Or at least that was the original title when I first decided to write this post. And I had good reasons too.
First, most of my high school schoolmates and people I know from my barangay in Bukidnon are very vocal about their support for BBM on social media. Only a few HS persons are rising up in defense of Leni Robredo. The video of Robredo's rally in Bukidnon is tame compared to her rallies in other parts of the country. It was also way smaller compared to the rally held by BBM at the capitol grounds.
Second, no matter how hard we campaign against political dynasties so #notoBBM against the Marcos Dynasty, #notoDuterte for Sara, the people of Bukidnon have lived with political dynasty. They see nothing wrong with this. For as long as I can remember, a Zubiri has run the province as Governor and Congressmen across all districts.
Third, growing up I am always told by our elders that the Marcos regime during Martial Law was the best thing to happen in Bukidnon. "Nagkasuga ta tungod nagpatakod c Marcos ug mga poste. Nagkatubig ta kay gisugdan nila ang Water District. Gipaayo nila ang irrigation System sa NIA. Gipasemento nila ang National Highway." And of course, no one really discusses that these were achieved because of billions of pesos borrowed and stolen from the Filipino people. Nobody talks about the lavish lifestyle of the Marcoses during those times either. Even answering crossword puzzles, which was a hobby of mine since Elementary where Imelda Marcos is an answer for her shoes and jewelry and bags, did not present new information to me. It's just one of those facts you remember, so you can pen the correct letters in the right boxes. When I asked Papa about it, he just said that she holds the Guinness World Record for having the most number of those. The reason HOW can a presidential wife from a Third World country can afford those shoes was not mentioned at all.
Fourth, Sibika and Hekasi, and in high school, Philippine History is a matter of rote memorization. We memorize all heroes' names, dates that are important, and the national things and people throughout history. Even the declaration of Martial and the subsequent People Power Revolution are just dates to us. No one explains the how and the why of these things. Why was there a martial law? Why did the People Power revolution happened? So many hows and whys, but nobody asked any questions. History is a very boring subject growing up. Most of the people in the class are in dreamland during these classes.
I don't remember being inquisitive in high school at all. The only time I tried to ask a teacher about anything was for career advice because I wasn't sure what I was good at and was shrugged off. But I think in elementary and high school, I was just too engrossed in burying myself in book after book that asking questions was just not my to-go-to mode. I have always joked with Mama that if they can afford it, I would have taken a course that will allow me to read all the fiction stories in the world. Oh well, I can read all of them now!
Back to the topic at hand.
At least in college we were allowed to Marites about Rizals many girlfriends in Europe. And we had teachers that were open about their experiences during the Martial Law era.
So I've learned some of the atrocities that happened during Martial Law including the many many embezzled money by the Marcoses during the 20 years of reign in the Philippine government.
And now the Bukidnon people who refused to listen to the people who give them facts about the lies told by BBM in his resume, are about to return him to Malacanang. One media influencer has the gall to call Malacanang Palace as Marcos residence. Bakit siya nagpatayo? Sa kanya ang titulo? Siya ba nagbabayad ng tax? 1750 po my Malacanang na, wala pang Marcos. This is the reason why things like #Majoha exist because content creators and people of influence make it so.
Anyway, I am always distracted by things in my head that are connected to things that I write, I always go off-tangent. If in a podcast, I would ramble on and on and leave the original topic in the dust. That's the reason why I prefer to write these things, for my peace of mind.
Anyhow, my fifth reason why BBM will win in Bukidnon is because Sara Duterte is his running mate and people are sometimes clannish. Remember that Europe interview where the reason they are voting for BBM is because he is an Ilokano too.
And I would have add, he won once before but LO and BEHOLD I was WRONG.
LENI ROBREDO ACTUALLY WON AGAINST BBM in BUKIDNON during the 2016 Vice-Presidential Elections.
So I hope that the people in Bukidnon will actually remember the choices they made in 2016 as it was not the wrong choice. As a woman who was shunned by the president for no clear reason to be part of his cabinet, she actually rose above the expectations of her office. She continued to do social work and had initiatives on how to address problems that the Filipinos faced especially during the pandemic. She solved problems without resorting to violence and threats.
My favorite color is BLUE. But the good choice is PINK.
Though it's not really about the color.
If she had run as yellow, I would have still supported her.
It's about the WOMAN and not her political party.
And if you think a woman cannot do things that men can.
Hinumdumi ang mga Nitib sa Bukidnon, mga babaye ang gabuhi sa ila kay mas taas ug kabuhi ang mga babaye. Ang mga lalaki nila, pinalangga ug mga walay ginabuhat.
Just saying.
