Reason to be concerned

Another election has come and gone. The votes have been cast, and as always, Vox Populi, Vox Dei. Let us hope that those elected with new mandates or first-time lawmakers and politicians keep that in mind – that they serve the people, not themselves. Now back to another issue.

The media is to blame. This is the statement made by presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, claiming that ABS-CBN's Gretchen Ho and Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz were not involved in destabilization. The media misinterpreted the latest "Ouster Matrix" that has come from none other than the Office of the President. The two names were in addition to the usual suspects and groups involved in the supposed destabilization. Naturally, many could not believe it. Even some senators allied with the administration questioned the inclusion of the names, as well as the credibility of the matrix itself. Criticism was again fast, care of social media. The backlash was immense.

According to Panelo, the names of the two were just seen on the Facebook page of Rodel Jayme. In other words, Jayme was following Ho and Diaz on Facebook. That’s it. Media misinterpreted the inclusion of their names. But if that's the case, why were they even included in a supposed destabilization matrix? If there is no evidence that the two are involved in destabilization, why should their names appear in the matrix and be shown to the public? And were they the only ones Jayme was following on Facebook? If there were others, why were their names not on the matrix? Is it because Ho and Diaz are celebrities, and therefore would have more impact?

Diaz was emotional on social media, releasing a video in relation to the matrix. "Wag naman kayong ganyan," was the athlete's tearful plea. She is currently preparing for the next Olympics, where she is currently fifth in a qualifying round. That’s what she is focused on nothing else. She wants to bring honor to the country. How she could be involved in a destabilization plot was totally unbelievable. Who wouldn’t be afraid, knowing the penchant of this administration for extreme justice? Ho was equally stumped at the inclusion, claiming she did not know Jayme or seen any of the “Bikoy” videos. Ho was even invited to a Malacañang dinner a few days before the release of the matrix, only adding to its incredibility. But even with Panelo’s passing of the blame to media, which is quite common, diehard supporters of President Duterte still believe in Ho and Diaz’s guilt. They really have reason to be concerned.

So what is the credibility of the "Ouster Matrix"? You be the judge. Apparently, it is now dangerous for anyone to be followed by anyone suspected of being engaged in plots to oust the government. That social media has been totally weaponized is an understatement. We should now be careful, lest we are accused of anything.