Politics in the Philippines
Politics, especially in the Philippines, really brings out the strangest in people. Even siblings vying for the same position would easily resort to mudslinging to convince voters they are the better choice. In the country’s premier financial district, two Binays are on a collision course for the city’s mayoral position. According to incumbent Mayor Abby Binay, his brother Junjun Binay must first face ongoing corruption cases against him, before aspiring for a government position, which may be taken away once a decision is handed down. She obviously thinks that her brother could be guilty.
According to the mayor, she has the blessing from his father, former vice president and mayor of Makati Jojo Binay, who is himself facing his own corruption cases. But the mayor has shown her position to be shaky as she pleads with tears to her brother to have one more term.
Junjun Binay responded that his sister must be so desperate to bring up something like that, believing he has the numbers to win the election. He goes on to say that it would be a “Binay vs. Campos” fight, as opposed to two Binays since he carries the “Binay brand”, whatever that is. Abby should just go back to Congress, Junjun added. According to the Comelec, if there are two candidates for a position from the same party, they will be labeled as independents.
The elder Binay has come out saying that the people of Makati would be the ones to choose their leader, since he cannot take a stand against any of his children. That position at City Hall must be so desirable for siblings to act this way.
At the Senate, two of Joseph Estrada’s children also vie for a Senate seat. While they are not exactly competing for a particular position at the Senate, one feels at a disadvantage because of the surname he uses. According to the Comelec, JV Ejercito may be labeled a nuisance candidate if he insists on using “Estrada” as his surname, and not “Ejercito” for which he has been known all along, especially if Jinggoy Estrada complains. We all know that the two do not exactly get along. The name “JV Estrada” has not been used, which can be the basis of a complaint from Jinggoy. The father, on the other hand, does not see a problem if both will run as senators.
Then there are the Cayetanos of Taguig, and the Dutertes of Davao, who are not fighting over positions, rather consolidating their hold on power. Apparently, there is no such thing as a political dynasty. The Marcoses of Ilocos are also making a political comeback, proving to the world how easy we forget. We also have the unfortunate Harry Roque who is stating a return to his true self, citing a stressful term as Duterte’s spokesperson as the reason for leaving the administration. By the way, he is running for senator, even when Duterte himself said he would not win. We also have a nonagenarian gunning for a return to the Senate.
But hey, that’s politics.
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