The opposition faces two paths ahead of the 2028 presidential elections: playing the political game or challenging the system itself. Drawing from recent incidents involving Senator Bam Aquino, the piece discusses the tension between pragmatism and radical change. It emphasizes choices that could help overcome dynasties and oligarchs.
In an opinion piece published on February 19, 2024, in Rappler, John Molo, a professor at UP Law and UA&P Law, examines the challenges facing the 'genuine opposition' ahead of the 2028 elections. Drawing from recent events, two Duterte-aligned senators were named as indirect co-perpetrators in extrajudicial killings (EJK) cases against the former president at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Their allies defended them, but Senator Bam Aquino's remark that EJK cases should 'ideally' be tried in the Philippines drew criticism. Supporters described it as nuanced, part of a long game to retain votes from groups including Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS).
This echoes a similar crisis last year when reports emerged that Aquino and Senator Francis Pangilinan were joining the Senate majority led by then-Senate President Chiz Escudero. While alliances are pragmatic, they complicate matters with the Duterte bloc. For 2028, two paths are proposed: the first involves forging alliances, even unsavory ones, to win and deliver promises. This mirrors conventional politics, yielding incremental changes but potentially perpetuating patronage cycles.
The second path challenges the broken system rather than playing within it. Though dismissed as quixotic by veterans, it aims to end horse trading that has impoverished millions. US examples like Barack Obama and Joe Biden illustrate pragmatism, while a radical approach may be needed to counter figures like Duterte. With consecutive losses in 2016 and 2022, lessons must be drawn: more pragmatism or greater boldness? The opposition's base, especially empowered youth, supports causes over personalities.
