CENTRAL LUZON OBSERVER

As early as 2008, local politicians from all sides of the fence were seen trading stinging remarks and making rounds around the towns and cities of the province on a regular basis consulting their leaders.

Another political heat wave is expected with the controversial fund cut and block scandal involving the two top provincial leaders, Governor Oyie Umali and Vice Gov. Edward Joson.

It was also learned that a return bout between the Umalis and Josons will be the highlight of the upcoming 2010 election. This bout, according to Novo Ecijanos will decide the future political careers of both the Umali's and the Joson family, including the incumbent congressmen, provincial board and mayors.

With this kind of politics in the province majority of Novo Ecijanos were considering of making another big decisions. This includes political and personality changes in provincial boards, the city and municipal level. This will affects the present four (4) congressional district representatives, the provincial board members, local mayors and councilors majority of whom were Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (BALANE) members and loyalist of the Joson political dynasty.

Gov. Umali is the incumbent chairman of pro-position Lakas-CMD while former Gov. Tommy Joson is the chairman of his family's local provincial party, the Bagong Lakas ng N.E. (BALANE) and the local chapter of also a pro-position Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi) headed by Pres. Gloria Arroyo.

But with the sneaky haste merger of both parties, that resulted in a single Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, status of both Umali and Joson now hanged up in the party heirarchy of selection.