On Midnight Appointees of Pres. Arroyo

Pres. Arroyo appointed hundreds of her political ally to several national positions from government owned and controlled corporations, agencies and the judiciary by beating the deadline set by the Constitution on midnight appointees.

Most notable of these appointments was the appointment of Justice Renato Corona replacing Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno who retires last May 11, 2010 or exactly one day after the May 10, 2010 general election.

All vacant position in the National Prosecution Office (NPO) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached Public Attorneys Office (PAO) were all filled up as early as March 1, 2010 but released only on a later date of April, 2010.

It was also noted that vacancies in the judiciary particularly the lower courts of the Regional Trial Courts, City and Municipal Trial Courts were suspiciously filled up. Majority of the RTC vacancies were election courts all of which is seen by many as a preparation for the upcoming midterm election of all three (3) year term officials, the congressional, local and half of the rotating senatorial post .

Umali's Dynasty Beats Joson Dynasty

The recently held general poll automated election by COMELEC's saw Umalis of Nueva Ecija province beating the Josons by a wide margin. The Umalis captured the office of the provincial governor and vice governor, the provincial council by a majority of 8 to 2.

In the city and municipal level, the Josons proved they are still a political force to reckon with, maintaining their traditional local bailiwicks, Josie Joson won over Renator Diaz as representative of the 1st District of the province replacing her brother-in-law Edno Joson. Edno Joson's son Rey Joson was one of two board members who won for Joson's BALANE party. Boyet Joson prevailed over retired Police Col. Peter Hizon as mayor of Quezon, their hometown.

Boyito Dizon, son-in-law of Rep. Edno Joson, retained as mayor of Guimba,  Arvin Salonga, hardly conquered his tough rival former mayor Balagtas of San Antonio.

Aside the Joson clan who won some of their loyal political allies maintained their hold of their position, this includes, Mayor Gamilla of Bongabon; Mayor Capinpin of Palayan City; Mayor Angeles of Santa Rosa; and Mayor Elan Nagaño of San Leonardo.

With almost majority in all section of the provincial political post controlled by the Umalis it is expected by their constituent that they will now deliver their long promise of overall political and economic development for the people and province of Nueva Ecija.