Editorial
The local campaign
THE start of the campaign period for local elections is set on March 25, but it being a Good Friday, will presumably start on March 26, (as if it hasn’t already started more than a year ago).
What it means to the electorate is, there will be less focus on the national elections, and more on the activities of the local candidates who are expected to do their usual sing-and-dance numbers to entertain, not to educate them.
What it means to the local candidates is, they will be confronted by an expensive affair that most can ill afford. It’s the time for dispensing cash to cover hospital, burial and wedding expenses of families that promise ‘bulk’ votes, staying up late nights for meetings with supporters and AC-DC media practitioners who depend on them for their livelihood for the next 2 months.
What it means to the jueteng lords and drug lords operating in the towns and cities, it’s time to invest on at least two winnable candidates who can protect them for the next three years.
For the civic-minded sector, it’s the time for frenetic preparations to help organize and oversee the preparation of covenant signing among the candidates as if the outcome of the election would depend on the “words of honor” of the candidates.
In sum, there will be long nights and days for both the local candidates and the communities – the candidates wishing it would end sooner, while the electorate wishing it would never end.
Duterte digs in
RODRIGO Duterte’s recent trip to Pangasinan recorded two things of utmost significance.
One, Mr. Duterte’s second visit to our beloved province meant that he recognized our being vote-rich; we are No. 3 behind Cebu and Cavite in voter population. History tells us that presidential candidates who won in Pangasinan went on to conquer the Palace by the Pasig River.
Two, that Gov. Espino gave Mr. Duterte a rousing, red carpet treatment at the provincial capitol created a tremendous impact on the people’s consciousness. For, hasn’t Guv Spines cast his lot on ex-Sec. Mar Roxas, a bitter rival of Mr. Duterte?
Every political season promises surprises, and it appears it’s Mr. Duterte who’s enjoying the most pleasant surprises.
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