“He won, she lost, period”

NOW that the US electorates have voted re-electionist Donald Trump as their 47th president, those closely observing the polls have their own theories on why Trump won and why Kamala Harris lost.

He won, she lost, that simple.

But the ramifications of the victory of Trump are huge and aplenty.

His republican party has taken back control of the Senate, and even probably the House.

That means he is certain to encounter no serious obstacle with the US Congress in terms of urgent measures that need the blessing of both Houses.

The tragic loss of the democrats in that elections only shows how US President Joe Biden, a democrat, performed in office. To me, it was triggered by his dismal performance.

And yes, when he promised to run for 1 term only, he should have been true to his word. His attempt at reelection, despite his promise and despite his “dementia” drove the final nail to the democrats’ coffin.

Take note that he only yielded to Harris after his very dismal performance during the presidential debate. Dismal performance of her predecessor plus very limited time for campaign and Harris was destined for electoral loss.

Poor Kamala, she never had a chance.

* *

For sure, there will be wide-ranging changes in the new administration, changes in key positions, changes in policy and many other changes that will reverberate all over the globe.

War in Ukraine and in the Middle East especially the war where Israel is involved, the policy on migration and border control, health and medical and other social program, fair trade and many more are just some of the examples.

Many other countries, including the Philippines, will also be waiting with bated breath on the message of Trump during his inaugural address.

* * *

As an aside, I still vividly remember the 2016 presidential elections when PRRD won. I had modest contribution during his campaign, most especially during the miting de avanci.

Days before, the PSG and the PMS advance party asked me to brief them on the preparation for the miting de avanci. and I did it.

After listening for a while, there was no major issue involving security, the venue, the sound system, the transpo, the drone coverage, and the sorts, that was raised and everything was approved by the PSG and the PMS.

The event was so successful that even with their hectic schedule, the PSG and the PMS never failed to extend their felicitations for a job well done.

PRRDs victory later drove many local “pretenders” to join the bee-line in Marco Polo Hotel in Davao in the hope of getting possible appointment in the new administration.

They failed.

* * *

In a chance encounter with PRRD and his special assistant then, and now Senator Bong Go, in SM Lanang during the Mindanao Banana Congress in the last week of August 2016, I was asked what position in government that I wanted.

I demurred outright because one, I was not planning then to enter government service and two, it was too sudden and there was no time to reflect. 

SAP Bong Go must have noticed my hesitance so he told then DA Secretary Manny Piñol, who was hosting the event then, to let me choose either as USec, ASec or Director in the DA.

When Piñol later asked me the same question, I was also speechless and he right away said “ah okay Director lang usa ka ron, sultii lang unya ko later og USec or ASec ba imong gusto,” and he left.

And that’s how I “accidentally” got the position as Regional Executive Director (RED) of DA-7 during the PRRD administration.

Later that day, I was informed that a new president has about 6,800 positions to fill up, to form his new government.

That task alone is definitely not a joke considering the many factors involved in the appointment, qualifications for one, political accommodations and the sorts. They are very careful because all of these will bounce back on the new president himself, either as good or poor choice.

For instance, there was one who was strongly endorsed for a key position in the presidential communications office because he was a brilliant writer but failed to get it because he could not present the proper school credentials. In short, being a college-dropout was also the reason that his application was dropped.

Remembering that fateful moment now, I could only wonder in total awe and amazement at the golden opportunity given to me – to choose any government position that I like.

Yes Virginia, gipa-pili ko og unsay akong gusto nga posisyon sa gobierno ni Digong. Nindot paminawon up to now that I did not apply, I was recruited in the PRRD administration.

And mas nindot paminawon that I did not fail him during my tenure in the DA.

Naglibog lang ko hangtod karon – ngano kaha nga giapil man ko og butang under preventive suspension adtong time nga wala na ko sa DA tungod sa kaso sa Captain’s Peak Resort sa Sagbayan? Nganong naapil man ko nga wala man mi sa DA, or even ako, bisan gamay nga kalabotan sa pagka-tukod sa Captain’s Peak? Nganong naapil man ko nga wala man gani ko kapirma o ka-attend og meeting bahin sa Captain’s Peak?

Ngutana lang.