By Farah G. Decano

 

THERE is a growing number of disgruntled supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (hereinafter referred to as BBM).  Some justify their change of hearts due to their disappointment over the way the younger Marcos has been running the country while some reason out that they have been made to feel discarded, used, or ignored right after the 2022 elections.  Hello, Maharlika, Clarita Carlos, Elizabeth Oropesa, Andrew E. and former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez?

The handling by BBM of his loyalists is a far cry from the way former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) treated his political soldiers. Despite his dismal human rights records, certified brutish manners, and apparent incompetence in handling complex affairs such as the national economy and foreign relations, PRRD remains well-loved by his dependable allies.  The latter remain true and loyal to the former chief executive even beyond his term. They speak only of kind words about him.  Ask Lorraine Badoy, Pebbles Duque, Mocha Uson, Sass Rogando Sasot, Senator Bong Go, Senator Bato dela Rosa and some of his permanent appointees in key government positions.

The declining support for BBM speaks of his callous leadership. He may soon be an epitome of a disloyal leader to his own followers, a seeming infidel to his own battalion.  The termination of Executive Secretary Rodriguez spoke volumes about how the chief executive regards fierce and faithful service.

During his stint as election lawyer and spokesperson for BBM, Atty. Rodriguez was definitely an asset.  He presented himself with his fresh-face as if then political circus did not affect him and BBM.  He was mostly calm in demeanor.  When BBM finally got to inhabit Malacañang, the cool lawyer, as the appointed executive secretary, wrote orders with such elegance, almost lyrical, befitting a presidential office.   In the midst of haggard faces of BBM’s senior advisers and secretaries, Atty. Rodriguez provided a breath of fresh air, new energy, and an appearance of innocence.

How could BBM easily forget the excellent service of Atty. Rodriguez, who perhaps, risked his life, his reputation and career for the former’s candidacy?  Has the president been afflicted with amnesia so suddenly?  The terminated executive secretary has done so much for him, defending him from every pointed question hurled towards his direction.

The banishment of Atty. Rodriguez from the Marcos fold begs so many questions. Why was this feisty counsel so effortlessly and conveniently eliminated from Malacañang?   What grievous wrong could Atty. Rodriguez have committed against Marcos in just two to three months of service in the Palace? Did such wrong offset all the beneficial work he has done for Marcos?

Malacañang is a snake pit.  BBM should have known this from the start.  If Atty. Rodriguez was a victim of intrigues and fake news, then BBM could have stepped up and protected him from those who merely waited on him to win.

Or was there suddenly a difference in values between the president and the disgraced secretary? Most political fall outs are due to conflicting priorities. Could it be possible that the attackers of Atty. Rodriguez promised the return of money spent for the elections through creative charging (a.k.a. corruption) while the lawyer could only bring whatever is left of his idealism to the position?

The ease in ejecting a proven loyalist only manifests BBM’s nonchalance for his supporters.  Some people would call this trait, “nanggagamit lang.”

At present, BBM is very much unlike former President Duterte. The latter stood by his Health Secretary, Francisco Duque III, even if the Senate passed a resolution asking for his resignation. The septuagenarian former president knew how to value loyalty.

The old Duterte’s attitude towards his followers will benefit his daughter, Vice President Sara.  BBM’s supporters will think twice about Representative Sandro later.

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