YOU can describe them in so many ways.
Passionate. Dedicated. Devoted. Enthusiastic. Even diehard.
Either way, you can always expect them to have your back. Or find them at your side. Especially when the going gets tough. Or, let’s be frank about it, when they know they’ll get something in return.
Hannibal was right, you see. Quid pro quo, Clarice!
They come in all shapes and sizes. Young and old.
They are seldom found among the upper classes, though. Perhaps a smattering among the bourgeoisie. Because their kind almost always thrives among the lower echelons of society.
At some point in their humble existence, you gave them a helping hand. Made them feel loved. Important.
And to fuel that passion, dedication, devotion, enthusiasm and diehardism (if there’s such a word), you stoke their egos. Grant them favors. Promote them. Appoint them. Even if there are other people out there who are more qualified.
Because it always starts with a simple gesture of kindness. And they’re hooked.
For some, it’s the much needed financial assistance for a loved one in the hospital. Or the chance to earn an honest living selling illegal pirated DVDs. For others, the privilege to live on land that doesn’t belong to them.
How else can you expect politicians to gain and retain loyal supporters, some of whom are willing to go beyond the call of duty, so to speak?
Take for example this Facebook account holder who goes by the name of “Lovely Amor,” who, by the sounds and looks of it, is a major, major fan of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
Just last week, she, and I assume it’s a she although there’s nothing wrong if it’s a he, posted allegations against members of Barug PDP-Laban.
According to her, the rivals of her idol have been going around buying votes.
In her post, Amor showed five P1,000 bills with a colored sample ballot bearing the names of the Barug PDP-Laban slate headed by Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who is running for mayor against Osmeña.
“Mas grabe ni (This is worse)! Palit jud tibuok pamilya (They’re buying the whole family). Ipasiguro lang (Just make sure you vote for) Mayor Labella ug Niña Mabatid,” read the caption on Amor’s post.
Mind you, the allegations go both ways.
Which reminds me. I wonder if Amor is the same Amor Cabiles, who, last Sunday, May 5, claimed that unidentified men strafed her house in Sudlon 1 the night before.
Cabiles claims she has been receiving threatening text messages.
If true, she should count herself lucky then,
Hmm. I wonder if her being head of the barangay mayor’s office is all worth it.