There’s a popular Netflix series movie entitled “Squid Game” which features competitors in green and workers in pinkish red. For whatever coincidence its has in current political affairs in the country, is just like that, a coincidence.
What appears to be non-coincidence is how the political game in the country has transformed into a drama-filled game. But yes, this latest twists and turns in our political landscape as we approach the 2022 elections is as baffling as it can get. To some though, the ‘squeeze’ games are reminiscent of the 2016 version of the electoral exercise with the drama and plot almost depicting each other. We say almost because the anticipated climax has yet to happen most likely on or before the final day of substitution of candidates.
The buildup of anticipation for Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio fizzled out on Friday afternoon with the presidential daughter not filing her Certificate of Candidacy for President. Instead, the biggest surprise was Dabawenyo Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa turning up for his CoC representing the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Senator Dela Rosa’s filing, although a surprise, wasn’t taken seriously though. Many have anticipated he is merely a decoy in the mold of a Martin Dino in 2016.
In 2016, Dino filed his CoC as the standard bearer of PDP-Laban.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) accepted the certificate of candidacy (COC) for president of then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte amid issues on the legality of his substitution move. Back then, the poll body ruled to accept Duterte’s COC in a 6-1 vote entirely without prejudice to the disqualification case filed by broadcaster Ruben Castor against Duterte, or any other case against him.
The Comelec accepted Duterte’s COC from an administrative point of view and as a ministerial process.
The rest was history.
Whilst Senator Dela Rosa dismissed talks he is merely a decoy, he disclosed that the decision was made a while back but was kept under wraps. Still, PDP-Laban’s squeeze game points to Mayor Sara taking over by substitution.
Whatever, this political game could have adverse effects too on the part of the ruling party. And they might need some squeegee game to polish their moves and clean up the mess.
