OUT of the heated campaign visits of candidates blooms a positive development. Political parties and supporters are learning to spare the trees from posters and tarpaulins.
Compared to past elections, the nailing of campaign materials on trees has visibly reduced because of raised awareness on the need to protect trees, and an active monitoring followed by the immediate removal of violating material.
Incidents of nailing trees in violation of election rules are fewer, even isolated, as observed by some commuters (no official count, though), unlike in past campaigns when trees wounded by political supporters were rampant.
Environmentalists, elections officials, candidates themselves and ordinary citizens who do their part in monitoring such violations have contributed to this positive development. There are more people waiting to catch violators, and election officials are reminding political parties of this rule against harming trees.
There are other violations that continue, like pasting materials outside of designated common poster areas and vote-buying, but at least the rule to protect trees has gained adherence.
To keep the momentum and raise awareness for other violations, Sun.Star launched a social media campaign to check election violations through the “Sumbongero” (Complainer) drive. At www.facebook.com, search for “Sumbongero” and you will be brought to the group page where you can post complaints on politicians or their supporters who violate poll rules. To report a violation, take a photo or video, cite the name of the erring candidate, the place, date and time, and the possible offense.
All reports will be monitored by the Commission on Elections.
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One issue that is unique to a Rodrigo Duterte presidency is on the question of the First Spouse.
Duterte, former Davao City mayor and now a leading presidential candidate, came to Cebu last Thursday to join his ex-wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, as she celebrated her 68th birthday. Reporters at the affair asked him if there would be a second chance at their reuniting as a couple. Duterte replied, “There’s no (second) chance. It’s happening now.”
Will she occupy a place in Malacanang, perhaps, as First Lady? Duterte replied, “Inshallah, Inshallah." (‘God willing’ in Arabic) When you do that, you’re being presumptuous. Wag na muna. I leave it to God.”
Zimmerman, for her part, said, “We have been friends ever since na annulled kami. We are also married sa Church. In my situation, I think I’m still married to him.”
The question on who would sit as First Spouse is a timely one for Duterte, who is leading in recent surveys. He reportedly has a common-law wife who has joined him in campaign stops.
But he would rather not think about the question because to do so would be “presumptuous.” Duterte flew in from Luzon just to join Zimmerman and their children, mayors Sara and Paolo, in her birthday celebration. He brought flowers and a cake for his ex-wife. After some prodding from guests, the couple kissed on the lips.
(ninicab@sunstar.com.ph)