After more than three decades at the helm of the political leadership in their province, by all means, the Dy clan is synonymous to Isabela.
In next year’s mid-term elections as it were in previous polls, the issue of dynasty does not hold water in a province like Isabela. It is one of the many provinces in Isabela where political dynasties continue because they continue to receive the people’s mandate. While there was an election where the Dy’s lost the leadership of the province, it did not take long before they reclaimed their hold on the province’s premiere post—the governorship.
The main issue in the May 13, 2019 elections is who is the better Dy between the two brothers who are at opposing sides. Bojie Dy or Pol Dy?
Now that’s a little tricky and confusing because the brothers Bojie and Pol are not exactly running against each other. Bojie, the current governor is running as vice governor in tandem with Congressman Rodito Albano who is running for governor. Pol on the other hand is running for governor and teamed up with former Governor Grace Padaca who is a known –or rather was a known political nemesis of the Dy. How they ended up in the same side of the fence is an entirely different matter. I am just zeroing in on the rift between brothers.
In the history of the local elections in the Philippines (and I have covered all elections from 1992 beginning from my first election assignment in the local elections physically deployed and assigned at the provinces under Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM) candidates from the same family is not unusual. It is in fact the norm-thus the reign of dynasties in most provinces.
When members of the same family run against each other or position themselves in opposing political parties, more often than not questions are raised as to the authenticity of the rift. Are they really fighting? Are they really out to get each other? Blood brothers? Same clan?
That question is not raised in Isabela for next year’s elections. The people of Isabela knew that the fight is real.
The fight between brothers Bojie and Pol is not theatrical or designed to assure that at least one of the Dy brothers still remain in power, either that of the first or second highest political position in the province.
While Albano and Padaca are the two other main players in the May 2019 elections, the real question that is probably going in the minds of the residents, the voters in particular are, who among the Dy brothers is with Albado and Padaca respectively. More to the point—who among the Dy brothers will they support more? An overwhelming support for Bojie Dy could mean the same kind of support for Albano in the same breath that an overwhelming support for Pol Dy could result into an overwhelming support for Padaca.
How the two brothers will differentiate themselves from one another is the challenge in swaying votes on their respective candidacies. It is a given that both camps have money. But will money be the deciding factor in the result of the May 2019 elections in Isabela or would the bottom line be the ultimate answer to the question-who is the better Dy? Bojie or Pol?
Bojie Dy has the advantage of the incumbent, his accomplishments and awards fresh to the minds of the people of Isabela especially the recognition won for being the most prepared province in terms of readiness in disaster management. For two consecutive years, the province of Isabela under Bojie Dy’s leadership, was recognized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The awards are on record and a quick look at the Isabela’s official provincial website show that the list is long. Among the most notable in the list of awards are Seal of Local Governance, Climate Reality Leadership Award, Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Agricututal Achievers, Rice Achievers Awards—all in the year 2018 and other notable awards from 2017 down to 2010, the start of Bojie Dy’s term as governor of the province.
With all these achievements for the province of Isabela under Bojie Dy, Pol has to match that but, a long shot considering that he at this point he is just promising as a contender to the position ably handled by his brother Bojie.
More often than not, elections are decided based on the desire of the populace to continue good governance.
In any case, if there is one province to watch this coming elections, it would be the province of Isabela because the fight between blood brothers who have reigned for many years is real.