BY FIEL MING RAMONES
(Editor’s Note: We are pleased to welcome Fiel Ming Ramones as a contributor to The Valley Journal News Online. The views and opinions expressed in his articles are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication. We believe in fostering a diverse range of perspectives and encourage open discussion on issues of public interest.)
IN the intricate game of Philippine politics, few tactics are as predictable as the smear campaign launched by defeated candidates seeking to clove back into relevance. Nowhere is this more evident than in Nueva Vizcaya, where Congressman Tim Cayton has emerged as the latest target of a coordinated political demolition job. The weapon of choice? The contentious issue of mining in Dupax del Norte.
Lawyer Cayton, a relative newcomer to Congress, has been accused of supporting mining operations in his home district—a claim he vehemently denies. But a closer look at the facts reveals a clear pattern of deception and manipulation by those seeking to undermine his credibility and destabilize the provincial leadership he is part of.
The controversy centers on a certification Cayton signed for Woogle Corporation, which opponents are misrepresenting as a permit to operate. This is either a case of willful ignorance or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. As Cayton rightly pointed out, a certification is not a permit. The authority to grant mining permits rests with national regulatory agencies, not with members of Congress. By presenting this document out of context, Cayton’s detractors are playing fast and loose with the truth.
What makes this episode particularly egregious is the timing. Cayton has only been in Congress for a few months, yet he is being held accountable for decisions made long before his tenure. This is not about accountability; it’s about political payback. The individuals behind this smear campaign are the same ones who lost in the last elections and are now seeking alternative ways to regain relevance. Unable to win at the ballot box, they are resorting to character assassination.
But the issue runs deeper than just Cayton. The real objective is to sow discord and weaken the current provincial leadership, which has the support of the people. By weaponizing the mining issue, these political actors are playing with fire, prioritizing their own ambitions over the welfare of Nueva Vizcaya’s residents.
Cayton’s stance on mining is clear: he is against it, and he has consistently advocated for resolving concerns through legal and regulatory channels. This is not the profile of a politician courting mining interests. Rather, it reflects a commitment to due process and community welfare—a commitment rooted in his years of service as mayor of Dupax del Norte.
The people of Nueva Vizcaya would do well to see through this manufactured controversy. Behind the veneer of environmental concern lies a far uglier reality: the desperation of those who cannot accept defeat. As Cayton urged, the public must assess this issue based on verified facts, not narratives crafted to serve political vendettas.
In the end, this episode underscores a troubling trend in Philippine politics: the use of public issues as weapons in private wars. For as long as this continues, governance suffers, and the people lose. The hope is that Nueva Vizcaya’s electorate will not be swayed by these tactics and will instead focus on the real issues affecting their future.