Election Blog 2007: Random Blessings?

I've always been an optimist, although some of my friends at times append the adjective "insufferable", especially when it comes to the underdogs that I advocate for. However I'm sure that most of my friends will forgive me if I crow a bit about certain developments in this year's elections. (My only regret so far about the electoral coverage thus far is that the Inquirer has yet to approve my using some of their articles for my blog; as such, Newsbreak provides almost all of my links regarding some of the issues I want to comment on. Of course, this is no way is a slight on the Inquirer's editorial policy on linking. On the contrary, they have my utmost respect for promoting the fair use of intellectual properties on the web.)

1. Cheaters never prosper, or at least, don't seem to stand a chance of being lawfully elected. Roque Bello, alleged cheating operator who worked for President Arroyo's victory in the 2004 elections, lost his mayoralty bid in Santa, Ilocos Sur. Former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has conceded defeat in his battle for Bukidnon’s congressional seat. Oh well. Back to coordinating widespread electoral fraud for others, I suppose.

2. Manny Pacquiao mulls return to boxing after being schooled in the political arena by a wee wisp of a lass whose only advantage over the boxer was overwhelming competence over the Pacman in every area salient to public service. As of 1 p.m. today, Manny Pacquiao garnered only 9, 133 votes compared to the 16, 755 votes of his rival, incumbent Gen. Santos City Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio. My good friend, Ralph Lumo, called this result weeks ago. "Manny, you bet on. Darlene, you make good on. She gives new meaning to the saying 'wisdom from the mouth of babes'. Oh, and if you blog this, I will categorically deny everything that can jeopardize any chances I might have with Darlene." Well said, my friend. I won't even mention that she's married.

3. As of 11 a.m. today, Fr. Eddie Panlilio has so far garnered 167,801 votes over incumbent Gov. Mark Lapid’s 156, 236. President Arroyo’s friend, provincial board member Lilia Pineda, had 147, 397 votes. Hope springs eternal.

Let me repeat: hope springs eternal.


Credits:

News items come courtesy of Newsbreak Online.

Picture of Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio comes courtesy of Official Website of General Santos City.