Dark horse

Ben Contreras

WHO does not like Vice President Jejomar Binay? Malacañang. And so the Palace an anointed one (or is it just a promise made by PNoy) in the person of Mar Roxas. This is why a demolition plan was hatched a few years ago. But it was too early to do that because “madaling makalimot ang Pinoy.” So, it was held in abeyance until it was ripe.

And then the dark secrets of Binay were exposed extensively, and they hoped that Binay would withdraw from the race. But Binay wasn’t intimidated. He is determined. He has the money to burn. He is set for it.

Then, Junjun Binay became collateral damage.

Who’s afraid of Binay? Malacañang is. The way the Palace has been persecuting Binay, there’s no way he wouldn’t seek revenge if he gets elected. No, it’s not the Pinoy trait in us. It’s simply natural for anyone especially if the wound inflicted has been terribly painful and humiliating.

Who’s afraid of Binay? The Filipino is. With all those exposes, who would want a Binay presidency? So, do we have an alternative?

Mar Roxas said that he is because he will continue the “Daang Natuwad,” er, “Daang Matuwid” of PNoy. But poor Mar–he just isn’t sellable.

Now, here comes Grace Poe. She topped in the senatorial elections because of her adoptive father, FPJ. She was goaded to enter the race because some quarters thought she was popular, and has nothing negative against her. The Filipino people were captivated by the idea. Wow, another woman president!

So, who’s afraid of Poe? Binay is. Mar is. Malacañang is. Thus, the courtship began.

Binay was rejected. So did Mar and Malacañang. Had Poe agreed to any of the two, all these issues against her would have not emerged.

While they are at each other, a silent dark horse came out of the blue: Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte or Digong.

Duterte played it coyly. “I don’t want it. I am too old for it. I never aspired to become one.” But the clamor just grew bigger and louder, and it continues to grow. The excitement took quite long that some would say, “Kasumo ba. Nganong pugson man kung dili gusto?”

Had Duterte declared early or simultaneously with the others, he would have been subjected to the demolition and legal persecution like the others. He chose to do it at the eleventh hour. And when he finally did, the stone-throwing began.

There never was a people’s clamor for Binay and Mar Roxas. Only Poe and Duterte have. But Duterte, unlike Poe, has the genuine clamor from people from all walks of life.

If surveys and news can be manipulated, pictures of people in droves can’t. It is what you see.

So, who’s afraid of Duterte? His rivals are. Thus, everything is being thrown at him. He is babaero. He is a killer. He is a communist. He is a violator of human rights.

Call him what you want! The fact still remains. Puno na ang taong bayan sa kasalukuyan. The people are fed up with the present. From one administration to another, from one anomaly to another, nothing seems to have changed. And people see in Duterte the chance, the opportunity to have genuine change.

You don’t believe? Then, don’t vote for him. It is as simple as that.

Call his supporters by any names, including “Dutertards.” I don’t mind. I won’t mind. I am for Duterte! Our families are.

It’s destiny! Duterte 2016!