OF COURSE. With the May 2019 elections just peeping around the corner, it will be a rich Christmas and a vote-buying…I mean, bustling, New Year.
You know, it is only during election time that all men are created equal to ONE vote each…the only time when those who have most in life and those who have none are equally counted before the eyes of the COMELEC.
***
Time and again, it has been stated as doctrine…that politics is a pigsty. Nobody enters it without becoming dirty.
And the naked truth…MONEY is a political reality. Without it as a campaign persuasion, it would be difficult to be elected to public office nowadays. It has become part of our culture to receive money from politicians during elections. And every candidate knows that even your most loyal dealer…ah, leader, will abandon you if he is not carried in the General Appropriations Act.
This is how the political exercise has become and is today. And I expect a degrading improvement.
***
I don’t know what it is in public office that is so addictive. Once elected, the incumbent refuses to vacate the post.
There was a time when there were no term limits to public office, so a popular town mayor got elected and re-elected and re-elected for decades.
He loved his workplace, the municipal hall, so much that was where he lived, cooked his meals, reared his illegitimate children, and slept with his wives…I mean, spouse.
One fine Monday morning when the employees reported for work, they found Hizzoner already sitting smugly at the Mayor’s Office. They marvelled at such exemplary public service and punctuality.
Coming closer, they discovered that the mayor was dead. In fact, he had been dead since Saturday.
At his funeral service, it was emphasized that he died in office.
***
At the local scene, it will be an interesting mayoralty contest. Brother-in-law vs Brother-in-law, which will spill over to Sister vs Sister and pit family against each other.
It is not uncommon. All over the archipelago there are family feuds over elective positions. On my part, I will not run against my mother-in-law.
Between now and next year, however, there is much that remains to unfold. Politics is such a messy affair and strange things happen; unusual coalitions are formed that fogs the mind. Whatever it takes to garner votes is fair in politics.
The incumbent City Mayor, “JOE 1-2-3” as he is fondly called by lickers…errrrr, followers and detractors, has a bit of an edge. He has been honed well in public offers…office, by his brother-in-law, former City Mayor, now his dear enemy.
Handled well, public funds for infrastructure projects, road widening, educational and other laudable intents, released to favored barangays, casual and permanent employees translates to eternal gratefulness and converted to votes next year. Indeed, the Mayor’s Office is a tower of strength and power. Plus personal charm and friendliness, he does not need to spend his own money.
Equally important, he has an invaluable asset…he sings. Music is the rhythm of your soul. And Ilonggos are music lovers and karaoke bar bunglers. Imagine the size of this voting sector.
One flag-raising ceremony day at Plaza Libertad, Mayor “JOE 1-2-3” greeted City Hall employees to a rousing song, “BUTCHIKI”! It takes character to render such a musical piece. Amidst much applause, he promised to sing “BIKINING ITIM” at the next flag ceremony.
Now, that is something to consider. Remember, Rico Puno died without singing such a song. (muzones_law_office@yahoo.com/PN)
