Secession as an option

Ben Contreras

THERE has been this perception that media giants in the country hardly cover the sorties of a presidential candidate or do not give complete details that may boost Duterte’s ratings. While it may be unfair to accuse them of such act, the Duterte camp and his millions of supporters are not taking chances by doing nothing. Thus, volunteerism has shown its best form today.

Never in the history of Philippine politics have we seen people clamoring for an individual to run for the highest office of the land. Never in the history of Philippine election campaign have we seen people lining up the streets to take a glimpse of their candidate. Never have we seen a presidential candidate refusing donation from multi-nationals for fear that there might be strings attached to it.

As member of a volunteer group, now a big coalition of volunteer groups, I have experienced the difficulty of such an endeavor when we do things with lots of constraints: time and money.

We dig deep into our pockets to support our activities and meetings. We spend precious time. And when it’s time to really ask something big which could only come from those who are likely to ask something in return, we are told not to for fear of being held hostage by the supposed big donors.

Duterte’s order is crystal clear and we all have to follow if only to prove our worth, loyalty and dedication.

But there would be kind souls in our midst who bring in a small amount or in kind. They are the silent supporters of Duterte and those who believe in real change that could only come about if Duterte wins.

If surveys are to be believed, then Duterte isn’t it. But pictures don’t lie. The mammoth of crowd is more than enough to feel the pulse of the nation, not to mention those abroad.

But why should we be afraid of a Duterte presidency? Are we? We know who are afraid of a Duterte presidency. The drug syndicate, the criminals, the corrupt, and those whose interests are threatened.

Now, there are talks of filing cases against him. By all means, do it but do not attempt to manipulate election results. Any attempt to cheat, a clear warning to Smarmatic, may not be healthy and safe.

Let’s just say, the intent to cheat was executed shamelessly and succeeded. People who were asked of this opined that a possible declaration of Federal Mindanao and a resolution for such to be submitted to the United Nations could be an option. Remember East Timor!

Mindanao independence might just become a reality.

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Driving under the influence of liquor seems to grow, and has claimed lives and destroyed properties. Lately, there have been incidents happening in just one day. Some happened in the wee hours of the morning, probably coming home from a party or a drinking bout with friends.

The lifestyle of our youth today is changing. Parents, if not drinkers, too, tolerate and allow their children to drink. From simple wine or beer, some graduate to hard drinks. But God forbid, no drugs, please.

There was this an accident in Kauswagan involving a Toyota Vios and a Pajero. The initial report I got was that a lady was driving. It was wrong. She was just a passenger, and it was driven by a man. They allegedly came home from a party and may have had a drink or two.

Then a Toyota Fortuner hit a motorcycle claiming one life and injuring two more. It was also driven by a young person allegedly under the influence of liquor.

An Army officer recently became a hit-andun victim. When the culprit was located, it was allegedly found out that he was under the influence of liquor.

Please, drive safely! The life you save may be your own.