A third force?

A third force led by re-electionist senators tells us why the Senate finds itself recently teetering on the brink of extinction. It also reveals the inherent weakness of the opposition.

While a great majority continues to distrust the administration, the obvious beneficiary of this dissatisfied number has so far failed to deliver in terms of unity, great ideas, and action-oriented, pro-poor programs. But let us not ignore the fact that whenever the Senate was under threat, the hard core oppositionists led by Erap spoke out stridently for its preservation.

Re-electionist senators and Erap’s UNO must wed for now to avail themselves of an electoral dowry. If this marriage of convenience fails to push through, then the administration may just elope with the ballot while the protagonists tend to their broken hearts.

Opposition leaders as well as re-electionists senators must rise above varying degrees of self-righteousness and agree on the more expedient and efficient route of a unified ticket. A third force, no matter what you call it, boils down to this: an unnecessary distraction.

What about the administration ticket? Well, they wanted the Senate abolished. Some of them still do. When their candidates go around the country to campaign, they would have to answer this question: “Why run for senator after spending millions in public funds to have the Senate abolished?”

Hence, Mrs. Gina de Venecia’s hesitation to run and Secretary Mike Defensor’s appeal for a Cha-cha ceasefire. And my friend, senatorial candidate Raul Lambino? Sigaw ng Bayan nga eh….