"Are we to believe the mainstream surveys?"
"Are we to believe the mainstream surveys?"
I have been saying that midterm elections are some kind of referendum for the sitting president. This is the case with President Rodrigo Duterte and next week’s polls.
Historically, Philippine presidents are judged halfway into their terms. This is to see whether the public thinks they have delivered on their promises.
If mainstream survey—those of Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations—are to be believed, administration bets are likely to dominate the Senate race. Specifically, the President’s favorite candidates are well within the Magic 12.
This can only validate the excellent trust and satisfaction ratings of Mr. Duterte.
Despite everything, it appears that the people continue to have high regard for the Duterte administration. And his popularity seems to be transferable to those whom he endorses.
Analysts seem to be dumbfounded, unable to reconcile the fact that Duterte has not stopped his bloody war on drugs and yet Filipinos still believe in him.
Remember that he has also been attacking the Catholic church and cracking misogynistic jokes.
This is why I can’t understand why the President is sensitive about supposed destabilization plots against his administration. The latest alleged plot is described in a so-called matrix involving journalists and lawyers.
Mr. Duterte must know that given his incredible popularity, any destabilization attempts on the administration would be futile.
Recently, a man called Bikoy has surfaced, alleging that the real narcos are in the Duterte family. But this can also be propaganda against Duterte.
My advice to the President: Simply ignore criticism. You remain popular anyway. Besides, any true democracy will have assent and dissent.
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Here is my wish list for the Senate, not necessarily in this order: Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Koko Pimentel, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Juan Ponce Enrile, Francis Tolentino, Jinggoy Estrada, Chel Diokno and Erin Tañada.
I included Enrile in my list because he can still lend to the Senate his experience not only as a legislator but as Senate President. Certainly, the institution will benefit from his insight and experience.
I also included Diokno and Tañada because the Senate should provide check and balance to the executive.
I did not include Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa even though poll surveys say they are in the winning circle. I do not believe the Senate is a place for lackeys and lapdogs.
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I received a letter from former Vice President Jejomar Binay who is now running to represent the first district of Makati.
“I write to you about Sulong Dignidad, a party-list group whose advocacy I share. I hope that through your column, you could share my thoughts on the work of Congress and how party-list groups like Sulong Dignidad deserve public support.
I have always maintained that members of Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, should be able to articulate the sentiments of the people they represent. Personal and political considerations should take a back seat in the greater interest of our constituencies. Foremost is protecting and upholding their inherent dignity through legislation.
This is why we should be discerning in choosing the party-list we vote for. In most cases, the voters of party-list groups are an afterthought. Some don’t even bother voting for party-list, which is unfortunate since their work is as vital as the work of elected representatives. They can sway the numbers in key legislation, as has been the case in many bills. In most instances, some party-list groups were perceived as having voted against the interests of the sector or advocacies they represent.
The Commission on Elections places the number of party-list groups in this year’s elections at 181, a significant increase from previous elections. According to reports, there are party-lists backed by political families.
Sulong Dignidad, on the other hand, is a party-list group whose advocacy is the promotion and protection of dignity through programs that address key concerns such as jobs, education, health and housing. They stand squarely for the promotion of human rights.
Our bishops have decried assaults on the independence of institutions and human dignity. As Christians, we need to bring to Congress a party-list group dedicated to protecting our rights and redeeming the people’s dignity. This group should actively promote the rule of law and the empowerment of citizens. Sulong Dignidad is that party-list.”
As for Jojo Binay himself, he’s bound to win, hands down.
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After Tuesday next week. There will be two kinds of candidates: Those who won, and those who claim they were cheated. This always happens.
There are two reasons why losers seldom admit defeat. First, they are too proud to admit reality. Second, admitting defeat would betray their followers—and donors.
The real winners are the also-rans, who filed candidacies knowing they wouldn’t win. They get to keep the money they solicited from the people.
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