Blackwash seen as Binay's own publicity stunt

MANILA, Philippines - The blackwash against Nancy Binay during the campaign period appeared to be orchestrated by her own camp, a political strategist said on Tuesday.

Malou Tiquia, general manager of lobbying and reputation management firm Publicus Asia, claimed during a media forum that the smear campaign on social media and on TV is a publicity move of Binay's camp.

Despite the flack she gained regarding her dark complexion and short résumé, Binay landed in the top 5 of the winning senatorial candidates with over 17 million votes.

"The propaganda was initiated by Nancy Binay's camp," Tiquia said in a media forum.

The political strategist also believes that snarky comedian Vice Ganda was in on Binay's endgame.

"I think Vice Ganda was part of the strategy of the Binay camp," she said in an interview with Philstar.com, adding that the attacks on Binay were "superficial."

She said that Ganda, who repeatedly made fun of Binay's credentials and credibility, played a big role in making the United Nationalist Alliance senatorial candidate appear as an underdog to the masses that make up a majority of voters.

Tiquia observed that Binay, who was portrayed as a commoner, "played the role to the hilt" and appealed to people's sympathy for those they can identify with.

"Saan ka naman nakakita ng naka-collarless na t-shirt, naka-maong? ... That was a good strategy," Tiquia said, referring to Binay's regular outfit throughout the campaign period.

In a previous interview, Binay herself said that she thinks Vice Ganda's supposedly scathing comments boosted her campaign.

Refusal to debate, a 'wise move'

Even Binay's much-criticized refusal to appear in public debates and engage with users in social media only meant that she played her cards well.

"I think that was a wise move. Why? Because for someone who came in late [as a candidate], you're not prepared. So you'd rather run under the [Binay] brand, which is the issue on dynasty. Your job is to always make a connection on name recall," Tiquia said.

When the apparently negative campaign against Binay intensified when she was proclaimed senator, Binay's publicists took the opportunity to instead focus on the newly-elected lawmaker's agenda, the analyst said.

She added that although politicians traditionally rest and remain under the public's noses after election day, Binay instead faced the media offensive and talked about her plans for mothers and their children as a way to extend the "brand" she has been known for so far.

"The strategy was used to reintroduce her as senator-elect with her platform, with her willingness to study," Tiquia explained.