Police and poll authorities are closely monitoring the heated political rematch in Isabela province between incumbent Gov. Grace Padaca and 3rd District Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III.
Win or lose, this will be the last political battle of Padaca, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee for good governance.
Faustino III, meanwhile, who comes from the influential political family in the province, will try to reclaim the gubernatorial post from Padaca.
The Dy family occupied the post for 34 years before losing it to Padaca in 2004.
It was Faustino III who defeated the former radio broadcaster during the 2001 congressional race. In 2004, Padaca made history by beating Faustino Jr. for governor.
She was reelected in 2007, this time winning against Faustino III and Faustino Jr.'s brother Benjamin Dy.
In all her political fights, Padaca admitted that the 2010 race is her toughest, saying her opponents are already desperate.
Faustino III, however, is unflappable.
Padaca is proud of her track record and even accumulated saving for the provincial government despite the huge debt incurred by her predecessors.
While the savings is good news, Faustino III countered Isabela folks were deprived of infrastructure projects like classrooms and farm-to-market roads.
Padaca focuses on irrigation project for the remainder of her 3-year term.
She warns that illegal logging and jueteng would resurface once the Dys return to power.
Although, Padaca thinks she somehow failed to totally eradicate jueteng as she alleged that police officers are supporting it.
Fautistno III laments he is also against illegal logging and jueteng, but there should be a clear-cut livelihood program for those who rely on these activities.
Win or lose, Faustino III extends a hand of reconciliation to Padaca, which the incumbent governor refuses to accept.
Padaca faces a tougher campaign now since her former influential political ally, Rodito Albano, has shifted his support for Faustino III.
Albano is running for vice governor to Faustino III.
Political observers believe no one between Padaca and Faustino III has the edge as this is seen as a battle between reform and patronage politics.
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