Politics is in the air!

WHOEVER says the COVID-19 pandemic will dampen our political fervor is dead wrong! As early as the 4th quarter of this year, amid COVID-19, politicians and wannabe politicians are already realigning, floating their names, positioning, strategizing, and planning for 2022. And why not? Preparation is key, as the learned say.

I mean, who can blame them. There are electoral positions that are deemed free for all since the incumbents have served out their three-term progression. Thus, the position is up for grabs for anyone and everyone interested in 2022.

For instance, the local chief executive of a city is about to end his nine-year occupation of the post. Hence, the need to float the name of his chosen candidate to get the pulse of the electorate. Usually, the local chief executive favors the wife. Naturally, this is perpetuation of powers and strongholds. Please don’t say it is perpetuation of legacy. Please. It’s too self-serving and hypocritical.

Then the local chief executive, believing he is now ripe for a higher post, will float his name as a congressional candidate. His handlers will fill social media and mainstream media with feelers to get the mood of the populace and the electorate. Again, preparation is key.

Meanwhile, there’s a senator who aims to become president since the sitting president will vacate the post in 2020. What a circus it will be in 2022 huh!

All these individuals have the resources and machinery to back them up. They have also established a name given the time that they have rightfully or shamelessly entrenched themselves in the post. Which brings me to the qualified and deserving candidates whose chances are nil because they don’t have the resources, machinery, and name. What a pity!

Such is the reality of politics in Philippine society. One needs to be moneyed to run for public office.

That’s why I support independent candidates. I support them because they are courageous; they have the guts; they have the sass and savvy to go against traditional politics and politicians, many of whom, by the way, are scrambling to get a slot in the most popular political party hereabouts. Can’t blame them. According to a politician I spoke in the past, belonging to a “winning” political party will ensure one’s victory.

Now, if everyone believes in this and I’m afraid almost everyone does, what will happen to those who are qualified and deserving to win but without a political party? It’s a disservice to the country; the province; the city; and the municipality.

Going back. There are talks that a business leader will join the political derby in 2022. These talks are making some quarters uncomfortable, and rightly so, if I may add, since he can very well run on his own merits! I even gently suggest for this business leader to run as an independent candidate, so he does not become beholden to any political party or the usual political patrons. Hmm.

Moving forward. There are those who aspire for higher posts but are realistic about their resources and chances, and there are those who would try again and again, come what may! After all, there is no cap on running for public office. There are no limits to one’s political aspirations. And Abraham Lincoln was defeated several times throughout his political career but ultimately redeemed himself by winning the presidency in 1860. So, victory favors the brave. Just forge forward.

Such is the scenario in the 2022 presidential and midterm elections whether one is in General Santos City where I am presently residing or Bohol where I co-host a public affairs radio program since late May 2020 via phone patch. Yes, that’s right. Technology is a boon.

There’s hardly any difference. Only the individuals differ but the political game is the same. The actors may vary but the tableau is conspicuously similar.

We can expect more politicking in 2021 since it’s the year prior elections. More faces. More gimmicks. More outreach activities. More interviews. More photo opportunities. More of everything since like Christmas, election year in Pinas is also the season to be merry!

***

 Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN