Political Uproar in Pampanga

I am not into politics. It makes me pissed off. Politicking is a major contributory factor as to why the Philippines is pulled down in the ‘worst list’. But since I voted for Among Ed Panlilio, I have to be consistent in saying that he can expect support from me. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan and some ‘funded’ private groups filed a petition for a recall election. They have attained the number of signatures that they need to pursue their will, though the Commission on Elections still has to validate the signatures. They claim the signatures are genuine, but I heard some people saying that there were some who signed in exchange for a plastic of rice or monetary reward. I believe those hearsay even if I don’t have enough basis because I am driven by my biases. Besides, I think those signatures won’t have any effect in case a recall election pushes through.

I read something about the ‘Bradley effect’ which took place in America. A black American candidate was leading in the surveys but his close rival won the mandate of the voters. If applied in Pampanga’s present political scenerio, it is likely to happen, too. (I hope it would, in case the recall election pushes through). If some of those who signed the petition still go for Among Ed, those signatures will just go down the trash.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a known Kapampangan, keeps herself silent in this issue. But lately, her name is being dragged by some activist-leaders who say that Malacanang is partly behind the recall petition. A national leader like her would have power to stop whatever political maneuvering that is taking place in her hometown. Knowing that some (not all, just for emphasis) Kapampangans still support her, her opinion would largely affect the people’s decision. Is it possible that she has associates working for her (for a certain amount)? If it is true, I don’t have to enumerate my suspects. The list is clearly seen in everyday news about the political turmoil in Pampanga — and I hate them for being so uneducated whenever they are interviewed. If I can only enroll myself in a mixed martial arts class, I would definitely get inspired to bring home a black belt because of them. Argggh!

I always start the first few days of my class in professional ethics by explaining that “greed is the root of all evil”. I guess this cliche also applies to them.