THURSDAY last week, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri held a virtual press conference in a posh restaurant in Bacolod City.
The gist of the presscon was his fervent appeal to all Negrensanons and Bacolodnons to avail themselves of anti-COVID-19 vaccinates as soon as possible (ASAP) not just for everyone’s health and safety but for the sake of the upcoming 2022 national and local elections, too.
The senator feared that leaders to be elected from president down to the lowest position may not have the votes of the majority.
“My fear is that we’re not going to meet our target (number of people to be vaccinated) by the end of the year. This does not only pose a bigger threat to the health, safety and lives of our people and our economy, but also to our electoral system.”
Well, it has sense. And I got his point. But as to the necessity, practicability and beneficiality of such intention for elections, I may say it’s detestable.
Is Migz (still) okay?
Or may I borrow Boy Abunda’s line of questioning: Is Migz okay not to be okay or not okay not to be okay?
Why he’s “itching” for the 2022 elections? His craving’s motive, therefore, sounds cynical. I admire Migz. He’s a Negrense by blood and by heart. But in my own assessment, his latest utterances in Bacolod were quite off and absurd to imagine.
Yes, next year’s elections are vital. But there’s a perfect time for it to discuss in public. Let’s just wait for the proper timing.
For a senator of the country to entice people to get vaccinated so they can vote is definitely a “self-serving” appeal. Whether we like or not, elections will push through as the 1987 Constitution says so still.
As to the question of either minority or majority of votes will be cast, I think, it’s not the “meat” of contention amidst the current health hullabaloo. For now, let’s focus on COVID-19 and the ongoing nationwide vaccination. After all, what’s the essence of the majority if they can’t choose the appropriate leaders still?
So, better opt for the minority but can wisely pick the next president who’ll be the surest “healing president” that the country needs most at this point of uncertainties.
Migz’s contention that herd immunity must be attained soonest so majority can vote, for me, is vague in value and degree of importance. People’s primordial concern (now) is to be vaccinated in order to be protected against COVID-19. They think of their survival rather than political revival.
I myself want to be vaccinated because I want to survive for the sake of my family. COVID-19 continues to rampage worldwide with its newest variants – Delta and Lambda. Millions of people died already. People around the world regardless of status in life are anxious right now. Lots lost jobs and sanity as well.
Many businesses (small and big) were bogged down with businessmen including tycoons crying and begging for help. The Philippine government, in real picture, is seemingly “helpless” now. Quite surreal, but real! There are lots of problems that continue to besiege the country.
Migz, therefore, should have thought first of other potent solutions to help government easing and acing the current chaotic situation.
Or have prioritized helping alleviate the plight of our pitiable health workers who (already) threatened to hold mass rallies leading to mass resignations if some of their demands, especially the promised risk allowance, remained undelivered by the Department of Health (DOH).
Delta variant cases are on the rise. Lambda follows, too. Community lockdowns continue to pester millions of Filipinos who are losing jobs anew. Worse, majority remain distrustful of anti-COVID-19 vaccines.
People are getting hardheaded now. Probably, it’s time to revisit our anti-COVID-19 responses and revise what needed to be revised ASAP to jive with the current scenarios.
But to rally for people to get vaccinated for election purposes ain’t just whacky. It’s repugnant as well.
‘LITTLE HONESTY’ DRAWSFLAK
Meanwhile, Migz’s “little honesty” on the Bing Leonardia – Albee Benitez upcoming duel for mayor in Bacolod also got the ire of thousands of Bacolodnons.
“Puro ko sila migo. At this point, let the best man win. Kon sin-o sa ila pili-on sang mga kasimanwa ta sa Bacolod City, we will respect that. But they are dear friends of mine. Palangga ko ni sila nga duwa. Kun magkampanya ko dira sa Bacolod, indi na lang ko magtindog sa kilid nila nga duwa. Ma-motorcade na lang ko.”
It’s a witty remark coupled with his cockiness. But it didn’t sound well among supporters and keyboard warriors (trolls) of both camps.
Minutes after such quip was posted on the Facebook (FB) pages of various media entities in Bacolod, it drew flak. As of this writing, Migz, on FB, was almost “flattened” by lots of distasteful and atrocious comments.
One of the notable comments was from former city councilor-turned-Albee warrior Homer Bais. He said, “Playing safe. Abot na ni Rokit.”
Others resurrected the 2007 poll fiasco highlighted by the alleged fraud in the counting of ballots in Mindanao. Such made Migz “infamous”, forcing him to resign in August 2011 to spare his family from trauma and to give way to Sen. Koko Pimentel (the real winner for the last spot in the Senate).
And the rest is history.
Perhaps, Migz and his local handlers didn’t have the chance to “brainstorm” before the presscon on what to say or not to say during the Q&A (Question and Answer) portion.
Or the senator wasn’t briefed how to issue a “motherhood statement” on critical and sensitive matters.
So, caught off guard and encumbered by his long standing friendship with both Bing and Albee, Migz was somehow obligated to answer questions on the matter.
Unfortunately, his “little honesty” of not taking side caused publicity havoc.
Indeed, it’s a PR (public relations) disaster both in the making and in the offing. Bing’s (pulahan) as well as Albee’s (puti-an) supporters really wanted Migz to make a definite stand now – sa pula or sa puti?
If he can’t, both the pulahans and puti-ans will never permit him to practice the usual style of politicos during elections – boating on two rivers (mamamangka sa dalawang ilog).
So, for now, Migz’s local handler(s) have no choice but to double time “deodorizing” his image and credibility in Bacolod.
Or he may suffer a “great loss” just in case!/PN
