Poll watchdog tags Nueva Ecija politics ‘a disgrace to democracy’

BAGUIO CITY (November 1, 2024) -- Novo Ecijano: Bantay Boto Movement (NE-BBM), a local poll watchdog called local politics in Nueva Ecija a disgrace because it reeks of 'political incorporation'.

The dynastic struggle in Nueva Ecija shows that six (6) Umalis “are relentlessly pursuing an ambitious agenda to secure a power grip in (the province”, that according to NE-BBM, “is a blatant disregard for democratic principles by political clans.”

Incumbent governor Aurelio Umali is running for reelection on May 2025 with his elder brother Gil Raymond Umali as vice governor.

While Patricia Marie Umali, 23, is running against her father, Aurelio, and the elder Umali’s 25-year-old daughter Gabrielle, is also running for Congress in the 3rd congressional district against her own mother, former Gov. Czarina D. Umali.

Another Umali, incumbent Nueva Ecija Vice Gov. Emmanuel Anthony Umali, is also seeking the mayoral post of Cabanatuan City, facing Mayor Myca Vergara.

Challenging the Umali's in Nueva Ecija are former General Tinio mayor Virgilio Bote and former vice governor Edward Joson, for governor and vice governor, respectively, while former Cabanatuan City mayor Jay Vergara is facing two Umali's in the 3rd Congressional district.

NE-BBM convenor Mr. Ruben Aquino pointed out, “while family feuds and rivalries are common in Philippine politics, the political landscape in Nueva Ecija is going beyond the usual intra-family squabbles just to secure the top-electoral positions in the province.”   It is a blatant contrast to the political landscape in other provinces, cities, and towns where family members might be vying for the same position, but not to the extent of fielding their young daughters as insurance candidates, he explained.

The issue raised by NE-BBM is similar to that pointed out by good governance watchdog Alyansang Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), prompting a call for the disqualification of powerful political dynasties in the 2025 polls.

In the petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Caritas Philippines president Bishop Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan and vice president Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos pointed out that allowing electoral aspirants belonging to political clans would constitute a violation of Article II Section 26 of the Constitution: “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”



Aquino of NE-BBM stressed in Filipino, “Normal na sa ating bansa ang mga naglalaban-laban na magkakapamilya sa pulitika dahil hindi sila magkakasundo. Pero iba dito sa Nueva Ecija, ang mga Umali ay hindi nag-aaway away pero magkakalaban sila sa election.” He believed, “ibig sabihin, hindi sila totoong magkalaban sa election, kundi ito ay kanilang istratehiya para hindi sila mawala sa political landscape ng probinsya. Ginawa nilang insurance candidates ang kanilang mga anak. This is very disgraceful. Nakakahiya.”

The NE-BBM believe the Umalis’ strategy is seen as “insurance” because “if and when Governor Umali and his wife Czarina face disqualification from running in the elections due to their ongoing case before the Office of the Ombudsman.”

The Umali couple has been recently suspended by the Ombudsman for allegedly maliciously issuing 205 quarry permits without the required compliance certificate from the DENR and the alleged non-remittance to the local government units of their shares from levied taxes.

The local poll watchdog claims, "the citizens of Nueva Ecija (are) demanding an end to this dynastic rule (by the Umalis)” and called upon voters “to stand against this system of entrenched power and demand a better government that serves the interests of all, not just the privileged few.” 

It also called on citizens to support candidates that are truly committed to good governance and meritocracy, and demand transparency and accountability from all elected officials.