MICHAEL MARLEY'S PHILIPPINE DIARY, PART 11:
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Dirty laundry is flying everywhere now.
The headlines in the Filipino newspapers, on the websites and the blaring news over the radio and TV airwaves tell the story.
Fraud, corruption, votes being bought, sold and perhaps rented. The threat of violence hangs in the steamy air around Manny Pacquiao's home city in South Cotobato.
The various political camps have gone to the mattresses like Mafia families in an internecine war.
The knives and guns, including assault weapons, are everywhere and, as I said, just the headlines alone tell you what's what as Election Day looms across the 7,000 island archipelago this Monday.
But, first, an “inside story” from Gensan as told to me Wednesday morning by a man who knows his way around Pinoy politics and its minefields.
And, no, it was not the usual suspect, Hermie Rivera.
“One of our local candidates held a meeting with his staff and was told the opposition is bringing charges that this candidate has been buying votes, handing pisos to people who will cast their ballot for him.
“The candidate was not amused at the dirty allegations and he told his staff they must deny such “black propaganda” through all available channels and do so immediately.
“Five minutes later, said candidate started receiving more visitors at his headquarters, all of whom were looking for and getting a handout and not a hand up.
“The same character who denounced vote buying charges flipped the script and went back to doing what he does best, purchasing what he hopes will be enough votes to get him elected,” this man reported.
“Meanwhile, the candidate said he will shortly call a press conference to rip into his foe for playing such dirty pool, for committing such dastardly and flagrantly illegal deeds.”
This is the backdrop, the steaming cauldron if you will, to the Pacquiao-Roy Chiongbian knockdown, dragout battle for the Congressional seat from Sarangani Province.
This is how they roll in the rough and tumble world of politics in the Pearl of the Orient.
It all makes boxing seem almost like a pristine stream, does it not?
More headlines as to Election Day as taken from the pages of hugely influential Philippine Daily, Inquirer:
**** VOTING MACHINES FAIL, WE'RE PLAYING WITH FIRE HERE
**** LOCAL RACES SPAWN MORE MURDERS, ATTACKS
**** REBEL PRIEST (CALLS FOR) ARMED REVOLT, NOT ELECTIONS
**** POSTPONE ELECTIONS (15 DAYS) PRESIDENT GMA LAWYER URGES
**** SOLDIERS GUARD METRO MANILA HOTSPOTS
**** CALLS FOR MANUAL VOTE COUNT MOUNT BUT COMELEC SAYS NO
**** NORTHERN, EASTERN POLICE ALL SET FOR MAY 10 POLLS
That's Pinoy politics and I want you “kanos” meaning Americanos to know this.
Politics ain't beanbag over here.
It is full contact and, at the same time, full karate.
You dig?
Which reminds me, I wonder how many deceased people will be pulling the levers of the automated voting machines...if they work.
You can expect the mud and the fur to keep flying, fast and furious, as Election Day draws nearer.
That goes for Manny's Congressional quest and for every other contested election in the nation.
This just in: Three knockdown rule have been waived for Pacquiao-Chiongbian, for the heated and seemingly wide open presidential campaign and, I guess, even to become dogcatcher.
Or should I say dogcooker?
The mandatory low blow rule remains in effect.
Candidates are instructed to never land a fair blow where a foul one can be landed.
Maybe one of those Mayweathers can tell where I can "connect" to score some of that fully protective "A-side meth" that makes Pacman punchproof.
I wish.
Which reminds me that, once they seal their megafight deal, I bet the Pacquiaos invited Floyd Mayweather Jr. over to their "I Love Me" spa for a free facial.
After that, Manny plans to give the "kano" a $50 million leather facial.
Mayweather is on his own for a pedicure but he can afford it.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
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