By Farah G. Decano

 

BEFORE the public cries this slogan once more, President Bongbong Marcos made an anticipatory remedial move. He dismissed his cabinet secretaries, allegedly due to the disappointing performance of his candidates in the recent elections.

Some opinion writers suggest that he acted rashly, seeking a scapegoat to deflect blame for his government’s low approval ratings.

However, BBM is not known for impulsive decisions. His planned actions are usually calculated, well-studied, and executed discreetly. His record as President shows that his controversial measures are often unpredictable. No one can foresee, except perhaps the First Lady and a few close advisors, when he will take decisive action. He strikes suddenly when he feels his actions are justified.

Consider his denunciation of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). BBM surprised his allies and pleased those on the progressive left when he announced their closure during his State of the Nation Address last year. This categorical stance boosted his popularity.

Observe also the timing and resources invested in the implementation of the warrant of arrest for Pastor Quiboloy in 2024. Who would have expected BBM to assert his power when the public least anticipated it? The President proved his critics wrong, showing he was not a weak leader.

Recall his veto of the bill approving the naturalization of Chinese businessman Li Duan Wang. While all senators, except Senator Risa Hontiveros, voted for the measure, BBM demonstrated political will by rejecting what was perceived as popular legislation.

All his recent major moves have generally improved his image and garnered media attention, with one exception: the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The resulting detention of ex-President Duterte reignited the fervor of his supporters, the DDS, and fueled a renewed movement to oust BBM.

It is highly doubtful that BBM’s dismissal of his cabinet secretaries was an impulsive act, similar to Vice President Sara Duterte’s midnight outburst. Remember VP Sara going live on the internet, criticizing BBM for the detention of her chief of staff? It was late at night, with her face partially obscured by darkness.

If there was any similarity between the President’s dismissal of his cabinet and VP Sara’s midnight tirade, it was the element of drama. However, the spectacle of VP Sara’s video was purely aesthetic; her anger was genuine. The public felt her rage, and she did not hold back.

BBM’s theatrics, on the other hand, lay not in the presentation of his message but in the narrative he offered. He wants his constituency to believe that his government is “failing” the people because his cabinet members are not performing as expected. He is attempting to persuade the citizenry to renew their hope in his presidency because there will be a new set of secretaries in the next three years.

Must we accept BBM’s storyline?

Many say that the mass termination was merely to deflect the public’s disappointment on his person or his cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez. This is possible. BBM probably feels he cannot withdraw his support from his cousin because of the latter’s ability to rally support from congressional representatives. Others are also saying that this was his not so subtle strategy to purge his government from pro-Duterte loyalists.

In the meantime, there is quite an ongoing discussion among spectators as to who among the secretaries will be retained. They surmise that they are the ones that are more aligned with the president’s values. BBM should be careful with whom he will re-appoint. If he allows a corrupt department head to return to office, then the public will likely see the president is one, too. If BBM selects a merely popular individual without known capabilities, then, that’s all that he cares about.

Let us observe how he will avert falling to the same slogan as his father.

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