With 5 Bicolano VP candidates, dreaming of a Bicolano prez

Five Bicolano candidates are running against each other and one Ilocano in the May 9 election for vice president. The Bicolanos are Leni Robredo, Chiz Escudero, Antonio Trillanes, Gringo Honasan and Alan Peter Cayetano. The only non-Bicolano candidate is Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Robredo, Escudero, Trillanes and Honasan are true-blue Bicolanos while Cayetano is a Bicolano by choice for marrying a Bicolano woman.

Very clearly, the VP candidates are there for only one reason: A vice president is just a “heartbeat” away from the presidency. Isn’t this a selfish motive?

My dear fellow Bicolanos, please think about the future. With your candidacies, you are practically giving away Malacañang to Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—in another six years. Why can’t you unite for just one Bicolano candidate and ensure his or her victory against Marcos? Should Marcos win, all Filipinos will blame you and your fellow Bicolanos for your selfishness.

I am not a Robredo fan, but I think among the five of you, only Leni can be considered “clean.” Chiz is a son of a Marcos loyalist and is perceived to be an opportunist for his “Noy-Bi call” in the 2010 elections; under this shadow, some people think he may do the same this year—drop Grace Poe and push for a Bi-Chiz tandem at the homestretch of the campaign.

Trillanes and Honasan are both coup plotters—Trillanes in the Oakwood mutiny and Honasan in several anti-Cory coups. Cayetano is undoubtedly also a trapo.

Can’t you, Bicolano VP candidates, unite behind Leni and ensure a Bicolano vice president and pave the way for a first Bicolano tenant in Malacañang in 2022?

Am I dreaming?

—RENATO JOSE R. RAMIREZ,[email protected]