Strange But Potential Bedfellows?

"...some shady alliances amongst unlikely party mates."

Recently, Juana Change had posted a question on her FB wall which says, ''what would your reactions be if Jinggoy Estrada decided to run under Noynoy-Mar slate?'' As expected, a barrage of comments were submitted and I was one of those who participated. Most comments however were threatening and violent yet funny in a voter's point of view.

It is a relief though that the majority of voters now, are becoming more too concerned and affected with the slightest tickle. But could this really be possible? Hell no! The former president himself Joseph Estrada has already declared his candidacy and Noynoy is in no mood to destroy his own chances. With barely a month to go before the deadline of filing of candidacies, anything is a possibility.

In politics however, ''there is no permanent friend or enemy only permanent interest'', as the saying goes. This is what decides any political venture. It's not a big buzz when someone from a certain political party jumps to another fence. This has been a culture. They are not thinking about you people; they think about themselves or their survival so to speak. Even Darwin's theory of ''the survival of the fittest'' can best be applied in politics. Whatever it takes for them to achieve what they wanted, no rule or delicadeza stuff will ever deter them from pursuing it.

Regrettably, I used to have a personal admiration for Loren Legarda and Miriam Defensor Santiago. I really campaigned hard for them before. But time and time again, they have proven that only their self-serving interests are important to them. They are notoriously- certified turncoats who are willing to set aside the sentiments and interests of the people just to be able to assure their survival. I am not ashamed nor petrified to convey my disgust and distrust to them. They have failed me with their style much less their insincerity.

When Noynoy files his certificate of candidacy together with his senatorial slate, then we will be able to know if he really wanted change. Wanting change is one thing and wanting victory is another. The difference between these two could speak volumes. In this time of political uncertainties, lots of losers definitely wanted a free ride and could be potential spoilers so Noynoy has to be more discerning in his choices.

So don't be shocked people when one of these days we will be witnessing some so-called ''marriage of convenience'' and some shady alliances amongst unlikely party mates. Those very same politicians who just weeks ago or so were keen to annihilate one another; and tomorrow emerge as best buddies and would unashamedly proclaim that the interest of the nation has been their common agenda so that they have become contrite and forgiving. Yes, ganyan kakapal sa atin! Because of power, fame and fortune! Your instinct is as precise as mine people...

Acting Out His Script

"Erap had been too busy playing the role of 'unifier' (kuno)..."

True enough to a pre-conceived scheme, former president Erap has officially announced his candidacy for president (yet again). Not a surprise though! Way back on his house arrest days when the Arroyo administration was in a quagmire of scandals, Erap was in a mode of reconciliation having toned down his stance on Gloria. The deafening silence from his camp and an unusually muzzled criticism of the administration merited suspicion of the highest order haha! And thereon the script was acted out with flawless choreography.

Our hero eventually got pardoned thanks to a panicky Gloria who was all too-consumed by her own survival. However, history will be the judge if that infamous decision would play a role in shaping our country's future political landscape. For as long as trapos get the stranglehold of the country's political system, no landmark corruption case will ever be won for the Filipino people. When Erap was convicted of plunder the Filipino nation had a rare taste of national pride; that a country notoriously associated with corruption in its system was able to convict a former president for large-scale corruption. But just as pundits would guess the saga did not end there- albeit anti-climactic.

Subsequently, Erap in all his glory did not waste time savoring his new-found (undeserved) liberty. Campaign sorties would follow in different regions of the country proclaiming his vindication while gently biting back his pardoner. Throngs of supporters could be seen cheering or perhaps worshiping their hero's exploits as handful of candies would then rain on them - to reward them with their act of idolatry.

As events started to unravel, Erap had been too busy playing the role of 'unifier' (kuno) from among the ranks of the opposition. He however warned that should the opposition fail to choose a common candidate then he would be forced to run..? What the ....! Another stroke of craftsmanship by an actor and politician! So the script went smoothly...as you and I would have expected it.

Judging from his media stunts, no amount of legal hurdles or bad publicity would ever deter the former president from reaching the cinematic climax his role would have demanded. This time there is no stopping Erap- not even the seemingly conclusive Dacer-Corbito case. His team with all its mighty arsenal is determined to shake off all impending threats of disqualification... and so the story goes.

The 2010 presidential election will undoubtedly generate tremendous excitement. It would certainly serve as a barometer as to whether the electorate has grown with time or has remained inconceivably poor in judgment. While every protagonist gears up for a huge battle in surveys, it is also highly anticipated that serious fireworks will come from every direction no matter what the cost.

Now it is for you people to decide about your future. You are and have always been entitled to your decision. You have been offered various plates on the table. It is for you to grab which one you think offers nourishment to your being. If you failed yet again with your poor judgment, then who cares? Don't ever go to the street and scream. Get a life and hang!