Opinion: Isko doesn’t loose a step to possibly quell all demonstrations in Manila

It is now official, after he conceded the Presidential Elections he went straight back into the Office of Mayor of Manila and ordered all election protests to cease, unless they had a prior notice or a permit to do so. This is a sign of how Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso wants to prove himself after losing the elections.

Isko Moreno wants to show his manhood and his macho power now. He wants to be seen as a big-man, as he blustered and did a total buffoonery of a campaign. That’s why his ordering the people from the streets and wants people to comply to city order. Alas, his forgetting one thing. In the “Freedom Parks” there is no need for permits or notifying the authorities of gatherings. So, if the dissidents or opposition wants to gather. They should move into those areas, as they are designated for it and shouldn’t directly interfere in day-to-day business of the city.

In the law he uses to stop or quell demonstrations it says first: “Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. — The constitutional right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances is essential and vital to the strength and stability of the State. To this end, the State shall ensure the free exercise of such right without prejudice to the rights of others to life, liberty and equal protection of the law” (BPB 880, 1985).

It also says: “Sec. 15. Freedom parks. — Every city and municipality in the country shall within six months after the effectivity of this Act establish or designate at least one suitable “freedom park” or mall in their respective jurisdictions which, as far as practicable, shall be centrally located within the poblacion where demonstrations and meetings may be held at any time without the need of any prior permit. In the cities and municipalities of Metropolitan Manila, the respective mayors shall establish the freedom parks within the period of six months from the effectivity of this Act” (BPB 880, 1985).

What the public should do, If they intend to demonstrate or protest outside the designated “Freedom Parks” in Manila. They should apply and get permits to do so, in such a manner that they are not interfering or stopping business. That is the significant ideals of the legislation.

It is very special that the Manila Mayor issues laws written in the final stages of the Marcos era and when the People Power Movement was rising against it. The same laws made to silence and stop the people from demonstrating against it. This is happening as the people are rioting and demonstrating against a Marcos Junior Presidency.

The Manila Mayor should think straight and if he does this to win favours. His just proving that the victory wasn’t legit or honest. Since, the current leaders and the winners are afraid of dissent and voices of grievances. The Mayor should open up to this and allow it. Unless, his afraid that this will spiral out or create reckless behaviour. Than he has the rights to block and quell it. However, it is early to say that or even proclaim things to go violent. When there is no precedence for it…

So, what is “Isko” so afraid of and his will to trigger this in his memorandum for Manila? There must be something and he wants to prove that his aligned with the victors. That is very obvious and no one should bat an eye about that. This is maybe why he begged for Robredo to sacrifice her campaign, because he wanted Marcos to win all along. Peace.

Halalan2022: A memo on the top 4 Presidential Candidates 10 days to the polls…

A teddy bear, a son of a dictator, a soft-core actor and a boxer. What do these all have in common? Well, they are now a part of the final stages to the polls in the Philippines. The stage is now getting set and COMELEC is preparing things. The final preparations are in order and the last part of the campaigns are happening too.

Now, the ones who haven’t made up their mind …. they got and should. The teams are already there. The Front-Runners have been clear for month. Two candidates have run high and mighty. This being Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Junior and Leni Robredo. They are stark contrasts and very different.

Former Senator BBM or Bong Bong isn’t very transparent or accountable. No, he is very selective and defensive. Not the sort of fella that you can interview or question. By any means… he prefers prefixed questionaries and puff pieces. The sort of man who is arrogant and entitled to return to the Presidential Palace like his father did in the past. The son of the dictator who has never supported or been part of EDSA. You can wonder if he will do that in office or dismiss it. As he remembers that as the time the Republic fought his father’s tyrannical reign and the agony of the marshal law. Alas, the son might be different, but he shows utter arrogance that would linger in office.

While Vice-President Leni Robredo is open, participating and answering. You might not agree with her or every political stance she has. However, everything isn’t scripted prepared or even published as fluff. No, she is pushed, dragged and belittle all over. Not just for the colour scheme of her campaign, but for whatever she does. She has even been asked to sacrifice her candidacy for others. Therefore, Robredo has stood tall.

Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, the mayor of Manila has created a storm and been in the wind. His campaign has never taken off and neither has his Duterte-Light approach to the campaign either. Isko is just one of those guys. He is the man who asked Robredo to sacrifice her role and called her a “bully” for standing tall. That just shows how he is a brat.

Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao the senator and well known boxer. A man who has gone up the ranks and become an established politician. Nevertheless, his own party dismissed him and the PDP-Laban threw him out, as he stood for Presidency. While they instead have endorsed “Bong Bong” much later. That just shows how weak the PDP-Laban was into this election. While Manny is far from totally seasoned or had a powerful team behind him. He has fought and sells himself a people’s champ. However, he will not switch to southpaw and win this one. No, this is going down for the count and he is not close to the 3^rd position even. Though his doing it by showing his true cadence and character, which is more than “Isko” and “Bong Bong” ever did.

I don’t know how this will go, but my prediction of the whole machinery behind Bong Bong Marcos was justified. That Robredo would be second or a front-runner was expected too. It wasn’t without a reason she was able to become the VP in the first place. So, now the question is… how will these two fare. That is something I don’t know and cannot tell.

What I do know… is that these will be ones to follow. The margins of error is slim. BBM haven’t really tested the waters and he will not do it now. He will continue his onslaught of prepared and prepaid content. While we can wonder what the others will do. Nevertheless, what ever Manny and Isko is doing will become more and more meaningless. It might help their next run or campaigns. But right now? Well… it won’t amount to anything. Not because they are no good, but because their reach aren’t close to BBM or Leni.

They have to fight a cute teddy and a dynasty. These two cannot match that. Neither can anyone of the not mentioned here. Since they are so far from the four mentioned. That I don’t even care to say their names. Even if one is a long standing Senator and other took a noble stance after the Withdrawal Party. Still, the facts remain…

It is a two horse race and we can just wonder who finish first at the finish-line. Peace.

 

Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL): ANFREL Launches International Election Observation Mission to the 2022 Philippine National And Local Elections (23.04.2022)

Opinion: Isko Moreno is sinking [and without a Plan B]

“[Leni] whatever you are doing is not effective against Marcos” – Isko Moreno

That the Presidential Campaign of Isko Moreno Domagoso is clearly not going after plan. The Easter Sunday is usually the day of celebrating that Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day after the crucifixion on Long Friday. Therefore, this Sunday and following days should have been golden. However, for Isko Moreno its been a tragic downfall of an abysmal campaign.

The Mayor of Manilla and former Vice Mayor should be lucky to create headlines and be part of the conversation. Isko Moreno asked for the biggest challenger in the race, Leni Robredo to step down or withdraw her candidacy. Which is very ironic, because his nowhere close to popular or have a reach to go against “Bong Bong” Marcos at this point of time.

That’s why he really thinks the electorate is stupid when he calls the Robredo camp to “Stop the bullying”. This is the guy who tried to bully, called a press conference with joint Presidential Candidates and called for her to end her campaign. It is now 48 hours since the Presser and his not serving any good purpose now.

Isko Moreno is playing the victim after being sexist and showing token masochism…. It is really despicable and doing a fools errand. The Mayor should reflect on his own actions, but right now he rather die on this hill. Even if it is a hill, which is not worthy to cross or too take a selfie on the top of. Since it is just a transgression and political blunder of epic proportions.

The former actor should be concerned. Yes, his not willing budge or show character. That he stepped out of line and actually was terribly wrong. Instead, his doubling down and playing the victim.

The one has been attacked and asked to do his bidding was Robredo. It was she who was asked to sacrifice herself and her campaign just mere weeks ahead of the polls. At a time of her momentum and possible last voter reach in the final stages of the campaign. Isko Moreno should ask himself, would he sacrifice himself or his own career for someone else?

Would he go on the altar and confess his sins to the general public?

After what he has shown of late. His ego is so huge and his own self belief is beyond anything you can recognize. Especially, when he was the man who flaunted the idea and tried to force the execution. Didn’t he think it could come a backlash or a retort in return?

Or does he that his that special and unique of man. That everyone should just obey and listen. The King Kuya and the big man of the clan. Because, that is how it looks and his not that great. He says she’s not effect against Marcos Junior, but what has he done? What does he has to offer or could prove to be an alternative to BBM? Nothing, none and nada.

Isko Moreno better get into method acting or something. He better get his act together and bravely apologize. This is beneath him, but he intends to double down. If he thinks this make his campaign any better. His terribly wrong and failing at it. There is no redeeming qualities and lack of finesse is obvious.

Isko Moreno is a lost one. He is so out of bound and out of class. That there is nowhere for him to go from here. He should reconsider himself and his stances. However, don’t count on it. He prefers to be screwed and that is very clear by his approach to Robredo in this here instance.

