Ebdane shakes tradition in Zambales politics

CANDELARIA, Zambales—Former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. of Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka has changed the political landscape of this province, shaking traditional alliances and forging new political affiliations.

Various parties adopted Ebdane as the gubernatorial candidate in Zambales after he forged an alliance with former Zambales Governor Vicente Magsaysay, who is running for mayor of Olongapo City under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the May 10 elections.

This gave Ebdane the support of eight incumbent mayors under Magsaysay’s local group, Team Magsaysay, setting off a breach of party lines as many other candidates in the province decided to ally themselves with the former Cabinet secretary of President Gloria Arroyo.

Ebdane was able to elicit the support even of bitter rivals in the mayoralty elections, Zambales board member Jun Pangan said. Although his elder brother Hilary of Ang Kaptiran is also gunning for governor’s seat, Pangan joined Ebane’s camp.

Here in Ebdane’s hometown, Mayor Jean Moraña-Misa and her chief rival for the mayoralty sear, Vice Mayor Pedro Ecunar of PMM, are both rooting for Ebane’s candidacy.

“It’s a matter of pride for us residents of Candelaria, so we have both pledged our support to Secretary Ebdane,” Misa said.

Jury Deloso, running vice governor’s race under Ebdane’s party, is a nephew of incumbent Governor Amor Deloso, Ebdane’s strongest rival.

Former Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain, the Nacionalista Party candidate for the vice-governor’s seat, is also supporting the Ebdane’s candidacy.

In the second district of Zambales, two of the three aspirants for Congress are supporting Ebdane including incumbent Representative Antonio Diaz of PMM and Alfred Mendoza of Lakas. Deloso’s daughter, Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, is also in the race for the same seat. Cecille Garcia- manilastandardtoday.com