‘To Barzaga, Robredo is the only presidential candidate who has the most extensive experience in the three branches of government.’
FILIPINOS don’t much care about the war in Ukraine and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe even as three million Ukrainians have fled their homes, bound mostly for Poland and Romania.
The coming elections in our country have frozen any sense of humanity among us.
Facebook and You Tube are dominated by constant appeals for humanitarian aid for hapless Ukrainians. It is uncharacteristic of Filipinos and the government to turn away from the unfolding ravages and genocidal mayhem targeting innocent civilians and children.
Practically nothing has been heard from the government and business conglomerates and corporations on sending relief and financial assistance to the war-torn nation and its refugees. But we are sure certain church groups and private individuals have responded.
***
Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez of Partido Reporma switching to Vice-President Leni Robredo from its standard-bearer Sen. Ping Lacson will lead most likely to an exodus of political leaders supporting Robredo. Lacson had lashed out at Alvarez, accusing the latter of practically asking for a bribe of P800 million. Alvarez denied Lacson’s claim and said the huge amount was supposedly for poll watchers. For Alvarez, Lacson was almost certain to lose and he had to invest in a political decision to rebuild his political fortunes.
Congressman Elpidio Barzaga of the 4th District of Cavite, whose National Unity Party (NUP) had endorsed Bongbong Marcos a few days before, has suddenly shifted to Robredo, claiming she is sure to lead an honest government and improve the lives of Filipinos. To Barzaga, Robredo is the only presidential candidate who has the most extensive experience in the three branches of government.
NUP has 30 incumbent legislators, 10 governors and is fielding 1,000 candidates for the local elections. There is little doubt that Robredo’s sense of winnability has become relatively more evident with her and Kiko Pangilinan’s massively growing rallies.
***
Broadcast media should undertake a campaign to thwart the re-electionist congressmen who voted for the non-renewal of the franchise of the pioneering ABS-CBN. Unfortunately, there was just token support provided by the other leading broadcast networks to the beleaguered TV and radio channel at the height of the obviously partisan hearings at the House of Representatives. Most people expect a more critical and aggressive media opposition against the forced closure of the huge network.
The broadsheets had engaged in more sustained and deliberate efforts in their news and commentaries. The chilling effect on the entire media industry with ABS-CBN suddenly forced to cease its operations could have been reversed if the planned rejection of a new franchise was met with a fiery and unwavering resistance from media.
