THE "libertadores' of La Mesa de la Libertad at Jojen's in Silay came up with two political thoughts for 2022 local and presidential elections. This could have been based on Fabianism, a political doctrine favoring gradual, non-confrontational social progress and change.
The first school believes that in local politics, the young mayor who is finishing his third term should be given the chance to be re-elected. By so doing, the voters are given a new political scenario for the coming in next time (2026) of young mayoralty aspirants having energized vision for their generation that could be different from that of the old guards.
The second school considers the coming back of politicians who finished their three terms in the past. They are old but they have gained wisdom and experience to run the government. In their first three terms, they gave their best and if re-elected, they may surpass what they did in their previous terms.
The rules of the election game in 2022 could be exciting because we have candidates in the national and local positions. Local candidates will always align with the brightest stars. Money will always play a vital role. There is no "vote buying" but the most generous local candidates will always win.
Astute politicians embrace pragmatism, a practical approach to political or personal dealings, rejecting ideological and historical consideration. If we have EJK for narco personalities, local politicians will use media black propaganda (as expected) or fake news as part of their purge in erasing their opponents.
This is too early but if President Digong wants to leave his political legacy, he has to anoint Inday Sarah. The daughter should ride on the popularity of the father. She could anchor her campaign on utilitarianism, a doctrine that the greatest good is what produces most happiness for the greatest number of people.
Grace Poe can try her luck again if she believes that she can have more regional organizations to support her. In Negros and in Panay, she can always claim that her mother Susan Roces is a Bacolodnon. Dramatically, her being a foundling in a cathedral in Iloilo could still be a tear jerker. What she needs is a good script writer... and oh, she had a childhood playmate (now a mayor) in Negros Occidental.
Many Pacquiao will always be a Manny Money. His propagandists can always say that he is the reincarnation of Santa Claus. Wherever Manny goes, there are always selected poor people forming a line for his blessings. They may not be devout Christians but they believe in miracles... more than the multiplication of loaves and fishes. This time it could be swarm of thousand peso bills.
Leni Robredo can capitalize on her being vice president and the flag bearer of her party. She is qualified for the top post but first she needs to be "a woman of her own." She has friends in America, United Nations and in the European Council. The Yellow Army is there to support her.
Ping Lacson is an aspirant also. He has the profile of Digong according to some, but to become president he must have a profile of his own. A copycat may not be effective unless he believes that a cat has nine lives. First, he has to tell us his formula how to stop drug business in our country.
Politics is fun and funny but we always pray not to elect leaders who are jokers.