With the conflict now obviously out of hand between two major political forces in President BBM and Sara Duterte, who suffers?

This conflict, as we know it, started as early as when the UniTeam was formed, emanating from the deep distrust of their respective supporters of the instant partnership. Some observers told us it could be compared to mixing oil and water. As theory and practice will show, these two elements aren’t compatible and will never mix.

Of course, admittedly, Senator Imee Marcos, a friend to then Davao City Mayor Sara, was the bridge that linked the two families, which resulted in the formation of the unusual tandem that, like a stereotypical song, delivered the so-called solid North and South votes. The Filipinos gave BBM and Sara a landslide victory never before seen in our electoral history.

It was both a sweet and bitter election outcome, I’ve heard many times. BBM supporters were ecstatic they were able to return a Marcos to Malacañang after the father was deposed in 1986. It was bitter because Duterte as VP got more votes and is now looking forward to the presidential election in 2028.

My reading from my engagement with folks who support the Marcoses from Luzon down to the South is that they are inclined toward continuity. There is reason to believe this because history tells us the removal of Marcos Sr. from power was something the family just couldn’t accept. Perhaps this would be the feeling and sentiment of any family that was disgraced.

Anyway, most Duterte supporters, die-hards and loyalists, were dumbfounded but bitterly swallowed the unexpected decision of Mayor Inday to run for vice president. No one expected their idol would give way and not proceed as the presidential bet to succeed her father, Rodrigo Duterte.

It was a decision by leaders you believed in and supported as good soldiers. By the way, this corner and Miss Jet Claveria were entrusted with assisting BBM in his run as his driver and aide, respectively, during his sorties in Lucena City.

Distrust is critical in any relationship; it breaks the bond to pieces. Furthermore, political ambition will destroy everything as you can see in our land where there is no more consideration for family ties in seeking political power.

What does this mean? The temptation of power and money is something that attracts politicians and most now don’t care whether one or two will run against a brother, sister, or in-laws. Take the case of the Boongalings in Candelaria, Quezon. The incumbent mayor has his uncle opposing his re-election. In Makati City, there’s outgoing Senator Nancy Binay up against her brother-in-law for the city’s top executive post.

Curiously, in most towns and cities in Calabarzon, I learned that the lure of P2-million a month payola from the jueteng lords is what prods most bets to run for mayor. Grrrr!! The so-called declaration to serve is merely rhetoric to deceive the susceptible voter, add of course a minimum of P500 for each and every corrupt voter and it’s now the norm in elections. Bets pay to get elected to a seat.

Well, I think the 2028 presidential election is the main objective of the political chaos ongoing. Political war among the major actors and actresses, prodded in part by vested political and economic interests, is gonna be worse unless a miracle of selflessness occurs with the blessing of God.

(To be continued)

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