Like I said in the past I jumped in with eyes open. I knew the risks and the consequences of a short campaign period for someone who was out of the limelight for two decades and without enough resources to win. That said, I had my sights beyond 2016. I didn’t make it today but it enabled me to begin building a runway. This year is just the start.
Resource mobilization is key to any political effort. Resource is both human and financial for what they term as the “air war” and the “ground war.” I jumped in and paddled my own canoe.
I built on my political capital, established new networks, found ways to gain funding support and made do with whatever opportunity came my way.
I’m no stranger to presidential campaigns. I engaged in four of them – Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Renato de Villa and Rodrigo Duterte. The rigors of the campaign were not new to me; nor the mudslinging; nor the double-cross; nor the crab mentality; nor the electoral anomalies.
Nothing surprised me. Same-same.
I’m convinced that the electorate exercised people power through the ballot to reject “daang matuwid” in favor of a person with a track record for talking straight, acting tough and producing results. Whether they were united in defining “change” and voting for it remains to be seen.
I offered myself to the people to help bring real change. I stood for new politics and good government grounded on integrity and competence. People have taken notice and I will persist in initiatives and advocacies that will identify me truly as a “kakampi ng bayan.” For Inang Laya. For Juan dela Cruz. For a better Philippines for all.
I’m glad Rody Duterte won. Like the other members of the Senate team, I subordinated my personal campaign to help him win the presidency. When he brought me under his wing last January in Davao, his survey standing throughout the entire first quarter was oscillating between 3rd and 4th. Victory was not in sight.
It was only in April that he broke through and stayed on top for good until he clinched it two weeks ago. He’s now busy thinking things through, refining his plans and policies, and searching for his team. He needs the time and space to clear his mind and see far beyond the horizon while knowing what’s around him. We should respect that.
If he needs help or advice, he’ll call.
Otherwise, best not to be a pest. As the saying goes, a needy friend is a pain in the neck.
