Dear GRP Insiders,
With the COVID-19 Delta variant continuing to burn through the Philippines and most other countries of the world, a large chunk of humanity cowering from that plague, and with the United States sweating under the immense weight of one of its most catastrophic military defeats in history, it is unlikely that most people will be in any mood to embrace ideas beyond the simplest and closest to home.
The stage is set for the political “debate” over the coming months.
Regards,
benign0
In review and in prospect
Despite the internal wrangling within administration party PDP-Laban, the emergence of stark factions within it, and the People’s Choice presidentiable Inday Sara Duterte so far persisting in her wait-and-see position on a run for 2022, it remains clear that the Duterte dynasty remains a formidable incumbent camp. Not even the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte himself from the leadership of the party engineered by Manny Pacquiao will likely change the fortunes of any camp going up against the Dutertes.
To be fair to failed Opposition coalition 1Sambayan head former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, only a “united” Opposition could possibly stand chance as he maintained. This is a view also held by Vice President Leni Robredo, leader of the Yellowtard bloc that dominates the Opposition. Rumours are swirling that Robredo is seeking an audience with Pacquiao who may be just the personality needed to amass the enormous number of votes required to make the incumbent admin camp break even a slight sweat. If these rumours are true, the meeting alone will likely further fragment the Yellowtards considering that many of its woke members will likely take exception to a leader of theirs getting in bed with an avowed homophobe.
Pacquiao, however, is a conservative known for the uncomplicated positions he takes on many issues that resonate with the masses. Filipinos remain a conservative society at heart and high-up-there Western liberal concepts like “human rights”, “equality”, and “diversity” simply fly above most heads. It is not in the best interests of any political camp to underestimate Pacquiao's ability to pull together a strong following.
Last week's blog posts
Politics
Philippine Opposition petty politicking causing Filipino suffering under COVID-19 pandemic
August 29, 2021 by Ramon Ortoll
"This is why the public should actually scrutinize candidates’ platforms instead of falling for gimmicks like free housing for informal settlers and the usual PR stunts of traditional politicians like Vice President Leni Robredo."
The chilling effect on a DESPERATE Opposition of a Duterte-Marcos 2022 bid
August 28, 2021 by Ramon Ortoll
"It will be an interesting Presidential debate series if the cast is composed of Ping Lacson, Daughterte, Isko and Robredo. Daughterte is a better match for Lacson. Isko and Leni will only provide comic relief."
August 25, 2021 by Ramon Ortoll
"Daughterte is not the type who will be dictated upon not even by the pater familia. If she’s decided, she will form her own coalition."
Cash-telo for QC Mayor o Vice Mayor? Huwag Po! Huwag Po!
August 24, 2021 by Paul Farol
"Matapos mag-iikot at magpakitang nagtitipon para sa pagtakbo bilang Vice Mayor, bigla na lang itong naglaho at tumakbo na lang bilang konsehal sa District Two ng Quezon City."
Parallels with 1986? Traditional Opposition cling to Leni Robredo as their hope for “unification”!
August 24, 2021 -by Ramon Ortoll
"The Opposition is deluding themselves with their construct that President Rodrigo Duterte is another Marcos and Leni is Cory redux. This is why we are now seeing the various groups which are 'clamoring' for Robredo to run."
August 24, 2021 by Ramon Ortoll
"Credibility is established when there is evidence to back up one’s allegations. This is where the 'Working Opposition' is weak because they generally practice the maxim of 'it doesn’t necessarily have to be true. It just needs to look like it'."
Public services
Open Letter to Sec. Art Tugade: Pambu-budol ng Grab at Move It sa DOTr
August 23, 2021 by Paul Farol
"Paano naman kasi Sec. Art, mukhang napapaboran na naman ng ultra-mega bongga ang banyagang ride hailing app na Grab."
Important dates
30 Aug 2021 - National Press Freedom Day
01 to 08 Oct 2021 - Filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC)