I didn't Google it, yet I somehow understood it as a form of deception. There is a specific target in that kind of deceit—of course, all deceptions always have targets.

In this "honeytrap," the target is a politician, set up by another politician (or politicians). The target allegedly was Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

In the scheme, it was reported that five women would talk about how Recto fell for them and followed up on these desires. These women would supposedly be given ₱1 million each if they followed a script provided for them. Through this scheme, the target's reputation would be ruined considerably. The seat for the representative of Batangas—which the other interested party wants—would then be his for the taking in the coming elections. This plot was allegedly funded by Representative Leandro Leviste and facilitated by a group led by former Congressman Jing Paras. Thus, the target is "honeytrapped" in the process!

Then we have the word "puppet." We all know its meaning; it isn't new to our ears. Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing several issues these days, said her father—former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now in The Hague, Netherlands, at the International Criminal Court—called the ICC a "puppet" of former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She made this statement outside ICC grounds recently while talking to several supporters. Her father is currently the only Filipino detained there.

Upon hearing the VP's comments, Trillanes said she was just "gaslighting" the ICC. He added that FPRRD isn't the only resident inside its prison walls; seven people are currently awaiting trial, including her father.

Now, "gaslighting" is a relatively new buzzword. It essentially means manipulating someone or shifting blame onto another for your own misdeeds—like saying a husband engaged in an affair because his wife is no longer attractive to him. Correct? Or very correct?

She doesn't even comb her hair anymore—I mean the wife concerned, not the VP, haha! But this is no laughing matter. Hence, his affair! Some even go to the extent of sumakabilang-bahay to maintain the affair.

In a recent video, the VP also mentioned that one could hire a hitman for ₱5,000 if a spouse is having an affair. She seems quite fascinated by such words. Now I wonder who she is targeting: the partner or the third party?

Finally, we have the term "Pax Silica." It is a term that really disturbs many citizens in this country. But when asked about this, the VP was bewildered too, saying, "What? Pax sili? Pax silic? I can't comment on that..."

Which led some witty onlookers to comment: "Her favorite bet is Pax Zuleika!" Haha! Now, we had better stop laughing, for Pax Silica is a very serious matter. We had better ask ChatGPT about this!

For more background on the legal developments surrounding this topic, watch the NBI Probe on Recto Honeytrap Plot report detailing the investigation.