Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a striking reminder of political irony, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin fired back at former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo over the latter's criticism of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC). Bersamin pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of Panelo’s remarks, referencing how then-Vice President Leni Robredo was treated under the Duterte administration.
Remember what you did to Leni?
This was Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s message to the allies of the Duterte family after former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo described Vice President Sara Duterte’s removal from the NSC as an “ill-advised presidential move” that smacked of “dirty politics.”
A Case of Selective Memory?
Panelo described the removal of Sara Duterte from the NSC as an "ill-advised presidential move" and even called it an act of "dirty politics." However, Bersamin was quick to remind Panelo of his own role in advocating for the exclusion of Leni Robredo from the NSC during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency. The same arguments Panelo now wields against the Marcos administration were, ironically, the ones he conveniently ignored back then.
It begs the question: Why was it acceptable when it was done to Leni Robredo, but unacceptable now when it's Sara Duterte?
The Hypocrisy Debate
The backlash on social media was swift and relentless. Critics pointed out the double standards of political allies who cried foul when the tables turned. Comments flooded online spaces, with many calling out the "karmic" nature of the situation. One netizen noted, "Kahit inalis si Leni noon, may nagawa pa siya. Eh ngayon, wala talaga."
Another remarked, "Gusto nilang gawin sa kapwa pero ayaw nila kapag sa kanila ginawa. Yan ang tunay na hypocrisy!"
Political Power Plays or Genuine Leadership?
Observers highlighted the stark contrast between Robredo’s resilience despite being sidelined and Sara Duterte’s current predicament. Robredo, despite being excluded from high-level meetings, continued to serve communities and spearheaded projects that left lasting impacts. Duterte, on the other hand, seems to be caught in a political power struggle that overshadows her role as Vice President.
The Difference Between Then and Now
While Duterte and Marcos ran on the same platform under the UniTeam alliance, their political fallout has been anything but subtle. The power struggle between the two camps has become increasingly apparent, with both sides attempting to secure their influence within the administration.
One commentator summed it up: "Leni was the opposition. Sara and BBM are supposed to be allies. Why the infighting now? Why focus energy on removing a VP instead of addressing the nation’s problems?"
Lessons from the Past
The saga serves as a glaring reminder of how political decisions have long-term consequences. The same playbook used against Leni Robredo is now being recycled, with new players on the receiving end. As the saying goes: "What goes around, comes around."
Where Do We Go from Here?
At the heart of this political drama lies a larger question: Are public officials serving the country or merely advancing their own political agendas? Many Filipinos are growing weary of these power struggles, calling for genuine leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people over political rivalries.
As one netizen aptly put it: "Wake up, people! These politicians are playing their games while the nation suffers."
Final Thoughts
History has a funny way of repeating itself, and the current political landscape seems to be no exception. Whether karma, political revenge, or just plain hypocrisy, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for leaders: Treat others as you wish to be treated, because in politics, tables turn faster than you can imagine.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