We could hope the Mayor found his way and could show some humility, but at this point. We all know that is too much to ask. He rather play this one all out and think he can win some brownie points. However, his only loosing more and more. Without recognizing the blunder, which he created all by himself. Peace.

Philippines: Former Officials of Aksyon Demokratiko – Official Statement on Isko Moreno (19.04.2022)

Opinion: Isko Moreno is a lost cause…

“Be a hero. Withdraw, Leni” – Isko Moreno (17.04.2022).

“Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso calls on Vice President Leni Robredo to withdraw from the presidential race of the upcoming May 9 elections” (…) “Domagoso: “Do you want Marcos not to win? Withdraw, Leni, maybe someone won’t win Marcos. Maybe one of us””(ABS-CBN News Channel, 17.04.2022).

The one term mayor Manilla, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has suddenly stated that Vice President Leni Robredo should withdraw her candidacy for Presidency. This just happens weeks ahead of the polls. This maybe be a strategy, but not a good one.

The man who wants to replicate and copy the “Build Build Build” of President Duterte and continue his legacy in the Philippines… that man wants the enemy of Duterte and the sore thumb to just go comfortable numb. This being Leni Robredo who has been tarnished, mocked and stood the test of time in office. They have tried to play her and ensured failure, but instead things has backfired. Therefore, Isko Moreno is continuing this… but his depleting his own campaign while doing so.

Not that Isko Moreno has any courage or is brave. Neither is he a skilled politician or a wise-man of any sorts. No, his an empty bucket of populism and he couldn’t stand in the wind. The wind the would take him, carry him like a leaf and nobody would remember why he was even there. His just a leaf blown away and the tree is still standing. While his long gone…

The former actor and celebrity haven’t looked good. Neither has Isko Moreno ever been seen as relevant candidate. He doesn’t even have the charisma or the political platform to make any sense of his proposal. That his prosing that Robredo to step down should be from someone who had a shot or even a candidacy worth a damn. However, his a leaf and there is plenty more low hanging fruits to pick of the branch he fell from.

Isko Moreno should instead just focus on his own candidacy and what he could possibly deliver. However, these sorts of ideas isn’t forthcoming when he isn’t a real candidate against Bong Bong Marcos. Neither is he a real challenger or even in the realm of Robredo in the polls either. His the sloppy seconds someone wants to forget and not memorable either.

That’s why him teaming with others is only solidifying why his own campaign is worthless. Isko Moreno knew that he wouldn’t bring something to the table. That’s why he needed a Joint Statement and a Joint Press Conference. He couldn’t show up on his own… because his not really in the big league himself. Unless, he gets a sudden promotion and rise of relevancy beyond Manila.

The Mayor of Manila needs to chill and reconsider. He is asking for relevancy… while his not relevant himself. The Presidential Candidate dared to ask Robredo to step down, but his not capable to fill her shoes. Neither does he have the character or political platform to challenge the UniTeam. His a pawn and small figure in the grand scheme of things.

That’s why it’s hard to remember who has endorsed and said they would promote his candidacy. Because, Robredo and Bong Bong Marcos is the ones who is getting the endorsements. Therefore, Isko Moreno should maybe try to act like an option.

As of today, his misogyny and lacklustre performance will not save you either. Maybe, he should do himself a favour and just withdraw. I hope he continues and that it burns terribly down. That he becomes a laughing-stock and a mockery of a candidacy. Since, there is nothing worthy of salvaging now. Unless, for whoever who is funding his campaign and keeping him up at night.

Isko Moreno will not bring hope or a promise of a better future. His just a former actor who don’t know how to play his role in politics now. Peace.

Philippines: VP Leni Robredo Campaign – Statement of VP Leni’s Spokesperson Atty. Barry Gutierrez on the Easter Sunday Press Conference on Several Other Candidates (17.04.2022)

Phillipines: Lead IM Pilipinas figures – Press Statement on “Isko” Moreno (17.04.2022)

Opinion: Isko Moreno lacks courage too

“You cannot blame a person for accepting the money due to the hardships of life today. But the Filipino is intelligent. They know who is the leader who truly cares for them and who are the fake ones. Politicians cannot underestimate human understanding. The Filipino is intelligent” – Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (Gabriel Pabico Lalu – ‘Moreno: Money can’t sway Filipino voters, but can’t blame them if they take it’ 27.10.2021, Philippine Daily Inquirer).

Yesterday, we saw that the Liberal Party Presidential Candidate Leni Robredo didn’t go ahead and settle the score of bribing voters. Now, the Manila Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko Presidential Candidate Isko Moreno is no difference.

