A good fight, Bongbong vs. Digong
The animosity between Bongbong and Digong is now set, as the fight has become “personalan” when they called each other drug addicts. The “memes” in the social media of “fentanyl vs. cocaine” are funny, but are based on real footage and actual words from both of them. Efforts are being done by their allies to tone down the rhetoric, realizing the damage it is doing to their political ambitions.
But Duterte’s harsh accusations of corruption, power hunger, and threats/urging the military to remove the president and abolish Congress are hard/extreme words that stick to the guts. The apology of Polong Duterte for asking BBM to resign and calling him ungrateful did not ease but only emphasized their disgust with BBM. Sarah Duterte’s statements on respecting the opinions of her father and brother, and of her relationship with BBM is a balancing act to keep her Department of Education portfolio and retain a power base. Symbolic blood has been shed and it cannot be wiped clean.
No opinion poll has been done yet on the people’s reaction to this BBM vs. RRD fight, but coming from the huge public concern on prices/inflation, the main and social media reactions, and the jokes in our phones, there is an amusing disgust at this fight between two political dynasties that are fighting to stay powerful.
It is a prelude to the 2025 and 2028 elections that does not benefit the people, with the existing social and economic problems the country is now facing. The civil society, the informed citizens from all classes, the religious sector, and the legitimate opposition are amused and happy that dirt from both sides is coming out for the people to see.
The possible economic/financial effects and implications of this BBM-RRD fight may be a slight and temporary slowdown in both foreign and domestic investments. Some foreign investors may perceive this as a sign of political instability, and some domestic investments may be delayed, anticipating a shifting power base. This will be minimal for the whole economy, but could be big for the allies of either BBM or RRD who have pending government projects that need political blessings.
There are good/positive effects of this fight. Graft and corruption may reduce or lessen as the offenders are uncertain of their power patrons and of getting exposed by one side. Overpriced government programs and projects may be reviewed more and unnecessary expenditures may be curtailed, to avoid giving propaganda ammunition to either the BBM of RRD factions. Political dynasties are also getting more exposed and transparency/accountability will be demanded of them as they take sides in this fight.
This fight is also good for democratic space in the Philippines. The traditional press in radio, TV, print, and social media have been airing all the innards of this BBM-RRD fight. More people are informed and aware of the politicians prioritizing self/family interest over people’s welfare. It is really good for politicians to fight, because if they are all in cahoots together, they will fool the people and steal from the people all together.
To the Duterte camp, this is a fight they have to fight. They have the International Criminal Court investigation over their heads and they were slowly being marginalized in government power and perks by the BBM camp. If their power and influence are slowly being eroded, they have to make a stand to avoid a wipeout. To the BBM camp, this is a fight that has to be done as part of the redemption of the Marcos name and legacy, which will take another presidential term of a relative. Six years is not enough to erase the atrocities and abuses of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the martial law years. A Duterte obstruction and return are obstacles, and provides the best scenario for moral reversal of the dictatorship, as Duterte is/was viewed as an autocrat. This is a fight that the Marcoses have to fight and win.
This is also a good fight for the country and the Filipinos as it exposes the inherent/basic ills of our political system and the efforts of politicians to perpetuate the system for their family dynasties. Exposure to the light of day will be cleansing. It is as if the heavens willed and sanctioned this fight.