“IF you so love Iligan, and our country, say NO to number 90.”
What? Of course, this was merely a campaign pitch from the “blue” team, led by Mayor Frederick Siao. People began asking what the number meant. The message appeared vertically—standing upright—and it was hard to miss.
Curiosity led many to conclude that the number referred to the name of the lawmaker who voted for the impeachment of the vice president on that fateful day: Feb. 5.
That lawmaker? Congressman Celso G. Regencia, leader of the so-called “red” team here.
“What?” my nerdy friend Mike exclaimed. “He voted for the impeachment of the VP? Then I will vote for him!”
In the end, both the red and blue team leaders won their respective races. So perhaps it didn’t matter whether they were for or against the impeachment.
And so, after an overwhelming vote, the VP was impeached. Many people in Iligan cried silently. To them, it felt unfair — too early — for her to be removed by the House.
Now comes this “bloodbath” everyone keeps talking about. After so many fortnights, it's coming “forthwith.” (And yes, no more arguments about the meaning of that word.)
But another word has crept into public consciousness: “bloodbath.” It's the awaited drama unfolding before us.
So, who are the cast of characters? The senators, of course. But which ones? There are both outgoing and incoming senators. The preparation will involve the outgoing ones, while the continuation will depend on the newly elected: Bam Aquino, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, Camille Villar. One can guess where these senators might lean — toward acquittal or conviction of the VP — regardless of the evidence.
On the other side of the fence, there are two names worth watching on the prosecution side: Chel Diokno and Leila de Lima. Originally, two other names were slated to lead the prosecution, but they didn’t win in the recent elections. So now, it’s these two.
Then came another twist. During the course of further digging in the House, the names of Marian Rivera and Chel Diokno surfaced as alleged “recipients” of the VP’s confidential funds. Earlier, names like Mary Grace Piattos and Kokoy Villamin (which sounds suspiciously like novelty singer Yoyoy Villame) also caused a stir — alongside other curious names, apparently inspired by grocery items or fruits like mango.
So maybe there is a bloodbath brewing. But who’s actually undergoing the “bath”? The judges? The prosecutors? The VP, Sara Duterte, who’s at the center of it all? Or maybe it’s President Marcos Jr. or House Speaker Romualdez?
The plot thickens.
And yet, just recently, I saw a video showing parts of Davao City submerged in floodwater.
“So, it isn’t a bloodbath after all — it’s a floodbath!” quipped the videographer.
Email: nora.lady@yahoo.com or mobile: 0907-338-4874 | 0927-798-3167
