LAKAS-KAMPI CMD could elect New Prexy

Here's the thing. In the Philippines, all politics is local. National politicians behave like local officials. They do the same thing---reinforce the patron-client relationship through giving favors and the like. That said, what is more potent than a political party that has at least 72% of local officials under its wing? Surely, that is a very big threat to the ambitions of the counter-elite led by the Opposition.

Yesterday's LAKAS-KAMPI CMD launching party shows a stellar cast of trapos and people with graft cases. Nothing of a surprise there since even before this, LAKAS and KAMPI have shown dogged allegiance to Mrs. Arroyo. What is a surprise is the absence of perceived "strong supporters" like FVR, Villafuerte, Fernando and De Venecia---all original members of the first LAKAS-CMD and KAMPI. Ramos made his opposition known through a press conference. While others maintained their silence.

Now, what would happen to this "powerhouse" of a party? Will they splinter and scatter, as what the Opposition hopes? Unlikely, I suppose.

As I said, national politics behave like local ones and in local politics, relationships are based on support, particularly financial. If you have the booty, you win. If you have the lagay muscle, you win. But, if you just have "ideology", chances are, you lose. Nothing of a surprise since everyone knows how crude the political system still is.

With a 40 billion peso electoral kitty, that would ensure the perpetuation of elitist rule in this country. A huge sum of money like that could buy an election. And Interior secretary Ronnie Puno is probably not joking. This political party has the muscle to push the next president to Malacanang.

If Lakas KAMPI CMD continues on united, there is a big chance for them to get the presidency and frustrate the ambitions of a disunted opposition.