Or an email, as the millennials say
When presidential candidate Isko Moreno announced a ‘unity’ presscon with his fellow survey laggards, the Internet was abuzz with the prospect of finally having a united coalition, potentially under Isko’s banner.
After all, next to Vice President Leni Robredo, the Manila mayor has the best odds to destabilize frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., given his huge overlap in followers with the late dictator’s son. A surge in Isko’s numbers would decrease Marcos Jr’s.
But as it turns out, Isko and his Merry Men hyped up the presser, chose a fancy hotel, and invited the press, only to reiterate what they’ve been saying despite repeated pleas, “We will not withdraw from the race.”
Uh… good to know?
Pointless
It’s no surprise that Moreno’s team first requested coverage from the media. The affair is reminiscent of performative politics that defined his tenure in Manila (which had its merits, to be fair).
But much like his term, the presscon failed to deliver a long-lasting impact. It was a retread of the same core sentiments; Choose an alternative candidate. Stop the fighting between the two colors. The candidates are begging to please, PLEASE, see that there are other options.
But the reality is, barely a month before the May 9 vote, the people are set with two candidates, three if we’re being generous with Moreno. The surveys are historically reliable, but Moreno, who has an 8% rating, is the one asking Robredo (24%) to withdraw during the presscon.
What? Hahahaha.
Norberto Gonzales and Ping Lacson acknowledged the consequences when asked about the seemingly inevitable Marcos presidency. And yet, both continued to reiterate that there are other options, as if these elections are the first to have more than two candidates.
The people are aware, sirs. Have we considered that they’re just not interested? Maybe two presidents from today, voters will be open to alternatives. But right now, two familiar names are at the top, and unless the apocalypse happens tomorrow, nothing will change that.
The presscon embodies the wrongs of the so-called “opposition” in the race. Too much pride and ego are hidden under the guise of patriotism. Too onion-skinned to reconsider, all while ignoring the looming realities of tomorrow.
This event could’ve been a series of tweets, footnotes in a long list of political commentaries, much like the eventual fate of the majority of the candidates.
