By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE ADMINISTRATION of President Bongbong Marcos has just revealed its “Magic 12” senatorial slate for the May 2025 midterm elections.
The 12 are Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Abby Binay, Pia Cayetano, Francis Tolentino, Camille Villar, Bong Revilla, Erwin Tulfo, Benhur Abalos, Imee Marcos, and Manny Pacquiao. They come from different political parties that allied with the President’s ruling party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
No shockwaves, of course. Same faces, same interests, same promise.
What we can simply say? “That’s it, pansit!”
Bagong Pilipinas
But what’s ironic is the title for the “Magic 12” of the Marcos administration – “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas”. So gasgas (scratched or worn out).
The slogan sounds good to the ears but the subjects are unpleasant to the eyes. Recyclables! Marcos’ “Magic 12”are paulit-ulit na lamang.
Why not give others a chance?
Is President Bongbong proud of his senatorial slate? What’s bago or new in them?
Poverty remains our worst enemy. Though the national poverty rate has decreased to 15.5 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021, reality bites that many Filipinos continue to languish from the brunt of impoverishment.
Figures and statistics may lie, but actual scenarios in poverty-laden communities anywhere in the country suggest more drastic moves are needed from the national government to save the many from drowning in the sea poverty.
In the Senate, hence, we need bright minds. We need somebody who experienced poorness in real life. We need somebody whose heart and mind know the stomach of the poor.
Neither beautiful nor handsome
Philippines neither needs beautiful nor handsome senators. Not even the popular ones. What we simply need are leaders who can draw ideas to cure poverty.
Many Filipinos are more than qualified to be senators but are dwarfed by reality that they don’t have money.
Money and business-minded politicians are basically wanting power in the Senate for obvious reason – protect their business interests. This mindset buries the country to a kumunoy (quicksand) of economic hardship due to lack of brilliant legislators who can craft statutes meant to address the lingering economic crunch, among other cancerous social ills.
Willie Ong is True
I then remember Dr. Willi Ong, who had said during his vice presidential run in 2022 that he has the will to serve, but no money to lure voters.
He’s true.
To be factual, the Philippines has so many “Willie Ongs” just waiting to be given a chance to serve. But that chance is dimming because of bullsh*t politics.
Ong ran for senator in 2019 but lost. He tried his luck for vice president in 2022. Again, he lost.
Ong, in terms of qualifications and capability to serve, is really beyond question.
Power of smart phones
But I believe there’s hope still – the smart phone.
Social media, especially Facebook, is one potent medium that, if used properly, can reshape or transform Philippine politics.
The power of social media cannot be undermined now. It can make or break someone, something in just a matter of seconds or minutes.
That’s why in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, perhaps Facebook will play a vital role beyond expectations.
The ATM (at this moment) and JI (just in) on Facebook could be converted into interesting moments during the 2025 elections if and when netizens will capitalize in campaigning for their candidates perceived to be highly-qualified to be voted upon via social media.
The power of Facebook, therefore, is mighty; it could make or unmake our next political chapter.
I trust my instinct. I trust my gut feeling.
Smart phones will be the people’s “swords? to trim those who aren’t qualified.
Hoping and praying for the best then!/PN
