What do you think of the Noynoy camp's suspicion of an 'unholy alliance' between Malacañang and Sen. Villar?

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: It’s a political ploy designed by political rivals of Sen. Villar in order to weaken his political machinery and popularity.  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: That’s not farfetched, considering Gibo’s slim chances. After all, Villar is not a true- blooded oppositionist; he’s just pretending to be one.  

PGMA is a shrewd political strategist

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: PGMA is the shrewdest political strategist. She must have prepared the entrapment for Noynoy’s camp to fall for her trick. If the LP cannot prove its allegation of an unholy alliance between Malacañang and Sen. Villar, that could boomerang against them. Noynoy’s ratings may decrease. The next target is Sen. Villar himself. There is a prepared bombshell to destroy Sen. Villar soon and Gilbert Teodoro will have smooth sailing ahead, overtaking Erap, Manny and Noynoy a few days before the elections. Presto! Go, Gibo! Go to Malacañang.  

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: Knowing Philippine politics, this unholy alliance could be true. In fact, the real reason why Erap was pardoned was for PGMA’s future cases.  

Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The alliance is obscene.  

Ernesto Oliquiano, Las Piñas City: That is a probability that we cannot disregard. PGMA has all the reasons to ensure that no graft cases will be filed against her at the end of her term. Having a president on her side is more of an assurance than just appointing a Chief Justice. With Gibo faring poorly in the surveys, if I were PGMA, the next best thing I can do is to make a deal with the front runners. I know I can’t make that deal with Noynoy.  So who else would I make a deal with but Sen. Villar? It’s also highly probable that Sen. Villar will agree to that unholy alliance knowing that he’ll have a better chance of winning. Even now, we can already assume that the unholy alliance is already working for him. Look who the senators defending him on the C-5 road controversy are  practically all pro-administration senators. It is even possible that the release of the warrant of arrest for Sen. Lacson, so timed with the voting in the Senate, was a part of the scheme to prevent the censure of Sen. Villar.  

It’s a clear sign of desperation

Sarah Lyn Reyes, Cabanatuan City: I am starting to feel the intense desire of those who want to become the next president. That kind of unholy alliance is a sign of desperation.  

Rose Leobrera, Manila: It’s possible, because that would be PGMA’s assurance that if Villar makes it, safe na siya from all the sins she committed in her administration.  

A cheap political potshot

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: This kind of thinking is crazy. If survey results are to be believed, Noynoy is ahead of Villar; why would Malacañang want to have an alliance with someone playing second fiddle? Why not an alliance with Noynoy, who also has close relatives in the administration? On the other hand, it is impossible for Villar to be interested in an alliance with the administration. He knows very much that it will not give him the advantage but will, instead, lead to his own downfall.  

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: Too sour. Too early.  

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: In politics, there is no black and white, only shades of grey insofar as the projection of a candidacy is concerned. Suspicions are a mere part of intrigue and not entirely truthful. So Noynoy’s camp, in order to boost his candidacy, are now resorting to political gimmickry to take back what Villar has achieved from his improved survey standings. His spin masters must be sleepless in trying to recover what has been lost. Perhaps they can’t recall any Noynoy accomplishment. That’s why his campaign ads are all just that  promises.  

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: I think there are two possibilities. One, it’s probably true; hence, Sen. Manny Villar doesn’t deserve to win. On the other hand, Manny Villar is intelligent enough to know that any alliance with the present administration is tantamount to political suicide. Therefore, the suspicion of Noynoy’s camp is just a desperate ploy to retard the advancing chances of Sen. Manny Villar of winning the presidency.  

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: The unholy alliance is a political strategy and might be used to defend bad decisions of the present administration. People should not be persuaded and should rally behind the candidate who promises clean governance.  

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: When a political camp engages in black attacks, it becomes so traditional in a way that tends to self-destruct rather than strengthen itself. I say grow up and be man enough to tell us what you can do, not what you heard along the way.  

Norberto Robles, Taguig: A campaign for the highest position in the land and what we see is mostly put-down politics from men of self-advertised integrity. Sheer hypocrisy.  

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: An unholy alliance between Malacañang and Sen. Villar? It must be the joke of the year. Phew!  

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: The LP’s suspicion that the NP has a tactical alliance with congressional candidate GMA is pure gossip. The LP is now panicking.  

Many of GMA’s men are in Villar’s camp

Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: I believe there is truth to the suspicion of of an unholy alliance between Malacañang and Sen. Villar. Many of PGMA’s men are now in Sen. Villar’s party and I notice that their party has also stopped criticizing the government, unlike before when most of his allies were very vocal against the abuses of the GMA administration.  