It is a reason why its a battle of mediocrity. Especially, when these supposed to be good candidates are selling themselves so cheap. Yes, Pacquiao is doing his bidding and ”Bong Bong Marcos” is trailing on the end in concerns with the bribery, which is currently going on. Yes, we should expect differently from people who wants to stand-out and be different then the current regime.

Isko Moreno clearly is a set-for-life politician when he speaks like this. His career as a actor is long gone. When his trading waters like this. It is trying to be bright, but still selling himself short. Instead of taking the easy stance, as everyone should. He deflects and hope nobody gets concerned.

How can you expect to fight corruption, graft and plundering cases? When you accept a informal bribery in the midst of campaigning? Why would we believe you then? When you cannot do it now ahead of the highest office?

Voting bribery and the means to an end. Only shows the willingness of politicians to misuse their office and their finances for personal gains. They are willing to trade away all policies and standing for a quick trade-off. Where they hope they can give an incentive to secure another term or get into office. It is not noble or righteous. Just a breach of contract between the citizens and their representatives. Which is why it should be easy to blatantly state: “It is wrong and nobody should do it”.

Alas, the politicians and the Presidential Candidates know the money is good for the citizens. Who is getting additional funds in the troubling times. Alas, the citizen is getting a small portion of the vast funds some people have access too. However, it is not for long and only for one cause. It is not like these funds will be open or could be applied through government schemes. No, these funds are just for one purpose and that is to secure an office. Therefore, the means to an end is more important than actually doing what is right.

Isko Moreno and Robredo could have stood for something. They could have shown some courage and character. Instead, this mediocre response and willingness to bend… is just disgusting. Your either for a practice or against it. It is either illegal or it’s justified. The bribes cannot be seen as both. That is just how the world works and the same should be for these candidates too.

Isko Moreno just show his cards and his ways. Not that I have faith in him either. His the next sort of Duterte’esque politician. He just wants to prolong the government programs and call it a day. Isko Moreno isn’t a game-changer and that’s proof with his belief here. Trying to play patriotic over a bribing voters. That says it all, really. Peace.

Halalan 2022: Presidential Mediocrity [2 in 1 analysis of the tickets]

Today, the total of Presidential Candidates are finalized. Already looked into a few who was scheduled to become candidates. Some did and some didn’t. This is the ones that will PDP-Laban’s Rodrigo Duterte. That will not be an easy challenge. The person needs tenacity and strength. Also, have ability to stand strong with all the political dynasties and in-fighting in the Congress.

There been speculations who would be next and who would stand as candidates. The incumbent party PDP-Laban is sending Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. A former police officer turned senator. A man who doesn’t see himself as a statesmen. He is also the man behind Duterte’s war on drugs. So, this man has no trouble using violence. The second man on the ticket is the mid-term elected senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go or “Bong Go” as the Vice-President. He is Duterte sidekick and “utility” man. In that regard, they hope he will “Bato” executive assistant. Just like he was all the years in Davao.

The Liberal Party and current Vice-President Leni Robredo is vying the highest office. She had a hectic term and haven’t been in the good graces. Her pink Thursday might have launched online presence, but will she handle the highest office? She has to prove beyond the metropolitan and educated voters. That she stands for the ordinary people too. Sometimes she has a tendency to act a bit arrogant, because of her stature. This needs to be resolved in the upcoming campaign. Her running mate is Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan who runs for VP. Kiko has been called one of the most hard-working senators, but he has to prove that on the campaign trail now.

Then you have Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. The man who claims his father brought the “golden era” to the Philippines. When people were living under martial law and his family was plundering the nation. A man who is also not celebrating EDSA. So, this man will be a selfish President and not suitable for office. Neither has a good record as a Senator and his one of those dynasties that is self-serving. Not strange, they are the next in line after the dictator. He wants “Bong Go” to be his running mate. In that way it would be “Bong Bong Bong Go”. What a crazy scenario….

The People’s Champ Movement (PCM) is fielding senator Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. Manny Pacquiao is the first term Senator and haven’t been an effective lawmaker by any stretch. Only real achievement is to finally retire from the boxing ring. Also, because of standing as a Presidential Candidate he was expelled from PDP-Laban. He is supported by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. While Pac-Man shares a ticket with Lito Atienza, the Deputy Speaker of the House. The former mayor of Manila from 1998 to 2007.

