MYSTERY BEHIND SPLIT FROM NP

What is the real reason behind Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo’s and Gabriela Representative Liza Maza’s, both senatorial wannabes, decision to publicly break their alliance with the Nacionalista Party and run independently in the upcoming elections? The two have earlier been reported to be part of the senatorial slate of NP standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar as guest candidates but later withdrew their names from the line-up when NP formed an alliance with the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) of Ilocos Norte Representative Bongbong Marcos. Was the split then real or a mere fabrication meant to achieve a higher purpose for both parties involved?

Apparently, for the progressive solons, principle had little to do with the matter. Just like any regular TRAPO, both Satur and Liza only wanted to secure their image any possible way that they can. Expectedly, survivors of the grim martial law regime will definitely frown upon any form of alliance between Satur Ocampo, a survivor of political repression during President Ferdinand Marcos’s reign and his son who is now aspiring for a senatorial seat. This would most definitely put the image of Satur and Liza in a bad light and could even cost them the senatorial race.

Meanwhile, an unimpeachable source within the Makabayan political coalition revealed that the November 24 announcement was only a ruse as there is still an existing alliance between the two solons and Villar. Ocampo himself inadvertently admitted this when he confirmed that they are still engaging Villar in platform-based dialogues and commitments. Even Villar admitted as much when he averred that they are still ironing out differences but both Ocampo and Maza will remain part of his slate. Such a development is an ordinary scene in our political environment particularly among TRAPOs. However, the involvement of progressive solons in the equation only brings home the cruel point that even so-called principled personalities like Satur and Liza could and would most definitely succumb to the pull of power. Sadly, gone are their ideologies. It was also discovered that their alliance with Villar could never be severed as the presidentiable has already agreed to the two million votes promised by Satur in exchange for the five post-elective cabinet positions asked for by the militant lawmaker and has even provided financial support for the Hacienda Luisita rally initiated by Satur Ocampo last November 16 in Tarlac City.