Gibo

He was the face of the administration when Ondoy drowned a sleeping metropolis. The government was caught off-guard. Even the president was reported boarding the LRT from Mendiola just to get to Camp Aguinaldo to personally assess the situation. Hundreds of thousands of people were trapped on rooftops of their submerged homes. Some were stuck in chest-deep waters where deadly currents could sweep them at anytime. A handful clung to flotsam for dear life. Horrified witnesses caught on video these forsaken souls while being tossed and turned on swollen rivers. These were the bodies found half buried in mud and trash and on trees and under the bridge days after the waters have subsided.

Newsmen were desperate for answers. Being the man for the job, he assured a panic-stricken nation that the government is doing its best to address the people's needs. He was recently appointed Defense Secretary at that time: The anointed one of a very unpopular leader. Though fairly new to the glare of spotlight, his cool and calm approach despite under pressure earned him some trust points from the populace.

His rise to power was swift and steady. Months after the Ondoy tragedy, he rallied his party against the ringleaders of the Maguindanao Massacre. He was seen on camera talking to the widower of the Mangudadatus. His offer of an alliance was tempting to the victims. An agreement was sealed. Soon, the mastermind of the Ampatuans was taken into custody and was flown into the capital.


An enraged nation was somehow appeased.

The first time he spoke during a televised debate, his eloquence in expressing his opinions won the hearts of many. He was seen as an intelligent guy who talks sense. Even his political ads which are devoid of any celebrities send the message clear: His will be an efficient government. He will never sugarcoat the issues and deals them head on.

Though gifted with a sharp tongue, his campaign was marred by huge setbacks. Belonging to the administration party should have given him the political machinery that would have been the envy of other candidates. He could have toured the country with the goodwill of local leaders. Instead, his party mates bolted left and right like rats jumping from a sinking ship. Rumors of a secret candidate being endorsed by his boss had almost left him without any means of support. Some party mates even thought of dropping him as the standard bearer. The reason may have escaped me now, but the idea was floated by the house speaker who did nothing but serve as the lapdog of the president.

With failing survey ratings, a vice-president who almost quitted at the middle of the campaign, sorties without a budget and a fragmented party who basically dropped him as their standard bearer, one will find it very ennobling for Gibo to have endured a losing fight. His vision never faltered. His followers continue to back him without ever thinking the people behind his presidency. Their calls for support now rival those from the Yellow and Red Presidents. Passions may run high, but we all know,

Gibo stands alone.

Twice, I have thought of dropping my support for the other candidate because of some shared values with number 8. Asked why he continues to stick with the most unpopular president this country has ever had and his only answer was "because I cannot turn my back to the one person who gave me a break." You will never find loyalties as priceless as that. The other day, he said elections must push through on May 10 because delaying it will result in bloodshed across the country. Reading between the lines, you know he was willing to give up more time to campaign just to ensure everyone's expectations will be delivered.

Gibo is the anointed one of the favorite aunt. She has chosen Gibo not only because he is brilliant but because among all the Presidential candidates, he is the only one who never maligned another just to get sympathy votes. Whenever we get to talk, I make sure to follow her line of thinking. But the truth however is far from what she believes.

The huge black shadow that looms behind his figure will always be the reason why I cannot give my support to Gibo. Standing tall even without her physical presence, the lady from the Palace will always have a say should this candidate wins the presidency. Nine years of Gloria is enough. Gibo may try varied ways to avoid the kiss of death.

But I am one with the nation in seeing the truth.

Numbers never feel, that's what Mami Athena said during the management seminar. Survey shows he remain at the fourth spot. It's a sorry sight knowing he could have been on top - had he crafted his political plans well. In my vision of the next government, I only see Gibo merely as a Senator or a Cabinet Member. He may have inspired a portion of the voting population, but never he could heal the broken soul of the nation.

Thus, my vote goes to another candidate.

Gibo will have his calling in another lifetime.