Newbies win against political behemoths

David slays Goliath Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

Some political giants in the local level were dislodged from their positions in this year’s midterm elections as they were brought down by young leaders and political newbies who vowed meaningful change.

Their victories, however, could be very well likened to the biblical David beating Goliath.

One of the political Davids is first-term councilor Vico Sotto who broke the rule of 27-year-old Eusebio dynasty, after defeating reelectionist Robert “Bobby” Eusebio.

In spite of his family background, the 30-year-old Sotto was considered a dwarf as against the powerful Eusebio clan. Sotto is the son of celebrities Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes, and the nephew of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

It wasn’t expected, however, that the young and charismatic politician could win against the incumbent mayor because the Eusebios had never been beaten.

But Sotto, who used his youthful idealism and the brand of politics he learned from college, has found a formula that allowed him to launch an alternative campaign to win the hearts of the people.

Since he assumed the post as the new mayor of Pasig City, Sotto vowed to focus on improving health care, housing and education services in the city by launching inclusive and transparent governance and leading a strong campaign against corruption.

Who would have thought that a boy from the squatters scavenging the dumps, driving a pedicab, and eating “pagpag” or recooked food scraps would become mayor of the country’s capital city?

Actor-turned politician Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso toppled the mighty Estradas for the Manila mayoralty, after beating the family’s patriarch former president and incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada.

But the 45-year-old Moreno, who is known for his rags-to-riches story, is not new to the ways of Manila’s politics, since he has served as councilor and vice mayor.

The young mayor was lauded hy the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for solving the city’s many woes since he officially assumed his post. He ordered the cleanup of Divisoria and other major streets, instituted a waste management program and clearing of waterways, and set in place anti-gambling programs, just some of the city government’s most important initiatives.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año praised the mayor for his “strong political will.”

Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, a goat farmer ended the 30-year reign of a political dynasty in Narra, Palawan.

The victory of Gerandy Danao over the Demaala clan was dubbed as a David-versus-Goliath win.

Danao said he ran for mayor because his constituents wanted a change in leadership as the incumbent failed to fulfill his campaign promises.

Prior to taking office, the goat farmer has been accused of being a former drug addict and is allegedly being supported by gamblers.