Jumping Ship
By Angelo Miguel M. Calabio
Once thought of as a potential administration standard bearer, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto raised quite a few eyebrows when she dumped Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro and moved to the camp of Liberal Party stalwart Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Ate Vi joined her husband, former Senator Ralph Recto, in switching allegiance to the opposition and dealing the embattled administration another blow in its faltering campaign.
Despite being a relative newcomer in the crazy world of politics, the popular actress has proven to be an integral factor in the upcoming presidential elections. She was repeatedly sounded out by the ruling party about the possibility of partnering Teodoro in 2010, and add some badly-needed “star power” to the administration ticket. Vilma declined the lucrative offer, and the administration ended up naming former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano, the actress’ ex-husband, as their vice-presidential bet. The well-documented cold shoulder signaled Gov. Vi’s exit from Lakas-Kampi-CMD, just three years since being elected as the party’s top prospect in the vote-rich province of Batangas.
In a proclamation rally held recently in Batangas’ provincial capitol, Sen. Aquino’s camp sent a strong message to the administration, as it showcased the enviable “star power” at their disposal. Thousands of supporters flocked the area for the oath-taking ceremony of the Recto couple into the rejuvenated Liberal Party. The pivotal event was graced by three of the country’s biggest superstars- TV host-actress Kris Aquino-Yap, Mega Star Sharon Cuneta and the governor herself, Vilma Santos-Recto. The party’s standard bearers, Sen. Aquino and Sen. Mar Roxas, were both on-hand to welcome their latest recruits, as they sealed yet another alliance with a vital provincial power.
However, the impact of the said event could well transcend a much bigger area than the province of Batangas. The Liberal camp, already rich in “star power,” simply raised their public pull a couple of notches more. Already enlisting the support of some the showbiz industry’s biggest stars, including the likes of Boy Abunda, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Marian Rivera, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Dingdong Dantes and many others, the Aquino-Roxas tandem has truly developed into one formidable camp. Add to that, Roxas’ recent wedding with broadcaster Korina Sanchez also sealed mass media’s unconditional support for the fearsome duo, leaving a troubled administration asking questions and desperately looking for answers to halt the opposition’s charge.
Sen. Aquino’s unprecedented rise to the top of all presidential surveys has been noticed by the whole population, and especially by the various local officials all jostling for position in the much-anticipated 2010 derby. Recent times have seen numerous local officials desert the once-formidable administration party, leaving its ranks depleted and its campaign faltering. On the other hand, the officials jumping ship added vast numbers to the opposition ranks, swelling its coffers and boosting its bid to gatecrash the long-standing dominion in Malacañang. As a popular political cliché goes, “in politics, there are no permanent friends, just permanent interests,” and Sen. Aquino is well-aware that his new-found friends would fall like leaves if he starts to fall in the popularity polls. Thus, the youthful son of heroes should simply enjoy the good times and prepare for that inevitable storm.
If the situation continues to stay the same, the administration’s days are surely numbered, but never rule out the strength of the incumbent. Remember “Hello Garci” and May 2004?