PDP-Laban's multiple infighting
In Cebu in particular, and nationwide in general, the PDPLaban has a big problem. Not unlike the curse that befell President Marcos' KBL, President Cory's Laban, and President Arroyo's Lakas-CMD, I boldly predict PDP-Laban has the likelihood to self-destruct in the future. Why? Too much infighting. With too many candidates wanting to run under its banner, they will most likely destroy each other and unwittingly give aid to the Liberal Party. When the administration party becomes too big and unwieldy, when too many people talk and no dominant leader is recognized by all, then the party shall split like a giant amoeba. This will be a big implosion. With that, the opposition shall gain strength and LP may have an upper hand in many local contests.
In Cebu, for instance, who shall lead the party of Malacañan? Gwen Garcia? But the Garcias supported Jojo Binay in 2016. What will that make those original Duterte supporters? If Gwen runs against Governor Junjun Davide, will the likes of Congressman Willy Caminero support Gwen and abandon his ally Davide? But Caminero was the one who trounced the old man, Pabling Garcia. Will the Camineros of Argao work with the Garcias of Dumanjug and Barili? Unlikely. This scenario shall be repeated in the congressional, municipal, barangay, and precinct levels. PDP-Laban has a big headache indeed. It will take a King Solomon to crack this political nut.
In Dumanjug, the hometown of the Garcias, for instance, will the Gicas and Baricuatros work with the Garcias whom they defeated in 2016? Even assuming most of the local leaders, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors took their oath before PDP-Laban, it does not mean they swore to support the Garcias. I have personal knowledge that all the local leaders of the second and seventh districts asked for permission from Davide (for their survival ''kuno") to pledge allegiance to PDP-Laban only to get the public works and other government allocations. They promised to return to Davide when the time comes to fight the Garcias. Well, those are promises of politicians, and no thinking person truly believes a politician. But then again, Davide is too charming to be jilted. He has silent, captivating ways to make his supporters stay.
In the seventh district where my town belongs, I don't believe Congressman Peter John Calderon will support Gwen Garcia, even if Malacañan tells him to. Calderon defeated Pablo John, the Bar topnotcher younger brother of Gwen. Calderon denounced family dynasties in Cebu and we know pretty well one of these dynasties is the Garcias. To be fair, they are not alone and they were not the first. In Cebu, we have the Osmeñas, the Duranos, the Cuencos, and the Kintanars before. Going back to PDP-Laban, this party is going to implode and self-destruct because it is too big and too heavy. The smaller and faster LP may come out the winner in 2019, at least in Cebu. That is if PDP-Laban will not succeed in its latest No-El in 2019 scenario.
Let's watch the next turn of events. Anything can happen in Philippine politics.