Three days before E-day, suspicion is widespread that this soon-to-exit administration is going to do everything in its power to prevent Bongbong Marcos from being elected as vice president, and with good reason, after all, President BS Aquino had said that if there was anything in his power, he would not see it come to pass. What’s funny is that he projects to be all knowing, saying the son might make the same mistake as the father simply because the BBM camp slogan happens to be “we will make this nation great again.”
Just two weeks ago, a hitherto unknown survey group with a curious name started coming out with incredibly dubious results,claiming that the yellow candidates were leading. We almost fell off our seats when we saw these supposed reports published in tabloids—obviously to sway the masses. No one in his right mind would also believe the sudden the surge of another candidate as claimed by a survey firm that unfortunately, has long been suspected of allowing itself to be utilized by the powers that be.
Of course, the administration candidates have the most extensive political machinery and seemingly bottomless campaign funds (wonder where the money comes from…) but as pointed out by Senator Bongbong Marcos at the Manila Rotary meeting yesterday where he was guest speaker, Filipinos no longer vote on the basis of party.
If truth be told, many Filipinos especially the younger generation are just itching to cast their “protest votes” as a stinging indictment against the hypocrisy and incompetence that is characteristic of this current dispensation. Just mention MRT and you will get a volley of curses Abaya, LTO, DOTC and the bane of many commuters’ existence: traffic.
Marcos, who has kept himself above the fray by refusing to engage in negative campaigning, and avoiding “negative politics and hysterics” and the fear mongering that some candidates and their supporters have been resorting to — has captured the imagination of millennial voters because they see him as someone who is competent.
A businessman who is a rabid anti-Marcos was surprised that his son was rooting for the young senator. “Did you know that Marcos declared Martial Law?” The man asked his son. “Yes,” the boy said. “And did you know that your grandfather was incarcerated?” Same answer from the young man. Exasperated, the man shouted at his son, “Then why are you voting for Bongbong Marcos?” The boy’s simple reply: “He’s cool. And he shouldn’t be blamed for his father’s mistakes. Just the same way that I wouldn’t be judged according to your mistakes.”
The 58-year-old senator, who is the running mate of Senator Miriam Santiago, promises to bring back excellence in government, to get the best and the brightest on the basis of capability and competence and not because they are classmates, friends or they make the president laugh.
When the senator ran for the Senate in 2010, he obtained over 13 million votes, landing
him in seventh place with 34 percent of the total votes cast. His supporters are throughly convinced that his supporters have since increased exponentially, considering his popularity with the young voters who are also supportive of his running mate. Senator Miriam after all is considered the rock star of students, always getting the top spot in online private surveys. Add to that the endorsement of the Iglesia ni Cristo and the El Shaddai group of Brother Mike Velarde and it is quite clear that Marcos is the top candidate among voters.
The only obvious conclusion is the only way for Marcos to be dislodged is through cheating. If that happens, God help this country.
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