Before the day ends, allow me to greet a man who turned 50, Atty. Vic Rodriguez.
To many Filipinos, Rodriguez is a jigsaw puzzle that is far from complete. Understandable considering the turn of events in the last three years of his life. From being on the side of the then defeated vice-presidential candidate and eventual President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he is now on the other side after his unceremonious exit.
To no one’s surprise, Marcos chose Rodriguez Executive Secretary when he assumed office as the country’s 17th President. What was surprising was the ruthless demolition job that led to his resignation just three months later. His fall from grace was so swift many thought it was the end of him politically. Indeed, if even half of the stories that came out against him were true, Rodriguez deserved his ouster.
His exit from Malacañang turned out to be a blessing. It didn’t take long before ugly stories started coming out of the Palace by the Pasig. It was not just about the drug habit that former President Rodrigo Duterte would publicly declare in a rally in Davao City last March. It is more about the sheer incompetence and the shameless looting of the nation that PRRD loves so much.
Many people voted for BBM simply because they believed he will grab the golden chance at redemption for his family and more so for his father and namesake. It is something they now regret. As it turned out, this was the last thing on the mind of one who has refused calls for him to undergo a hair follicle drug test. While the nation grappled with one crisis after another, BBM found time to catch Formula One races in Singapore and who knows how many concerts in between. As if it was not enough, BBM was entertained by the British band Duran Duran in a lavish birthday treat. It was a worse calamity than the storms that exposed his boast about virtually non-existent 5,500 flood control programs.
So how is all these a blessing to Rodriguez?
If he had remained in Malacañang, he would be forever tainted with it. While all those who are working for BBM try to bury their heads in the sand thinking that they have nothing to do with all the damage he is causing, the rest of the nation sneer with contempt. How can a person claim he is clean if he continues to support BBM? An honest Marcos defender is a contradiction in terms. With all the scandals, abuses and looting that is going on, how can a Marcos defender ever be called honest?
Rodriguez fired the first volley in his own journey for redemption by coming out with a book, “Kingmaker”, which has since been certified a best seller. That Malacañang has chosen to keep silent is a virtual confirmation of its truth. It is as much an indictment of the Marcos administration as an argument for his innocence to the charges against him.
Vic, however, is telling the nation that it is not just about clearing his name but the more urgent task to save the country from the man he helped become king. While others would have been contented to lick their wounds, Rodriguez is putting his life on the line by running for a Senate seat. A man with skeletons in his closet knows better than to stoke the fire. With his candidacy, Rodriguez is virtually telling his critics to bring them on.
If anybody asked about his chances three months ago, the answer would be swift: none. Rodriguez, however, is defying the odds – impressively. While his campaign team acknowledged that it is an uphill climb, the results have been very encouraging. His strong showing among OFWs and Hakbang ng Maisug supporters augur well knowing their proven tenacity to campaign aggressively and tirelessly.
Rodriguez acknowledges the disadvantage of running as an independent in a national campaign, but he has a party that is more powerful than any political party at present. His consistent support not only for former President Duterte but also his children: Vice-President Sara Duterte, Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Cong. Paolo Duterte at a time when they are persecuted and singled out by the Marcos administration and Speaker Martin Romualdez has gained traction and appreciation in the so-called Duterte nation.
The same vicious campaign that the Marcos administration is known for is expected to go full throttle against Rodriguez and all those identified with PRRD after the holidays. This is not something to fear though if the laugh emoji that greets Marcos PR stunts is any indication. You can force a dog to the river, but you can’t force it to drink. The troll farms, both mainstream and alternative, can churn out stories 24/7 but they are being met either by ridicule, scorn or anger.
Rodriguez knows how the war is fought. He had been there before. The difference though is that he is no longer a mere campaigner but a candidate. One thing going for him, however, is that he definitely is not alone. The right people are on his side – they who refuse to stay silent and sit idly while the nation burns. If being on the right side is winning half the war, he is halfway there.
This is not just about no. 55 turning 50 today. It is taking Rodriguez deep into the magic 12 on election day – and all the patriots who are not afraid of the odds and more so of the Marcos-Romualdez clique. True, winning is not everything, but it sure makes the difference between victory and defeat. Rodriguez – and every Filipino who cares for the country – knows this is one war that must be won. But it is not free. It must be fought and won.
With his legal brilliance, strength of character, integrity and being with the right crowd, Rodriguez has what it takes to win. That is probably why he was named Victor.
