In the Presence of Vultures

As the campaign season in the Philippines finally reaches it last leg, Dirty tricks, smear campaigns and black propaganda is being employed by the party of Manuel Villar. Probably out of desperation, the Villar camp has resorted to spurious documents, lies and name-calling to try to to put a dent on the support his rival Sen. Noynoy Aquino is getting. Villar’s dramatic campaign ads had failed to increase his popularity. Instead of improving his ratings, the truth about his claims have even decreased his numbers.

His campaign ads tried to solicit sympathy, but after his claims were debunked, surveys show that he continues to lose support. Some quarters have even asked for truth in advertising. He has no one to blame but himself. He was the one who fed the information to his advertising team. All his critics had to do was to research the truth. I’m glad that the Filipino voters are now more discerning. Campaign promises and catchy advertisements do not easily convince them.

Gone were the days when people rely heavily on what the candidates claim in their ads. People now try to find out for themselves the truth behind these claims. Villar’s team still do not realize that peddling lies will do them no good. Simply harping on poverty and corruption does not make a candidate win. Regardless of what stories Villar try to tell, credibility and integrity is what the voters look for. Villar has spent billions to make him look good. But the truth has many ways to expose itself. Too bad for Mr. Villar, what the electorate is looking for is truth in advertising. That is one thing that he failed to see. The Filipino is not as dumb as he thinks they are.

I guess that’s what happens when one thinks that money can buy everything. Sad to say for him, that is not the case when a people wants change.

Tags: Phil. Elections '10

As the campaign season starts in the Philippines, I am reminded by a story a friend shared with me. The story of the little politician.

A very corrupt congressman died and was met by St. Peter at the gates of heaven. He was told that he can choose where he would spend his days, in heaven or hell. He was to spend one day each in both places after which he is to make his choice.

He was to spend his first in heaven. So the gates of heaven opened. As he walked, he saw groups singing and groups praying. He turned to St. Peter and asked, “Is this all there is here in heaven?” St. Peter replied, “Yes.” He immediately asked to be taken to hell so he could see what hell has to offer. So off they went to hell.

As soon as the gates opened, he was greeted by a scantily-clad girl. He was given his favorite scotch and was kissed by the girl. “This is nice”, the congressman said to himself. He was then taken to a golf course where some of departed friends were playing. He joined them and finished a round. He was taken to a restaurant with a buffet so sumptuous and filled himself to his heart’s content. They then went to a casino where gambled till late in the night. Just before calling it a night, he was brought to a brothel where he chose the ladies he’ll spend the night with.

As he went back to St. Peter the following day, he had already made up his mind. Without waiting for St. Peter to ask him where he chooses to spend his days, he quickly said, “I prefer hell than heaven.” So St. Peter sent him on his way. This time though, he was greeted by Satan. As he entered hell, he saw desolation, despair, torture and pain. His friends were submerged in pools of dung. Otheres were being whipped. Others were in other forms of torture. He turned to Satan ans asked where the the beauty and grandeur he saw the day before were? Satan mockingly answered, “Yesterday was the campaign, today you got to vote.”

Hope you enjoyed my little story.