April Fools Day: Beware of trolls and fake news

Those who are desperate to win the elections by hook or by crook, are inventing a lot of lies against the only female candidate whose trajectory for winning has been steadily going upward in the last stretch of the campaign period. We need to be vigilant against highly-paid trolls who concoct all kinds of lies just to poison the minds of the naive, the inept, and the gullible voters.

Let us focus on the positive issues and stay away from the black propaganda being peddled by notorious inventors of fake news. On competence, Vice President Leni surpasses all the candidates when we talk of credentials and qualifications. Bongbong Marcos (BBM) has no clear college degree, we do not know what diploma he obtained from what university. VP Leni is a UP master’s degree holder, apart from being a lawyer who passed the Bar and has practiced law in courts and quasi-judicial tribunals. She did well in Congress with only one term. BBM was in and out Congress and has always been absent with no law being passed under his name. I challenge his camp to release all laws authored by him alone or principally.

On compassion, VP Leni has always been the first to arrive in disaster areas and far-flung villages hit by calamities and fortuitous events. BBM did not even help Tacloban and the other areas that were badly battered by the super typhoon Yolanda. Marcos is never seen helping people in distress, he was not in Marawi when the Islamic city was pulverized by terrorists. He was not in Siargao, Dinagat, or even in southern Cebu. In times of difficulties, BBM was always hiding in the comfort of his mansions. He only goes to these places to campaign during election periods.

On courage, VP Leni has faced all the trials and tribulations as a widow, a solo mom and a public servant. BBM is even afraid of debates, how could he be bold enough to face the storms and floods that VP Leni confronted with courage and compassion? VP Leni marched with and worked for the farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon. She was not afraid of the powers-that-be that she was fighting against. BBM was even afraid of Jessica Soho and Pinky Webb in nationally- televised conversations. He was obviously afraid that the skeletons in his closet might be revealed and he cannot explain them. He is allergic to questions about plunder, hidden wealth, taxes, drugs, and his non-performing years in local politics and in both Houses of Congress.

On the criteria of character, VP Leni's life and career are paragons of virtues and high ethics. She has never been linked to any shenanigans in the handling of public funds. Her office has been ISO certified and has been recognized by COA as top in compliance and transparency. She has no record of tax evasion or any link to drugs. VP Leni used to take public transportation as a member of the House of Representatives going home to Naga City from Metro Manila. The Marcoses live in the style of the rich and the famous, and we do not know what the sources of their wealth and income are. VP Leni publishes her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth. BBM is doing his best to hide these from the public.

And finally, who are supporting VP Leni? Former chief justice Hilario G. Davide, justices Carpio and Carpio Morales, senators Serge Osmeña, Jun Magsaysay, Pong Biazon, the Tañadas, the Dioknos, and many bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, and religious communities. Who are behind BBM? GMA, Erap, the Villars, Sara Duterte, the Garins of Iloilo, the Romualdez dynasty, and troops of trapos and trolls. Tell me who your supporters are, and I shall tell you who you are. Today and until election day, they will continue to tell you lies. Reject all of these and look at the other side.