In the local scene, expect to see more of the faces of politicians in every gathering. You will get tired of how they look. They will be there in church for every baptism smiling a much bigger smile than the proud parents of the child who is the center of attention. They will be there in the funeral of anybody with heads bowed more sorrowful than those bereaved. Some would really donate but those who have not the funds but determined to make it in the next election might even resort to a dastardly act. As one was confirmed to have done, he wrote his name on the notebook beside the usual donation box with a supposed donation of P1,000 but he actually did not drop in anything. That is how dark the souls of politicians can be.
They will also be in every wedding and would certainly try to capture the joy of the moment, or of the happy parents and the inexplicable happiness of the couple who are tying the knot, filled with hope and expectations.
Nothing is bad about being ubiquitous in such affairs if the presence is with sincerity. But most of them are there grossly guilty of misrepresentation. They are there to get votes not to sincerely participate in what was happening.
Be that as it may. Every aspirant is busy doing the rounds. Along with this is the expected horse trading to hedge one’s chances in the polls next year. One would say, “just run as my vice mayor and then I will help you next time in capturing the congressional seat.” Similar assurances would be uttered while huddled in offices or in restaurants or other public places.
At any rate, whatever brand of politics a place might have – whether it is the bloody type or the vote-buying kind— strategies are taking shape. Soon the battle lines would be drawn and either blood or the money will flow, or a combination of both.
Well, we have the more peaceful type of election in Baguio City and in most of the Cordillera. So we generally enjoy the good effects of elections which are the results of increased money in circulation. Business will be good and it will start moving into high gear come the filing of certificates of candidacy on the last quarter of the year, to come into a head on the summer of 2019.
For the politically minded, start weighing how you should align yourself with the candidates. For those in business, start planning on how you will profit the most from the coming political circus. Wherever you will land, some work would be needed. Thus, if you were a lazy butt, the same thing will happen to you as it might have been happening all your life.
You will be left behind.**