Political Ramble

The forging of the alliance between Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao as the tandem for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates this coming May 9, 2022 elections seem to have created a political ramble, with no less than incumbent President Rodrigo R. Duterte declaring that he is running for Senator and personally endorsing Senator Bong Go as his candidate for President. It may be recalled that the President in his previous press statements announced that he is retiring from politics after the end of his term, and will go back to Davao to reside as a simple citizen. Reportedly in a political survey made by the Social Weather Station last October 20, 2021, it appears that the Bongbong-Duterte tandem garnered an approval rating of 47 percent, followed by VP Leni Robredo’s 18 percent, Senator Manny Pacquio’s 7 percent and Senator Panfilo Lacson’s five percent. Some political analysts say the decision of President Duterte to run for Senator is an unwise move, as it would not prevent the Marcos administration from filing charges against Duterte for graft and corruption and other anomalous transactions during his incumbency, should the former win the election. Other political pundits likewise opine that Duterte does not look kindly with favor Sara’s running as the VP of Marcos, as her father wanted her to run for President. Some people who knew Sara Duterte personally have it that the President’s daughter has her own mind and is strong willed, and they do not wonder at all why she defied her father’s wish. Personally, I also believe Sara would be a working Vice-President of Marcos if they win, and she can be designated by Marcos as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government- hence have a direct hand in local government affairs. Be that as it may, by all indications the May 9, 2022 elections will be contested by no less than four major contenders, and hopefully the Filipino voters would choose wisely with the best interest of the country in mind.

TRIVIA:

Belated greetings and congratulations to Sir Knight Virgilio Salvador who celebrated his birthday anniversary last Sunday in time for the regular meeting of the Knights of Columbus Mons Jorge Barlin Assembly. A luncheon fellowship followed after the meeting and the celebrant rolled out the barrel to the enjoyment of all brother Knights.

Through this column I wish to express my sincere and utmost condolence in my own behalf and that of my spouse Minda to Sis Daisy Santos and the rest of the Santos family for the untimely demise of retired RTC Naga Judge Efren Santos. Judge Santos was former President of the Philippine Judges Association Naga City and Camarines Sur Chapter and received various awards from the Philippine Judges Association.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“LOFTY WORDS CANNOT MAINTAIN AN ALLIANCE; ONLY CONDUCT CAN DO THAT" -JOHN F. KENNEDY

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“THERE IS NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT THAT WHICH GOD HAS ESTABLISHED” -ROMANS 13:1