Math grad

Nora Soriño .

‘What are the Math Grad chances in this year’s elections? Per survey only one or two of them will make it. Yet former senator Francisco Tatad says that surveys are not to be believed as they are so slanted in favor of those who are in power or those who commissioned them.’

ILIGAN City — “Math Grad” is a name recall.

I said in jest to Onic, a new found friend, “math stands for merienda, almusal, tanghalian, hapunan.”

She said, “What does ‘grad’ mean? Hmm, let’s see, ‘gusto recess ayaw diet.’”

We had a good laugh while waiting for “senatoriables” of the Otso Deretso.

Math Grad stands for these candidates for senators: Romulo Macalintal, Gary Alejano, Erin Tanada, Florin Hilbay.

Samira Gutoc, Mar Roxas, Bam Aquino and Chel Diokno.

They’re all “bigatin” candidates. They’re an alliance of senatorial candidates coming from several parties Gutoc, that articulate lady who is well loved by her kababayan in this part of the world, talked of how wanting is the government’s move in the rehab of Marawi after the war in 2017.

Consultations with the people there is  very lacking, she said.  This was echoed by Erin Tanada, himself a human rights lawyer. So,  after the ground breaking,  what now? This was reinforced by Tanada who said that the people there should be consulted every step of the way. “This is their community, their life,” he said.

They, along with media had a good view of Ground Zero in March 28. As we passed through it, one can’t help being overcome by goose pimples. It could have been World War II all over again.

That was around past 11 o’clock in the morning of March 28. By 12 noon, the group went to the temporary shelters already built for some victims of the “war” on a most affected area of the city. We know this isn’t enough though. There are thousands upon thousands of these victims. Maybe, it had helped somewhat that Bam Aquino articulated, through his representative, the bill on “Marawi Seige Compensation Act.”

According to Aquino the government’s efforts are mostly on infrastructures; it is not clear  as to  what the government gives to the victims of the “war.”

Various Civil Society Groups were also around  even as Liberal Party local candidates coming from Lanao Norte, Lanao Sur and Misamis Occidental were also around.

What are the “Math Grad” chances in this year’s elections? Per survey only one or two of them will make it. Yet former senator Francisco Tatad says that surveys are not to be believed as they are so slanted in favor of those who are in power or those who commissioned them.

Also, it is said that in some election exercise, there is that mystery that element of surprise. Look at what happened to Leni. Did she not become vice president, suddenly?

Like we said, the “Math Grad” are “bigatin.” They have so much to offer for this troubled country of ours. So, we wish for their victory this first of May, no, I mean this 13th of May.