A win-win alliance

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: Quid pro quo. One party won’t relinquish her post to avoid prosecution; the other party will do anything, spend a fortune, get every endorsement from an ultra-leftist to the son of a former dictator, to get the votes. Both strike an agreement; it’s a win-win for the unholy alliance. Why not, unless they believe in karma?  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: The rumored alliance between the camps of Villar and Arroyo is plausible. Villar wants to win the election, by hook or by crook. He must be spending billions every month on media ads, with new TV ads coming out every week. Like Arroyo, Villar will stand trial for the C-5 controversy if he loses the election. This is the last chance he has to get a shot at the presidency. If he loses, he won’t be able to recover the billions he has spent so far on his candidacy, besides having to pay for the P6.2 billion more and a possible plunder case. On the other hand, why would Arroyo ally with Villar? Simply because she needs the protection of a “friendly” president once she steps down. She has to ally with a top-rated candidate and who can be better than Villar? A Villar-Arroyo alliance is a win-win strategy for both camps.  

Another smear campaign against Villar

Delfin Todcor, Quezon City: It’s another smear campaign to make Manny Villar look bad. They are trying to associate him with the most unpopular politician.  

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: That’s baloney! Wala na bang matinong ibintang at maisip ang mga alipores ni Sen. Noynoy now that their guy is falling down?  

It’s hidden in plain sight

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Villar’s self-inflicted trapo image and his loud silence on the unanswered accusations against mandate-questioned PGMA are enough reasons to believe that he is her closet presidential candidate.  

Why entertain such suspicions?

Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: Noynoy’s camp need not bother entertaining suspicions; instead, they should focus on their accomplishments, if any, and what they can do for the country. This is more important to convey.  

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: Politics is politics, so let us not be slaves to its negative tentacles. Noynoy’s camp can also form an alliance with the Palace if they want to. If Noynoy is the hope of this nation and of its people, the best thing to do is to be friends with even those you consider your nemesis. Therein starts your leadership.  

Ed Alawi, Davao City: Noynoy’s camp should come out with solid evidence rather than float suspicions of an unholy alliance. The smear campaign might boomerang on their camp.  

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: Noynoy and the LP clique of ingrates and trapos  the Drilon faction  are hallucinating. Hindi pa nakakaupo ay polluted at weird na.  

LP should change tack

R. Los Baños, Las Piñas City: So what? Will that make Noynoy look good? Of course, if it’s true, it will make Villar look bad. This negative campaign strategy focusing on his opponent’s perceived shortcomings is proving to be ineffective in raising Noynoy’s presidential stock. Now, they’ve even added Lacson’s criminal prosecution to its negative campaign menu. I think Noynoy’s camp should embark on some things more positive to convince some of my household members who are now having second thoughts about voting for him. They simply don’t know Noynoy beyond Cory and Kris Aquino.  

Mandy Rillon, Cabanatuan City: Noynoy must be dreaming, doing his best to arrest his losing skein by attacking his opponent. Sorry for him.  

Ferdinand Rafer, Cavite: It’s a sign of desperation. What Noynoy’s handlers should do is follow Gibo’s campaign. Just sell yourself, no mudslinging, on a campaign- based on platform.  

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: Noynoy’s camp seems to believe that any association with GMA is a kiss of death. They use it more than highlighting his qualifications in their campaign.  

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Aquino’s handlers simply believe that by connecting Villar to GMA, it will diminish his luster and surging survey ratings. They can’t grasp the fact that endlessly perorating on unproven corruption as a political strategy no longer appeals to voters. Change the marketing scheme, pronto.  

Deo Durante, Antipolo City: They fear the unknown and gumagawa lang sila ng multo. It is not healthy at this point to make such a move. I suggest that Noynoy’s camp focus on their campaign with humility and truthfulness, if they want to win the hearts of the populace.  

Rey Onate, Palayan City: It’s a very shallow strategy. ‘Yan ang hirap sa sumasakay lang. Ang kaya lang manira. Walang plataporma. Ho-hum!  

Less talk, less mistake

Editha Monreal Antipolo City: He can’t be too suspicious about a government he will hopefully soon defend. If I were Noynoy, I’d keep my mouth shut.  

NP, LP are the same banana

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: Both of them are in unholy alliance with bad names in the eyes of the Filipino people. The NP and the LP are the same banana. They will approach anybody just to win the elections in May. So, if the people are really wise and concerned about our country, they should not support these candidates. Instead, they should sacrifice their votes for alternative candidates like Bro. Eddie Villanueva and even Perlas. To vote with one’s conscience is to follow God’s teaching of righteousness. Sadly, most Filipinos are not yet politically mature.  

