BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
AS ELECTIONS 2022 draw near, it is but common to hear lots of so-called political hyperbole.
As many election pundits say, political hyperbole, for Filipino politicos, is part of political gimmickry to woo voters. Though some are labeled “irritating”, some also “sell” to the masa.
Political hyperbole can be beautiful. It can also be emotional and can even paint a beautiful picture. However, political hyperbole can also be “dangerous” in this digital age.
Per research, American politicos before were fond of using hyperbole in their political campaign speeches. History-wise, political hyperbole originated during the time of ancient Greek philosopher Artistotle.
But Aristotle believed that hyperbole was inappropriate for older politicians. Moreover, Aristotle also considered hyperbole, when said in a political context, as an utterance by an angry politician.
Thus, political hyperbole before was dubbed by the Greeks as an act by a “demon” and perceived as an ancient enemy of civil society.
But what is hyperbole?
Google.com simply says: It’s an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary (MWD) also defines it as a language that describes something as better/worse than it really is.
But as to the exact meaning, MWD says it is extravagant exaggeration.
In Bacolod City, mayoralty aspirant Albee Benitez seems to be employing lots of political hyperbole in his speeches and posts on social media (socmed).
Correct me if I am wrong, but lots of Bacolod residents and netizens raised eyebrows when Albee said this line: “Gusto ko wala squatter sa Bacolod.”
What a beautiful line to hear. To get rid Bacolod of squatters is a noteworthy mission. It sounds so adorable. But whether Albee (tagged as a billionaire) likes or not, such line (till now) remains to be a hyperbole.
Incumbent Mayor Bing Leonardia exerted lots of effort just to provide decent relocation sites to the city’s squatters. Praiseworthy initiatives. Proofs of Leonardia’s “highly-emulated” efforts are the Arao property and Progreso Village. Both are now homes to thousands of former squatters.
On record, Bacolod has almost 20,000 squatter families in 2008.
Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) then estimated it to balloon to around 40,000 in the year 2020 due to rapid developments in the city, too.
So is Albee’s promise to free Bacolod from squatters attainable?
I thought such promise was just of businessman-cum-housing developer Vladimir Gonzales and tagged as “shooting the moon”.
But now that Albee is personally saying it, many cast doubts as to the essence of the statement.
Then, lots ask this question: Did Albee solve the squatter problem in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental when he was the congressman there?
None from Albee’s camp can answer this question yet. Even Marie June Pavillar-Castro, his former housing czar in the 3rd District, remains silent on the matter.
Castro, a gender advocate, transferred to the provincial capitol as an executive assistant for the Gender and Development (GAD) program of Gov. Bong Lacson.
Squatters still thrive in various localities in the 3rd District. In Victorias City, squatters proliferate in Daan Banwa, Miranda and even along Taytay Baho. In EB Magalona, Tondo areas in both Barangays 3-Poblacion and Manta-angan remain to be the squatters’ havens.
Lots of squatters, too, are still living in barangays Tuburan and Madalag still in the same town, while Beranio, Mambulac , Lantad and Estaca in Silay City continue to host the never-dwindling number of squatters families.
And worse, in Talisay City, “Sweet Centre” and Barangay Matab-ang also remain as squatters’ refuge.
Yes, squatters are squatters. There are some who really want to have their own houses and lots. But there are “professional squatters”, too. These squatters are so hard to deal with. Once they get their land titles and housing units, they sell them. Then go back living like squatters again, until they’re given another house and lot which they would sell again.
Is Albee ready for them? Well, let’s see!
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In the national scene, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is also fast-catching up as a model of political hyperbole.
Migz is a friend. He’s eloquent. He’s brilliant. Lately, however, I can sense that he’s no longer relatable to the masa. As if everything he says seems to be “tayog”and surreal.
It’s surprising to note that broadcaster Raffy Tulfo is more believable now compared to Migz. Example, on sugar industry. Just recently Migz says: “I will fight against the liberalization of the sugar industry for the precise reason that it will kill five million people directly and indirectly and it will affect provinces nationwide.”
When did Migz know that sugar liberalization exists in the country? And when did Migz know that sugar liberalization is “bad” for the country?
Filipinos are no longer “bobos”. And to say that sugar liberalization will kill five million Filipinos directly or indirectly is like I am listening to Bombo Radyo’s serial drama “Mga Istorya ni Toyang Ermentanya”.
So, do we need to prepare now for a mass grave? I don’t know what’s happening to Migz. But for now I reserve my nasty comments.
Perhaps, the senator needs an overhaul in terms of mental calisthenics before he will totally be perceived as a “loose cannon” in the Senate.
In a sponsored Facebook page, the senator also said, “Batas na may trabaho para sa mga Pilipino!”
Question: Is Migz a neophyte?
He’s a senator for quite a long time already and yet this is the first time he will file a bill meant to give jobs for every Filipino?”
Oh, my God! Unbelievable!
Well, I think both Albee and Migz should refrain from uttering something leading to the “World of Make Believe.”
It’s given: Fairies and their kingdoms are just for the books. In this digital age, people nowadays, especially the younger ones, are almost digital natives. They know what to click to know things that “bother” them. They also have the potent capability to decipher things they heard.
Yes, most of the time, they’re just silent, but at the back of their mind they’re just smiling, listening to one’s hyperbole. Thus, both Albee and Migz should never underestimate the power of the voters.
Gone are the days when people love to listen to political hyperbole. What people want now: Fact or evidence. So stop talking if you can’t produce any evidence. Because at the end of the day, proof matters.
I do hope that both Albee and Migz should (always) bear in mind the “dangers” of over-promising and under-delivery – these may build false expectations leading to the depletion of their credibility beyond redemption./PN
