WHILE Mar Roxas edges his rivals in overall votes in Pampanga, courtesy of the provincial administration, Angeles City goes solid for Digong Duterte for major reasons.
Angelenos are convinced that a strong-arm President can effect the change that they clamor which can be realized by determined and fearless politicalill.
All the candidates advocate good governance, economic growth, and peace and order.
Duterte is singled out as the guy who can fix the system that has bred illegal drugs, dauntless criminals, and corruption in government.
Roxas' campaign concentrated in, and is empowered by, Daang Matuwid, the administration's battle cry which has gone the wrong way.
The people simplify the issues against the administration's standard bearer by the faults of the ruling party which reflect, and irreversibly affect, a Roxas victory. Honest Mar is paying for the sins of his stubborn-headed-brother.
Duterte may have a foul mouth but if he can do battle with the now powerful drug lords, people will tolerate his bad language. If lacks finesse, and good manners, it does not matter as long as he will go after and decimate criminals. If he violated due process in Davao City to establish peace and order, people do not mind his short cut methods to establish normalcy and social stability. If he had amassed undeclared millions, he was only providing for his future. Everyone does that.
The average citizen who is alarmed, often a victim of street crime, or illegal drugs, and corrupt practices in government find an ally in the brusque and tactless city mayor.
This is the attitude of the Angelenos who find the other candidates incapable, timid and afraid to prosecute drug lords who are destroying the nation's youth, the home grown criminals out to rob, rape and murder, and respond decisively on people's needs.
***
Duterte's popular acceptance is unlike that of Ramon Magsaysay who won the masses because of a major issue -- his promise to fight the Huk movement. Like Duterte's record in his crime campaign, the Guy showed evidence of his anti-Huk achievement. And the people believed.
The secret to Duterte' top ratings is simply his use of a marketing principle. The candidate that's able to build and sustain over the campaign period (or much earlier) a singular image (that of fearless fighter and decisive enforcer) resonates with a voter's attribute for President will win.
This marketing strategy has not worked well with Roxas's "daang matuwid" that could not provide a simple driver's license in seven months and hardly release license plates in over two years, susmariosep! The almost daily calvary suffered by millions of MRT-LRT commuters will get back at the government by not voting Roxas whse integrity is his chief asset.
Grace Poe is a straw woman who is packaged as the daughter of movie icon FPJ, and who sells herself as his heiress to the action star's thematic role as avenger, champion of the oppressed, and injustice.
Binay is damaged goods, fit for a fire sale. At first a quality product he is beyond salvage. Miriam wants a last hurrah and will go down fighting.
***
Angelenos want Duterte president for a special reason. I heard he has promised the Clark airport job to veteran people's mobilizer and former CIAC vice president Alex Cauguiran. A veteran airport development advocate, our cabalen will ensure protection and priority service to Pampangos.... Former city councilor and son of Mang Tarzan, JonJon Lazatin poses a grave threat to reelectionist Rep. Yeng Guiao (1st Dist.) The well-oiled Lazatin machinery works day and night mobilizing Tarzan's loyalists to topple the Coach... Councilor Edu Pamintuan, the quiet, self-effacing and hardworking son of EdPam is expected to land a top place in the council race... Former Rep. Anna York Bondoc Sagum has charmed PNP-Region 3 brass into sending an anti-terrorism team to prevent bonnet-hooded hired goons in intimidating or actually hurting supporters and leaders of her brother, Cong. Rimpy of the 4th district.... Pol Balingit is a cinch winner for board member. Closely watched is the contest for mayor of Porac with Councilor Mike Tapang leading 40-30, surveys reported. A close fight this time is that between Cong. Oca and ex-Rep. Dong Gonzales. Humorists say the winner will be the "lesser thief" of the rivals...I believe Brgy. chief Tony Mamac is the most qualified for vice mayor in Angeles. Only, he could not erase or reverse his image as a former cop...May I request fellow cabalen in the spirit of "dugong aso" to vote Mark Lapid for Senator. Filipinos implored Mar Roxas not to allow or tolerate cheating in the election as this will lead to chaos and public disorder in the country.
If you are seriously concerned about the age-old scourges of illegal drugs, crimes, and corruption, you know who to vote for.