I expected more from Noynoy

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: It would’ve been better for Noynoy’s camp to shut up and not come out with a mere suspicion. I expected Noynoy not to allow himself to be guided by individuals  his advisers  who come up with and act on ideas that now make him out to be like the trapos who are looked upon with derision by the people. What will become of him if he gets the chance to ascend to the highest seat of power in the land, with the people he allows to make childish pronouncements and act just as childishly? In the beginning, I thought Noynoy would tread on a high-level campaign, unlike the traditional dirty politics we know! I am still looking for the high-level minded candidate who has good credentials and displays the grit of one who has potential for good governance.  

Randolph Hallasgo, Misamis Oriental: Actually, the Noynoy camp is afraid that Villar’s camp has already fastened its seatbelt and overtaking them. If were Noynoy, I would concentrate on my campaign and let the Filipino people understand his intentions for running. He must stop using his parents’ names because what they did for this country is great and he cannot fathom that.  

Loi Castillo, Davao City: Noynoy’s camp is panicking because Villar is catching up, so they employed the old tactic of disseminating information to destroy their opponent. Granting that it’s true, this kind of tactic is a product of traditional politics. Noynoy is the new guy in an old men’s club like the Liberal Party. So what’s new with that? Wala na bang ibang matinong kandidato?  

They might self-destruct

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: No basis, the popularity of their manok is really waning and I think his mayayabang na propagandist ay hinihila siya pababa. I don’t buy this. The suspicion can’t help save the waning popularity of Noynoy. If their politics of hate strategy will go on, they’ll self-destruct.  

LP should focus on Noynoy’s campaign

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Noynoy’s camp should not be disturbed, whether this is true or not. They should concentrate on their campaign strategy and platform of government instead. Looking for a reason or escape for decreasing survey results is not a healthy move.  

Cris Rivera, Rizal: The LP must forget who is in an alliance with whom and avoid trash talking. Instead, they should be focused on exciting voters with the doability of their visions.  

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: I think the camp of Noynoy should just focus on widening and broadening the chances of Noynoy.  

The allegation works against Gibo

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: I wonder if the LP’s grand counselor, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, is aware of this childish and unsecured manner of their young turks? Granting that there is an unholy alliance between Malacañang and Sen. Villar, what is it to them? They better keep their mouths shut and just watch their opponents destroy each other. Such a perceived unholy alliance is working against the administration’s presidential candidate, Gilbert Teodoro, not Noynoy. Or are they subtly working for Gibo to give up and support Noynoy? Anyway, many dirty tricks in Philippines politics are possible.  

Noynoy’s popularity is waning

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: It is a preposterous idea meant to save the face of their candidate because of his dwindling popularity. Clearly, they are wrecking their own chair.  

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: Noynoy’s camp is beginning to realize that public support for Noynoy’s presidential bid is weakening.  

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: They are now panicking. It’s their strategy to bring down Manny Villar’s ratings. This early, the yellow fever seems to be slowly fading.  

That’s Philippine politics for you

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: Maybe there is a semblance of truth to the unholy suspicion. But with a multi-party system of government, what would be so unholy about such an alliance?  

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: It’s only a suspicion, but an unholy alliance between forces is possible when each party feels the respective weaknesses.  

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: Though birds of the same feather flock together, it’s ridiculous to suspect the two camps of conniving. Could Noynoy’s group have misjudged our love for money politics?  

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: With the unsavory track record of the government, anything is possible with the troika of Puno, Gonzales and Claudio heading its dirty tricks department.  

Maricel Maralit, Naga City: Unholy alliances are part and parcel of Philippine politics. There are shrewd politicians who will play dirty for their own survival.  

Feliciano Philip Bayquen, Mandaluyong City: Since politics in the Philippines is devilish, you wouldn’t know which one is telling the truth. It can be true or it can also be black propaganda.  

Janet Lopez, Manila: It’s possible they could be hatching a compromise modus vivendi to protect their nest eggs. But consider the source of the news, too.  

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: It’s election time so expect suspicion and distrust from rivals in politics.  

Romeo Caubat, Masbate: No truth to such ‘unholy alliance’, not until Gibo would confirm it, since he’s the one to be severely affected. Until then, it’s just plain propaganda.  

L.C. Fiel. Quezon City: Unholy alliances are not uncommon when politics is involved. Let’s get real; winning elections involve backroom deals and shady alliances with leftist groups, warlords, criminal elements, et al, with promises of favors and money changing hands in the process. That’s how elections are won in this country.  

I don’t care about Noynoy or Villar

Dr. Salvador Munar, Quezon City: I don’t care about Noynoy or Villar, because I will not vote either one of them.  

Vivian Ocampo, Quezon City: I watched Winnie Monsod’s exposé on Villar’s C-5 and read Mr. Avila’s insights on Hacienda Luisita. I believe Gibo is the man.  

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