñas, the Duranos or the Cuencos of the old Cebu. There are no more Kintanars of Argao, there are no more Filemon and Vicente Sottos. Duke Frasco's monumental achievement in ending the Durano's stranglehold of the fifth district was a game-changer. It was a tipping point that signaled the end of traditional politics. The defeat of Agnes Magpale last elections was a historic notice to the Duranos that their kingdom has already fallen. It is time for them to gracefully exit and accept the fact that north Cebu is not a fiefdom but a democracy. The people have finally ended the monopoly of the heirs of Don Ramon Durano and Beatriz Duterte. It took a young warrior from Liloan to slay the last of the Durano mojicans.

To me, the present political landscape indicates that there shall be three kings in the province of Cebu. Duke Frasco, Samsam and Gungun. Of course, Gwen Garcia and/or Pablo John may be either in the Senate or in the Cabinet. Mike Rama may make it to Congress and Edgar Labella will be unbeatable in Cebu City. Atty. Christina Garcia-Frasco may inherit the provincial Capitol, assuming that the governorship continues to be like the royal throne of Great Britain. And Junjun Davide will make an honorable justice of the Court of Appeals, then the Supreme Court. His personality is really for the judiciary, if he refuses to run in the second district.

Samsam Gullas is unbeatable in Talisay. And the moment his lolo decides to rest in UV and spend his days regaining the glory of the Gullas Law School, then Samsam will still dominate the first district, assuming Nice Apura of Carcar will remain loyal to the Gullases, or assuming that the other politicians in Naga and San Fernando, Minglanilla and Sibonga will toe the line. Samsam has to grow faster and develop his own network. Lolo Eddie is now in his eighties and he should stand up on his own. He is a very good man with a brilliant mind and a beautiful heart. He can be a great politician and leader.

In the south, the next big thing is Gungun Gica. Peter Calderon is on his last term. He can try running for vice governor but he needs a strong bet from the north to balance the Garcia-Salimbangun tandem. He should learn from the sad predicament of her aunt, Agnes Magpale. And so, Gungun can run for congressman and Wado can take over Dumanjug. Gungun has the brains of his dad, Atty. Edgar, the good looks and charisma of his mom, Marna Alpuerto, and the dynamism of the millennials. He will win anytime against any Garcia or Lumain from Badian if he dares to. Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian and all other towns will most probably support him.

If Duke, Samsam and Gungun would join forces and form a triumvirate, they shall become stronger than the old Durano-Zosa-Dumon in the past or the Osmena-Cuenco fusion. The future is in the hands of the young and dynamic Cebuanos. The old ones need to accept that their days are over. [email protected]