The current Manila Mayor of the Aksyon Demokratiko party, Francisco Domagoso “Isko Moreno” is running for the Presidency. He has been the Mayor of the Capital since 2019. The former actor and local councillor have a long way ahead of him. The way his been publicly. He sounds like a meek and soft Duterte. Since he will continue where he left off and not challenge the current day today. He wants to unify the nation, but it’s not a nation in war. So, it seems weird to unify it in peacetime. On his ticket is Dr. Willy Ong, a social media favourite doctor, which sounds like a huge risk. As he has no political background and could be buried quickly. That’s a risk of media savvy Presidential contender.

The final Presidential Candidate and party I will list is Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma and their candidate Panfilo “Ping” Morena Lacson Sr. He plans to run on the same program as Duterte did in 2016. Ping has been a Senator since 2007 and this is his final opportunity to get promoted. The former PNP Chief and has a road ahead of him. Since he only got about 5% of the votes in 2016. He has a well respected running mate in Vicente Sotto III “Tito”. Tito has served in the Senate for 20 years. Over the years he has passed over 20 laws. The only last thing that he could be criticized for over the years. Is that during this term he tried to lower the age of criminality. Meaning, someone deemed as a child could be guilty and liable for participation in a crime. That is the only thing I feel bad for Tito.

So, we see the parties and their candidates. It is not a strong roost of candidates. There is nobody screaming of elegance or quality. None of these tickets are perfect. Nobody is perfect either, but they are not easy to sell.

Bato-Bong is the most mediocre from the incumbent party. Instead of fielding winning candidates and people who has charisma and charm. It is sending what feels like rejects and only Duterte loyalists. Hoping to continue where Rodrigo left-off. That isn’t a winning formula, but leftovers. Who wants yesterday’s frozen lasagna? When you can order fresh Italian food from the vendor around-the-way?

Final analysis of the tickets:

Robredo-Kiko is the ones with the finesse, but will it be a pay-off? Antonio Trillanes IV would have been more forceful. Trilanes will most likely be re-elected into the Senate after one term out. He could have brought more to the ticket than Kiko. Robredo already have to prove that her term wasn’t wasted and she has to be viable to rural uneducated areas. Will Kiko be able to promote Robredo there? I doubt that, but the liberals got to try.

BongBong wants to go Gung-ho with BongBongBongGo and that’s insane. The son of the late dictator should just enjoy the perks of the plunder and leave the Republic alone. Especially, when the candidate doesn’t want to take responsibility or fix the ramification of what his father did. The Marcos haven’t cared for the Philippines. They have hidden and tried to get away from the pain and suffering they put on the nation. He should retire and chill. Be lucky that he got to live lavish on the thieving of his father. That’s it really. Maybe not send “Emergency Alerts” and try to polish your public persona. Since we know the deal and you cannot polish a turd. A turd is a turd, no matter what do to it.

Pacquiao- Atienza is a gamble. These ones are risking their seats in congress. Pac-Man could have easily gotten re-elected into the Senate. Even when he has little to nothing to show for it. He lost his place in PDP-Laban and the faction of his on the open sea now. That he got a respected and seasoned politician on his side is good. Also having support of Pimentel III is vital here. However, is that enough for lightweight Pacquiao? Well, I doubt that… he got to drop a manifesto, which not only smells blood, but proves his sincerity in the race. It cannot be a half-baked project without any substance. Then he will be a fish out of water.

Isko-Ong is the futuristic and out-of-place candidacy. The Manila mayor have to get such a momentum that the big parties cannot contain it. However, to be able to do that. He needs to hit a nerve, but for now he sounds like someone who just wants to “build build build”. Isko Moreno might look like a fresh face, but is that enough? Really? If so… then there is little merit or proof before you get into the highest office. You know this ticket is risky when they just picked the most popular social media doctor to be his running mate. Not finding someone to bring experience or credentials. No, we pick the man that gotten popular during the pandemic…. It is so soft!

Ping-Tito is the most experienced of the bunch. Ping Lacson would be elected with advanced age just like Duterte. Would the same republic vote for an old head like this again? Tito is a respected VP candidate and has a positive record. Therefore, this candidacy is good, but will it be enough? I still wonder, if these two will able to fight and make a campaign worthwhile? They need to prove their experience and careers. Ping-Tito can show what they have done. However, can these challenge the rest and be viable? That I am not certain of, but in a race of mediocrity, maybe this is enough?

God knows what it will take, I don’t know, but these ladies and gentlemen seems like a mediocre bunch of candidates. Would hope for more… nevertheless that is too much to ask for in 2021. Peace.